I know I've been MIA since the end of last year. Things went a bit off the rails with the pinched nerve in my neck. After several failed alternate treatments, I had surgery. 2 level ACDF from C5-C7. Thankfully it was like someone shut off a light switch for all the nerve pain I was experiencing and can actually brush my teeth with my right hand again! I am now 4 months post-op, and the imaging is showing that the bones are fusing well enough that my surgeon has lifted all restrictions. "Use your common sense for how fast you ramp up, but you are free to return to running." This was the best sentence I have heard in months. Especially since I have not been able to run since the end of 2025. I can only access this through my laptop so I might only be on once a week.

I'll be MIA for a while. I have to remove the app from my phone because of storage issues 😭 so I'll figure out how to get this loaded on my laptop when I get back from vacation.

If you're shopping (for yourself or others). Here are some deals that I've gotten in my email. I tried to add the relevant info, but I'm sure there is more fine print, so check the actual sites. Reminder: anyone with an REI Member coupon - it expires today! 🐶 Pet Supermarket: VIP members up to 20% off on orders $75+, Nov 23-29. Online only. Max savings $50, exclusions apply. (Someone signed up my email, I can't even get this discount!) 😎 Sunglass Hut: up to 50% off on select styles, through Dec 1. Online and instore. https://www.sunglasshut.com/us/sunglasses/special-offers. US only (sorry). And other fine print, no other coupons. ☀️ Constantly Varied Gear: up to 50% on select styles for workout clothes, more are added. (we discussed them before - they have pockets!) 🐑 WoolX: up to 30% off sitewide (merino wool clothing), plus code BFCM for additional savings. Ships to Canada and US only (again, sorry!) 🧚‍♀️ Faerie Houses: not technically on sale but I love them 📸 Holdfast (hand made leather camera gear, small leather goods): 20% popular and curated items, use code "BLACKFRIDAY2025" 🚀 Kennedy Space Center: Save $20 on the Atlantis annual pass with an additional month for free. Trivium Series up in Michigan is having/will have Black Friday deals (they have a Black Toenail Friday Half on the 28th, which cracks me up). Coastal Race Productions in North Carolina is having a 25% off their series for 2026. Their medals are great... they get me every year. Even though I say I'm not going to do it, I end up signing up. Everyone, everywhere, all at once is having Turkey Trots! And usually Frosty Runs! This is perfect running weather!

Where do your old shoes go to die? Mine turn into work shoes until they are shabby and falling appart(kinda like @Vincent McGee normal old Nike running shoes look 🤣). So what do you do with them, mow lawns, donate, or just have a nice funeral for them and bury them in the garden?

Hey everyone - Like most of us, I'm on a lot of emails that try to entice me to buy things (in this economy??). I'm more than willing to share the info as a heads up. For example: There's a Shokz sale coming up on Nov 20, starting at midnight PST for "up to 30%" with a free gift for subscribers. I haven't read the fine print ... but there's time to take a look? REI is having their Holiday sale now through Nov 24. I've really liked their Swiftland running line for summer. And some of it is 50% off. Fleet Feet is having sales on select Garmin watches (various makes and models, through different ends dates, probably to make room for new models). I'm not an affiliate and I don't make money on things like this. Just trying to help people find good prices on things that have worked for me. King Arthur Baking also has pretty good gluten free options, if anyone has a need. And sometimes they have good sales on their supplies (both consumable and kitchen). For cake eaters and the cake makers.