I run like a girl...try and keep up.

It's official...I can confidently say that "I am a runner."

It may have taken a few weeks to ultimately decide...but today I decided to formally claim it! I may not be the fastest person out there (no 6-7 minute mile pace in my future), but I can definitely hold my own in the middle of the pack.

Today we did a 7.75 mile run out of Georgetown. We actually incorporated pieces of a few different routes we have previously have done.

All in all it felt great. The only downer was the humidity, though I believe that that is part of our training to be better runners.

As usual, it takes a mile or two to get into the groove --- your muscles and feet pounding, the heat and your breathing. Just like other runs, the last three miles are always my favorite. My pacing group all call it --- "the autopilot-zone" --- your legs just keep on trucking and your mind kinda goes blank.

Today's route took us along many of our Nation's Capital landmarks and scenic locations. Having something to look at is always a bonus.

Once I hit the Reflecting Pool, I was on complete auto-pilot and had what I can only describe as a burst of energy. I felt strong. I do believe that the consistently of just putting in the miles/time, some strength training and making sure to incorporate hills into your work-out really make a difference. I also think that it is important to know when to take a break and not do the extra mile or workout. Sometimes your body needs a rest more than anything else in order to perform.

As we made the turn onto the Georgetown Waterfront, all I wanted to do was get to the store and take my running shoes off. I had foolishly grabbed a pair of my non-technical socks --- they are wicking, but were not the fancier running socks I usually wear. I started to feel progressively worse rubbing on the inside of both my arches. Let me tell you...two-three miles of that is NOT a good thing.

Since running inclines and hills are good training tools, our last mile included the descent up Wisconsin Avenue and up onto the main drag in Georgetown. I actually feel aggressive when I hit the hills. Coach John gave us a good tip for attacking them and since then it has made all the difference. As I finished the hill and turned the corner onto M Street, I felt like I had so much energy. I kicked it up significantly and cruised into the finish. Rockin'! The only bad part was that with the heat I probably over did the last leg. Once I got to the store, I immediately sat down and started hydrating. I felt fine in about 5 minutes.

A couple interesting stories:

• Shoes: I had the guys at the running store confirm that the Brooks Trance 9's I bought were working well and were the best shoe for me. It is incredible what they do to ensure you get the right shoe --- analyzing your walk, your run, looking at your treads and talking to you about your performance. I also got a bunch of new running socks. That was good, since the moment I wrapped up today's run, I immediately took my shoes off!
• Massages: One of our coaches is a certified massage therapist. She brought her massage chair and gave us free massages today after the run. Nothing like dealing with a bunch of sweaty folks! I had her work on my legs. It felt so good!
• Future marathoner?: I had a very interesting conversation with one of our coaches today. Though I recently decided to next sign up for the half-marathon training group, Coach Katie was talking to me about instead joining the marathon training group this fall. Marathon? Scary...26.2 miles!! The coaches have been complimentary in the past about how I have been doing, but I guess I just blew it off as stuff they tell everybody. I kept asking Coach Katie if she was sure and she said that she wouldn't recommend it if she didn't think I could do it. She actually made me laugh because she told me she thinks I am just one of those focused people who can be told to go and run and I just say "ok" and then do it without lots of bitchin'. At that moment, all I could think about was (other than Coach Katie is crazy) "Run Forrest...Run!" Even as we left the store I kept saying, "Are you sure???" I'm definitely considering it. I'm focused on the 10-miler first and then will decide.

Every Saturday brings a new personal best distance and one day closer to running 11 miles!!

Who knew that I would ever be in this position. Two months ago, I was stressing about just running a mile. A single mile. A couple minutes of my life. Now, I do that multiple times.