Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[princessrunner]

Amykab, congrats on the PR for your 5K. Hills are brutal no matter whether you train or not, especially if you start out hard and fast on them. My SIL maintains her pace up hills but I tend to lose about a minute a mile going up and going down. My knees hurt if I go too fast down. I train hills and they still bite!!!!!

 

[deekaypee]

Sorry I've been MIA and out of communication, folks. Lots of LTO, a lot of little, planned deadlines leading up to the 4th and then the big news: my dad's been diagnosed with prostrate cancer. The news shifted my holiday plans around and I've been sans internet for a few days. At least DOOD is back home, a little earlier than we expected, but home nonetheless.

I don't know how much news I can catch up on, but I'll give it a try.

Tracey: How is the running and hydration going? Still playing with the RW technique? I find myself really liking a RW plan during the summer heat. Belated b-day wishes to your son and DH. How's DS's driving? Hey! Maybe you could get a bumper sticker with his phone number and a "How's my driving? on it, like trucking companies use. I'm sure he'd appreciate it. Tell DH that being 40 and 40+ lets him join the cool-cats club. Yeah, Daddy-O.

Connie: Birthdays--the sport of moms! Thanks for the extra info on ACE tests. Fascinating stuff. I think your story about having company for your walk was great--especially the part where you had to slow down so you could keep her company. (I find runners sometimes forget how fast a training walking pace is.)

Lisa: First, yeah for good runs and good pacing, regardless of where or when we get them! Your 10K/July goal bowls me over, but I believe you can do it--even with your busy schedule. I'm also glad your 4th of July food gatherings went better than your work picnic. (White t-shirt, sports bra, water balloons? I can't believe that stopped you!)

And thanks for the food/fuel information. I liked the confirmation about how good coffee is for me. It makes me smile. The YouBar might just be the answer to my problems. Let me know if you like yours, as I think I'll be ordering from them.

Vic: Hellloooooooo! Imagine my voice in a stadium, cheering you on in your runs! (Not sure I'm up to doing them with you, but I'll cheer you on.)

Mike: Very eloquent words for the 4th. I'm sorry I missed reading them on the big day. I even missed NPR's reading of the Declaration--first time in years--so it was especially nice to read your post. Thanks! Congratulations on your 5K PR. How are you feeling about the upcoming tri?

Dave: I really liked Wall-E, and will see it again, this time with DOOD. The first part reminded me of Charlie Chapline/Buster Keaton shorts, and there were lots of sci-fi movie references. It's unlike the work I've come to expect from Pixar in some ways. I'm sorry to hear about Erica's Nike+ wristband--my Nike+ shoe pouch works, but isn't terribly accurate for distance. I think the promise of a 405 for meeting her weight-loss goal, though, will provide lots of incentive and more than make up for the disappointment of the wristband!

Re, working on the 4th. You and Erica are like Disney cast members. You work when everyone else plays--and you make it possible for us to enjoy ourselves!! Thank you! Finally, your rifle/groundhogs/bull story sounds like it is tailor-made for a sitcom.

Wendy: Thanks for the tip on Starbucks iced tea. I'm actually okay with their coffee, too. I'm just interested in how the presents DOOD and I get for each other differ in spirit. (DOOD's the family athlete, I'm the family, um, slug. ) But I'm not really complaining about that because I love the surprises--and the gift card will give me an excuse to try new things--like black iced tea!

Yay for doing a 5K on the 4th, even if it wasn't a race. (I know what you mean by cutting costs.) I know you use races to keep you on track, so I'm doubly impressed by your TM 5K solution. I'm going to recommend the John Adams mini-series to my DFIL--he's a history buff, too!

Beth: It sounds like the beach was good for you, even if you aren't a sun and sand person (me either). I've had enough of soggy basements for a while, but I do hope your basement gets cleaned up as soon as possible. Thanks for the hats tip--I don't tend to wear one--do the bandana thing--and probably should. I'd never heard of Lisa's suggestion for a BondiBand, though.

As for the party fixin's, I'm bringing black-bean burgers for the grill, fresh salsa, and vegetarian tamales in corn husks.

Maria: Commonwealth is such a civilized name, I think. I didn't know that and had to Google the other two states. Kentucky and my own state of PA. I learn something new every day around here! It's so great that you got in lots of outdoor walking AND confirmed the progress you've made. That's got to be icing on the Independence Day holiday cake. (Not that YOU had any, like I did... ) Isn't it strange how being with family can substantially shift one's eating patterns, even if it's on your turf or if they know your eating habits/goals?

AmyK: What a great trip you had to NC! The anniversary, reading, and whitewater rafting sounds great. And your PR for the 5K, with hills?? Nicely done! I tend to go out too fast at first (with what little experience I have), so I empathize. I think the more experience both of us get, the less frequently that will happen.

Cindy: I hope your trip to VA and your visit with your mother was wonderful.

Jeanne, Stacie, AmyB, Bill, and other Lean Meaners: Hi! I hope your 4th of July was filled with laughter, friends and family, and good, healthy living!

About Abs: The only six-packs I've seen in my life recently have involved beer and soda. Sorta undermines getting the other kind, but they have the advantage of being easier to find.

As for me: Well, you've got a sense of what my last week was like. It's stressful, on many levels. 'Nuff said on the personal front, as I'd rather not deal with it. (Maturity doesn't necessarily come at 40, Tracey, be sure to tell your DH that!)

I will say that having DOOD home is good for training and eating. I can't slack off or eat mindlessly when he's watching. He and I both gained a couple of pounds being away from one another, so it's good to have another wagon-mate around, this one in my kitchen. That's great--now if he would just leave the household stuff in the places where I've arranged it. (Sure, move in once, set up things, only to have DOOD rearrange things when HE gets back. Sheesh.)

I'm trying to get back on running track after a week off running and some sporadic exercise. I did 3 today and then finished with a long cool-down. I'll try to squeeze in more exercise tonight. I find that splitting up my WOs on days when I'm stressed helps keep me more in balance, even if it creates more laundry. Half a dozen of one.....

 

[JustSmile]

Hi y'all! We had a big storm blow through here last Wednesday. One really loud crack of lightning and our internet connection was MIA! Turns out that even with a whole house surge protector, our modem blew. We left for the lake on Thursday, and went out and bought a modem today. Thank goodness my DS14 figured out how to set the thing up. Now, we're up and running again.
I didn't get any running in at the lake. DH wanted to go with me and he's not into running quite yet, so we walked. We got in 1 1/2 miles twice over the weekend. I'm proud of him for even wanting to walk in the heat and humidity. I ran stairs at the condo complex and added them up to 600 stairs--ouch, quads were sore the next day. I took a day off and ran the stairs again the next day! So, Vic, I'm feeling you and the stadium runs! That's a tough workout.

Lisa...WTG on the 5m and a great time, too! I'm thinking I need to get a BondiBand. Where do you buy them? Were you the one who mentioned coffee and faster run times? Yay, now I don't have to feel guilty about my coffee. Frozen strawberry pie sounds awesome. I thought of you on the 4th when I went to pick blueberries. I don't know...blueberries...Maine...Lisa (this was my train of thought). Anyway, they were awesome! And I made a cobbler. Yum!
Vic...I already said it, but, OUCH stairs! Driving lessons are going ok. Apparently learning to drive by playing NASCAR on X-Box did not really work for him!
Mike...WTG on the new PR...what an awesome time! Getting fitted for a rental wetsuit...I didn't even know you could do that.
Debra...I'm so glad you're back. Sorry about your dad and the stress in your life. I'll be sure to tell DH that he's a "cool daddy at 40". He's still playing around and acting like he's 10, so maturity is still a long way off for him.
Wendy...I'm thinking that you lucked out getting DH to teach your kids to drive. It's a experience.
Beth..Oh, I love the beach. Sorry to hear you came back to water heater problems and a yucky basement.
Dave...A bull? Don't leave us hangin'.
Maria...Yum, guacamole. Way to get your workout in, even with the donut frenzy. Family members can be harmful to weight loss efforts.
AmyKab...Glad that you had fun in NC. Sounds like it was heavenly. And congrats on that new PR!
I started reading the Beck Diet Solution. It actually is a very sensible approach to weight loss and sticking to your goals. It uses Cognitive Therapy to remind yourself to stick to your healthy eating lifestyle. Thanks to whomever recommended it. Maria, was it you?
Take care all and have a great day! Oh, and for party fixins', since I still have fresh blueberries---yes, picked with my own two hands, and I even toted a tick home(yuck)---I'll make a blueberry cobbler!

 

[windwalker]

Ok Ground Hog story:

My ex wife was a farmer's daughter. One weekend I took my rifle up to their farm because the last time we were there he was talking about the damage the ground hogs do to the crops. He said sure shoot all the varmits you want to.

I got my rifle and walked down to the fields. I realized that since the crops were pretty high I couldn't see the ground hogs eating the crops. So being resourefull, I decided to climb up in a tree to see if I could see the ground hogs in the field. I put the gun on my back with the sling and climbed up into the big tree. Before getting to high up a branch I was pulling up to was rotten and snapped, dropping me to the ground. My rifle was broken into, end of the hunt since my gun was broke.

On the way limping back on the muddy dirt road I was suddenly hit in the backside by a bull. Fortunately it was dehorned but still it launched me into a mud puddle. I jumped up and ran like a man possessed to the house, the bull right on my tail.

While I was gone some of the farmer neighbors came over to visit. Now you have to visualize this: Room full of farmers chit chatting, the city boy who married the farmers daughter bursts through the door like the devil himself is after him. I'm wild eyed, skinned up, gun broke in half and covered head to foot with mud. They starred in disbelief for a moment and then every damn one of them start laughing hystericly.

I slinked off to the bedroom we were sleeping in and jumped in the shower. After my bath I wasn't about to go out into the house, EVER! My exwife comes in and asks me in her sadistic way that she has, "what the heck did you do"?

I said "there is a wild bull out there and it attacked me", I cleverly left out the part about falling out of the tree.

Well it turns out that the bull was a family pet. When it was just a calf the kids would play with it and it would butt you when it wanted to play. So it kept doing that and would push you expecting you to push back at it. Well it caught me by surprise and when it butted me it knocked me off balance.

So that is the bull story and that's no bull. Anyone dought why we aren't married anymore?

Cowboy Panda

 

[Steffwalks]

Sounds like everyone had an interesting and/or great and thinking fourth! Debra has 6 packs, Vic had time to answer, Mike pondered the goodness, heroism, and though required to decide one's own fate and create a free republic...now if we can just hang onto it! Beth went to the beach, Lisa? Did you keep the home fires burning?? Maria is the authority on the historical, and that was fascinating AND got to visit with her mom. Bill is hanging out in a one-room cabin with that UNO guy....invented a card game....right?? Wendy give driving lessons Amy went looking for white water and Dave fondly recalls a relationship with a bull. WOW! We have been busy. As for me:

we put the river boat on the truck and away we went. Off to do some fishing and relaxing on the White River in Arkansas. Everything was going along smoothly until we stopped for fuel before heading north off I-40 to our resort. A guy backed into us and broke the mounts on the boat motor. Result: We had a boat, but no motor for our relaxing days of fishing.

Okay, we can make do, rent a boat or possibly even a motor and if we have too, we might be able to buy a motor somewhere. We get to the resort and, WOW! The will rent us a boat motor while we are there. Yay! vacation is back on again!! We spend the next day running up the river (20 miles) and float fishing down. We catch and release 27 fish and just enjoy the day. We even packed a healthy lunch and enjoyed it along the river.

We returned to the boat dock and the resort owner said that we could tie up our boat on the dock and then we wouldn't have to load it out. Seemed like a great idea at the time! We cleaned up and met friends at a local restaurant for dinner.

During the evening and night time hours, it rained. And it rained hard. Over three inches. We slept in the next morning, but at 8:30 we get a phone call, they need us at the dock. Jon gets dressed and goes down to the dock and our boat is underwater along with the rented boat motor. We're sunk.

Jon jumps off into the cold water and they managed to get enough leverage on the boat to raise it. Chis (the resort owner) starts reading manuals and begins figuring out how to save his motor. While Jon uses a sump pump to pump water out of the boat. Chis does manage to rescue the motor, so everything is looking UP again. We had plans to spend that day, the fourth, with our friends, so we didn't bother going back out on the river. Besides, the motor needed to run ot for at least an hour after being cleaned with alcohal and oil.

I also discovered that morning that there was a critter living under the sink of our bathroom. I kept opening the sink to see if I could see the critter, but finally gave up. I let Julie (Chis's sife) know that there is a problems when I grabbed coffee to take to Jon, while he is rescuing the sunken boat. When we return to the room, Jon unlocks the door and pushes it in and I see........a bird! A bird flies across the the room into the bathroom. I go into the bathroom and the poor thing braves the doorway and gets away.....no more critter.

Saturday dawns bright and we decide to try to take the boat out, again. We stay pretty close to the dock in case there is a problem. There was. The bow of the boat keeps dipping down and comes level with the water. If a big wake comes along at the wrong time....the boat will swamp. We decide that God says, "Don't fish the river ! how many times do I have to tell you this?". And we give up on the whole the riverboat thing. We spend the day driving around and going to Farmer's Markets and then take in the fireworks at the resort that evening. Turns out, there is lots of water moving around in that boat....still. And when we slowed the boat the water washed to the bow in its effort to escape and join the fishes!

It was an exciting trip! We met some really wonderful people. Our next door resort neighbors were two 20 something couples that were just delightful. The resort owners were just as nice as they could be and even the guy who backed into the boat couldn't have been nicer. We made it home safely with our boat and our motor! I will be making some blueberry goodies today and freezing blackberries. Everything is great!

I ate pretty well and I only had 3 margeritas! But my exercise was pretty much confined to extreme excitement!!!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Oh gosh, I do not claim to be an authority on anything -- I'm just passionate about American History -- and sometimes it can get obnoxious, so I apologize if I sounded like I know it all, I most certainly don't!

I need to get my copy of The Beck Diet Solution and start using the methods again. I quit when it wasn't easy, which was clearly a mistake!

So glad to see Debra, but of course very sorry about your news...glad DOOD is home with you where he belongs!

More tomorrow, everyone have a great night!
Maria

 

[Steffwalks]

Never fear! I like authoritative people!

 

[princessrunner]

Good morning Lean Meaners. Just passing through quickly. Cleaning lady day and my house is a disaster after last nights haying extravaganza. We got 991 bales in in 5 hours flat. Not too shabby for a group of hobby farmers and DH's beer drinking buddies. The color commentary was fabulous. My DD13 may be scarred for life though! BTW, she was tossing bales 5 tiers high.

Debra: , , and more . Forty may not bring maturity but is equips us with alternative ways to deal with our issues. Sorry for your news but I am glad DOOD is there for you. Just remember that we are too!! We have missed you so.....

Connie: I love authoratative people too! Love a person who speaks on something that they know confidently. The fishing expedition from you know where....precious. Almost as funny as the bull story but well, the vision of Dave and the bull takes the cake!!

Maria: Ditto. My BIL is a history teacher in OK. When we vaca with them, we have to sightsee at all the historical places. Fun/not fun, it all depends on the attitude!! Your historical facts are welcome anytime!

Dave: Still You, bull, farmers.... Sorry, I digress....

Vic: I am with Debra, not doing the stairs with you but willing to cheer you on. Go Vic Go Vic Rock the stairs Like you own it YAY VIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stacie: I have had so many ticks on me in the last week, I don't want to talk about it. It gives me the creepies!! I like that I am thought of with blueberries and not potatoes or something like that. I am allergic to lobster so on one associate me with that okay!!

Beth: You have quite a party organized so far!! Good to see so many healthy dishes!

Everyone else: Glad to see the thread moving again along with everyone else!

From the Great North Woods, well I guess I have said it all already, 991 bales, 5 hours, 4 on tap for today, hot outside, thundershowers. Yep, that covers it. So, off to work, off to work.. busy, busy, busy.

Have a great day Lean Meaners!!

 

[windwalker]

Dang Lisa, talk about an upper body workout. I worked in the fields some myself during the times of the bull. Remind me to tell my adventures of turning giant pig monsters into kinder gentler eunuches. Farm folk surely do some unusual things.

Debra so glad you are back.

Maria Erica is a history buff also. For many years I wouldn't watch war movies but she loves the world war II movies and the Vietnam movies.

Beth, hats are a must for me, I sweat like the above mentioned swine.

Everyone have a wonderfull morning.

Leaner Panda

 

[Creativebeth]

The party will be rocking! Now, we need music.....who wants to share? And don't forget the 'adult' beverage section.......who on board???

I will bring the Lite beer......any picky drinkers?

I have been so GOOD the last few days! I got up to run 5 miles before work two days in a row....(((((taking a bow))))))......it is the HARDEST thing for me to do......I don't like to get up in the morning. But, we have baseball playoff games in the evenings, and if I don't get up, there will be no running. So, I have managed to get up to get it done! Yeah for me.

Lisa: So, hay baling huh? Sounds like hard work.......glad I am not there with ya! Though, I need upper body work......sigh.......still glad I am not there!

WWDave: So, a 'playful' bull? Don't ya wonder about people who have a pet bull????? That just ain't right! I'll stick to the 'house' pets, thanks!

Debra: I am sorry to hear your news. I know that the relationship with your dad is not the best, but that news must have hit hard. I am sorry to hear it, but don't forget that we are all here for you. We missed you terribly, and will support you through the bad times too. I am glad that DOOD is home......you need that. Hang in there.....and I am sending you PD!

Connie: What an adventure! I am of the mind that the good times always come with some bad times.......but yours was all wrapped up together! Sounds like you made the best of a bad situation.....good for you! Glad you had a good time anyway!

Mike: Are you swimming the English Channel next???? You are the man with the workouts and the PR's! Keep up the good work!

I hope everyone is ready to 'party'!

Tip of the Day: Fiber. You are to get at least 25g of fiber a day. Fiber is a great tool to fill you up, and keep you full longer.....hence, you eat less! All good. You should keep track of your fiber intake to make sure you are getting enough. For those who don't eat a lot of fiber now, you need to wean yourself up to the 25g a day. Your body needs to get adjusted to a slowly increased fiber intake.....if you don't, it leads you to a lot of 'gassy' problems ((((if you get my jist......)))))). My husband's favorite fiber item is the Fiber One bars (((((they have 9g of fiber per bar))))) chocolate flavor. Try them......you will probably love them too!

Beth

 

[JustSmile]

Oh my gosh, Dave, a pet bull, who has a pet bull? If anything that large "bumped" me, I would be running for my life. Although, the way you portrayed it made for a story!

Connie, so sorry to hear about the boat problems, but it sounds like you made the best of it. I picked fresh blueberries this weekend too. Yum, there's nothing better. Blackberries aren't quite ripe yet around here, but we can't wait! Do you wash the berries before you freeze them or not? I always have and then I just talked to a "berry lady" and she said not to wash them first. Lisa feel free to jump in with your opinion.
Maria, I'm only part way through The Beck Diet Solution, but it seems pretty logical and full of some good practices.
Lisa...Wow! that's alot of hay. That's amazing how much upper body strength your DD has. Sounds like a tough workout.
Beth..Yay for getting those 5m in for two mornings straight! Are you running outside or on the TM? Love those Fiber One Bars!!!!
Debra...I'm still struggling with the running/hydration issue. I took my kids to the Dr. last week and he was pressing down on their fingernails. My oldest DS asked him why and he said, "If the color doesn't immediately come back into your nail then you could be dehydrated." I just find that I'm exhausted about 1/2 way into my runs when I'm not hydrated enough. I'm still playing around with the R/W and I'm with you on finding it a great option in all this heat and humidity. Maybe I should get DS a "How's my driving" sticker---currently we have a "permit driver" one and you would think people would be understanding, but unfortunately that's not always the case.

It's raining here so I'm headed down to the TM. I've already dropped one kid off at Cross Country, dropped two off at Bible School, and picked 1st one back up. Then the 2 get picked back up, so I've gotta get a run in this morning.

 

[amykab]

Picture post-5K. I loved the running skirt! It was so comfortable! No medal for slow people like me!

On a side note thanks to whoever brought up bondibands! It reminded me I need to order some so I can coordinate with all my outfits! I only have one that I bought at the Minnie. Are there any W.I.S.H bondibands??

Have a good day everyone!

 

[postesf]

I heard party...adult beverages...I'll bring the Margaritas!

Hi guys. It's been a while.

Debra...I'm so sorry to hear about your dad!

For me. Well, I had that endoscopy done last week. There is really not much to tell. He said everything looked fine. I am supposed to go back in two weeks for the results though. I've decided to eat gluten free for a while anyway. I had been planning on going gluten free and I have been having a rough time dealing with that mentally. I've eaten just about everything that's bad for me that I knew I would not be able to have for a while. biscuits, big macs, Little Debbie Swiss Rolls, cakes... You get the idea. I've gained about 5lbs. I'm not suprised, but I just had to eat all that stuff I love before I could mentally go gluten-free. Yesterday was supposed to be my first gluten free day. I did fine until I got home. I had left-over Olive Garden and was in a bad mood and there it went. Instead of cooking the Gluten free spaghetti as planned, I ate my left-overs. Today, I have done much better. I had my gluten free cereal for breakfast, popcorn for mid-am snack and a salad and tuna steak for lunch.

My activity has been off too as I am just sooo exhausted. I could not get out of bed this morning. We didn't get to work until 9am! There is as 5K in Beaufort I want to do in 2 weeks, so I need to get moving. I'm hoping this gluten free eating will help with that too!

Hope everyone is well!!!
Stacie

 

[deekaypee]

Tracey: Scary storm! Not just because you blew the modem, but because storms that can fry your systems scare me. I noticed you said DH isn't into running "quite yet." Is he on the conversion path yet--will he see the light? Or maybe join us as a walker? Remind his inner 10yo that the cool kids aren't providing peer pressure, just letting him know about the fun and games. Regardless of whether he joins us, I'm glad you're walking together. So it's all good. Except for maybe the sore quads--congrats to you (and Vic) for taking the stairs with a vengeance!

I'd never heard the fingernail test for hydration. That's an easy one. I'm going to use it. You and I have similar reactions to running and hydration, I think. It's not unusual or unexpected, but it's good to know I'm not alone. DOOD can pretty much run on empty and although I try not to compare myself to him, he was my introduction to the sport and my yardstick for what's normal. I'm slowly breaking myself of that habit, with the help of you all.

Love the idea of a fresh blueberry cobbler. I put blueberries in my yogurt a lot, and love that something which tastes so good is also good for me. What's the ripe season for blackberries and raspberries, btw? DOOD and I would like to go out to a farm and try out hand at picking. It's been years for me (and never for the city boy).

Dave: Your Groundhog Day is MUCH better than the movie! Funnier, with lots of conflict, and a surprise ending (in more than one way). A pet bull??!! I hope it was named Ferdinand, at the very least. So...how did you explain the broken gun?

Connie: Float fishing on the river. It's very 21st century Huck Finn, isn't it? It sounds relaxing, at least between the time you were able to secure a motor rental and the submerged boat. I'm glad you took the trip's adventures in strides, made new plans and maybe even new friends. Plus, you've got a great holiday story to tell for years to come!

Maria: Well, you are an authority, one I turn to. And I like authoritative people, too, especially those who are passionate about things. American History, The Beck Diet Solution, sci-fi books and movies, pop-culture references... You're my very own reference librarian!

Lisa: Congrats on the hay-baling (is that a word). The number is seriously impressive, as is your DD's talents. I'm very impressed, as I could have never done that even in my strong, adolescent farm days. Hobby farmers? I'm not familiar with the term, but I get it from the context. That's what you consider yourselves? Difference between that and self-sustaining? I know you grow a lot of your own food, so I'm wondering. I hope you're all feeling energized--or at least a good sore--from your work. Remember, it's your cleaning lady's job to clean your house. A really messy house, just this once, will remind her of how good you are!

Beth: I'm not a picky drinker, per se. No beer for me, though, as beer makes me sick. I'll bring some of the hard liquor that Stacie's not covering. Anyone here like gin & tonics? Scotch and soda? I'd suggest some music, too. Anyone like punk? Or maybe I should be listening to whatever you've been listening to on your 5-milers. Great job getting your runs in before work. I know you don't like to do that, so I'm doubly and triply impressed.

AmyK: You two are so cute!! And coordinating outfits? I can see that for you. Which makes me wonder? I know you like your cute outfits. Stacie and Lisa do. How many people out there do the cute, coordinating outfit thing? What's your favorite outfit?

Stacie: I'm glad you made a decision to go gluten-free, even if it meant that you've had a bit of a binge to say goodbye. Remember, those foods are like bad boyfriends. They haven't been good to you in the long term. So think of the good times fondly, but move on to a more permanent, happy, and stable relationship. Not just with food, but with your new BF, running! HE encourages you to go on trips for your 5Ks and to buy new clothes and shoes in colors/styles/sizes that you like! Speaking of bad BF, have you broken up with the jerky doctor yet. (Gee, I hope your DH doesn't read these posts and get confused.

Beth and All Lean Meaners: Beth's tip about the fiber. That's my July goal--to increase my fiber. Anyone else have one July goal to work toward? (Or did I miss everyone's July goal?)

As for me: My new favorite online time waster? Googlewhack. Try it--you'll be addicted. Btw, zombie margarita doesn't work, nor does steampunk latte, although they does tell you where my head is. As for running, I'm trying to get out earlier these days. I'm not much of a morning person, by any means, but there's a lot that DOOD and I would like to do this summer while the days are long. So that means getting out of bed. I do think if I can squeeze running in earlier I'll also feel more energized throughout the day. Any of you morning larks out there have some tips for getting me out of bed a little earlier in the day? What motivates you?

 

[laxdef69]

Debra: Sorry to hear about your dad...

Dave: Great bull story!

Connie: Love float fishing...very relaxing...unless you don't know about rapids in the next bend...I'll tell that story when I have some time!

Vic, Tracey,Maria, everyone else and

Mike's Place: I like Debra's idea of Scotch and soda...hold the soda. I'll bring some Macallan's 18 yr old...yummy yummy!

Did an hour in the pool today, lost track after 1900 yards in 45 minutes...triathlon countdown is 11 days....I'm not the least bit concerned about the bike or run...but the swim has me petrified!

Have a great day meaners!

 

[windwalker]

I hear lots of talk about PARTY, of course it's Party Panda that shows up for the Disney events. We have a plan in work for more "Beer Laps" around the Epcot lake. This involves making an LSD training walk around the Epcot World ShowCase and sampling the different beers as we go. We did 12 miles the last time. The princesses took it all in stride but Robert and I are just now recovering. I guess we need more training at the BigRiver Brewery.

We are having a party at the quiet pool at BWV after the ToT. It's a short walk from the Disney Studios where the race is held. Cold beer and munchies will be available. Disney's party didn't amount to much after the race last year so anyone that wants to stop by on your way home and have a night cap or three.

Most evenings you will find a group of us at the Big River having a beverage before bed after the parks close.

Stacey there is a group of us doing some picnics in the early afternoons at the BWV area to eat healthy stuff we have bought at the Market. Also more cost effective. Then relaxing for a bit and meeting up for evening romps at the parks.

I can't wait to meet you guys I haven't met yet. This is certainly a unique bunch.

Have an awesome morning y'all.

Party Panda

 

[amykab]

Morning everyone! All this drink talk has me thirsty for some adult beverages even at this early morning hour!! I am detoxing this week since someone drank several beers on the 4th but I am excited for our trip to VT since it is the first time that I've been back since being PG that I'll be able to drink this beer called Switchback that is apparently the best beer to come out of VT since Magic Hat. It is only sold in kegs so you have to go out to get it.

C25K for me last night. Felt like I was going to DIE while doing it I have no idea of how I was able to do the 5K on friday (after 10 no running days!), jogging most of that distance to being barely able to do the 90 second running intervals last night. Ugh. I had a side stitch, my stomach hurt, as did my right hamstring (I am pretty sure that is related to some strenuous hiking we did on vacation). Once I slowed my pace down it felt better. Enough whining from me. Pilates tonight and C25K thursday.

Like Debra mentioned, I think I may have to start doing my weekday running in the AM. I had been doing it after work, while DD took a power nap since she didn't ever nap at daycare. Now that she is napping at daycare (which is a good thing ) she doesn't really do that anymore. So I am running after dinner, which I just don't think works for me.

Yes, I coordinating running outfits! I even coordinate my outfits for indoor runs on the TM! Somehow it makes me feel all put together and ready to run! My fave right now is the one I completed the Minnie 15K in, but I think it will soon be passed by my black running skirt with the 15K shirt. If money were no object, I would have several pairs of running shoes in different colors too. Right now I have asics that are mostly white/silvery with some pinky/purple accents. They didn't really match my R, W and B july 4th outfit.

TOT question: Do they sell good beer at MGM after the race? That will probably be the only way I'll get DH there to hang out!

Debra Sorry to hear about your dad. I hope the treatments and everything go well.

I hope everyone has a good day!

 

[JustSmile]

Good mornin' y'all!
Amy...As always, your little pumpkin is precious--what a darling pic of the two of you. So your a fan of the BondiBand too? I'll definitely have to try one out.

Stacie...Hi girl! Glad the endo went ok and that everything looks good. The gluten free diet sounds like a good place to start. I don't know if you've read back of the past few posts, but Maria has suggested a book The Beck Diet Solution a month or so ago. I just got my requested copy from the library and think that I'm going to buy my own copy. When I read that you were eating the snack foods "to get them in while you could"---it sounded like something I would do and the exact behaviors they talk about in this book. It has you write down all the reasons you want to lose weight and when your tempted you read these reasons. A simple thing, but it really does help. You might want to check out the book. Sorry for the unsolicited advice!

Deb... We're working on trying to convince DH to start running--we'll convert him sometime! He'll be coming with me in Jan. and he's looking forward to meeting the people I always talk about. Blackberries come into season anyday now. The bushes are full, but not quite fully ripe here in MO. I'm really not sure about raspberries---does anyone else know?

Mike...I'm so proud of you! You are going to do great in the tri! You've got so much training behind you and you'll get the swim over first and then it's smooth sailing! A few nerves are good, but have no worries....you're gonna rock!

Oops gotta drop DS at cross country!

 

[windwalker]

Amy, last year they had beer stands but they only took CASH. A lot of people just had a card with them and were unable to purchase any. Also the beer is $7 per small cup. We are going to the local and buying a couple of cases of beer and some of the flavored Vodka drinks. For what it would cost Erica and I to have a few in the park at $7 each we can go marketing and share.

Besides that with the late start last year and us being walkers the park was closing soon after we finished. We had a small impromptu party last year with Jeanne and her hubby, Robert and Linda, Erica and I. We just had drinks and M&Ms last time but we will be more prepared this year.

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[amykab]

Tracey I am sure you are skilled in the use of google, but here is the link for bondi bands. My hair is not long enough to stay in a ponytail easily so the bondibands work great. It also keeps the amount of sweat dripping down my face to a lower level. If you click on the fabric link, it looks like they are offering 3 for 20.

http://www.bondiband.com/