Hakuna Matata - April...and we're not foolin' around!

[RunRookie]

You are getting in a ton of mileage! WTG! Glad to hear the Newtons are working out for you! Are those the shoes that have the springs in them? Were you worried about stepping on anything sharp when you were running barefoot? I know it was on the grass ...

Yeah, right? I never thought I could go 41 miles and still be able to move afterwards. The next few weeks will be less mileage as i will be tapering towards the Illinois 5K & Half Marathon. I have a "hilly" 10K this Sunday also -- I don't like hills but I figured I would give it a go.

Yeah, the Newtons have the 'lugs' in the midfoot area. I do not think they are springs, just a springy kind of rubber that helps your 'step off'. It encourages a midfoot strike, which is my running style anyways. I really like this natural running form class.

The barefoot running drills on the grass was fun, but I was a little worried at first. Like you said, I was worried I would step on something sharp or hard like an acorn (or even worse, some poop!). But, thankfully nothing like that occurred. You can really feel your feet adjust to the contours of the grass when you run barefoot. It was really interesting. I would be too scared to run barefoot anywhere else though!

 

[KippWade]

Piglet24 - I have dislocated my right shoulder 3 times in my life so far. Once in a sledding accident when I was about 10.
The next time was in High School gym, we were doing gymnastics. On the rings there is a move called Dislocate. Anyone that has ever dislocated a shoulder should not try this move. We didn't know this at the time. To make matters worse, I landed on that shoulder too.
Last time was in '95. Dad and I were tooling around in his Sand Rail (dune buggy) and went over a dune that had no back side! When we came down, you guessed it, my shoulder went right into the sand and popped out.

Since this shoulder is now very weak, I tend to favor my left in doing anything heavy. So if I don't do my exercises regularly, my neck and shoulder muscle on the right side will lock up basically. It tends to be very painful and I'm not able to turn my head to the right very well.

I still don't know if the 10K is timed or not. Again, I'm thinking of using it either way to see how I'm doing.

bunnyfoo - Rick has been talking about this recently. So I started looking into it. From looking at my historical pace times, I see that I don't keep good pace on my own at all. So I found some downloadable podcasts from a place called podrunner. They have one series geared towards running a 10K, so I picked some of those to try out. They've set up intervals where it has a slow segment then a quicker segment. The Slow or Walking segments had music beats at 134BMP while the faster segments were at 154BPM. It really helped me focus on the run and I turned in my most consistent pace times ever! On the treadmill, I'm just a slave to whatever speed I set it to, so what music I'm listening to really doesn't matter. I've even gotten a tablet to watch movies on when I'm doing longer runs on the treadmill-o-doom (the nickname I've given to my TM). I run with only one earbud in while I'm running outside, usually with the left one in, as I'm running against traffic so House side is left and road side is right.

AFM - Had a nice relaxing Easter yesterday. Mowed the lawn (not the relaxing part of the day), did laundry. Mom fixed us a "ready to carve" turkey breast, baked beans and potato salad. No seconds! Mom also correctly portioned out the food too. No pigging out.

We then watched Marry Poppins and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, both of which we'd not seen in a very long time. (*sniff* Feed the Birds will always make me think of Walt after watching the clip from the Sherman Brothers about the song)

 

[rubato]

We then watched Marry Poppins and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, both of which we'd not seen in a very long time. (*sniff* Feed the Birds will always make me think of Walt after watching the clip from the Sherman Brothers about the song)

Kipp: We watched Mary Poppins too! I was on IMDB while we were watching it because I just couldn't believe that Julie Andrews was 29 years old when she made the movie. So, I was reading about how much Walt loved the song and it really made it even more touching.

Boy, your mom is good! I will be portioning everything out from now on.
Treadmill of Doom is a good name. Just can't stand that thing!

Rick: I have a love/hate relationship with hills. I hate them while I'm doing them and I love them when I've finished! Pitbull is great because everything's hip hop speed but with a latin flair which I LOVE! We do a lot of his songs in zumba. I'm just glad most of them are in spanish, because the ones in english are kind of dirty.
Well, the Episcopalians are definity represented in our little group, huh. I married in, but consider myself a lifelonger because I wasn't a believer as a child.

Vicky: I'm sorry about your finger. That's not a fun cut. I've grated my finger many times. I got a nice, super sharp German knife for Christmas this year and managed to cut myself in the same place three different times. Let's just say the tip of my pointer finger is now nothing but scar tissue!

I don't think your extra 290 calories comes even close to what I did on Sunday, but thanks for trying to empathize! We're talking 100-1500 extra calories. But, it's okay. I'll make it up this week.

AFM: I got my 2nd letter from the college today. I got the scholarship! This has been an awesome weekend! I just need to get a few pieces of paperwork in, and the scholarship starts for the fall semester.

I'm taking 3 classes this summer, honors social problems, honors psychology and human development. Only 5 credit hours which is going to be such a breeze compared to what I've been doing.

Only got a walk in today. I just didn't have any interest in running. I went to zumba tonight to make up for it. I did 5 or 6 hours of algebra. I don't know why I ever thought that I liked math!

 

[RunRookie]

Kipp: We watched Mary Poppins too! I was on IMDB while we were watching it because I just couldn't believe that Julie Andrews was 29 years old when she made the movie. So, I was reading about how much Walt loved the song and it really made it even more touching.

AFM: I got my 2nd letter from the college today. I got the scholarship! This has been an awesome weekend! I just need to get a few pieces of paperwork in, and the scholarship starts for the fall semester.

Kipp: My daughter and I used to watch Mary Poppins all the time when she was 2.5-4yrs old. We loved it! I, too, remember listening to the Sherman interview on the soundtrack when he spoke about Walt's love for that song. I actually met Mr. Sherman two years ago during an interview With him about the new Mary Poppins musical that opened in Chicago. He had written some new music for the show. (I was running the audio and video equipment for the interview). He is a class act!

Tandy: Congratulations once again on getting the scholarship! You are on fire! I just think that is awesome, and certainly bodes well for your future as the Head Nurse somewhere!

 

[windwalker]

Good morning Team.

I'm headed out for a training walk, the last 3 days have been easy days and it's time to get after it again.

Is anyone else doing the Indy half on the 5th of May? We are going to do the 5K as a warm up then rocking the half for PRs. The course is supposed to be flat so it will be a good chance to lower the PR time.

Have an awesome day y'all.

Dave

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

We are back from the Disney Fantasy Maiden Voyage, it was fantastic, it was great to see some of our DIS running group on the ship also (Steph and Greg (fundulae) and Paul).

I may not get the time to catch up, the next 2 weeks are going to be really busy - may not have a lot of "computer time". Came back home to decent weather, will see if we can get out on bikes today, but will get lots of stair climbing in with unpacking and laundry.

Pixie Dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[RunRookie]

Just finished my registration for the Family 5K! So now I am "all in" for the Dopey!

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Trying to get back into a routine, got in a good 12 mile bike ride yesterday, weather not looking good for next few days, today is wet and windy, tomorrow is supposed to be windy also, then it gets cold, temps steadily going down to low of 40F by Monday

Pixie Dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day all!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi everyone!

Lynn - Welcome back! I can't wait to hear more about your trip. Did Disney do anything special since you were on thei inaugral sailing? I hope the weather improves - windy, wet and cold is no fun! Hope your pups are doing well

Eva - How's the recovery going? Are you back at work?

Rick - Wow! Dopey! That is awesome Is DS going to run any of the races with you next year?

I was thinking more of syringes or broken glass. Needles and blood make me feel squeemish. Poop I could deal with Could you practice your barefoot running on the TM at the gym?

Dave - Is Indy your next race?

Tandy - Congrats on your scholarship! That is fantastic news Does it cover tuition and books for the semester?

Yikes! I usually get myself with the grater or zester because they're so sharp. I tend to be a bit more careful with knives but only because I know I don't have any knife skills Oh and don't put any of your Kitchen Aid mixer things in the dishwasher. I put my beater attachment in there the other day ... Its not dishwasher safe

When do you leave for your Europe trip? Did you decide whether Harrison can go on the cruise with your parents?

Kipp - That was an interesting post about BPM. I'm going to check out the Podrunner site when I get home. It doesn't open at work. Did you ever figure out where the rooster came from?

AFM - I did a short 3 miler on Monday but felt tired and had some shin pain. So it was a slow run but I got it done. I was at the gym yesterday and did a mix of weights, deadlifting and other metabolic exercises.

The eating has been going well lately. I'm managing to eat clean most of the time. A lot of stuff that I blog about, I do give a lot of it away. Otherwise I'd end up eating most of it. I'm also trying to incorporate more protein into my diet. I can generally get in about 70-75 g on an average day and then some days I end up closer to 100 g. I'm hoping to get rid of a couple more pounds before my half in May and then hopefully the rest will be gone by the time I go to DL in September.

Let me know if I missed anyone on the race calendar. I know registration opened yesterday

 

[RunRookie]

Wow! Dopey! That is awesome Is DS going to run any of the races with you next year?

I was thinking more of syringes or broken glass. Needles and blood make me feel squeemish. Poop I could deal with Could you practice your barefoot running on the TM at the gym?

Ryan will definitely be running the Family 5K. Depending upon how Christi is by then, I am hoping she and I can 'walk' the 5K and let Ryan either walk with us or go running with Mike and his DS. If she can't walk with us, then Ryan and I will run together with Mike et al.

This park is pretty well managed by the Park District, and there isn't really any gang activity there. So sharps aren't usually found. That's a scary thought though! We walk the length of grass we do drills in before we start, so hopefully we will see stuff like that beforehand so we can move to a better spot.

I don't know how it will feel to run barefoot on the TM (with the moving belt and all). The grass actually feels good on my feet (yesterday at my class, we ran in our socks because it was around 45 degrees outside).

Our coach said you only have to run a small fraction of your weekly mileage 'barefoot' to get the benefits from it. So maybe one mile per week for someone who usually puts in 20-30 miles a week. So I am thinking maybe doing 1 mile worth of drills each week: forward and backward lunges, butt kicks, and strides.

AFM: I put in a 6.58 mile walk this morning on the TM (it was cold outside and I just didn't feel like dealing with it) at a 14:09/mm pace. Felt fine except for getting a hot spot under my right foot (it was already tender from the weekend). But after an hour, it was gone.

I've got a 6-mile training run scheduled for Friday and then my 10K race on Sunday. And maybe a 10-mile Long Walk Sunday evening if I can squeeze in the time (Sunday is jam packed with the race, my last natural running session, church, and a 3-hour afternoon youth planning meeting).

 

[KippWade]

bunnyfoo - LOL! Actually, yes, I did figure out where the rooster came from. One of the houses along the route I run for my overpass actually has a small coop in their back yard. I actually heard the rooster crowing on yesterday's run and that's when I spotted the coop. So the rooster must have gotten loose from there.

AFM - That brings me to yesterdays run! EEesh! It was only 50F when I started my run and wind was gusting up to 23MPH! There were several times where I just about had to stop because the wind was hitting me right in the face and I couldn't breath. I ended up walking most of it and wound up with only 3 miles of mostly walking.

This crazy weather is juts another reminder of how much I want to move to Florida! Anything below 60 any more and I'm just not liking it. Having family (Dad, Step-mom, Aunt, Grandma, step-sister and her kids) down there is also another reason I'd like to be down there.

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Vicky - We had some exceptional entertainment on the cruise, everything ran much smoother than the Maiden Voyage of the Dream. There was plenty of merchandise for everyone. We did have a fireboat leading us out of the channel leaving, but no special receptions at any port. At Cozumel, both the Fantasy and Magic were docked side by side - impressive picture.

Rick - Good luck on your Sunday race!

Kipp - Welcome to the team!

AFM - Spent yesterday doing laundry and unpacking, tonight we are hosting a meeting, so we will be spending the day cleaning the house. Weather was cool and wet yesterday, today is supposed to be clearing, but still cloudy, snow forecast for Sunday thru Tuesday. I knew the warm weather was too good to be true! I hope the lilac buds do not freeze, it is their first year and I would love to see lilacs.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[Villains_Rock]

Hey guys!

Vivky - You are so good about your eating! I wish I were as disciplined as you!! Hopefully once I get back to running I will stop with the binging on junk. I have been trying to eat healthier though. Been making a lot of quinoa dishes to bring to work. Made it with lime and cilantro last week and a mediterranean mix this week. Yummy! Granted I am still eating bucket loads of chocolate as well!

Lynn - Welcome back!! How was your trip? I hope too that your lilacs make it. I do not do well with flowers but I love to try!

Kipp - Welcome to the team!!

Rick - Barefoot running seems like a great idea for you since you are already a midfoot striker you will probably fall into that very well. Its not for me, but I know people who just love it! I'm with Vivky with being scared of sharps and metal and stuff. Scary!!

Dave - How is your training going? I think I saw a new video online? I should look if I have time later. I haven't had much time online this week...

Tandy - Congrats on the nursing scholarship!!! That's awesome!!

Regina - That 14 miles sounds interesting to say the least!! Sounds like some of my past LRs with all of the loops back to the house. How old is Sydney? She is a Golden Doodle right? I heard they are excellent running partners!!

AFM - I am feeling a lot better. Back at work all this week. Blah. Still having a hard time since I can't pick Gage up, but he is learning that piggyback rides are fun! I plan on going out on some trails this weekend to do some hiking and maybe a little running if I feel up to it. Jordan has a long ride planned so we figured that we will head out to the same area and I'll hit the trails. My mom is a bit freaked about me being alone in the woods. Anyone else trail run solo? I don't have any running friends around here so I can't really ask anyone to come with me. I suppose I'll take some mace and stay alert. I really do want to run more trails though this year and possibly run a 50K in the fall if I don't get pregnant before then. Can't run a 50K trail run without running on trails in preparation!!

Anyone follow ultra races? The same guy finished The Barkley two years in a row. That NEVER has happened before!!! Here's a video of the race from a couple years back...it is truly a very creepy and mysterious race and I think this video shows that...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBcYyOous9Y

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Tandy - Congrats on the scholarship!

Eva - Flowers are not my strong point either, lilacs are supposed to grow here, so I am hoping for the best. Glad to hear you are feeling better!

AFM - Cleaned house, finished up unpacking (now need to repack for Hawaii). Today I will get dogs for a walk and get down on the spin bike. Preparing for snow on Sunday - 3-5 inches.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Friday team! It's Friday the 13th is anyone supstitious? I know 13 is considered a lucky number in some cultures.

Lynn - Hawaii? Is this another cruise or DVC trip? Say hi to Jeff When are you leaving? It seems like you and Scott just got back and you're off again!

Eva - A 50K sounds awesome! Do you have a race in mind? Any thoughts on January if you aren't pregnant. I try to be disiplined as much as I can. Regina started me journalling again so that's been a huge help. I use to just sneak in a chocolate here and there but those add up. What kind of quinoa dishes did you make? I only have my one ginger and shrimp recipe. Can you post them if you have time?

I'm nervous running trails by myself because I'd be afraid of falling and injuring myself and not having anyone around to help. But I get paranoid about creepy people too. Can you take your pups with you?

AFM - I had a bit of an upset stomach yesterday so I skipped my run and went for a pedi instead. I got the esthetician to do a flower design so I'm hoping the weather warms up and I can wear flip flops or sandals. I'm planning on a 10 miler tomorrow. It's suppose to rain in the afternoon so I have to get out and run in the morning. I'm also planning to get a hair cut later in the afternoon. I think I'll get up to 11 miles before the half in May but that's about it. I'm also not too sure about the 2:00 goal since I haven't done much speed work but if not, I'll just go and have a good time

Anyone have plans for the weekend?

 

[bunnyfoo]

Weekend Racers ​

Good luck on your race this weekend Rick!

April
15 - Run Thru the Hills 10K, Lake in the Hills, IL - Rick

 

[wilbur]

Good Afternoon Team!

Finally have time for a long overdue post.

Tandy, Congrats on your scholarship and belated birthday wishes!

Eva, Glad to hear you are feeling alot better. Nice choice on WL. Great running from WL to/ around FW. I've lost count of how many deer & various wildlife I've seen on those runs.

Eva/ Vicky, We love quinoa esp. with grilled veggies & feta. Yum.
We like red even more that the white. Have you tried black or any of the other colours? I had never thought about cooking it for breakfast but recently saw a recipe to use it similar to oatmeal. Might have to try it.

Rick, Have a great race this weekend!

Lynn, Packing for another trip, your doggies will be missing you? I can't remember do you board them or have someone stay at the house?

Regina, What shoes are you running in? Did you switch completely to 5 fingers?

I'm registered for Goofy. Going for the three peat.
Happy training & have a great weekend.............Sue

 

[Piglet24]

Hi Team!

Happy Friday the 13th!!

Tandy- Congrats on getting the scholarship!!

Vicky- I know you did, but you had no control over the horrible hostess in charge of seating. Oh, that’s a good idea to go through Grand Gatherings. Running half outside and half inside definitely broke up the run. It felt more like separate runs even though it wasn’t. I hope your runs this weekend go well! Is your stomach better today?

Kipp- Wow I’m sorry to hear your right shoulder has been dislocated so many times. I am glad it is feeling a little better for now. I feel your pain on training in the wind… it is always windy here and running in it is not usually very fun.

Lynn- Welcome back!! Glad you and Scott had a great time!! How did the meeting go? Are lilacs temperamental flowers are they more of a hardy type that could withstand less of a green thumb?

Rick- Good luck on your race this weekend!!

Eva- Sydney will be 3 in about a month (5/18). Close! She is a labradoodle. They look and behave basically the same though. She loves to go with us when we go anywhere: for a walk, a run, or a car ride. She will sit patiently as we get our running shoes on for the word on whether or not she gets to go. The longest we have taken her with us is 6 miles though. That’s great you’re feeling better! I hope your hiking and possible running go ok for you this weekend. I don’t run on trails alone so I can’t offer any input there. I like Vicky’s suggestion of taking the dogs with you, or at least one of them.

Sue- I haven’t run in my Vibrams for awhile. It has been too wet and rainy. DH wants another pair though to alternate with his Brooks Pure Connect shoes. I was running in Adidas Supernova Sequence or Brooks Adrenaline GTS, but the Adrenalines just stopped working for me for some reason. I just got a new pair a few days ago- Brooks Pure Cadence. I did a run in them yesterday and I will give them another few runs before I decide for sure what I think of them. Congrats on registering for Goofy!

AFM, I had a 6 mile run yesterday that went ok. I tried out a new pair of shoes and am still deciding if I like them. After I hit mile 4-4.5 though I had these horrible side cramps in my right side that I just could not shake. I was unable to maintain running when they were hurting that bad, so the last mile or so my intervals went out the window and I just ran for a minute or two, walked for a minute to recover and repeated until I made it to the end. Tonight will head to the gym for some strength training. The goal is to get in a 16 mile long run this weekend. I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

 

[RunRookie]

Good luck on your race this weekend Rick! Can't wait to hear about it!

Thanks everyone! It is a very hilly course -- three hills each of which lasts 1/2 mile (the ascents are in the 30-50ft range). The whole race elevation is 141ft, start to finish. IT should be an interesting 10K. Did I mention I hate hills? But I thought I should get the experience...

Of course, on Wednesday I got a blister on my right foot on the ball of the foot. Ouch! It is healing but now I have to wait until Sunday morning to make the "go, no-go" decision. I hate to DNS a race.

I have the IL Half Marathon on April 28th, so part of me saying I should just skip the 10K and get more healing so that the foot will be ready for the Half (which is way more important to me anyways). But if the foot feels fine by Sunday, it just wouldn't feel right to skip it.

Decisions! What do you all think?

 

[es45]

Happy Saturday, everyone!

Tandy: Congrats on nursing school!

Kipp: Sounds like you had some resistance training with that windy run! Another reason to move to FL: closer to the Disney races!

Lynn: Welcome back from the cruise!

Sue: I admire your "Goofy"ness!

Rick: Good luck with the run; can't wait to read your report. I would think if you take it easy on Sunday and the foot feels good, then you should be fine for the next race.

Dave: Did you sign up for the Indy half?

Vicky: I bet you can still make your goal. Remind me how fast you are now?

To everyone else: Sounds like you all are progressing in your training. Any fun races coming up?

AFM: My run last Saturday was not good at all. I had lots of pain in my back and knee. I skipped my week run (PT only lets me do one) and concentrated on strengthening and stretching. Early this morning I ran with my daughter for 3 miles. I feel fantastic. No pain at all. Know what feels the best? My head. It is amazing how much better I am mentally when I can run.

Enjoy the week!