Thanks for the great info, Simon! I don't think I will risk running in Jo'burg. We will be there only a day or two, and we'll be staying with a friend of my dad's. He's an assistant professor who has lived there a long time. When we were there in 2005, he gave us a tour of the city, and pointed out the areas to avoid. It was sad for my parents, because they used to love going to some of the malls years ago, and now they're just not safe. I never knew the city was at such a high altitude! Wow, I'll have to find out more about that. It was startling to see pine tree-covered mountains close to Kruger Park! You don't think of forests in SA. It WAS a surprise in SA to notice that EVERY house is gated and has a security system! This professor has a gorgeous house - tennis court, swimming pool, and gardens tended by a gardener - all surrounded by high, thick walls and a big iron gate. He couldn't afford that on his salary in the US! He also has a full-time maid. He said he didn't really need her that much, or want a part-time gardener, but the whites do feel an obligation to provide jobs for black people whenever they can. I thought that was cool, but then he added, "Yeah, it's kind of like having slaves!" A very nice, cultured guy, so that was kind of shocking. I LOVED Cape Town - can't wait to get there again. Even there, you have to be careful, though. We talked to some ladies who stayed at a little hotel away from the tourist area, and when they were standing outside on the sidewalk, a guy came by and ripped a necklace right off her! Even with the crime concern, I tell lots of people about SA and encourage them to go. It's worth the trip.

Thanks for the welcome! Vixi...your family is close by! I have not done Gasparilla...usually too close to the Sarasota race. My one and only full was Disney this year. Is there a race you're currently training for?

Larry, is there a reason you aren't going to the doctor? I'm just thinking if it were me I'd want to know for sure what the problem is.

Well, Larry, I certainly hopes this resolves itself. Injuries are a pain in the . . . well, wherever they are. Here go the walking wounded again, huh? Though with satellite wiring at that, huh? Hey, running docs are the best! My ortho is a marathoner and we had a long appointment where he told me about checking out "Joanie" Samuelson's legs while she was in recovery from surgery many years ago here locally. He just had to do it . . . Hey, Mel, no, I'm not training for Disney. I'm not sure I can run in that kind of crowds. Maybe someday . . . That's my answer for everything! Actually, Ft Lauderdale is putting on just a half in November, which will be run on a very similar course to my first half so it'll be great to compare times.

Oh, Larry, I'm sorry to hear that. Hang in there! A couple of months ago, I didn't think I would be feeling as good as I am today. Hmm, wine sounds good, though! I think I'll go find DH.

Good morning all! And welcome Waffles and Chimera, Hey Larry - I'm hoping you get a diagnosis and start on the path of recovery. Last Friday I did my last regular long run 13.1 at 2:37:00 trying to keep it right around 12 m/m pace including 1 minute walk breaks at each mile. This week I've done 13 miles over 3 days - at a nice slow pace. The best part has been the temps 42º, 39º, and 40º This weekend I'll try 7-8 miles as my long run. 10 days until HM - starting to get nervous, A

Dear Teresa, Yup, its my first HM and I have a goal of getting under 2:30:00 - McMillian says 2:17:00 (I know that's an ideal situation) I haven't previewed the course like you did - I'm a little far away. but I will map it out and check elevations. I have run around the city and up to Macworth Island (Blaine gave me a nice 8 mile course which I did this spring while at an architecture talk) but nothing past Falmouth. I'd love to do the HM you did, but I'll have to wait until the calendar makes it not close to DH's birthday... A

Thanks Teresa, I WILL map that run, hopefully the rolling hills of Belfast have prepared me... Happy Thursday