is it spring yet?

So, I guess this past week was the 4th run with the now growing group from work. Week 1 = 2 people. Week 2 = 4 people. Week 3 = 3 people. Week 4 = 9 people. 9 people! THAT IS A BIG DEAL. I was thrilled. And it was a cold, windy day, no less. We have been running the same 3.67 mile loop from our office and back, but i think i am gonna change it up this week so we can avoid some of the heavy car traffic. A route change also means it might be more challenging due to the hills. But, hey, challenge is good, right!! I will keep you posted on the group’s reaction. It will also be interesting to see how many people show…as weather is supposed to be about 39/rainy…coldest day of the next week. Hmmm..

On the last run, we had 2 that struggled. I backtracked twice to run, run/walk with each person. I just wanted to make sure no one felt left out. After my first backtrack episode, i went ahead and was almost in a dead sprint for 1 mile to catch up with the leaders. Man, that was tough, but felt GREAT and INVIGORATING! I finished with the lead pack and then circled back to go the rest of the way with the remaining 2. Another good group session.

I had a good week of running. I’m purposely only running 4 days a week and not 5. Due to the “success” i felt on my last half-marathon & full-marathon, I’m more relaxed about “schedules”, etc.. I am learning what my body can do on what amount of training. I am learning, for me, it might not be about QUANTITY, but OVERALL QUALITY. I’ve read about so many running programs that show high mileage for training and for my body, I think I am finding something different that can work. Yesterday, I ran a hilly 12.5 miles through the streets of Atlanta. I had wanted to go out to Silver Comet Trail for just even a bit of nature, but it just didn’t work out. I look forward to getting to some trails though soon…i need some nature time, for sure. After a route with both uphills & downhills, the last 1-1/2 miles I deliberately incorporated the toughest hill i could find. I think that’s how you know you are dedicated…when you deliberately & purposely put tough things in your training path. These hills now will make the flatlands of Los Angeles all that much sweeter to run. right?

Went bowling later that night. Sucked, big time. Our group had major gutter balls!!

Decided NOT to layer up again for the cold/wind today and took it to treadmill instead. 5+ strong miles as I sweated out the cocktail toxins of the bowling evening. Felt pretty tired at first, but then just settled in and got stronger. As the time and mileage increased on the treadmill, so did my strength. I could feel my back strong, my arms strong, my legs finding another gear….a good weekend.

Whoever you are and whatever you are doing, whatever you are aiming for, I wish you all the best! GO TO IT!

CHEERS!!

Feb 28: 5.10 miles – treadmill

Feb 27: 12.5 miles – outside

Feb 24: 5.0 miles – treadmill

Feb 23: 4.4 miles – outside

you gotta be startin’ somethin’…

A couple of weeks ago, my work/office decided to do a version of The Biggest Loser. While I don’t need to lose weight, I decided I would participate anyway…just for fun and also for a way to be supportive to others in the office. I was happy to see this kind of “event” take place in our office because, as you know, I am an advocate of fitness and health.

I have worked in my office for 6 years and during that time, i have tried to get others to run local road races with me. Sometimes successful, sometimes not. By successful, I mean that 1 or 2 other folks would join in. I was happy about that but always wished for more participation. sigh….  Obviously, over the years, many people have come to know me as a runner. They may not know anything else about me on a personal level, but they know I run. Often times, while in the breakroom or elevator, someone will ask me, “so, when is your next race?” That always feels good, ya know.

Well, the time has come and we might just be on to something here…Once the Biggest Loser contest was announced 2 weeks ago, I decided I would organize/lead a running group after work one day a week. I had no idea if anyone would be interested but I wanted to put the offer out there nonetheless. I decided I would run alone on those days if no one came. I got word out to the office about the run, mentioning that it would be a run/walk 3-4 miles on Tuesdays at 5:15pm. I put run/walk to encourage people even if they didn’t or couldn’t run the entire way.

Our first run was last week and it turned out to be myself and one guy. I was shocked when he said he was running with me. The main reason was because I have not had any real rapport with him or anything in the past. I thought if anyone were to come along, it would be people who I have talked to a lot of are pals with in the office. Me and this guy have barely exchanged 3 sentences over the past 4-5 years. I was shocked, but pleasantly so.

So, he and I headed out and we went slow. He admitted he is out of shape and trying to lose weight for his upcoming wedding. We chatted a little but not much. He needed to stop at 2 different points to walk a bit and I stopped with him. I truly felt so happy to be out there with him. I could tell he was struggling, but wanting to push through…and when it was too much, he had to stop. There was something about it that was vulnerable and humbling. Does that make sense?

We ran from our office building and back. When finished, he thanked me and i congratulated him. I then went on to run 1 more mile at a faster pace.

I really got a lot out of it and I feel like he did too. For me, it was nice to run with someone else and go directly from work. And then the big plus was feeling like I helped someone else just by being there. He seemed very appreciative afterwards and I was happy for him because I know he wants to lose weight and be healthier. Win, Win!

When people in the office heard about our run the next day, we got a few more people interested. Well, Tuesday rolled around and it was about 40 degrees (colder w/ wind chill) and drizzly. I figured those that had been interested would cop out. Well, I was wrong. 2 gals joined us so us 4 ran the same route as the week prior. 3.67 miles. All together. This time, the fella who ran with me the first time did not stop. Not once. Happy for him. Kudos to them all for being willing to go. It would have been sooo easy to let it slip away and take refuge inside on a treadmill or not exercise at all.

Today, people were asking about our run and more seem interested to join in next Tuesday. I could not be more thrilled.

Like I said…we just might be on to something here….