I Would Walk 500 Miles

Thanks for all the advice! Last year we had a gym membership built in, but they took it away. For some reason my tuition still went up, but that's another story. I'm going to just see how it goes for now. If it gets too cold, I'll get a membership in January.

And great job Cassidy! I'm not sure how far you can run in 30 minutes, but I'm sure you've already caught up with me, in what, one week of running. Keep it up!

Anyway, I went for a run on Friday. 6 miles, with no stops! I was a little sore over the weekend though (my right knee... hopefully that's not going to be an ongoing problem) , so I just took it easy the last two days. I'm feeling much better now, and plan on running later this afternoon. Alysia, your hard work definitely motivated me to keep going, so thanks for the push, and keep up the great work!

My pace is about where I want it to be, although it would probably be hard to maintain that for 13 miles. But it's only November. I guess that's what training is for.

i ran 30 minutes i ran 30 minutes i ran 30 minutes!

then i died.

Oh well, running 30 minutes almost pain free was exciting even if it can only happen once.

Barry - I meant to tell you two things in the last post. Number one, scarves are great to wrap around your mouth and nose to prevent that bad taste in your throat and annoying cough that can occur with the cold air. Second, check a local YMCA for awesome gym prices if school gym is not an option. I pay $17 per month for my student membership.

hullllllo!

Barry, RAWR. Love that fanny pack. Ladies, WATCH OUT. Alysia, I'm very jealous of your trails - I bet those are especially nice now that it has cooled down a bit!

Beej, as for cold weather, I think it's important to stay warm but not overdress. Like lysh, I try to cover my hands and head with a warm hat and gloves. Pants are obviously a good idea. Up top, I'd go for multiple lighter layers that you can easily take off and tie somewhere if you need to. Remember that wearing too much will cause you to sweat, and sweat soaking your layers will just chill you even more! Getting out and running is never easy during the winter, but you just have to focus on how warm and refreshed you will be when it's over :)

As for me, I ran my very first painless mile yesterday! My MRI looked pretty normal....I had some scar tissue on my cartilage and a potential nick in my meniscus, but nothing too serious. The orthopedic opted for a nice, painful shot of cortisone into my joint so that's about all I can do for now. I'm going to try and start running again, but my knee still bothers me, so I'll have to take it slow.

AHHHH so out of shape but soooooo ready to get back at it. Miss ya'll :( Group run over Thanksgiving?

Baby We Were Born to Run

First off, Barry I must say running is doing wonders for you. I mean you look absolutely great in that picture. Haha. Anyway I can try to give you a little advice about the cold weather but I am definitely not an expert by any means. I know I have a really hard time wanting to go out and run when its really cold outside. But some important things to remember is that if it is too cold outside or way to windy that it makes breathing hard it may be a good idea to get a workout indoors. In high school if it was too cold we use to do speed workouts in the hallways of JRHS but since you probably don't have a HS in which to run in this does not work out. But you can do core exercises (abs and back) some lunges, weights, plyometrics (jumping exercises) etc indoors to strenghten your body and help with your run. When you do venture outside be careful if there is snow or ice on the ground. The only thing worse than getting sick is injuring yourself because you slipped on ice. Ouch not good. But make sure you dress warmly. Yes you will get hot once you start running but your sweat will evaporate leaving you cold so make sure you are still wearing emough to be comfortable. Hats and gloves are always a good idea too. I have started wearing them now even with shorts because it keeps my ears warm. I think its personal preference exactly what you wear/ how many layers etc but you will figure out what makes you waayyy to hot and what isn't warm enough. I would recommend wearing clothes that have that sweat lifting material because in cotten you sit around in your sweat and I feel you are more likely to get a cold in cold weather but maybe that is a mental thing for me. Also wind resistant tops jackets are good too to keep out that winter chill. Runnersworld.com also had a bunch of articles about running in the cold so you can check out the website. I love that site!! So I hope some of this has helped you.

Ok so onto my running so far. Yesterday I went on the most awesome run down the trails behind my apartment and along I66. Running seemed so easy it was beautiful weather, I felt really good, and it had that fall, Thanksgiving is around the corner, holidays are here type feeling in the air. It was awesome. When I got back I realized I did both my longest and fastest run so far. I ran nearly 5 miles and I managed to go at a pace I hadn't been able to accomplish on the treadmill or outside. I was impressed because that just means I should be able to pick up my pace for the shorter distances and eventually be able to go even further. So exciting.

Lastly, I have the money now to register for the race so you all say the word and I will sign up.
Well I miss you all and I can't wait to see you/ run with you all over Thanksgiving Break!!

Oh the Weather Outside is Weather

So I went running this evening (that's me in the picture), and I noticed the temperature has taken a bit of a nose dive. It isn't terrible yet, but in a few months I'm sure it will be much worse.

Now that I've stated the obvious, let me get to the point. Obviously training for this race is a huge commitment, and saying "Oh it's too cold to run," or "The snow is up to my waste," or "I am frozen to the floor and can't move" are not really options. So I was hoping we could get a dialogue going about how to keep working out in the winter months. I'm considering starting a gym membership, but I much prefer the cheaper, and more enjoyable outdoor running trails. Obviously dressing in layers could help, although my purple running shorts and shirtless approach has really helped me with the ladies. Then there is the problem of overdressing. Once I got going today, I was perfectly fine. It could be hard to draw the line as the weather fluctuates.

I'm new to this whole running thing. It wasn't until last May that I actually took it seriously, and even then I was just trying to get in shape, as opposed to going for distance. In any case, I've never attempted to run during the winter season, so any suggestions for keeping me motivated are definitely welcome. Right now, I find running very tranquil and relaxing. I'd like it to stay that way.