Chicago Marathon - Inspirational Video

Just a great way to start thinking about our race on Sunday, October 3rd. Envision the finish and think about how GREAT you will feel when you cross over that line!

Group Run #7

With the increasing mileage, we are all starting to think about the upcoming Half Marathon Race. As the weeks progress we will start experimenting with fuel before, during and after our training runs. This is the time to see what works and what doesn't.

Saturdays are the one day I do not use my ipod while running. Today I realized that I actually looked forward to running without that distraction. Typically we choose to listen to music to help quicken our pace or to help us avoid thinking of the actual 'work' of running. When I focused on my breath and steps today I worked through the mental toughness of running. Honestly, there was a point, around mile 7, I wanted to just stop. However, I dug through and I must say that is when I achieved the "runner's high'. I felt more confident knowing I pushed myself through the crueling last miles without the use of my fall back songs: Eye of the Tiger, Push-It and Imma Be. Of course, seeing all of you out on the course pushing yourselves helped to motivate me-how can you not be inspired by 20+ people all working towards a common goal!

So, if you are married to your ipod for every run, try and go one run a week without it. Maybe you'll be able to solve a problem that has been bugging you, think about your day ahead, or just be proud of yourself for finding that inner mantra "I can do it, I can do it!"

DWOS 2010 Fitness Unlimited

Fitness Unlimited won 3rd Place on Saturday night for Washington's 'Dancing with Our Stars'. Enjoy the show....

Group Run #6

We are half way there! Saturday was a 'drop back' week, our long run mileage decreased to get us ready for the 2nd half of our training. From this point on we will start heading towards double digit mileage. This is also the point in training where a lot of people start dreading their training runs and, at times, want to throw in the towel. The best advice I can give is focus on the benefits of training-getting stronger, leaner, healthier...trust me this will past and you will be so proud of yourself for sticking to the program.

I personally like to create incentives for myself. Sometimes I dread my long run days, but I incentivize myself with a trip to Dairy Queen with my girls, a drive to Greenville for a REAL Starbucks Latte (full flavor!) or even a movie night..putting my feet up and enjoying a movie with my family. I enjoy these events so much more knowing I completed my training goal.

So whatever gets you going, find what that is and make it a part of your reward for continuing to work through the next 5 weeks!

Group Run #5

Unfortunately, I was away on vacation for the Group Run #4, but this week we all did at least 6 miles! We had a nice breeze on the waterfront this morning. We also have several members donate water and gatorade for the group. We had one stop at Jan Rowe's house and Russell Davenport had his truck with a cooler full of gatorade and water in front of the court house. So, I don't think anyone felt dehyrdated this morning!

We are approaching our 1/2 way point this upcoming week...6 more weeks of training left! It is amazing how quickly training goes by. I truly hope everyone is having fun and enjoying this experience.

Have a great training week!

Circle of Life

"Aging is often called an "uphill battle," but that phrase appeals to runners-we love hills, even when we hate them, because they make us strong."

As I approach my 35th birthday I have become so aware of my aches & pains, sprouting gray hairs and wrinkles that stretch beyond my smile line. A few years ago I could lace up my running shoes and go out for a 5 mile run without thinking of warming up, stretching or even cooling down. Now if I tried to do that I would throw my back out. I have been somewhat depressed about the thoughts of reaching my mid-30s. I keep seeing the end of my running "career" as more wrinkles set on my face. The after dinner brownie now sits days on my stomach and if I splurge, I might as well throw my running shoes out the door. So, how do we embrace the inevitable signs of aging with a positive reflection of where we have been and where we are going?

Just so happens there is an article this month in my Runner's World Magazine about aging. I thought this paragraph was perfect for where I want to be when it comes to slower PR times, more wrinkles and sagging skin...

"It is the runner in me who will age gracefully. It is the runner in me who understands that the beauty of my body is in the things it can do, not the way it looks doing them. The runner in me understands that lines come from laughing on long runs and smiling into the sun. The runner in me is grateful for strong legs to carry me across finish lines. It is the runner in me who can make peace with her body and the passage of time." RW, Sept. 2010

Even though I might fight some of the aging process; at the end of day, I am blessed to be where I am in life. I will continue to run until I am dragged off the course, I will not look behind but look forward...I will make peace with the aging process while in motion...