Liz: Spring cleaning??? Ah yes, I think I am familiar with that ritual, at least in the abstract. But when one lives in a tiny apartment it doesn't take nearly that long and isn't very extensive.

I think I'd rather run a marathon. Your dedication to a clean house impresses me.

As for the lecture, it's not the worst one I've ever been to (that's probably one of mine...). And I too love CHI Running/Walking. I can't remember who first mentioned it, but I have to thank Carrie, Amy, Mel, and Aloha Jeff for keeping it uppermost in my thoughts.
Christa: I've been doing the nice, safe, even a klutz-can-do-it stationary biking for a while, trying to gear up for spring & the outdoors. I love my real bike for fun, like rails to trails biking and casual neighborhood biking. It's that urban biking that you do

worship

that freaks me out--sometimes I think motorists hate me! P.S. Energetic/hyper/ADHD...whatever makes you YOU, I like it! (And you made me laugh with the "would sit still & type but must run" bit.)
TXAng: Awww, I'm sorry about 2009, but you and I have a date for 2010 then, okay? And it's pretty cool that you'll be celebrating DS's 1st birthday during marathon weekend. After all, he's more important (said grudgingly). Yay for you for restarting C25K--I love that program so much that I've been through it more than once! Btw, I WAS a good girl at the talk, but no ice cream (see below).
Mel: Now, why would that phrase ever make you spit out your Diet Pepsi?

*I* was talking TVs.... I'm so glad to hear you've gotten into the "I like running" groove. I'm not sure I'm there quite yet, at least not consistently, so your confession (good for the soul) makes me happy for you and hopeful for me. P.S. I got my Race Ready shirt today--THANK YOU!!
Morgan: Another 3 miler!

I live in a very dog-friendly, or should I say dog-centric, neighborhood that is also populated with runners. More dogs than runners, but I digress. It's strange, but I've had more problems with dogs as a walker. Maybe because I look like I'd be easily caught? I understand that running with, instead of from, a dog can be fun.
Claire: Good job with your presentation, especially since you forgot about it; or maybe I'm just impressed that you're not a procrastinator like me. How's your children's lit review going--I think that's its focus, right? P.S. Sugar-free pudding & a numb tongue? Strange--that doesn't sound promising. I just made some protein bars with SF pudding in them (1st time), so I wonder what will happen.
Aloha Jeff: I love, love, love the idea of using the avatar names! Mooshu is one brilliant woman (and you benefit by association

). Another WISH kid in the ranks--that's terrific!
Lily: I think you did a great job on putting the steps in and continuing to challenge yourself with the kicks, etc. For not having your mind in the game, you certainly made sure to be conscientious about your WO!
Anne: Oh, man, you had to pull out the bling, didn't you? I'm going to have to share this with DOOD, even though I don't know if we can pull it off, schedule/budget-wise.
Craig: DOOD is a British Lit guy (Early Modern Period/Shakespeare). I can generally follow along and, if not, put on the appropriate facial expressions. Strangely enough, I find it more interesting when I go to talks waaaaaayyyy outside my field, like yours. Maybe it's because I feel like a tourist? P.S. I think you've given very sound advice to Amy & yourself for the Minnie, and know you will both keep your expectations optimistically realistic & have great runs!
Krista: You and Stephen really outdid yourselves, and you look so beautiful & happy.

I love the room, and I'm sure Carter will bee happy with it. I want that comforter for myself. And you FRAMED the Terrible Toddler towel!

One last thing--how'd you work it out so Hines fits so well with the decor???
Bill: 
for getting back into the running! It sounds like all of you had a great time at Disney, especially Timmy. (Or maybe you via Timmy.) I had no idea so many kids were involved with WISH--I guess I haven't been paying close attention. I might need to watch one of their races, if that wouldn't be too weird; I always wonder how parents feel about "unattached" adults watching kids in malls, parks, etc. Eh, I'm sure if I wear a WISH shirt it'll be cool.
Cecilia: Now I'm going to picture you looking like Jodie Foster (who I think is hot, btw).

Seriously, it's good to learn that you--who's so hard core--were once a computer potato. It gives me hope for my potato self.
Allyson: No ice cream for me.

for starting week 4!! And you wore your WISH shirt to help you. It makes total sense, because you know that WISHers always have your back and we're in your heart.

More important, though, is YOU--your strength, your dedication, your commitment, your effort. We're here for you in spirit, but it's you who, as Cecilia just said above, is "stepping out the door." Congratulations!!!!
Mike: You didn't chicken out on the bike ride--you're just biding your time, sneaking up on it like spring is sneaking up on Chicago. 32 degrees? Brrr!! And then you punished yourself with the elliptical. As for the job, well...at least you have a mutual hate-hate relationship.

I hope the day gets better for you.
Stacie: I think a change of scenery might be just the thing you need for your 7 miler, even if it means back-to-back runs. It sounds like a good plan to me!
Carrie: Good point about sitting up straight--doing so also makes it harder to fall asleep, thus avoiding an embarrassing moment. I think you need to an official title as our Chi Running Ambassador. Who knows, maybe you could end up being an instructor (you'd certainly do a good job).
Maura: Songwriting? What a cool way to taper! I think this should be the soundtrack to Scott's video documentation of the Minnie Weekend. (Note how I just volunteered you all to become a production company for my enjoyment.)
Jen: You and your DD training together--WISH parents are too cool! And you and Mel just have to run together--that's how I think of you two, running, having fun, looking like it's the easiest thing in the world!
Angie: Great post to Amy (
Amy, we love you girl!), and I'm glad you're taking care of yourself and listening to your body.
As for me: The lecture was fine, as far as these things go. No pictures, no PowerPoint, no film clips--I actually had to listen!

I couldn't figure out to whom the talk was geared: sometimes it seemed to be to undergrads, sometimes to grad students, and very rarely to peers. But it had lots of talk about monkeys--monkeys wearing women's clothing, monkeys as representative of human sexuality/bestiality, monkeys defecating on stage--so that was fun. But no ice cream.

The talk, Q & A, and reception went a little long, and we had an hour's drive home, so we decided to delay gratification until this weekend. We're not good with the willpower, but this weekend is supposed to be sunny & warm; eating ice cream will also involve a walk in the park. That's better than JUST eating ice cream, right? Right?
Other than that, today's a XT day for me. Working those core muscles--or trying to find them, depending on how generous you want to be with me.