Amy: For Pizza Personality Analysis: Spinach, feta, pine nuts. What do you think? Wow, what a strong, long day. Have I publicly thanked you for all the work you (and Lisa) are doing on the Core Accountability thread. We really need to get you branded, merchandised, distributed (whatever those things mean). I want you to know that I'm counting on my rest days paying off 1/2 as good as yours--and I'd be ecstatic with the results. P.S. I did feel special for my own post, too!
Scott: Oooooh, I hear many voices. My favorite one is the one that tells me to "Man up, Cowboy" every time I think about resting. (Replace Cowboy with a profane term, and that was this weekend's mantra.) I did so love the Pecan Praline, but have promised myself that sometime I'm going to try a weirdo flavor of ice cream. What's your recommendation?
And restathlon? Speaking of things that need to be branded!!! Admit it, you're just trying to make rest days appealing to those of us who are too stubborn (darest I say stupid?) to take them.
Craig: Speaking of reality check, your description of retirement plans was one for me!
Boston is so far out of my range of vision, you see, but I do see it in your future. Before you're in your 80s, too!
Aloha Jeff: THANK YOU so much for being a blood donor.
I cannot do so because of my medical history, although I have volunteered at donor stations. Your generosity of time and, um, materials is much appreciated. And wow on the amount! I love your clinic notes--they're the same combination of interesting details, wry observations, and location notes that I've come to associate with your posts.
Terri: Now why did I think you were graduating? I think I've made this mistake before--maybe I'm just looking forward to your graduation for you?
Sorry about that, because I definitely want to get my stories straight to put names/handles with stories (and then faces). Maybe you just need to tell me something outrageous?
Bill: What's funnier, that you said that your weekend included smoking some pork or that this vegetarian didn't think to question it until I saw others' reactions? Billy, kindergarten. Already? (I must be channeling Lynnda. OH, and Happy Birthday, Lynnda!) As for the size of the single scoop, I have to say that I don't dictate it; that I MAY have chosen the local store that offers the biggest single size was completely a coincidence unrelated to my shoddy run.
Now tell us, what did you get Lynnda for the big day?
Maura: Awww, you're too kind. I think of you all as very tolerate of my penchant for puns & other bad jokes. I've never tried the GF spa treatment, but everyone I've seen leaving the place looked blissful--a word I don't find a lot of reason to use except in such situations. I think you should try it and report back.
Cecilia: Speaking of smoking things (Bill!), I still think you're going to smoke the CMM. Good news about your DH's ITB. Is he a new runner? New distance? Coming back from an injury?
Carrie: Love the 10 minute rule! I can think of lots of things that could use that kind of test. I'm sorry to hear you ended up in pain, though. We both need rest--and ice cream. And it's amazing how much more attractive rest seems when it's paired with ice cream. Much better than Epsom Salts. Trust me.
And I totally want to jump on the Scott bandwagon & tell you how much I look forward to your posts.
Sometimes for kicking me back into a proper posture, but most of the time because you make me laugh. (Not that the two are always separate.)
Stacie: I know I replied on another thread, but I'll reiterate that I think you should be proud of all you accomplished in your 7 miler milestone! P.S. I suspect there are many of us WISHers who are nutty ice-cream lovers!
Morgan: So happy to hear you're enjoying your infatuation with your new shoes. I know the feeling!
Chris: 
You're doing a terrific job with the Buzzies, btw. Thanks for volunteering! Good luck on your upcoming Relay & Half marathon! I'll be those new shoes work for you.
Shan: I hope your doctor's appointment goes well, that the injury is minor, and what you need mostly is rest.
Leana: You do get spring in your neck of the woods, don't you? I'm glad to hear your chiro appointment was successful and that you're feeling better. And Good luck with your massage appointment and getting additional relief from your shin pain. P.S. Thanks for explaining about ART.
Frank: Happy Earth Day right back at you!
Your Minnie/Mother's Day/Podcast cruise sounds like a great time. (And you and your brother are great sons, btw.) It sounds as if you have a full race season planned for this spring/summer. Wow!
TXAng: In my household, ice cream is always a go-to food for consolation. DOOD always has Ben & Jerry's in the freezer. (Now, I know you're thinking that I'm using DOOD to cloak my ice-cream tooth, but it's true. We also always dark chocolate in the house. And that's mine. Mine, mine, mine.) You're right, I should have gotten two scoops: one for reward, one for consolation. *Sigh* I guess I'll need to get more this weekend, huh?
for your W1D2 progress--that seems speedy to me, if I remember the early days of the program. And you've got your entourage with you. You go, girl! And not to tempt you into planning that DL trip, but think about how many WISHers you would meet. And DL is small, so it's a good size for a little touring with little ones. How's that for more justification?
Allie: 
How's that Garmin treating you?
Lily: Hear, hear! (And if you're wondering about the background to that phrase, here's the
wikipedia link. What did I ever do before that site?) I'm continually humbled by how welcoming everyone has been to me and others. I don't see that changing, either!
Cosi Bella: 
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials and for committing to running the half. Have you signed up already--if not, you may need to get a package because the half is sold out, I think. Regardless, what a great way to organize you wedding plans & get into shape. Now, may I suggest a themed wedding, say, involving track shoes for the bride & groom?
Vic: I don't think I was invited to Bill's smoking pork soiree either. Do you think that I should be offended that he overlooked the vegetarian?
Cecilia: Thank you for the rest primer/soap box.
I think many of us know the value of rest days, at least intellectually. I, too, write rest on my greaseboard in big red letters. (I even believe in rest days, so I hope you didn't take my phrase "my body is weak" seriously. Then again, does anyone take anything I say seriously?
) But it's well worth the constant reminders, for me as well as for others, of the necessity of rest days. Exercise, like many things, can be addictive and it doesn't hurt to have the occasional intervention. At least not much.
Aloha Jeff: How about combining cookies & ice cream! Now THAT's an idea.
Wait....hasn't that already been done? Darn it. Back to the drawing board. Maybe I could get you to serve me cookies & ice cream while I start training to rest?
CarolA: I'm sure a few days of rest will do us BOTH good--and it's a good thing we're getting our online coaching from some of the best!
I'm going to hold to what Amy said about coming back from her rest days & doing well--I think that will happen for you, too!
Plus, you'll be at Disney...again. (And yes, I'm jealous, too.)
Angie: Thank you so much for sharing more of your story. I'm new enough that I'm still learning about everyone's backgrounds, so I appreciate your taking the time to tell it. (
Cam, too!) I just have to say that you're not a quitter & that you're setting a good example for your kids!
As for me: Well, you know what I'm doing (see above). I credit Cecilia for getting me to say, I'm "doing" rest days instead of saying, I'm
not running. Subtle but important difference.
So what am I doing to fill my (spare) time? Okay, you're not going to believe this, but I'm baking Nestle Toll House Cookies. Yep. You see, it's DOOD's birthday tomorrow (Shakespeare's birthday, too), and chocolate-chip cookies are his favorite. Now I'm sure they're not as good as Amy's, but if we don't tell DOOD he'll never know what he's missing.
. 
Was so touching to me I actually teared up!!
Hey, Vic, Does this mean we all get to see your tattoo in person? 
