Just a reminder that we will be running at 5:45pm from Lincoln Park with the picnic to follow. There should be lots of good food and time to relax. In the past, the picnic has been advertised as BYOB for adult beverages. I am assuming that this is still the case. I'll let you know if I hear differently. Only a little over a week until the race! Keep up the good work!
See you Monday!
Alyssa
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Pre-race dinner
Mark your calendars!
We will be getting together for a pre-race dinner and drinks for anyone interested on Thursday, August 20th at 6:30pm at the Brickhouse Grill and Pub on 3225 Hedley Road in Springfield north of Wabash off of S Koke Mill Rd.
Hope to see you all there!
We will be getting together for a pre-race dinner and drinks for anyone interested on Thursday, August 20th at 6:30pm at the Brickhouse Grill and Pub on 3225 Hedley Road in Springfield north of Wabash off of S Koke Mill Rd.
Hope to see you all there!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Week 9
Great job to everyone! A few of you were able to run the full course this past Saturday and everyone has really made great progress. Next week we will be meeting at the Fairgrounds for the practice 10K. This is a great opportunity for everyone to see the entire course. Even if you find that you are unable to run the entire distance, it will provide you with confidence for race day. For those of you that are able to keep up your pace for the full distance, this will give you an idea of where you are at on time and help you to set some goals for yourself on race day. Of course, I would expect everyone to do better on race day, given the cooler temperatures of the morning and added adrenaline from the crowd.
We will again be running from the tennis courts in Washington Park on Thursday at 5:45pm. We will also plan to run on the Lost Bridge Trail from IDOT on Saturday morning at 8:00am.
See you there!
Alyssa
We will again be running from the tennis courts in Washington Park on Thursday at 5:45pm. We will also plan to run on the Lost Bridge Trail from IDOT on Saturday morning at 8:00am.
See you there!
Alyssa
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Scheduled runs
Today (thursday) as usual we will be in Washington Park at the tennis courts at 5:45 for anyone interested in running. We will also be in front of the Grandstand in the Fairgrounds on Saturday morning at 8:00am to run the course. I would strongly encourage (stick in hand :) ) everyone to come out if you are available. Even if you choose not to run the entire course, it will be a good opportunity to get a feel for the course on race day.
If you are not able to make either of these runs, take advantage of the cool weather and get outside and put in some mileage!
See you there!
Alyssa
If you are not able to make either of these runs, take advantage of the cool weather and get outside and put in some mileage!
See you there!
Alyssa
Friday, July 17, 2009
A little humor
I know my writing limitations, so I like to borrow from the experts for inspiration. The following is a funny article I read recently that I thought I would share. I know I can certainly relate:)
Runner's World
The Newbie Chronicles
COUCH BOUND
By Marc Parent
Only in an activity as punishing as running would you strive to get bitten. You don't hear snowboarders or golfers or bowlers talking about how they hope to be bitten. You don't hear a group of guys watching the playoffs over beer and pretzels saying they just hope they can keep it up. One could as easily use the word infected. It doesn't have the same ring, but it means the same thing. It means that you have arrived at a mythical place I can only imagine, where you can no sooner start the day without a run than I could eat a cake without frosting. My friend who gets out every day has told me that running, for him, is like brushing his teeth in the morning—you just hop out of bed and do it. My friend is bitten. Me and my unbitten tribe—we just hop out of bed and brush our teeth. Then we just walk into the kitchen and just put on a big old pot of coffee. We toast up a big old English muffin and just put a big old dollop of honey on it. Having run a mile or so fairly regularly for two and a half months, I had hoped I could accurately describe myself as bitten—injected with a healthy kind of poison that would morph me if not into a die-hard runner, at least into a solid gotta-get-a-run-in runner. I've looked for the bite in all the places I might find it—in the lines of medical statistics that say running makes you stronger, shapelier, sharper, and less likely to need a whole host of excruciating procedures. I've searched for it in the admiring glances of my wife and kids when I lace up my shoes, in the eyes of my nonrunning friends who have turned from skeptical to respecting. I have listened to the calm within my body for an uncomfortable buzz that would find satisfaction only after a good, hard run. I have not allowed myself to wear my supa-cool, extremely comfortable Asics Gels to the movies or the school or even anywhere in the house in the hopes that I would miss them so much, I'd get out on the road just to see them flashing beneath me again. Through all this and more, I have been nudged and sniffed and turned from side to side, but I have not been bitten. Proof: I fell off the wagon for three solid weeks. In my defense, I was pushed off by a cold. My running friend would say a cold is no excuse to stop brushing your teeth, but for me and my other unbittens, it is. A cold, no matter how small, is a dismayingly effective excuse not to get up at a frosty 7 a.m. to trundle through the slush along the side of the road. The cold lasted only a few days, but then, see if this sounds familiar: I had to pick up the kids, it was raining, I had a phone call/shopping list/leaking faucet that just wouldn't wait, there was a special report on TV, hungry visitors, a birthday party, a headache, a hang nail, a solar eclipse, a giant, honey-soaked English muffin with a gun to my head, saying, step away from the running shoes... And I have a job, you know. I'm no Hollywood fit-freak who gets paid to be in shape. Someone has to work around here, and as much as I would have absolutely loved to grind out a few miles, something really important came up every two minutes for an unprecedented three weeks. Far worse than having to admit to this hiatus is having to admit how painless it was. I wish I could honestly say I missed it more than I actually did, but not running for three weeks was the easiest three weeks of my running life. It wasn't the best three weeks, but it was the easiest. The worst thing about a three-week break is not that it feels like quitting, it's that it feels like you've already quit. Three weeks is not a break. Three weeks means that if you do decide to run, you won't return to it as much as start it again, which makes it all the more difficult to go back. I imagine quitting a sedentary lifestyle is probably a lot like quitting smoking or drinking or any other unhealthy thing, in that the failures are indelibly embedded into the eventual success. The good news in that endeavor is that you don't have to avoid every setback, you only have to succeed one more time than you fail. The morning I tried to succeed again, I stepped out of bed and immediately put on my sweats and running shoes. I hadn't really decided to go running, only to put on an old costume and walk downstairs. "Runner-man?" my wife, Susan, asked under her breath as I passed her in the kitchen. I faintly nodded. Our youngest looked up from his bowl of cereal with his eyes wide. "Can I have your autograph?" he said with a more capable sarcasm than I could ever have you believe. I pushed him on the back of the head. "Whoa—running?" my middle child said. "I guess I am," I said, and leaned against the kitchen table to stretch my calf. My eldest joker slapped me on the back with a hardy sense of false earnestness and announced with a low voice that he was very proud of me. Once they left, I headed out. At 6:45 in the morning, the bedroom lights in houses along the valley road are only just flickering on. You can see who is awake and who is still asleep. After only three weeks, I had forgotten how quiet the predawn world can be. The only sound was that satisfying sic-sic-sic-sic of shoes against the dark, moist tar—the runner's tick-tock. A small flock of crows crossed the overcast sky in the distance and dove into a lone treetop and called wildly at each other. Every 50 or so yards came the skittering sound of a small animal darting from the shoulder of the road, back into the woods. The low roar of a rushing stream rose in volume as I neared it, then followed me out past the one-mile mark. My breathing rose to the same level, but I didn't feel tired at all. I felt rested, awakened, stirred up, but not tired. It felt good to be out. Quitting is a temporary thing. It's something that is very hard to maintain over an extended period of time. If you intend to quit running and you plan to somehow make the quitting stick, you have to be determined about it. You have to be focused and extremely consistent. You have to quit every single day for the rest of your life. That's actually a very tough thing to do. I thought about this while watching clouds turn orange with the rising sun, the black, gnarled branches passing overhead. There is plenty to dislike about running, but there is really a lot to love about it, too. It's not the kind of love you have for an old movie or a good dog, certainly not the kind of love you have for an English muffin, but it's love all the same. Albeit, a strange kind of love. A weird kind of love, actually. You could almost call it a bitten kind of love.
Copyright © 2008 Rodale Inc. All rights reserved.
Runner's World
The Newbie Chronicles
COUCH BOUND
By Marc Parent
Only in an activity as punishing as running would you strive to get bitten. You don't hear snowboarders or golfers or bowlers talking about how they hope to be bitten. You don't hear a group of guys watching the playoffs over beer and pretzels saying they just hope they can keep it up. One could as easily use the word infected. It doesn't have the same ring, but it means the same thing. It means that you have arrived at a mythical place I can only imagine, where you can no sooner start the day without a run than I could eat a cake without frosting. My friend who gets out every day has told me that running, for him, is like brushing his teeth in the morning—you just hop out of bed and do it. My friend is bitten. Me and my unbitten tribe—we just hop out of bed and brush our teeth. Then we just walk into the kitchen and just put on a big old pot of coffee. We toast up a big old English muffin and just put a big old dollop of honey on it. Having run a mile or so fairly regularly for two and a half months, I had hoped I could accurately describe myself as bitten—injected with a healthy kind of poison that would morph me if not into a die-hard runner, at least into a solid gotta-get-a-run-in runner. I've looked for the bite in all the places I might find it—in the lines of medical statistics that say running makes you stronger, shapelier, sharper, and less likely to need a whole host of excruciating procedures. I've searched for it in the admiring glances of my wife and kids when I lace up my shoes, in the eyes of my nonrunning friends who have turned from skeptical to respecting. I have listened to the calm within my body for an uncomfortable buzz that would find satisfaction only after a good, hard run. I have not allowed myself to wear my supa-cool, extremely comfortable Asics Gels to the movies or the school or even anywhere in the house in the hopes that I would miss them so much, I'd get out on the road just to see them flashing beneath me again. Through all this and more, I have been nudged and sniffed and turned from side to side, but I have not been bitten. Proof: I fell off the wagon for three solid weeks. In my defense, I was pushed off by a cold. My running friend would say a cold is no excuse to stop brushing your teeth, but for me and my other unbittens, it is. A cold, no matter how small, is a dismayingly effective excuse not to get up at a frosty 7 a.m. to trundle through the slush along the side of the road. The cold lasted only a few days, but then, see if this sounds familiar: I had to pick up the kids, it was raining, I had a phone call/shopping list/leaking faucet that just wouldn't wait, there was a special report on TV, hungry visitors, a birthday party, a headache, a hang nail, a solar eclipse, a giant, honey-soaked English muffin with a gun to my head, saying, step away from the running shoes... And I have a job, you know. I'm no Hollywood fit-freak who gets paid to be in shape. Someone has to work around here, and as much as I would have absolutely loved to grind out a few miles, something really important came up every two minutes for an unprecedented three weeks. Far worse than having to admit to this hiatus is having to admit how painless it was. I wish I could honestly say I missed it more than I actually did, but not running for three weeks was the easiest three weeks of my running life. It wasn't the best three weeks, but it was the easiest. The worst thing about a three-week break is not that it feels like quitting, it's that it feels like you've already quit. Three weeks is not a break. Three weeks means that if you do decide to run, you won't return to it as much as start it again, which makes it all the more difficult to go back. I imagine quitting a sedentary lifestyle is probably a lot like quitting smoking or drinking or any other unhealthy thing, in that the failures are indelibly embedded into the eventual success. The good news in that endeavor is that you don't have to avoid every setback, you only have to succeed one more time than you fail. The morning I tried to succeed again, I stepped out of bed and immediately put on my sweats and running shoes. I hadn't really decided to go running, only to put on an old costume and walk downstairs. "Runner-man?" my wife, Susan, asked under her breath as I passed her in the kitchen. I faintly nodded. Our youngest looked up from his bowl of cereal with his eyes wide. "Can I have your autograph?" he said with a more capable sarcasm than I could ever have you believe. I pushed him on the back of the head. "Whoa—running?" my middle child said. "I guess I am," I said, and leaned against the kitchen table to stretch my calf. My eldest joker slapped me on the back with a hardy sense of false earnestness and announced with a low voice that he was very proud of me. Once they left, I headed out. At 6:45 in the morning, the bedroom lights in houses along the valley road are only just flickering on. You can see who is awake and who is still asleep. After only three weeks, I had forgotten how quiet the predawn world can be. The only sound was that satisfying sic-sic-sic-sic of shoes against the dark, moist tar—the runner's tick-tock. A small flock of crows crossed the overcast sky in the distance and dove into a lone treetop and called wildly at each other. Every 50 or so yards came the skittering sound of a small animal darting from the shoulder of the road, back into the woods. The low roar of a rushing stream rose in volume as I neared it, then followed me out past the one-mile mark. My breathing rose to the same level, but I didn't feel tired at all. I felt rested, awakened, stirred up, but not tired. It felt good to be out. Quitting is a temporary thing. It's something that is very hard to maintain over an extended period of time. If you intend to quit running and you plan to somehow make the quitting stick, you have to be determined about it. You have to be focused and extremely consistent. You have to quit every single day for the rest of your life. That's actually a very tough thing to do. I thought about this while watching clouds turn orange with the rising sun, the black, gnarled branches passing overhead. There is plenty to dislike about running, but there is really a lot to love about it, too. It's not the kind of love you have for an old movie or a good dog, certainly not the kind of love you have for an English muffin, but it's love all the same. Albeit, a strange kind of love. A weird kind of love, actually. You could almost call it a bitten kind of love.
Copyright © 2008 Rodale Inc. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
You asked for it - you got it
After some harassment about a lack of recent blog updates, I would like to commend everyone on their progress so far. Everyone has experienced increased distance and speed. And each time you are able to go a little farther your confidence will build. Continued running throughout the week along with a little cross training will ultimately be what prepares you for Abe's Amble. There will be bad days...and good days...and days you just don't want to run. But, have no fear. Here's a quick article addressing that last one - Enjoy! I even added in a bit of my own commentary in red:)
Top Excuses to Not Run - And How to Beat Them
By Christine Luff, About.com
Updated December 23, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Sometimes we have the best intentions to run, but something gets in the way. Often it's our busy schedules or the weather that's the culprit; while other times it's just that we can't muster the motivation to get out there. Here are some of the most popular excuses for not running -- and how to make sure you don't fall victim to them.
1. "I Don't Have Time to Run."Lack of time is one of the most popular excuses for skipping runs. But squeezing in your workouts may not be as impossible as you think. Instead of watching TV for 30 minutes, put on your running shoes and get moving. Or, divide your run up between the morning and evening -- your body still gets the same benefits.
2. "I Get Bored Easily."It's easy to get stuck in a running rut. We get comfortable running the same routes or it's easier to just jump on the treadmill. Shake up your running routine by mapping out some new routes using sites such as MapMyRun.com. Or, sign up for some local races -- it will force you to run someplace different and it'll help get you motivated. Also check out www.favoriterun.com or check out the Abe's Army training log book for some routes in the back.
3. "I'm Just Not Motivated to Run."All runners go through some periods when they're lacking motivation. One smart way to get inspired to keep running is to find a running group. (You've already done this! And don't forget additional runs offered throughout the week). When you know other people are counting on you to be at a workout, you're more likely to show up. And the social interaction and competition that comes with group training also help boost your motivation.
4. "It's Too Cold (or Hot) Outside."I always tell runners, "There's no such thing as bad weather -- just bad clothes." In other words, if you're dressed properly and prepared to deal with less-than-ideal running weather, you can still go for a run -- and actually enjoy it. Get tips and precautions to take for running in the cold, heat, and rain. Dry wicking clothes and don't forget Body Glide for those uncomfortable spots!
5. "I'm Busy With My Kids."As a mother, I know how tough it can be to fit in a run when you're busy caring for your family. But it's important for you -- and your kids -- that you get a chance to do something you enjoy that makes you feel good. Try to make running more a priority in your life and be a little selfish. Schedule your runs and get your spouse on board so you get help with some of the child-care responsibilities. And get creative and take advantage of opportunities to run. For example, if you're watching your kid's soccer game, run some laps around the field before or even during the game. Consider taking your kids along for the run on bikes or in strollers to begin modeling some healthy behaviors for your kids.
Top Excuses to Not Run - And How to Beat Them
By Christine Luff, About.com
Updated December 23, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Sometimes we have the best intentions to run, but something gets in the way. Often it's our busy schedules or the weather that's the culprit; while other times it's just that we can't muster the motivation to get out there. Here are some of the most popular excuses for not running -- and how to make sure you don't fall victim to them.
1. "I Don't Have Time to Run."Lack of time is one of the most popular excuses for skipping runs. But squeezing in your workouts may not be as impossible as you think. Instead of watching TV for 30 minutes, put on your running shoes and get moving. Or, divide your run up between the morning and evening -- your body still gets the same benefits.
2. "I Get Bored Easily."It's easy to get stuck in a running rut. We get comfortable running the same routes or it's easier to just jump on the treadmill. Shake up your running routine by mapping out some new routes using sites such as MapMyRun.com. Or, sign up for some local races -- it will force you to run someplace different and it'll help get you motivated. Also check out www.favoriterun.com or check out the Abe's Army training log book for some routes in the back.
3. "I'm Just Not Motivated to Run."All runners go through some periods when they're lacking motivation. One smart way to get inspired to keep running is to find a running group. (You've already done this! And don't forget additional runs offered throughout the week). When you know other people are counting on you to be at a workout, you're more likely to show up. And the social interaction and competition that comes with group training also help boost your motivation.
4. "It's Too Cold (or Hot) Outside."I always tell runners, "There's no such thing as bad weather -- just bad clothes." In other words, if you're dressed properly and prepared to deal with less-than-ideal running weather, you can still go for a run -- and actually enjoy it. Get tips and precautions to take for running in the cold, heat, and rain. Dry wicking clothes and don't forget Body Glide for those uncomfortable spots!
5. "I'm Busy With My Kids."As a mother, I know how tough it can be to fit in a run when you're busy caring for your family. But it's important for you -- and your kids -- that you get a chance to do something you enjoy that makes you feel good. Try to make running more a priority in your life and be a little selfish. Schedule your runs and get your spouse on board so you get help with some of the child-care responsibilities. And get creative and take advantage of opportunities to run. For example, if you're watching your kid's soccer game, run some laps around the field before or even during the game. Consider taking your kids along for the run on bikes or in strollers to begin modeling some healthy behaviors for your kids.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
5K and still going
Great job to everyone last night! It was a long and hot 2 weeks leading up to last week and I think it is fair to say almost everyone has cut back on their running a bit due to the weather. So, if you were feeling a bit sluggish last night, don't fret. The weather has finally cooled off and it is a perfect week to get back on schedule. Make an effort to get in some distance this week and push yourself on your scheduled long run. Once again, I encourage everyone to find someone to run with at least once throughout the week. I will be at Washington Park on Thursday night at 5:45pm at the tennis courts for anyone that is interested. We will also keep you posted on any Saturday runs that are scheduled. Feel free to contact me or post a comment if you would like to organize a run and invite other group members this week.
Alyssa
Alyssa
Friday, June 26, 2009
Saturday Run
I am organizing a run on Saturday morning (June 27) at about 7:30 a.m. before it gets too hot. We will meet at the parking lot at the very end of Island Bay Lane. There is a small park at the end of the road where we could start a mildly hilly yet very shady run. We can run up to 3.5 miles on that route, depending on interest. I will provide water.
To get there: I-55 to Toronto Road, head east (toward UIS), then after the train tracks turn right onto West Lake Shore Dr, go several blocks, then turn right onto Island Bay Lane and take that all the way to the end (it dead ends at the park).
If anyone is interested, please email me no later than 10 pm Friday night, so I know whether we will be running. My email is akhall5@comcast.net
Thanks!
Arlene
To get there: I-55 to Toronto Road, head east (toward UIS), then after the train tracks turn right onto West Lake Shore Dr, go several blocks, then turn right onto Island Bay Lane and take that all the way to the end (it dead ends at the park).
If anyone is interested, please email me no later than 10 pm Friday night, so I know whether we will be running. My email is akhall5@comcast.net
Thanks!
Arlene
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Week 4 Reminder
We will be meeting at the Fairgrounds on Monday - not Lincoln Park. Everyone will be running a practice 5K that will start in front of the Grandstand. Park in Lot 21. While many of us will certainly run together as a group, this is also a chance to practice running on your own as you would on race day if you choose.
This is an important week to keep up your running and/or cross training all week long. We were not able to run on Monday night due to the heat advisory and it has remained hot throughout this week, however it is important not to get discouraged and find ways to exercise everyday. Strength training through exercises like lifting weights, isometric and yoga can help you to get stronger and improve on speed and distance during your runs. Strength training also helps prevent injuries. The best part is there are lots of types of strength training exercises that can be done in your home or in your office throughout your day with little or no equipment. Here's just one example of many articles that can be found online to give you some exercises to try: http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tipsandtricks/a/basictraining.htm
Keep up the good work!
Karen and I will be at Washington Park in front of the tennis courts at 5:45 on Thursday for anyone that would like to run.
See you soon!
Alyssa
This is an important week to keep up your running and/or cross training all week long. We were not able to run on Monday night due to the heat advisory and it has remained hot throughout this week, however it is important not to get discouraged and find ways to exercise everyday. Strength training through exercises like lifting weights, isometric and yoga can help you to get stronger and improve on speed and distance during your runs. Strength training also helps prevent injuries. The best part is there are lots of types of strength training exercises that can be done in your home or in your office throughout your day with little or no equipment. Here's just one example of many articles that can be found online to give you some exercises to try: http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tipsandtricks/a/basictraining.htm
Keep up the good work!
Karen and I will be at Washington Park in front of the tennis courts at 5:45 on Thursday for anyone that would like to run.
See you soon!
Alyssa
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
More scheduled runs
Karen and I will be at Washington Park at the tennis courts on Thursday at 5:45 for anyone that is interested in running. It will likely be a hot one, but don't let that detour you! No need to RSVP. Hope to see you there!
I will be available to run at 8:00am this Saturday at the IDOT Lost Bridge Trail for anyone that is interested. Please comment on this post or email me at abursott@aol.com if you plan to attend. See you there!
Also, feel free to use this posting to set up additional runs throughout the week if you would like company. It's always more fun to run with a buddy:)
Alyssa
I will be available to run at 8:00am this Saturday at the IDOT Lost Bridge Trail for anyone that is interested. Please comment on this post or email me at abursott@aol.com if you plan to attend. See you there!
Also, feel free to use this posting to set up additional runs throughout the week if you would like company. It's always more fun to run with a buddy:)
Alyssa
Week 3
Great job last night! Many people were able to run the entire 2 miles without walking and everyone was able to run more than walk. Continued running throughout the week will help you to continue to increase your distance. Remember to slow your pace as needed in order to go the distance with limited walking. One advantage of a slow steady run is that you are often able to think less about the pain and are more able to let your mind wander to a happier place. Check out this link: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--12085-0,00.html published in Runner's World about dissociation and how it can be helpful to runners during distance training. While running is certainly a physical activity, it is just as much a mental struggle. I can certainly recall days when my thoughts and mental strength have negatively affected my running. We all have these days and so will you. The key is to identify when it happens, acknowledge it and find ways to avoid this type of mental interference in your future runs.
However, if you are having any physical pain don't hesitate to check in with our Athleticare representative!
Keep up the great work everyone!
Alyssa
However, if you are having any physical pain don't hesitate to check in with our Athleticare representative!
Keep up the great work everyone!
Alyssa
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Availability
Some group members have expressed interest in getting together throughout the week to run. Please post in comment form the days and times that are best for you and some of your favorite places to run. As many of you know, having someone to run with helps to motivate and makes your runs more fun! Hopefully through some dialogue we'll be able to get together throughout the week!
-Alyssa
-Alyssa
Welcome!
Great job everyone on your first week's run as a group - and a large one at that! It was a tough run, but everyone finished and ran most of the 1.5 miles with minimal walking. We'll continue to increase our distance as the temperatures climb, but don't get discouraged. We're all in this together and even though there will be tough days, you will get there. Keep running throughout the week, preferably every other day, resting or cross training in the off-days. Follow your logs as a guide for distance.
Keys for successful runs:
HYDRATION
Good running shoes
Dry wicking socks and clothes
Sunblock
and remember road safety rules
We'll meet next Monday at the fire hydrant at 5:45 for a 2-mile run.
See you there!
Alyssa
Keys for successful runs:
HYDRATION
Good running shoes
Dry wicking socks and clothes
Sunblock
and remember road safety rules
We'll meet next Monday at the fire hydrant at 5:45 for a 2-mile run.
See you there!
Alyssa
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