Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[mkymsehi]

Deb, if you're out there...

I signed up for the Niketown 5K to support the Princesses school. This despite my saying "I'll never do that race again!"

Two years ago the packet pickup was a disaster, and the race itself was zigzagging through thousands of kids who never ran 3.1 miles in their life.

For 2006, I got all my running mates to sign up, which was about 15, which helped the older Princess get her class an ice cream sundae party for the most people signed up.

Their school has won for 9 years, the most money raised. Every school that has participants, gets 100% of the race registration back to their school. Nike hosts the race, gives t-shirts, prizes, and medals to kids only, but doesn't make a single penny for their efforts.

So, this year the two Princesses want to do the 1 mile race. I told them I'd sign us up as long as they run it, and not walk it. The older one agreed, but the younger one didn't.

So instead of doing a 15 mile bus run on 9/21/08, I'll be dodging kids at the 5K and the 1 mile races. Pray for me that I don't run somebody over.

 

[JustSmile]

Mornin' friends!
Beth...sorry you're not feeling well. Quite a few kids at school have had the sore throat thing and the good new is that is seems to be short lived. Hope you're feeling better soon.
Julie...you fell off the wagon, but you're getting right back on----that's the Lean Meaner attitude!
AmyK...once they figure out how to walk, they never want to sit down again. I love watching them when they're just learning. My little guy just RUNS and he holds one arm at his side and uses his other arm in a pumping action--it is the cutest thing!
Panda...that sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you and it sounds like a perfect fit. I couldn't imagine a better instructor.
Jeff...that's awesome that Nike organizes the race and gives the profit back.
Oops....kids are up....I'll be back later.

 

[Creativebeth]

Just a quick hello! Work is crazy.......waiting for Nancy to come back! Still have a sore throat and wishing it would go away! Thanks for the well wishes.....back at'cha!

Beth

 

[amykab]

Good Morning Lean Meaners:

Dave Congrats on the new opportunity!

I took DD on a walk in her new wagon last night, she 's it!
Got all ready to do Pilates and found that my DVD is MIA ...DD has probably hidden it somewhere. That is her latest favorite activity. My fault for not putting it back in the case. So I settled for doing some crunches. I think the cold is on its way out, so back to running tonight, even if I go slower than I'd like. I am on a mission to lose 6 pounds before vacation in 2 and a half weeks!

Have a good day everyone!

 

[mkymsehi]

I saw a news story on the other night on Disney's Toy Story 3 by Pixar.

The storyline will be about when Andy goes away to college (I guess he's grown up) and drops all his toys off to a child daycare center.

All the original voices will be back, and in addition, Michael Keaton will voice the Ken doll (Barbie's boyfriend).

Just thought I'd share.

 

[laxdef69]

7.5 miles, 1:16:03, 10:03 average mpm, 1136 calories.

1 12:26
2 10:20
3 10:12
4 9:56
5 10:00
6 10:06
7 9:01
.5 3:58

Hoping you all have a great day!

Mike

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hi Everyone,

This is going to be a hard, hard day. In addition to my crazy work life right now -- set to become normal again after Sept. 10th, thank goodness -- we had some really bad news yesterday.

One of our kitties, Gecko, is very sick. His kidneys have completely shut down, and since he is 15, there really isn't anything they can do for him. We're going to have to euthanize him later today, and it is breaking our hearts. My ds is inconsolable, and I just walk around and start crying at the drop of a hat.

Not to be a bummer, I guess I just had to share. I haven't been working out, but that's going to start again, along with eating better.

We usually go somewhere this week because ds is not in school yet and the camps have all ended, so we just take a vacation since one of us has to be home. This year we decided to stay home and work around the house. I am so glad we did. I would be very upset if we couldn't at least be here for him to say goodbye.

Our company is coming back today, but I think they are just staying one night. Once I get my house back (we had a long visit before they went to Canada), I'm going to focus on getting back on track.

I picked out Gecko about a month after we got married, so it is really hard. He was so tiny, he was the only orange tabby in a litter of Persians (I guess his father was a persistent little guy, too). He was the runt of the litter, and he only had one whisker, and it was bent. He wasn't very bright, we called him "fat, dumb and furry" -- he grew out of being the runt to be a bit tubby, but he was our kitty and we loved him.

Anyway, I will be sad for awhile.

Beth -- Get better soon!

Mike -- I love reading your workouts, you and Howard give me an example of what to do!

Jeff -- The race sounds, well, not fun, but just the thing a great dad would do!

Amyk -- I predict your mission will be accomplished! You are in a great groove, and the scale is going down!

Tracey -- Are you settled into your new school routine yet? I'm not looking forward to that. DS has 3 half days next week and then we get going in earnest. I have enjoyed my summer w/o homework checking!

Dave -- It sounds like a fantastic opportunity! I know you will put together a great program -- If I were in your area, I would sign up in a heartbeat!

Julie -- Did you grab that hand and get back on the wagon? This is a hard time of year. Once that first cool blast of Fall hits, it will get easier.

Lisa -- Ok, I am officially grateful my busy time does not include hay! I don't know how you do it. I am allergic and I can't even walk by a bale of hay without getting itchy. You go, Girl!

Debra, Stacey, Cindy, Vic, Bill, Wendy, Connie, Kira, and other Lean Meaners (Jeanne you know who you are!) -- Shouting out to have a great end of summer, and enjoy some warmth and sunshine!

Everyone please keep working out and enjoying your movement -- I know everyone has alot going on and not much time to read or post, but do keep working towards your fitness goals!

Maria

 

[amykab]

Hi Lean Meaners!

Maria So sorry to hear about your Kitty! A couple years ago my parents had to put down our first family dog, Emma was 16-17 years old. I wasn't living at home anymore, but it was still so sad. Animals are such a part of your family.

Got in my 25 minute run last night, wasn't totally pretty but I did get in just over 2 miles in 25 minutes. It was super hot/steamy last night (even by FL standards). I think in a month I should be in good shape to complete my goal of running the RFTC 5K without walking. Probably a few walking miles tonight. I hope to do something everyday until we leave for vacation.

Not much else going on here. Looking forward to the long weekend!

have a good day everyone!

 

[JustSmile]

Good morning, all!
I'd like to give big shout out "THANK YOU" to Mike who posted that your weight is reflective of what you've done for the last 2 weeks and not the last couple of days (or something like that). When I looked back at my last six months, I would be really good for 7-10 days, and when the scale didn't move I'd get upset and eat. I kept working out, so I wasn't gaining, but I wasn't losing either. Anyway, now after 2 (or maybe it's been 3) weeks of being extra conscious of what I'm eating-----the scale is moving----6 lbs---
Woo Hoo! I'm so excited. So stick with it y'all---it'll start coming off. I've been running outside again with the jogging stroller. It's really hard work pushing that extra 40lbs up a hill. I've already finished pilates today and I plan on getting in an easy 2 miles this afternoon--it may be walking. Enough about me, I just wanted to say thank you to all of you, as I couldn't do this without you.
Maria...Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry about your kitty. Our pups are part of the family and their loss is never easy. I hope that you find some peace in knowing that Gecko had a happy, long, and much loved life. He landed in a wonderful home with people who cared a great deal about him. I'm sending ixiedust: and prayers your way. Thanks for asking about me. I'm getting into the swing of things, but this is Open House Week and for me that's a meeting every night. I'll be happy for a 3 day weekend.

Have a great day everybody!

 

[amykab]

Tracey A huge on the weight loss! I am becoming a believer in the 2 week thing as well.

 

[laxdef69]

Maria: So sorry to hear about your cat...its hard when they have to go, but you are doing the right thing.

Tracey: Thanks for the shout out...as I said, its just a theory I had, but very glad to hear its working for you!

Mike's Corner: I'm going up to Madison to volunteer for the Ironman on Sept 7th. And to try to sign up for the Ironman WI 2009.

I'll keep you posted!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Mike, Tracey and AmyK -- Thank you so much for your kind words. It means alot to me....I am just going to try to get through today. Everywhere I look I see a place he loved to lay...

I know tomorrow and every successive day will be better. I will take all the prayers and pixie dust, perhaps a little magic will come our way.

You three are working out machines! My very best ever time is two miles in 26 minutes, I think I would keel over if I did it in 25, but there's another goal to work toward. I am hoping to walk tomorrow. I would say tonight, but the houseguests are descending about 2 pm, so I won't be able to escape. After this, no more long term company until my dad visits in December, so no excuses not to go to the basement and get on the tm even if it's wet or cold!

Maria

 

[Creativebeth]

Will my life every slow down????? ((((she asks pleadingly..........)))) I didn't stop yesterday......and had no time for lunch for the past 2 days. I get grumpy with no lunch.....

I anticipate Nancy's return with earnest......I miss her!

Okay.....I had taken 2 days off of running (totally schedule reasons) but I did get stretch and Pilates in on Monday. YEAH! So, last night I had to the chance to run, and I really didn't want to (((((at all!)))) Took me about 30 min to talk myself into it.....but I went out for 5 miles, and it was GOOD! I really couldn't believe I felt good. I went out slow (12 min the 1st mile) and I am glad I did. I perked up at 2 miles and went a little faster after that (not much though). I finished it in 56 min, and didn't take a walk break at all (I have been walking alot!). I am glad I had a good run.....I haven't been looking forward to VA beach (don't feel ready for it). But, maybe it will work out ok!

I think I have a sinus infection, hence the sore throat. It might be a little better today though. I hope so!

Maria: I am so sorry about the kitty. Our pets are part of our family, and we feel the lose. We had to put our guinea pig down a while ago, and we still miss him. The vet was kind though......I was worried. some vets look down on our little pets when they are not cats or dogs. We loved our Baby as much as anything, and the vet was very kind. I hope your hearts heal, and maybe you will be able to welcome a new friend to the family soon!

Dave, Howard,Jeff, and Mike: I admire you guys so much. Dave, I think the gym's offer will be just the ticket! You have so much to give others, and this will be a great way to do that! Howard,Jeff and Mike.......you both devote so much time to your families, I don't know how you get all your training in so well. I admire you guys every day!

Tracey: WTG with the weight loss!

EVeryone else.....have a great Wed!

Beth

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Um, hello? I am very hesitant to post this --

When we took Gecko in yesterday, we saw a visiting vet. Today his regular vet called us, and told us he might be able to save Gecko through an intensive fluid therapy given over 3 days. Well, we're going to go for it. It may not work, but if it does he may live for a few more years.

We will know on Saturday if it worked or not. I don't want to let myself hope, but I can't help it. I think that pixie dust may have done it's work!

To celebrate, I am going to hit the TM with a veangance tomorrow morning. Ok, not so hard that I can't move Friday, but hard enough to glisten! I am also eating only my Points today. I totally lost my appetite, so why fill up if I'm not even hungry?

Thanks again for all the support. I really needed it, and as usual my DIS family came through!

Maria

 

[amykab]

Maria A truckload of for Gecko's treatment!

Beth on the 5 miles! I am hoping to be able to 5 miles in about an hour by the time the 1/2 rolls around january!

 

[mkymsehi]

Marie,

Prayers for Gecko, I empathize for you, we've had pets that lived for what seemed like forever. When the time comes to say goodbye, it's never easy. Hope the little guy gets better.

Beth,

I get in all my miles on Tuesday, Thursday after work, and early Sunday mornings (I leave the house at 4:30 am). Having a VERY UNDERSTANDING wife and kids, allows me to get in my workouts. On Tue/Thrs my wife handles the school pick ups, dinner, baths, and homework.

The condition is I do all those items on Mon/Wed/Fri, and plan activities for the weekends. Most times if my wife isn't up to weekend activities, I take the two Princesses out and about (hiking, camping, tennis, golf, Geocaching, swimming, the beach, etc.) and give her the weekend off.

Plus, she takes a annual trip to Washington D.C. for 10 days each Spring Break with her students. I become "Mr. Mom" in her absence.

My wife is PRICELESS, she fully accepts my running addiction. Funny, she went from being a golf widow to a runnnig widow.

I'm waiting for tomorrow to come and go, so I can get on that plane!

 

[Cindylou]

Good Morning Everyone,

Jeff: Have a safe and fun trip to DL. You and your DW sound like you have a great arrangement worked out to fit your running in.

Beth: I agree with you that Jeff, Howard and Mike deserve admiration for their family time, but be sure to take some credit yourself, you're one of the Super Moms on this team. I'm glad you got out for your 5 miler. Sounds like it was worth it with a good run. Good luck at VA beach. Enjoy yourself!

Maria: I read with sadness about having to put the kitty down, but then maybe there's still hope!! Yea!! I hope everything works out well. Good luck getting back to the workouts now that the company is gone.

Mike: IRONMAN!!! I will read with great interest how your training goes. Just putting it in writing is impressive. Have you devised a training plan yet? Any idea what kind of time commitment it will be for the training? Not that I'm thinking of an Ironman for myself, but maybe some day a 1/2 IM.

Tracey: Great job on the weight loss. 6 lbs is great.
I'm very impressed with your stroller runs. 40 lbs, that's a great workout.

Amy: Sorry to hear you might lose your job, although it would give you more family time which would be nice right before the holidays. It's great that you've worked out a plan so you won't have to worry before the new year. Good job of getting your workout in despite the super steamy weather. I hope you've found the Pilates DVD.

Dave: The opportunity with the Fitness place sounds wonderful. You'll be great at it. Lots of luck working it out.

Lisa: Hope all is well.

Debra: Come back soon.

Connie: Hello.

Howard: Good for you for donating blood. Hope you recover quickly.

Vic:Hope work takes it easy on you for a few days.

Running is going well for me. I'm running the Covered Bridges Half Marathon in Swanzey, NH this Sunday. I think it will give me a good snapshot of my current fitness level. No cross training or weights though. Eating is not going very well for me either. My plan is to start back with a vengeance on Sept. 1. I've begun reading The Beck Diet Solution - I think it was Maria and Tracey who've mentioned that. I'm hoping it gives me a little motivation to get back to it. I love how she suggests you don't start dieting until 15 days into the program. Nothing like a little procrastination!!

Have a great weekend everyone, we are off to Storyland in NH for a few days!!
Cindy

 

[JustSmile]

Good morning, all!
Beth...WTG on that 5 miler...awesome time
Maria...sending even more ixiedust: for Gecko.
Cindy....just the words "Covered Bridges" makes it sound so beautiful, quiet, and peaceful.....and then you add the words "half marathon" and it changes it into a test to push ourselves to the limit. Go, girl, Go
Debra...we're missing you!
Lisa & Stacie...where are you girls?

This has been a crazy, busy week. I have the last open house, at the high school, tonight. Today is my long run day, somehow it's working for me to get it done mid-week. I think I'll be running on the TM as I don't want to push that stroller for 8 miles. Take care all and have a great day.

 

[laxdef69]

Cindylou:

Here is a link to the trifuel training plans.

http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/ironman-workouts

I'll keep you posted, maybe start a blog...but it seems like another thing to do on top of 60-80 hour weeks, and 12-15 hours/weeks of training!

Mike

 

[amykab]

good morning lean meaners,

Jeff have fun at DL!

Tracey PD for getting your 8 miler in! My max on the stroller miles wise is about 5 miles, and I mostly walk when I push it too!

Cindy GL with your 1/2 this weekend! I miss labor day weekend in New England. It's such a celebration up there. In FL, since it is still so hot, we just don't celebrate fall until later.

Mike IronMan???

Beth GL at VA beach!

Debra, Stacie,Lisa Miss seeing you on here ladies!

Everyone I missed

Did some intervals last night, (R3W2, what the first few weeks of MfM suggests). Total stonker. Had hoped to do 5-6 sets, only managed 4. Oh well. At least it is 2 more miles on the books. Did some stretching in the pool after with a glass of wine!

Was about 2 seconds away from totally walking away from my job this morning. One of my coIRKERS (Prior to this morning was only an irker 25% of the time), sent an email, complaining about me to ME! (Obviously he meant to send to someone else). I called him out on it and he tried to backpeddle but the damage is done. And my manager got super irritated with me when I told him I was confused about something he asked me to do. Isn't it better that I ask for clarification rather than doing something the wrong way?

Anyhoo, hope everyone has a good Thursday!

Amy