Hakuna Matada - Jumping into a jubilant January

[verticalchaos]

Bath it is. Can't recall the last time I had a cold bath...

I'm staying at a host hotel. I was going to buy a bagel/pb the night before because I assumed nothing would be open. How much did the grab-bags cost? Maybe I'll pick one up and see what they're like too. I tried pb+banana this morning and it's not sitting well at all . It might have to be one or the other.

Where do you put your waterbottle when you wear a spibelt?

The lack of notice does sound a little annoying. Do most people grab and keep running or pause for a few to get the water/gels done and then pick it back up?

I'm starting to get nervous now. EEK!

I didn't really look at them, but I want to say in the $6-10 range? They had the food courts open for those and coffee/soda on race mornings only.

I don't carry a water bottle when I'm in a supported race or run.

Most seemed to grab and go. A gel is a LOT easier to suck down quick than things you have to chew and swallow.

CHILL! The worst thing you can do is get nervous, especially this far out. Relax and have fun. IMHO if you're not having some fun doing it, it's probably not worth it, especially if all it does is cause stress.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Good morning team! Did you guys know that tomorrow is National Chocolate Cake day. Yeah, it's so totally made up but I've never been one to turn down chocolate cake ... so made up or not, I'm celebrating! The funny thing is, I decided to make one and because I was short on ingredients, I think it would have been cheaper just to buy one from the bakery.

Kim - OMG! I guess it's $75 each way. I've only ever changed flights one way so I forgot we'd probably have to pay to cancel each portion of the flight. Yeah, I'm going to be praying for a snowstorm! Crazy!

Regina - Wishing Kyle lots of luck! I hope things go well in boot camp! Maybe at the end of it, he can come and give us all a boot camp workout. How goes the house stuff - are you going to rent it or sell it? Thanks for the kind words on the Princess! It's just tough remembering that the race will always be there.

Beth - I like the idea of hydration signs! Every easy (and probably very reusable). The races in Toronto don't use them either but they are generally every 2km or so for us.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[es45]

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I headed back to the ortho today due to persistent shin pain. I'll be fitted with an orthotic on Friday for my right foot; I hope that alleviates some of the pain. I also have to increase my cross training. My BFF who is running with me in the Princess Half, is experiencing back and hip pain. So much for improving our health by taking up running!

Did you guys know that tomorrow is National Chocolate Cake day?

My daughters wish to thank Captain Vicky for the chocolate cake that now sits on our kitchen counter....

 

[windwalker]

Hi team.

We are enjoying another snow storm here in Ky. So since I can't play outside I went to the health club for a good pool workout. 30 min of sprints in the 5' deep water. Then a good stretching in the hot tub.

Sally is working today so i'm making dinner, marinated shrimp, brown rice and salad.

Dave

 

[Hockeychic]

Good morning team!!!!! Sorry quick drive by, didn't make my lunch last night so need to make it this morning. I am make bad food choices when I don't take my lunch so one of my changes for 2011 is to bring my lunch every day, also helps keep me away from my pepsi addiction.

Hope you all have a great day

 

[MaryJ]

The one issue I had with Disney's race organization is there is NO on-route notice that a fluid station is coming up. I know in NYC they have signs up at least 100 yards in advance so that if you need to take a gel or chomp or something that requires water you can get it ready. I ended up carrying a cup of water and trying to open a pack of energy gels, then down them all without choking so I could start running again. It was a little annoying because my brain isn't aware of what mile I'm at to really be conscious of it. It doesn't take much to put those "Fluid Station Ahead" signs up.

I couldn't agree with this more! When I did the half in Indianapolis, there were signs to let you know that there was a water stop ahead and that was very helpful. In fact, while I was on the course at Disney this year, I even thought to myself "I can't believe that Disney hasn't started putting up signs to let you know when the water stations are coming up."

Dave...if you don't mind me asking, what did you marinate your shrimp in? We just picked up some shrimp at Sam's Club this week and I'm always interested in finding a different way to prepare it.

It's 12 degrees outside, so looks like I'll be getting on the TM soon. That's just a little too cold for me! Have a great day everyone!

 

[verticalchaos]

SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, just had to share my excitement! The mayor, in his stubbornness, refused to announce it unti 5am in spite of the fact that the MTA had suspended all bus service around 2am and it's only now just starting to get back to some semblance of a few runs. I woke up around 3 (still a kid at heart) and tried to look out my window to see what it looked like, but I couldn't see out my windows because the wind had blown the snow over them. Not that high, but coating the screens. I turned on the news at 4am just in case he had shown some intelligence and announced it early, but no go (believe me, if he could have figured out a way to open schools he would have - because of ONE time a few years ago when a huge storm was predicted, he closed schools in advance, and then the storm didn't happen he seems to hold it against teachers...you can tell in his press conferences about storms. He HATES calling snow days. I mean, I know no person involved in education WANTS them to happen, but you have to put safety first sometimes.). Then around 4:45, News 4 reported that NYC Public Schools would be closed. It totally made sense, but that info was nowhere to be found online. I didn't let myself relax and go back to sleep until I got the official email and saw the official word on the DoE website.

I'm thinking I will switch up my training plan and do XT (strength and cardio) today then hit the gym tomorrow after school to run on the treadmill. I suspect the gym will be pretty dead today, but I don't feel like a workout before the workout climbing over the snowbanks and stuff.

Hope everyone has a great day!!

~beth

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi everyone! Well my chocolate cake kind of turned out - I used a bundt pan and it got stuck. The top half stayed stuck in the pan. It was a non-stick pan and I still used butter and flour to coat it but it just wouldn't come out. I waited about 20 minutes for it to cool down and it was moving. I think maybe I didn't use enough butter on the pan. Oh well, I still have half a cake so it just looks like a giant donut I'm only disappointed because it was a flower shaped pan so I don't get any of the pretty design.

Mary - I marinate my shrimp in an olive oil, lemon, garlic, salt and pepper mixture. I don't remember the exact portions of each because I just free pour. Have a great workout on the TM!

Kim - I bring my lunch almost everyday as well. It's a great money saver too. I usually have lunch out once a week as a treat though. What did you pack? I'm always looking for new ideas Oh yeah and I'll be praying for a snowstorm in February too!

Elizabeth - You and your running partner sound a lot like what happened to my running partner and I in January. We both got injured but still managed to make it through. Don't worry too much about it - just take it easy and remember that it's better to do a race undertrained and uninjured. at the chocolate cake! I hope it's a good cake

Dave - Dinner sounds yummy! Are we invited? Have a great pool workout! Any plans to come up to Canada for a race this year?

Have a great day everyone!

 

[wilbur]

Good Afternoon Team!

Mary, We use the same recipe idea as Vicky for our shrimp. They don't need to be marinated for very long. Saute & serve over rice or mix with pasta. Use the same in the summer. Put on wooden skewers & grill.

Beth, Never had a snow day in my whole life. Even as a kid. We are still expected to come to work. If you want to take the day you have to use a vacation day.

Vicky, I'm a chocoholic. Chocolate cake with icing wouldn't be my 1st choice though. My mom makes an outstanding choc. pie. made with choc. pudding. & also a fabulous choc cheesecake.

I made it out for a 5m run last night. The 1st one in 2 1/2 wks. Felt good. Would have liked to have gone farther but most of the sidewalks were still snow covered. Taking tonight off. Spin tomorrow night & skiiing on Sat.

Have a good evening everyone..........Sue

 

[verticalchaos]

Sue ~ I had them occasionally growing up simply because in the south they don't budget a lot for snow removal as it's hard to justify it for what is usually maybe one or two storms a season (but sometimes was more or worse). And since we were bussed to school, they had to take that into consideration - the road conditions. Here in NYC it's a lot more rare because so many kids are in neighborhood schools. There are still some (mainly special ed kids) who are bussed, but it's rare that we get out because of all the public transportation options here. Today, however, it was really impossible as the MTA was not running any buses until they started limited runs around 9am, and the subways were having their own issues, and that would have made it impossible not only for some kids to get to school but also and more importantly for enough teachers to get in to make it safe. When the city was basically at a standstill, he didn't have a choice. I'm sure we'll be in tomorrow though.

Vicky ~ Too bad about the pretty flower pattern! I'd take the cake and crumble it into a bowl, warm it up, and put ice cream on it! YUM! I'm sure it tastes delicious!!

Mary ~ Hope the time with the treadmill wasn't too bad!

I ended up doing Jillian's Banish Fat Boost Metabolism a little while ago. I pushed HARD. She would have been proud were she standing in my living room...I almost puked twice! And that's doing butt kicks instead of cross countries. Cross country skiing - even simulated - is not one of my gifts! I could never do the NordicTrac either. Three different trainers at the Y I belonged to for a while tried to teach me. I may be a dancer at times, but I am not cross-country coordinated!

Dinner's going to be Trader Joe's chicken and spinach white lasagne. Hope it's good - first time I've tried it.

Have a great evening everyone!

~beth

 

[es45]

Hello, everyone,

Today I'm celebrating 15 years of marriage to a great guy that I've known for over 25. We knew each other in high school but only dated once or twice. We met up again in college and something just clicked. It's been a great 15 years.

Money is tight since my DH lost his job due to company bankruptcy. He recently enrolled in evening classes to keep his engineering skills sharp. Night class and limited funds means there was no big celebration out. Our DD9 and DD7 made us a lovely dinner of frozen chicken potpie, salad, and chocolate cake that had some little girl finger swipes all through the icing. They decorated the table with paper flowers and cards that they made. Without a doubt, it was the best anniversary dinner that I have ever had.

 

[verticalchaos]

Hello, everyone,

Today I'm celebrating 15 years of marriage to a great guy that I've known for over 25. We knew each other in high school but only dated once or twice. We met up again in college and something just clicked. It's been a great 15 years.

Money is tight since my DH lost his job due to company bankruptcy. He recently enrolled in evening classes to keep his engineering skills sharp. Night class and limited funds means there was no big celebration out. Our DD9 and DD7 made us a lovely dinner of frozen chicken potpie, salad, and chocolate cake that had some little girl finger swipes all through the icing. They decorated the table with paper flowers and cards that they made. Without a doubt, it was the best anniversary dinner that I have ever had.

Happy anniversary!!

 

[Piglet24]

Happy Anniversary Elizabeth!!!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi team! Happy Friday! Anyone have plans for the weekend? I'm going for brunch on Saturday and then trying to figure out a way to organize my race medals. I know the easiest thing to do would be to hang them up but I'm thinking maybe I'll do a bit of scrapbooking and put them into a binder along with my bibs and a course map (if they're still available online).

I'm going to head to the gym tomorrow morning and hop on the spin bike and walk on TM too. I haven't been getting in any cardio so I'm feeling a bit loafish.

Beth - I like the ice cream idea! Someone else at work suggested soaking the cake in a sherry or Medina and adding custard and berries to it to make a black forest triffle. Sounds like a yummy dinner! I've travelled to NYC and DC several times but never made it to a Trader Joes. How's the noisy neighbour? Has she settled down?

Elizabeth - Happy anniversary! That was so sweet of your girls to plan a dinner for you and DH! I can't imagine a nicer way to spend an anniversary! Congrats on your 15 year milestone

Sue - I'm a total chocoholic too! I love the oat fudge bars from Starbucks and the chocolate cheesecake sounds like a great idea for my next project! Notice how nice and clear the sidewalks are downtown? We need more foot traffic in the burbs... WTG on your 5 miler! What's your LR like this weekend? Are you following the ATB training plan that's on the site?

Have a great day everyone!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Weekend Racers ​

Good luck on your 5K Gerry! Can't wait to hear your RR!


January
29 - Dick Batchelor Run for the Children 5k, Orlando, FL - Gerry

 

[wilbur]

Happy Friday Team!

Elizabeth, Happy Anniversary! Sounds like you had a wonderful evening.

Gerry, Good Luck with your race this weekend.

Vicky, I have so many projects around the house to do. One being organizing race medals/ bibs etc. Just no time.
Don't ask about ATB. I'm regretting signing up. I don't have plans to run this weekend but will need to get serious about training starting next week.
Enjoy your Sat. brunch.

Beth, Did you make it to school today? or are you still snowed in.

Have a great weekend everyone............Sue

 

[Motomiker]

Hi Team,

Vicky, you are wicked, now I want chocolate cake! Two more races for the list:

May 1st Great Western Half marathon, St Charles IL

Aug 14th Chicago Rock and Roll Half, Chicago IL

Elizabeth, Happy Anniversary to you and your husband!

Gerry, Good luck in your race!

Nikki, Are you doing the Grand Rapids half on Oct 16th? We might sign up!

AFM~ Got scheduled eleven days in a row at work again, GGrrrrr! Killing my motivation to train. Currently I am listening to Liz and Robert watch Sleeping Beauty in the other room. Love the music!
Also, I just found out that the EPCOT flower and garden festival is going on while I am there for the Everest Challenge! I've always wanted to go to it, and as an added bonus, Davy Jones (from the Monkees) will be doing concerts all weekend! I would love to meet him! I'm stoked!

Train on, Mike

 

[Pudge_The_Fish]

Hello Team!

Vicky/Kim - I'm sorry you are missing the princess this year.

Regina - I'm doing the Rose Bowl 5k on Feb 6th. I've haven't signed up for anything else yet. But I'm probably going to do the Pasadena 10k in May and maybe a 5k in March or April.

Elizabeth - Happy Anniversary!

Gerry - Good luck at your race!

AFM - No plans for the weekend, except to go for a couple runs. We don't have a washer/ dryer in our apartment, so I'm waiting for the laundry room to open up so I can finally wash some clothes.

Have a great weekend,
Emily

 

[verticalchaos]

Hey guys!

Quick check in before going out with running club friends.

Sue ~ Yes, of course we went to school. Never mind that the streets and sidewalks were horrendous. We went. Joy.

Vicky ~ The noisy neighbor has pretty much settled down. The other night someone in the building that adjoins ours was rather noisy (apparently the soundproofing has slipped a little) while, um, yeah... But it was humorous - to the point I thought there was a chihuahua around. When she quieted down, I heard laughing in the apartment behind me, so I think she now gets how sound carries.

Good luck Gerry!!

Emily ~ Ah laundry. I wish we had in-buliding. Sadly I will have to go through the slush on Sunday. I've put it off long enough.

Mike ~ Very cool! Enjoy the Flowers!!

Moi?
Went for a run at the gym today - even with ridiculously tight calf muscles. No clue why, but I'm going to get some OJ on the way to the bar and get some potassium in me because feet and such have been crampy. Yuck! But the gym was good. I don't really mind it.

Have a good night!

~beth

 

[windwalker]

We are getting a break in the weather this weekend before the next storm hits. Sall and I are off for a mall walk today and another tomorrow but on monday we are going to try to do our walk at the Mamouth Cave trails.

When spring finally comes I'm planning to take Sally to Gatlinburg for some hill and trail training. It's a great area for walking and of course eating amazing food. Mike you should look at that as a vacation sport sometime, very inexpensive during the off season.

Have a magical day y'all.

Dave