Best Running Partners

One of the things I love most about running is doing it with other people.  I'm a fairly extroverted person and combining running with hanging out is the perfect combo.  But, not everyone likes to talk while they run so I often get told to shut my mouth when we hit a hill or start doing speed work.

Anyway, this past Saturday my goal was to run somewhere between 10 and 15 miles.  As I mentioned before, Sal has started training for the Thanksgiving Half Marathon!  So, I decided I would run about 10 fairly early Saturday then join her for her 3.

The first 10 miles were great but the last 3 were some of the best ever.  We went down to the river near our house to run.  I pushed Daye (our precious baby girl) in the jogging stroller and held Phelps on the leash so Sal could focus on running.  I have to admit it was a good bit of work to keep Daye straight while Phelps was pulling in every direction.  But it was worth every bit of effort.

It's really funny when me and Sal run together because at some point in the run she turns to me and says "what are you going to talk to me about?" Translation: I don't want to talk and you always have tons to say so now's your time.  I usually have a hard time coming up with anything.

I've been reading "Run" by Dean Karnazes.  He is crazy but it's extremely inspiring because I think he's tapped into what's deep inside a lot of us.   It's this desire to push ourselves and see how far our bodies can go.  But, I think we/I often lack the mental fortitude to truly push ourselves.  The combination of reading the book and my bday coming up are tempting me to do something crazy.

Being Apart of Something

I'm just like a middle schooler!  I've started running with a fairly serious running group near our house and it's awesome!  There is something about being apart of something where a group is pursuing the same thing.  And, where people are similar to you.  I would encourage everyone to get involved with a group doing something you love.

I say I'm like a middle schooler because they are influenced so easily.  Call me weak or a follower or whatever, I find myself wanting what the other guys have.  Some examples...they all run in these really cool shoes that help you run on your toes rather than heel to toe (big controversy I know!) and I find myself wanting them.  They all run with GPS watches so they can track time, distance, pace, elevation, and heartrate...I want one.  I can understand how kids get pulled in a particular direction!

The weekly workouts go something like this: Tuesday = Track workout (I love these cause they are hard and different); Thursday = Tempo run (holding a certain pace for a certain distance); and Saturday = Long Run.  My father in law helped me fix up an old Schwinn Varsity road bike from the late 70s and I've been biking on some of my off days.  It's really fun too!

I've been running with them simply cause I enjoy it but training for a couple of events has begun:

1. Odyssey Relay = 200+ relay with 11 other guys (I'm not officially apart of the team but hoping to snag a spot); the group won it last year and they are shooting to do it again
2. Thanksgiving Half - This is becoming a tradition that I love AND my amazing wife is training for it also which is one of the best things ever
3. Late Fall or Spring MARATHON - I haven't picked a race but I'm hoping to and will be shooting for Boston Qualification.  The snag is the qualifying times drop in September so I'll have to run 3:05 or better...yikes!

Since I haven't been training, I've been asking myself why do I run?  I like pushing myself, I like being apart of something, it's a great workout, and, weird I know, but I like pain.

It's been forever since I sent an update but I've been dying to.  I would love to be more consistent but not sure if it will happen. 

God speed and hope you get out and run!!