Have had a great 2 days at Woodloch Lodge in the Poconos. Yesterday, arrived at 12, ate lunch, then took a Bosu class, then a Tabata class and afterwards lifted for an hour and a half. The highlight at dinner wa,s skipping dessert and having gourmet hot chocolate with chocolate tequila. Yum! Today, did a 45 minute core and mobility dynamic warm up routine before going into a Spining class. Afterwards, went cross country skiing. In the afternoon, did a glutes, low back and abs class followed by a posture, balance and core class, now I’m off to a hot stone massage - I need it! Tommorrow will be another a spin class then something else, before we leave for home. This place is like overnight camp for adults but more luxurious.
Wow, Michael. What a weekend!
MOWC, we were at Woodloch about 14 months ago. When we pulled up at the security gate to enter the property this time, upon hearing our names, the security guard Sid,“Welcome back”. At dinner, when we entered the dining room, the hostess (the same one as a year ago) greeted us by name. When the server came to our table, she stated to my wife, “I note that you have an onion allergy, let me tell you what to watch for on the menu” (again, a year ago my wife had told the food staff that). We looked at each other in disbelief!
Just got home and your post above is the first one I saw, Abasket. I’ve been happy with Mizuno so I haven’t ventured out and tried other brands in years. When I first got fitted for the shoes the next closest in the running, ar ar, was Saucony. They felt pretty good too, but again, that was a long time ago. I don’t know how their shoes fit now. I’m neutral. Hope this is some help.
Sounds like a great place, Michael. I would love to check it out!
I would also recommend the Saucony Triumph ISO which would fit in with the other shoes you are considering, abasket.
Your opinions MUCH appreciated and valued - I bow to you all!!! 
abasket, I have the Ghost 7 in aqua/grey. They feel great, but I do use an insert with them for high arches.
H and I walked 5.5 miles at a wilderness preserve today. It was gorgeous–sunny and warm, blowing a light breeze with little poofy clouds. I made lots of camera stops–little carnivorous butterworts blooming all around. Kettlebell exercises early this evening.
abasket, if Hoka is on your radar, I recommend looking at this shoe, which is designed for neutral runners:
http://www.6pm.com/hoka-one-one-huaka-purple-yellow
It is narrower than other Hokas and more “streamlined”. I like it for shorter runs and treadmill running.
Thanks for the suggestion BB - I don’t think I can do the Hoka sole - I tried a pair on long ago and it just felt unnatural for me - IF I was one to have a few pairs of running shoes going at a time I might try a pair, but my budget limits me to having no more than 2 in the mix.
Sitting at home today (and likely tomorrow) in the midst of the midwest blizzard so will be making some decisions. My running shoe store was holding the pair of Brooks for me for 3 days - and I’ll bet they will extend the hold due to the weather - the price at the store was the same as Zappos and I have a $15 coupon for the store on the back of one of my race bibs - if I go with the Brooks I might as well support the local store!
abasket, good plan.
I like to support local stores whenever I can, but it’s hard to leave money on the table and I usually get such a discount online.
3 miles today before the temperature plummeted and the rain started. It rained just a little bit while I was out. Then- made it to hot yoga (75 minute class) so I don’t have to stress about going during my work week, which gets really challenging. I did OK- had to lie down a couple of times briefly. This was a teacher I particularly like.
I do like to support the local store - and do for other things I need - but I’ll admit that’s one reason I didn’t purchase yesterday - I was convinced I’d come home and find a better deal online - not sure that’s going to happen!
Just came in from the 2nd round of snow shoveling the deck and pathway to the garage/drive - we’re at about 6 inches and TERRIBLE blowing and drifting. Not pretty out there. Pup and his little short corgi legs were hopping through the drifts trying to get the height for a pee or two!!!
Have you done a google search for coupon codes for roadrunnersports.com and runningwarehouse.com? I almost always find something. I’m a VIP member at roadrunnersports which saves a lot. The membership for the first year costs $2.00 or something like that. It’s worth it. Also check Holabird.
Today’s eating was not the healthiest. The nerve-racking game made me eat a whole bowl of guacamole! Well, at least I’m good in the healthy fats department for the rest of the week. I did play with my dumbbells during the commercial breaks.
^i think that counts, Bunsen! The game itself might have qualified for heart-rate elevation too 
Should be quite an effort to break trail on the hill today, I suspect.
Good luck to those who are digging out! Hoping kmcmom doesn’t have to get her snow rake out (although I’m suspecting she will).
We watched the game but also did our his-n-hers dumbbell acts. (DH got a pair for his birthday and surprisingly, he’s actually using them!)
I pointed out that muscle burns glucose even when you’re just sitting around and fat does not. He did not know this. I sometimes feel like a know-it-all but I have to share what I learn from reading about the disease HE has and I do not (diabetes). Sigh.
Stay warm everyone, and don’t pull any muscles shoveling…
Yes, exercise for yesterday (and today) is shoveling and that’s it! No getting out on the roads and everything is closed. About a foot of snow on the ground and lots of drifting. Maybe it helped to work off a the couple sausage stuffed mushrooms I ate. Or the guac (not the whole bowl!). Or the pastry wrapped brie…oh, there was some mango salsa - with chips. Anyway, it was ALL delicious - I’ll be better during the week…
Thrilled I did well yesterday 7 miles all jogging and no walking. I got a new iPod shuffle and filled it up 1GB with music. First time to jog with music . I had fun . The fast songs I went faster, slow songs slower. Came home at kickoff and ate snacks. I am jealous of the above snacking, but not the snow. Send it our way, we need it.
Today was a rest day for me. Saturday I ran 8 miles with my group and happily saw significant improvements in my pace - I am hopeful that will translate to a faster half time this year. Sunday I went to the gym and yes, worked with weights. I had intended to go to a Pilates mat class but it was packed and I wasn’t there early enough. So I did some weights, some planks, worked on my teaser and then did about 20 minutes of “hill” workout on the Arc Trainer. Watched the game until halftime then went to bed.
I should have run after work but had to run and purchase some emergency rations for the dogs - I order their food online and a change in delivery companies means no food will arrive until Wednesday. It would have been nice to know the delivery schedule was changing ahead of time, but that would have made too much sense. So I am breaking one of my rules and having a beer after the horrendous day I had at work.
No snow here but a lot of wind - 40 to 45 mph. iDad, are you still celebrating?