July will be Red, White and Incredible!!

[ADPiSpaz16]

Good grief, I can't keep up with this thread. For some reason, I haven't been getting the e-mails and it makes me forget about it for a while. Anyway, I have a 5K tonight. It'll be fun, I'm sure. I have to leave in an hour... it's 90 degrees out and I got wicked gas. It's gonna be an interesting run, for sure! I'll report back later with how it all went and hopefully I'll get caught up and knock out some personals too.

 

[VernRDH]

Jess, just pretend its gas powering you on!! And always pretend it wasn't you who did it

Lindsay, yes you will get faster. The theory is that for every pound you lose you can take 2-5 seconds off each mile time. So losing 5 pounds could shave 10-25 seconds off. And the more cardiovascular fitness you have, the more efficient you will get at running and will be able to run harder. It takes time, I am testament to that. 3 years ago I was running 15 min miles, now I am running 10 min miles. Didn't happen overnight, no siree, but happen it did.
And a big for your longest run!

To make you all feel better, my DH has started training in earnest for the DL 5k. Now he is 6', 314 lbs. A big boy. He ran 2 miles in 38:20 today. Thats 19:10 per mile. And he felt good about it. I walk waaayyy faster than that. But he is slogging along. So don't feel down about how fast or slow you are going-you're going. That is all that counts.

I have DD doing a C25k program, she is on week 2. We are doing hers on the TM, it is just easier for her. She is running 15 min miles. So Daddy will have to keep up with her at DL I think!!

I have 7 miles tomorrow, 4 on Sunday, hoping the early am weather is not disgusting like it is right now. Also hoping to see a 1 and 5 in my weight tomorrow, very likely as long as I don't blow it tonight. Which I am not planning to do. Had a big salad at lunch, just starting to get hungry now.

Keep being INCREDIBLE ladies, I have faith in all of you!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Good grief, I can't keep up with this thread. For some reason, I haven't been getting the e-mails and it makes me forget about it for a while. Anyway, I have a 5K tonight. It'll be fun, I'm sure. I have to leave in an hour... it's 90 degrees out and I got wicked gas. It's gonna be an interesting run, for sure! I'll report back later with how it all went and hopefully I'll get caught up and knock out some personals too.

you crack me up! Well I hope your race went well and that you didnt have any embarrassing moments.

Jess, just pretend its gas powering you on!! And always pretend it wasn't you who did it

Lindsay, yes you will get faster. The theory is that for every pound you lose you can take 2-5 seconds off each mile time. So losing 5 pounds could shave 10-25 seconds off. And the more cardiovascular fitness you have, the more efficient you will get at running and will be able to run harder. It takes time, I am testament to that. 3 years ago I was running 15 min miles, now I am running 10 min miles. Didn't happen overnight, no siree, but happen it did.
And a big for your longest run!

To make you all feel better, my DH has started training in earnest for the DL 5k. Now he is 6', 314 lbs. A big boy. He ran 2 miles in 38:20 today. Thats 19:10 per mile. And he felt good about it. I walk waaayyy faster than that. But he is slogging along. So don't feel down about how fast or slow you are going-you're going. That is all that counts.

I have DD doing a C25k program, she is on week 2. We are doing hers on the TM, it is just easier for her. She is running 15 min miles. So Daddy will have to keep up with her at DL I think!!

I have 7 miles tomorrow, 4 on Sunday, hoping the early am weather is not disgusting like it is right now. Also hoping to see a 1 and 5 in my weight tomorrow, very likely as long as I don't blow it tonight. Which I am not planning to do. Had a big salad at lunch, just starting to get hungry now.

Keep being INCREDIBLE ladies, I have faith in all of you!

oh veronica you know just how to boost my confidence. Thank you so much. I now feel so much better. I just hate competing in the races and knowing I am in the back of the bunch....even though I am never last. I was/am a very competitive athlete. I was a varsity bball captain, played on one of the top district level teams in field hockey, and played 1st base in high school softball we only lost in the district final game by 1 run. So I am used to always being the best or close to it. Running total makes me feel a little bit like a loser sometimes when I cant make myself go faster. I think its all internal mentally but I struggle with this all the time. I really need to just let go and realize I am 14 years older and not a star athlete anymore. Thanks for the advice and for listening to me babble!

Good luck with your runs this weekend. I know this heat and humidty is horrible. I will send some PD to your scale too.

 

[VernRDH]

Just a quick fly by ladies, but I want to share my exciting news:

159.0

That was my weigh in this morning!!! YAY!!! Finally broke through that 160. Maintaining it and continuing to lose is key, but I am so motivated at this point. Still hoping to hit 145 by 9/3 when we leave for DL.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Veronica, GREAT job!!!

Jess, hope your 5k went awesome.

Lindsay, you'll get faster, naturally. By taking shorter walk breaks or doing better on hills, your time will automatically get better. Take it easy and try not to focus as much on your time as your endurance.

Kathy, hope you are feeling well!

I am also lazy at stretching. *kicks self* LOL.

Just got back from a 4M race. Waiting for official time, but I think it's 39:43, which would be a PR of 2:33, which is what I hoped for. Given the weather (low 80s and very sunny, going up to 95 today), just finishing would have been fine, but I really wanted a PR. I had to walk a little up a hill in an area with no shade whatsoever, but everything else from my training fit right into place. I can't believe my long run is tomorrow, though. EEEk

Update: official time 39:35. PR by 2:41

 

[mikamah]

Lindsay, yes you will get faster. The theory is that for every pound you lose you can take 2-5 seconds off each mile time. So losing 5 pounds could shave 10-25 seconds off. And the more cardiovascular fitness you have, the more efficient you will get at running and will be able to run harder. It takes time, I am testament to that. 3 years ago I was running 15 min miles, now I am running 10 min miles. Didn't happen overnight, no siree, but happen it did.
And a big for your longest run!

To make you all feel better, my DH has started training in earnest for the DL 5k. Now he is 6', 314 lbs. A big boy. He ran 2 miles in 38:20 today. Thats 19:10 per mile. And he felt good about it. I walk waaayyy faster than that. But he is slogging along. So don't feel down about how fast or slow you are going-you're going. That is all that counts.

I have DD doing a C25k program, she is on week 2. We are doing hers on the TM, it is just easier for her. She is running 15 min miles. So Daddy will have to keep up with her at DL I think!!

I have 7 miles tomorrow, 4 on Sunday, hoping the early am weather is not disgusting like it is right now. Also hoping to see a 1 and 5 in my weight tomorrow, very likely as long as I don't blow it tonight. Which I am not planning to do. Had a big salad at lunch, just starting to get hungry now.

Keep being INCREDIBLE ladies, I have faith in all of you!

The theory about how much time you pick up with each pound lose makes me feel so much better. Inspiration to get serious again and really stick with ww and lose some weight.
That is awesome your husband and daughter are joining you with the running. For the first mile of the race I did last weekend, I was with a couple and their little girl who looked to be about 8 and she would sprint and then walk slowly, so she'd pass me, and then I'd pass her, and she was so cute and i cheered her on each time. I'm going to encourage my son do do a 5k with me later this summer. I think he'd love it.

Just got back from a 4M race. Waiting for official time, but I think it's 39:43, which would be a PR of 2:33, which is what I hoped for. Given the weather (low 80s and very sunny, going up to 95 today), just finishing would have been fine, but I really wanted a PR. I had to walk a little up a hill in an area with no shade whatsoever, but everything else from my training fit right into place. I can't believe my long run is tomorrow, though. EEEk

Update: official time 39:35. PR by 2:41

Whoo who!!!! Congratulations! That is so exciting!!

Just a quick fly by ladies, but I want to share my exciting news:

159.0

That was my weigh in this morning!!! YAY!!! Finally broke through that 160. Maintaining it and continuing to lose is key, but I am so motivated at this point. Still hoping to hit 145 by 9/3 when we leave for DL.

Yay!!! Congrats veronica. You must feel so awesome!!

I now feel so much better. I just hate competing in the races and knowing I am in the back of the bunch....even though I am never last. I was/am a very competitive athlete. I was a varsity bball captain, played on one of the top district level teams in field hockey, and played 1st base in high school softball we only lost in the district final game by 1 run. So I am used to always being the best or close to it. Running total makes me feel a little bit like a loser sometimes when I cant make myself go faster. I think its all internal mentally but I struggle with this all the time. I really need to just let go and realize I am 14 years older and not a star athlete anymore. Thanks for the advice and for listening to me babble!

No advice, but hugs for you. The running is new to me, but I am happy not to be last, and am trying to keep the attitude that even if I did finish last, Dead Last Finish beats Did not finish, which trumps, did not start. You are doing amazing. You are 14 years older, are a busy mom to those 2 boys, and you're making time for yourself to run and be healthy, you've lost 20 pounds, and you should be so proud of yourself. You are so successful and I'm so inspired by you.

Good grief, I can't keep up with this thread. For some reason, I haven't been getting the e-mails and it makes me forget about it for a while. Anyway, I have a 5K tonight. It'll be fun, I'm sure. I have to leave in an hour... it's 90 degrees out and I got wicked gas. It's gonna be an interesting run, for sure! I'll report back later with how it all went and hopefully I'll get caught up and knock out some personals too.

Hope you had a great race!!

Hope everyone is staying cool and hydrated.....the next 3 days for us are going to be in the triple digits Hard to believe summer is almost over! But the DL 1/2 is getting closer

Great to see you again Patsy. Seems like summer has been crazy at times for all of us, and it's nice to have such a friendly group here where we can pop back in at any time. I hope your ds is feeling better soon.

Hi ladies!

I did a 5.11 mile run tonight. I planned on doing 5 but I kinda forgot the route I had mapped using mapmyrun.com and ended up doing a little extra I completed it in 1hr and 4min. Slow compared to some of you speedy runners but I am proud that I made it that far. It has been my farthest run to date. It was extremely humid again. I am really hoping that keeping persistent with running during this horrible weather will only help me be even better when its cooler.

Whoo hoo!! congrats on your long run. You are pretty fast in my book.

My foot is totally back to normal again, thank goodness. I did get new running shoes and will keep them strictly for running. I did 3 miles wed, and 2 today, and the week ahead I'm planning mon and wed runs. I want to increase my distance, and have done 3.7, so monday will aim for 4 miles. I can always do more walking than running if it seems too much. I'd like to add a half mile to a longer run every other week or so, and work up to 7 miles by the end of sept. In my head, I need to be able to do 7 miles, at 14 min/mile, by oct 1st to plan on doing the princess. Id love to be at 12 min miles by feb, so I'd feel pretty confident not to be swept.

Good luck with all your runs. Another hot one here and looks like most everywhere. Enjoy the weekend, Incredibles!!!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Veronica- 159 is awesome! Great job and keep up the good work

Amy- Great job on your race. wow to beat your PR by 2:41 in this weather is amazing. You rock

Kathy- thank you so much for the encouraging words. You are awesome. You are doing such a great job too. I think your plans of increasing your runs are good. You will be able to do it with no problem. You will be awesome by the time the princess rolls around.

 

[leeshiebean]

Fellow Incredibles!

I've been away for MONTHS! Not away away, just away from the boards. Life has been so hectic lately I can't seem to focus on all of my fun internet things, so unfortunately they got left in the dust. But I'm back! Wedding plans have come together and I've finally gotten over my training hurdle for my half marathon in September (I was very, very lazy this spring/early summer). I'll try to catch up (at least on the past month) and see what I've missed.

 

[leeshiebean]

Just catching up on replies...

elbowglitter: What a horrible situation! I was so worried about the chance of getting sick right before the race and having to sit out after all of that hard work. I hope you get the chance to run it next year or even the year after, and that you're healthy as can be!

3tinksandaneeyore/Stephanie: Have you ever used DailyMile.com? If you're like me and feel like you need to tell people about your training so you feel accountable for it, it's a great site to use. Plus, it acts as a running log/journal to look back on! And when you see the mileage add up on the sidebar, you really start to feel good about it!

mickeymomto2/Lauren: I'm sorry to hear about your stress fracture! At least it's an excuse to sit out the horrible sticky summer weather. If your goal is the princess, starting training in the fall should be fine considering that's when I started. In fact, since I started from scratch in August (half mile out, half mile back) I didn't really get going until November/December when I ran my first 4 miles. Good luck with your healing!

roomthreeseventeen/Amy: Congrats on your awesome 5K time! You should be so proud of yourself!

vernrdh/Veronica: Great advice about keeping cool and drinking lots of water. This summer has been a hot one and unfortunately it makes training tough!

lisah0711: Keep up the good work with your training!

mikamah: Great job in your race! As for your foot/arch pain, I had the same problem for years. Once I got fitted for a real pair of running shoes that supported my flexible arches/overpronation, they felt fine except when I didn't have them on. I lived in flip flops and Chuck Taylors, which are two types of footwear known for being flat, flat, flat. My poor arches would flex to the point where they were flat, and they didn't like it. I sucked it up and bought myself Birkinstocks for the summer (I have them on right now) and Dr. Scholl's for Women arch inserts for my Chucks and clogs. That's helped my problem a lot. Of course last week I decided to wear my flip flops a few days in a row, and ended up having to cut my Friday run short because of really bad arch pain. That right there proves to me that my arch support is working for my feet.

mommyof2pirates: Great job with your 5 miler! As far as trying to get faster, over time as you increase your distance and then come back to shorter distances you may feel like you can run faster than you previously did. A good way to help your body run faster is to do some speedwork at a local track or hill workouts. You could also add some sprinting or faster bursts in your regular runs (say you'll run faster from this mailbox to that tree, t hen slow it down again, then pick another distance to run faster for, then slow it back down again). I find that track speedwork helps a LOT. I believe adding some speedwork (well, in my case I'm not very speedy, but still) may also help burn some weight as well, but don't quote me on that.

 

[elbowglitter]

Happy Sunday, all! It's been a busy weekend for me. I have a new roommate moving in next weekend and I've got to get the house organized for her. And then I realized that I'm hosting book club this Wednesday. More cleaning!

Got a bit off my running schedule this week, but I got in a long run of 7 miles on Saturday (on the treadmill - UGH). Actually, the treadmill wasn't so bad. I found a podcast that's actually kind of an audio-drama (a book with various actors reading the parts), so that's been fun. I would like it to cool off just a little bit so I can really get a chance to run outside. I've got an evening 5K next Saturday, so I'm crossing my fingers that it's nice.

 

[VernRDH]

Good Morning INCREDIBLES!!!

Everyone is busy in the dog days of summer-trying to get in workouts, work, family etc. I hope that everyone is doing well and not over heated or stressed!!

Can't stay long-gotta get DD up and ready for camps today and off to work. Ran this morning, it was okay. I wasn't feeling it, but put the miles in. Its okay. Tomorrow is another day.

 

[elbowglitter]

I am ready for the fall! The blizzard conditions were better than this!

I lifted weights last night for the first time in a while, and man, I am out of shape! So it felt good. Got on the scale this morning though, and I'm at the heaviest weight I've been in years. Not a good thing at all. I do have a 4 mile run scheduled for tonight, and I'm headed to the gym right after work. I did just eat a pack of Starburst (5 WW points - ugh), but well, it's done, and now I have to burn them off. I'm going to really try to keep my eating in check this week and count WW points like crazy.

 

[Mickeys#1Fan4ever]

Just a quick fly by ladies, but I want to share my exciting news:

159.0

That was my weigh in this morning!!! YAY!!! Finally broke through that 160. Maintaining it and continuing to lose is key, but I am so motivated at this point. Still hoping to hit 145 by 9/3 when we leave for DL.

Congrats Veronica!!! That is awesome

You all (and my SIL that was visiting for 3 weeks) have inspired me to start back with WW.....I went 3 weeks ago and started weighing in again. I'm a lifetime member but quit weighing in over a year ago and my weight is showing it. It has been hard to get back to the seriously watching my points mode. I've always estimated my points throughout the day, but it just doesn't work as well as actually counting...and I'm hoping when I lose these 15 pounds I've gained my running will go back to what it was. I've never been fast, but I'd love to do a 5 mile run without pain.

Due to time issue I switched yesterday's miles with today so I'm due to take on 5 miles...it is going to be tough. I don't think it is supposed to hit triple digits today like it has been which is good because I hate running on the treadmill! But it is hitting the 90's.....

Well lunch is over and I better get back at it. Hope everyone is having an Incredible day!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I am ready for the fall! The blizzard conditions were better than this!

I lifted weights last night for the first time in a while, and man, I am out of shape! So it felt good. Got on the scale this morning though, and I'm at the heaviest weight I've been in years. Not a good thing at all. I do have a 4 mile run scheduled for tonight, and I'm headed to the gym right after work. I did just eat a pack of Starburst (5 WW points - ugh), but well, it's done, and now I have to burn them off. I'm going to really try to keep my eating in check this week and count WW points like crazy.

I hear on the weather. I am tired of running in this heat and humidity and it doesnt even matter what time of day you pick to run its hot and humid the whole day. its getting frustrating but I guess there is nothing else we can do except trudge through it and hope that the fall weather comes early. Good luck with your run and gym workout today. Im sure the starburst will burn off in no time.

Congrats Veronica!!! That is awesome

You all (and my SIL that was visiting for 3 weeks) have inspired me to start back with WW.....I went 3 weeks ago and started weighing in again. I'm a lifetime member but quit weighing in over a year ago and my weight is showing it. It has been hard to get back to the seriously watching my points mode. I've always estimated my points throughout the day, but it just doesn't work as well as actually counting...and I'm hoping when I lose these 15 pounds I've gained my running will go back to what it was. I've never been fast, but I'd love to do a 5 mile run without pain.

Due to time issue I switched yesterday's miles with today so I'm due to take on 5 miles...it is going to be tough. I don't think it is supposed to hit triple digits today like it has been which is good because I hate running on the treadmill! But it is hitting the 90's.....

Well lunch is over and I better get back at it. Hope everyone is having an Incredible day!

I know after doing weight watchers for awhile its alot easier to just estimate points. I find that writing it down helps. Great for starting over. Hopefully you will be on a pain free run in no time.

 

[elbowglitter]

You all (and my SIL that was visiting for 3 weeks) have inspired me to start back with WW.....I went 3 weeks ago and started weighing in again. I'm a lifetime member but quit weighing in over a year ago and my weight is showing it. It has been hard to get back to the seriously watching my points mode. I've always estimated my points throughout the day, but it just doesn't work as well as actually counting...and I'm hoping when I lose these 15 pounds I've gained my running will go back to what it was. I've never been fast, but I'd love to do a 5 mile run without pain.

Gotta love points counting. I get good at it, then I have one day and blow it for the week and then never get back to it. Like I have one big meal I'm not sure how to estimate, so I just give up. Clearly, that's not how WW should work. So I'm just doing my best. Tonight I'm hosting book club, and bought tasty treats, but will be sure to know what I'm putting in my mouth before it gets there - and then remember that I have to burn it off later.

4 miles on the treadmill was harder than I thought it would be. I blame the heat and humidity, even though it's nice inside. I think that I was just worn out from the day.

 

[escape]

Hello fellow Incredibles! Alicia - you're not the only one who's been away for a while.

Welcome new Incredibles!

Megan - sorry the Princess didn't work out for you last year. I can only imagine your disappointment. However, this will only make the Wine and Dine that more special. Here's some advance to help keep you healthy and injury free.

Lauren - so sorry about the stress fracture (and acid reflux - yikes). I tend to get shin splints if I push it too hard. I just have to back off whenever the pain kicks in. As you said, just concentrate on getting better for now. Sounds like you’ll have plenty of time to train for the Princess.

Kathy - glad your foot is doing better. Sometimes these little aches and pains just happen and with luck and ibuprofen, they go away quickly!

Patsy - it wouldn't hurt for your son to see a doctor about his knees. I agree with others about stretching. However, one thing I found interesting about Jeff Galloway is that he doesn't like to stretch before a run. If I recall correctly, he said stretching (especially heavy stretching) can lead to injury if the muscles aren't warmed up. At his running clinic, he suggested running for about a mile (or warm up first) and then doing some stretching. One thing my DH likes to do is take a warm shower before a run to kind of loosen the muscles. Now, after a run is a different story! You definitely need to stretch.

Amy - WAY TO GO on your first 5K & 10K. Your times are AWESOME!!!! You are going to do so well for your first half! And, I'm going to be there to cheer you on! WOO HOO! And, to answer your question....I have had no trouble keeping weight on during a race.

Lindsay - don’t worry about being in the back of the pack. I’ll be there with countless other WISHers and other folks. We get our money’s worth back in the back and we have a little fun along the way. However, it sounds like you’ll be WAY ahead of us with your time. In addition to losing weight, doing sprint/speed work helps you get speedier as well. Alicia mentioned this as well, I now see. Keep up the good work!

Veronica – congrats on your weight loss! Sounds like you are on track to reach your goal. 145 is what I should weigh. When I did my first marathon in 2008, I was 20 pounds lighter than I am now – and I was speedier too. *sigh* Keep up the good work!

July 11 - someone from our group had a birthday on this day. The reason I remember this is because this is my brother's BD and I remember someone said it was their special day as well. (late) to whomever it is. Please identify yourself.


As for me, the weather has been the main culprit with my training. I just melt in the heat. We've had such high humidity and temperatures. The heat index all week and practically for the whole month has been 105-110 degrees. I suppose if I were more fit, it wouldn't bother me so much. Instead of walking/running, I've been biking. It's easier for me to do this in the heat. It's a great cross-training activity but unfortunately, it's been the only training I've been doing.

Last week, I biked for about 100 miles (25, 25 & 50). I walked one day for 4 miles. This week will be about the same on the bike but I plan to walk 7 miles on Sunday. I've got the DL half coming up in Sept so I need to kick my rear in gear and get busy training. You guys are such an inspiration. You're doing so well with your training and not missing a beat.

Since I'm more or less walking now instead of doing the run/walk intervals like I used to, I decided to sign up for a racewalking clinic in early August. Really, my DH, a powerwalker, signed up for it and convinced me that I needed to as well. Racewalking is such an awkward movement for me. I just hope I can do it without looking like a total baffoon. There is a guy from my small town that can racewalk a 9 -min mile. He passes a lot of runners. I'd be happy walking a 14-min mile. I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

Next up for me - I'm going to do a 50-mile bike ride with about 20 people this Saturday. Afterwards, we're going out for lunch and some pie at a Pie shop. The pie, of course, it the carrot dangler to get me to exercise. Yummmmm!

Keep up the good work, everyone! Here's some for those nursing injuries and illnesses.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Susie, 105-110? Good god, that's awfully hot! Thank God it's only 95 here!

Having a mixed bag myself this week. After an awesome 8 mile run on Monday, I went out and only did 1.75 before I had to stop. I have a litany of excuses (ran on a very full stomach, forgot to take Advil for my hip, first day of my um, cycle), though. Ha.

 

[Mickeys#1Fan4ever]

Patsy - it wouldn't hurt for your son to see a doctor about his knees. I agree with others about stretching. However, one thing I found interesting about Jeff Galloway is that he doesn't like to stretch before a run. If I recall correctly, he said stretching (especially heavy stretching) can lead to injury if the muscles aren't warmed up. At his running clinic, he suggested running for about a mile (or warm up first) and then doing some stretching. One thing my DH likes to do is take a warm shower before a run to kind of loosen the muscles. Now, after a run is a different story! You definitely need to stretch.

Susie ~ I actually do have an appointment for him on Friday so keep fingers crossed that the Dr. will be able to help him.

As far as the stretching.....The Moms In Motion group I used to be in taught the stretching at a mile. We would have guest speakers and many very knowledgeable runners would tell us to do our 1st mile as the "warm up" and then at that 1 mile mark do walking lunges, or any other "moving" stretch. Basically we were to continue moving forward, but stretch our calf muscles, hipflexors, etc.... Maybe we will try this on our long run Saturday. DS definitely has the endurance to do the DL 1/2 but gotta get rid of the pain!

 

[escape]

Susie, 105-110? Good god, that's awfully hot! Thank God it's only 95 here!

Having a mixed bag myself this week. After an awesome 8 mile run on Monday, I went out and only did 1.75 before I had to stop. I have a litany of excuses (ran on a very full stomach, forgot to take Advil for my hip, first day of my um, cycle), though. Ha.

Amy - Arkansas/NY - not a whole lot of difference in the heat. Hot is hot!

Patsy - keep us posted on your DS. Here's some for him.

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning INCREDIBLES!

It is definitely the dog days of summer in our neck of the woods. Haven't been on this thread as much as I would like. I feel guilty about coming here when my training isn't progressing as fast as I would like but actually I should be posting more for inspiration!

I am on track and will be doing my first treadmill runs next week while I am on vacation. Planning to exercise on vacation shows me that I really have progressed more than I give myself credit for. Any tips or suggestions for doing the treadmill? I just do not want to swallow one of those big, old Iowa bugs while I am running.

July 11 - someone from our group had a birthday on this day. The reason I remember this is because this is my brother's BD and I remember someone said it was their special day as well. (late) to whomever it is. Please identify yourself.

That would be me -- celebrating the 25th anniversary of my 25th birthday! And never dreaming that I would be training for a half marathon when I reached that milestone!

I am so impressed with how INCREDIBLE everyone is doing this summer!