Part II: "Passion and Pace: Journal of a Newbie Runner"

What better way to inspire you during the next holiday weekend, than to share the chronicles of our Newbie runner and how she's approached the holiday weekend of racing, during Memorial Day.

There's still time to get out and register for a 4th of July race -- be sure to share them here!

May 30, 2011 – DAY TWO of Summer Running

Memorial Day, 6:00am.  I looked out the window and the morning sun was just peeping out of the clouds.  The sky not yet blue, but a hint of golden warmth.  Perfect, I thought.  I put on new running shorts and a tank top… and of course my new summer/racing running shoes that had a good 20-25 miles on them already.  I headed out to the boardwalk again. 

Quiet, serene, still. 

Most of the visitors for the big holiday weekend were still sleeping from family BBQs or just taking advantage of the Monday off.  I ran my usual path down the boardwalk toward Asbury Park.  It was somewhat chilly because the sun was still behind some light clouds, but I knew I would warm up as soon as I picked up the pace.  The sun, like most, decided to stay in also and dark clouds started to move in.  They looked slow moving so I thought 3 miles was just enough to go before it could possibly rain.  Halfway into my run, and I was determined to do at least 3, the raindrops started falling, but it was refreshing because I my adrenalin warmed me up on this cloudy morning.  A slight drizzle turned into a full blown rainstorm. The other early morning runners continued to move forward as the bikers on the boardwalk.  I did the same, I didn’t wimp out.  I couldn’t.  It felt almost “liberating” to run in the rain.  My tank top started to get heavy and the swishing sound of my socks were almost in harmony with the pitter patter of large raindrops hitting the boardwalk.  Could I take cover underneath one of the restaurant awnings? 
Sure I could, I continued on. 

Now the smell of rain coupled with the seaside scent only empowered me to enjoy this run.  Mile 2, the rain fell harder.  Mile 3, I smiled with elation of facing this challenge as I thought of my cousin Elaine who has run in worse conditions and a longer course.  She’s insane.  Toward the end of Mile 3, the rain lessened and as I approached my usual landmark, the boardwalk playground, I thought of continuing down the boardwalk for another 2 miles, but my soaking wet socks convinced me that a 3 mile run in the rain with a smile was accomplishment enough for the holiday weekend.

Part I of "Passion and Pace: Journal of a Newbie Runner

Meet Liz.

Liz is a runner, just like you and me.

She's training to run her first Half-Marathon this fall and has decided to log her training and share it here. From the highs of accomplishing new distances -- to the not-so-highs, like the fear of conquering a new, longer distance. 

I hope her account of her running journey will motivate you to keep to your summer running schedule and to inspire you to shoot and strive for new challenges and accomplishments.

Enjoy it - and keep running!

Name: Liz M.
Location: NJ
Age: Forty....and fabulous  (but still 25 mentally)
Running Mileage: 15-20 miles per week or 3-5 days/week
Long(est) Run: 9.5 miles - Rutgers "Half" Marathon
Running Goal: Philly Rock'n'Roll Half OR Atlantic City Half (depends on Football!)
Longer Term Running Goal:  Run healthy and for a long, long time. 

Bucket List Race:  Disney Half marathon, Chicago Half marathon

May 25, 2011 – DAY ONE of Summer running

There’s nothing like running on the boardwalk alongside the ocean, whether it’s warm and sunny or even cool and damp.  It is so relaxing to run and just hear the waves crashing and my feet tapping the wood.  The scent of saltwater in the air is refreshing as well.  As much as I wanted to sleep in, I knew I had to just get out there and reconnect with the boardwalk again.  I walked 3 blocks to the beach to absorb the serenity of the shore town before the madness of Memorial Day Weekend.  In a loose tank top and mid-calf running pants, I was ready.  Not worried about pace or breathing techniques or even form, I just wanted to run.  After revisiting the old sites I used to pass last summer, I felt a sense of reconnection, a sense of familiarity.  I was ready to start my summer running again.

National Running Day tomorrow - June 1, 2011

There's a lot of ways to commemorate National Running Day 2011 as we come together as a nation to take strides toward leading healthier, fitter lives.

Here's just a few ideas - have more ideas...post them here!
 

For you early risers: Morning Group run at dawn
Hitting the running  trails as the sunrises gives new life to your legs and
inspires you for the day.
 
Run to work
If you live close enough to pull this off, its a great way to clear your mind in
the morning and start your day off right. Be sure to plan ahead.
 
Take a break
Head for a short workout at lunch (instead of that greasy burger & fries).
 
Run home
Forget about sitting in traffic and get out and run! 

Evening run

Head out on the roads, on the trail or take the kids over the field while you run on the track.

Most of all, just get out and run! Today can be the new start to your running program!

Forget Bathing Suit Season...it's 5K season

It's Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial kickoff of Summer, bathing suit season -- and more importantly 5K season!

There are many local 5K events for Memorial Day, 4th of July, Summer Extravaganzas for you to choose from.
 
So whether you're a '5K specialist' or a novice looking to log your first road race, there are some rules of the road to remember.

Click more for tips and some road races to choose from

Super race

Last weekend I ran in the 2nd annual SuperHero Half Marathon 


Despite the weather forecast for rain - and lots of it - I was motivated to get out there and run.I don't think I've run a 2-lap half marathon course before, but the real advantage was the ability to integrate the Half Marathon Relay at the start/finish area which made for a larger group of spectators at the half-way point.

By the way, Kudos the girls running the water station at mile 5 & 10(?) They were loud, cheering and shouting constant encouragement ..... that's how you do it!

NEXT YEAR...better planning on the costume for me. Didn't realize how much of a costume event this run is when I signed up (just thought the name was cool!)

Below is a short random collection of photos -- nice job to all!!