Hi everyone!
Judy -

I wish you all the best. Sending you some virtual

to help you.

Kim and fabumouse! Kim, I think it's wise for you to try to lose some weight before training. I didn't and I'm kinda paying for it.

I'm one of those beginners who thought I could just jump right in there and start training without seriously getting in shape first. I did start my cross-training in August but I think your plan of starting now is much better.
Christa - your pace is awesome! Wow!
Sunny - can you come decorate my house?

Great pics!
By the way, if your Dr. Dumb-dumb took a look at me now and knew I was training for a half, he would probably faint. Luckily, I haven't had anyone tell me I can't do this....but my body/mind have been trying to tell me this during my long runs. I try not to listen to their whining.
Cam sending good thoughts for Howard and his trying to get through finals.
Wendy - sending good thoughts for you and your dad!
For all of you sporting injuries, sending

to help you get better soon!
By the way, I love all of these tips for preparing for a long run and what to dring/eat afterwards.....V8 juice, slim-fast. Is there a thread for tips already? I need all the help I can get.
Last Saturday, my long run was 4 miles, W3/R2. I was used to W3/R1 so this extra minute of running was really, really hard for me for some reason even though this is what I do for my short runs.

However, my pace times ended up being a personal best:
Mile 1: 14:03
Mile 2: 14:12
Mile 3: 14:36
Mile 4: 14:06
I'm really nervous about doing the 8 miles this next Saturday. I really have to psyche myself up for these runs. As for the weather, the high is supposed to be 45 degrees after a low of ~25 that morning. For you Northerners, this would probably be fairly warm.

Last Sat. was ~70 degrees. Quite a drop!
Take care, everyone. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a injury-free week for you!
If you think you can, you can!