Hakuna Matada - Let's March!

[verticalchaos]

I had a blast at the Coogan's 5K!!!

My RR is here!

Hope everyone's having a good day!!

~beth

 

[windwalker]

I've been having some life issues and a case of the flu, but I'll be back training and feeling it again soon.

Dave

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Beth - congrats on a run without knee problems!

Mary - have fun in Denver!

Dave - good to see you here!

AFM - Lazy weekend exercise wise anyway. We went to a fundraiser dinner on Friday night - so that really blew the diet - but ate well the rest of the weekend. On Saturday the dogs got their walk but that was it. Sunday I was going to try to make up for Saturday, but our hot water heater decided it was not going to work (it is a tankless heater - so the fix is not just yank out old heater and replace with a new one) - I did get ahold of the plumber who said he would be here sometime today - he told us a few things to check, and Scott found some information on the internet about flushing the heater with vinegar (hard water). So we ended up with 2 trips to the store to rig up a sump pump to flush out the system. After several hours, we finally got the sump pump system working, and flushed out heater for an hour. When we tried it again, it now sounds like it is trying to light the gas (before nothing), but gas still will will not light - so it is now up to the plumber. We are just hoping that we will not have to replace the unit - they are rather pricey! Anyway, since I am stuck home today waiting for plumber to call - I should have no excuses not to get some good exercise in! Snow overnight, and high of 25 degrees today, so dogs may have to forgo their walk today.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[Saylan]

Hi Team! Sorry I've been late to post. Lots of post-trip stuff to do.

As a couple of you already know, I managed to finish the Princess Half! I was really excited. I'm working on a RR so I'll post that in a bit, but I wanted to share. And congrats to my fellow Princess, Elizabeth!

Total steps taken during the Princess: 20,100-something.

I really want to do it again next year (and some other times this year) so now I have to start picking other races.

My big toes appear to be bruised (which only showed up about a week later) so now it's a little tender to walk.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Monday everyone!

Saylan - Congrats on your first half! How do you feel after having run your first race? How did DBF like Disney? It was his first trip there? Check out some of the races in the Toronto area! There's a 1/2 that I'm thinking of for September (now that Scotia's moved to October) called the Island Girl 1/2. It's a half marathon run on Center Island. The Midsummer Night's Run in August is also a lot of fun! Hope your big toe is okay! Might want to get it checked out and to see that everything's okay.

Lynn - Hope the plumber makes it to your house today and the repairs aren't too expensive. Sounds like you guys got the same snow we did on the weekend! Hard to believe that it's March with such chilly temperatures! Your pups must be loving the cold weather though!

Dave - Life just takes over sometimes! Glad to see you back! Loved your FB post on rediscovering the magic in your life. So I'm on the lookout for something magical today

Beth - Congrats on your 5K PR! Especially on a hilly course in rainy weather! Awesome!! Loved that they had a variety of musical bands out I usually keep my phone and cash in a snack size Ziplock bag in my pouch - so if it rains it stays dry and it keeps the sweat and moisture out anyway. Also glad to hear your knee is doing better!!

MaryJ - Hope you have a great trip to Vegas! Are you and Ken going to be working most of the trip or will you guys have a chance to sightsee and maybe go to a show? We had a lot of rain over the weekend too! I was hoping it would wash the snow away but we just had more of the white stuff on Sunday Come on spring!

Gerry - Hope your surgery went well! Keep us posted

Kim - I'm trying to convince someone else at the gym to sign up for the Mercedes Benz 10K too Congrats on the new car!!

Regina - I had a big long email for you and then my computer crashed Grr!!! Just in case you're wondering where that was ... How's DH doing? Any word on where you're relocating too? How's the house selling going?

AFM - I ran again on Saturday doing 4:1 intervals. They're still pretty tough cardio-wise and I'm not much for running on the TM but I keep reminding myself I'm working into things s-l-o-w-l-y

Eating was pretty much on track - I stayed low sugar and didn't overeat. And I did it while going out to brunch with some friends. Met someone there who use to work for the same company but she was out in Ottawa. We talked on the phone before and through email but hadn't met in person until now. She was telling me about the tulip festival in May so I might just have to take a trip to Ottawa ... but I'm still wanting to go out to DC or NYC too. There just aren't enough vacation days (or money but that's a different story )!

Just wanted to pick your brains for some ideas -- what are some of the cooler things you've seen done at races? At Disney, they have the high school bands and performers on trampolines... for the Scotiabank marathon in Toronto, they have neighbourhood cheer squads. I'm trying to give my friend some ideas because she's involved organizing a race. And potentially I hope to see if she can help with my job search... So if you have any ideas, send them my way

Have a great day!

 

[Saylan]

Vicky: I loved it! I'd only done treadmill running, so running outside was a big change. I found my run intervals were much faster than I was expecting. I thought I had been doing 5.5 mph but I wound up doing 7-8 mph instead. And the Timex watch worked perfectly.

It was his first trip there. He had a great time. I think in the future we'll have some scheduled days off because taking him to the parks 7 days in a row really wore on him. We both tried things we never thought we'd do (Rock'n Roller coaster was new for me) and he discovered he LOVES African food. He even did a status update about Boma (he updates FB maybe 4 times a year, lol).

I want to run more, especially Disney races, are the ones in Toronto similar in atmosphere or are they more intense? I liked the laid back fun feeling of the race.

I'm going to try and get into see my pedorthist this week or next since he wanted me to stop by anyways, but maybe he can tell me more about my bruised toesies. I dunno what the black toenails of doom look like but I'm hoping this is different! Though I wonder, if in-grown toenails fall off, do they grow back ingrown?

I totally second going to Ottawa. We went in early June and it was great. It's a nice place to visit, for sure. I wish we had more money and time for vacations. Oh, lottery, when will I win thee?

They had clowns on stilts this time too, at the race. Honestly, the thing I remembered most was the very charismatic DJ at the underpass going into the MK. He played classic music (Fresh Prince, Spice Girls, etc.) and every time we drove under that pass on the bus, I started singing "shake it to the left, if you've having a good time..." much to by DBF's embarassment! I think if your friend can find good charismatic people, regardless of what they do, it'll be a hit!

 

[Motomiker]

Hi Team,

I found the March thread and thought I would check in. It looks like everyone is doing well with some fun races completed! Congrats to all the finishers! Things have been busy here as always.
I have two more races for the calendar:

August 20th- Madison Mini Marathon (Half), Madison WI - Mike
October 9th- Chicago Marathon, Chicago IL - Mike and Liz

We found a hotel room in downtown Chicago for race weekend and plan on spending some quality time at the race expo and a visit to Navy Pier to ride the ferris wheel. We are also doing some serious thinking about booking the Carribean Marathon cruise in February next year. It means airfare to Puerto Rico and new passports, so it would be pretty expensive. Still noodling it!

We got a huge bonus at work, so we spent a portion on a new road bike for Liz.
She got a Giant, Avail 3 that is white, blue and silver. She wanted something better for the triathlons that she does.

I've fit some training in when I've been able. I ran five miles on Friday, and rode a spin bike at the gym for two hours yesterday.

-Mike

 

[verticalchaos]

Hi team!!

Sounds like people are generally doing well! Yay!!

Mike ~ Great job on the workouts! Enjoy Chicago! I will do that one one of these years!

Saylan ~ My guess is the toes are one of two things... A) You need to tighten up the laces at the top of your shoes - towards your toes. Or B) You need to up the size by a half or whole size. Good luck!

Oh the horror to my ears to hear Spice Girls, etc. listed as "classic" music. I must really be getting old.

Vicky ~ Not sure what kind of theme your friend is going for, but I loved the variety we had at Coogan's - it really was everything from Brazilian drums to a full-out Irish band to individuals, a fife and drum corps, and brass groups. I personally LOVED the variety - if you didn't care for one, it was just more incentive to go faster to get to the next one. Hee!

Lynn ~ Hope things went ok with the plumber!!

Dave ~ Feel better soon!!

I'm going to try and get in a run this afternoon - we'll see what the legs do. I'm taking an earlier entrance to Prospect Park so if they are protesting (three days in a row? seriously?) too badly I have an early bail-out point.

I'm psyched! I was able to use my Delta miles (I thought they had expired and was only looking to see how many my Florence trip got me) plus $5 in fees to get a round trip ticket home for Spring Break!! WOOHOO!!! And tonight it looks like I'll be booking my flight to LA for the Disneyland Half using my Continental miles and $7.50!! (I'll be on United, but that's ok.) Score!!!! That means it's FAR more likely that I'm going to be able to do the Wine and Dine since I'll just have to pay the race fee and airfare - I'll crash with my sister, especially now that Allegra is non-scrip! That's the allergy med I've responded to the best, but with all the former scrip meds going non-scrip, my insurance refused to pay for Allegra in spite of tests proving it works best for me.

Hope everyone has a great day!!

~beth

 

[Saylan]

Beth: Yeah, classic might not have been the right words. It was a great memory though and it was music I could cheer to.

My shoes are already much bigger than normal (I had to go up a size when I bought them) so it's probably the lacing. I didnt' go as tight due to the ankle pain I'd had the weeks prior. Also, my foot has a deposit on it that makes tight shoe laces hurt beyond belief.

Are bruised toes (under the toenails) the same thing as the black, soon-to-fall-off toenails? I don't really want to lose them any time soon, though with the brisk -12 degree temps right now, they don't feel great as it is. The cold makes them hurt SO MUCH more!

 

[verticalchaos]

That's been my experience...though my nail still hasn't fallen off...it's just kind of thick.

Runners World's website has some videos on tying shoes for different issues. I'll try to find the link later.

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Vicky - Plumber has part ordered - hopefully in today and hopefully that will fix it! Dogs do enjoy the cold weather and the snow!

Saylan - Congrats on your Princess finish!

Beth - I was thinking the same thing about “Spice Girls” being considered “classic”

Dave - Hope you can knock your illness with your days off!

Mike - Nice on the bonus and congrats to Liz for a new bike!

AFM - I managed to get in some weights and 45 min of cycling yesterday - the plumber was here from 8am to 11am, so I spent that time hanging around in the basement (doing a bit of cleaning) - and the result was they ordered a part which they hope will fix it - so - I also need to hang around at home today in hopes they will show up with the part and get it fixed. We did not get the 4 inches of snow we were supposed to get last night, so today will just be cold(20 degrees) - but it will be back in the 50’s by the end of the week.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[Saylan]

Beth: Greeeeeeeat... I loved you toenails. I will miss you... My DBF tried to cheer me up by saying he lost his when he accidentally ripped them out by catching them on a door... Somehow that didn't really do much to make me feel better.

Lynn: Thanks! It was a wonderful time!

It's frustrating waiting for repairs! I hope the plumber gets the things he needs so it's fixed and you don't have to wait around anymore.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi team! Thanks for the race ideas!

Saylan - I've lost a couple of toenails before. I've only had one that fell off. But if you're giving yourself a pedicure, just paint over it My new toenails grew in nicer than what I had originally but I trim my nails every few weeks to try and avoid the ingrown problem. If it makes you feel any better - I've seen a couple of shirts at races that say "Toenails are for sissies"

The Toronto ones don't have the same atmosphere at the Disney races but I have yet to find a race that does! Midsummer Night's might be similar to the Princess in that a lot of people get dressed up like fairy and other characters. The Toronto Zoo run is not my favourite but people get dressed up like animals too.

Yeah, I need that winning lotto ticket too!

Beth - Nice score on the plane ticket! I also laughed at the "classic" music comment too Oh boy Sorry to hear about the meds! I have had that happen a couple of times to me as well. A generic version will be released which doesn't work quite the same as the brand name and insurance refuses to cover the brand name because the generic version is cheaper.

Lynn - That's great news on the plumbing work! I can't imagine what it's like not having hot water in the winter. The weather is warming up here as well. I'm looking forward to putting my winter coat away Good job on the workout!

Mike - Yay for the bonus! We get one bonus a year that's it Boo! You totally deserve it for working all the hours you do! How's the new bike working out for Liz? Will get you added to the race calendar. How's your mom doing? Any news on her eyes?

AFM - Did a half hour workout last night but not quite what I wanted. My chiro wanted to do a bit more accupuncture on my ankle since I am starting to run again. So afterward the treatment, no workout. She sent me to the change room with some ice LOL So I showered, sat in my robe, iced, watched TV and relaxed for about 45 minutes. Actually, that was probably one of the only ways I was going to sit still for that long. When I ice at home, I always get antsy and end up walking around.

I'm planning to workout again tonight - will probably just do the spin bike, my pushups and some other weight exercises. Eating is going well - I'm down 2lbs since I've gone low sugar. I feel like that number should be higher but without the running, I'm not as active as I should be. But a loss is a loss so I'll take it!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Saylan - yes, waiting for repairs can be frustrating - at least I am "retired" so I do not have to take off work to wait for folks, and I have been able to plan my days around the plumber.

Vicky - Take care of the ankle - I can sit in front of the TV with ice, or read a book.

AFM - the saga continues - the part the plumber came with yesterday did not fix the hot water heater - 2 more parts ordered overnight and should show up this afternoon. The positive side is that the heater is still under warrantee, so I am not paying for parts - just labor I have been heating up water on the stove to wash dishes and my body. If it does not get fixed tonight, I will be washing my hair in the sink with water from the stove - or I might break down and do that today anyway. As long as I keep it up in a pony tail and do not have to go out anywhere, I will not have to think about it.

Weather is getting better here, should be up into the 50's today, if windy. Yesterday I made it out with the dogs, did not seem as cold as it was. I got a bit of bike riding in downstairs, but not as much as I should have. Today weights, Pilates tape and dog walk are on the schedule, as well as cleaning the house.

Pixie Dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[Saylan]

Vicky: Oh I miss the days of painting my nails. When I worked in Uni, I had a job that prevented me from painting my fingernails (though I kept them long) and now I just never can get back into it.

I'll have to look into some of the Toronto races. I just noticed there's a Warrior's Dash in Barrie and that looks pretty exciting. I bet I could convince DBF to do it since it's 'manly'. Apparently tutus and tiaras are a no-go in his book.

If you find that winning lotto ticket, don't forget us little people!

Lynn: Ugh, I'd hate to have no hot water that long. We had no heat once in winter and that was bad enough. My dad is a 'plumber' (aka a DIYer with no training) and so we'd had our share of no water/lights/etc days. I hope it's fixed soon cause even if you're not paying for all of it, you're paying for it in inconvenience!

AFM: I finally signed up for the Disneyland Half to try for my Coast-2-Coast medal! I was debating and balking but when the reg jumped another 3% over night, I chose not to wait. If I can't do it for some reason, I'm out 160 but if I can, I won't have to feel bad about missing out cause it filled up. Plus, my birthday is the Monday so I'm treating this as an early birthday gift to myself (cause flying back on my birthday is not going to be fun).

DBF is wanting to do it too but he's not sure he can afford the reg fees right now. I hope we can figure something out so he can go and see how much fun a Disney race can be. He's never been a runner, so this will give him a new challenge (and maybe I'll get a running buddy who isn't cranky when I drag him to the LRS for supplies).

 

[windwalker]

Good morning guys.

Lynn I had been thinking about converting to one of those tankless systems eventually but after listening your your problems I'm reconsidering.

I'm undecided about my future in Disney races, the cost of the races and the cost of the vacation in general isn't going to fit in my budget for a while so I may have to bow out for a year or two.

Sally starts a new temp job this morning, still nothing full time yet and this is the first temp gig that has come through for a couple of months. Hopefully the job market here will get better this year so we can get back to having fun money.

I still can't talk from coughing so much but hopefully by tomorrow I'll have my voice back. Feeling pretty good except for that.

Dave

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Saylan - we should see if we can meet up for Disneyland Half - I do not know yet if we are going to race, or volunteer. I think the last idea was to race the 5K but volunteer for the half. But we already have hotel reservations, so we will be there.

Dave - hot water heater does save on money - it has worked fine for 5 years - the problem is that it is not an easy fix - like a regular hot water heater would be (tear it out and install a new one - we did that often enough in Jackson). Good luck to Sally on her temp job! Hope you feel better soon - more Pixie Dust for your speedy recovery!

AFM - No exercise yesterday, spent the whole day cleaning house! We are having a party on Saturday, and I am having gum surgery this morning - did not know how bad I would feel after surgery, so decided to get all the cleaning in early. Still no hot water - guess parts did not come in yesterday - will see what happens today. NOw off to wash my hair in kitchen sink with water heated on the stove It has not been bad without hot water, I don't use it alot anyway - just for showers and washing dishes (of course, I did not get laundry done this week - but that can wait), so I have been relegated to sponge baths in the sink, heating up water to wash dishes (again, the dish washer is nearly full, so I will soon have to wash more dishes if I want to eat). I have been putting off washing my hair - more difficult now that it is long again. Hopefully, I will not be in too much pain after oral surgery and I can get some exercise in today!

Pixie Dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi team! Well I had an interesting start to the day. It's really slushy and rainy here in Toronto and so in my rush to get to the bus, I slipped and fell into a puddle - I actually had a change of clothes with me but didn't think I'd make it downtown with a big wet spot on my jacket or on my pants so I went home to change. Then in the elevator up to my office, our construction manager (not realizing who else was in the elevator with us) says "Working executive hours huh? How come you're so late today?" One of our regional VPs was there so I had to tell the entire elevator car about falling into the puddle

Dave - Definitely agree that Disney races are getting expensive. I'm still undecided about 2012 - if I go it's only because of the WISH team. Congrats to Sally on her temp job! I hope it works out for her.

Saylan - After this morning, I'm going to go and buy a lottery ticket That's awesome that you've signed up for DL! I looked at the airfare last year to LA and it was pricey. I saw the Warrior Dash race too! I'm thinking about it but do they give you access to showers so that you don't have to drive home muddy.

Lynn - Yikes on the hot water, I was going to say maybe this means more bubble baths or something like that. That must be frustrating but hopefully the parts come in this afternoon. I would probably just end up showering at my gym or wearing my running cap.

AFM - I went to the gym last night in spite of the slushy weather. I got in 45 minutes of cardio - 20 running intervals and 25 on the spin bike. I tried to run at 10:55 m/m but I started to feel something pulling on my ankle/heel so I slowed down. So right now, I'm stuck at 11:19 m/m - it's a little frustrating because I'd like to run faster but I always remind myself that it's better than no running at all. I've got a 30 min training session tonight, new trainer at the downtown location. It should be interesting!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Saylan]

Lynn: that'd be pretty cool! Are you really familiar with the race and the resort? I'm still figuring out what hotels to look at and how to find the best air fares. This trip is almost more complicated than planning a WDW trip.

I hope your surgery goes well. You seem a lot more calm and collected than I would be.

AFM: I had a blah-ish day yesterday. My DBF can't decide if he wishes to run the DL half or not. We've been discussing the Chara hit in the last Canadiens/Bruins game and he says I'm over-reacting (yet he's the one who showed it to me?!?) when I say that something should have been done to Chara. You couldn't pay me enough to be a hockey player in today's world.

 

[windwalker]

Lynn good luck with the surgery. Hope your water heater issues are over soon.

Vicky, that's a bummer falling in a puddle. Are you guys having an unusually wet year? We are getting a lot of rain but no flooding here, I'm watching the news and a lot of the country is having floods.

I'm feeling pretty good, rested anyway. Still no voice but hopeful.

I'll find out tonight when she gets off all the details of Sally's temp job.

Dave