Endurance Project Week 1

I did not sleep well last night. I was too excited! I swear, I woke up every 45 minutes. I was up, showered, dressed and ready to go at 6:15am. Then I had to wait around for 30 minutes before it was time to leave. Pure torture.

We met this morning and had a brief introduction. Bethany showed us some very cool warm up exercises I had never seen before. Maybe took 10 minutes. We decided on a short 2 miles to get an idea of where people were on the ability scale. What we did was head out together and let everyone naturally find a pace. We had a few in the lead who agreed to turn back at mile one. This way everyone basically stayed together without anyone feeling like they were being held back OR holding anyone back. I especially liked this because I think it keeps newer runners from feeling like they are lagging behind. For an endurance race like a half marathon, we can't be focusing on speed. It's about perseverance...being able to "go the mile", not about how long it takes to get there. (at first...lol)

We had a little questionnaire before we set out to run. We all answered these questions, like what was your last run in time or miles, have you ever run a race...if so, what was your last finishing time...what is your goal time for this half, etc. We were very pleased to see everyone had a very good foundation for this training project! Wonderful! Everyone is way ahead of where I was when I met Jim nine months ago. I foresee each and every one of us finishing this FCA Half Marathon. With a great time too!!!

When we finished our run, we did some cool down exercises together. I was happy to see Jim incorporate some yoga into the cool down. The gentle stretching and breathing exercises we did were perfect. I have come to love yoga and appreciate how much more flexable I've become. There's definately a benefit for the runner from yoga.

Overall, today was a huge success. I am looking forward to training with this group of people. Each and every one of us is ready for this challenge!!!

A WORD FROM COACH JIM

Great job to everyone on Saturday morning! What a great way to begin your training through the North Port Endurance Project.

The goal for July 19 is to complete a 45 minute run/walk. Some participants asked for information about the July 19 running route. (team members, please see forwarded email for this detailed info) There will be a water stop at about mile 3 and you will be able to check your running time to determine how much further you should run before turning around. Athletes going all the way to the end of the road before turning around and returning to the parking area will complete 5.1 miles.

A WORD FROM COACH KIM

I don't really have a word, I just like seeing "Coach Kim" in print....lol
See you all on Saturday!!!!!

NP Half Marathon Training Starts Tomorrow!

I am so excited!!!! I am really looking forward to this training program. My coach, Jim put this project together and put me on as a running coach. I am just thrilled! Tomorrow is day one. We'll all meet and talk about the training schedule, upcoming races we'll be hitting and of course the ULTIMATE goal of the FCA Half Marathon Oct 11, 2008. Then we'll go for a run...ooooh what a surprise...lol.

I know most of the people who have signed up and we're going to have a great time. We have seasoned runners who have not yet conquered the half, seasoned runners who just want the training program and camaraderie, to new runners who want to take up the challenge of endurance. These are the people I feel a connection to, as I basically jumped in feet first myself. Hopefully I'll be able to give support to these runners as they go through those periods of wondering if they're crazy for attempting such a distance. When they start feeling overwhelmed or thinking they can't do it I can tell them I understand and that they CAN do it. I remember very, very clearly hitting moments when I just wanted to say "forget it"...it's unattainable. Sometimes you get sick, tired or even get an injury to sideline you for a few days. It can still be done. I am proof! Then there are the rewarding days where you see the goal. You run a little further. You breath a little easier. You feel strong as a runner. You know in your heart that you ARE a runner. It's a beautiful feeling. You have become one with the road. Yes, I am a mushy person...take me as I am....LOL



Jim is a phenomenal coach. He teaches and coaches in such a way that you walk away from a session feeling like you can leap a tall building. He's straight forward, supportive and funny. Perfect combination.



I emailed Lisa Lawson, the Race Director for this half marathon and let her know our team will be running this race. She's planning on mentioning our team in her announcements! Thank you Lisa!!!!



Here is the link to The FCA Half Marathon webpage and registration...
http://www.runfca.com/index2.html If you live in this area, check out the website for this race. It will be a beautiful, scenic route and the weather for Florida in October is perfect for a nice 13.1 mile race. It's the perfect race for our team!!



I'll be posting after each weekly training on Saturdays. Stay tuned for the updates!!!