atombuddy

This is way more impressive than I think you realize!

Don't rush it. Let it heal and you'll be back out in the woods soon enough, running all those crazy trail miles. Meanwhile, enjoy parenthood--it goes by really quickly!

I see you sense of humor hasn't diminished at all. We've missed you!

Funny how it works, right? I've slowed down a lot since those peak years on The Loop, and my races are mostly exercises in frustration. And yet...I'm still highly motivated to run, even if it's a minute per mile slower than it was four years ago. It gets into your blood, I guess. What's helped in my case is the social aspect and mentoring aspect of the sport. I run with a big group every Saturday and help coach (and run with) a middle school team twice a week. That by itself keeps me fit, and at our age fitness becomes far more important than competitive success. We were lucky that we had those opportunities a few years back; to paraphrase Humphrey Bogart, "We'll always have Boston." I hope your injuries clear up once and for all--there's still good running to be had!

Ah, Coachella: we used to run a track meet there every year. They actually had a grass track--I guess so that the desert wind wouldn't blow away all the dirt (since all-weather tracks were rare in those days). Nice job on the race and the golf! Considering all the self-indulgence, you did well.

I'm glad you're still at it--you've probably kept The Loop alive more than anyone. And I apologize for being so absent the last couple of years or so. I don't really have a good excuse, but since I slowed down significantly around 2016-2017, I just haven't felt that my runs (and especially my races) have been bloopworthy. The good news is that, even though I don't feel motivated to write, I still feel motivated to run, and have been able to make some adjustments to my routine. Anyway, I applaud your level of commitment, and I should really make more of an effort at least to read and comment here. I still see other Loopsters from time to time, and still treasure all the friendships I've made here.

I was wondering why her career suddenly went down the tubes.

This was so sad. I'm sorry you had to go through it. Please hang in there and keep the faith; remember that Mrs. AB was 38 when she had our son

This brings to mind the steambath we ran in a year ago in Central Park. Remember that one? Good luck taking down GMHLTH!

It was worth the wait: you had quite a month! Congratulations on all of it! And Caribbean honeymoons are a good omen, by the way--we had one 27 years ago. Second row, third from the right, by the way. I'd know that smile anywhere.

As for the person who broke your heart via text: send the bugs to him.

Very encouraging! And yes, the advantage of starting late is that you get to pass a lot of slow runners and feel like a speed demon.

I've been focusing on shorter races myself these days. Of course, yours are faster....

Pretty great for an old married lady!

The suspense is killing me!