~The BOT Battalion~ BOTS On The Run

[Optimator]

I don't really have anything to say. I just want to let you all know that I care. Awww! Aint I sweet.


I did run 7 miles at 3:00 this afternoon. I was afraid that it might possibly dip below 90 degrees if I waited any longer. Wouldn't want to catch a chill.

 

[Jodi]

I don't really have anything to say. I just want to let you all know that I care. Awww! Aint I sweet.


I did run 7 miles at 3:00 this afternoon. I was afraid that it might possibly dip below 90 degrees if I waited any longer. Wouldn't want to catch a chill.

I ran 7 miles yesterday, too. We're like twinsies!! And it WAS hot, but for some reason it didn't effect me as much as I though it would have....huh?

 

[Optimator]

I ran 7 miles yesterday, too. We're like twinsies!! And it WAS hot, but for some reason it didn't effect me as much as I though it would have....huh?

Wow! Everyone must either be really busy or really bored with this Bot thing. It's been what, almost 10 hours and no one jumped in with a witty Tweedle-Dee, Tweedle-Dum comment?

Tweedle-Dum - I'm guessing it was the lack of humidity. Or maybe you're just in really good shape.


I got out for 14 miles today in a little misty rain. Weather was fine but I can tell it's been awhile with no real LR's. Just a tad sore tonight.

 

[KeenHo]

Twins?... Hmmm... Nah!

I am back from Denver and ready to get on with my training life. While I was away I managed to run twice. Neither was too pretty, but I got the miles in. Running a mile high is definitely different than running here in Delaware. My times and performance were surely impacted by the "thin" air. I managed to do something I am not known for - I got up at 5:45 AM two days last week and was on the streets by 6 AM for a couple of runs.

Wednesday, June 24 = 7.12 miles (11:17 pace)

Friday, June 26 = 3.69 miles (12:58 pace)

I managed to find out what a "Fat Tire" is and I enjoyed one of those at a placed called the LODO Bar and Grill. The second floor roof-top bar looked out towards Coors Stadium. Denver was a really beautiful city. I enjoyed my time there.

I'll post more soon. I'm happy to be back home. Although I met some really nice folks from other Blood Banks around the US and Canada.

Enjoy your week!



Howard

 

[deekaypee]

The mixer starts here on the 'Ohana thread.

'Ohana Monday Mixer

Ah, it's summer. The 4th of July is right around the corner. Summer always strikes me as the time for family vacations and road trips. And I'm sure many of us who are traveling are either participating in races--and to those of you doing events in the summer heat--or we're continuing to train. So...these random thoughts made me think about the challenges of traveling for WISHers, whether traveling to an event or for other reasons.

This week's mixer asks you to share your best tips and strategies for traveling. We're interested in all things related to staying active on the road, from packing your gear to what kind of exercise you prioritize while squeezed for time and in unfamiliar territory.

A sampling of possible questions: What are the must-brings? How much to pack? How to pack your gear--tips and mistakes to avoid? How to best deal with bulky shoes and stinky clothes? What kind of XT do you do while away from home--do you have anything you bring with you?? What about your guidelines for running/walking in areas with which you're unfamiliar?

I'll probably ask a race-specific traveling question closer to January, but tips on race packing are always appreciated. And those of you who are on the road frequently, for business or pleasure, your expertise is much appreciated.

 

[Jodi]

Tweedle-Dum - I'm guessing it was the lack of humidity. Or maybe you're just in really good shape.

Hey, how 'come I gotta be Tweedle-Dum????

 

[Theta]

Hey, how 'come I gotta be Tweedle-Dum????

Duh?

Ah, I mean yeah, why?

 

[Theta]

Well, after a sloth-like existance this weekend, I scraped out 8 miles this morning. Felt OK, but I need to do more strength training for this knee to hold out.

I have been having the worst sleeps lately. I had a few martinis Friday night and I felt terrible all weekend. I wonder if they put rubbing alcohol in them?Gotta love getting a $26 bill at the end of the night for 2 drinks. Extra special for YOU, headache and all.

 

[StitchAttack]

Hello Bots!

Cam and Howard

Thanks for the recommendations. I ended up running 14+ laps at Bellevue State Park (I'm going to call it 16 miles). It was a pretty nice place to run, but I didn't end up waking up as early as I planned so I ran out of time and couldn't run the full 18 miles I wanted to. Also the sun was pretty hot, but fortunately about half of the track had shade.

I also ended up stopping at Claymont steaks on the way back. I was pretty hungry, but decided against the jumbo steak and only got a regular. It was still insanely big--probably a good 18" long. Even with Cindy helping me I couldn't finish it.

 

[keenercam]

Matt -- I am SO glad you got to see our beautiful Bellevue State Park. Next time you are in the area, Howard will have to take you on the Greenway. I think you'd really enjoy it. Oh, and now you've had the best cheesesteak in DE. Hope you enjoyed it!

Hi, to everyone else here. Glad to hear all are well and out putting in the miles. I have to share a story. I drive a 2002 VW Passat (4 dr sedan, fully-loaded, power everything, pristine leather interior, etc.). I've been driving it since January 2003 and I LOVE it. It has 58,000 miles on it and it is incredibly powerful (V6 and 4Motion). My best friend, Jason, is an absolute car buff and I was telling him about the car eating oil. We discussed the fact that I do almost only city driving because I barely drive (vision issues) and only spend about 2-4 miles a day on the highway. I was saying my car is happiest when it goes around 80mph; at that speed, you can't even feel the car moving, smooth as can be, quietly purring along. Jason told me that my car needs to "run". It needs the speed and it needs the time on the highway, and maybe that is why the engine is guzzling oil. It's not using it efficiently because it does't get the opportunity to do so. Then he said something that has really struck a chord. "You train to run, right? You get yourself conditioned to run and you fuel your body to run and if all you do is walk, then how can you expect your body to know how to run or to run well? You can't just all of the sudden demand that of your body and think it is going to be able to do that. It's like no matter how great your car looks (I kept telling him I don't want to get rid of it because it is gorgeous and pristine), if it doesn't run well it's not doing what it was meant to do."

UGH! Okay, sometimes it takes a sledgehammer to get through to this brain. My friend Patty is training to do the Breast Cancer 3-Day in October. All of my non-cross-training and non-strength training exercise time has been walking with her. No running. She has to be able to walk 20 minute miles and we do 15-16 minute miles when we do LWs on Saturdays. I have completely fallen backwards on my ability to run (I tried at a 5k 2 weeks ago and was distressed at how hard it was, sudddenly). I am really upset about the fact that I have allowed this to happen and that I didn't push myself to get running time in, perhaps even in addition to the long walks I do with my friend (5.3 miles this past saturday, 7+ the week before, plus shorter distances a couple times a week).

Lesson learned. I have to run. I miss running. I miss being a runner even if my running speeds were slower than most walkers. LOL!! So, I'll continue to visit here and be inspired by my friends who are always training and always running so that when they make the demands on their bodies to run, their bodies can respond well.

I just thought I'd share that.

 

[KeenHo]

Hello Bots!

Cam and Howard

Thanks for the recommendations. I ended up running 14+ laps at Bellevue State Park (I'm going to call it 16 miles). It was a pretty nice place to run, but I didn't end up waking up as early as I planned so I ran out of time and couldn't run the full 18 miles I wanted to. Also the sun was pretty hot, but fortunately about half of the track had shade.

I also ended up stopping at Claymont steaks on the way back. I was pretty hungry, but decided against the jumbo steak and only got a regular. It was still insanely big--probably a good 18" long. Even with Cindy helping me I couldn't finish it.

Matt~ I'm glad you got a chance to run in Delaware at Bellevue State Park. The Northern Delaware Greenway was adjacent to the track and it ran across Carr Road and down through Bringhurst Woods to Rockwood Park. I ran a lot there last year. This year, not at all. I wasn't in shape (due to the foot issue) to run early in the season and it doesn't make sense to pay for the state park pass this late in the season. I am just running in the neighborhoods around my house. You didn't say if you liked the Claymont Steak's Cheesesteak as compared to others you've tried. I hope it was delicious!

I ran some tonight, running one more mile than my plan called for tonight:

Miles: 4.01
Time: 35:26
Pace: 8:51
Splits: 9:21, 9:10, 8:16 and 8:36

I felt pretty good overall but had to take a couple of breathing breaks. I am still building up my fitness level. It isn't where I want it to be at this stage in the game.


Have a great night Tweedle Dee and Dum!

Colleen~ You rock! Keep up the good work!



Howard

 

[Optimator]

Duh?

Ah, I mean yeah, why?

Pretty funny for someone suffering from methanol poisoning! Has the blindness set in yet?

Cam - The good thing about running is that it's never too late to start over again. It's no fun, but it's never too late.

Matt - Did Cindy open up a can of Jodi on anyone this weekend? She sounded a bit peaved going in.


You know, all this cheesesteak talk reminds me. I'm still stinging from the fact that I didn't get one in Philly. I also didn't notice the famous Art Museum as we ran by either. Hell, I might as well have set up a treadmill in a walk-in freezer somewhere and run that race!

 

[mla1977]

How could you miss the art museum? Big building, end of the road. Next time you'll need to spin around while you are trying to warm up.

 

[CynthiaCindy]

I also didn't notice the famous Art Museum as we ran by either. Hell, I might as well have set up a treadmill in a walk-in freezer somewhere and run that race!

This is apparently a common BOT affliction. I didn't notice that we ran past the zoo. I'm told the word zoo was in giant letters outside of said zoo. And I seem to remember Jodi saying that she never noticed the giant statute climbing out of the ground during MCM - although, that could just be because she was so busy chatting with Dave.

Cam - I hope you are able to find time to get in some runs! I'm kind of feeling the same way - I miss doing long runs (wait- did I just say that?!?). I was really jealous of Matt's long run and delicious cheese steak (I did have a few bites) on Saturday. I managed to only run 3.5 very blah miles around the hotel (not exactly the best scenery) before returning to the room to work.

 

[Cindylou]

Good Morning Bots.

Howard: Good to see you are making forward progress on improving your fitness. Keep at it and it will come. Good for you to get up at 5:45 to run on 2 days.

Cam: Isn’t it great how someone says something in such a way that it just is so clear. You are wonderful to spend so much time helping your friend with her walking, it’s too bad that it is taking a toll on your running. Good luck getting back in to it.

Matt: Good for you to do 14 laps of anything. That’s dedication. Glad you treated yourself to the cheesesteak. You asked a few weeks back about training plans for fall marathons. Officially I started mine, though it’s sort of taking a back seat to training for the Tri I’m doing this month. I’m doing Train your Brain by Matt Fitzgerald. I’ve done pieces of it while training for my last 3 marathons. I’m hoping to stick to it a little more closely once the Tri is over.

Colleen: Good job on the 8 miles. Sorry you’re not feeling so well after just 2 martinis. They must have been pretty strong.

Jodi: Good job on the 7 miles. How’s the foot feeling?

Mike: Good job to you too on the 7 miles. I can only imagine what running in 90 degree weather is like. We are still in our raining/cloudy/cold weather pattern. I’m getting quite tired of it.

Cindy: Hope you enjoyed your weekend and you were able to finish your document for work.

Chester: Belated anniversary WISHes.

Megan: Good job with the karate class. That must be a great workout.

Lou: Have you started fund raising for NYC yet? Hope it’s going well. How’s the training going?

Dave: Hope all is well.

As for me: I continue to train for the Tri on July 19th. I actually made it into the lake to swim yesterday. It didn’t go as well as I would have liked because I’m really nervous about putting my face in the water. I really worked on it in the pool and was able to stop hyper-ventilating, but as soon as I got in the lake I got all nervous about not being able to breathe. I’ll have to work on it a lot more during the next 3 weeks, because swimming with my head out of the water really slowed me down. I followed the swimming with the bike course so I really feel like I got a good workout. Next week I will try all 3 portions just to have done it once before the race. I have no illusions of finishing any where near the top of the standings, I just don’t want to embarrass myself considering the race is in the town where I live and many of the people I know will be there.

I ran 5K races this weekend and last. Last week’s race didn’t go so well. I started out way too fast, struggled thru the middle part and faded to the end. My overall time was OK, just 10 seconds off last year’s time, but I really hate when I don’t run intelligently. I’ve been running races for 30 years, you’d think by now I’d be beyond the mental errors. Guess not. This past weekend’s race went a little better. I kept the speed in check thru the first half and ran a steady pace throughout. I probably should have gone a bit faster at the end, I hate to leave anything out on the course. I did 23:50 which is just 16 seconds off my PR. I ended up finishing 1st in the 40-49 yr old women. It’s only the 2nd time I’ve placed in an age group, so I was pretty happy.

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning Everyone: Just checking in quickly. I was out of town at my in-laws this weekend. I managed an 11 mile run on Saturday, and felt pretty good on it. Yesterday, I did somewhere between 3-4 miles. I forgot my iPhone, so I don't know how far I went or for how long.

I have to admit I'm feeling kind of bummed today. My sister went down to visit my Dad over the weekend in DE. She called me yesterday to say he's in pretty bad financial shape. We need to figure out what to do, but it's pretty obvious he can't take care of his own finances anymore.

 

[StitchAttack]

You didn't say if you liked the Claymont Steak's Cheesesteak as compared to others you've tried.

I don't claim to be a cheese steak expert, but it was a pretty damn good steak, perhaps the best I've ever had. Now that I know where this place is, I'll probably stop by there again when we head up to DE to visit the in-laws again.

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Dave - I'm sorry to hear about your dad. That must be hard to deal with.

Cindy - Congrats on the age group award!

Mike - I'll have you know, I was perfectly pleasant all weekend.

 

[Jodi]

I'm way behind here, guys. But I'll try my best...stick with me, here.

Cam - What I take from your story is.... that when you try to help friends out they suck the life out of you & leave you walking when you should be running . Just kidding, everyone calm down. You'll be fine...work your way back up to where you want to be - it'll never feel as bad as when you first started! Right?

Sara - Where are you, wench?

Mindy - Your weekend sounds like a movie that I saw on the Hallmark Channel a few weeks back! Parent getting remarried to someone who has been mumbling "who's that trip-trapping over my bridge" for years. Glad one of you got a run in & a good cheesesteak.
You missed the freakin' zoo???? Holy crap! You didn't even smell it?? I thought I was bad!

Dave - WOW, that sucks. I hope you get in touch with him & see how you may be able to help out. Perhaps he just needs someone to straighten out a few months worth of stuff??
Excellent job on that 11 miles!! I thought I was cranking with my 7 on Sat.

Howard - Welcome back from Denver....beautiful city, huh? Weird how the air makes that much of a difference, I'd like to experience that. I think it's great that you were able to get those runs in out there...way to be dedicated. Glad you followed my example .

Lou - Raising $$? Training for NYC? Healthy?

Michael - I know I've asked a million times, but what is up next for you & Kathy?? Is it Richmond, or is something before that? Any local 5ks coming up?
There was an art museum in Philly?? Huh.

Colleen - Easy on the TweedelDum comments, there, NYC can be a BIG place if you don't know your way around . So, will we be seeing you on Intervention soon? Hey, maybe we could have an intervention @ our next BOT meet? You've got WAY too much time on your hands during the summer....Did you take beer with you instead of Powerade on that 8-miler??? When I was a medic I used to pick up homeless guys on the park bench drinking rubbing alcohol...and mouth wash! Is that not funny? oops.

My feet suck...well, everything from my knees down suck, really. I gotta go to my torture guy.
I bought a giant foam roller...man that thing is evil!
OK, so I'm riding my bike with Sparky the other day & it's really hot. As I'm riding I see worms writhing in pain under the burning sun...sizzling on the sidewalk. Each time I see this I get off my bike, pick up the worm & throw it into a shaded grass area. I do this when it rains, too & they're all over the sidewalk, drowning. It really slows down the walks & Spencer thinks I'm mental...So whad'ya guys think?
Also, I must admit that I've been a bit melancholy about the BOT situation. No fall marathon, etc. Can we PLEASE get something sorted out for next year? Fall or Spring? Soon? I miss that PhillyPheel .

 

[lourodrigis]

Howard - Looks like you are back in the swing of things. You're in better shape then me.

Mike - Yes, how did you miss the Art Museum? The race started there, then you ran past it at 13.1 miles, and finished there. You must have been suffering from hypothermia. Get yourself a cheesesteak to go: http://www.tonylukespronto.com/

Cindy - The zoo was easy to miss. It was kind of hard to see on race day because it was probably closed. I was thinking of you as I drove home from DC yesterday. I-95N was clear sailing at 3PM but I-95S was BACKED UP for miles at the last tool leaving DE. The whole State of DE is just a big traffic jam in the summer. Howard and Cam - Can't you do something about this?

CindyLou - Running intelligently? That's an oxymoron for most of us on this thread. Not much fund raising yet. I need to find some time to blast out some emails.

Dave - That stinks about your dad. It's hard to take care of your parents...especially when you have your own family. My dad is a hypochondriac but I think he'll be okay financially, he's a tight-wad accountant. He just retired this month.

Jodi - Bad feet, saving worms, melancholy....what's up? Snap out of it!!

Hey Colleen, Sara, Chester, Jen, Matt, anyone else?

Not much running for me last week. I was in Balt/DC this weekend and yesterday. Wasn't too impressed with the Smithsonians. American History was good but REAL CROWDED (30-minute wait to see a few Innaugural gowns) and Natural History was kind of boring (lots of big stuffed animals). I'm not one to sit and read placards all day. LOVED the WWII memorial. Next time in DC I need to hit the monuments and Arlington.

Business has been intense the past 2-3 weeks. Need to get back on track with running tomorrow AM. I think I will be getting up at 5AM the rest of the summer to get out early to beat the heat.

Lou