I think I CAN!

I think I said I was going to blog more to run more.  Well, the good news is that I'm running but I can't always access this site from work....when I normally blog.  (side note...I will never give my boss this URL).

I'm working with a Colonel to get him in shape enough to pass his 1.5 mile run for his PT test.  When I got to the gym I noticed that I packed everything BUT my running shoes.  oops.  So when we met at the inside track I came out in my socks with the explanation that bare foot running helps with running form.   Well, I read that in the book Born to Run and it sounded better than, "oops, forgot my shoes".

The colonel and I run 20 min. I do just a few more indoor laps just becuase I want to run an even 2  miles.

For the record, I did actually have a great running posture when running in just my socks.  Also, I now have incredibly sore calves. Hopefully the sorness will be gone or near gone by Saturday for our local marathon.

For anyone around that is looking for an inexpensive marathon or half this weekend in middle GA please come join us at the Museum of Aviation Marathon.

I went out with a friend who **says** she nearly never runs.  That short little woman has the most beautiful and effortless stride that I've only seen when watching the olympics on TV. 

I foresee me doing tempo workouts during her easy pace workouts when we run together in the future.

You know, I really enjoy the postiive upbeat people I meet when I run!!

I love this race.  It is small and only 5 miles from home.  The local running club can be found working the aid stations, taking the official pictures, or running along side you.  It really makes for an awesome experience. 

The race start was delayed due to some traffic backup getting into the museum parking lot.  It was raining so I guess it caused some delays.

I took off with 2 of my regular Saturday running buddies Pruette and Deb.  Pru was doing the full and Deb was doing the half.  The race started and we were off.  We generally stick together in races so I was really surprised when Pru led the group with a 10K pace.  We stuck with him for about 5 miles.  Knowing I couldn't keep that pace for 26 miles I said my farewells.  (He does this in training runs and I pick him up about 10 miles later down the road.)

So Deb and I are off on our own.  We pick up a few people along the way.  A few of them are doing their first half marathon.  It is always fun to talk to people doing thier first race.  I love seeing people having such joy for the huge accomplishment they just achieved. 

The marathon turn around is .1 mile from half finish.  Deb and I say our good byes and I start my second loop in the rain.  I have one mission....catch Pru.  As I start on the next loop I hear someone cheering.  There is Pru with a half medal around his neck and waving.  Well so much for goals.  I head out anyway wishing I had an iPod.

There is nothing really exciting to mention about the second loop except for the aid station workers.  I heard a description that seemed to fit perfectly.  They had a "chic-fillet" attitude....very cheerful and positive for people hanging out in a tent pavilion in the rain.  I had to stop and say hi at each station....mostly just to have a break from the rain.

I finally found my way to the finish line.  A team of 5 people were left to oversee the finishers: the RD, the photographer and his wife, and the 2 folks doing the chip timing.  I had my own personal cheer squad. Nice. :)

Odd how cold you get when you are done running and soaked to the bone. I went home and soaked in nice hot bath.  It didn't do much for recovery but felt wonderful!!!

Nice and easy 3.1 miles.  I ran around 8:30 but it sure did feel like midnight.

Easy miles with some friends.  I'm noticing that I need to add consistency to my training equation

Waiting for lightning and tornado warning to end so I can go out for a few miles......might have to postpone until tomorrow.

There is a 5K loop on base that makes for a great lunch time run. The base runs by horse fields, ponds, and base housing.  It makes for a great break from the rat race at work.

I took a quick jog this afternoon as I couldn't wait until later this evening.  Looking over my cubical wall I could see the bright sun as it beckoned me out the door.  The temps were a perfect 55 degrees.  What a great change from winter's cold weather.

I think I'll bring my workout clothes once again with me to work.  Perhaps I can sneak in another run tomorrow as well.

I wasn't able to sneak out at lunch time but luckily my hubby got home early so I could go out before dinner.  Sadly, it made for a bit of a stinky dinner for the rest of the family.

That reminds me, every notice how you can go for some post long run food or coffee with your running buddies and not be bothered by everyone else's (or your own) stank?  I guess it is like eating garlic.  If you eat some also then you don't notice it on someone else.

One of my goals for the year was to become a better runner.  This equates to more consitency, actually working on speed, and having a goal for each run.  When I actually start improving on my speed I'll post it.  Right now I think I'd loose to a penguin. :)

To quote John Bingham, "Waddle on Friends!"

Easy run during lunch.  I did shower upon returning....I'd be tossed out if I didn't. :)

Nevels, if you got faster by adding more base mileage then how many do you do a week?? 200?  You are speedy fast my friend!

I a good time at the Callaway Gardens half marathon this morning, despite the dreary weather. It was quite cold and gray, but at least it wasn't raining. The course was very pretty (quiet and peaceful which I much prefer) and I can only imagine how nice it would be on a sunny day. There were more hills than I expected, and I felt sorry for the full marathoners as I chugged uphill knowing that they were going to have to tackle those same hills again on their second loop around. It was a nice sized race, not crowded but always people in sight. They started on time and had adequate aid stations.  I was talking to a runner during the half and found out that Jeff Galloway's wife was running the marathon. She did a 30/30 ratio - 30 sec run/30 sec walk.  She finished in a better time than I ever have.