Ms. Mighty Duck: I just have to say that I'm impressed with how committed and motivated you are. You're not only doing the physical work, but you're really self-reflective about your actions/progress. I predict great things for you!
(Oh, and the real athlete comment made me giggle.)
Angie: I'm a little late in the response, but here's my take. It sounds like there are XT things you like to do that are good for your core and hence good for your running. (See Amy, I'm listening!) I say, stick with the Body Flow & maybe play around with other classes & see what you like. Why do the elliptical/bike if you know you don't like it when there are so many other things to try? That's why REALLY excites me about the Challenge as it's configured; it gives me, I don't know, permission to play. If that makes any sense?
Sandy: Another person who learned to love toenail polish. It wasn't a problem for me until the full; then I was glad I had pink polish on so I didn't have to see the lovely green of my big toe.
Debra - I never let that stop me! Just ask anyone around here.
Okay, then I'll just let the real me hang out.
Anne: Mmmm, cake. And me trying to drop my training weight.
Kristi: Re, the shoes & the cotton--
Tricia: How was the bike ride? I'm envious--ice storms here. My bike, she's lonely and cold sitting in the basement.
Renee: That's so cool that your friends are focused on a 5K already. Have you invited them to visit us?
39Cinderella: Hey, you made it over here! That's great. Welcome! I bought the chip as a souvenir, but it was great to have one less thing to worry about on race days.
Judy: WTG with the TM. Be careful with that hip, though!
Bill: I KNOW you can do this, WE know you can do this! Somebody very wise said on the Lean Meaner thread, "One day and one step at a time." Sound familiar?
Shan: Congrats on the 7 miles & GREAT pace.
I'm not ignoring the knees/shoes question; I'm deferring to those with more experience.
Amy: The die-hards at your class are a testament to your teaching!
Cecilia: 
for your DD!
Stephanie: I love your suggestions for guaranteeing that you XT. I might try a similar strategy.
Craig: What a cool story and, it sounds like, a cool guy.
As for me: Here I was, all ready to vent to you all about the crappy day I had (car in shop 7+ hours, me stuck in mall next to car shop, a surprise $1200 bill). But you know, after reading your posts, I'm just....well, much more relaxed. Even happier. That's what it means to come here--I read all your accomplishments (those of your friends & family), I saw your goals and plans, and smiled at the friendly exchanges. And it took the edge right off my day--not as good as a brandy perhaps, but a close second!
So instead of focusing on all that went wrong today, let me say what went right. In addition to finishing a two-hour workout this morning before I left for the car appointment, I put in additional 4 miles of mall walking (would have been more, but I needed to get other work done).
Thanks for turning a potentially ugly Friday into something better.
to all our new team members. It's a great place to be! 
So we'll see what happens.
