July 7th - Thank you Grandma, Grandpa, and Laura!

First I need to say a big "THANK YOU" to my grandparents and co-worker Laura for coming to our group run today (at 6 am!) and helping with the water stops. As the weather gets hotter and the miles increase, we absolutely could not get through our runs without the people that volunteer to have water stops along the route. All the runners really appreciate you donating your time to help support us and it's what helps keep us going when we want to stop.

Tuesday's group run around Harriet went off without any problems and thankfully I wasn't too sore to have fun on the 4th of July. I also was able to get in one lap around Calhoun on Thursday night after my volunteering in Bloomington. I probably should have gone another couple miles but it was too dark. I made up for it by doing extra cross training on Friday at the Y.

Then this morning we had a group run at Gateway Trail. I was scheduled to do 11, but ended up doing some where between 12 and 13 miles. When I had to wake up at about 4:45 am this morning I was cursing our coach for moving up the run but was very thankful that we finished by about 9:30 and so it wasn't too hot yet. My right knee was a little tender, but the cold shower really helps. Technically I should be taking ice baths but since I can't take a bath at my apartment, I take cold showers. The scary thing is that I'm starting to get used to them.

July 2nd - Want to help out this Saturday?

Hey all! I'm on a bit of an endorphin high as I write this because I just got back from a run around Calhoun. Yesterday was a rest/stretch day and so after work today I went and did the BodyPump class and then did one lap around Calhoun later in the evening. The best part was how nice the weather was for running - not too hot!

Some great news -- if you're interested in meeting some of the other runners or want to see me running this Saturday, we are looking for people to work the water stops. Basically all you have to do is be there for when the runners come by looking for refreshments. My coach will provide you with all the cups, water, powerade, etc. and so you don't have to worry about anything except being there. It probably helps to bring a friend so that you're not bored while there aren't any runners around. I've already got one person signed up to help -- Thanks Laura!! So please just let me know ASAP if you're interested. If this weekend doesn't work but you think it's something you'd like to do, let me know and I'm sure the team would love to have you help another time as well. Especially since we have some really long runs (14 - 15 miles) coming up in the next couple weeks. With the heat and distance, the more water stops the better.

Tomorrow we are having our group run since Wednesday is 4th of July (though I'm still scheduled to run 5 miles at some point on Weds...thanks coach! ha). Hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday!