Michael, your training program and dedication are so impressive! I was so excited to read the part about being able to excercise pain free. 
MOfWC, great job!
Thanks everyone. You are all such an inspiration.
I have my fitbit HR charge (I think it’s the charge) so will just use that for HR. Not ready to buy add ons at this point. I will look into the bluetooth stuff though. Thanks!!
Jym - 11 minute mile? On an elliptical? You were on a roll.
Sabaray- the vents on those are awesome. Best feature!
New long distance today - 10.7 miles. The half-marathon is in 3 weeks!!! I need to do 11 or 12 miles next weekend. I’m running a 5K on Saturday morning in Balboa Park with work friends, so will probably finish the 5K then just keep going for 8 or 9 more miles.
Wow, some of these look useful - gifts for runners:
https://www.yahoo.com/health/best-gifts-runners-145612314.html
Santa, I’ll take a pair of the wireless headphones to try!
This group is so disciplined, I just figured someone has a large gathering and needed an easy thing to make. It really is easy. I had a cookie exchange to go to, so I have great treats for family. Today is SEC Championship, and DD2 is in Million Dollar Band (her second year). I get so nervous, as I am hoping she can get the full experience with BAMA going all the way. Roll Tide!
I think Alabama will win without any problem.
Great job, Gertrude. You are ready!
Gertrude, you will be able to run the half! Great run today.
I. Can’t. Move.
Overdid it. Needed to use my hands to cross my legs!
LOL. It will get better. I promise.
Jym, get a foam roller or equivalent and use it after exercise. They are not that expensive! I really love the “stick” massager kiddos gave us. Under $20 on Amazon.
We have the company holiday party tonight. Maybe will do an epsom salt bath when we get back.
And… um… Go Gators.
Jym, had to chuckle. Nothing like a new fitness toy to induce you to jump in with wild abandon :). If your soreness today is from what you did yesterday, just wait until tomorrow! Lol… Day 2 of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness ( affectionately referred to as DOMS) is always more exquisite than Day 1. But this too shall pass :). Some nice gentle active recovery tomorrow and you’ll be good to go! Enjoy the elliptical.
Our big company party is tonight, too. It should be really fun- Vegas theme with all the game, etc. They’ve been setting up tents all week (with heaters) in our courtyard. People started jockeying for extra drink tickets (from the non-drinkers) on Thursday.
Michaelncat,
I am willing not ache now so it doesn’t happen on the ski trip, as has happened in the past. I also did some of those exercises where I sat against the wall to try to help my quads. My knees dos not like that very much.
I’ll try to do a little tomorrow so I can function at the trainers on Monday. I don’t know how you guys do this!!
Jym, after a 20 yr hiatus, I ran maybe half a mile… I ran out of breath and thought it was impossible to run more than that. Fast forward five years, and I was running marathons! Still, after each long run, I ask myself, “How did I just do this?” 
I am not saying that you need to or have to run distances, but you will be amazed that your body can do way more than it makes you think it does - when exercise becomes a routine.
^^^^Right, but for most of us (I think that’s fair to say) it was a very gradual process. Your timeframe of 8 or 9 weeks is certainly time well spent on doing your body good and probably losing a little weight/inches but it will probably not be a complete turn around in fitness - except that maybe you will drink the kool-aid and be on board to keep working and improving!
Hope you can fit in a warm bath after your party Jym! Good work! I’m so jealous of your ski trip
I took a bike ride with my dh this morning, and we walked at a nature preserve. We harvested some basil and made pesto, took a trip to the healthy (but $$) grocery stores, cooked batches of black and garbanzo beans. Feeling domestic