Week 5 already! Wow!! The whole team is just coming along phenomenally well. Everyone showed their dedication, training and team spirit at yesterdy's Run 4 Reason 5K. Five team members were away for the weekend on various adventures (or had to work) so we had 10 of us there.
We basically met in registration before the warm up mile. While I was standing there talking (of course) in walks SHERRY !!!!! I knew her as soon as I saw her. Cute as a button with those dimples and full of energy. It felt like we'd known each other for years. Her husband Scott is also a sweetie, what a beautiful couple. Sherry rocked the 5k with her 26:23, taking 1st place in her age group. YAY Sherry!!! Meeting Sherry was the highlight of the day for me. We could have visited for hours!!! (Hugs Sherry) =)
The team ran a warm up mile and came back for stretching. It was a very hot, very humid morning. We all felt it. I hadn't run for 2 weeks, I had the flu, so I didn't expect to run too well. And I didn't...LOL (thoughts are THINGS) BLAHHH.....anyway, we lined up and took off. We cheered each other on as we passed each other. I had trouble breathing and had to stop 3 times. I was surprisingly ok with this since I expected to have some trouble.
I ran with Kim, another JUST Kim, not Kimberly!! Pretty fun! Found a new friend and she lives near me. We'll be running together, I'm sure. I saw many, many friends. Yuli, Bill, Carol, Bob, Jack, I can't even name them all. I love that part of being a runner. I look forward to seeing everyone just as much as running the race. The running community is friendly and FUN!
Bethany took Overall First Place female, Josephine took Grand Master female. Nice job ladies!! Jim, Ed, Tess, Frank, Cindy and yours truly (ME) all placed in our respective age groups and went home with medals. Pretty nice looking medals too. I pulled a Nitmos and wore mine all day. The people at Publix were all pretty impressed...I even let them touch it. I know, I know....I'm good like that. I'm thinking of having a "Come See Kim's Medals" party. You're all invited. Should be fun. And quick since I only have about 6....teehee
Before the results were announced, Jim gathered us for the cool down mile. I calmly told him I was skipping that. He just as calmly told me I was NOT skipping it. Then I reminded him that I am my own captain. He can't really tell me what to do. He said ok. After winning that one, I decided I WANTED to run the cool down. So I did. Kinda. I walked a lot of it just cuz I could. You know, being the captain and all. I would have stopped a little earlier but Tess has an issue with running an odd distance. She made us keep going for the full mile. I like Tess, so I did it. I guess you could say I did it for you, Tess!!
The good thing about having the flu is, I'll be healthy for the rest of the season. I hope.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
NP Endurance Project Week 4
Four weeks into this project and everyone is doing so well!! It was extremely evident that all of us have a huge competitive streak in us during week 3 at the track. We all shot off that starting line during the mile test like the cops were chasing us. I thought I heard "Chariots Of Fire" playing in the background!
I had an injury malfunction that day, which is why my time is not posted. I went back to the track last week with a small group of us who hadn't been timed yet but I threw a nutty on Coach because he made me go slow. (HA!...notice how coaches get the glory AND the blame????) Anyway, I conned another shot at the timing mile...be funny if I came in even slower....LOL...I'll post my updated time when it happens.
This week we had a scheduled 10K with the team. There were about 4 people missing. We were running the Firecracker 5K route twice. Unfortunately, I've been sick all week and can't breath while sitting, never mind trying to run it. So I was the water girl. Very important job actually. Everyone was so happy to see me!! LOL
It was a little muggy (and I wasn't even running) We stretched and Jim gave a briefing on the route. He explained that this was not a timed race, we were doing a long run. People should be able to talk while running this pace. I honestly thought I'd see Bob F come flying down the road in about 22 minutes, so I was happy to see him keeping his endurance pace. Bob, Ed and Michelle came through first and I handed them water as they passed by. Then came Linda and Tess. I walked with them while they had some water, then yelled out something "coachingly supportive". (I'm sure it helped immensely) Next came Sherry, Cindy, Jana, and Coach. I walked back to the YMCA and waited for them to finish the last half of the route. Everyone was happy with their run. They ran 6.2 miles! That was the longest run ever for a few of these runners. I could see the pride in their faces when they came in. I remember the first time I ran 5 miles. What a feeling! It's so weird when you first start running. Even one mile seems so far away. When you turn and look back at where you just came from and can't see the whole route, it's one of those "WOW" moments. Very, very satisfying.
This run was all about finding that comfy, enjoyable pace. These runs are so very important for marathon training because if you've never run a half before you don't really realize what it takes to get to the finish line. You think it's speed. You don't want to be last. You worry about running over the finish line behind the street sweeper. You worry no one will be there to cheer for you when you do make it. But it's so not about any of that. Not the first 13.1 race you run anyway. This first race is about it being a gift you're giving yourself. It's about finding out you have it inside you to endure this race, meeting fellow runners from all over the USA, seeing the beauty in something as simple as a person on the sidelines with a bowl of strawberries. Sounds kinda corny, but it's all true. When I hear people talking about their race experiences, I hear them give their finish time, but then the stories come. No two are alike. Everyone of them are so special, and every time I get lucky enough to catch someone telling their story, I feel the pride in their voices. I see it in their faces. This Endurance Project is even more special because we're all going into it as a team. We have each other to train with, ask questions and ease each others' nerves. We will have different finishing times, but we'll really have finished it together.
A NOTE FROM COACH JIM
Hope you all are well and feeling great,
The consensus for Saturday morning is that we will meet at the Edison College. Registration is 6 – 7 am race starts at 7:30.
We like to get there about an hour before race time, allows enough time to complete registration and warm up, etc. The plan for us who are at that race will be to warm up (mile or so easy….) then do the race 3.1 miles, then re-run/walk the race course again for total mileage that day approx 7.5. NOTE. That’s the goal distance for all who don’t make it to the race in Punta Gorda. Do an equivalent distance this coming weekend.
Friday is the “rest day” so we can be full of vim and vigor Saturday morning. Remember this week’s “assignment” is at least two days ab/core strength training (your choice, crunches, planks, stability ball, roman chair or mat-work.)
Add to the core training two days ( a 3-miler, a 4-miler) of cardio/easy running before Friday. IF your legs/feet/knees/hips/hamstrings, etc. feel on the brink of injury--- Avoid pounding them…Advisable to do non-impact cross training for the time duration of 30 minutes one day and 45 another day.
Keep our eyes on the prize ie: being strong and injury free on October 11 to complete the 13.1 miles.
Bob and Michelle have a great trip to PA!
I had an injury malfunction that day, which is why my time is not posted. I went back to the track last week with a small group of us who hadn't been timed yet but I threw a nutty on Coach because he made me go slow. (HA!...notice how coaches get the glory AND the blame????) Anyway, I conned another shot at the timing mile...be funny if I came in even slower....LOL...I'll post my updated time when it happens.
This week we had a scheduled 10K with the team. There were about 4 people missing. We were running the Firecracker 5K route twice. Unfortunately, I've been sick all week and can't breath while sitting, never mind trying to run it. So I was the water girl. Very important job actually. Everyone was so happy to see me!! LOL
It was a little muggy (and I wasn't even running) We stretched and Jim gave a briefing on the route. He explained that this was not a timed race, we were doing a long run. People should be able to talk while running this pace. I honestly thought I'd see Bob F come flying down the road in about 22 minutes, so I was happy to see him keeping his endurance pace. Bob, Ed and Michelle came through first and I handed them water as they passed by. Then came Linda and Tess. I walked with them while they had some water, then yelled out something "coachingly supportive". (I'm sure it helped immensely) Next came Sherry, Cindy, Jana, and Coach. I walked back to the YMCA and waited for them to finish the last half of the route. Everyone was happy with their run. They ran 6.2 miles! That was the longest run ever for a few of these runners. I could see the pride in their faces when they came in. I remember the first time I ran 5 miles. What a feeling! It's so weird when you first start running. Even one mile seems so far away. When you turn and look back at where you just came from and can't see the whole route, it's one of those "WOW" moments. Very, very satisfying.
This run was all about finding that comfy, enjoyable pace. These runs are so very important for marathon training because if you've never run a half before you don't really realize what it takes to get to the finish line. You think it's speed. You don't want to be last. You worry about running over the finish line behind the street sweeper. You worry no one will be there to cheer for you when you do make it. But it's so not about any of that. Not the first 13.1 race you run anyway. This first race is about it being a gift you're giving yourself. It's about finding out you have it inside you to endure this race, meeting fellow runners from all over the USA, seeing the beauty in something as simple as a person on the sidelines with a bowl of strawberries. Sounds kinda corny, but it's all true. When I hear people talking about their race experiences, I hear them give their finish time, but then the stories come. No two are alike. Everyone of them are so special, and every time I get lucky enough to catch someone telling their story, I feel the pride in their voices. I see it in their faces. This Endurance Project is even more special because we're all going into it as a team. We have each other to train with, ask questions and ease each others' nerves. We will have different finishing times, but we'll really have finished it together.
A NOTE FROM COACH JIM
Hope you all are well and feeling great,
The consensus for Saturday morning is that we will meet at the Edison College. Registration is 6 – 7 am race starts at 7:30.
We like to get there about an hour before race time, allows enough time to complete registration and warm up, etc. The plan for us who are at that race will be to warm up (mile or so easy….) then do the race 3.1 miles, then re-run/walk the race course again for total mileage that day approx 7.5. NOTE. That’s the goal distance for all who don’t make it to the race in Punta Gorda. Do an equivalent distance this coming weekend.
Friday is the “rest day” so we can be full of vim and vigor Saturday morning. Remember this week’s “assignment” is at least two days ab/core strength training (your choice, crunches, planks, stability ball, roman chair or mat-work.)
Add to the core training two days ( a 3-miler, a 4-miler) of cardio/easy running before Friday. IF your legs/feet/knees/hips/hamstrings, etc. feel on the brink of injury--- Avoid pounding them…Advisable to do non-impact cross training for the time duration of 30 minutes one day and 45 another day.
Keep our eyes on the prize ie: being strong and injury free on October 11 to complete the 13.1 miles.
Bob and Michelle have a great trip to PA!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
NP Endurance Project Week 3
Saturday morning started out so beautiful. Not so hot and humid. But then, it was only 6am. I had been waiting for this timed mile training session for months. I was very excited! Only problem was, I pulled an upper hammy Wednesday at work. I was sitting in an office chair with wheels and pushed across the room with my right leg. Ouch! My husband tried massaging it out and it did feel better by Friday morning, but by the end of the day it was aching again. When I woke up Sat morning I chose to ignore the ache (oooh, big surprise).
The team met at the gym and half of us piled into Ed and Joan's camper. Bethany drove herself over to the track earlier so she could get her 4,000 mile run in before we got there. Abbey met us there and Bob and Michelle took their own car because some of us had to be back at work at 9am. Ed's wife Joan came with us, she's an honorary team member just cuz we love her. Joan has a knee injury that prevents her from running but she's been a great source of support just the same. Joan swims and cycles. Ed joked about doing a tri where she bikes and swims and he does the running....(watch out Joan...LOL)
We did our warm up mile, then Bethany's stretches that I have come to love. Put all the stretches together and it's like a dance. Funny part was when half of us went the wrong way. It was like a kindergarten dance recital....LOL...so funny!
It was determined that we had three injured teammates. Ed with a quad pull, Abbey with a knee issue and "yours truly" with an upper ham or lower glute pull. As Bethany gave the "ready...set...GO", I pushed the ache out of my brain, determined to do this timed mile. Abbey and Ed went out smart...I went out fast. Jim was behind me (my first clue that I went out fast) My 2nd clue was when Jim yelled to me that I was going too fast. (HA) Abbey and Ed finished the timed mile with great times. I did not finish the timed mile at all. I had to stop after the 2nd lap. In fact, I was the only person who had to pull out. Needless to say, I was not happy. The whole morning I kept thinking how I hold back speed and this was going to be the day I didn't hold back. I need to start following my own advice. So anyway, I'll do my timed mile during the week with a few others who missed this training session. You can be sure I'll post that when it happens.
On to celebrating my teammates FANTASTIC times. Everyone did so well. It's a pleasure to be with these people. Josephine told us she loves that these training sessions are fun AND challenging. I agree!!
After the timed mile extravaganza, everyone did a warm down run. I sat with Joan for a chat while Bethany tallied up the results. In her head. No calculator. I'd explain just what she did but the whole math thing was way over my head. I think it was like calculus. Looked like it to me anyway. She even kept up with the conversation while doing these computations. She finished before the team returned. I think she has extra brains in her calf muscles. =P
The battery in my camera was dead, so I brought my cell phone. Unfortunately, it's new and I had no idea how to take pictures with it. Josephine figured it out and I got a GREAT pic of her beautiful face, but now I don't know how to access it....LOL Besides, I promised her I wouldn't post it. But if it came out as good as I think, I'll ask her again. I promise to get batteries for next Saturday. I WILL HAVE PICTURES NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!
A WORD FROM COACH JIM
Hello from Kim, Bethany and Jim
Great job this morning! The mile on the track was not the end but the beginning of our goal setting for the half marathon. Your time and its conversion to the 1/2 marathon gives you a target for which to aim. At the track we estimated your information. Listed below is a more accurate calculation. Between now and next Saturday try to get in:
One 6+ mile run at the easy pace range listed for you below
Two 3-5 mile runs around the pace per mile time listed for your goal 1/2 marathon
Remember, if you are feeling tired or sore, make one of the 3-5 mile days a cross training/non impact cardio day. (ie. appx 9-minutes per mile pace x 3 miles = 27 - 30 minutes continuous time on an elliptical machine, rowing machine, swimming.) Next Saturday, for those not racing, will be a 6-7 mile easy run with us meeting at the Y at 7:05AM. THIS WILL BE AN EASY PACE! Based upon the slower 'training pace' time for each of us.
Jackie and Sherry, hope the golf tournament fundraiser was a big success. Let's pick a day to do the speed workout. Cindy, how'd you do on your time trial? Linda, we can get your mile time too this week. Again, good job today!
Estimated Pace Range for easy runs
Today's 1/2 mar per mile time trial:
1:35=7:15.6 pmil/training pace=
8:16-9:15 Bob 6:03
1:43=7:54 pmil/training pace=
8:54-9:54 Jim 6:35
1:46=8:10 pmil/training pace=
9:10-10:10 Frank 6:48
1:55=8:50.4 pmil/training pace=
9:50.4-10:50.4 Michelle 7:22
1:58=9:01 pmil/training pace=
10:01-11:01 Josephine 7:31
2:01=9:16.8 pmil/training pace=
10:16.8-11:16.8 Ed 7:44
2:07=9:44.4 pmil/training pace=
10:44.4-11:44.4 Abbey 8:07
2:19=10:39.6 pmil/training pace=
11:39.6-12:39.6 Tess 8:53
The team met at the gym and half of us piled into Ed and Joan's camper. Bethany drove herself over to the track earlier so she could get her 4,000 mile run in before we got there. Abbey met us there and Bob and Michelle took their own car because some of us had to be back at work at 9am. Ed's wife Joan came with us, she's an honorary team member just cuz we love her. Joan has a knee injury that prevents her from running but she's been a great source of support just the same. Joan swims and cycles. Ed joked about doing a tri where she bikes and swims and he does the running....(watch out Joan...LOL)
We did our warm up mile, then Bethany's stretches that I have come to love. Put all the stretches together and it's like a dance. Funny part was when half of us went the wrong way. It was like a kindergarten dance recital....LOL...so funny!
It was determined that we had three injured teammates. Ed with a quad pull, Abbey with a knee issue and "yours truly" with an upper ham or lower glute pull. As Bethany gave the "ready...set...GO", I pushed the ache out of my brain, determined to do this timed mile. Abbey and Ed went out smart...I went out fast. Jim was behind me (my first clue that I went out fast) My 2nd clue was when Jim yelled to me that I was going too fast. (HA) Abbey and Ed finished the timed mile with great times. I did not finish the timed mile at all. I had to stop after the 2nd lap. In fact, I was the only person who had to pull out. Needless to say, I was not happy. The whole morning I kept thinking how I hold back speed and this was going to be the day I didn't hold back. I need to start following my own advice. So anyway, I'll do my timed mile during the week with a few others who missed this training session. You can be sure I'll post that when it happens.
On to celebrating my teammates FANTASTIC times. Everyone did so well. It's a pleasure to be with these people. Josephine told us she loves that these training sessions are fun AND challenging. I agree!!
After the timed mile extravaganza, everyone did a warm down run. I sat with Joan for a chat while Bethany tallied up the results. In her head. No calculator. I'd explain just what she did but the whole math thing was way over my head. I think it was like calculus. Looked like it to me anyway. She even kept up with the conversation while doing these computations. She finished before the team returned. I think she has extra brains in her calf muscles. =P
The battery in my camera was dead, so I brought my cell phone. Unfortunately, it's new and I had no idea how to take pictures with it. Josephine figured it out and I got a GREAT pic of her beautiful face, but now I don't know how to access it....LOL Besides, I promised her I wouldn't post it. But if it came out as good as I think, I'll ask her again. I promise to get batteries for next Saturday. I WILL HAVE PICTURES NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!
A WORD FROM COACH JIM
Hello from Kim, Bethany and Jim
Great job this morning! The mile on the track was not the end but the beginning of our goal setting for the half marathon. Your time and its conversion to the 1/2 marathon gives you a target for which to aim. At the track we estimated your information. Listed below is a more accurate calculation. Between now and next Saturday try to get in:
One 6+ mile run at the easy pace range listed for you below
Two 3-5 mile runs around the pace per mile time listed for your goal 1/2 marathon
Remember, if you are feeling tired or sore, make one of the 3-5 mile days a cross training/non impact cardio day. (ie. appx 9-minutes per mile pace x 3 miles = 27 - 30 minutes continuous time on an elliptical machine, rowing machine, swimming.) Next Saturday, for those not racing, will be a 6-7 mile easy run with us meeting at the Y at 7:05AM. THIS WILL BE AN EASY PACE! Based upon the slower 'training pace' time for each of us.
Jackie and Sherry, hope the golf tournament fundraiser was a big success. Let's pick a day to do the speed workout. Cindy, how'd you do on your time trial? Linda, we can get your mile time too this week. Again, good job today!
Estimated Pace Range for easy runs
Today's 1/2 mar per mile time trial:
1:35=7:15.6 pmil/training pace=
8:16-9:15 Bob 6:03
1:43=7:54 pmil/training pace=
8:54-9:54 Jim 6:35
1:46=8:10 pmil/training pace=
9:10-10:10 Frank 6:48
1:55=8:50.4 pmil/training pace=
9:50.4-10:50.4 Michelle 7:22
1:58=9:01 pmil/training pace=
10:01-11:01 Josephine 7:31
2:01=9:16.8 pmil/training pace=
10:16.8-11:16.8 Ed 7:44
2:07=9:44.4 pmil/training pace=
10:44.4-11:44.4 Abbey 8:07
2:19=10:39.6 pmil/training pace=
11:39.6-12:39.6 Tess 8:53
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Training
The team will be heading out to Venice this morning for some timed miles. We have a warm up/cool down route planned out but I'll admit to being mostly excited about the track. There have been some pretty accomplished athletes on this track. Olympians!! I'm thinking the feeling will be awesome, just to walk out onto the track. Maybe the energy will be felt.
I'm going to finish my bagel and blueberry tea, I'll be back later with an updated post!! Maybe even some pictures!
I'm going to finish my bagel and blueberry tea, I'll be back later with an updated post!! Maybe even some pictures!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Endurance Project Week 2
The team met Saturday morning for our second training. Twelve people were there, about 4 were missing for various reasons (life most likely). Bethany had a prior commitment and was away, but she'll be pleased to know we all did those warm ups she showed us! I'll admit, I've never been really good about warming up. I usually just fast walk or slow run the first quarter mile and call it a warm up. Since this project got underway though, I make sure I stretch and take a quick run before I get going and I can see and feel a difference.
We had the 5.1 mile run mapped out, set up a water/gatorade table and had a quick meeting. Everyone was to run/walk their comfy pace and set out to run for 45-50 minutes. This training is not a race. It's for endurance. Not too many people can run their top speed and hold that pace for 5 miles. If they could, we'd have a million people who could run a 20 minute 5K. If you look at some race results, you'll see the "elites" coming in anywhere from 16 to 20 minutes while the average (AVERAGE) runner is at maybe 28-33 minutes a 5k. Then you find a vast majority, maybe even 30% coming in after that time. All these runners are winners for one very, very good reason: they ran the race. Running a race=winning. Yes, receiving a medal/trophy is a thrill I myself am aiming for in every race I run, but for the first half marathon a person is running, speed cannot be the goal. Endurance is key. Without endurance you won't finish. Injuries can occur. Your recovery time will be longer. The joy will be missing. During my marathon training, Jim kept trying to tell me this. I didn't get it until I was in my 2nd mile in that marathon. I could hear him saying "just finish and have a great experience, don't worry about timing your first marathon". He was so right.
All this being said, I ran with the seasoned runners Saturday to see if I could keep up. HA! Nice coaching skills, huh?
We all set out together, Jim turning back a little sooner so he could get back to the water table before anyone else. This way he could tell the runners how much further they had to go before the second turn around, completing a 45/50 minute run. I kept going with the team to the 1.5 mile turn around. When I got back to the water table at mile 3, Jim and I switched places. He ran the last couple miles with the team and I yelled out how much time was left for the turn around as people grabbed some water. Once everyone completed the run, cooled down and rested a bit, we went for some stretches and talked about the run. This is the most exciting part for me. I love the connection to the runners and the thrill of talking about the goal.
Next week we have a track run planned. It's a rubber based track and I'm very curious to run on it. I've never heard of such a thing. We will be timing the runners to give them their base pace. I think this will put speed in perspective for everyone, myself included. Once we get a concrete pace time to work with, setting the proper pace in our minds will take the pressure off being fast. If someone's pace time is 12 minutes, then they'll see that trying to run 9-10 minute paces will burn out their endurance too quickly and they won't be able to run a distance. It's so important for everyone to be working toward endurance vs speed. Which is why we're called "Endurance Project" and not "Speedy Half Marathoners"...lol. I do understand the desire to be fast, to be an exceptional athlete. I think it's a natural part of our sport. I was lucky to have Jim for a coach, because he taught me to ENJOY running as we trained for the marathon. By the time I decided I'd like to be fast, the joy part was already embedded in my brain. I'm hoping to be able to bring the enjoyment factor into our team. For me, it was the part of training that got me to the finish line. With enjoyment, came pride in myself. With pride came confidence. If you ask me (and even if you don't...lol) it's the most important part.
EVERYONE did so well! We have a great team. I am enjoying being a part of this project.
A Word From Coach Jim:
Hello,
This is a little bit of "hype" for our scheduled workout this Saturday (Those of you who can't make it, we will do this a couple days after.) We will meet at the North Port YMCA Wellness Center Parking Lot at 7:00. We'll figure out who's able to drive that morning and carpool to the Gene Whipp Center Track in Venice. Travel time is approx 20 min. Our workout will include an easy warm up run, some drills and stretching. Each of us will then run a 4-lap time test. We'll finish with a cool-down run/walk/jog then stretching right there at the track. Total time at the Venice track will be about 60 minutes. We estimate that we'll get back to North Port approx 9:00. If anyone has to leave early, we can plan for that too. If you want to take a look at a picture of the facility ahead of time, I'm including a link that you can click on and take a bird's eye view.
Notice in the text underneath the endorsement of this track by John Cook,
Testimonials:“I highly recommend this facility for visiting colleges and elite athletes and have used the track on multiple occasions with my Nike athletes.” — John Cook, Nike Oregon Project Middle Distance Coach. Former George Mason NCAA Champion Track Coach.
http://www.genewhippsportscenter.org/
GOOD "Non-Impact" training until Saturday!!!
Jim
We had the 5.1 mile run mapped out, set up a water/gatorade table and had a quick meeting. Everyone was to run/walk their comfy pace and set out to run for 45-50 minutes. This training is not a race. It's for endurance. Not too many people can run their top speed and hold that pace for 5 miles. If they could, we'd have a million people who could run a 20 minute 5K. If you look at some race results, you'll see the "elites" coming in anywhere from 16 to 20 minutes while the average (AVERAGE) runner is at maybe 28-33 minutes a 5k. Then you find a vast majority, maybe even 30% coming in after that time. All these runners are winners for one very, very good reason: they ran the race. Running a race=winning. Yes, receiving a medal/trophy is a thrill I myself am aiming for in every race I run, but for the first half marathon a person is running, speed cannot be the goal. Endurance is key. Without endurance you won't finish. Injuries can occur. Your recovery time will be longer. The joy will be missing. During my marathon training, Jim kept trying to tell me this. I didn't get it until I was in my 2nd mile in that marathon. I could hear him saying "just finish and have a great experience, don't worry about timing your first marathon". He was so right.
All this being said, I ran with the seasoned runners Saturday to see if I could keep up. HA! Nice coaching skills, huh?
We all set out together, Jim turning back a little sooner so he could get back to the water table before anyone else. This way he could tell the runners how much further they had to go before the second turn around, completing a 45/50 minute run. I kept going with the team to the 1.5 mile turn around. When I got back to the water table at mile 3, Jim and I switched places. He ran the last couple miles with the team and I yelled out how much time was left for the turn around as people grabbed some water. Once everyone completed the run, cooled down and rested a bit, we went for some stretches and talked about the run. This is the most exciting part for me. I love the connection to the runners and the thrill of talking about the goal.
Next week we have a track run planned. It's a rubber based track and I'm very curious to run on it. I've never heard of such a thing. We will be timing the runners to give them their base pace. I think this will put speed in perspective for everyone, myself included. Once we get a concrete pace time to work with, setting the proper pace in our minds will take the pressure off being fast. If someone's pace time is 12 minutes, then they'll see that trying to run 9-10 minute paces will burn out their endurance too quickly and they won't be able to run a distance. It's so important for everyone to be working toward endurance vs speed. Which is why we're called "Endurance Project" and not "Speedy Half Marathoners"...lol. I do understand the desire to be fast, to be an exceptional athlete. I think it's a natural part of our sport. I was lucky to have Jim for a coach, because he taught me to ENJOY running as we trained for the marathon. By the time I decided I'd like to be fast, the joy part was already embedded in my brain. I'm hoping to be able to bring the enjoyment factor into our team. For me, it was the part of training that got me to the finish line. With enjoyment, came pride in myself. With pride came confidence. If you ask me (and even if you don't...lol) it's the most important part.
EVERYONE did so well! We have a great team. I am enjoying being a part of this project.
A Word From Coach Jim:
Hello,
This is a little bit of "hype" for our scheduled workout this Saturday (Those of you who can't make it, we will do this a couple days after.) We will meet at the North Port YMCA Wellness Center Parking Lot at 7:00. We'll figure out who's able to drive that morning and carpool to the Gene Whipp Center Track in Venice. Travel time is approx 20 min. Our workout will include an easy warm up run, some drills and stretching. Each of us will then run a 4-lap time test. We'll finish with a cool-down run/walk/jog then stretching right there at the track. Total time at the Venice track will be about 60 minutes. We estimate that we'll get back to North Port approx 9:00. If anyone has to leave early, we can plan for that too. If you want to take a look at a picture of the facility ahead of time, I'm including a link that you can click on and take a bird's eye view.
Notice in the text underneath the endorsement of this track by John Cook,
Testimonials:“I highly recommend this facility for visiting colleges and elite athletes and have used the track on multiple occasions with my Nike athletes.” — John Cook, Nike Oregon Project Middle Distance Coach. Former George Mason NCAA Champion Track Coach.
http://www.genewhippsportscenter.org/
GOOD "Non-Impact" training until Saturday!!!
Jim
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