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Spring (Race) TrainingMarch 22, 2011

Today I soaked in two things that have felt very foreign to me lately: the first being sunshine, and the second, running. Enjoying both together almost had me in sensory overload in the most joyous way possible, but I happily endured it. All of this only means one thing: after several years away from safety pins, starting guns, freebie tees, and Vaseline, I’ve decided to train for a 5k.

I used to be a marathon junkie in my early twenties and loved nothing more than feeling like a master of the pavement after 26.2 miles of a little blood, lots of sweat, and an occasional tear. Many years later, it feels good to be a novice again, especially since my knees feel completely healed after so much Bikram Yoga. In fact, I’ve decided to weave my training in with Bikram Yoga classes just to keep myself limber and lithe. So far it’s a rather odd mix, but I’m pretty sure my body’s enjoying the variety.

I’ve been training on a treadmill for the past few weeks, but today was my first official outdoor run. I decided to run a portion of the actual route where the race will be held, and let my beloved Clint join me since it was less about serious pacing and more about just enjoying the outdoors and getting an idea of what to expect on the trail.

Official evidence that I'm cheating on Bikram with Hal

Decided to start off as a novice, but add my own 2 cents to make it feel a bit more advanced. Besides, I just love doodling and making printouts feel like they're my own.

One of the things I LOVE about running is its carefree nature. No schedule, no equipment, no elaborate preparations. Just slap on some clothes and make it happen. This cap is one of my freebie favorites from a run my twin sister and I completed together in Atlanta. I love running it with her.

Trusty water bottle? Check.

Trusty foul-breath companion? Check.

Starting at the museum

Soaking in a city spring

Time to stride next to the Schulkyll River - I love racing the crew teams

Aaaand done. Even in his senior years, Clint's begging for more!

Your Healthiest Life: There is no better way to get moving than running if you ask me. It’s the cheapest and simplest sport to indulge in safely on your own. If you’re interested in a goal, just sign up for a 5k in your area. Many of them are “Run/Walk” events where most of the participants are first time competitors looking for a fun way to complete their goals. I find HalHigdon.com to be the best source for race training for all levels. Another great one is JeffGalloway.com for great tips to help you get started safely and free of injuries.

QUESTION: Do you like to get a feel for a course by running it a few times before race day?

http://greekmelie.wordpress.com Melie

Welcome back to running! Now I feel like I can comment something more meaningful than “I have no idea what you yogi people do”! Most of the times, my only familiarization with the race course is through the organizers website. I try to use my races as a way to run in places I can’t run normally, so I tend to see them first time at the day of the event. I kind of like the novelty and the excitement, even when I do end up running a trail race with 20+% incline….
http://midwesternmusings.wordpress.com Kayla

Welcome back to running! I’ve never run a course before a race…usually because I’ve had to travel for my races. The city looks like it was beautiful yesterday. I’m so jealous. We had freezing rain last night, and it’s like an ice rink out there!
http://missfitbliss.com missfitbliss

I knew you’d appreciate this post Melie:) Your method sounds like a lot of fun – kind of like it helps build the anticipation of a big race to get excited about running the course for the first time!
http://missfitbliss.com missfitbliss

Awww gotta love the good ol’ midwest for throwing a few curveballs. Spring is never really spring in the midwest. It’s just a lot of mud;)
http://www.justcallmesassy.blogspot.com Lauren @ Sassy Molassy

I heart running and am a 1/2 and full marathon junkie, but am starting to come to the realization I won’t be able to do it forever. But it’s really fun for me right now.
http://arsenalfamily.wordpress.com/ La.

I think the more excited dogs get the worse the breath, weird how that works. A 5K will be lots of fun!
http://missfitbliss.com missfitbliss

Have fun with it! And who’s to say you won’t be able to do it forever? Not all bodies despise high-impact exercise the way mine does:)
http://missfitbliss.com missfitbliss

I think you may be on to something La…
http://www.gamereviewwiki.com/bikinibirthday Samantha @ Bikini Birthday

Great pictures! It looks like it was a beautiful day to get back into running.
I started running outside again last night for the first time since the fall. The fresh air felt amazing, but I’ve been so used to running while watching TV on the treadmill that I was getting a little bored!
http://missfitbliss.com missfitbliss

Ha! It’s funny you mention that because I was feeling a bit guilty of that same feeling on this run! Not having the gym music playing in the background made it tough for me to keep a steady pace.

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Spring (Race) TrainingMarch 22, 2011

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