Depression Cookies: Books on the Run: Guest Blog by Tara Silverthorne ...

Depression Cookies: Books on the Run: Guest Blog by Tara Silverthorne ...: I am thrilled to have my sister guest posting today. On this blog, you've been introduced to my mother and co-author and my baby sister and ...

New moves are shakin' at the gym - Fitness - NewsObserver.com

New moves are shakin' at the gym -


Fitness
- NewsObserver.com

Week 7...only 4 more weeks of training

We've had quite a few 'hiccups' over the last few weeks. After the hurricane, a lot of us had to deal with trees down and power outages. I even had a foot injury that set me back a week. Nevertheless, we were all able to come together for our week 7 run with renewed energy. I know I was just excited to be able to run!

We also were able to partake in our first ever speed session. We got together the morning of Labor Day to run 6-8 400s. It was fun to work that hard with the team. To date, that has been the toughest workout.

On Thursday night Jan taught a strength training class designed for those of us who are training. She made mention of a 1991 Bronze Olympian, Steve Spence, who decided to incorporate strength training into his training schedule. He increased his stride over 3 inches! He is a renowed coach and still believes in strength training. Jan incorporated squats, dead-lifts, 'good mornings' and lunges into an hour long workout! I think we all learned a lot that night.

We are fast approaching our double digit mileages. It is daunting but also exciting to know we are so close to our goal. Go TEAM!

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!

First Group Run

Saturday, July 30th began our first of 12 weeks of running together. We started off with a small group the first week due to sports games and travel. I am hoping for continued growth over the next coming weeks. Unfortunately, running in NC late July through August brings hot and humid temperatures. Of course, running through the heat now will only make us stronger over the months. And, thank goodness, our race is in October so we will be golden with weather.

I am excited to see this team grow! It is such a rewarding experience to train with a group. I am excited to be back next Saturday for a 6 miler!

Hope to see you all there!