Hey Ribs and Tigger.

Rest day for me.  Achilles is sore today.  Better than yesterday however.  I tried out my mrathon flats Fri and think they might be the cause of the ache I feel.   They are a 1/2 size too small and gave me a blister on top of toes on right foot.  Will run the marathon in some light weight trainers instead (NB 903).   Will give the achilles a little test in the morning.  It is always sore after speed work and or fast paced hills and then fairly normal in a couple days.  Regardless the marathon will go on as scheduled!!  

Missing Rich, Jim, and our Euphie.

Well, my cycling PR was a bust. I got there early enough for it, to the tune of starting out the ride in about 34F temperatures. But there was an option to break off the route at 56 miles and I took it since I didn't think I could go on for another 3 hours to complete the 100 miles. Riding 100 miles just takes a lot of time, even for the fast guys. I was also more out of cycling shape than I thought, having done my last ride of 50+ miles in June.

So I got what I deserved. And now that I'm back to running, the cycling can go on the back burner until next Spring...

Jim you're amazing!  I hope you'll write more once you've had some time to recover.

I've got to catch up later as I have 12 minutes to get out the door for a run.

Roch - the longest ride I've done as an adult is 65 miles or so.   A long time to be in the saddle for sure.  Don't blame you for stopping early especially in those early temps.  brrrr.

Have a good run Euphie

Jim - what an excellent time for your half.  My last one was 1:26:00 and Ribs and I think you and I would make good training partners.  Want to come to the desert of TX?

Good for Bob S.

5.5 ez this morning in 7:42 pace.  Humidity is back but cold front is coming just before we leave for Hartford.   Lot of help that will do me. 

Morning Fred

Don't start any trouble in Chicago Ribs

Thanks Euphie, Ribs, KS, Rich.

Euphie, you must be one fit filly by now!

Have a good time in Chicago, Ribs. I know...you'll be working. You know the marathon is this weekend, right?

Rich, you made light of your 5k the other day, but I noticed that was 10 sec better than your last and was sub-8 average. Hope that achilles doesn't act up for too long.

KS; you'd make a great training partner but I don't know if I'm up to handling that Texas weather. I've gotten pretty spoiled by this Nor Cal stiff, even though I spent 14 years in Phoenix. Believe it or not I do like training in the heat but I sure don't like racing in it.

Roch; good luck in your return to full-time running.

Hi Fred, wherever you are.

Ribs, I'll let that derogatory cycling comment just roll on by.  I hope your diet allows you to eat some of that famous pizza in the Windy City.

Rich, I was remiss in not applauding your 5k.  I've tried to keep up with reading here, but I'm forgetting some of the important details.  I'll cook chili tonight and raise a glass (of Accelerade) to celebrate.

Ks, good luck in that big race!  Your posts have been a good reminder of how much work goes into a successful plan and how uncomfortable tight shoes can be.

I had a terrific run on Saturday morning.  I planned for an easy 2 miles and came home after 6 good ones.  I rode for 2 hours on Sunday, ran 4 not so hot miles yesterday morning and then did 90 minutes of pool running in the afternoon.  The 10th grade cross country runner I'm working with has stress fractures and needs to maintain some sort of no impact training for a couple of weeks.  You would all love her!  She is always on time, motivated, and never complains about our plan.  Jacques, I often think of your daughter as I listen to my young DWR partner talk about her season.  I've been invited to the regional championships this weekend and look forward to watching the races.

Today is my usual Tuesday afternoon ride with a former neighbor and I don't find it to be the least bit boring.  Roch, I'm investing in some cold weather cycling clothing and I'll let you know if it works.  Good gloves and shoe covers will be my first purchase.  Wind front pants will be the next.  I already bought a trainer in case those don't work and I'm already thinking about my next bike.  Ribs, want to buy a slightly used cross training tool?  It would keep life interesting. 

Jim, what's next?