Virtual Running Buddies -- Week of July 11-July 17

[Natasha3]

Hi everyone!!

I hope you're all doing well and are gearing up for a great weekend, and, of course, for some good runs and/or cross-training.

Not much to report here at the moment. It's quite a bit cooler here this week than it was last week, and I'm planning to take advantage of it by going for a good run whenever the mood strikes me, rather than waiting for it to cool down/going first thing in the morning. We'll see how it goes, I guess!

I'm also planning to get fitted for my orthotics next week (finally), and am looking forward to that, believe me. :)

Over to you!

Natasha

[Laura]

I initially responded to Susan's biking thread. I got two runs in ths week in addition to my race. Some really good intervals on Tuesday, and a fas (well for me anyway) 5 miles this morning. I love running in the morning. My next two long runs will likely be by myself, which I am not looking forward to. I don't like to run outdoors with music, so I am going to have to find something to motivate/distract me, to keep me going 8 and 9 miles.

[msxy75]

Hey well I have got in a short run and a long run this week so I'm hoping to get in one more run. The weather here has been fabulous in the morning if i can get out around 8 am. Then it heats up pretty good. If I can just get in one more intermediate run then I will be happy with myself.

I am going to be headed out this weekend to get some new running shoes too as mine are getting near the end of their lifespan.

That's about if from this neck of the woods.

Talk to you all later,
michelle:cool:

[scout1222]

TGIF!!!

I got in a run this morning. It almost didn't happen, as I didn't sleep well, but since I took yesterday off, I guilted myself into it. I knew I'd regret it if I took another day off.

Tomorrow I'll be running in Penasquitos Canyon, so we'll be hitting the dirt. Sunday will be the traditional hill run. It should be a pretty good weekend for runs. Might be a little warm, so I'll need to make sure to stay well hydrated. I might even consider carrying some diluted Gatorade since I'll probably be sweating like a madwoman!

Have a great weekend, everyone.

[Natasha3]

Yay Scout!! :) Have fun with the canyon, and with the hill runs. Sounds like a fun weekend!

Laura, hi! Good going on your runs this week. I hope your longer runs go well even though you won't have company. When I do long runs alone, I find that I keep myself going by just thinking through a lot of stuff, and also daydreaming about stuff like winning the Olympic marathon ;) :p. I also don't listen to music while I run because I like to be really aware of my surroundings.

Michelle, sounds like you're doing really well too. Yay! :) Keep it up!

I went for my run while my husband finished making dinner. It was not too hot, and quite a lot of fun. I could have gone longer but it was dinnertime. ;) Still, I did what I set out to do and a bit longer, and was pleased with it overall. A little set of weights tonight, and that's it for today. Time to enjoy some R&R on a Friday night! :cool:

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

No real workout today - still working the finishing touches on the budget (justification) project. The bad thing is it really isn't due until Tuesday but I leave Monday about noon for a short (one-day) trip to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab (about 5-6 hours from here) for a Tuesday meeting. So any work that I have to do on the project (BTW it is classified so I can't work on it at home) had to be done today so... spent until 5:15 at work and then had to go to a "mandatory fun" event from work (one of the "curses" of the Navy) at 6:30. For my sanity I did go for about an 18 minute (more or less) walk just to breath some fresh air. Somewhat recharging but not enough. There's always tomorrow... fun in the State Park (romp in the swamp - and it is raining right now!).

scout - Sounds like a fun run. Kind of wish I was there in SD instead of here in the heat and humidity. Oh well sometimes the corss we bear. :rolleyes:

Have a great Saturday and peace.

Happy trails,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Appologies to Chicago...

Had a wonderful run today but I'm not sure that my partner liked it as much as I did. One of the hazards of my not getting all my workouts in for the week means I have lots of energy (read SPEED) on Saturday's run. So we went a little fast for the first 5 miles (but he didn't slow down when I tried to slow us down so I'm going to tak all the blame). Turned it into about 13 1/4 again - the coach and I went out to "pick up" the last two walkers and make sure they got back to the start (he has some liability as the coach). Felt great and it was relatively cooler - just in the upper 70's at 7:15 but because of the swamp the humidity was about 90% - so I sweated like a banshee. Throw in the remnants of the rain from yesterday and it was a real soupy/swampy mess - mud to mid-thigh again. And life is good.

After that I was a good hubby and went to work at LW's store - they were having their annual (read only) 50% off sale. I would bet that the fabric store probably did sales equivalent to 2 months of normal sales today. I spent most of 6 hours moving bolts of fabric back to shelves to clear cutting tables - boy are my arms and shoulders tight. But I'll also say that better me than LW.

Hope everyone else had a productive weekend. Now off to nurse my aching shoulders and arms. Plus I'm praying the Sxtra Strength Tylenol kick in - especially since the 3 Ibuprofin did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING (which really isn't a shock - Motrin does nothing unless I take 800 MG ones then it just upsets my stomach.)

Pushing to the sunset... happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Happy Monday everyone!

Had a great weekend. Ran Fri & Sat, then biked on Sunday. Friday was one of my new favorite routes. We run down the neiborhood bike path to an old cemetery about 2 miles from here. There's a Civil War section and is full of Madison history. I find it unbelievably peaceful, but am really hoping that the people who see us there don't think we're morbid & disrespectful. I've seen other runners there, so think it's ok. Sat was a 75% day, needing to rest before the long bike ride. I'm making an effort to put in more base mileage and it's feeling really good. Our next big race is now 2 weeks away!


Natasha - be sure to check out the current Running Times mag. There's a whole article on races throughout Canada.

Laura - I find that I really like running by myself. I'm sure you'll get used to it. It's nice not to have to worry about someone else's pace. I focus on positive thoughts that keep my legs fast and light. I recently told DH that I had a running mantra, and he now thinks I'm nuts! It works great though!

Michelle - what kind of shoes did you get?

I'm also in a bizarre phase right now where I just head out the door not really sure where I'm going or how long I'll be out. That's new for me, but it feels really good not to lock into any specific plan. Anyone else ever do that? I've always been a "run the plan" kind of person before now.

[Laura]

Well I am not sure if it was the heat (about 75-80), the humidity (yes it actually felt humid here -- although nothing like the rest of you deal with), the fact that I was running by myself, or the trail (actually a road that had a long uphill grade (not steep) but about 3.5 miles long), but this morning's run was really hard. I stopped 5 times during an 8 mile run, the first one being at a mile, the second at 1.5 miles :o, I just had a really hard time getting it together. I redeemed myself by going the longer way home and forcing myself to do one last short hill at the end, still, it wasn't pretty. I have decided to go to Portland for 5 days to watch my so's son swim at Sectionals. So I will be running at sea level! I will generally be MIA from Wednesday to Monday, unless I can steal my SO's computer from time to time. Amanda if you are out there, do you have any suggestions where I should (or should not) run. We are going to be in Gresham I believe. Hopefully, I won't be stuck running around the track 36 times at the college where the meet is to meet my 9 mile goal on Sunday! :eek:

[msxy75]

Hey gang,

Susan I definitely do that all the time, I have a route in mind but am never sure just how far that I will go, I go until I know that I better turn around or I"ll be walking a ways to get back home. I finally got the time to go out and get my new shoes. After trying on a bunch I decided on Brooks Adrenaline. This would be my first pair of Brooks, they felt amazing in the store. I walked around for a bit with different shoes on different feet to check out the difference. Anyhow I think I will be quite happy with these as they feel just like a pair of slippers on.

Take care all,

michelle

[msxy75]

Hello again well I thought I would let you know that those Brooks Adrenaline shoes are amazing. The run I had was great well at least the shoes were fantastic. However that nasty cramp that I got a few weeks back well it came back today in my side. I had made it about 30 minutes but then I got this stitch and it continued to get worse till I had to walk for a good 5-10 minutes. Anybody got any ideas why I keep getting this cramp? I got one last week too. I'm wondering if I'm not waiting long enough after I eat? This morning I got up, made a smoothie and had just about half and then went for my run, could that have contributed? I don't know if you guys will be able to help but I will take any suggestions that you have to work through this.

Thanks gang,
michelle:confused:

[Laura]

Hi Michelle, for my runs less than an hour, I don't eat anything. I don't know if that is healthy or not, but I find it vary difficult to run with anything in my stomach. For my run this morning, I had a piece of whole wheat toast with a little bit of pb on it about 1 1/2 hours before (yes that meant I was getting up at 5:15 just to have toast). I find that I get side stitches pretty easily with lots of liquid in me. Everyone is different, you just have to find what works for you. I can eat right before most activities, but not running. I think it is all the jostling (sp?) that it does to my stomach.

I am glad you like your shoes, I really liked the Brooks as well, but ultimately went with the Asics.

[scout1222]

Good weekend running out here in San Diego!

The canyon run on Saturday was HOT and I was sweating like you wouldn't believe. But we ran at a nice comfortable pace, and probably did about 10.5 miles total. It felt good, and I wasn't wiped out afterwards (probably thanks to the fact that I decided since it was hot that I should replace electrolytes and carry some Gatorade).

When I run in the mornings during the week, I don't eat before I run. (my loop is a 5 miler, so I'm done in 45-50 minutes) I just drink 32 ounces of water, and off I go. On the weekends, before long runs or the Sunday hill runs, I do eat. I typically eat a power bar/clif bar/balance bar/whatever bar, and those sit well for me. I generally will have that about 45-60 minutes before the run. The past few weeks, however, I've been straying from the bars and eating leftover muffins/quick breads from the weekday breakfasts I've been making. Those have been sitting well, too, thankfully. I've always been so scared to have anything OTHER than a bar, because I know those work. And since I've had digestive issues on the run, I don't want to press my luck.

This weekend I got a new pair of shoes - Nike Pegasus, and wore them on Sunday's run. They felt pretty good, so now I've got 3 pair that I'm rotating. (why no, I'm not really, really into this running thing, why do you ask? :p)

[SusanMac]

Michelle -- if the cramps happen only on morning runs, try drinking more water when you get up. On afternoon runs, I'm ok because I've been drinking fluids all day. But, in the morning, my body hasn't had any water for 8+ hours. A glass of milk or OJ isn't enough. And, even if you drink while you're running, you didn't really have anything in your tank to begin with. I often get stomach cramps from either not enough water or too much water. It's a tough balance to find.

Scout -- I've never rotated running shoes before but have read about it several places. Other than the sweat factor, what do you like about it? Are you less likely to get blisters? Or is there no strategy at all and you just like to get new running toys :-)?? DH runs in Nike Pegasus and loves them. I'm a Saucony girl myself.

Les - meant to say earlier that you're a very devoted DH to help DW with her sale last weekend. I'm always amazed and impressed when men are working in fabric stores (and know more about sewing than you'd expect)

[scout1222]

I rotate shoes to preserve the inner cushioning.

Supposedly, when you run in a shoe, the impact causes the sole & inner cushioning to compress. It takes a while for the sweat to dry, and the materials to "fluff" back up. So what I've heard is that if you trade off shoes, you give the shoe time to repair itself, and that can cause the shoe to last longer.

I have no idea if what I'm doing is actually extending the life of my shoes or not. But I give it a try.

[Natasha3]

Hi all!

Michelle, a lot of people can't eat a thing before running, so maybe the smoothie was what did it for you. Personally, I can munch bits of a bar (I usually chop them up and put them in a Ziploc) or something, and usually be fine, but I know other people who can't. (I also know people, like one of my former coaches, who could eat a bagel and immediately go out for a brisk run :eek: I couldn't do that!! Anyway, as Laura suggested, I'd just say to experiment a bit and see what works for you. Glad that you love your shoes so much!

Susan,

Thanks for the tip on the latest issue of Running Times! :) Time to go to the bookstore and have a look. Oh, and BTW -- I'm a Saucony girl too. What kind do you have? I have the Grid Stabils and am on my third or fourth pair of them (seeeeeerious pronator here ;)). I love Sauconys!!

Les,

Good to hear that you got in a good run!!

Hi Laura and Scout! :)

I came back from a run not too long ago, and then we finished making dinner and ate on the porch. :) It was not a particularly long or exhilarating run, but we got out, anyway, and it was nice, and there's always tomorrow!

Natasha

[MaryH]

Originally posted by SusanMac
Laura - I find that I really like running by myself. I'm sure you'll get used to it. It's nice not to have to worry about someone else's pace. I focus on positive thoughts that keep my legs fast and light. I recently told DH that I had a running mantra, and he now thinks I'm nuts! It works great though!

I'm also in a bizarre phase right now where I just head out the door not really sure where I'm going or how long I'll be out. That's new for me, but it feels really good not to lock into any specific plan. Anyone else ever do that? I've always been a "run the plan" kind of person before now.

Yup. When I start to feel it is more of a chore to say go out and do intervals on 3-4 miles, I leave the stop watch at home and just go run and try to add some extra distance, maybe down a block I haven't gone before or something like that. And I definitely run better by myself (of course, in a race I'm one of those people who ends up running by herself because I am somewhere between the fast runners and a little faster than others - but it suits me fine.)

Spent four gorgeous days in Cambria (just south of Hearst Castle). While here it is above 100, there it is maybe 70 with a cool ocean breeze. Ran 4+ on Sunday and again on Monday down Moonstone Beach - if you ever get a chance I highly recommend it. I thought how absolutely spoiled I'd be in terms of training if I lived there. I can just see training in perfect running weather, and then actually going to a race and realizing that there is such a thing as humidity.:cool: :D So its back to the heat, but I get to go to Santa Cruz next weekend for Wharf to Wharf so I can't complain.

[SusanMac]

Mary - Cambria is such a cute town and the shoreline is rustic and beautiful! Sounds like a great trip for you. And...Wharf to Wharf is one of my all-time favorite races. I like it better than Bay to Breakers (just as fun, great views, great spectators, great music, half the crowding) The crowds are still pretty crazy, though. Definitely keep us posted. Now that we live in the Midwest instead of Bay Area, we have a new annual run on the exact same weekend -- the Bix7. Similar distance, crowds, fans & music. We'll have to think of each other on race day. Ooh, and the Bix hands out Popsicles at the finish!

Scout - hadn't thought about the shoes needing time to "snap back" into shape after compressing during a run. Makes sense, though. I'm about due for new shoes, but not quite ready to give up my current ones. Might have to give the rotating thing a try.

Natasha - geez, I should know what Saucony's I have. I know they're the new ones with the "CRM," although there's another name for the shoe style itself. Have worn this brand for years. Tried Adidas for a while, then went back to Saucony.

Question for you guys....what do you wear in a warm weather race? Coolmax top? Previous year's race t-shirt? Jog bra with no t-shirt? (this wouldn't apply to Les, of course :-) Just curious.

P.S. Did you catch the Tour de France yesterday?? Wow! Lance is truly amazing and my heart goes out to Beloki. That looked unbelievably painful.

[aggie94]

:o

Okay, I know I've been AWOL for awhile. I hope I can come back.

I've been running twice a week on a pretty regular basis for the last few months. I felt like I was making slow progress, but then again, I wasn't really pushing myself. Normally, I run inside on a treadmill. About a week ago, my friend and old neighbor, who I used to run with, called me and wanted to start running together again. I've met her three times now (twice last week and again last night) to run at Town Lake in the evening after work.

I know a lot of you deal with heat. HOW? It was over 100 last night, with about 50% humidity, full sun, no breeze, and I thought I was going to die. It was only a 3-mile loop, and I do that on a treadmill regularly, but I had to stop multiple times to walk last night. Even at a much slower pace than I normally run, it was brutal.

If I keep at it, will it get better/easier? Is it just that I'm not used to running outdoors and my body needs to adjust to the differences? The two runs last week were also incredibly tough, but not nearly as bad as last night. Really, I thought I was going to die. :rolleyes:

[scout1222]

Originally posted by SusanMac
Question for you guys....what do you wear in a warm weather race? Coolmax top? Previous year's race t-shirt? Jog bra with no t-shirt? (this wouldn't apply to Les, of course :-) Just curious.

I will wear shorts and some sort of wicking t-shirt (Coolmax, etc.) You will NEVER see me run in just a jogbra. Well, okay, I've done it exactly twice, and it was really really hot both times, and I was self-conscious every second of the way. First, my stomach is the one place I pooch out, so it isn't flat and attractive. Secondly, because of the first point, it is also pale white like a fishbelly. So it ain't visually appealing, and I'd probably get a sunburn! :rolleyes:

I'm thinking about getting some sleeveless shirts, though, because I'm developing one heck of a farmer tan on my arms. Makes me not want to wear sleeveless EVER. Nice and tan, then, bang! White flesh!

I'm taking back (temporarily) whatever nice things I said about my new shoes. This morning, not even 2 miles into the run, I started to get a hot spot on my right foot. The insert was rubbing against the underside of my arch - not quite the bottom of the foot, but kind of on the side. It's something that didn't bother me AT ALL on the first outing. Today, though, by the time I finished the 5 miles, I'd developed a blister. I'm going to take the shoes back and see if they can give me another insert - it kind of looks like it was just not properly manufactured - the edge isn't smoothed over, so it kind of sticks into my foot more than the left shoe does. In the mean time, ain't it lucky that I've got two other pairs of shoes?!? :p

[Laura]

Yikes Eva! How did you manage 3 feet, much less 3 miles. I have a really difficult time adjusting to the heat. It has been over the 90's everyday here for the past week, and the only way for me to get my runs in is to run in the morning. The other thing you need to consider is to make sure you are well hydrated before and during your run.

I rarely run in a jog bra and shorts, and I never start out that way. I have pretty flat stomach, but I have issues with the area right above my shorts and toward my back. I usually run with a tank top on though.

I noticed Amanda hasn't been around for awhile...I hope she is doing okay. I leave for Portland (actually Gresham) Oregon tomorrow. I need to do one long run while I am there (9 miles) does any one know of a place I should go, or how to find out the best (and safest since I will be running by myself) places to run?

Scout -- sorry your shoes caused a blister. My only pair caused a blister on the inside of my right foot everytime I go over 4 miles. I know I need to get new shoes, but I have only had these since April and I am being cheap.

[JHolcomb]

Just wanted to check in. Not much running since last week. Went to Busch Gardens on Saturday, which was a workout (huge theme park, walking around for hours on end). Then Sunday morning I discovered that I have fire ant bites on my feet, which has pretty much put me off of wearing shoes for the meantime. We tried to run yesterday, and I felt like I was having a great run, except for the fact that my feet felt like they were on fire from the ankles down. Plus I had to go to the bathroom. And DH's knee was killing him from standing/walking at Busch Gardens in sandals. So we quit after a mile. We are going out today, and my feet seem less burn-y and itchy right now, which I hope is a sign that they'll be alright in shoes and socks.

Anyway, sorry to just whine and not really converse. Hope everyone's having a good week.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Sorry folks but I've been away for a couple days - doing some work in Columbia/Laurel MD. What a great change of scenery!

To catch up the workout regime I got two outstanding runs in around the hills and lakes in Columbia. About an hour on Monday and Tuesday and boy do I feel the hill now! But I wouldn't trade the stiff legs for anything. I think that today will be an easy day (yesterday was supposed to be easy really) plus I'm feeling the impact of two nights on a hotel bed - boy does my upper back hurt like the dickens. :(

Susan - Thanks for the complement. I really do surprise lots of folks because I really do know a lot about fabric - it does help that I've been married to an accomplished seamstress/quilter for almost 20 years (1 October). You really can pick up things by osmosis. :D
As for running - thanks for the caveat too I wouldn't go out without something on, even if only a singlet. I have found that I keep cooler with something on than when running without a shirt. Plus without a shirt I have to worry about chafing on my upper body.

Michelle - I think the cramp could have been caused by having something to drink though I wouldn't attribute it to the smoothie. I can get away with eating and drinking before running as long as I'm not out for a speed workout - as long as I have about 30-45 minutes between eating and running. It usually takes some experimenting to figure out what works for running - I have friends that can't eat at all before running and others that can eat right up to the start time, personal preference really.

Aggie - It will get easier/better once your body gets used to the heat but I would recommend slowing dow quite a bit until you get used to the heat. If I were going to start a program I'd shoot for about 1:30 to 2:00 per mile slower to start with and increasing speed until it is the threshold of comfortable. And welcome back too!

Gotta get back to work but I hope that everyone is doing okay and missed all the fun of Claudette.

Peace,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Laura
I noticed Amanda hasn't been around for awhile...I hope she is doing okay. I leave for Portland (actually Gresham) Oregon tomorrow. I need to do one long run while I am there (9 miles) does any one know of a place I should go, or how to find out the best (and safest since I will be running by myself) places to run?

I'm sorry that I don't know of any place in Gresham to run unless you can get down by the Columbia (near the Sandy River). Otherwise there is a great park on the West side of the Willamette (the name escapes me right now - go figure) that has a fantastic set of earthen and asphalt trails. When I'm in Portland I tend to run around Mt. Tabor (82nd and Division). There also may be a couple neat places by Mount Hood Community College (there is a campus in Gresham). Sorry I can't be of more help.

Susan - Welcome to the land of the runner. There are times when I feel the same way - "I'm just going to run until I get tired" - and yes it can be disconcerting but what a wonderful feeling.

Had an interesting workout this evening. I got "clearance" to work out after work (because LW was working ) so I went to the gym to try to keep my intensity under control. After getting in a decent 45 minutes on the elliptical had a VERY EXCITING experience when the lights went out in the gym and locker rooms. (What a great thunderstorm!!) The lights were off at least 20 minutes so I had to open my locker in the dark (luckily someone had a dim flash light) and shower and dress in the dark (lots of years experience there ). Still able to get to the car in the rain of Biblical proportion - but boy was I soaked!

Now I'm just trying to get into the BR for a good night's sleep (assuming the shoulder and neck behave).

Amanda - Where and how are you!!!

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

Hi all!!

Les, only you can make a workout at the gym sound so exciting. :p That's a compliment, BTW!

Eva, welcome back! I was wondering where you were. :)

Amanda, where are you indeed? We miss you!

Laura, hope you have/had a good trip to OR, with some great runs!

Yesterday evening I went out for a challenging bike ride with my husband and a good friend. It was fun! I hadn't been riding enough lately, and felt it on the first couple of hills, but then got back in form and had a blast. :) We also had to deal with a strong headwind. My quads got a good workout. After that we felt justified in relaxing and catching up on life and enjoying a good meal. Tonight I'd like to run. We're supposed to get a storm but as long as it's not torrential, I'm hoping to go out and get in my run. I'm prepared with my Gore jacket and all.

Happy trails all! Gotta run (no pun intended), but I'll try to write more later.

Natasha

[scout1222]

4:56 am - alarm goes off
4:56:01 - alarm is turned off
5:00 am - guilt kicks in and I drag my sorry butt out of bed

It almost didn't happen this morning, but I managed to get up and go out for a run. It's been rather warm and humid here, at least by comparison to normal SD weather. I've been coming back from my runs completely DRENCHED in sweat. I guess it's not so bad, because it makes me feel like a tough chick. :D

Saturday is the first meeting of our marathon training group - we'll be doing signups and having everyone run 3 miles to find their pace. I'm not sure if I'll be able to run the 3, or if I'll have to help with sign-ups and stuff. Will be doing the long run on Sunday instead with fellow coaches.

[Natasha3]

Hi Scout,

That is very cool that you are a marathon coach. How long have you been doing this type of group coaching? I have often thought about trying to do some coaching for Learn to Run or 10k groups at one of the local running stores, but have not tried so far. Combination of being scared of rejection, and being scared of adding another time commitment. ;) How much of a time commitment is coaching for you (if I am not being too nosy)?

I went for my run this afternoon before dinner and it was great. No rain, though there were a few threatening clouds way off in the distance. It was quite warm but certainly manageable. I did 5 miles and change in 39-40 minutes and was happy with that, and with the way I felt throughout: not buoyant, exactly, but strong and consistent. Enjoyed a good Indian dinner afterwards, too, which really hit the spot. :)

How was everyone elses training? Good, I hope!

Well, time to relax and read a bit before another fairly early wake-up! Have a great evening, all.

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Natasha3
I went for my run this afternoon before dinner and it was great. No rain, though there were a few threatening clouds way off in the distance. It was quite warm but certainly manageable. I did 5 miles and change in 39-40 minutes and was happy with that, and with the way I felt throughout: not buoyant, exactly, but strong and consistent. Enjoyed a good Indian dinner afterwards, too, which really hit the spot. :)

That's fantastic that you're running both that fast and that easily. Great to hear the tales of success!! And then an Indian dinner to top it off - a day made in heaven. ;)


How was everyone elses training? Good, I hope!

Training has been surprisingly good this week. Today went after wrok (again) and did about 45 minutes on the elliptical - no blackout today though. :D But it was humid like all get out. :rolleyes:

Tomorrow is a much earned rest day but I may take a walk at lunch if the weather is as nice as it is predicted. But of course there's still Saturday (and it's supposed to rain - YEAH!!!).

Thoughts and good wishes.
Les

[badunnin]

Originally posted by MaryH
So its back to the heat, but I get to go to Santa Cruz next weekend for Wharf to Wharf so I can't complain.


Ah, the W2W is so cool! I did it several times as a kid. :D

[scout1222]

Originally posted by Natasha3
That is very cool that you are a marathon coach. How long have you been doing this type of group coaching? I have often thought about trying to do some coaching for Learn to Run or 10k groups at one of the local running stores, but have not tried so far. Combination of being scared of rejection, and being scared of adding another time commitment. ;) How much of a time commitment is coaching for you (if I am not being too nosy)?

This will be my second season. I run with USA Fit, and am actually an "assistant coach" - which does make a difference. The coaches get paid (not much I don't think) and do most of the work. The assistant coaches get free entry into the program, and are really just pace group leaders. We make sure that we don't lose anyone out on the route, and help the newbies find a comfortable pace. So really, it doesn't actually take much extra time than the training itself would. I'll need to show up a few minutes early each week to make sure I know the route, and might spend some extra time "giving advice" if someone asks. Basically I'm just the constant in these folks' training.

The first year I did it, our 21 miler happened to fall on my birthday. After the run was over, a few of the people who were in my pace group sang happy birthday, and one brought me a plate of cookies! I guess when you spend hours on end running with the same people, you kind of get attached. :D

And, as an aside, I did run again this morning. That makes 4 runs out of 4 planned for the weekdays. Woo hoo! (how bad is that? I'm celebrating that I didn't flake out!)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by scout1222
This will be my second season. I run with USA Fit, and am actually an "assistant coach" - which does make a difference. The coaches get paid (not much I don't think) and do most of the work. The assistant coaches get free entry into the program, and are really just pace group leaders. We make sure that we don't lose anyone out on the route, and help the newbies find a comfortable pace. So really, it doesn't actually take much extra time than the training itself would. I'll need to show up a few minutes early each week to make sure I know the route, and might spend some extra time "giving advice" if someone asks. Basically I'm just the constant in these folks' training.

The first year I did it, our 21 miler happened to fall on my birthday. After the run was over, a few of the people who were in my pace group sang happy birthday, and one brought me a plate of cookies! I guess when you spend hours on end running with the same people, you kind of get attached. :D

And, as an aside, I did run again this morning. That makes 4 runs out of 4 planned for the weekdays. Woo hoo! (how bad is that? I'm celebrating that I didn't flake out!)

I'm glad you like the assistant coach routine. This is my first official year as a Galloway Pace Group Leader/Assistant for my coach of almost 3 1/2 years. I've really been his assistant for most of the past 1 1/2 years but it's now official. Like you say, there really isn't that much extra that I do with the exception of going back out on the trail after I've finished my miles to "pick up" the slower runners/run-walkers. Typically I do an extra 3-4 miles (at least for now). I know that will change as my mileage gets longer on weekends - it is still only 10 this week but starts increasing next week.

Today was a deserved rest day, I got my 4 workouts in this week now for the long run tomorrow. And guess what... It's raining!! :cool: And everyone knows what that means for a Saturday - A glorious romp in the swamp - the mud bath of all mud baths!

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

Peace,
Les

OOPS - just realized this should go on next weeks... oh well.