I came on the computer to balance my checking account but this is more fun. Of course a slap in the face is more fun than balancing an account. Joni, OMG. Not a mini schnauser. OMG again. My daughter just adopted a schnauser poodle mix. Its a schnoodle and she is the most hyper active creature on the planet. Be warned. She's a cutie though and I love her. I had her all week while my daughter was out of town. She wore out my poor corgi. But it was fun. They are loving though. Mike, I'll be there Sat. Well maybe not Saturday but it sure sounds tempting. The hiking sounds awesome. I am taking Ali to Laconia, NH and lake Winnipesaukee for our annual trip. Cant wait. Its so beautiful and relaxing up there. This time I am bringing the kayaks and spending a lot of time paddling at a leisurely pace. Got to go get ready for a run in the rain, because thats all it does here in New England, right Theresa and Kevin. Ugh. Laurie

Kevin, good luck on your 5k! We'll look forward to your report! Laurie, don't jinx me! Hopefully the lack of bouncy poodle genes will count for something! (Actually, I lost out on a yorkiepoo when I first started my search. He was 2 years old and a gem!) My husband grew up with a miniature schnauzer, so I've heard all the wonderful calm stories. Of course she's a pup, so I expect her to be a puppy, but I'm hoping all will go well! It's absolutely unreal how many animals are out there who are "leftovers" from puppy mills. They actually give a lot of dogs to research too. I'd adopt 'em all if I could! What kind of dog? is corgi?

Morning - yesterday 2.7 on the treadmill, runwalk & this morning 30 minutes on the stationary bike. Laurie - Yes I'm trying to lose weight. I was up 10 pounds from the time I starting having the nerve issues in March, down 3.2 last week At least I'm able to exercise consistently now, it will help tremendously! Joni - hi there! thanks. Yes I am feeling much much better Am able to stretch out the anti-inflams more & more, so am hopeful of getting off them eventually.

Hi guys, the race went well--I just posted the report. time for more studying Kevin

Morning all, Anyone race this weekend? How did the weekend runs go? I did 8 miles yesterday with my running partner. My little group is growing. We are up to 4 women now. Then I paddled on a large lake for 3 hours with a friend. I felt great and still do. Perfect day. Laurie

Morning everyone!! Kevin, congrats on your race!! Great time! Just the fact that you could pull that many people together for the race deserves an award! Glad everyone had fun. Maybe you've even influenced the women to start running some too, how very sweet. Are you still employed after beating your boss? Laurie, I strengthen my legs by using light weights and doing exercises with them- no machines. I like doing hills, so I'm planning on fitting those into my week more. I agree- you have to find something you like if you're going to keep doing it. I think I personally like to be out there in running mode more than doing the dvds- even in the winter. I've run and run and built my mileage, but now am finding that's not going to do it as far as leg strength. I have to focus on it and do some different things. Pilates interest me too, especially since my core needs a ton of work, but I haven't tried it yet. Glad that you've gotten some paddling in! Sounds heavenly. We haven't gotten the pup yet. The day before we were supposed to pick her up, my husband had a visit from a kidney stone, so since Saturday he's been dealing with that. Had surgery Tuesday, so now he's recovering from that. Gets a stint out next week, so it's not over yet. Hoping that goes smoothly. What a way to end the summer! Needless to say, I haven't been able to get out there and run. I might try to sneak a run in today if he's doing ok. It's hard for him to rest, as he's the type that can't sit still anyway; always has to be "doing" something! So my challenge is to make him take it easy like he should. Cross your fingers for me! Hope everyone's doing well!

I had a wonderful 8.2-mile run last night, in 1:31:05. It was a fairly hilly route, too. One road I ran on was where I first started running, and the hills seemed so daunting then! I remember when I first made it 3/4 of a mile and was so excited. Now I've actually started liking moderately hilly runs better than flat ones, because they're more interesting and you can enjoy the downhill parts. My ankle still bothers me when I try to run two days in a row, so I guess I'll keep skipping a day in between.

Joni--never pass up a good opportunity for a party. and I would say a new puppy counts! yes, I'm still employed; she encouraged me to take off. Kidney stones don't sound pleasant. not that I've had the pleasure, but I've heard that it's about as close as we guys can come to appreciating childbirth. Teresa--glad to see the miles are still coming along. Every other day isn't too hard to deal with. Laurie--you've been busy with a lot of different athletic endeavors. you're very brave to leave a 17 YO home alone, even with spies. we tried it once with well behaved daughter who got squealed on by big brother for trying to put together a party Needless to say, she's traveled with us whenever we go up to Maine since then. Linda--glad to hear continued progress. keep up the good work. Mike--a little easier to visit VA beach now? it's a nice place to visit, especially if you like seafood. Deb--you still really busy? don't think I've seen you on the daily recently either. hope things are still going well and no duct taping has been needed. I'm off to White Plains NY on Sunday night for 3 fun filled days of construction supervision and participation. only 12 hour days so it should be fun finding running time. Have a good weekend all. Kevin