Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[princessrunner]

Amy: When work makes me I go for a long run. I feel good that I have this release and sometimes it really helps to bang around some weights and grunt a lot when I lift. (Stop it Vic, Dave, Bill and yes you too Mike). Working your frustrations out through exercise is the best way to let go of the anger. Oh, and fix me a Mojito too, but not till you are off the TM!!!

Maria: Yay for hearing the call of the bike. You go girl!!!

Jeanne: I think all our kids are PIAs but so were we, right. You gotta love em for their good points and work em through their bad!! for your kids on the road!!

Okay, so lilacs are my nemesis. Ragweed too. I get itchy watery eyes, my asthma flares up and my head pounds just at the passing smell. My MIL fills her house with them, my SIL fills her house with them and they are EVERYWHERE here. No one really understands my disdain for the poor beautiful lilac.... I admit they are pretty to look at, from a distance, in someone elses house, through the window.....

One more thing...I am thinking about buying into a Curves franchise with a couple friends. Anyone have any input on Curves, likes, dislikes, etcetera. I am not liking that you cannot adjust the resistance on the machines already so give me some more input if you can!!

 

[Creativebeth]

Hey Lean Meaners!

How's it going????

I am in the middle of baking a whole bunch of baked goods for my dsis yard sale tomorrow. I figured I could get a head start on my Victory Junction money raising with a bake sale.

If I am going to run, I need to consider it soon.......we have to pack all the yard sale stuff, pack clothes for an over night, and we have a baseball game before we leave!

Maria: Yes, actually many 'issues' resolve on my low carb diet. Less bloating, resolved indigestion, resolved irritable bowel syndrome, less migrane headaches, and my gums are no longer inflammed (chronic problem). Never expected anything like that, but there you have it! Sugar is actually bad for you.......and if you eat a lot of low fat foods, they add alot of sugar to them!
Hope it helps you!

Lisa: Sorry about the allergies! I am in the same boat!

I hope everyone has a nice weekend!

Beth

 

[laxdef69]

Some selected quotes/cut and pastes for you...

http://www.franchisepick.com/is-curves-for-women-a-good-franchise-investment/

Patricia
Dec 8, 2007 at 9:19 am

The history of second-hand franchises that are losing money (or are barely breaking even), and are sold over and over again to persons who think they can turn them around, is pretty consistent. They continue to lose money under new ownership. I know a couple who bought a second-hand Curves. She had a strong sales background and he was a management consultant. Perfect background, but history didn’t change. After a year, it’s still losing money and they’re now trying desperately to sell it. They say they each put in about 70 hours a week and leaving their former jobs to take on a Curves was the biggest mistake they ever made. Passion, as the prior poster notes is good. But common sense is even better. Read what Mr. Franchise has to say at

http://www.franchisefoundations.com/articlesiibuyingafranchise.html#Bookmark1

My wife and I purchased a Curves re-sale in May 2005. Lets just say it has been a real learning expierence. I would never purchase a Curves franchise in a small community. There are about 3000 people in our Curves territory. You need a lot of people to draw from because there is a lot of turnover in membership. Women are always quitting for one reason or another and you need to be constantly bringing in new menbers. If you don’t have a lot of women to draw from you will exhaust your new memberships quickly. I feel that Curves was greedy in selling Curves franchises in these small communities. But when Curves was going good they could sell in these small communities because people wanted a franchise and Curves was not going to deny a sale. Looking back we should of been smarter and done more research before we bought our club. The Curves work out is good for women who don’t want to go to a more traditional gym but it will be hard to keep these women coming day after day.
We’ve had our Curves for sale for over a year and have no offers. I’m afraid that we will be forced to close our club. It just isn’t enough income to pay the loan we took out to purchase the franchise.
If you are looking at purchasing I would research, research and research the club and area. Maybe even work at the club before purchasing to get an idea how the club is run and the mood of the members.

http://www.franchisepick.com/a-fitness-franchise-on-a-downward-curve/

and the exclusive re-seller of Curves franchises...

http://mccordbusinessbrokers.com/

Please be careful....

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Meaners

Yay for feeling better...I think I'm finally done with this head cold garbage. I finally gave up waiting to feel better and just cardio'd it out of my system! So let me catch up with everyone here...

Lisa: While I admire your desire to go into the Curves franchise, and I do feel they have a legitimate place in the fitness world, the only thing that concerns me are the limitations of the franchise. I think the concept is great, but I personally wouldn't join because it doesn't meet my needs for group fitness classes, higher resistance on the machines etc. YOU would be fantastic as a fitness center owner and personal trainer...you are knowledgeable and can offer SO MUCH..I'm just not sure the constraints of Curves would allow you to do all you can do in the industry. There is a place near me called ShapExpress which does offer the circuit training but also includes fitness classes. It's an all-female gym like Curves, but less limitations. Just another option for you and your friends to explore in the fitness franchise industry.

Beth: Good luck with all the baking and the yard sale tomorrow!!!

AmyK: Yummmm...Mojitos! Gotta' help with that work stress. Sorry things have been stressful! 9 MILES!!! That's awesome girl! Sounds like your training is right on track. AND OH MY...what a cutie pie your little DD is!!!!

Maria: WTG getting on the bike! I did a 15 mile hilly ride yesterday and was SOOO happy that I did it. Yay for us!!!!


JustSmile: I'm soooo glad you enjoy the Pilates DVD recommendation! WTG on working on that core!!! AND for getting on that treadmill!!!

Stacie: How are your knees????

Jeanne: hang in there! Sorry to hear about your car!

Deb: Harold!!!! GREAT BOOK. My faves....Goodnight Moon, Are you my Mommy...oh my I could go on and on. I just adore children's literature . How is the move coming along?

As for me....As I said to Maria...I did get on my bike for a decent ride yesterday along with teaching a few classes. Today I took a gentle yoga class (ahhh it was a great stretch) and got out for an easy 4 miler using my 4:1 intervals. Tomorrow is another 4 game softball day so I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing aside from teaching my Pilates class. I think I *may* attempt to get some more cardio in (Ski Machine possibly). Next week my new schedule goes into effect along with earlier morning runs. Wish me luck with that..I am SOOOO not a morning person .

Have a great weekend!!!

 

[Big Vic]

Good morning Lean Meaners.

Sorry I’ve been MIA this week. It’s been WTO and LTO.

Got a couple of 3 milers in.

As far as the kitchen remodeling deal goes, I got my dates wrong. They were supposed to be here today, but called and cancelled yesterday. So, we’re looking for someone else.

Amy – Glad you’re feeling better. WTG with the training.

Beth – I guess I better get started raising money for Victory Junction also. I’m planning to be there for the race, as long as the gas prices aren’t too outrageous.

Lisa – I hear ya about the allergies and asthma. Spring around here isn’t very pretty.

FLAmy – WTG with the training. Great pics!

Maria – WTG with the 10.87 miler!

Jeanneg – Take care of yourself. Hope the car repair is a minor one.

Tracey – WTG with the 3 miler!

Stacie – I hear ya about the house. We both work fulltime also, and having two dogs, our house looks like a tornado hit and then came back a hit again.

Debra – Hope you’re doing ok this weekend.

Superdebbie -

Mike - Haven't seen a workout posted. You doing ok?

 

[deekaypee]

Hi, folks! I know you're not going to believe this, but I don't have time to closely read everyone's posts let alone reply to them. Yep, you've got it, it's moving weekend. I'm missing you all, and I thought I'd be able to keep up with and post to the Lean Meaner thread if not to the weekly and team threads, but tis not to be. So this one is going to be all about me, with only a shout out or two. My apologies, but I hope you're slightly interested.

We did enjoy Kennywood, even though it pales in comparison to Disney. I think we might have enjoyed it more had we not had moving on our minds. After things settle down, and I find my camera again, I'll try to post a couple of pics. But man oh man, those wooden roller coaster rock & I think I got vertigo--the good kind--on Swing Shot, which made me believe I was almost flying (imagine big, multi-person swing set that goes really high!) I'd love to go with a group of friends and make an all-day with picnic of it. Amy, you in sometime in the future?

Anyway, I wanted to give you a quick post to let you know that we're doing pretty well, considering how much stuff we have. We've figured out a system that allows us to move our stuff down and up stairs without aggravating my knee or DOOD's hips. Mostly I'm focusing on stretching and keeping limber, as all this moving is working my arms and calves. (Dave, I'm so glad to hear Erica's almost certainly cleared for take off!) We've even gotten in some official XT this weekend in addition to the carrying of boxes up 3 flights of steps. (Amykab: Yay for continuing with C25K. Do a couple of miles for me?)

What I've learned so far? We have far, far too many books! (Tracey, I didn't recognize I was being razzed!!! No wonder DOOD gets irritated with me--I just don't get the signals, as teasing is part of my everyday communication patterns. Razz away!) I'm definitely in an organizing mood with the moving, so it sounds like Stacie and I are on the same page. Geez, another book reference. Guess what we've been moving? At this point, I have enough problem moving from one rental to another, and keeping all my other balls in the air, so I can't even picture owning a home and undertaking a remodeling project. My hat is definitely off to you, Vic, especially for your calm reaction to cancelled/missed appointments! I get so frustrated with the cable people, I can't imagine dealing with folks who would be in my life for weeks if not months! When the time comes, I'll let YOU be the contact person with contractors.

So...total hours spent moving, so far, on Friday & Saturday? 11 hours. Jeanne and Maria, I'm so sorry for Ohana, but I threw all thoughts of keeping track of such things out the window after the first load. I'm a bear of little brain, and I can't keep track of how much time is spent actually doing things and how much time is spent pretending to do things while really catching my breath. I'm also doing pretty well with the eating, although there have been afternoon iced lattes and bagels. Beth, I've been paying attention to sugar, with thoughts of you and the wagon tips. (And speaking of food, we will now live 7 walking minutes from our Giant Eagle grocery store, not to mention local delicatessens, bakers, and organic markets also within a short walking distance! ) Like SuperDebbie, I want to get and stay on track, but I'm just focusing on being 80% good these days.

Now, I'm headed for my shower before DOOD & I go out for drinks with an out-of-town friend. Headed to the Church Works brewery and hope to catch the Penguins play. I don't really care about the outcome--go Red Wings --but it's the Pgh frenzy that drives me.

A specific shout-out to my girl Lisa, re Curves. A huge part of me loves Curves, as it has helped my mother go from morbidly obese to just obese (and maybe overweight--I hesitate to ask her). And she and all her church-going friends have been members for years. It's their social club, as she lives in a very small town with no real amenities.

That said, I concur with what Mike and Amy said--brilliant posts, you two--and I think you would find the franchise limiting. I think a woman's fitness franchise would be ideal for you--you're so talented and have multiple areas of knowledge--but I'm not sure Curves would offer you the flexibility and opportunity for expansion. Some of the Curves I've known to succeed were the only gym in town for a pretty big area (~25 miles, like my mom's Curves) or were combined with another franchise (connected with a coffee/gift-y shop). There's a Curves here in urban Squirrel Hill, but I imagine it has lots of client turnover. Now, I don't know what you want out of your franchise, but the impression I have of you is that you would be the ideal person (and happier?) working with people over the long haul?

P.S. What's WRONG with me that this is my short, abbreviated post? Gee, I must really miss you all!

 

[princessrunner]

Good Sunday morning Lean Meaners!!! Have I told you lately that you all rock???

Debra: on the short post. I recently did the same thing. I think there is no such thing as a short post for some of us, especially when you include moving day. You did so well just to get it done and in a strong and healthy manner. And, you can NEVER have enough books. Books rule!!! Someday, I hope to be referred to as "well read". Right now all I am reading is my PT books (muscle insertion points currently) ugh....

Mike: Best of luck in Hawaii!!

AmyBeth: Glad to hear you are feeling better.

Vic: Nice to hear from you. Sorry about the LTO/WTO and good luck on finding a new contractor.

Dave:

Everyone else: Here is a big wave and a for all of you. (Sorry, can't get all the smilies to work this morning).

Curves franchise: Thank you all for your input on this venture. You expressed all the concerns that I currently had. I usually trust my gut on these things and there were some serious rumblings going on!! I, like Debra, have a soft spot for Curves. My mom goes there and it is pretty much the only social time that she has. Since she lost my dad, she has become a shut in but, after much encouragement, she does go to the local Curves. She also travels to Florida and since there is one on every corner, she can transfer her membership when she leaves. On the other side of this coin is a girl who has been lifting for many moons now, has 2 bodybuilding competitions under her belt, and has coached another person through a Ms. Fitness competition. Resistance is key and if you cannot adjust the resistance as you get stronger then, yes, it is just social hour and not really a "true" workout in the pure sense. This Curves is one of 3 "gyms" in town (appx 10,000 pop). One is owned and operated by the local hospital (not the one I work for) and the other is a "hard core" gym.

That all being said, I think that Curves does have its place, just not in my life. You have confirmed the concerns that I was having and helped me see that this was the correct choice. My mom is still interested in buying it and she may do that at which point, I will help her out, but I still don't think it is a wise investment even if you are a member. Thank you everyone!!

From the Great North Woods, I have 7 miles on tap for today . I sat around and did nothing (i.e., laundry, baking, PT reading) and did not feel guilty a bit. It was my second rest day for the week and it actually felt pretty good. It was pouring buckets outside so it was either the gym, TM or couch.... I am still working on the Ezekiel bread recipe to try and figure out what I am doing wrong. I will post it when I get it right. The protein bars are, well, disgusting so that is still being worked on. The Injera needs some more research as it is really gooey and I am not sure that is how it is supposed to be either. So, no recipies until I get it right, I am funny like that. Today is beautiful, we have gymnastics banquet, visiting hours for a truck driver who passed from cancer, Relay for Life meeting and summer session softball practice tonight. I was also informed that we may be playing next weekend!! Today's events are all between 2 and 7:30 p.m. so I have to get that 7 miles in early.

See, Debra, no short posts around here, no matter what they are about. We just love each other too much!!!! Have a great day Lean Meaners!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Lisa: I say..always trust that gut instinct...it's usually right. But I do agree with you, Curves has an important place in the industry. It helped my Aunt lose a lot of weight. It is a non-intimidating environment for ladies who are new to working out or feel self-conscious. I just know you are going to do great things in the fitness world . When and if I ever plunge into getting my PT cert I'll probably be bugging you a bit LOL! Hope the 7 Miler goes well!!

Recipes: I saw a healthy protein bar recipe posted at one of the gyms where I work. I'm going to try it out next week...I'll let ya' know if it's any good LOL!

Vic: WTG on getting those runs.

Deb: LOVE the short post . 11 Hours of moving..yikes...you must be exhausted. I hope your evening out on the town was fun and relaxing!

Hi everyone..hope you're all having a fab weekend.

As for me....heading out for my 6 mile run in a few. Gotta fuel up on some coffee then run run run. Later today is grandma's big b'day party, so that should be fun! Then tomorrow it all starts over again, teach, workout, softball LOL! I'm feeling a little hamster-like these days.

 

[princessrunner]

AmyBeth: Do you do 14U ASA softball? If so, do you travel to Mass? We have some tourneys in Mass this summer to hit so I was hoping that maybe we could see each other. Also, have you put the Hollis Applefest on the DO list? Joanne (GroovyGirls) said BBQ at her house post-race if you do!!!!!!

As far as the PT cert, muscle insertions, bones, tendons, ligaments...due to my profession as a medical transcriptionist and former orthopedic medical assistant, I am pretty well adept at all the technical jargon so feel free to ask away. Lately, all I get is cancer for my work and it makes me want to do this so it is a welcome change.

Good luck with the 6 miles. I hope it goes well. I agree with coffee, coffee, coffee, okay something to eat too, some GU and go......

 

[laxdef69]

Was a struggle..

45 minute swim, 95 minute 8.5 mile run.

I felt sorry for myself almost the entire time (which I hate to admit being such a baby about it...no one is FORCING me to train for the half IM)

I finally started reminding myself that if it were easy, everyone in the country would be doing it, and that all the growth we experience comes AFTER we are tired...if we stopped training when we get to the point we are tired, we never get any better.

I 'm looking forward to the two week break from work, but not from working out...I'll be bringing my training plan with me, since this is a critical time...I have about 7 weeks left until the half IM.

Thank you for keeping me accountable, and I am hoping that my head is on straight when I get back!

Mike

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Lisa We're actually 10U ASA and 10U Babe Ruth. I happen to like the ASA rules better, but we play in both leagues somehow but most of our summer tourneys and league championships fall under the Babe Ruth league.
Hope your 7 Miler went well .

Just finished my 6 Mile run...took it nice and easy and actually (dare I say) enjoyed the run today! Held a 10 mpm using my 4:1 intervals. Now off to the party soon.

 

[deekaypee]

Lean Meaners!

Another post, this time a short one, I promise. In case you folks are wondering, I'm STILL moving!! Have I mentioned the boxes of books? Anyway, we've put in another 4 hours today. The movers come tomorrow to take the big pieces--bed, couch, chairs, etc. Then DOOD leaves for D.C. at 5.45 a.m. on Tuesday for his research trip (the Folger library, Shakespeare, and afternoon teas are on his agenda), while I finish moving what's left, cleaning the old place, and setting up the new.

The good news is, Tuesday the cable guy comes (mrowsa, and me a single woman for a month!) and my internet should be set up. The better news is, that because I'll be moving on my own schedule over the next couple of weeks I'll be able to return to the WISH boards by Tuesday. The best news is, because I've been aware I will report what I've done to you I've ended up being very conscientious--not only with the physical part of moving but with my eating. Thanks!

Amy and Lisa: I can't believe you two haven't met yet; you two should start a WISH fitness franchise. Love the PT and protein bar talk. I learn so much by eavesdropping! I hope you share the latter recipes with me, as I've temporarily abandoned my bar-making but will return to it soon.

And a special shout-out to Mike today: Have fun in Hawaii! And I love the way you described working through being tired and feeling sorry for yourself. It reminds me so much of me, but with a better attitude. I really admire you for doing all that you're doing with your training. Having you here as a role model, yep I mean that, has been very good for me! And I just know you're going to be pleased with your half IM.

 

[Cindylou]

Hi Everyone,

I haven't had time to catch up reading this week so I can't post too much. I just wanted to say I'm so glad it's June. I'm really hoping this new month will mean a lot better eating for me. Only 3 weeks until Summer!!

Best wishes to everyone with their healthy eating and exercising!!

Good luck with the move Debra.

Cindy

 

[getnthinr]

Hey, Jeanne has a broken car and I have a broken kid! My DS(on)-9 had a playground accident at his school and broke one of the long bones in his foot! He's got a "boot" and instructions to keep off it as much as possible (a 9-yr-old staying off his feet -- we'll need to tie him down!) until his next appointment in a few weeks. Guess that means we won't be doing the RFTC 5K together after all. I'm glad some WISHers are planning to be there or I'd have a tough time staying motivated to go. We were both really looking forward to it.

I'll try to get better at doing one of those posts that addresses everyone, but I'm typically not that organized. I am at least getting to read your posts now though! Now that school is winding down, I can wrestle control of the computer away from my teens more often.

Hope you have/had a great weekend!

 

[princessrunner]

Good morning Lean Meaners! Looks like everyone was out working on fitness this weekend and not DISing....

Wendy: Much to DS9 and such a bummer that you won't be able to do the 5K together.

Cindy: We are not going to hope for better eating, we are just gonna eat better. No bad choices, just good healthy ones. It is not that bad eating well, expensive maybe, but there are flavorful exciting and wonderful choices out there for healthy eating, we just have to look and make the right decisions. My resolution for this month, no spur of the moment eating decisions. You know, standing in the grocery line, standing in the coffee line and oooh, that looks good. Business, all business.....

AmyBeth: Yay for your 6 miles at a 10 mpm pace. You are doing way better than I. I adopted your 4/1 for my 7 miles (which turned into 7.79 cuz it felt good) and I kept a 10:45 pace. On the up side, hammy and I are still talking and the Asics made the full course. My right heel is just a little sore but I am thinking I have a bone spur. I agree on ASA rules. It makes for a better game than the middle school stuff we have been watching. We have our first tourney this weekend and then States the 28/29 of June. This should be an exciting year for our 14U team. They are pretty young so they have a good solid 2 years together.

Debra: Nope, AmyBeth and I have never met. I met lots of people in January but, just as I did not meet you, I did not meet AB either. Still trying to talk her into the Hollis Applefest Half though... Okay and you are STILL moving???!!!! Ugh, I would have been so done the first day. I very much dislike moving. In fact, DH and I have often joked about how we are going to have to divide the house because both of us love it here and neither of us wants to leave. There was talk of me still cooking though.... Best of luck with the moving of boxes, you have more perseverance than I. I am sure it will feel good to finally get into the new digs though, and relax, even if DOOD is not there. Have you made your plans for ToT yet??

Dave: Hope your weekend was great.

All other wagon trainers: I hope your weekend was super supreme. Everyone put Rock N Roll Virginia Beach 2009 on your calendar for the to do half event!!!

From the Great North Woods, well you heard about my run and you heard about softball so, not much left to say. Today is a XT day and strength but I am putting off the lift until tomorrow as I have no reason to head into town today. Tomorrow is a 5 miler and I will do my strength then. This coming weekend for the softball tourney is supposed to be 90 so who knows when I will get my 7-12 miles in (per RW scheduling) and where!!!!

Have a better than the best of days Lean Meaners!!!!

 

[windwalker]

Good morning road warriors.

Lisa I love reading your's and Debra's posts. But I have a feeling with you two and all the other princesses in one room when we have a meet there will be so much energy that you guys will blow all the circuit breakers at Disney.

I've met you and if the others on here are as energetic, well Disney will just not soon recover.

Cindy, be strong princess, you can do this. Just remember you have the power, the magic is there. How can we help? Do you have the support you need at home?

Wendy, hi fast lady. When do we get to do another adventure with you, ToT, the Marathon?

AmyBeth we need to get the mentoring program in motion, we have all the players we just need to make it happen. Actually a lot of knowledge right here on this thread. I might do a post today on the subject.

Vic, how's it going my friend. Is it Oct yet?

I'm getting my princess up in a few minutes so we can walk together, slowly, then lunch and the Dr appointment.

Walking Panda

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning fellow meaners! Quiet weekend around here. I was missing too! I had the yard sale at my sister's on Saturday, but it was a bust since it started to pour at 9:30! That pretty much ended it.....had to put everything away. We are going to try again sometime in June. We left the stuff there, so we won't have to haul it all back again. Alot of people bought the bake sale items, before the rain so that worked out ok!

The weekend was pretty much a bust, but I did eat well. I didn't get to run on Saturday, but got out for 3 miles yesterday. Didn't feel like it, but it got done anyway!

Lisa: Sorry to hear about your hammie and heel.......what a drag! Glad the run wasn't bad though.....how did you like the run/walk?

Dave: Have a nice walk with your Princess!

Wendy: Sorry to hear about the broken kid!!!! I have a nine year old, and I am sure you have your hands full keeping him off his foot! Mine was on crutches with a 1/2 cast when he was 6.......that didn't last long! I am glad that they usually heal quickly! Sorry you will miss your 5K.

Maria: How it going with the sugar?

Everyone else.....Connie, Maria, Tracey, Stacie, Big Vic, Bill, (((sorry to anyone I missed))))) Have a wonderful Lean Meaner day!

Wagon tip of the Day: Today's tip is water!!!! Drink it!!!!! At least 64 oz a day.......I know, easier send than done. I got myself a BIG insulated cup that I fill in the morning, and it stays cold all day. It helps me know exactlly how much I am drinking! It's great to take in the car with me too! It was worth the investment for the cup!

Beth

 

[postesf]

Hey guys! I will be back later to check in on everyone. I just needed a break from work. It's totally stressing me out. I'm so irritated and just plain ill, I don't even want to be around myself!

I just needed to take a breather. I've got lots to do and will try to be back when I get it all done.



Stacie

 

[postesf]

ok...give me your take on PB&J. Regular Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly (acutally combine...Goober) on Butter Bread and 100 Cal pack of cheese nips... LUNCH.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Hey Lean Meaners!

Yesterday I wogged for six miles. I think I tried to increase my pace a bit too quickly, but I still did it. I'm going to slow down a little for next week's LR. So, dh (who is not a professional and does not play one on tv) thinks I should stop trying to get up to 10 miles every week for my LR, and just do 4 miles every other day.This seems to defy everything I've read, but I'm coming to the experts for your opinions. He thinks if I switch to 4 every other day, I'll lose more weight. At this point, that is a big concern. I won't start doing the MfM until October, so I guess I don't have to be trying to get up to 10 right now...

Stacie -- You had a protein, fruit and dairy (ok, that's pushing it...) all in one meal!

Beth -- At the moment I am going the reduction in sugar route, partly by design and partly because I didn't realize everything I eat has sugar! I totally get the 100 cal cookie packs are full of it, but I keep finding it in things I didn't realize, like spaghetti sauce! I'm racking my brain trying to find things to eat...and it's not pretty. Do you have a book you use to guide you? I can't live on eggs and salad (and the dressing is full of it, too!) I had no idea it was in everything!

Dave -- Hope the Drs. appt. went well. You are taking excellent care of Erica!

Lisa -- I really hope it isn't 90 where you are this weekend, 'cause it'll only be hotter in Boston! DH is running in a 5-miler on Saturday. I wanted to do it, too, but then we found out walkers are not welcome Anyway, hope this week turns out better for you!

Wendy -- Some days it's all I can do to read the posts. Don't worry about it, we all post what we can, when we can!

Cindy -- June is going to be a great month, we are all going to look back on it in July and remember how comfortable it was outside, how the sun was shining all the time, and how happy we were to be moving!

Debra -- You are a moving machine! I think I would have given up by now. I'd just want to be done! I'm glad you're taking a brief break now and then to update us. We miss your missives!

AmyBeth -- You had the 6 miler I should have run. Glad you took it easy, and hope you are all better now!

Mike -- If we felt like doing every workout, we wouldn't appreciate the ones where we push ourselves. The ones that aren't easy reveal more about our character. Dave once posted a statistic about the # of people who have completed a half or full marathon. It's a small percentage of the population, so we can be proud!

Vic -- Glad you found out ahead of time your contractor wasn't necessarily reliable. It's much worse to be halfway through the job when that happens!

Bill, Tracey, Jeanne, SuperDebbie, Amykab -- Have a wonderful week!

Maria