Just for you Sandy...

Since Sandy made an extra special effort to come this morning (We all know how hard it is to come when you have taken 3 weeks off!) I have SPECIAL TREAT for her and you other people too. You will notice that I am ignoring the fact that Jenny did not show as promised this morning. I even made sure I had my van between me and her potential entrance - just to be safe. We all know how she disregards all human life (especially early morning Walgreen shoppers) to make the 5:00 bewitching hour! Kudos to Christy, Sandy and Mike for being there!

p.s. Jill - sorry you are not included in the linked video montage. I couldn't find a photo of you.

the run goes on...

A nice morning run with Christy. I think she has learned that if she comes on Monday, she might be surprised with a new route. Of course, I admit - sometimes it is not an enjoyable experience. In my search to run roads not yet conquered, it sometimes feels like we are running a rat maze rather than a running route. Anyway - a somewhat new route this morning.


To put you in the Christmas spirit, I thought you would enjoy this performance by Barry Manilow's protege:

A new product for us all...

In my never ending search to find products that make our runs a bit more joyful, I stumbled upon one that I know the Sparta runners will fully embrace. I believe it also shows that the stars are perfectly aligned for Tom's and Mike's first marathon. Last year their shirts said, "It's all about the beer". This year they will prove it when they wear this for their hydration needs:

Marathoner's Beer Belt

It was a brisk run with Christy and Jill this morning, but we were out there and we did it!

You asked for it.....

I know that after several beers and glasses of wine the morning runners probably have forgotten that they sent me on an all important mission - to see if Jenny is the expert she claims to be. The fact is, she needs to send a certain Health Teacher a letter of apology. Yes, it is true, it is possible for fraternal twins to have different fathers. The phenomenon even has its own name - twinning! Jenny - I think you superiors need to reconsider their recent decision regarding your future at Viterbo! Here are the facts, because I know how you all love to doubt me!

For those of you who aren't morning runners - you will just have to wonder what you are missing. Maybe your curiosity will persuade you to join us in the morning!

On a running note - since this is a running blog - Mike and I enjoyed a warm morning run. It is nice when our local meteorologists are wrong. Instead of the single digits it was about 23. Hmmmm now I realize that it was above Wendy's magical 20 degree cut off. Hmmmmm.

Since Jill like the picture of the naked guy (and we know why!), I thought I would include another one.

More Snow

Another snowy morning, but Christy, Mike, Jill and I enjoyed a run anyway. Well, I am not sure if Jill did.

I think we might be getting a message via the Walgreen communication channel that we need to park some where else on snowy mornings. I think our cars are putting a crimp in the snow plowers schedule - although he has never given us a dirty look. At least I don't think so... it is pretty dark at 6:00 in the morning. I hope he just sees the silver lining and realizes it is a good time to enjoy his morning coffee!

I am sure we will get endless grief from Larry today. The forecast says -14 tomorrow morning so I think that we have cancelled the 6:15 run. I say THINK, but after Wednesday morning's run, where Jill actually wanted to run in 5 inches of snow, I know longer have faith in my running companion's sanity.

Another old Adidas ad:

Who are those crazy people?

That is what drivers were wondering today. My response was "Jill and Mike! That's who!" Yesterday with the prediction of snow on top of already icy conditions, I was all set to not run today. I queried Mike and Jill and expected (at least from my faithful companion Jill) hear "I agree! Let's NOT run". Instead winter insanity has set in 4 months early and they were determined to go! Ugh! So, of course, I felt obligated to go too.

And believe it or not, I should be thanking them (and my YakTrax) because it was a very nice run. Once again, the running goddess proved to me that you always feel good after running.

So - Thanks! (kills me to say it, but I can admit when I am wrong!)

We are runners

not really bright runners, but we are runners. Yes, Christy, Jenny and I braved the cold and icy conditions this morning! WE ARE RUNNERS! It was actually the icy, crunchy conditions that made the run hard, not the cold. So it was a good reminder that running in the cold isn't that bad. Really Wendy - you should try it!

We have run in colder and fortunately it was not a day that we ended the run looking like this:

minus the beard, of course!

Hello? Hello?

Anyone out there? I just wanted to encourage you guys to use the commenting feature at the bottom of each post. I would love this blog to be interactive and not just me talking out into cyber space. No obligation - I just wanted to know that your comments (nice ones, of course) are welcome.

MISSING IN ACTION. Again, I was SO excited - we had a full group signed up to run today and the temperature was NOT "below 15 degrees" (a magical number for a certain Disney Marathon runner amidst us), but yet only 4 lonely runners were sitting in their cars (to the tune of 5 little monkeys sitting on a tree). Hmmmmmm. That's all I'll say. (guilt, guilt, guilt)

Anyway... the Cousins, Sandy and I enjoyed a nice backwards run today. I realize now that I strategically goofed. Christy said we should run the "new" route backwards. I wasn't quite awake and throughout the run kept on bumping into her at corners - not knowing where we were going. I think she may have gotten frustrated which means that she will not be encouraged to take over the club position of "new route finder". Darn! I blew my chance!

I have updated my next goal and quote of the day. I know I have been avoiding updating these two areas of my blog, but I guess now I am committed to Chicago 2008!

8 miler - Relay Wendy

Wendy had many people helping her through her long run this morning. I think we are unconsciously training for one of those 100 mile relay events that we have talked about doing. I managed to get 8 miles in, ironically most without Wendy! It is the longest run I have done in quite awhile.

There has been a lot of talk about our next race. I found some pretty humorous old Adidas ads about running. This one reminds me of when I was training for Whistlestop with Judy, Jenny and Katie among others....

A new runner

We had a new runner this morning! Wendy's brother Mark joined us! He caught the running bug at Green Bay last year and has picked up running! He did great on our 6 mile run this morning!

I thought Jenny was going to take out a couple of the early morning black Friday shoppers at Walgreens! She was running a few minutes late and came careening around the corner, weaving through the shopper cars parked in the lot and came to a screeching halt next to us. She knows the Code!

I cold, but sunny run!

Happy Thanksgiving

A nice run with the cousins and my benefactor - Kwik Trip Lady. I was so happy that the run when better for her today. After all - I need her keep working so she can continue to support my vacations!

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember to tell those close to you that you love them!

Beer - What's good for you!

A balmy 40 degree run with Sandy, Jenny and Christy this morning. We all shared our "How I Missed the Big One" deer hunting stories - not! And of course we recounted every Packer play - not. But given it is WI gun deer season which means it is the week that your local beer distributors sell the most beer (not kidding), I thought it appropriate that I share some good news about beer...


I found this on another blog.... Of course it won't surprise any of you...

Beer consumed after an intense workout can actually help you rehydrate.Which is of course the exact opposite of everything you've ever read.

Researchers think the sugars, salts and carbonation in the beer assist with fluid absorption.

The beer study comes from Granada University in Spain, where a Sadistic Med School Professor apparently made 25 volunteers run on a treadmill in 104 degree heat until they were about to die but not quite. (Killing study participants is frowned upon, even in med schools where the professors could make great use of the cadavers for educational purposes).

Anyway, the researchers took some measurements from the nearly-dead participants, including their hydration levels, "concentrationability," and motor skills. (Is concentrationability even a word? Well, sure it is--at least after a few beers). Then they gave half of 'em a pint of Spanish lager, while the rest got water. Next, everyone got to drink as much water as they wanted.And guess what? Those who got beer had a "slightly better rehydration effect.


"The Daily Mail article also mentions that "sensible drinking of one or two units (of beer) a day can reduce the risk of heart disease, dementia, diabetes and Parkinson's disease." And that beer ingredients are a "rich source of vitamins and minerals."

See - Wisconsin marathons which have a beer tent after the race are just looking out for our health - it has nothing to do with tradition!

I was so excited

to run this morning, because there were 6 people signed up!!! All the chatting, stories, plans for the weekend AND Mike wasn't signed up! But I was so saddened when I got there and it was just me, Jenny and Christy. Not that they aren't good to run with except for the fact I knew it was not going to be a slow, relaxing Friday run! Where is Jill when you need her???? Speaking of absenteeism, the CU Girls were missing in action also. Sandy had given advanced notice, so she gets a lighter slap on the wrist, but Wendy, Wendy, Wendy. Where were you girl??? I had been hearing that you were up for the MIP (Most Improved Participation) Award! Way to choke at the end!!!

Anyway... good luck on the Turkey Trot!

Once again...

you missed it! A new route! However, fellow die-hard Christy did not. I guess it will be our secret little route only to be used by her and I. Of course, Mike was supposed to join us (the one who always gives me grief about new routes) but Christy said that he called her last night and said he THINKS he is coming down with a cold. So apparently just THINKING you are coming down with a cold is good enough excuse to get out of your commitments. I will have to remember that the next time my boss asks why I was absent from work. It is so nice too, because Mike can't open my blog due to his work having extra stringent computer security (I guess you can't blame them knowing Mike!). No e-mail backlash from him today!