Group Run #4

2 weeks ago we all got together at our usual spot, at our usual time, ran, drank gatorade and talked about the next week's group run. Unfortunately, our plan run last Saturday was cancelled due to the devastating storm...Hurricane Irene. Many of us were without power for days and some even experienced damages to houses and properties. I am sure the thought of running wasn't as the forefront of our minds. So for those of us who were not able to get our run in, I feel very confident we have many weeks going forward to get all the runs we need in to accomplish our 13.1 miles. In fact, after seeing what people have endured and lost this week, it certainly puts things into perspective. Instead of feeling stressed by a training schedule, I am going to embrace it. Every day I am able to get out there and run is a good day!

During these stressful days exercise has become a way to de-stress. I am very thankful of the many crews out there working day and night in order to make our lives comfortable. I will take that into our next weeks' runs. Let's make every step forward a positive one.

3rd Group Run

Third week of training is OVER! It is hard to believe that in 9 weeks some of us will be running our first Half Marathon. I am very excited to see this group accomplish 13.1 miles. Our third group run focused on speed work for our intermediate group, a fast 5K, where the novice group continued to go up in miles to 5 miles. Everyone felt great and was excited to get through another hot, group run. Hopefully as we approach September, we will have cooler temperatures.

I talked to a runner today who was frustrated during some of her runs. She said her training runs were so inconsistent, some runs felt "Great" and others she felt "slow and sluggish". I told her the reason we all continue to run is because it keeps us humbled. I think it is impossible to get cocky while training....running is the sport that I know I will never check off my to do list. It continues to humble and challenge me...kinda like life. I remember thinking when my 3 year old gave up her pacifier that life with her would be smooth sailing...let me just say, she continues to challenge me daily. When I wake up to do a run, I always think about the day before or ahead of me and know if I can get through that run, whether GREAT or TOUGH, I can certainly tackle what life has to throw me!

Group Run #2

Already we can check off 2 weeks of training! We met at 7am and it looked as if we would be chasing a storm (or a storm was going to chase us!). We did get sprinkled on a bit but we managed to finish 4 & 6 miles without being drowned by the rain. Of course, I think most of us would of enjoyed a downpour! It was cooler than the previous week, but the humidity was still high!

As we approach week 3 we will start seeing an increase in mileage. And, of course, with summer closing in we will also start feeling the stress of the FALL activities. I hope we can all see our training schedules as a distraction from our other responsibilities. Training involves consistency and along with that the feeling of accomplishment. It also puts things into perspective...because if you can get through 6 miles in the hot weather, you can do anything!