OK, I'll be careful! This is the week I visit my family in Texas, so I won't be able to run as much. I'll probably be stuffing my face, too! It got up to 87 in Austin today, so maybe I will just lie next to a swimming pool the entire time!

6/3 runwalk 3 times done this morning at the gym. Laurie - it had been bothering me for awhile & I think I tweaked it on the weight machines to put it over the edge. Teresa - have a good time!

Debbie - glad you're getting back to the gym, and they have new stuff that's always good.. here's a link with the program I've been doing: http://www.nahanniriverherbs.com/health-news-20.php I'm on the 5th week - its seemed really slow, but this is what I needed. The bronchials are still not irritated So, it turns out that I needed to go even slower and easier than I imagined... it might be good for you too. I did try your test, and my back was arched, with a tiny bit of room underneath (i.e. for a finger to slide in), but yes you are exactly right on the bursitis - it was excruciating pain! Really, I could barely function for a couple of weeks there, I just don't know how I managed. I guess you just do what you have to do. And rest is the best thing, so that's what I'm doing (except for the running program, & I hold my left shoulder really still while running, with absolutely no arm movement at all). I did try my PT exercises while it was getting worse & they just made it a lot worse.... it is still not completely well. But, I am functioning pretty well now. I have an appointment (new patient consult) with a new doc tomorrow.. My plan is to see her for it, although I may need a "real" appointment to start that process.

Happy Wednesday to all! sounds Like we have Linda and Deb still making small, positive steps. Restraint is good, remember that. The hardest part about not running is trying to build a new routine around the biking and exercising. Not doing as good as I should with the exercise, but the bike is getting a little more regular. It was so easy to run my three days a week, with very little trauma in getting out to do it. Well, I managed to do it for running, so I need to do it to get back running. Made it out this morning for a lap around the lake. 31 and foggy, but with an extra layer and ski gloves, very pleasant. my main problem, other than the cold weather, is waiting for it to get light enough to navigate Max's mine field on the way to the shed to retrieve the bike. it rained over the weekend and I was lax in pickup duty. My shins seem to be feeling better. Guess rest works, too. I don't feel them even after a brisk walk with Max now, so that's a good improvement. I'm figuring if I can get more regular with the workouts (PVV and the shins) I'll go for another week off and then give it a shot. Don't think I'll be doing the duathon (sorry Laurie ) even though I'm now actually on a bike. there's a 6K the week after (may 4th) that I ran last year, didn't do well, and wanted to do better. I may not have enough time back in to do any better, so we shall see. My implant is doing well, it's my wallet that;s suffering $2300 and there's a good chance that insurance won't cover any of it. In their infinite wisdom, they'll cover a bridge, but not something that's permanent. Now I have to let it heal for a while longer, then the crown part comes. some of that may actually be covered. Novocaine is a wonderful thing, although I'll never get over the feeling that the needle is going to come out my cheek while it's going in. then I realized part way though that it's my jaw that he's drilling in, not just a tooth. I am looking forward to having it complete. but I like it a lot better as an option than the bridge. I'm finding that I'm in the "I'm not running, so I don't have much to say" mode, so I'll try to keep up and talk anyway. Although, I guess you couldn't prove it by this massive missive. I'm really looking forward to meeting some of the crew here during marathon weekend. Of course, I'll probably be about the only one who's not running it, so it will feel a little strange. Kevin

Laurie - a kayak! Whoo hoo! Enjoy. The reason I know it's time to move on at work is that the rehearsals and concerts are what use to make me really thrive. Now I dread going to school on Wednesdays because that's the first rehearsal of the week in my "new" a.m. school. Rehearsals are before and after school, and we're not allowed to enforce an attendance policy, but we're still expected to produce the kinds of performances we did when we were actually allowed to expect the kids to come. It's like this demented sort of alternate universe. Running is such a huge factor in keeping me sane! These boards on RA help a lot too. eliz

Hi everyone - I went to the doctor on Thursday ( my new GP) & she ordered an xray and physical therapy for the shoulder. (along with labs, mammo & all that fun stuff - not!) Anyway, PT starts on Wednesday.... I did do my 6/3 runwalk Thursday morning too... starting to feel pretty great! and like i want to run more, its gonna be hard to maintain her pretty soon. Oh & its warm this weekend, woohoo!!! I may have to run outside

Linda, why are you going to a new GP? I'm glad you're getting all that stuff done. ohboy ohboy. I'll send you that information... first I thought about it for the bursitis, but I think it would fit more into the general overall shoulder/upper back problems you have. maybe it would support your pt efforts. if you don't have time to do them, of course that's ok. I carefully look for these books, buy them, & then don't do what they say. my intentions are good. thanks for the link. maybe it would be good for me... i'm having more hr problems right now than hammy. hmmm. should we start up the permission slip thing again? what would be a good enforcement gimmick. I don't know. Bob, you don't have to be sorry. umm, tell yourself the same things you keep telling me. but it's nice you popped in for a visit. wish I'd have cleaned house. Hi Roberta! thanks for keeping us posted. congrats for your 2 seconds! every little bit helps. but it matters much more just that you're continuing. that's the goal. good luck with your appointment next week. eliz, 2 adjutications? why? & why do you have to play? sorry you're under so much stress. the inmates are running the asylum. have you sent out any applications yet? are you still thinking about trying to get a job on the coast? in your increase.. are you going to do a percentage thing or use Daniel's method? feet ok? tired of questions?? should I stop now??? Kevin, thanks for the restraint reminder. it is needed, even if we just 'learned our lesson' yesterday. I understand about that building a new routine & it's challenges. have regrouped myself many times now. current effort is toward fitting in the gym, & when & what to select for the other times. too many choices. not enough time or knowledge. maybe you need a headlamp for the mine field. yikes. (on to teeth now). I hope it doesn't take too long for you. we don't have any dental insurance, so have already paid out a good chunk for what I've had done so far, but not as much as you. really hesitant to commit to the rest of it. when you spend that much money, you should at least get to enjoy the process. this might be a year to itemize on taxes, I guess. even Sadie needs dental work. I think I should take care of her first. We all get into that not-running not-posting mode, but i'm glad you did. (I always do that. think I can't post & then go on & on & on & ....)(like now) Laurie, a kayak! cool! how are you otherwise? I did proprioceptive exercises & yoga on Thursday, & some callanetics, I think. yesterday morning was the track at the gym again, I just did 3.03. I did a little arc trainer & the pvv exercises first, & it was too much. learning how much to do is a work in progress. I'm sore today but not sure exactly why, it didn't started till I woke up this morning, so I don't get it. I'm trying to Exercise Restraint, & so did the easiest pilates workout this morning. so hard to keep getting up your momentum then having to back off again. that pesky inertia. but I dont' think this is really a setback. esp. if I'm careful today. Jem & Mike, please wave or something!