There really should be more hours in the day

Talk about packing it all in. Today was all about reconnecting and trying new things.

Running
In the morning I headed out to meet the ATM training group out of Georgetown for their Saturday Long Run. It was so good to see folks and to get back into running more regularly.

We did a 7-mile out-and-back on the familiar trails along the Georgetown waterfront and Rock Creek Park. What a beautiful day. Though I was a bit apprehensive about the run it actually wasn't bad at all. I took it slow and chatted up my fellow runners. At the halfway mark I was surprised and even contemplated continuing on with those running a 10-mile route...but that would just be nuts.

On the way back I picked up my pace...but then came upon another group of runners and started chatting with them. Notice the trend?

After the run it was great to catch up with friends before heading home.

Roosevelt Island
On my way home I heard that folks were hanging at the island with their dogs so I detoured over to hang out for a little while.

I haven't been to the island in awhile --- though I seem to drive/run by it frequently. It really is beautiful. I ran along the trail to meet up with folks and I wondered if I could get into trail running. It would be a nice change of pace --- but I'm so klutzy that I fear what might happen so scratch that idea.

Birkam Yoga
After working with Rhonda over the summer I wanted to try and keep up with yoga. I really do love it. I've been looking into local options and its a bit overwhelming. There are so many studios and styles.

I decided to just start trying different styles and maybe locations too --- so tonight I visited the Birkam Studio in Takoma Park. I've always wanted to try this hot-yoga thing and for $29 I have an unlimited 7-day pass to the studio.

Before class I met a really nice Indian lady who was showing me the ropes which was super helpful.

Aside from the sweltering heat, it was very different from the more flow style that I'm used to. The good news is that the poses and transitions seemed familiar so I didn't feel lost. I even got a few complements from folks who were surprised I was new. :)

I'm not exactly sure what to make of the instructor. He was a splash of cocky, confident, helpful and dictatorial all wrapped up into one. It was odd. After class I still wasn't exactly sure what to make of him. Maybe I'm just focused on the fact he called me "Pinky" during class b/c he didn't know my name but noticed that I had bright pink painted toenails.

Anyway, there were some really nice people in the class and I plan to go back at least 2-3 more times to determine what I think of the style and studio. My immediate reaction is that I liked it, but I think I liked Rhonda's style better. We'll see what I really think by the end of next week.
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Back to where it all began

Today was the first official day of the Army 10-Miler training. What a morning! We had a ton of runners come out for a humid 3-mile run along the Capitol Crescent Trail.

Though I am slated to pace the 11-12 minute mile group, today I volunteered to be the sweeper. I focused on 4 runners who were running 13 minute+ per mile.

My goal was to keep talking, be funny and distract (while still encouraging) these runners along the way. Everyone finished the run.

The trainees are all very inspiring and provide such motivation to me to get out there and "just do it."

Separately, it's great to see so many alums back with the program. Looks like it will be a fantastic summer!

Welcome to the new evolution

Today was the second session of the Jump Start Program for the Army 10-Miler race that is occurring this fall.

I participated in the program last year and this year I am one of the volunteer coaches. Fun! It actually is very rewarding to go out and talk/encourage new runners who are insecure and terrified about the path that is in front of them. I really don't think they realize how relatively easy it will be for them to build up their base if they just stick with it.

The goal is to get this group comfortable running 3 miles in 4 weeks. No problem!

Today we headed out for an EZ 1.5 miles around Hains Point. With all of my struggles running this year, I think that hanging with these trainees is going to keep me motivated and will inspire me to do better.

After the run, a handful of the Snapple trainees got to together to knock out 15 miles cycling around the park. We did a combo of hard pushes and slower recoveries. All this is good stuff for me since I need to push my average speed into the 20's. My 17-18 mph is just not going to cut it and frankly I have initial speed, but then get tired.

Dropping weight, strengthening my legs, improving my overall proficiency on the bike and adding sprints will definitely help with my overall bike performance. Crossing my fingers that this is a logical plan.

Mission Accomplished. Hooah!!

I made it. Check it off the list. I completed the Army 10-Miler! My official time was 1:49:48.

The good news is that I qualified for the National half marathon next year. The bad news is that I missed my goal of pacing at 10:30 min/miles.

Talk about a lot of people!!! Hanging with 30k of your new best buddies was definitely an experience.

Now for the highlights and play-by-plays.

Though I got to the Pentagon very early and hit the bathroom early, I ended up feeling rushed before the start.

As I got off the metro, I randomly ran into a friend from high school and then was wandering around looking for the official DC Road Runners tent. By the time I got in line for the bathroom again, there was an EXTREMELY long line. Nothing like singing the National Anthem from the line at the loo. Classic.

Unfortunately, the delay meant I did not spend enough time warming up. Bad move.

I got into position in my group and waited for the start. Since I seeded myself when I just started training and had no clue about my pace, I was way back in the second wave.

Forget being nervous...I was SO excited to get rolling.

We finally got the signal to start walking to the starting line --- which took a good 20 minutes.  That's what happens when you try and get 30k people to move in one direction.

In the distance I saw my 10:30 min pace group.  I jumped over a barricade and wormed my way through the crowd to my group so that I would be in position before the race got started.

Before I knew it...we were crossing the start line and off on our 10 mile adventure!

Miles 1-6 were fantastic. Other than having to deal with the crush of people around me and all the walkers who blocked my path, I was running very well. I was pacing well under my 10:30 min pace for this part of the run. I was thrilled!

...and then the fantasy ended.

I had a bad transition after the 6 mile water station. Grabbing the water, eating energy beans and weaving through traffic was just to much for this klutz. I tripped over some cups and gagged on my beans. It took me a bit to get myself back together and back on track.

The back half of the race was tough. I was bummed to have lost my pace group. I was just fighting to make the 1:50:00 qualifying time for the National race.

The 14th street bridge and related ramps were as much of a bear as everyone says. They are just so long and daunting!

As I crested the hill and turned down toward the Pentagon I looked down at my watch and saw the time ticking away.  I almost always have the ability to dig down deep and find a surge of speed at the end.  I decided to go for it. I cut the corner tight, ran the tangent and sprinted like a maniac to the finish line. Hysterical!

Though my feet hurt like hell, I was thrilled to have set a goal of running this race and achieved it. Go me!!

I hung by the finish chutes stretching and watching everyone come in. What an inspiring experience.
I can't thank the coaches enough for all their encouragement over the last months. My fellow trainees were also critical. I can't imagine doing this without them.

Last, but not least, I gotta thank my family for listening to all my running-club stories and coming out to support me on race day. You can't imagine how fantastic it is to see familiar faces out of the road. Love you all!!!!

Now...who's up for another training program and race???

Good morning. It is RACE DAY!

Three months ago...I thought this was a good idea.  I just love that running shirt.

I woke up at 4:45 AM.  Got my gear on.  Checked my gear.  Ate my regular breakfast.  Rechecked my gear. 

I got on the metro with many other runners...all obviously either still asleep or more likely taking a quiet moment to mentally prepare for the race.

My plan is to get to the Pentagon...hit the bathroom (a couple times --- since I hear the lines are INSANE)...warm up and get ready for the start.

HOOAH!

Twas the night before the race...

I got home from the team dinner and was exhausted!  I gathered all my stuff together for tomorrow's race...including putting my food out for the morning.

I'm going out with my LiveStrong gear.  Hoping the power of Lance will be with me!

The game plan is to head to the metro and grab the first yellow train to the Pentagon.  I should be at the site by 6:40 am.

Tick...tock...tick...tock.

Psyched!!!!

I am so thankful that I was able to get an ATM bib and am OFFICIALLY registered for the race.

Sweet!!!!!!!!! Now...I just need to make sure I finish.

Operation ATM bib

I may have someone to sell me their bib!!!!

I'm meeting the guy here at the Dunkin' Donuts on the base of Fort Belvoir in Virginia.

What an odd location. I guess when you hold the ticket to something everyone seems to want...you have to go the extra mile (or miles) to get it.

I really hope this isn't a bust and the guy is cool. These types of things always make me a bit nervous!

Tick...tock....tick....tock.

ATM Blues

I REALLY want an ATM bib!!!! I'm checking every site I can and am emailing compelling requests to those lucky bastards who have bibs and have the luxury of being able to pick from a pile of hungry little runners.

Crossing my fingers that the running gods will look down favorably on me.

My calendar of the day says that there is a patron saint of cannibalism (St. Balandina...and I hope to hell you never need to pray to her)....is there a patron saint of running??? If only.