Training for the Shamrock Shuffle Take 2

In a little over a week I will be doing my first race of 2014.  Between Team Miami, running at the Rec, and running in the neighborhood on the few nice days, I'm getting ready to do the Shamrock Shuffle.  It was my first race ever and is a great memory for me since it was the culmination of hard work for the what was a huge accomplishment.  I think it will get me motivated to keep running longer distances so I can start doing more 10Ks and possibly a half marathon.

Team Miami

I signed up and went to the first  night of Team Miami. I've been looking forward to it after not doing it last year.

Team Miami is coordinated by Miami's Employee Health and Wellness group and helps employees get motivated and get moving to complete the Red Brick Run 5K in April.  They provide weekly training and encouragement for runners and walkers.  The program fee is $30 but includes a shirt and registration for the Red Brick Run.

I really like the group and it is new for me to be involved with a running group.  The leader will send out maps of different routes (various distances) before each training.

I was disappointed however to not be able to run the first night because of it started sleeting in the afternoon.  The sidewalks were slightly slick and not worth the chance of an injury.  Darn weather!

Today was a good day!

I finally got to run outside after so many weeks of going round and round at the Rec. The sidewalks still have a lot of ice but it was manageable. It wasn't too cold, around 35 degrees and it is staying light later in the evening. So there you have it, a good day!

It does appear to be short-lived as another big snowstorm is on the way. So I'm very glad I snuck in an outside run tonight!

And meanwhile I'm preparing (mentally and physically) to run in the Shamrock Shuffle in March!

2014 Races, here is the wish list...

Shamrock Shuffle
March 8, 2014
https://www.theshamrockshuffle.com/

Team Miami / Red Brick Run

Sunday, April 27, 2014
http://www.rec.muohio.edu/intramurals/registration/specialevents.html

Red Legs Run

Saturday, May 31, 2014
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/community/race.jsp

Chicago Rock and Roll Half Marathon / 5K
Sunday, July 20, 2014
http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/chicago

Hudy 7K

Saturday, September 20
http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com/beer-series/index.shtml

Ohio State 5K
http://ohiostatefourmiler.com/

Hot Chocolate 5K
http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/

Columbus - November 16

Chicago - November 2

Accidentally Faster

I ran today around the two mile loop (Sandra to Dana to 732 to Chestnut to Locust).  My knee has been bothering me so I was it going to run but I saw Michael out running and it motivated me. 

It was my first outside run since New Years Day because the weather has been so cold. It felt good to back on the road. Running on the Rec track is okay but boring. It is hard to measure distance with RunKeeper. And the direction is playing havoc with my knees. As it happens I usually run on the clockwise days so running counter clockwise once on a while isn't enough. 

Anyway I ran two miles. The weather was about 39 degrees and I actually dressed too warm. I ran it at a pace of 10:30 which is a lot faster than usual.  My running streak paid off as a lot of short runs help increase pace.

So I got faster without even trying. Looking forward to the first 2014 race!

Happy New Year! I did it!

One year ago, my resolution was to quit smoking and start running with the goal of running a 5K.  As I end 2013, I have reached my goal and beyond.  As I look back on my posts and remember all of  my successes (and set backs), I can hardly believe it myself.

I have run eight timed races for 30 miles and an additional 5K just for fun.  I have a box of bibs, two medals and several other mementos from the races.  I have wonderful pictures (included in previous posts) and even better memories.  I didn't lose any weight but I increased muscle, strength, endurance and am overall healthier than ever.

As I look to 2014 and complete my running streak (running at least a mile a day from Thanksgiving through New Years), I have decided to run more to train, increase my pace and possibly run some longer races.

Happy New Year!

Putting on my big girl panties

Yesterday was the hardest day so far of my streak.  I thought it would be Fridays when I had plans in the evenings and would have to run at lunch leaving me sweaty for the afternoon and evening event.  But yesterday was the hardest.

All week it has been snowy, icy and cold so I have gone to the gym and run on the treadmill.  I ran two miles Friday in case the weekend proved difficult.  Eventually (in the next week) I will join the rec center, at least for the holidays and perhaps the rest of the winter.  I prefer running outside but whatever it takes.

So yesterday the roads were a little better and it wasn't quite as cold (35°F) but I had a serious hangover.  I woke up late, napped on the couch, and had plans that required leaving the house at 4:30 for a party in Middletown at 5 p.m.  In my mind I made a million excuses why it would be okay to skip one day.  Then Jody called.

She told me I had to do it.  She gave me all the reasons why and I added one of my own (that if I skipped one day it would be easier to skip two and so on).  So I put on my big girl panties (and running gear) and off I went.  It wasn't so bad and I felt great afterward.  And running today felt even better!

My streak continues!