http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayHomePageExperience.kickAction?page=Homepage&as=16429 New blogs from April on OurSB Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:01:57 GMT Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:01:57 GMT info@sportsbackers.org (SportsBackers) info@sportsbackers.org (SportsBackers) KickApps Feed Builder 2009-04-01T01:01:57Z 34 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=16429&sortType=recent 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Where-is-your-next-finish-line/BLOG/227805/16429.html Speaking of finish lines....don't let Monument Ave's 10k be the end of running for you!  You don't want to have to start all over again on a cold January morning next year.  You will be kicking yourself for not sticking with it.  One really great way to stick with it is to find your next finish line.  Find another race and sign up now.  It can be another 10k in a few weeks, a 5k or an 8k....whatever!  If you are really feeling ambitious you can sign up early for the McDonald's 1/2 Marathon in November (discount registrations apply!)!  My sister-in-law has found several for us to do.  We have decided to do at least one race a month together.  We have found an "Urban Dare" race in DC on 4/18 which sounds interesting.  I think we may also try the James River Challenge; both the James River Scramble on 5/16 and the Carytown 10k on 5/17.  Two great websites for finiding races would be www.sportsbackers.org and www.RRRC.org for local races and www.runnersworld.com for a more complete list of races anywhere.  If your were a part of the YMCA's 10k Training Team then you received and e-mail from Coach Dan Blankenship listing a few of the local races and websites to check.  Don't find yourself having to start over next year.  Instead, look back and see how far you have come and how strong you are and how fit you are to have continued with the commitment to a healthy lifestyle!  Our West End Running Group is always open and welcoming any new members!  Speaking of finish lines....don't let Monument Ave's 10k be the end of running for you!  You don't want to have to start all over again on a cold January morning next year.  You will be kicking yourself for not sticking with it.  One really great way to stick with it is to find your next finish line.  Find another race and sign up now.  It can be another 10k in a few weeks, a 5k or an 8k....whatever!  If you are really feeling ambitious you can sign up early for the McDonald's 1/2 Marathon in November (discount registrations apply!)!  My sister-in-law has found several for us to do.  We have decided to do at least one race a month together.  We have found an "Urban Dare" race in DC on 4/18 which sounds interesting.  I think we may also try the James River Challenge; both the James River Scramble on 5/16 and the Carytown 10k on 5/17.  Two great websites for finiding races would be www.sportsbackers.org and www.RRRC.org for local races and www.runnersworld.com for a more complete list of races anywhere.  If your were a part of the YMCA's 10k Training Team then you received and e-mail from Coach Dan Blankenship listing a few of the local races and websites to check.  Don't find yourself having to start over next year.  Instead, look back and see how far you have come and how strong you are and how fit you are to have continued with the commitment to a healthy lifestyle!  Our West End Running Group is always open and welcoming any new members!  Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:01:57 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Where-is-your-next-finish-line/BLOG/227805/16429.html April 2009-04-01T01:01:57Z OurSB Speaking of finish lines....don't let Monument Ave's 10k be the end of running for you!  You don't want to have to start all over again on a cold January morning next year.  You will be kicking yourself for not sticking with it.  One really great way to stick with it is to find your next finish line.  Find another race and sign up now.  It can be another 10k in a few weeks, a 5k or an 8k....whatever!  If you are really feeling ambitious you can sign up early for the McDonald's 1/2 Marathon in November (discount registrations apply!)!  My sister-in-law has found several for us to do.  We have decided to do at least one race a month together.  We have found an "Urban Dare" race in DC on 4/18 which sounds interesting.  I think we may also try the James River Challenge; both the James River Scramble on 5/16 and the Carytown 10k on 5/17.  Two great websites for finiding races would be www.sportsbackers.org and www.RRRC.org for local races and www.runnersworld.com for a more complete list of races anywhere.  If your were a part of the YMCA's 10k Training Team then you received and e-mail from Coach Dan Blankenship listing a few of the local races and websites to check.  Don't find yourself having to start over next year.  Instead, look back and see how far you have come and how strong you are and how fit you are to have continued with the commitment to a healthy lifestyle!  Our West End Running Group is always open and welcoming any new members!  nonadult false Where is your next finish line? text blog 245 1 5.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 4 0 227805 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_A-Monumental-Day/BLOG/224385/16429.html What an amazing day!  The rain held off, the temperature was just right, the bands were rockin', and the atmosphere was almost electric!  What a wonderful place Monument Avenue was this morning as thousands of us made our way across the scenic 6.2 mile course to the finish line!!!  I am so proud of all of my running buddies who all had personal best times today!  I'm proud of my husband, Matthew, who finished in 42 minutes!  I am proud of myself for finishing in 55 which was much faster than the original goal I'd set for myself!  The high-fives from John Hurley and Dan Blankenship were just as quenching as a cup of Powerade when we came around the turn!  The cheers from the crowds and random people yelling to remind you that you are halfway there or that there is only 1 mile to go is all you need to dig deep and push yourself to keep going!  A running buddies wife cheering for me when I thought I had nothing left (thanks, Kathy!) and Courtney running the other direction on Monument spoted me and yelled as she went by....these are the little things that give me those boosts of energy when I need them the most!  The high-fives and hugs and so many words of encouragement when meeting friends at the end is why I am still doing this a year later!  Thank you so much to the Shady Grove Y coaches such as John Hurley, our head coach Dan Blankenship, and ALL of my running buddies for making this such a wonderful day!  I look forward to running this race every year for many years to come!      What an amazing day!  The rain held off, the temperature was just right, the bands were rockin', and the atmosphere was almost electric!  What a wonderful place Monument Avenue was this morning as thousands of us made our way across the scenic 6.2 mile course to the finish line!!!  I am so proud of all of my running buddies who all had personal best times today!  I'm proud of my husband, Matthew, who finished in 42 minutes!  I am proud of myself for finishing in 55 which was much faster than the original goal I'd set for myself!  The high-fives from John Hurley and Dan Blankenship were just as quenching as a cup of Powerade when we came around the turn!  The cheers from the crowds and random people yelling to remind you that you are halfway there or that there is only 1 mile to go is all you need to dig deep and push yourself to keep going!  A running buddies wife cheering for me when I thought I had nothing left (thanks, Kathy!) and Courtney running the other direction on Monument spoted me and yelled as she went by....these are the little things that give me those boosts of energy when I need them the most!  The high-fives and hugs and so many words of encouragement when meeting friends at the end is why I am still doing this a year later!  Thank you so much to the Shady Grove Y coaches such as John Hurley, our head coach Dan Blankenship, and ALL of my running buddies for making this such a wonderful day!  I look forward to running this race every year for many years to come!      Sat, 28 Mar 2009 19:12:49 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_A-Monumental-Day/BLOG/224385/16429.html April 2009-03-28T19:12:49Z OurSB What an amazing day!  The rain held off, the temperature was just right, the bands were rockin', and the atmosphere was almost electric!  What a wonderful place Monument Avenue was this morning as thousands of us made our way across the scenic 6.2 mile course to the finish line!!!  I am so proud of all of my running buddies who all had personal best times today!  I'm proud of my husband, Matthew, who finished in 42 minutes!  I am proud of myself for finishing in 55 which was much faster than the original goal I'd set for myself!  The high-fives from John Hurley and Dan Blankenship were just as quenching as a cup of Powerade when we came around the turn!  The cheers from the crowds and random people yelling to remind you that you are halfway there or that there is only 1 mile to go is all you need to dig deep and push yourself to keep going!  A running buddies wife cheering for me when I thought I had nothing left (thanks, Kathy!) and Courtney running the other direction on Monument spoted me and yelled as she went by....these are the little things that give me those boosts of energy when I need them the most!  The high-fives and hugs and so many words of encouragement when meeting friends at the end is why I am still doing this a year later!  Thank you so much to the Shady Grove Y coaches such as John Hurley, our head coach Dan Blankenship, and ALL of my running buddies for making this such a wonderful day!  I look forward to running this race every year for many years to come!      nonadult false A Monumental Day! text blog 170 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 224385 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Best-of-luck/BLOG/223635/16429.html One last blog before race day.....GOOD LUCK!!!  Have an amazing time despite the potential rain.  Sing along with the bands, high five everyone who offers a hand along the way, and cheer for those around you!  It is such a fun race and I am so very excited!!!  This was my very first race just a year ago so I am especially excited to run this course again!!!  I may not know most of you but I am so proud to be a part of your team!  I very proudly wore my YMCA's 10k Training Team shirt today and will wear the tshirt we received from the race on Monday!!!  I am so proud of each of you who has struggled over these past 10 weeks to make the runs fit into your schedule, to push yourself to meet new time goals, or has pushed yourself to do something that you never thought you would do...you have overcome so much!!!  You should be proud of you and I hope you are able to take in every moment of tomorrow.  It is a BIG DEAL and you are a huge part of it!  Don't be embarrased to shed a few tears at the finish line either...I'm sure I'll choke back a few as I always so after a race!  Have a wonderful time and I'll see you at the finish line...................  One last blog before race day.....GOOD LUCK!!!  Have an amazing time despite the potential rain.  Sing along with the bands, high five everyone who offers a hand along the way, and cheer for those around you!  It is such a fun race and I am so very excited!!!  This was my very first race just a year ago so I am especially excited to run this course again!!!  I may not know most of you but I am so proud to be a part of your team!  I very proudly wore my YMCA's 10k Training Team shirt today and will wear the tshirt we received from the race on Monday!!!  I am so proud of each of you who has struggled over these past 10 weeks to make the runs fit into your schedule, to push yourself to meet new time goals, or has pushed yourself to do something that you never thought you would do...you have overcome so much!!!  You should be proud of you and I hope you are able to take in every moment of tomorrow.  It is a BIG DEAL and you are a huge part of it!  Don't be embarrased to shed a few tears at the finish line either...I'm sure I'll choke back a few as I always so after a race!  Have a wonderful time and I'll see you at the finish line...................  Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:54:47 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Best-of-luck/BLOG/223635/16429.html April 2009-03-27T20:54:47Z OurSB One last blog before race day.....GOOD LUCK!!!  Have an amazing time despite the potential rain.  Sing along with the bands, high five everyone who offers a hand along the way, and cheer for those around you!  It is such a fun race and I am so very excited!!!  This was my very first race just a year ago so I am especially excited to run this course again!!!  I may not know most of you but I am so proud to be a part of your team!  I very proudly wore my YMCA's 10k Training Team shirt today and will wear the tshirt we received from the race on Monday!!!  I am so proud of each of you who has struggled over these past 10 weeks to make the runs fit into your schedule, to push yourself to meet new time goals, or has pushed yourself to do something that you never thought you would do...you have overcome so much!!!  You should be proud of you and I hope you are able to take in every moment of tomorrow.  It is a BIG DEAL and you are a huge part of it!  Don't be embarrased to shed a few tears at the finish line either...I'm sure I'll choke back a few as I always so after a race!  Have a wonderful time and I'll see you at the finish line...................  nonadult false Best of luck!!!! text blog 182 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 223635 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Monument-Avenue-here-we-come/BLOG/221379/16429.html You should all be feeling pretty ready for Saturday's race....you have either run the 6.2 in training or have come very close.  You have experimented with clothing and shoes and know what works for you and what doesn't.  You have figured out what foods give you the energy you need to complete a run successfully.  You have as many of the factors under control as possible.  Race day shouldn't present too many unknown variables with the exception of the weather.  Lucky for us the course is flat, easy to navigate, and chocked full of all of our biggest fans screaming and cheering us along. One thing you may not be expecting is the thrill of running your first race!  It really is so much fun and I still get excited and pumped up with the cheering crowds and all of the excitement!  I hope you all have a great time!!!  Have fun, stay safe, stick to whatever plans have gotten you to this point, and don't forget how far you've come since you started just 10 weeks ago!  You should be feeling a great sense of pride every time you think of your success not just upon crossing that finish line.  Don't forget to stop by the YMCA's tent in Monroe Park after you've finished to get your much deserved memento!!!  Be on the lookout for Coach Dan, John Hurley, and many others at the turn around point on the course!!!  Scream and yell for those you know and just take it all in!  WOO-HOO, Monument Avenue, here we come!!!!! :)  You should all be feeling pretty ready for Saturday's race....you have either run the 6.2 in training or have come very close.  You have experimented with clothing and shoes and know what works for you and what doesn't.  You have figured out what foods give you the energy you need to complete a run successfully.  You have as many of the factors under control as possible.  Race day shouldn't present too many unknown variables with the exception of the weather.  Lucky for us the course is flat, easy to navigate, and chocked full of all of our biggest fans screaming and cheering us along. One thing you may not be expecting is the thrill of running your first race!  It really is so much fun and I still get excited and pumped up with the cheering crowds and all of the excitement!  I hope you all have a great time!!!  Have fun, stay safe, stick to whatever plans have gotten you to this point, and don't forget how far you've come since you started just 10 weeks ago!  You should be feeling a great sense of pride every time you think of your success not just upon crossing that finish line.  Don't forget to stop by the YMCA's tent in Monroe Park after you've finished to get your much deserved memento!!!  Be on the lookout for Coach Dan, John Hurley, and many others at the turn around point on the course!!!  Scream and yell for those you know and just take it all in!  WOO-HOO, Monument Avenue, here we come!!!!! :)  Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:02:52 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Monument-Avenue-here-we-come/BLOG/221379/16429.html April 2009-03-25T18:02:52Z OurSB You should all be feeling pretty ready for Saturday's race....you have either run the 6.2 in training or have come very close.  You have experimented with clothing and shoes and know what works for you and what doesn't.  You have figured out what foods give you the energy you need to complete a run successfully.  You have as many of the factors under control as possible.  Race day shouldn't present too many unknown variables with the exception of the weather.  Lucky for us the course is flat, easy to navigate, and chocked full of all of our biggest fans screaming and cheering us along. One thing you may not be expecting is the thrill of running your first race!  It really is so much fun and I still get excited and pumped up with the cheering crowds and all of the excitement!  I hope you all have a great time!!!  Have fun, stay safe, stick to whatever plans have gotten you to this point, and don't forget how far you've come since you started just 10 weeks ago!  You should be feeling a great sense of pride every time you think of your success not just upon crossing that finish line.  Don't forget to stop by the YMCA's tent in Monroe Park after you've finished to get your much deserved memento!!!  Be on the lookout for Coach Dan, John Hurley, and many others at the turn around point on the course!!!  Scream and yell for those you know and just take it all in!  WOO-HOO, Monument Avenue, here we come!!!!! :)  nonadult false Monument Avenue, here we come! text blog 137 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 221379 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_HOORAY-for-Personal-Bests/BLOG/218445/16429.html "WOW," is all I can really say about the improvements made by those of us who ran 1/2 marathons this weekend!  Dan, Dave, and Judy ran the Shamrock 1/2 this morning in VA Beach and I ran the National 1/2 in DC yesterday.  Dan was sick and still finished in 2:15!  Dave and Judy stuck to a very smart running plan which got them to the finish line in 2:19!!!!  I ran with my sister-in-law with no plan other than to keep up with her and crossed in 2:04!!!  These are all amazing times and I am so very proud of all of us!  We all had personal bests (with the exception of Dan who can boast a 2:01 from a previous race).  And, considering we ran the McDonald's 1/2 here in Richmond last November in 2:38, they are especially amazing times!!!  This is proof, once again, that sticking to this sport and having friends to do it with can make you extremely successful! I am definitely hurting today but am hopeful that tomorrow will be better and that I will be ready for another personal best on Saturday at the Monument Avenue 10k!!!  I can't wait to hear stories from all of you about how the Y's 10k training team has helped you meet your goals and finish in record time!!!!  Good luck! "WOW," is all I can really say about the improvements made by those of us who ran 1/2 marathons this weekend!  Dan, Dave, and Judy ran the Shamrock 1/2 this morning in VA Beach and I ran the National 1/2 in DC yesterday.  Dan was sick and still finished in 2:15!  Dave and Judy stuck to a very smart running plan which got them to the finish line in 2:19!!!!  I ran with my sister-in-law with no plan other than to keep up with her and crossed in 2:04!!!  These are all amazing times and I am so very proud of all of us!  We all had personal bests (with the exception of Dan who can boast a 2:01 from a previous race).  And, considering we ran the McDonald's 1/2 here in Richmond last November in 2:38, they are especially amazing times!!!  This is proof, once again, that sticking to this sport and having friends to do it with can make you extremely successful! I am definitely hurting today but am hopeful that tomorrow will be better and that I will be ready for another personal best on Saturday at the Monument Avenue 10k!!!  I can't wait to hear stories from all of you about how the Y's 10k training team has helped you meet your goals and finish in record time!!!!  Good luck! Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:19:16 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_HOORAY-for-Personal-Bests/BLOG/218445/16429.html April 2009-03-22T21:19:16Z OurSB "WOW," is all I can really say about the improvements made by those of us who ran 1/2 marathons this weekend!  Dan, Dave, and Judy ran the Shamrock 1/2 this morning in VA Beach and I ran the National 1/2 in DC yesterday.  Dan was sick and still finished in 2:15!  Dave and Judy stuck to a very smart running plan which got them to the finish line in 2:19!!!!  I ran with my sister-in-law with no plan other than to keep up with her and crossed in 2:04!!!  These are all amazing times and I am so very proud of all of us!  We all had personal bests (with the exception of Dan who can boast a 2:01 from a previous race).  And, considering we ran the McDonald's 1/2 here in Richmond last November in 2:38, they are especially amazing times!!!  This is proof, once again, that sticking to this sport and having friends to do it with can make you extremely successful! I am definitely hurting today but am hopeful that tomorrow will be better and that I will be ready for another personal best on Saturday at the Monument Avenue 10k!!!  I can't wait to hear stories from all of you about how the Y's 10k training team has helped you meet your goals and finish in record time!!!!  Good luck! nonadult false HOORAY for Personal Bests!!! text blog 164 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 218445 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_You-are-cordially-invited/BLOG/216121/16429.html I would like to invite all of you to join my running buddies and I after the 10k is but a memory.  You should seriously consider keeping up this running thing for several reasons....1.  You have come too far to just quit.  2.  You are stronger and healthier than you were 2 months ago and you can only get stronger from here on out.  3.  Just think of how much easier Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k 2010 will be if you don't have to start from scratch!!!! If you have not had much luck meeting up with people who plan on continuing after race day then you are more than welcome to join our group.  We haven't fixed a schedule yet but it will probably be something like Tuesday and Thursday meet at 5:45am to run between 3 and 4 miles then Saturdays around 7am to run about 5 or 6.  We meet at the Shady Grove YMCA in the parking lot near the picnic pavillions.  I am unsure about Saturdays especially because Dan Blankenship is the coach of our West End Running Group and our schedule and location depends on him and whether or not he is coaching a marathon training team again this year.  (I probably should have waited until I had more info before posting this so these are just general idea.)  Also, as the group continues to grow, there will be more variety of paces and therefore distances each time. I think our weekday group is up to 8 if we were all to show up at the same time.  It is really great to see what started as just Kim and Judy 2 years ago grow to 8 over the past few months.  Our paces range from around 9 min/mile - 11 min/mile.  We are very conscious of making sure everyone knows where they are going and nobody is ever left alone. I believe I speak for all of us when I say that we would love to have you...all of you!!!  If you would like me to send you more info then just leave me a message through this website and I will be sure to respond.  Please consider our little group, or any group for that matter ....I just happen to think that I found the best when I found Judy and Kim and all those I've met since then!!! I would like to invite all of you to join my running buddies and I after the 10k is but a memory.  You should seriously consider keeping up this running thing for several reasons....1.  You have come too far to just quit.  2.  You are stronger and healthier than you were 2 months ago and you can only get stronger from here on out.  3.  Just think of how much easier Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k 2010 will be if you don't have to start from scratch!!!! If you have not had much luck meeting up with people who plan on continuing after race day then you are more than welcome to join our group.  We haven't fixed a schedule yet but it will probably be something like Tuesday and Thursday meet at 5:45am to run between 3 and 4 miles then Saturdays around 7am to run about 5 or 6.  We meet at the Shady Grove YMCA in the parking lot near the picnic pavillions.  I am unsure about Saturdays especially because Dan Blankenship is the coach of our West End Running Group and our schedule and location depends on him and whether or not he is coaching a marathon training team again this year.  (I probably should have waited until I had more info before posting this so these are just general idea.)  Also, as the group continues to grow, there will be more variety of paces and therefore distances each time. I think our weekday group is up to 8 if we were all to show up at the same time.  It is really great to see what started as just Kim and Judy 2 years ago grow to 8 over the past few months.  Our paces range from around 9 min/mile - 11 min/mile.  We are very conscious of making sure everyone knows where they are going and nobody is ever left alone. I believe I speak for all of us when I say that we would love to have you...all of you!!!  If you would like me to send you more info then just leave me a message through this website and I will be sure to respond.  Please consider our little group, or any group for that matter ....I just happen to think that I found the best when I found Judy and Kim and all those I've met since then!!! Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:56:23 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_You-are-cordially-invited/BLOG/216121/16429.html April 2009-03-19T23:56:23Z OurSB I would like to invite all of you to join my running buddies and I after the 10k is but a memory.  You should seriously consider keeping up this running thing for several reasons....1.  You have come too far to just quit.  2.  You are stronger and healthier than you were 2 months ago and you can only get stronger from here on out.  3.  Just think of how much easier Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k 2010 will be if you don't have to start from scratch!!!! If you have not had much luck meeting up with people who plan on continuing after race day then you are more than welcome to join our group.  We haven't fixed a schedule yet but it will probably be something like Tuesday and Thursday meet at 5:45am to run between 3 and 4 miles then Saturdays around 7am to run about 5 or 6.  We meet at the Shady Grove YMCA in the parking lot near the picnic pavillions.  I am unsure about Saturdays especially because Dan Blankenship is the coach of our West End Running Group and our schedule and location depends on him and whether or not he is coaching a marathon training team again this year.  (I probably should have waited until I had more info before posting this so these are just general idea.)  Also, as the group continues to grow, there will be more variety of paces and therefore distances each time. I think our weekday group is up to 8 if we were all to show up at the same time.  It is really great to see what started as just Kim and Judy 2 years ago grow to 8 over the past few months.  Our paces range from around 9 min/mile - 11 min/mile.  We are very conscious of making sure everyone knows where they are going and nobody is ever left alone. I believe I speak for all of us when I say that we would love to have you...all of you!!!  If you would like me to send you more info then just leave me a message through this website and I will be sure to respond.  Please consider our little group, or any group for that matter ....I just happen to think that I found the best when I found Judy and Kim and all those I've met since then!!! nonadult false You are cordially invited.... text blog 186 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 3 0 216121 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_This-really-is-IT/BLOG/211429/16429.html So, this really is IT!  I didn't realize until I read Judy's blog "This is it" that yesterday really was it for those of us running other races next week.  It was our last day with the 10k team until we all hit the Broad Street pavement on race day!  I was sure to thank John and shake his hand before leaving.  He is an amazing coach and one of the most encouraging people I've ever met.  He makes jumping jacks at 7am fun...especially if you have him and 50 others singing "Happy Birthday" to you!  It was hysterical!  It was nice to see Dan for the first time since the training started and I look forward to seeing both of them along the course on race day.  Thanks to our running buddy Kim, Judy, Dave, Dan, and I were ready for St. Paddy's Day in our headbands and giant hats!!!! (see picture in My Photos)This really is IT!  You are on the home stretch!  Many of you went the farthest you've ever gone yesterday in the rain and race day is only a little bit farther!!!!  You are just so close!!!  These past few weeks have been challenging at times but, for the most part, they have been so much fun!  I hope for any of you already thinking about doing this again next year that you will!  It gets easier each time, you meet wonderful people who help you along, and you meet others who need your help!  What more could you ask for!?   So, this really is IT!  I didn't realize until I read Judy's blog "This is it" that yesterday really was it for those of us running other races next week.  It was our last day with the 10k team until we all hit the Broad Street pavement on race day!  I was sure to thank John and shake his hand before leaving.  He is an amazing coach and one of the most encouraging people I've ever met.  He makes jumping jacks at 7am fun...especially if you have him and 50 others singing "Happy Birthday" to you!  It was hysterical!  It was nice to see Dan for the first time since the training started and I look forward to seeing both of them along the course on race day.  Thanks to our running buddy Kim, Judy, Dave, Dan, and I were ready for St. Paddy's Day in our headbands and giant hats!!!! (see picture in My Photos)This really is IT!  You are on the home stretch!  Many of you went the farthest you've ever gone yesterday in the rain and race day is only a little bit farther!!!!  You are just so close!!!  These past few weeks have been challenging at times but, for the most part, they have been so much fun!  I hope for any of you already thinking about doing this again next year that you will!  It gets easier each time, you meet wonderful people who help you along, and you meet others who need your help!  What more could you ask for!?   Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:46:45 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_This-really-is-IT/BLOG/211429/16429.html April 2009-03-15T18:46:45Z OurSB So, this really is IT!  I didn't realize until I read Judy's blog "This is it" that yesterday really was it for those of us running other races next week.  It was our last day with the 10k team until we all hit the Broad Street pavement on race day!  I was sure to thank John and shake his hand before leaving.  He is an amazing coach and one of the most encouraging people I've ever met.  He makes jumping jacks at 7am fun...especially if you have him and 50 others singing "Happy Birthday" to you!  It was hysterical!  It was nice to see Dan for the first time since the training started and I look forward to seeing both of them along the course on race day.  Thanks to our running buddy Kim, Judy, Dave, Dan, and I were ready for St. Paddy's Day in our headbands and giant hats!!!! (see picture in My Photos)This really is IT!  You are on the home stretch!  Many of you went the farthest you've ever gone yesterday in the rain and race day is only a little bit farther!!!!  You are just so close!!!  These past few weeks have been challenging at times but, for the most part, they have been so much fun!  I hope for any of you already thinking about doing this again next year that you will!  It gets easier each time, you meet wonderful people who help you along, and you meet others who need your help!  What more could you ask for!?   nonadult false This really is IT!!! text blog 144 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 211429 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Ups-and-downs/BLOG/209146/16429.html This has been a week of ups and downs for me.  I had an awesome run Saturday, rested on Sunday, struggled a little on Monday, struggled a lot Tuesday, rest on Wednesday, and felt okay today but was not willing to go 4 miles.  I guess that's just the way these things go.  Like Kelly said in "Attitude" we all have those days where all you can think about is being done.  That is one of the very best things about running at the crack of dawn...it is over and done with for the day (good or bad).  Again, that is also where running buddies come in handy.  They will listen to you whine, take walk breaks with you, or drag you by your shoe laces to get you to the end. I hope you are all experiencing more good runs than hard ones.  We have so few left before race day and you need to make each one count.  Also, remeber that now is not the time to change too much.  If eating a slice of toast and some gatorade works for you then don't add peanut butter on race day.  If you are most comfortable when you are wearing a ponytail, don't decide to try a hat on race day.  John Hurley reminded us to not even cut our toenails before then....HA!  Dan says to get all experimenting out of the way now!  You should have as many factors under control and fixed before race day....it will be here before you know it!  This has been a week of ups and downs for me.  I had an awesome run Saturday, rested on Sunday, struggled a little on Monday, struggled a lot Tuesday, rest on Wednesday, and felt okay today but was not willing to go 4 miles.  I guess that's just the way these things go.  Like Kelly said in "Attitude" we all have those days where all you can think about is being done.  That is one of the very best things about running at the crack of dawn...it is over and done with for the day (good or bad).  Again, that is also where running buddies come in handy.  They will listen to you whine, take walk breaks with you, or drag you by your shoe laces to get you to the end. I hope you are all experiencing more good runs than hard ones.  We have so few left before race day and you need to make each one count.  Also, remeber that now is not the time to change too much.  If eating a slice of toast and some gatorade works for you then don't add peanut butter on race day.  If you are most comfortable when you are wearing a ponytail, don't decide to try a hat on race day.  John Hurley reminded us to not even cut our toenails before then....HA!  Dan says to get all experimenting out of the way now!  You should have as many factors under control and fixed before race day....it will be here before you know it!  Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:08:07 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Ups-and-downs/BLOG/209146/16429.html April 2009-03-13T00:08:07Z OurSB This has been a week of ups and downs for me.  I had an awesome run Saturday, rested on Sunday, struggled a little on Monday, struggled a lot Tuesday, rest on Wednesday, and felt okay today but was not willing to go 4 miles.  I guess that's just the way these things go.  Like Kelly said in "Attitude" we all have those days where all you can think about is being done.  That is one of the very best things about running at the crack of dawn...it is over and done with for the day (good or bad).  Again, that is also where running buddies come in handy.  They will listen to you whine, take walk breaks with you, or drag you by your shoe laces to get you to the end. I hope you are all experiencing more good runs than hard ones.  We have so few left before race day and you need to make each one count.  Also, remeber that now is not the time to change too much.  If eating a slice of toast and some gatorade works for you then don't add peanut butter on race day.  If you are most comfortable when you are wearing a ponytail, don't decide to try a hat on race day.  John Hurley reminded us to not even cut our toenails before then....HA!  Dan says to get all experimenting out of the way now!  You should have as many factors under control and fixed before race day....it will be here before you know it!  nonadult false Ups and downs.... text blog 146 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 209146 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_To-my-fans/BLOG/207169/16429.html First, I must apologize to all of my adoring fans…it has been a few days since I’ve enlightened you with my words of running wisdom…HA!HA!HA!  There hasn’t been much to tell.  The weather was horrible and then turned around completely for a gorgeous weekend!  I was thrilled to run in capris and short sleeves on Saturday morning.  About Saturday morning, my ½ marathon training buddies and I did an unbelievable job!  We ran 12 miles in 2:10!  We were shocked at mile 10 or so to find that we were still carrying on conversations comfortably.  It was at about mile 11 or so that we took an unscheduled walk break and then pushed ourselves to the finish line.  What a finish line it was….Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee, training team t-shirts, much needed water, and much appreciated praise from those around us!  What an amazing day for all who ran!  We finished with many of the novice runners  who were recovering from a warm 5 miler.  It is great to see so many friendly faces there feeling the same sense of accomplishment regardless of the distance, the time it took, or the crazy weather!  I hope you are all feeling this for yourselves and from the people around you.  Once again, remember how far you have come over these past 7 weeks.  You have all done so much that you should be proud of!  Hang in there and start thinking about how running will fit into your life after race day.  You have come too far to just drop it from your schedule completely.  There are several local groups that offer weekend runs and through those you may make friends you will be training for ½ marathons with a year from now….it happens!  First, I must apologize to all of my adoring fans…it has been a few days since I’ve enlightened you with my words of running wisdom…HA!HA!HA!  There hasn’t been much to tell.  The weather was horrible and then turned around completely for a gorgeous weekend!  I was thrilled to run in capris and short sleeves on Saturday morning.  About Saturday morning, my ½ marathon training buddies and I did an unbelievable job!  We ran 12 miles in 2:10!  We were shocked at mile 10 or so to find that we were still carrying on conversations comfortably.  It was at about mile 11 or so that we took an unscheduled walk break and then pushed ourselves to the finish line.  What a finish line it was….Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee, training team t-shirts, much needed water, and much appreciated praise from those around us!  What an amazing day for all who ran!  We finished with many of the novice runners  who were recovering from a warm 5 miler.  It is great to see so many friendly faces there feeling the same sense of accomplishment regardless of the distance, the time it took, or the crazy weather!  I hope you are all feeling this for yourselves and from the people around you.  Once again, remember how far you have come over these past 7 weeks.  You have all done so much that you should be proud of!  Hang in there and start thinking about how running will fit into your life after race day.  You have come too far to just drop it from your schedule completely.  There are several local groups that offer weekend runs and through those you may make friends you will be training for ½ marathons with a year from now….it happens!  Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:32:25 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_To-my-fans/BLOG/207169/16429.html April 2009-03-11T01:32:25Z OurSB First, I must apologize to all of my adoring fans…it has been a few days since I’ve enlightened you with my words of running wisdom…HA!HA!HA!  There hasn’t been much to tell.  The weather was horrible and then turned around completely for a gorgeous weekend!  I was thrilled to run in capris and short sleeves on Saturday morning.  About Saturday morning, my ½ marathon training buddies and I did an unbelievable job!  We ran 12 miles in 2:10!  We were shocked at mile 10 or so to find that we were still carrying on conversations comfortably.  It was at about mile 11 or so that we took an unscheduled walk break and then pushed ourselves to the finish line.  What a finish line it was….Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee, training team t-shirts, much needed water, and much appreciated praise from those around us!  What an amazing day for all who ran!  We finished with many of the novice runners  who were recovering from a warm 5 miler.  It is great to see so many friendly faces there feeling the same sense of accomplishment regardless of the distance, the time it took, or the crazy weather!  I hope you are all feeling this for yourselves and from the people around you.  Once again, remember how far you have come over these past 7 weeks.  You have all done so much that you should be proud of!  Hang in there and start thinking about how running will fit into your life after race day.  You have come too far to just drop it from your schedule completely.  There are several local groups that offer weekend runs and through those you may make friends you will be training for ½ marathons with a year from now….it happens!  nonadult false To my fans... text blog 184 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 3 0 207169 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Stick-to-your-guns/BLOG/201856/16429.html I had to stick to my guns today....my almost 2 year old son was acting like a wild man running laps today during storytime at the library.  He usually wanders around but today he acted like he'd been restrained all morning and I'd let him loose the minute we got there.  He just would not calm down.  I kept threatening to leave reminding him that he would miss the bubbles at the end and he wouldn't get a stamp.  I don't know how many times I warned him of this as I held him in my lap while he wiggled and squirmed to get free.  When another little girl started running because of his poor example, I decided we weren't going to contribute to the delinquency of another.  I grabbed him and all of our stuff and headed for the car.  I was so embarrassed and frustrated.  I was fussing all the way to the car and told him he made mommy sad when he was bad in the library.  He said, "sawee.  sawee."   It was sweet and almost convincing but I didn't go back in.  Later this afternoon I e-mailed Andrea, one of my running buddies who was at storytime with her angel of a daughter.  I told her how embarrassed I was and that I hated to leave.  She wrote back saying that it was refreshing to see a parent actually follow through with their threats eventhough it is hard to do.  Thanks again, Andrea, for helping me feel so much better about sticking to my guns.This got me thinking about how we need to stick to our guns concerning the commitment we've made to this 10k training team.  I know it is hard to get your runs in but it is really important that you do.  You have already come too far to not give it your all at this point.  You can't let the weather, crazy schedules, or anything else stand in your way.  So, keep up the good work, don't forget how far you have come, and look ahead to how close you are to the finishline!  Stick to your guns!!!  (...what  exactly does that mean anyway?)  I had to stick to my guns today....my almost 2 year old son was acting like a wild man running laps today during storytime at the library.  He usually wanders around but today he acted like he'd been restrained all morning and I'd let him loose the minute we got there.  He just would not calm down.  I kept threatening to leave reminding him that he would miss the bubbles at the end and he wouldn't get a stamp.  I don't know how many times I warned him of this as I held him in my lap while he wiggled and squirmed to get free.  When another little girl started running because of his poor example, I decided we weren't going to contribute to the delinquency of another.  I grabbed him and all of our stuff and headed for the car.  I was so embarrassed and frustrated.  I was fussing all the way to the car and told him he made mommy sad when he was bad in the library.  He said, "sawee.  sawee."   It was sweet and almost convincing but I didn't go back in.  Later this afternoon I e-mailed Andrea, one of my running buddies who was at storytime with her angel of a daughter.  I told her how embarrassed I was and that I hated to leave.  She wrote back saying that it was refreshing to see a parent actually follow through with their threats eventhough it is hard to do.  Thanks again, Andrea, for helping me feel so much better about sticking to my guns.This got me thinking about how we need to stick to our guns concerning the commitment we've made to this 10k training team.  I know it is hard to get your runs in but it is really important that you do.  You have already come too far to not give it your all at this point.  You can't let the weather, crazy schedules, or anything else stand in your way.  So, keep up the good work, don't forget how far you have come, and look ahead to how close you are to the finishline!  Stick to your guns!!!  (...what  exactly does that mean anyway?)  Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:48:40 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Stick-to-your-guns/BLOG/201856/16429.html April 2009-03-05T01:48:40Z OurSB I had to stick to my guns today....my almost 2 year old son was acting like a wild man running laps today during storytime at the library.  He usually wanders around but today he acted like he'd been restrained all morning and I'd let him loose the minute we got there.  He just would not calm down.  I kept threatening to leave reminding him that he would miss the bubbles at the end and he wouldn't get a stamp.  I don't know how many times I warned him of this as I held him in my lap while he wiggled and squirmed to get free.  When another little girl started running because of his poor example, I decided we weren't going to contribute to the delinquency of another.  I grabbed him and all of our stuff and headed for the car.  I was so embarrassed and frustrated.  I was fussing all the way to the car and told him he made mommy sad when he was bad in the library.  He said, "sawee.  sawee."   It was sweet and almost convincing but I didn't go back in.  Later this afternoon I e-mailed Andrea, one of my running buddies who was at storytime with her angel of a daughter.  I told her how embarrassed I was and that I hated to leave.  She wrote back saying that it was refreshing to see a parent actually follow through with their threats eventhough it is hard to do.  Thanks again, Andrea, for helping me feel so much better about sticking to my guns.This got me thinking about how we need to stick to our guns concerning the commitment we've made to this 10k training team.  I know it is hard to get your runs in but it is really important that you do.  You have already come too far to not give it your all at this point.  You can't let the weather, crazy schedules, or anything else stand in your way.  So, keep up the good work, don't forget how far you have come, and look ahead to how close you are to the finishline!  Stick to your guns!!!  (...what  exactly does that mean anyway?)  nonadult false Stick to your guns! text blog 192 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 3 0 201856 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Oh-the-weather-outside-is-frightful/BLOG/200539/16429.html OK, so it isn't that frightful.  I was able to drive to Wal-Mart today for a few necessities (and a reason to leave the house) and then to the Y for a much needed run.  I was starting to get really antsy about missing my runs.  I am a creature of habit and actually thrive on getting up at 5am to meet my buddies at the Y for our runs and our classes.  Skipping two mornings and not knowing what the rest of the week may bring was making me nervous.  Not to mention the fact that our 1/2 marathon training schedule calls for 12 miles (count 'em...1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12!!!!) on Saturday. Anyways, like I said, I was able to head out this afternoon and get in a 45 minute tempo run at the Y.  My husband was there at the same time and the only way I will ever be able to run with him is if we are side-by-side on the treadmills.  He runs like a fool!  We finished and he ran 2 more miles in the same amount of time....sickening!  We were joined by my running buddy, Kevin, who pushed me to pick up my pace when I realized he was running at an 8:20!  Anything under 10 is good for me but I quickly picked it up to an 8:34 (7mph) and stayed there for about 5 minutes before I started decreasing every 2 minutes until cool down. One other piece of exciting news...I got new shoes!  I love them and hope that they will also help my knee from getting any worse.  I had to call 6 Dick's stores before tracking them down the other day.  My favorite part (drum roll please!)...they are gray and PINK!  Love them! :)  OK, so it isn't that frightful.  I was able to drive to Wal-Mart today for a few necessities (and a reason to leave the house) and then to the Y for a much needed run.  I was starting to get really antsy about missing my runs.  I am a creature of habit and actually thrive on getting up at 5am to meet my buddies at the Y for our runs and our classes.  Skipping two mornings and not knowing what the rest of the week may bring was making me nervous.  Not to mention the fact that our 1/2 marathon training schedule calls for 12 miles (count 'em...1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12!!!!) on Saturday. Anyways, like I said, I was able to head out this afternoon and get in a 45 minute tempo run at the Y.  My husband was there at the same time and the only way I will ever be able to run with him is if we are side-by-side on the treadmills.  He runs like a fool!  We finished and he ran 2 more miles in the same amount of time....sickening!  We were joined by my running buddy, Kevin, who pushed me to pick up my pace when I realized he was running at an 8:20!  Anything under 10 is good for me but I quickly picked it up to an 8:34 (7mph) and stayed there for about 5 minutes before I started decreasing every 2 minutes until cool down. One other piece of exciting news...I got new shoes!  I love them and hope that they will also help my knee from getting any worse.  I had to call 6 Dick's stores before tracking them down the other day.  My favorite part (drum roll please!)...they are gray and PINK!  Love them! :)  Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:22:47 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Oh-the-weather-outside-is-frightful/BLOG/200539/16429.html April 2009-03-04T02:22:47Z OurSB OK, so it isn't that frightful.  I was able to drive to Wal-Mart today for a few necessities (and a reason to leave the house) and then to the Y for a much needed run.  I was starting to get really antsy about missing my runs.  I am a creature of habit and actually thrive on getting up at 5am to meet my buddies at the Y for our runs and our classes.  Skipping two mornings and not knowing what the rest of the week may bring was making me nervous.  Not to mention the fact that our 1/2 marathon training schedule calls for 12 miles (count 'em...1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12!!!!) on Saturday. Anyways, like I said, I was able to head out this afternoon and get in a 45 minute tempo run at the Y.  My husband was there at the same time and the only way I will ever be able to run with him is if we are side-by-side on the treadmills.  He runs like a fool!  We finished and he ran 2 more miles in the same amount of time....sickening!  We were joined by my running buddy, Kevin, who pushed me to pick up my pace when I realized he was running at an 8:20!  Anything under 10 is good for me but I quickly picked it up to an 8:34 (7mph) and stayed there for about 5 minutes before I started decreasing every 2 minutes until cool down. One other piece of exciting news...I got new shoes!  I love them and hope that they will also help my knee from getting any worse.  I had to call 6 Dick's stores before tracking them down the other day.  My favorite part (drum roll please!)...they are gray and PINK!  Love them! :)  nonadult false Oh the weather outside is frightful.... text blog 119 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 3 0 200539 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_I-would-highly-recommend/BLOG/198469/16429.html I feel so much better!  I got my first massage today and it was wonderful.  If you've never had one, I highly recommend it!  My husband gave me a gift certificate for an hour massage at the Y two Christmases ago.  After today, I'm not sure why I waited so long to use it.  And, I don't know if I can live without having one every few weeks!  I had to look around for a clock when she said we were done because it was the fastest hour of my life.  I know what I will be asking for for my birthday this year...and for Easter, and Anniversary, and Fourth of July.  I told her about the ache in my back which is feeling much better than it did early last week and so she spent a little extra time there.  It is still a little sore tonight but definitely better than before.  She said it is a common injury and that I should ice it...maybe I'll just head out tomorrow and make a few snow angels instead!  Ha! I feel so much better!  I got my first massage today and it was wonderful.  If you've never had one, I highly recommend it!  My husband gave me a gift certificate for an hour massage at the Y two Christmases ago.  After today, I'm not sure why I waited so long to use it.  And, I don't know if I can live without having one every few weeks!  I had to look around for a clock when she said we were done because it was the fastest hour of my life.  I know what I will be asking for for my birthday this year...and for Easter, and Anniversary, and Fourth of July.  I told her about the ache in my back which is feeling much better than it did early last week and so she spent a little extra time there.  It is still a little sore tonight but definitely better than before.  She said it is a common injury and that I should ice it...maybe I'll just head out tomorrow and make a few snow angels instead!  Ha! Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:42:00 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_I-would-highly-recommend/BLOG/198469/16429.html April 2009-03-02T02:42:00Z OurSB I feel so much better!  I got my first massage today and it was wonderful.  If you've never had one, I highly recommend it!  My husband gave me a gift certificate for an hour massage at the Y two Christmases ago.  After today, I'm not sure why I waited so long to use it.  And, I don't know if I can live without having one every few weeks!  I had to look around for a clock when she said we were done because it was the fastest hour of my life.  I know what I will be asking for for my birthday this year...and for Easter, and Anniversary, and Fourth of July.  I told her about the ache in my back which is feeling much better than it did early last week and so she spent a little extra time there.  It is still a little sore tonight but definitely better than before.  She said it is a common injury and that I should ice it...maybe I'll just head out tomorrow and make a few snow angels instead!  Ha! nonadult false I would highly recommend.... text blog 99 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 198469 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_I-am-so-ashamed/BLOG/197229/16429.html I am so ashamed to even write a blog this evening.  I have to confess that I skipped my cross training today.  I chose sleep and a little extra time on the heating pad over a TNT class.  I have been so good about getting in all of my workouts and sticking to at least one of the 2 schedules I'm on until today.  I have preached over and over again to anyone reading these that you should get your workouts in anyway you can.  I have failed you all....can you ever forgive me?  Ok, just a little over dramatic, I know, but I am so ashamed!  As a result, I have decided to write a little something about how you have to take a break when your body tells you to take a break.  I must say that my back hasn't hurt nearly as bad today as it has been all week and I've only taken ibuprofen twice.  Maybe by tomorrow's run I will be fully healed and ready to run 6 with the group and then 2 more with my half-marathon training buddies.  So, take a break when you need to and try not to feel too guilty about it....I'm still working on that last part. ;)  I am so ashamed to even write a blog this evening.  I have to confess that I skipped my cross training today.  I chose sleep and a little extra time on the heating pad over a TNT class.  I have been so good about getting in all of my workouts and sticking to at least one of the 2 schedules I'm on until today.  I have preached over and over again to anyone reading these that you should get your workouts in anyway you can.  I have failed you all....can you ever forgive me?  Ok, just a little over dramatic, I know, but I am so ashamed!  As a result, I have decided to write a little something about how you have to take a break when your body tells you to take a break.  I must say that my back hasn't hurt nearly as bad today as it has been all week and I've only taken ibuprofen twice.  Maybe by tomorrow's run I will be fully healed and ready to run 6 with the group and then 2 more with my half-marathon training buddies.  So, take a break when you need to and try not to feel too guilty about it....I'm still working on that last part. ;)  Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:30:08 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_I-am-so-ashamed/BLOG/197229/16429.html April 2009-02-28T02:30:08Z OurSB I am so ashamed to even write a blog this evening.  I have to confess that I skipped my cross training today.  I chose sleep and a little extra time on the heating pad over a TNT class.  I have been so good about getting in all of my workouts and sticking to at least one of the 2 schedules I'm on until today.  I have preached over and over again to anyone reading these that you should get your workouts in anyway you can.  I have failed you all....can you ever forgive me?  Ok, just a little over dramatic, I know, but I am so ashamed!  As a result, I have decided to write a little something about how you have to take a break when your body tells you to take a break.  I must say that my back hasn't hurt nearly as bad today as it has been all week and I've only taken ibuprofen twice.  Maybe by tomorrow's run I will be fully healed and ready to run 6 with the group and then 2 more with my half-marathon training buddies.  So, take a break when you need to and try not to feel too guilty about it....I'm still working on that last part. ;)  nonadult false I am so ashamed... text blog 275 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 3 0 197229 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Youll-be-glad-you-did/BLOG/196255/16429.html I just wanted to add to what Judy already said about our chance of rain Saturday morning...Come on out rain or shine.  You'll be glad you did!!!  One of my most memorable accomplishments in running thus far was a 5 mile run in the rain about this time last year.  I met drove over to the Y thinking I would just go inside and run on the treadmill if it was really pouring.  I decided to just stretch with the small group that showed up and them maybe sneak into the Y as everyone else made their way down the street.  But, after stretching, John Hurley started hooping and hollering about how we were 70-something out of like 200-something to show up that day and to pat ourselves on the back.  Everyone cheered and there was no turning back.  It really was miserable considering I wasn't dressed appropriately and I had worn my old shoes so my pretty new ones wouldn't get ruined.  However, I was so incredibly proud of myself afterwards!!!!  Needless to say, I was not at all worried when the clouds rolled in and the rain came down on race day.  I was more worried about my family waiting for me at the finish line.  By running that training day in the rain, I had done away with one of the many unknown factors on my list of things to worry about.  I had been there, done that and was so relieved!  I wore my new shoes on race day and never bothered trying to wipe the dirt off of them afterwards....it served as a reminder that although the conditions may be out of my control and sometimes they aren't ideal, I can still run the race and it makes the finish just that much sweeter!!!!  I just wanted to add to what Judy already said about our chance of rain Saturday morning...Come on out rain or shine.  You'll be glad you did!!!  One of my most memorable accomplishments in running thus far was a 5 mile run in the rain about this time last year.  I met drove over to the Y thinking I would just go inside and run on the treadmill if it was really pouring.  I decided to just stretch with the small group that showed up and them maybe sneak into the Y as everyone else made their way down the street.  But, after stretching, John Hurley started hooping and hollering about how we were 70-something out of like 200-something to show up that day and to pat ourselves on the back.  Everyone cheered and there was no turning back.  It really was miserable considering I wasn't dressed appropriately and I had worn my old shoes so my pretty new ones wouldn't get ruined.  However, I was so incredibly proud of myself afterwards!!!!  Needless to say, I was not at all worried when the clouds rolled in and the rain came down on race day.  I was more worried about my family waiting for me at the finish line.  By running that training day in the rain, I had done away with one of the many unknown factors on my list of things to worry about.  I had been there, done that and was so relieved!  I wore my new shoes on race day and never bothered trying to wipe the dirt off of them afterwards....it served as a reminder that although the conditions may be out of my control and sometimes they aren't ideal, I can still run the race and it makes the finish just that much sweeter!!!!  Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:08:50 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Youll-be-glad-you-did/BLOG/196255/16429.html April 2009-02-27T02:08:50Z OurSB I just wanted to add to what Judy already said about our chance of rain Saturday morning...Come on out rain or shine.  You'll be glad you did!!!  One of my most memorable accomplishments in running thus far was a 5 mile run in the rain about this time last year.  I met drove over to the Y thinking I would just go inside and run on the treadmill if it was really pouring.  I decided to just stretch with the small group that showed up and them maybe sneak into the Y as everyone else made their way down the street.  But, after stretching, John Hurley started hooping and hollering about how we were 70-something out of like 200-something to show up that day and to pat ourselves on the back.  Everyone cheered and there was no turning back.  It really was miserable considering I wasn't dressed appropriately and I had worn my old shoes so my pretty new ones wouldn't get ruined.  However, I was so incredibly proud of myself afterwards!!!!  Needless to say, I was not at all worried when the clouds rolled in and the rain came down on race day.  I was more worried about my family waiting for me at the finish line.  By running that training day in the rain, I had done away with one of the many unknown factors on my list of things to worry about.  I had been there, done that and was so relieved!  I wore my new shoes on race day and never bothered trying to wipe the dirt off of them afterwards....it served as a reminder that although the conditions may be out of my control and sometimes they aren't ideal, I can still run the race and it makes the finish just that much sweeter!!!!  nonadult false You'll be glad you did.... text blog 103 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 196255 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_29-going-on-80/BLOG/194121/16429.html So, I think I must be aging at a rapid pace....suddenly I feel OLD!!!!  I am going to be 30 in a few weeks but I feel like I'm going to be about 80.  I was in bed by 9 last night with an ice pack on my knee and a heating pad under my back.  I used the heating pad again this morning and have been popping the ibuprofen all day!  I think I'm due for a few more now that I'm thinking about it.  I don't know what has caused my knee to start aching because it doesn't hurt while I run.  I think my 30 pound son is to blame for the upper back pain.  Regardless, shouldn't I be too young for these kinds of aches and pains?  I feel stronger because of the running and the strength training most days.  But, for 2 days now I can't wait to crawl into bed and crank my heating pad up to high.  I am off to watch American Idol now and I won't be without my ice and my heating pad...ouch!P.S.  I am so thankful for Judy for giving me my heating pad for Christmas.  And, if it fails and I suffer an injury while running then Kim's gift, my shoe tag, will help the authorities identify my crippled body and give them the numbers they need to contact my family!!!  Running buddies give the best gifts!!! :) So, I think I must be aging at a rapid pace....suddenly I feel OLD!!!!  I am going to be 30 in a few weeks but I feel like I'm going to be about 80.  I was in bed by 9 last night with an ice pack on my knee and a heating pad under my back.  I used the heating pad again this morning and have been popping the ibuprofen all day!  I think I'm due for a few more now that I'm thinking about it.  I don't know what has caused my knee to start aching because it doesn't hurt while I run.  I think my 30 pound son is to blame for the upper back pain.  Regardless, shouldn't I be too young for these kinds of aches and pains?  I feel stronger because of the running and the strength training most days.  But, for 2 days now I can't wait to crawl into bed and crank my heating pad up to high.  I am off to watch American Idol now and I won't be without my ice and my heating pad...ouch!P.S.  I am so thankful for Judy for giving me my heating pad for Christmas.  And, if it fails and I suffer an injury while running then Kim's gift, my shoe tag, will help the authorities identify my crippled body and give them the numbers they need to contact my family!!!  Running buddies give the best gifts!!! :) Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:01:49 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_29-going-on-80/BLOG/194121/16429.html April 2009-02-25T01:01:49Z OurSB So, I think I must be aging at a rapid pace....suddenly I feel OLD!!!!  I am going to be 30 in a few weeks but I feel like I'm going to be about 80.  I was in bed by 9 last night with an ice pack on my knee and a heating pad under my back.  I used the heating pad again this morning and have been popping the ibuprofen all day!  I think I'm due for a few more now that I'm thinking about it.  I don't know what has caused my knee to start aching because it doesn't hurt while I run.  I think my 30 pound son is to blame for the upper back pain.  Regardless, shouldn't I be too young for these kinds of aches and pains?  I feel stronger because of the running and the strength training most days.  But, for 2 days now I can't wait to crawl into bed and crank my heating pad up to high.  I am off to watch American Idol now and I won't be without my ice and my heating pad...ouch!P.S.  I am so thankful for Judy for giving me my heating pad for Christmas.  And, if it fails and I suffer an injury while running then Kim's gift, my shoe tag, will help the authorities identify my crippled body and give them the numbers they need to contact my family!!!  Running buddies give the best gifts!!! :) nonadult false 29 going on 80... text blog 135 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 4 0 194121 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_YMCA-10k-training-Week-6-Shady-Grove/BLOG/192418/16429.html Judy is right about the frost...I will be glad when we aren't seeing temps in the 20s.  Thirties and fourties is perfect for running.  I ditched my fleece after we'd run about 5 outside and regreted it afterwards...Burrrrr!  Anyhow, since Judy, Dave, and I out did ourselves on Saturday in keeping with the 1/2 marathon schedule, we had the pleasure of running a little with both the novice and intermediate groups.  Everyone seemed really pumped and looked great out there....who wouldn't be pumped with John Hurley waiting for you with water and a "wooo-hoooo" at the top of the hill?! Keep up the great work, all.  You have come so far.  Don't forget how much easier one or two miles is compared to where you were just a few short weeks ago.  March 28th will be here before you know it and I hope you have all come to find that this running is something you might want to stick with because you have worked so hard.  It is one of the best things you can do for YOU and you deserve it!!!  Judy is right about the frost...I will be glad when we aren't seeing temps in the 20s.  Thirties and fourties is perfect for running.  I ditched my fleece after we'd run about 5 outside and regreted it afterwards...Burrrrr!  Anyhow, since Judy, Dave, and I out did ourselves on Saturday in keeping with the 1/2 marathon schedule, we had the pleasure of running a little with both the novice and intermediate groups.  Everyone seemed really pumped and looked great out there....who wouldn't be pumped with John Hurley waiting for you with water and a "wooo-hoooo" at the top of the hill?! Keep up the great work, all.  You have come so far.  Don't forget how much easier one or two miles is compared to where you were just a few short weeks ago.  March 28th will be here before you know it and I hope you have all come to find that this running is something you might want to stick with because you have worked so hard.  It is one of the best things you can do for YOU and you deserve it!!!  Mon, 23 Feb 2009 02:05:00 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_YMCA-10k-training-Week-6-Shady-Grove/BLOG/192418/16429.html April 2009-02-23T02:05:00Z OurSB Judy is right about the frost...I will be glad when we aren't seeing temps in the 20s.  Thirties and fourties is perfect for running.  I ditched my fleece after we'd run about 5 outside and regreted it afterwards...Burrrrr!  Anyhow, since Judy, Dave, and I out did ourselves on Saturday in keeping with the 1/2 marathon schedule, we had the pleasure of running a little with both the novice and intermediate groups.  Everyone seemed really pumped and looked great out there....who wouldn't be pumped with John Hurley waiting for you with water and a "wooo-hoooo" at the top of the hill?! Keep up the great work, all.  You have come so far.  Don't forget how much easier one or two miles is compared to where you were just a few short weeks ago.  March 28th will be here before you know it and I hope you have all come to find that this running is something you might want to stick with because you have worked so hard.  It is one of the best things you can do for YOU and you deserve it!!!  nonadult false YMCA 10k training Week #6 @ Shady Grove text blog 126 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 192418 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Yay-for-rest-days/BLOG/190389/16429.html I was 10 minutes late this morning for our workout because I stayed in bed for 10 extra minutes contemplating running or sleeping.  I went to bed after midnight yet again last night because I watched 3 missed hours of American Idol.  I don't know why I do these things to myself!!!  I did go but was dragging a little this morning.  I am glad that I went and got all of my runs in for the week.  It will make sleeping in tomorrow that much sweeter! Congrats to all of you who continue to push yourselves who also continue to drag yourselves out to the street or treadmill to get these runs in...no matter how badly you are wanting to do something, ANYTHING else!!!!  I was 10 minutes late this morning for our workout because I stayed in bed for 10 extra minutes contemplating running or sleeping.  I went to bed after midnight yet again last night because I watched 3 missed hours of American Idol.  I don't know why I do these things to myself!!!  I did go but was dragging a little this morning.  I am glad that I went and got all of my runs in for the week.  It will make sleeping in tomorrow that much sweeter! Congrats to all of you who continue to push yourselves who also continue to drag yourselves out to the street or treadmill to get these runs in...no matter how badly you are wanting to do something, ANYTHING else!!!!  Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:10:59 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Yay-for-rest-days/BLOG/190389/16429.html April 2009-02-20T02:10:59Z OurSB I was 10 minutes late this morning for our workout because I stayed in bed for 10 extra minutes contemplating running or sleeping.  I went to bed after midnight yet again last night because I watched 3 missed hours of American Idol.  I don't know why I do these things to myself!!!  I did go but was dragging a little this morning.  I am glad that I went and got all of my runs in for the week.  It will make sleeping in tomorrow that much sweeter! Congrats to all of you who continue to push yourselves who also continue to drag yourselves out to the street or treadmill to get these runs in...no matter how badly you are wanting to do something, ANYTHING else!!!!  nonadult false Yay for rest days... text blog 159 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 190389 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_It-all-worked-out/BLOG/189410/16429.html Like I've said over and over again, if you need to change your schedule around, do so!  Whatever you have to do to make it work for you.  Judy and I met for our tempo run this morning since we both skipped it yesterday.  We had a very nice run...not too hard until we tried to really push ourselves for a short distance.  The temperature was actually about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday so it made pretty comfortable once we got warmed up. Like Judy said, running with buddies is like therapy sessions sometimes.  TIt is nice to have somebody to talk about everyday things with.  The beauty of having several running buddies is that you don't ever have to worry about going it alone.  I had Kim, Andrea, and Kevin yesterday and Judy today.  I have all of them plus Dave other days.  Running really is a team sport for me and I wouldn't have it any other way! Like I've said over and over again, if you need to change your schedule around, do so!  Whatever you have to do to make it work for you.  Judy and I met for our tempo run this morning since we both skipped it yesterday.  We had a very nice run...not too hard until we tried to really push ourselves for a short distance.  The temperature was actually about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday so it made pretty comfortable once we got warmed up. Like Judy said, running with buddies is like therapy sessions sometimes.  TIt is nice to have somebody to talk about everyday things with.  The beauty of having several running buddies is that you don't ever have to worry about going it alone.  I had Kim, Andrea, and Kevin yesterday and Judy today.  I have all of them plus Dave other days.  Running really is a team sport for me and I wouldn't have it any other way! Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:11:47 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_It-all-worked-out/BLOG/189410/16429.html April 2009-02-19T01:11:47Z OurSB Like I've said over and over again, if you need to change your schedule around, do so!  Whatever you have to do to make it work for you.  Judy and I met for our tempo run this morning since we both skipped it yesterday.  We had a very nice run...not too hard until we tried to really push ourselves for a short distance.  The temperature was actually about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday so it made pretty comfortable once we got warmed up. Like Judy said, running with buddies is like therapy sessions sometimes.  TIt is nice to have somebody to talk about everyday things with.  The beauty of having several running buddies is that you don't ever have to worry about going it alone.  I had Kim, Andrea, and Kevin yesterday and Judy today.  I have all of them plus Dave other days.  Running really is a team sport for me and I wouldn't have it any other way! nonadult false It all worked out text blog 154 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 189410 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Change-of-plans/BLOG/188585/16429.html This morning 5 of us were all set to do our tempo run outside.  First, Judy sent out a text saying she wasn't going to make it out.  Andrea came prepared to run on the treadmill to see just how hard she could push herself.  Kim and I headed outside to meet Kevin in the parking lot and got to talking about the Cardiobox class that was getting ready to start.  We also took the temperature and the breeze into consideration when we asked Kevin if he wouldn't mind doing his run on the treadmill while we did our cross training instead.  He seemed more than happy to move it inside considering the chill.  We asked if he wanted to join us in our class but he opted for the treadmill.  We let Andrea know what we were doing and she quickly hopped off her machine to join us.  It was an intense workout as usual and I loved it!  I know Kim enjoyed it but I had to leave early and haven't heard from Andrea.  She looked like she was ready to kick some butt, though!  I am making plans as we speak to make up my tempo run tomorrow.  So, once again, be flexible.  Do what works for you, your body, and your life.  If there is a class you love scheduled on a running day, switch things around and make it work for you.  Remember, you have to hold yourself accountable for how well you fulfill this goal so make it work!!!!  You will be so proud in the end if you do...promise! This morning 5 of us were all set to do our tempo run outside.  First, Judy sent out a text saying she wasn't going to make it out.  Andrea came prepared to run on the treadmill to see just how hard she could push herself.  Kim and I headed outside to meet Kevin in the parking lot and got to talking about the Cardiobox class that was getting ready to start.  We also took the temperature and the breeze into consideration when we asked Kevin if he wouldn't mind doing his run on the treadmill while we did our cross training instead.  He seemed more than happy to move it inside considering the chill.  We asked if he wanted to join us in our class but he opted for the treadmill.  We let Andrea know what we were doing and she quickly hopped off her machine to join us.  It was an intense workout as usual and I loved it!  I know Kim enjoyed it but I had to leave early and haven't heard from Andrea.  She looked like she was ready to kick some butt, though!  I am making plans as we speak to make up my tempo run tomorrow.  So, once again, be flexible.  Do what works for you, your body, and your life.  If there is a class you love scheduled on a running day, switch things around and make it work for you.  Remember, you have to hold yourself accountable for how well you fulfill this goal so make it work!!!!  You will be so proud in the end if you do...promise! Wed, 18 Feb 2009 01:56:13 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Change-of-plans/BLOG/188585/16429.html April 2009-02-18T01:56:13Z OurSB This morning 5 of us were all set to do our tempo run outside.  First, Judy sent out a text saying she wasn't going to make it out.  Andrea came prepared to run on the treadmill to see just how hard she could push herself.  Kim and I headed outside to meet Kevin in the parking lot and got to talking about the Cardiobox class that was getting ready to start.  We also took the temperature and the breeze into consideration when we asked Kevin if he wouldn't mind doing his run on the treadmill while we did our cross training instead.  He seemed more than happy to move it inside considering the chill.  We asked if he wanted to join us in our class but he opted for the treadmill.  We let Andrea know what we were doing and she quickly hopped off her machine to join us.  It was an intense workout as usual and I loved it!  I know Kim enjoyed it but I had to leave early and haven't heard from Andrea.  She looked like she was ready to kick some butt, though!  I am making plans as we speak to make up my tempo run tomorrow.  So, once again, be flexible.  Do what works for you, your body, and your life.  If there is a class you love scheduled on a running day, switch things around and make it work for you.  Remember, you have to hold yourself accountable for how well you fulfill this goal so make it work!!!!  You will be so proud in the end if you do...promise! nonadult false Change of plans... text blog 126 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 3 0 188585 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_YMCAs-10k-training-team-Almost-half-way-there/BLOG/187618/16429.html How are you all feeling these days?  I hope that you have found that the runs are both challenging and getting easier.  How many of you have met new friends?  How many of you have realized that you will actually finish this thing when maybe that didn't seem so likely a month ago?  I hope all of you have amazed yourselves in one way or another.  And, just think, we are almost half-way there so imagine how much more you have to look forward to!!!  I love meeting with the group on Saturdays and encouraging whoever I can along the way.  I hope you have all met at least one coach who is really there for you and cheering you on every step of the way.  Remember, they are here because they want to be.  They want you to do well, to succeed, and to help you any way they can.  Ask them for advice, for support, and for a high-five whenever you need it most.  Keep up all the amazing work and remember that race day will be here before you know it!!!! How are you all feeling these days?  I hope that you have found that the runs are both challenging and getting easier.  How many of you have met new friends?  How many of you have realized that you will actually finish this thing when maybe that didn't seem so likely a month ago?  I hope all of you have amazed yourselves in one way or another.  And, just think, we are almost half-way there so imagine how much more you have to look forward to!!!  I love meeting with the group on Saturdays and encouraging whoever I can along the way.  I hope you have all met at least one coach who is really there for you and cheering you on every step of the way.  Remember, they are here because they want to be.  They want you to do well, to succeed, and to help you any way they can.  Ask them for advice, for support, and for a high-five whenever you need it most.  Keep up all the amazing work and remember that race day will be here before you know it!!!! Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:05:23 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_YMCAs-10k-training-team-Almost-half-way-there/BLOG/187618/16429.html April 2009-02-17T01:05:23Z OurSB How are you all feeling these days?  I hope that you have found that the runs are both challenging and getting easier.  How many of you have met new friends?  How many of you have realized that you will actually finish this thing when maybe that didn't seem so likely a month ago?  I hope all of you have amazed yourselves in one way or another.  And, just think, we are almost half-way there so imagine how much more you have to look forward to!!!  I love meeting with the group on Saturdays and encouraging whoever I can along the way.  I hope you have all met at least one coach who is really there for you and cheering you on every step of the way.  Remember, they are here because they want to be.  They want you to do well, to succeed, and to help you any way they can.  Ask them for advice, for support, and for a high-five whenever you need it most.  Keep up all the amazing work and remember that race day will be here before you know it!!!! nonadult false YMCA's 10k training team: Almost half-way there! text blog 136 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 187618 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Sweetheart-8kloving-my-time/BLOG/186821/16429.html YAYYYY!!!!  I could not be more thrilled with my time during Saturday's Sweetheart 8k in Midlothian!!!  I am proud to say that I ran at a 9 minute pace and finished in 45:54!!!  As Judy mentioned in her last blog, I was in the novice group last year as a brand new runner.  I was not able to run the first mile that first day...SERIOUSLY!!!  I owe a lot of my accomplishments to the YMCA's training team because if it weren't for that, I would have never even started running in the first place.  I should be the poster child for this program and what it can do for you in 1 year's time!!!Now, back to Saturday's race...I will be perfectly honest, it was very hilly!  The kind of course where you think it is going to level out just around the corner but they it starts going up, up, up again!  There is one pretty brutal hill at the very beginning.  Despite all of that, it is was a fun race to run and I would recommend it for several reasons.   ONly cost $15 for non-RRRC members.  Very well organized considering how small it is.  Long-sleeve technical shirts for the first 250 to sign up (I'll be sporting mine on Saturday for all to see).  Photograher at mile 3 to snap a picture of you in action.  And, yummy food at the end...bagels, bananas, donut holes, and mini Valentine's cupcakes! Thanks so much to all of my buddies who have been so encouraging all the time!  Once again, I couldn't and wouldn't do any of this if it weren't for them!  YAYYYY!!!!  I could not be more thrilled with my time during Saturday's Sweetheart 8k in Midlothian!!!  I am proud to say that I ran at a 9 minute pace and finished in 45:54!!!  As Judy mentioned in her last blog, I was in the novice group last year as a brand new runner.  I was not able to run the first mile that first day...SERIOUSLY!!!  I owe a lot of my accomplishments to the YMCA's training team because if it weren't for that, I would have never even started running in the first place.  I should be the poster child for this program and what it can do for you in 1 year's time!!!Now, back to Saturday's race...I will be perfectly honest, it was very hilly!  The kind of course where you think it is going to level out just around the corner but they it starts going up, up, up again!  There is one pretty brutal hill at the very beginning.  Despite all of that, it is was a fun race to run and I would recommend it for several reasons.   ONly cost $15 for non-RRRC members.  Very well organized considering how small it is.  Long-sleeve technical shirts for the first 250 to sign up (I'll be sporting mine on Saturday for all to see).  Photograher at mile 3 to snap a picture of you in action.  And, yummy food at the end...bagels, bananas, donut holes, and mini Valentine's cupcakes! Thanks so much to all of my buddies who have been so encouraging all the time!  Once again, I couldn't and wouldn't do any of this if it weren't for them!  Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:18:07 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Sweetheart-8kloving-my-time/BLOG/186821/16429.html April 2009-02-16T03:18:07Z OurSB YAYYYY!!!!  I could not be more thrilled with my time during Saturday's Sweetheart 8k in Midlothian!!!  I am proud to say that I ran at a 9 minute pace and finished in 45:54!!!  As Judy mentioned in her last blog, I was in the novice group last year as a brand new runner.  I was not able to run the first mile that first day...SERIOUSLY!!!  I owe a lot of my accomplishments to the YMCA's training team because if it weren't for that, I would have never even started running in the first place.  I should be the poster child for this program and what it can do for you in 1 year's time!!!Now, back to Saturday's race...I will be perfectly honest, it was very hilly!  The kind of course where you think it is going to level out just around the corner but they it starts going up, up, up again!  There is one pretty brutal hill at the very beginning.  Despite all of that, it is was a fun race to run and I would recommend it for several reasons.   ONly cost $15 for non-RRRC members.  Very well organized considering how small it is.  Long-sleeve technical shirts for the first 250 to sign up (I'll be sporting mine on Saturday for all to see).  Photograher at mile 3 to snap a picture of you in action.  And, yummy food at the end...bagels, bananas, donut holes, and mini Valentine's cupcakes! Thanks so much to all of my buddies who have been so encouraging all the time!  Once again, I couldn't and wouldn't do any of this if it weren't for them!  nonadult false Sweetheart 8k...loving my time!!! text blog 141 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 0 186821 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Zzzzzzzzz/BLOG/184590/16429.html I could not be more thankful for my day of rest tomorrow!  Since I did my cross training yesterday, I am sleeping in tomorrow!!!  I am so tired.  Not only am I getting up super early on the days that I workout, but I am not going to bed before 10:30 each night.  I have really got to try harder to get the recommended 8 hours a night.  I could tell during my run this morning that I was exhausted.  My body was physically tired and the run was harder than it needed to be.  Moral of this sad story:  Get some SLEEP so you can RUN! (I'm sure it would help my brain function as well and my blog topics might not be so yawn worthy.) I could not be more thankful for my day of rest tomorrow!  Since I did my cross training yesterday, I am sleeping in tomorrow!!!  I am so tired.  Not only am I getting up super early on the days that I workout, but I am not going to bed before 10:30 each night.  I have really got to try harder to get the recommended 8 hours a night.  I could tell during my run this morning that I was exhausted.  My body was physically tired and the run was harder than it needed to be.  Moral of this sad story:  Get some SLEEP so you can RUN! (I'm sure it would help my brain function as well and my blog topics might not be so yawn worthy.) Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:46:47 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Zzzzzzzzz/BLOG/184590/16429.html April 2009-02-13T00:46:47Z OurSB I could not be more thankful for my day of rest tomorrow!  Since I did my cross training yesterday, I am sleeping in tomorrow!!!  I am so tired.  Not only am I getting up super early on the days that I workout, but I am not going to bed before 10:30 each night.  I have really got to try harder to get the recommended 8 hours a night.  I could tell during my run this morning that I was exhausted.  My body was physically tired and the run was harder than it needed to be.  Moral of this sad story:  Get some SLEEP so you can RUN! (I'm sure it would help my brain function as well and my blog topics might not be so yawn worthy.) nonadult false Zzzzzzzzz.... text blog 111 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 184590 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Cross-Training/BLOG/183532/16429.html In keeping with the idea that you should modify the schedule to fit your schedule, my running buddies and I decided to move our cross training day to today for this week.  Kim and I took a Cardiobox (kick boxing) class at the YMCA while Judy, Andrea, and Dave all did a little spinning.  From what I hear, they had a great time...quite the workout.  Kim and I also had a pretty intense workout.  I love the Cardiobox class because I am sweating before the warm-up is even done.  The instructor really pushes you to think about the moves and really put some power behind them.  By the time I am done, I feel strong...like I could really kick some butt!!!  In addition to the class this morning I ran/walked 3 miles this afternoon with the boys I nanny for.  They are 11 and 8 and it was quite hillarious.  They really don't care about setting a pace so they run ahead then run backwards, stop to pick-up a lost ball, stop to talk to a neighbor.  Before the first mile was done, they were ready for a walk break.  They also don't run in a straight path...I had to really watch to be sure I didn't trip over somebody as they zigged and zagged their way through the neighborhood.  Having a Garmin was like being behind the wheel on a long car trip..."How far have we gone?  How long did it take us?  How much longer before we do 5 miles?"  Despite all of that, it was a really fun run and it went by pretty quickly.  I am really hoping we get to do it again soon.I hope everyone has had a great week so far and is looking forward to a great run tomorrow!  Let me know how your runs are going...I'd love to know!   In keeping with the idea that you should modify the schedule to fit your schedule, my running buddies and I decided to move our cross training day to today for this week.  Kim and I took a Cardiobox (kick boxing) class at the YMCA while Judy, Andrea, and Dave all did a little spinning.  From what I hear, they had a great time...quite the workout.  Kim and I also had a pretty intense workout.  I love the Cardiobox class because I am sweating before the warm-up is even done.  The instructor really pushes you to think about the moves and really put some power behind them.  By the time I am done, I feel strong...like I could really kick some butt!!!  In addition to the class this morning I ran/walked 3 miles this afternoon with the boys I nanny for.  They are 11 and 8 and it was quite hillarious.  They really don't care about setting a pace so they run ahead then run backwards, stop to pick-up a lost ball, stop to talk to a neighbor.  Before the first mile was done, they were ready for a walk break.  They also don't run in a straight path...I had to really watch to be sure I didn't trip over somebody as they zigged and zagged their way through the neighborhood.  Having a Garmin was like being behind the wheel on a long car trip..."How far have we gone?  How long did it take us?  How much longer before we do 5 miles?"  Despite all of that, it was a really fun run and it went by pretty quickly.  I am really hoping we get to do it again soon.I hope everyone has had a great week so far and is looking forward to a great run tomorrow!  Let me know how your runs are going...I'd love to know!   Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:05:29 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Cross-Training/BLOG/183532/16429.html April 2009-02-12T02:05:29Z OurSB In keeping with the idea that you should modify the schedule to fit your schedule, my running buddies and I decided to move our cross training day to today for this week.  Kim and I took a Cardiobox (kick boxing) class at the YMCA while Judy, Andrea, and Dave all did a little spinning.  From what I hear, they had a great time...quite the workout.  Kim and I also had a pretty intense workout.  I love the Cardiobox class because I am sweating before the warm-up is even done.  The instructor really pushes you to think about the moves and really put some power behind them.  By the time I am done, I feel strong...like I could really kick some butt!!!  In addition to the class this morning I ran/walked 3 miles this afternoon with the boys I nanny for.  They are 11 and 8 and it was quite hillarious.  They really don't care about setting a pace so they run ahead then run backwards, stop to pick-up a lost ball, stop to talk to a neighbor.  Before the first mile was done, they were ready for a walk break.  They also don't run in a straight path...I had to really watch to be sure I didn't trip over somebody as they zigged and zagged their way through the neighborhood.  Having a Garmin was like being behind the wheel on a long car trip..."How far have we gone?  How long did it take us?  How much longer before we do 5 miles?"  Despite all of that, it was a really fun run and it went by pretty quickly.  I am really hoping we get to do it again soon.I hope everyone has had a great week so far and is looking forward to a great run tomorrow!  Let me know how your runs are going...I'd love to know!   nonadult false Cross Training text blog 131 1 5.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 183532 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Easy-does-it/BLOG/181449/16429.html So much for our easy run this morning.  Andrea and I were not paying attention to how speedy we were.  Sorry to have made today harder than it needed to be today, Dave and Judy.  I promise to try to stay on track tomorrow.  On the bright side, look at what a great job we all did!  Keep it up and 10 minute miles will be the pace we set for easy runs.I hope everyone else had a nice "relaxing" run this morning.  The weather was pretty ideal and I'm hoping tomorrow's tempo run will be just as pleasant.  Sorry I don't have too much to write today...it's definitely Monday, what can I say? So much for our easy run this morning.  Andrea and I were not paying attention to how speedy we were.  Sorry to have made today harder than it needed to be today, Dave and Judy.  I promise to try to stay on track tomorrow.  On the bright side, look at what a great job we all did!  Keep it up and 10 minute miles will be the pace we set for easy runs.I hope everyone else had a nice "relaxing" run this morning.  The weather was pretty ideal and I'm hoping tomorrow's tempo run will be just as pleasant.  Sorry I don't have too much to write today...it's definitely Monday, what can I say? Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:02:58 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Easy-does-it/BLOG/181449/16429.html April 2009-02-10T01:02:58Z OurSB So much for our easy run this morning.  Andrea and I were not paying attention to how speedy we were.  Sorry to have made today harder than it needed to be today, Dave and Judy.  I promise to try to stay on track tomorrow.  On the bright side, look at what a great job we all did!  Keep it up and 10 minute miles will be the pace we set for easy runs.I hope everyone else had a nice "relaxing" run this morning.  The weather was pretty ideal and I'm hoping tomorrow's tempo run will be just as pleasant.  Sorry I don't have too much to write today...it's definitely Monday, what can I say? nonadult false Easy does it... text blog 251 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 181449 2751324 Member 0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_YMCA-10k-training-Week-4-Shady-Grove/BLOG/180076/16429.html YAY!  We have successfully completed 3 weeks of training and are off to a great start for week #4!  I have to start by giving some major congrats to my 2 running buddies, Judy and Dave, who ran 10 miles this morning in preparation to the Shamrock 1/2 Marathon!  I can't forget about Kim either who ran 5 with them, and 2 with me at a pretty steep pace before she backed off for her last mile to finish with 8 for the day.  Andrea was a great partner today because, like me, she chose to sleep in and was full of energy at 7am.  She stayed with me the full 3 miles of today's run.  Excellent job to all of my buddies and to all of you no matter the mileage...keep up the good work!I went an extra 2 miles this morning to check my 5 mile time.  I unfortunately didn't sign up for the Shamrock 1/2 Marathon in time and had to go looking for another race...I've told you, it eventually becomes an addiction!  Anyhow, I found the National 1/2 Marathon in DC on March 21st and have decided to go for that.  The only problem is that you have to qualify and all my times this past year have missed their marks by 7 or 8 minutes each.  All of this is to say that I had to check my 5 mile time because I am running the Sweetheart 8k in Midlothian next Saturday in hopes of qualifying in time.  I am so very proud to say that the qualifying time is 52 minutes and I did 5 miles in 47:40!!!!  I was shocked that I even had it in me to a 10 minute pace for so long, much less a 9:30 pace! Moral of this story:  Keep at it and eventually it will become easier, you will grow stronger, run faster, and go further than you'd ever thought possible!!! YAY!  We have successfully completed 3 weeks of training and are off to a great start for week #4!  I have to start by giving some major congrats to my 2 running buddies, Judy and Dave, who ran 10 miles this morning in preparation to the Shamrock 1/2 Marathon!  I can't forget about Kim either who ran 5 with them, and 2 with me at a pretty steep pace before she backed off for her last mile to finish with 8 for the day.  Andrea was a great partner today because, like me, she chose to sleep in and was full of energy at 7am.  She stayed with me the full 3 miles of today's run.  Excellent job to all of my buddies and to all of you no matter the mileage...keep up the good work!I went an extra 2 miles this morning to check my 5 mile time.  I unfortunately didn't sign up for the Shamrock 1/2 Marathon in time and had to go looking for another race...I've told you, it eventually becomes an addiction!  Anyhow, I found the National 1/2 Marathon in DC on March 21st and have decided to go for that.  The only problem is that you have to qualify and all my times this past year have missed their marks by 7 or 8 minutes each.  All of this is to say that I had to check my 5 mile time because I am running the Sweetheart 8k in Midlothian next Saturday in hopes of qualifying in time.  I am so very proud to say that the qualifying time is 52 minutes and I did 5 miles in 47:40!!!!  I was shocked that I even had it in me to a 10 minute pace for so long, much less a 9:30 pace! Moral of this story:  Keep at it and eventually it will become easier, you will grow stronger, run faster, and go further than you'd ever thought possible!!! Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:36:57 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_YMCA-10k-training-Week-4-Shady-Grove/BLOG/180076/16429.html April 2009-02-08T03:36:57Z OurSB YAY!  We have successfully completed 3 weeks of training and are off to a great start for week #4!  I have to start by giving some major congrats to my 2 running buddies, Judy and Dave, who ran 10 miles this morning in preparation to the Shamrock 1/2 Marathon!  I can't forget about Kim either who ran 5 with them, and 2 with me at a pretty steep pace before she backed off for her last mile to finish with 8 for the day.  Andrea was a great partner today because, like me, she chose to sleep in and was full of energy at 7am.  She stayed with me the full 3 miles of today's run.  Excellent job to all of my buddies and to all of you no matter the mileage...keep up the good work!I went an extra 2 miles this morning to check my 5 mile time.  I unfortunately didn't sign up for the Shamrock 1/2 Marathon in time and had to go looking for another race...I've told you, it eventually becomes an addiction!  Anyhow, I found the National 1/2 Marathon in DC on March 21st and have decided to go for that.  The only problem is that you have to qualify and all my times this past year have missed their marks by 7 or 8 minutes each.  All of this is to say that I had to check my 5 mile time because I am running the Sweetheart 8k in Midlothian next Saturday in hopes of qualifying in time.  I am so very proud to say that the qualifying time is 52 minutes and I did 5 miles in 47:40!!!!  I was shocked that I even had it in me to a 10 minute pace for so long, much less a 9:30 pace! Moral of this story:  Keep at it and eventually it will become easier, you will grow stronger, run faster, and go further than you'd ever thought possible!!! nonadult false YMCA 10k training Week #4 @ Shady Grove text blog 128 1 4.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2751324&as=16429 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/16429/photos/PHOTO_2874758_16429_2751324_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 0 180076 2751324 Member 0