Shan: Trail runs just scare me. I tried trail biking this summer and had a very similar reaction. Thought I was fit, got frustrated, swore I wouldn't do it again (& am now making plans for this summer...). I'm so impressed that you got out there. I've not used the toilet-seat covers, and I'll be very interested in what others think.
Cam: I'm glad the work is interesting, at least. Hopefully it's not interfering with all your plans, especially your VR.
Tricia: Thanks for the info on the TM intervals. Now that you mention it, I think the TMs at my gym have this. (I really should pay more attention to all the amenities my monthly fee gives me...). I'm sending winter wishes your way.
Carrie: Yeah, I love the stop-in-the-middle of the chapter & do-this-exercise suggestions in Chi Running. If I stop reading, it's to turn out the light & go to sleep. Obviously this book requires more mindfulness on my part.
Ms. Duckie: Your stream of consciousness was delightful. It's worthy of a Faulkner story!
Jackie: That's so cool that you're writing when you're running. I hope to get there sometime....
Amy: Oooh, I'm glad you're reading Chi Running. I think I'm going to get something from the book, if no more than a yen to take Tai Chi. I think I'm going to continue with yoga for now and try to work one aspect at a time. I guess I just have to trust that things will make sense over time. I'm glad to hear you're giving yourself some recovery time and taking it easy (for you, for me it would be a killer schedule). Your training plan for the Minnie seems exciting--if I remember Bingham's schedule tends be like this: moderate run-moderate run-moderate run-and so on. (Yeah, I knew there was a reason I liked his plans!
Steve: I hope work settles down and that the temps allow you to run outdoors. I don't have nearly your fortitude for subzero temps, so I'll hope for a balmy 40 degrees for you!
CarolA: Great news on the PR. I wouldn't call you slow, which tells you something about my pace.
Kristi: I think the Panda should count your tire changing as XT. Your HR must have been elevated--mine would have been.
Cindy: It sounds like you need a little inspiration and encouragement. I can't really help you there, as my form of motivation involves calling myself names & using profane language. Not very DIS friendly. Sadly enough, it works. Maybe WWDave could give you some encouragement--he's got quite a way with words.
WWDave: As usual, you express yourself beautifully. You're truly a (pretty) prince of a guy.
Cecilia: I love the idea of playing games with the TM and "competing" with others in the gym, even if they don't know it. A covert operation! As for the computer? I have a suggestion (whispering in your ear): Macbook Air, Macbook Air....
Tracey: Great time for your R/W!
Stacie: What a full and varied schedule. I hope/am fairly sure it will help with your hip flexor. I'll think good thoughts for the neurologist visit.
Stacey: (Thank goodness for different spellings)

to your family. I hope you'll all have speedy recoveries and that any doctors' visits, if necessary, are quick and painless.
NEPats Bill: It's great to see you here. How's your training going?
Allie: I don't really have enough experience to answer your question, so I'm just speculating. Could you run 5K of the race and walk the rest? Or a R/W? You know, get back in the swing of racing but without pressuring yourself to run the entire race? (Or even having anything but completion as a goal.) Then you could gauge your abilities & make plans for the 10K in May.
As for me: Another C25K day, and I'm trying to work on relaxing my muscles (as Chi Running suggests). I find it hard to be loose on the TM, but running outside is a no-go right now. Too much ice on the sidewalks. And ice + hills = nervous Debra. I added some more XT to make going to the gym worthwhile. This evening I tried a quick walk to the neighborhood beer store--still too icy to be safe at anything more than a walk. That's what I get for wanting a white winter.