[phdatc]

<p>Good morning!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I can't believe I am the first to post this morning. No exercise for me and the fun is watching premiere league soccer on the tube with a nice cuppa coffee. </p>
<p> </p>

 

[katholeenie]

<p>Morning!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Late start here. Ran 4 miles and I'm just eating breakfast. After a shower I'm going to run some errands and then spend a good chunk of time in my studio. Have a big list to get through. And then load a kiln.</p>

 

[cranegirl]

<p>Hey, guys...VTFU 40 miler last night and as a group, we put in 44.  I was a pretty night--the skyline was gorgeous and the lighted bridges really pretty. Everyone who came put in miles...even Sherpa C who hasn't run in probably a year put in a full 4!! I felt really good at the end and could have done more...if time wasn't an issue I would have done 10, I think.  Thanks to Baggs for pushing me a bit at the end...he's a good pacer. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Great group, great time...poor <strong>Goon</strong> got lost getting there and I think was afraid we'd run without her..<em>.no way</em>.  <strong>Brandy</strong> looks like a young girl, apparently when not in running clothing--in the bathroom I was thinking,  "who is this random girl and why is she talking to me? Oh..that's BRANDY!"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Great to see Nettie and Sage and her SO, Carrie as well...I am reminded of what a great group runners are (or more accurately this is) and with such a great spirit of comaraderie and friendship. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hope you are doing OK, Kev? Getting some stuff done this weekend, Kath? LOVE the elephants, btw. Enjoy soccer, Phidat!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Be good yous guys...time for me to grade papers.  I'll put in miles and something later, but not sure what.  </p>

 

[bard73]

<p>Good morning!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Called Southwest this morning and changed my Christmas flight from a roundtrip out of Detroit to a one-way out of Columbus.  Thank goodness for that No Change Fee policy!  It was super easy and I have a small credit toward a future flight. Not as much a credit as you might think considering I no longer need a return trip, but I had gotten a ridiculously low fare out of Detroit compared to flying Southwest or any airline out of Columbus on the same dates. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think I may try for a 40 min walk later today for my part of the Voo birthday bash.  I think I can manage that, not sure I could manage 4 miles.</p>

 

[KP]

<p><strong>Craney</strong> - I'm doing ok!  Wish I could hop into a DeLorean, hit 88 mph and it be 11/30/2011!  Just mildly annoyed with the cast at this point.  Ask me again in a week or so...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Good news:  Volleyball match #1 of 3 is in the books. </p>
<p>Bad news:  match #2 doesn't start for another hour.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:#006400;"><strong>Maria</strong></span> - how were the new shoes?</p>

 

[Auntie Moe]

<p>morning peeps.</p>
<p>This cold/flu is still kicking my butt, but I feel a bit better today and I'm gallery sitting this morning.  First time I've really been out of the house (besides popping into CVS twice for meds and tissues) since Wed!  Well, I did walk Penny yesterday for 40 mins (for Voo) but it was a struggle and then I was in for the night.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Of course, I've got tissues and hand sanitizer parked in front of me so I don't infect anyone else.  I would have to think after 4 days, I'm not too contagious, but who knows? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm excited and nervous about my interview on Monday.  The hardest part at this point is I'm meeting with 3 different people and it's going to take a few hours...I've been out of work sick since Thurs, so I have to come up with a reason to take more time out.  Ah well...I have an "appointment".</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Today's fashion fail:  I'm wearing this sorta hippy tunic bouse today, which, since washing it, is no longer long enough to wear over leggings.  However, I was committed when I got dressed this morning, and didn't have time to figure out what else to put on.  So I am remaining seated and wearing a vintage suede car coat when I have to walk around.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Melis et al, I love that you all got together to run last night!  Rock on.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jealous of our NYC runners who are meeting up this weekend!  Two of my librarian friends (Maria, I'm counting Maura as one of my librarian friends now!) are running NYC this weekend...very proud of them!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mindi, how are you feeling?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Kev, very seasonal cast. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[gatorbob]

<p>Hiya guys.  I didn't run yesterday, but I swam.  And it just so happened that I swam for 40 minutes...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This morning I ran 5 miles.  5k race tomorrow...</p>

 

[Ailarie]

<p>Wow.. quiet day here so far, eh?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So far, I've pretty much done nothing but help dad out today.  We took two HUGE truckloads of trash (not like.. household trash, but stuff that had piled up in the storage sheds) to two different recycling centers.  (Figured we shouldn't push our luck by going to the same one 2x)  Even got a little warning at the 2nd one that for future reference, they were only supposed to allow one truckload, up to the top of the truck bed.  Not to the top of the attached standards.  Oops.  Luckily the two trips did it, and we're set there.<br><br>
All tractor parts have now been moved to my place, and I got a tractor 101 lesson.  Mainly in case I need to move it when I have some trees removed hopefully early next year. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am beat.  Whew.  Now I"m at home, waiting for my treadmill repair guy to show up.  I'm crossing my fingers that if something needs to be replaced, at least it will be still covered by the warranty.  Any 10 year parts would be.  5 years will be questionable.  Technically 5 years from the order date would be Oct 26.  However, 5 years from when I actually received the TM would be Nov 15 - so I'd just barely squeak under.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We shall see.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hope everyone is having a FAB weekend.  Rest up <strong>Maureen</strong>.  Hope ya feel better soon!</p>

 

[katholeenie]

<p>I love dogs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>

</p>

 

[praecipua]

<p>Hey, all.  My fourth load of laundry is in the dryer and my fifth is in the washer.  I think I have sixth to do, but that will have to wait until I come back from church.  I decided to de-fur some throws around the house, so I brushed off the blankets as best I could before throwing them in the wash.  I'm not sure washing them did any good, but they smell nice at least.  While the loads were going, I cleaned out the fridge and then worked on my cross-stitch.  Then, I took a nap, and I thought my alarm went off, but it was really the phone, so I answered the phone thinking I was turning off the alarm (same slide motion on the touch phone) and I'm psyching myself to get up when I hear someone shouting hello at me.  I realize that someone called me and it turned out to be HC (!) returning a call from yesterday.  I was so disoriented!  Epic fail!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tomorrow is the 3yo birthday party.  I'd better get to jump on the trampoline.</p>

 

[equinox marathon 43]

<p>I had to put my VTFU run off till today, but I here's the report (originally posted as a note on my Facebook wall):</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Earlier today, if you saw my status update, you would have read that I did 6.34 miles on the Merrimack River Trail in 1:07:45.  On most days, particularly in the summer, a status update like that wouldn't be anything special.  Today's run on the trail had special meaning though, that goes beyond the fact that it was my final trail run of 2011.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A couple months ago I received a Facebook event invitation to an event to honor a deceased friend, Joe "Voodoo Junkie" Truini.  For those who didn't know Joe, you truly missed out on a one of a kind guy.  Joe was a kind hearted guy who had a passion for running that I don't think I've ever seen a match to.  Much like myself, Joe had been a bigger guy and lost a lot of weight through running like I did.  Much like myself, Joe ran because he loved it.  He worked very hard at his running, always had fun with it, and always made an impression.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Made an impression you ask?  Yes.  When he went to races, he would often dress in a caveman outfit.  Now, you might expect that at a halloween race.  But can you imagine seeing a big guy with long dreadlocks dressed in a caveman outfit running the Akron marathon?  Yup that was Voodoo Joe.  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>My favorite Joe story happened shortly before he died.  It was a really hot day, and Joe went out for a 20 mile trail run.  Joe always found a way to get it done, even when conditions weren't cooperating.  When he got back from the run he was exhausted.  He was tired, hot, and just wanted to get home.  He walked over to his Jeep (Trigger I think he called it), and it wouldn't unlock.  He tried the passenger door and it wouldn't unlock.  He couldn't figure out what was wrong and was getting a bit pissed.  He picked up a rock and was about to break into the Jeep when a girl said to him "Why are you breaking into my Jeep?"  Joe said "I'm not, I'm breaking into my Jeep!"  Then he noticed the license plate and it wasn't his.  His Jeep, that looked identical, was parked a little ways away.  Well Joe and the girl had a laugh over it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was sad day for all who knew him back in the summer of 2009 when Joe died suddenly in his late 30s.  He has been missed by his running friends a great deal since his untimely passing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When I got the invite to the event, the plan was that everyone who knew Joe would go out and do some kind of exercise to honor Joe's 40th birthday.  Different friends were doing different things, like a 40 mile bike ride, a group of friends getting together to run a total of 40 miles, etc.  I decided that I would take part in the event.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Make no mistake, there was no way I could run a 40 mile run.  So I decided I would run at least 4.0 miles for Joe.  I decided I would do this run on the Merrimack River Trail.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Normally, I stop running on the trail around October 1st.  Once the leaves start falling I usually stop running the trail because I am a klutz and tend to trip over the roots and stones.  Of course once the leaves start falling, that problem is magnified because I can't see the roots and rocks.  One of the last time I spoke to Joe it was after I took a nasty spill on the Merrimack River Trail.  On that occasion, it was my own stupidity, I wasn't watching what I was doing, I had a woman on the brain.  When Joe heard the story, he told me "Hey, when you trail run, it's not IF you're going to fall, it's WHEN!"  Joe absolutely loved trail running, so I figured I had to do this run on the Merrimack River Trail.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So today I went up to the trail.  I put on my bug-dope, stretched and got ready to run.  I looked up and said "Joe, come along for the run."  It was kind of odd, but at that moment, it was very calm out, yet a breeze came up right near the entrance to the trail.  It was a circular breeze like you'd see cause a "dust-devil".  Maybe it was him saying "Let's go!"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I expected, the trail was covered with leaves, and I had to be very cautious.  Originally I only planned on going 2 miles out, then turning around and coming back.  But something kept pushing me on, and pushing me on.  I went to 3 miles out, and a part of me wanted to go to the 4.0 mark and turn back.  I started towards the 4 mile marker, but then thought better of it.  To get to the 4 mile marker would have meant running a section of trail that I hadn't run in a long time, and with the leaves down the trail would be iffy at best.  Reluctantly I turned around at 3.17 miles.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I thought about Joe the whole time I was out there.  There were a couple of moments out there that those who knew Joe would love.  First, there was a muddy section right before mile 3.  On the way out I tried to avoid it.  On the way back I said "VTFU" and went right through it.  In the last full mile, I looked at the watch and saw I was at 5.89 miles in 8:50.  I said "Push me Joe, let's break 10:00".  I found a bit of a burst, and ended up at a 9:48 for mile 6.  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Once I finished the run, I pointed skyward and said "That's for you Joe.  We all miss ya."  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I hope Joe is proud of what I did today.  I know he wouldn't have been impressed with the pace, but I think he would have enjoyed it anyway.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Happy 40th Birthday Joe.  I hope you enjoyed the Merrimack River Trail.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This video is a few years old, and I didn't go as far out as these pics do, but here's a slideshow of some pics I took in 2007 to show some of the Merrimack River Trail.  <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awn1fe9HFxA" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awn1fe9HFxA</a></p>

 

[duckgeek]

<p>Nicely written, <strong>EQ</strong>!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>5 miles in 87 minutes on the TM this afternoon.  That's a new long at a new faster pace, so all in all a successful tribute walk.  I briefly took it up to jogging speed just to see how things felt and there were no apparent issues.  I've also done a bunch of sets of 40 lifts with the weights today. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's drizzling rain here, so I'm going to camp out inside with the kids and next up is a couple of college football games!  Well, actually I'll lose the kids to the other room to watch Beauty and the Beast on the Disney Channel at 5 pm. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[Ailarie]

<p>Rehi all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My girl (Treadmill) is fixed.  Turns out that an internal belt connecting the front roller to the motor was a bit loose.  It was not something that the untrained eye would notice as it was still moving, but the repair guy picked up on it pretty fast.  Since my running belt was pretty worn and I had a spare, he went ahead and did a full maintenance gig & put the new belt on. Cool beans.  Not that I can run just yet (stupid ankle), but at least when my body will be game, so will my girl.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>EQ</strong> - Great post : ) Though I think that no matter what anyone's time is - as long as Joe knew that someone was giving it all they had, he'd be proud. </p>

 

[Runninlaw]

<p><strong>EQ</strong> - awesome.  just awesome.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Duck</strong> - glad to hear it sounds like you are improving nicely.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Ail</strong> - glad you got the TM fixed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Moe</strong> - sorry you are still under the weather.  And thanks for asking about me.  This cold has totally knocked me on my @ss.  I had a minor head cold for the last couple weeks, but this week has been an entirely new breed of ouch.  By yesterday I was just done.  I actually went to bed at 7:00 pm and did not get up today until 11:00 am.  Seriously.  Well, I got up for about 20 minutes at 9, but that wasn't working for me and I went back to bed.  Crazy.  And I slept terrible last night.  Just feeling keyrappy.  So, I am going to hit the hay again soon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Prae</strong> - I was on laundry duty today too.  Enjoy the party and the trampoline!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Spent the day redoing the web site of that non profit I was telling you about.  Crazy former exec director deleted most of the content before passing it on (surprise surprise) and still has not turned over the domain names.  Lots more drama too, but that was all I was involved in.  I don't care too much b/c the website needs an overhaul anyway - I just don't have the time to do it, so just making it work as I can.</p>

 

[katholeenie]

<p>So remember how my neighbor was telling me about how horribly her 12 y/o daughter behaves, and then asked if she could come hang out with me in my studio? Dh needed Neighbor Bryan's help with the water heater, and told him I was working in the studio and to bring Grace over when he came. So he did, and she spent 2 hours with me. She was completely fine with me, very chatty, which was pretty funny. It's been a while since I've spent one-on-one time with a tween girl. The conversation was at times hard to follow because she was talking so fast and not finishing sentences and there were so many 'like's. Heh.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anyway, when she left she said if I ever need an assistant to give her a call, so I guess she wasn't too bored watching me work. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"></p>
<p> </p>

 

[runningINnyc]

Late check in but helllooooo! Had a super wonderful time at dinner last night with Tim, Missy &. Mrs Tim ... and before that, lots of fun strolling the expo & bribing myself with some new shoes, the Brooks Pure Flows ( although I loved the color scheme of the Pure Cadence more). I tried those new puppies out this morning on a 7+ mile run, in the company of Tim & some lovely ladies from AL. We continued the good times this afternoon by meeting up for lunch w/Tim, Mrs Tim, Colleen, Mr Colleen, Missy & AK! I so love that little girl, she's such a cutie and so smart, a mini Missy all the way. After lunch we perused the greenmarket & then hit up the expo once more so Colleen could get her bib. Someone, maybe two peeps, have a nice grp pic, I loved every sec!<br><br>
Feeling completely overtired now but ready to cheer my heart out tomorrow for our marathoners, weather is looking sooo ideal!

 

[mmoonptdeux]

Testing 1 2 3 4<br><br>
Sent from my SPH-M900<br><br>
ETA (1 hour later from home): Wow, my Tapatalk actually worked (it hadn't for the longest) in terms of posting, but my battery ended up dying out before I could finish the post. Anyway, I got dragged into a casino trip by my parents to help them out. I don't care much for gambling save maybe for once in a blue moon, so this wasn't the most thrilling of days. Not what I want to be doing either before a trail HM tomorrow either, but oh well...<br><br>
Wishing fast mojo to all our NYC peeps and others toeing the line, restful vibes to you nursing colds and just plain healing up, and a good tomorrow to you all.

 

[solarpowered]

<p><strong>Maria</strong>!  Love the Flows -- let me know what you think as you get some runs in them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Late check-in for me.  Just got home from a party/dinner/drinks in the city.  Long day tomorrow volunteering at a race and then working at the store. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Kath</strong> -- thanks for the color shout-out </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hope <strong>Timr</strong> and <strong>Colleen</strong> tear up NYC!  Have fun cheering, <strong>Maria</strong> and <strong>Missy</strong>!</p>
<p>Kick butt at your trail race, <strong>Moonie</strong>! </p>
<p>I think <strong>Bob's</strong> got a 5k, right?  Go! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I got my last really long run done this morning.  I'm in a good place with my running right now, even if I did cram marathon training into the 8 weeks since my HIM.  Philly's gonna be interesting. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[Litchfield Hills]

<p>Good to see a little EQ and 2oh around here.  Got in a little 3 yesterday AM, and then spent the rest of the day cutting up trees from the Halloween snow.  That is the plan for today as well.  The chain saw and I are best buds at his point.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>GO NY GO NY GO!!!!!!!!!</p>

 

[gatorbob]

<p>Good luck across the river in NYC!  I'm sure I'll be done with my 5k before you guys start.  I remember the most annoying thing about NYC was waiting around for hours and hours before the start...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Tim</strong>, that was quite a game last night.  Those teams have some darn good defenses.  Some people are already talking about a possible rematch in January,and I guess it's possible.  Oklahoma St would have to lose (and losing to Oklahoma wouldn't be a surprise) and Stanford would probably have to lose (they play Oregon next week).  But Boise St won't lose.  Can Alabama get ahead of Boise St?  Hmm...</p>