Howard: Happy belated birthday to you (again, I believe) and to your DS! He's really close to getting his Eagle Scout designation! That's such an honor and sign of dedication. Does he have a project in mind? You did a great job on your 8+ miler in the humidity. And FWIW, I think your AG placement in your last 5K was terrific!
Stephanie: What daughter doesn't love a happy mommy? Especially if you get more mother/daughter time, in or outside of Disney!

Congrats on getting your miles in on your TM. In many ways, that sounds like it was more challenging than being outdoors, or at least less satisfying. Hopefully your humid weather has abated somewhat, and you can enjoy the outdoors without feeling drenched even without any physical exertion.
Aloha Jeff: I can SO see you as an Eagle Scout. You really live those values, I can tell. How do you like geocaching. It's something I've wanted to try for a long time. It must be particularly fun with scenery like yours. Good job with your run and avoiding overheating. A coke and an ice bath, but no ice cream? Hmmm, it seems like something's missing from your routine.
Angie: Sorry to hear your 7.5 miler was frustrating. But I hope you thought of DH, and all our voices, cheering you on.

Remember if you hear our voices with you all the time that it doesn't mean you're schizophrenic. You've just been listening very carefully to the wisdom of our various WISH gurus! I'm happy to hear DH is doing well, too. Running with you is probably just as healthy for him as it is for you.
Vic: Hope you're finding your motivation. Are you ready to report for fitness duty today?
Maura: Oh, I'm such a word nerd. I love albeit and travails. They're such pretty-sounding words, filled with assonance! And you know what I love hearing even more. That you were able to do 2.5 miles nearly discomfort free!

It sounds like using the foam roller before the run worked out well for you. Good that you're going to keep it up. Yay for your new bike! I hope the XT will not only prepare you for a tri, but will help with your running. I must have missed the news about your tri plans for this season, and assume your injury has caused you to postpone any events?? Well, at least you've got the bike and have plenty of time to find the right pair of shorts/skirt. Oooh, more gear shopping!
Claire: All right, this is a stupid question. Mike the tiger is a real tiger? That would explain why you didn't just jump in the water and enjoy a swim with the frisky feline.
Matt:

On your Ironman China. Very cool siggy. Congratulations on dedicating yourself to the event!! But does this mean you've really given up on your hole-digging plans? Quitter.
Racey Tracy: Sooooo, it sounds like you were missing Mount Trashmore. As far as calibration, maybe the TM feels neglected, so it's trying to get you to stay on longer?
Krista: Thanks for the thoughts about my dad--he's making a decision today, and we're hoping for the best. Pgh is all atwitter (how's that for a word, Maura?) about the Steelers. It's so strange here, how everyone really values the family businesses even with huge industries/corporations. It's a very similar reaction to the Kennywood sale, almost as if it would be a betrayal of the city/residents if the Rooneys didn't maintain a dominant % of the Steelers. Can you or Steve explain that to me?
But more important than that trivial news is your news with Carter. I can't believe how soon the big day is approaching. Are you all done with baby showers? What's been your favorite gift? What still needs to be done? OH, and do we have a baby pool going here?
And lest I forget on Saturday:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Steve: Good luck to both you and Krista with Carter, and woo hoo as well.

I can hear how excited both of you are--and that you're both ready to be overwhelmed with love and new adventures. Hines is probably almost as excited as you two. You're going to be great parents, all three of you!

Congrats on your 3rd--3rd??? wow!--triathlon. That's training for the endurance test of parenthood, at least as close as you can get.
Craig: I don't know if I knew the full story about your left calf and the recurrent injuries.

and

to you. I hope your IR time is short, your rehab uneventful, and your return to racing more enjoyable than you can imagine right now. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for you, a lifelong and competitive athlete, to go through this injury repeatedly and to be sidelined from activities that bring you such joy. Please know that I--that all of us--are thinking of you and WISHing the best for you. You have been a mentor to me, a source of information and support, and I hope in some small way to be there for you during this time. Know that I would be proud to be by your side in October or January, if that was a possibility and will be cheering you on every step of the way during your recovery, training, and races.
Terri: Congratulations on your first duathlon.

I know you're disappointed at missing your goal time, but it sounds like you've made a good assessment of your performance and abilities that will serve you well for the next one. See...I assume there will be a next one.

Your story about training on your equipment is a sound piece of advice for everyone. Thanks for sharing it! (And I don't think you have anything to be embarrassed about. Instead, you should be proud of your accomplishment. And the fact that you're willing to share information speaks of your support for all WISHers, that you're more about challenging yourself & others and ego-driven. Very cool.)
Ang: I'm so glad you speak highly of epidurals, especially for Krista's sake. But I think I'll take your word for it and pass on the experience. I'd rather run a few, heck a lot, of miles.

Wow, 6 months already? I bet your DS has grown an incredible amount!
Kristi and Stephanie: See what I said to Ang. I'll let the voices of wisdom speak for the benefits of the epidural. The thought makes me shudder.
Jennifer/wellesley
Wow--2nd in your AG. That's terrific. And right back on track yesterday, with good solid splits. That's doubly terrific. I need to go read your RR. I hope you feel good about your performance, even if you weren't as speedy as your practice runs. You gained valuable experience for the next time--this Saturday (whoa)!
Kira: Wow, your DD is going to Spain for a month. Adopt me...please! I can't help you with your financial magic--no head for numbers--but here's PD for you and your family. I hope you get to keep a place that must hold lots of memories for your family.
Tricia: Yay for starting your Disney marathon training already. (I meant to do so, too, and now I'm behind schedule!) Are you enjoying your training program and local running club? It sounds really early to be out on the road--for the heat I'm sure--but also like you're getting good information. How do you like running with the club's members, or is it too early to tell?
Oh, and have a great time at WDW--ignore my green-with-envy post.
Carrie: Chemo can really knock the wind out of people. For me, it was the combination of being tired and losing my appetite about a week into each cycle, then again 3 weeks into the rest period. I hope your FIL has a relatively easy time of it. It's good to know he's got so many people in his corner, and I'm sure he's grateful for the support.

Wow, your tri is coming right up! How are you feeling about that? I suppose it's good to have that goal in sight and something to concentrate on. You know, any time you want to come to Pgh and wash my car, etc., you can feel free to do so. It'd give you something new to think about, I'm sure. Especially because my car and house are probably a disaster area compared to yours!
Judy: Yay for 45 minutes on a TM. That's quite an accomplishment, especially on a TM. How does it feel to be concentrating on distance?
As for me: Stonker run today. I've been concentrating on building speed, which has the odd effect of taking the fun out of run for me. So I'm going to go back to my running schedule and try to find some balance in my pre-marathon training plan. I'm also reconsidering a RW program for January, as I notice my times are better with walk breaks. I've not looked seriously at Galloway, but intend to do so. Any reading recommendations?