Wednesday, July 22, 2015

WWU - And It Begins Again...

Running club, that is.  We've had two Saturday group runs already, plus I'm following the weekday training schedule, which has us running Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.  For me, the training is starting earlier than I need it, because my goal race is the Houston half marathon in mid-January.  But the official goal race of our running club is the BCS marathon/half marathon, which is in mid-December, so that's why our group begins so early. 

However, I have a bit of a different goal this season.  My running buddy Loretta is back, and I want to run Houston with her.  Now, she's also going to run BCS because she had to defer her entry last year when she had that pesky hip stress fracture, so she'll be doing that race with CC, who, if you'll recall, ran Houston with me last January.  It's the circle of life, runner-style!  Anyway, I'm going to run whatever intervals Loretta feels comfortable with, at whatever pace that works for her.  It's all about getting her to the start lines of these races healthy and ready to have a fun time.

The first Saturday, we had three miles on tap, and both CC and I ran with Loretta, doing 1:1 intervals.  She did great, especially considering she hadn't been able to run for a couple of months - she'd had some hip pain, so her doctor advised rest, and then simply walking for a while, so she's starting from scratch again.  And even though it was hot and sunny, I barely noticed it because I was focused on how Loretta was feeling during the run.

The second Saturday was pretty rough.  Loretta and CC were off at a conference, so I ran with Cary and Andi.  It was after 7:00 am when we started, the sun was out and it was 79 degrees with humidity hovering around 94%.  We did 2:1 intervals for four miles, with an occasional extra bit of walking thrown in.  Running in July, in Texas, is just not fun...and having to do it with the sun out makes it extra challenging.  Next week we'll start at 6:30 am, so while it will still be stupid hot and humid, at least the sun won't be beating down on us.  Small favors, I guess.

The running during the week is going fine, although my legs protested a bit when I ran two days in a row.  They were all "hey now, we usually get more rest than this, what are you doing to us??" but I shut 'em down pretty quick - might as well get used to this, legs!

The best part about this training season has been the fact that I'm not the organizer of our running club anymore.  I get to show up a few minutes before start time, socialize with my friends, run, and then socialize some more.  I don't have to worry about which runners are still out, or get everyone together for a seminar, or get someone registered, or gather up all of the stuff and load up the car afterward - and it's WONDERFUL.  After two years of that, I am really enjoying just being a runner...now if I could fast forward through the dog days of our summer heat, I might actually begin to be a decent runner!

18 comments:

  1. I love the idea of your running club. If I could run, I would join a club. I'm sure they help push you along and keep you motivated :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It has made a huge difference over the years, for sure!

      Delete
  2. I admire you for being willing to get out in the
    July weather and run. I am all about staying
    inside out of the heat and humidity down here.
    I do my cardio on my treadmill plus I lift weights.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I spend the rest of my time inside, in the nice cool A/C! :)

      Delete
  3. I have been saying that I want to join a running club.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I bet you'd love it - is there a running club in your area?

      Delete
  4. I think it's wonderful how you are supporting Loretta. This is a great example of what makes the running "community" so awesome. Back when I was in a club, we had this one run where it was probably the worst heat I've ever run in. It must have been a 15 miler or something long like that and the sun was beating down - no breeze - high humidity - the worst. Our club organizers took turns driving a car around on the course in case anyone needed extra water or got hurt, etc. On that day, I started seeing the sweep car with our best runners in it. They were dropping like flies. Me and the guy I was running with sort of plugged along. Probably the one and only time I've run where it paid to be a slower runner.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great story - and it goes to show that even the fast runners can't get away from a wickedly hot and humid day!

      Delete
  5. Focusing on someone else is a great way to keep motivated. I bet Loretta really appreciates it, too!

    There is a bike rider in the tour that had a phrase decaled on his bike stem that said "Shut Up Legs" so that he could look down at it while he was riding when he wanted to slow down :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I need a "shut up brain" sticker sometimes on my longer runs. And shorter runs. Oh hell, I just need it all the time!

      Delete
  6. OMG Lori, I was going to share the same Jens Voight story. He is now commentating for the tour. Shelley, I love how you pay it forward by supporting Loretta.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Its just amazing how supportive you guys are of each other. I predict that you are going to have a great season. Love how you're enjoying your "just a member" status :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm with you - can't WAIT for Texas summer to let up!

    ReplyDelete
  9. How nice you've done your duty and can get relief from responsibility! I love that you are supporting Loretta to get her back up to speed. It is so hard to get going again after an injury. She has an invisible cheering section out here too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I just found your blog today and I'm so happy I did! I've been on my own weight loss journey for almost 2 years and have lost 60 pounds all naturally. Thanks for being such an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have said it before and say it again: I love your running club.
    If we had something like that I would definitely join. We do have running clubs, even in my town, but they don't train together for a particular race. You just train, the longest training of the club in my town is 90 minutes. No way I ever could run a half marathon in that time.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm looking forward to another season of vicarious running! :) Some of my friends call me CC, and I like to pretend I'm the CC you mention in your posts. LOL

    ReplyDelete

Comments are now moderated to prevent spammers from leaving, well, spam - but rest assured that as soon as I read a real comment, I will publish it. So please, comment away, even though the blog is officially closed. Thanks!