Wk of Aug 20--2007 WISH Walking/Running Club

[akasleepingbeauty]

Paul - congratulations on your wife's pregnancy. What a wonderful blessing for your family!

Carrie - a really belated Happy Happy Birthday - hope it was great!

Missed Monday at the gym so did a yoga class on Tuesday followed by 40 minutes on the t/m. Did w3/r2 intervals at 4.2 and 5.5 with 1.5% incline. Felt pretty good to put the steps in - hope I can keep up the intervals when the distances increase!

Still consumed with cruise planning (we leave 3 weeks from tomorrow) but trying to remember to keep training on the schedule too. Intended to get to the gym today but dd wasn't feeling well so no child care center at the gym for her thus no w/o for me Hoping to get to pilates tomorrow and then t/m on Saturday (still way way too hot here for outside mileage - 103 today and not getting any cooler!).

Thank you all for keeping me accountable and sharing your ups, downs, and every day lives with me. It has made all the difference in the world to me!!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning TEAM:

Our family had our last cross-country race last night. The princesses, DD8 and DD5 , each ran in the mile race. I'm so proud. They came in last, but that didn't bother them at all. The stuck with it, and finished the race.

My race went really well too. I did not get lost on the course for the 2nd week in a row. I finished 5K in 31:44 min/10:12 mpm. I only walked once, and that was after the BFH right after the 1st mile. Once we entered the woods, I tripped over a root and went head over heels. It was actually kind of fun. I flipped over hit my shoulder, rolled over my back, and popped right back up on my feet. Believe it or not the fall actually made me feel like I was more in shape because I could fall, flip over, and it didn't even bother me. I have a 6 inch long scratch on my leg, and I didn't even notice it until I sat down at the end of the race. My right shin felt a little sore before the run, it felt fine during the run (maybe a little twinge here and there). I used the dixie cup ice massage technique on it when I got home, and it feels OK now.

More cross-training is planned for this afternoon - I'm planning on swogging after work today. Saturday is my first official LR of 5 miles!

Cam- Hang in there getting through dropping DD off at college. How's she doing? Have you talked with her at all yet? All my best to Howard.

Sunny- Just thinking of you and wanted to wish you well.

Celeste- OK, you are already registered for the Chicago Marathon, can you just treat it as a "training run". If you have a run planned for that day, just do the run (whatever the distance) on the Chicago Marathon course. Stop after you reach the distance, and don't worry about whether you did or did not finish the marathon. You will finish your training run. Maybe that will motivate you to train to finish the marathon next year.

Christa- Sounds like you've had a busy and draining week. Good for you for catching up on your rest.

Bill- Your point is a good one about the minor league baseball games getting out too late. We actually had a bunch of free tickets to use up and we went 2 nights in a row this week - Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday, Dora the Explorer made an appearance (man you should have seen the line of young girls), and Wednesday was fireworks night. We left at 8:30pm for both games. Never saw the fireworks at all, but the princesses were tired and we wanted to leave while everyone was still having fun.

Krista- No Pain!!! Yahooooo!!!!

Chris Good for you for starting your exercise program. Good luck with the 5K coming up. This is such a great group of runners, and they have really been inspiring to me. Great job for building up to 30 min of running. As far as the 1/2 marathon training program goes, I think others here might have more experience than me. My gut reaction is to continue doing what you are are doing - maybe adopt the schedule of MfM for run days, cross-training days, rest days, and long runs, and then when the plan matches what you are doing hop onto the MfM plan. Let the plan catch up to you instead of you going back to the plan. That being said because you have a history of getting injured, I could also see some benefit of backing off for a couple of weeks by doing the MfM training plan, treating them as easier weeks before you really get started training. OK, I probably haven't helped you at all. Maybe you'll get some better advice from the more experienced runners on the TEAM.

Susie- Good for you for listening to your body and taking a rest day. Sounded like you needed it, and according to what I've been reading that is when your muscles recover and get stronger. So you need it. What college do you teach at in Arkansas? I used to teach at a small college in Vermont before I got my research position here at the University of Rochester.

Terri- Sounds like you have had a really draining week too. Here's some PD for you having a relaxing weekend, being able to clear your mind, and focus a little time for yourself. Good luck.

Rhonda- Wow, cruise planning? How fun!!! Good luck keeping the training going.

Have a good day everyone!

 

[TiffJ]

Hi guys!!! I have missed you. Sorry I have been gone so long. 1st computer problems, then busy life. I have been keeping up with my training, though. 3 weeks to DL so that is my priority right now. I cannot wait to see my fellow WISHers there.

I havent been able to read through all the posts yet, just wanted to let you guys know I was still around. for those gearing up for their marathon training. I cant believe it is getting so close to January.

Have a great weekend everyone. I'm off to do 4 miles after I get the kids ready for school.

 

[Kristi1357]

I've still been a slug and think I need somebody to give me a swift kick in the you-know-what. Between work having some major drama this week and my Mom having medical issues I have been mentally drained and so not motivated to train. This is not good with DL just a few weeks away I'm hoping to get back on track this weekend. I have nothing planned other than to work out and catch up on the housework. (I hope!)

Terri

Terri - here's your kick in the behind!

Sunny kicked my behind into gear last week, so I feel like it's my responsibility to pass on the kick!

Besides, DL is only like 3 weeks away! Can you stand it??

 

[TXBelle]

Dave- This is for your DDs: Great job on the one mile! Yesterday you said that DD8 was going to try it. How wonderful that DD5 did it too. You really are an inspiration to them. Keep up the good work dad.

Paul- Congratulations on expecting a new baby! Children bring such joy to your life. Is your first child handling the idea of a brother or sister okay?

Krista- Great job on your 5 miles. Hooray for no pain!

Chris- Welcome! I am training for the DL 1/2 marathon right now. After the 1/2, I will pick up with the MfM marathon training. I have decided not to step back in the marathon training, but wait for the plan to catch me. I will take it easy the first 2 weeks after the 1/2 to allow my body to recover a bit, but then I will go back to full scale training for the marathon. I agree with Dave's advice to follow the same training schedule as MfM (run, xt, rest, run, xt, lr, rest) but you can vary the time and/or distance of each workout based on where you are now. The goal is to build endurance without creating injury. I am convinced that slow and steady training gets you the Mickey Medal! You just have to put in the steps. As John Bingham observes, do any of us really expect to WIN the marathon? Then, take it easy and enjoy the ride.

Mel- I have been meaning to ask about DD and her health issues. How is everything going with that? I hope the Wild Todd is doing well. I'm sure she is keeping you on your toes.

Tiff- Welcome back! I can't wait to see you again at DL in 3 weeks. Is your mom still coming? My mom will be there. We got our DL tickets and will be cruising the parks together. I am starting to feel guilty about leaving DH and my DDs at home, but with school and the cost of getting 6 people to CA for just a quick weekend. Yikes! Okay, after that reality check, my guilt is diminishing.

As for me, still no training. I did make a major decision last night . . . I am signing up for Jenny Craig. I am excited at the thought of taking control of my eating again. I will work with my personal counselor on designing the best program for me with marathon training and all. I will keep you guys up to date on my progress. Tomorrow will be a LR of 6 miles.

Okay, I better get to work.

 

[TiffJ]

Well I just finished my 4 miles. 14:05 pace. I was aiming for sub 14, but oh well. I got in those steps. I got a new running tank this week & I love it!!!!

Heather-Yep, mom is coming & doing the race with me. When are you getting into town ? We arrive Thur, and our 2 full park days are Fri & Mon. I was having the same guilt, but the kids have been to WDW twice this year & are going back in Jan. They would have to miss school & it would cost a ton to fly everyone out there. I'm flying free on mom's frequent flyer miles.

Sunny- i hope the PT & shot works for you!

Paul-congrats on the little bean

Terri-DL is in 3 weeks!!! Get your booty out there & put in those steps. (thats your booty being kicked )

 

[icunurse_celeste]

Terri & Dave- Thank you for the suggestions, I think I will do that. I wonder what happens if you don't finish?? How do you get back to the start?


Rhonda- I'm going on a cruise in about 3 weeks, what cruise are you going on?


Congrats on the training everyone. I've got a test tonight, then I'm going to go do the stair monster & dreadmill....

 

[Honeibee]

Good Friday morning all. It's raining like crazy here, but we need it.

Well, time for True Confessions....

I'm turning in my "endurance athlete" and my "runner" titles.

I don't deserve them.

I've been doing my training, only missing a day here and there, and making them up sometimes on days I'm supposed to rest. So my training is not an issue.

My weight is.

I've been doing WW for eight weeks now and the same five pounds keep coming off, getting back on, coming off..you get the picture.

Plus, for whatever reason for the past two weeks I've been eating like a condemned man.

I don't deserve to call myself an athlete. I'm not "fueling the machine". I'm eating like there's no tomorrow. I feel out of control. The capper was when I saw a picture of myself yesterday. I knew I looked bad, but man......

So until I hit my 10% goal at WW, I am no longer considering myself an athlete or a runner. Someone hold on to my titles for a while. I'll be back to get them.


Kristi - Thank you for your supportive comments. I need to get serious about WW. I've been doing it halfheartedly.

Krista - Oh how exciting! I'm so happy for you having done your first LR with no pain!

Chris - and You in NY by any chance? I'm very new to all this too, and I am w/r the Half. I got some sage advice from someone here (I think Kevin) that worked for me. Start at the week that you are currently training at. Don't go backwards. Maybe do a couple of weeks at that week, if that sentence makes any sense. Just my two cents.

Escape - Ohhh I wonder if they still have that tour if the ride is closed? Ohhhh, I'm gonna find out! Thanks!

Dave - Holy Cow! You did GREAT in the 5K! Wow, that is so fast! And you are sooo funny with that flip! How acrobatic of you! YAY for the DDs too! Way to go, ladies!

Oh a little good news...I found another local 5K we can do. Yay!

 

[icunurse_celeste]

Judy- It hurts my soul to hear you say such horrible things about yourself. There is a reason behind what is going on in your life and eating- find out what it is and go from there. Maybe your body needs more calories because you are working out more. Maybe you need more fiber so you feel full longer. Maybe you need more water. There are lots of possibilities, but don't go saying such horrid things about yourself, it's likely to make the problem worse. I too am working on me weight and know there is no easy solution. I have to eat less, move more, and make wise food choices. Everybody hits a plateau, you just need to find what you have to do to move past it. But please don't degrade yourself like that. I have seen your posts in the past- you are kind and warm and have many good traits. Take your titles back, we don't want them and you deserve them.

 

[WDWFAN9]

Judy- It hurts my soul to hear you say such horrible things about yourself. There is a reason behind what is going on in your life and eating- find out what it is and go from there. Maybe your body needs more calories because you are working out more. Maybe you need more fiber so you feel full longer. Maybe you need more water. There are lots of possibilities, but don't go saying such horrid things about yourself, it's likely to make the problem worse. I too am working on me weight and know there is no easy solution. I have to eat less, move more, and make wise food choices. Everybody hits a plateau, you just need to find what you have to do to move past it. But please don't degrade yourself like that. I have seen your posts in the past- you are kind and warm and have many good traits. Take your titles back, we don't want them and you deserve them.

Ya Judy - what Celeste said!!

 

[wtpclc]

OK, too busy to be here, but....

Judy - Just wanted to add that I think every one of us here felt out of control with their eating last year. If not everyone, at least teh first timers. When you start a normal workout routine, the first week or so, you body thinks it's starving and wants to eat. Then, it gets used to it and things calm down. Last year, we ramped up from March to December. My body never caught up. As soon as I hit taper, I was in control again (ok, took some work on my part, but I was not constantly starved). SO, it's not all your fault. You've been ramping up for how long? The key is to stuff yourself with good stuff, but that's not easy. We All struggle with that! I *think* I am just now startiong to get a handle on eating better. Cut yourself some slack on the amount you eat and just try one by one replacing something less than healthy with something healthy.

To refresh your memeroy: How many times did you hear the phrase "I feel like I'm training for a pie/cookie eating contest!" last year? DO you need to work on it? Yes. DOes it mean you'r enot an athelete? Absolutely not!

Krista - Yay!!! So glad you were pain free!!!!!!

Heather - SO glad you made that first step. Face to face accoutnability will be huge! Plus working on a plan for you during trianing will help immensely!

Poured last night. DH and I called a rain day. I will do b2b's Sat and SUnday, but that's to make up for missing this coming Monday. This cannot become a habit!!!!! (Not cool, kicking myself in teh butt)

SOrry for all I've missed, did I mention that I shouldn't be here?

 

[Kristi1357]

Oh Judy! Ditto what Celeste, Pat & Carrie said. You are being way too hard on yourself. Take it from someone who does the same thing to herself. Yes, I just made Lifetime at WW this week. BUT, I "cheated." I got a doctor's note to say that my weight is a healthy weight. I am about 6 lbs. over the upper limit for WW for a 45 year old. And I am younger - I am 11 over their goal for my age. It also took me 1 year & 10 months to get lifetime - losing only 30 lbs.! Talk about slow losers. I can't even tell you how many times I came home from my WW meetings in tears because I thought I was doing good (not perfect) and then I'd not lose, or even gain. So, in January I got frustrated as all heck. I decided to be a crazy person and sign up for the Minnie 15k. It is the only way I'd exercise - having a "threat!" And I thought that would finally get me to goal. Boy was I wrong! I lost nothing, nada, zilch in those 4-5 months training for Minnie. But I do have one of the inaugural Minnie medals and am now hooked on this race thing!

I guess my really long-winded point is: try to be a little bit easier on yourself. It's not easy sticking to a healthy eating plan and an exercise plan too. But you are trying, and you know what? That's a heck of alot more than most people can say!

And I don't care what you say, you are an athlete!

ETA: Have you tried doing Core? I never in a million years thought I'd do Core. But in my frustration after not losing after the Minnie I tried it. And it worked! I lost 3 lbs. the first week (very huge loss for someone like me). You can always try it for a week and go back to pts. if it doesn't work or you hate it.

 

[nym]

I was planning on running this morning at 6am, but my 2-year old daughter woke up early and that made it much harder to schedule, and so I decided to skip my run.

However, on my way to work, it occured to me that working out really was a priority for me now --- and so, I was able to reschedule my first meeting, turn around, head home, put on my running gear, and head out. (This is really a departure for me, as I'm a real workaholic!)

I had been running for about 30 minutes for the last week, but by 20 minutes I was getting really tired and had to walk. I then pushed myself to run a bit more and by the time I was close to home, around the 30 minute mark, I felt that I could go further, and so I kept running although at a much slower pace. I finished at 45 minutes running a total of 4 miles!

Now I really need to think about getting onto some sort of program to be smarter about my training as while my ad hoc approach has worked for me, I’m not convinced that it will be good in the long run. (No pun intended.)

Kristi, Celeste, escape and Terri - Thanks for the warm welcome! Looking forward to training with all of you!

Dave - That makes a lot of sense, I’ll keep pushing forward and figure out how to align to one of these training programs, it seems that the only thing that I’m missing now is the corss-training as I’m on a run,rest,run,rest progression now. I still think that I should aim at the 1/2 and perhaps even run/walk it so as to not burn out with a goal that is too ambitious, but perhaps I’m underestimating my potential.

Heather - Great advice! I’m convinced that I’m going to be able to do this but I have to stop my brain from getting ahead of my body. Slow and steady progress and we’ll get there step by step. It really is counter-intuitive though, my natural instinct it to just push as hard as I can with each work out, so I have to hold back so that I don't burn out.

Judy - No, I’m not in NY, I’m on the opposite coast up here in Northern California. But distance doesn’t mean as much when you’re online! I started running to lose weight, but have come to the conclusion that weight loss is a longer term project that is enabled by the shorter term goal of building enough endurance and skill to become a runner and to shift myself into a much more active lifestyle. I’ve been tracking my runs as well as my weight, and it is a bit depressing as I’ve actually gained 4 pounds over the last few weeks. At the same time I’ve increased my endurance and built a lot of muscles that I didn’t know I had! I’m pretty sure that as we go along, and we establish a solid base for being active both mentally and physically, that we can be in a much more advantaged position to lose weight and keep it off in the long term. For better or worse I’ve been trading off keeping myself happy in these early weeks, but I know that I need to start thinking a lot more carefully about what and when I eat and drink. (I'm just a beginner at all this though, and I'm basing this on the idea that while you're training and pushing hard to improve physically, it is very hard to diet effectively.) I just figure that before I have achieved a truly active lifestyle that I’m fighting that battle with my cravings from a position of weakness. I don’t know where you’re at or what your goals are, but I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone in this!

Best wishes to everyone!

chris

 

[chimera]

I've been doing WW for eight weeks now and the same five pounds keep coming off, getting back on, coming off..you get the picture.

Plus, for whatever reason for the past two weeks I've been eating like a condemned man.

I don't deserve to call myself an athlete. I'm not "fueling the machine". I'm eating like there's no tomorrow. I feel out of control. The capper was when I saw a picture of myself yesterday. I knew I looked bad, but man......

Sorry...once titles are bestowed, they are yours to keep. If it helps, when I started training, it took me 7 full months to lose 6 lbs. And the hunger those first 7 months was phenomenal! On workout days I was starving! I used to workout in the morning and could NOT make it to lunchtime without eating again. Now I do my SR before dinner so I am immediately fueling afterward with no problems.

That being said, I switched my LR to today since we'll be out of town this weekend. Did 4 miles at 6:45am, then didn't eat afterward. By 11am at work, my head was spinning and I was having a hard time completing sentences. So, I think eating a bit after a LR is just as important as what you eat/drink before and during.

Heather...thanks for asking. DD13 is ok, we're in a follow-up pattern to see if anything changes in the next few months. I'm going to do her school physical and signoff the form cause we're still looking for a new pediatrician. The wild todd is the wild todd...it's always fun to watch her take those developmental leaps. Her memory is scary though...she has many books memorized already How did the twins like kindergarten? And you have an older and younger DD as well, correct? How are they doing?
Oh...and the longer intervals are from http://www.yourungirl.com. It's their beginner's training program to be able to run 30 min straight.

Chris...

Gotta run...packing to leave town for DH's birthday today. Surprisingly, we're not going to WDW

 

[Honeibee]

OMG you guys! You are ALL so sweet! Thank you so much! (I installed Service Pack 2 today and my computer is all messed up so I can't put crying smilies in here but if I could I would!) Thank you all so much for your kind words.

It's my own fault really. I KNOW I can do this. I've done it before. I lost 30 pounds in 2004 without much trouble. I just don't know why I can't get going this time.

All the things you've said really mean a lot to me. Thank you all so much. I need to restart my WW plan. I'm keeping a copy of all that you guys have said and I'm going to re-read it when I need inspiration and motivation.

Thank you all so much!!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Well, time for True Confessions....

I'm turning in my "endurance athlete" and my "runner" titles.

I don't deserve them.

I've been doing my training, only missing a day here and there, and making them up sometimes on days I'm supposed to rest. So my training is not an issue.

My weight is.

I've been doing WW for eight weeks now and the same five pounds keep coming off, getting back on, coming off..you get the picture.:

Woah! It's time for a serious WISHer intervention here. WISHers gather 'round Judy and hold her up

Judy, what you are going through is absolutely normal and a mandatory part of the process. Don't give up. I can remember posting similar posts last year.

Lately, due to the perc, I've had a lot of trouble sleeping. I lay awake thinking about everything under the sun. One of the thoughts I spent a great deal on one night was the analogy of us adult onset athletes and infants learning to walk. Have you ever watched an infant learnt to walk? First of all, the motive is puzzling. They have mastered a means to transverse their little worlds quite efficiently by crawling. So what motivates them to get upright and go through such a grueling process to make the trip on shaking little pudgy legs? I don't know. It must be some deep-set auto directive. They work so hard to get up, then a shakey step or two and "boom" down on the butt. They get back up, they fall back down. The odd thing is, they don't give up. Sometimes they do the up/down thing seemlingly unaware of how hard it is. Sometimes they land on the butt and burst into tears of frustration. But sooner or later they walk their first marathon to that other wall.

Our process is really not much different. We've mastered an efficient method to transverse 13.1/26.2 miles, it just requires a set of keys... Yet we embark on this incredibly difficult journey to do it on our own two feet. And we fall... (mostly figuratively) but often. Sometimes we just report in, "I had a real stonker today" and we look forward to a better run/walk next time. Sometimes we burst into tears like the frustrated infant and think "its hopeless, I'll never be able to do this...." But that's NOT TRUE!

So please, pick youself up, get those shakey legs back in action and give it another try. You won't be disappointed.

(I really had no plans of sharey my silling 2AM penses, but Judy really needed it so I'm willing to be silly )



Now onto my update:
Yesteday was horrendous. I decided my new level of activity isn't sitting well with my spine. But I'm in a "Dmd if you do, Dmded if you don't" situation. If I don't move, I have low grade symptoms all day. If I get out there and move, I feel good during the day, but by late afternoon I'm hurting and by evenig I'm almost frantic with pain. I know I'm jumping the gun by getting active before the PT/shot.

So today I did a very rational thing. I did my self-allowed once a week illegal wog. I did 8.1 miles at an average pace of 12:07. It felt great until about mile 7. Then I started having back pain, but no sciatica which is really what my pain is all about. I'm sure they're related, though.

Here are my splits:

mile / pace
1 10:42
2 11:19
3 11:18
4 12:56
5 11:57
6 13:08
7 13:42
8 12:30

Sunny

 

[plutosmyfav]

ETA: Have you tried doing Core? I never in a million years thought I'd do Core. But in my frustration after not losing after the Minnie I tried it. And it worked! I lost 3 lbs. the first week (very huge loss for someone like me). You can always try it for a week and go back to pts. if it doesn't work or you hate it.

Kristi-- Congrats on making LT! I set my weight high with a dr note, too. My plan was to keep going down but I didn't stick to it But the good thing about the goal weight is it sets a line in the sand. As I posted recently, I was 18 lbs over, now I'm back to 16 lbs over. But, my main point is: I finally tried Core, too (after meaning to for nearly 2 years) and it really does work. I still keep track of the points (OCD) and I'm amazed at how fewer points I can be satisfied on. Its just really hard to stick to Core... But you reminded me its worth it.

Sunny

 

[Honeibee]

Sunny -

We must have been posting at the same time. Thank you so much for your "virtual intervention". It's amazing how supportive and just plain nice you guys are to me, considering we've never even met! I wish the friends I have IRL were this nice! Anyway, what you said made perfect sense to me. It looks like I do need to pick myself up and get back on track. Or On Program as it were.

Thank you Sunny. Even with all you have going on, you took the time to be there for me when I really needed it. I APPRECIATE THAT SO MUCH.

BTW, you wogged for eight miles today? I can't get to that worship smilie but if I could, I would!!

 

[TiffJ]

O.k. Sunny & Judy, you had me in tears with your posts. Judy because I am going thru the same thing & I can so relate to how you feel. It was as if I wrote that post. Sunny for her inspiration. You have been a true inspiration to me since I joined this group & for you to lend so much support to others when you are going through so much really says alot about you. I really hope you get the relief you need & deserve. But dont wog too much & get hurt worse.

Judy-we need to hook up & get each others butt's in gear. I want to wear cute running clothes in January without my tummy hanging out of them I may try core. And you are still an athlete. You can still be an athlete with eating issues. Lord knows I have my problems. You get out there & get your steps in. That's what counts. That is more than 80% of the people are doing & how many people do you know that are doing marathons or 1/2 marys? I dont know any outside of my WISH buddies. (and my shoe lady at the running store )

Without this group I would have never gotten addicted to this "free" sport. And I am thankful every day that I have to go out & train for a purpose. It's much better than that old couch potato that I used to be.

Chris-Welcome!!! Alot of us use the Marathoning for Mortals. It's a good read & a very doable training program. I love being a penguin!

 

[Kristi1357]

Sunny for her inspiration. You have been a true inspiration to me since I joined this group & for you to lend so much support to others when you are going through so much really says alot about you. I really hope you get the relief you need & deserve. But dont wog too much & get hurt worse.

I want to wear cute running clothes in January without my tummy hanging out of them

You get out there & get your steps in. That's what counts. That is more than 80% of the people are doing & how many people do you know that are doing marathons or 1/2 marys?

Without this group I would have never gotten addicted to this "free" sport. And I am thankful every day that I have to go out & train for a purpose. It's much better than that old couch potato that I used to be.

I love being a penguin!

Yeah - what she said!

Sunny - please take it easy! I hope you know what an inspiration you are to the rest of us. I was thinking about you yesterday while I wogged. I got really tired all of a sudden during mile 4. I started thinking about you & all the pain you overcome everyday just to simply be, nevermind exercise. That got my butt going faster! I also was thinking of you today - saw the Lahey Clinic signs while I made my occassional stop at the Burlington Mall to check out the Gymboree there. Keep hanging in there - PT & your shot get closer every day.