Team Challenge Training Run was great!

Today I woke up around 5am and was excited about my first Team Challenge Training Run.  Mac told me, "put your running shoes on, and run like crazy!"

We met at 8am @ Potomac Running Store in Arlington, VA.  I didn't know what to expect as far as who was going to be there and of course was nervous about everyone else's running level.  I was hoping not to be getting in over my head... well, everything turned out great!

Our Team Challenge Manager, Dani, had everyone fill out Running Profiles, so that her & Kevin could group everyone according to their running experience/level.  I was in Group 2 - not too bad to be considered middle!  I met some great ppl and looking forward to our future running training sessions.

Our Team Challenge Running Coach, Kevin, proposed a 4.6 mile run.... I wasn't too crazy about it since I just starting running 4 miles comfortably the past week, but I was up for the challenge.  I ran with a couple girls that seemed to be at around the same running pace as me.  At the end, Kate & I ran down Wilson Bvd to make up for not doing the couple of zig-zags down side streets that Kevin had originally proposed.  So here's a link to what I'll call the Potomac Running Store Team Challenge.  

After we all returned to the Running Store, Kevin introduced us to some running techniques and exercises to do after our runs.  They involved leg/knee-lifts when you run, lunges, and different sprint runs to finish off our runs with. It was so much fun..... I can't wait until next wkend!

Everytime it changes, I feel better

Yesterday we ran 4 miles via the Lincoln Memorial run.... but we did it backwards!! It was fun to run on the opposite side of the Mall first and then to run the opposite away around the Lincoln Memorial. I believe doing that helps me mentally get stronger running... Jeremy and I talk about that lots when we're running. I often try to say positive things like "I feel great" or "It's so beautiful out," to try to distract myself from being tired while running.... some days it works better than others.

Yesterday, running opposite way around the Lincoln Memorial did the trick - it was a good 4 mile run yesterday! Also, having Wednesday (10/9) off with a rest, probably helped yesterday's run.

Have to wait & see what today's Lunchtime run is.... I think it's going up to near 80F today again... so it will be another warm day - but the sun is shinning :-)

Running the Capitol Hill Run... no longer a mystery!

Today we ran the 4.5+ mile run up Capitol Hill and through the neighborhood.  It's a great run and I believe changing up the run really helps - especially when you add a bit more distance. :-)

I told Jeremy that I definitely feel the difference in my body & breathing when I'm running up the Hill.  I realized that I do feel better once we reach the top of the Hill (I know it's kind of common sense, but I'm trying to reinforce the positives in my head with my training)... so I'm enjoying the challenge of the Hill this week to start my runs.

Jeremy remapped the Capitol Hill Run after we paid attention to more of the street names this time... and he found out it's about 4.6 miles.... so I'm just calling it 4.5 miles.

I haven't biked to work the past few weeks, now that I'm running everyday at lunch.  I miss biking and thinking I might try doing it at least once a week and not run that day... I'll let you know what I try.  I just want to be careful not to overdue my training! :-)

Solved!!! - Mystery Run Distance + Route

Jeremy provided me with this link for our run yesterday. I really enjoyed changing up from our normal run last week to Lincoln Memorial. It looks like we surpassed our 4 miles mark... but this is just an estimate... so at least we matched 4miles if we didn't go over.

I reviewed the route Jeremy mapped out and I think it's pretty close to where I remember running yesterday.

Not sure about running route today, but we're meeting @ 12pm. I'll keep you posted! :-)

Mystery Run up to Capitol Hill

Today, Jeremy and I decided to switch it up and just run anywhere. Running the same route everyday can get boring.... so Jeremy paid attention to the time and I'm sure he kept his usual pace ahead of me, so we're pretty sure we ran equivalent distance.

We ran up Capitol Hill to start... this is tough just walking up it, but to run up it... well, sure you can understand. So we ran around the Capitol Hill neighborhood -turning at red lights or when we saw a clear straight sidewalk to run on... eventually, we turned to run down Capitol Hill and Jeremy asked if I would like to run back up Capitol for the ending... opposed to a lap around the Mall to finish off the run. We opted for the run up the Hill and then Jeremy encouraged me on the last bit to sprint to our office bldg.

It was a good run and we enjoyed the beautiful fall weather... I'll post the route/run sometime this week. More running tomorrow!