Well, kids, it's official.

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:24 am

At least I hope it's official. But I've sent a check off in the mail, and nothing talks like cold, hard cash.

My next trip to St. John will be Feb. 22 to March 1, 2010. We are staying at Samuel Cottages, because rates during high season scared us and she has the same low rate all the time. Thanks for all of you who answered my questions about the accommodations. I think we can't beat it for the money.

Haven't figured out where we'll rent our car. We seem to bounce around each year. I am sooo tempted to not even rent one, but cost-wise, I'm not sure it makes a difference.

I'm still a little afraid of high season and crowds since my island is usually sleepy, but unfortunately 8 Tuff Miles only happens once a year. I wasn't going to mention that's why I was going, because I feel like that's too much pressure. However, I have a year to train and I am paying a personal trainer way more than this trip is going to cost (probably why I can't stay in a villa this time!), so I am sure I will be ready. And frankly, even if I'm dead last (which I will be), I can still say that I walked across an island!

Tracy in WI · Post by **Tracy in WI** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:30 am

Congrats LuLu! You will have an awesome trip. We need to try Samuel's Cottages one of these times.

And, as for the 8 Tuff Miles, my husband did it a few years ago and we keep missing it with our trips. You will do awesome - and who cares if you're last? Just cross that finish line!! Get out there...!

parafins · Post by **parafins** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:39 am

Lulu,Here's a money saving tip:If you don't need a jeep the day you arrive you can rent one the next day because most rentals are in walking distance of Samuel.Remember,Samuel Cottages are within walking distance from the dock.

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:42 am

I thought about that. The problem is that I was told that the only way you can make a jeep reservation in high season is for a week, and I'm not spending my morning looking around for a jeep for a one-day rental.

I don't know. I'm still open to suggestions.

Sun4MySoul · Post by **Sun4MySoul** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:48 am

Good Luck with 8 Tuff Miles!

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:52 am

If I don't die, I am sure I will write a trip report five, six months after I get back!

Well, kids, it's off to the gym for my personal torture, I mean, training...

sailorgirl · Post by **sailorgirl** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:23 pm

What a fabulous goal. Good Luck and stick with it!

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:37 pm

Fun! I think Samuel Cottages is one of the great deals on the island.

Cheers, RickG

crasherino · Post by **crasherino** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:39 pm

Woah....I didn't know what 8 Tuff Miles was so I Googled it, and that ain't just a catchy name. 8 miles is tough enough as is, but I can only imagine running the Centerline Rd. Especially considering I only run when chased.

I'll be on island from the 21st - 28th....if I see you out training, I'll be glad to give you a ride. Don't worry, I won't tell.

designbyroe · Post by **designbyroe** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:44 pm

YEAH!!! Lulu I know you can do it......Moe will be supporting you as well. He runs it really fast and then he comes back sometimes to cheer people on.
I will do my best to be there to support you and your running/walking partner Rosalie...

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 1:16 pm

I need to lose more weight so Moe can give me a piggy back ride.

My trainer swears I can do it as long as I stick with my regimen. This means if you see me on St. John, please buy me a drink because I will be broke from paying her to chase me around.

I told Peter that I am pretty sure it will be the hardest thing I can do. At least I'll get plenty of training walking back to the house from Woody's every night.

designbyroe · Post by **designbyroe** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 1:19 pm

You will do fine........what is the date of 8 tuff anyway?
no drinking til after the race and then you can celebrate like crazy.......heck you can close woody's and then move to quiet mon and stay til 4a when they close.......lol

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 1:27 pm

Well, I'm going to be there several days before the race to get acclimated, so there will be drinking involved. There's just no way around it.

It's Feb. 27, 2010.

parafins · Post by **parafins** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 12:50 pm

LuLu,I should be a bit more clear on jeep rental.Most of us arrive {the first day} on S.T.J. around dark.If you have a place to stay near the ferry dock you could save on a one day rental.But..There's a down side to that.In my case the next morning, I couldn't get my jeep until the rental place opened at {9:00 a.m.}

.On our last day I was to return the jeep @ 9:00 a.m. That didn't work out so well because we had a late flight out.So I paid for 2 extra hours and returned it at 11:00 a.m. Would I do that again?? Notta chance...Parafins

loria · Post by **loria** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:06 pm

Lulu-GO FOR IT ! how inspiring that you are running 8 tuff miles! that is such an awesome goal! YOU can DO IT! I stand in awe of you taking this on.

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