27 January 2008
Eight Is Great!
Posted by Steve Kelly under: Steve Kelly .
I’ll try not to rhyme much more, that can get a little much if you know what I mean. I’ll quickly get to the main point of this morning’s blog. If you want to be a better runner, JOIN RUN GAZELLE! Like many I’ve been a solitary runner. I’ve got such a weird schedule, up at three am home by noon, that my time to exercise is usually when everyone else is busy. That being said, my times running with the Road Warriors and yesterday with Run Gazelle have been amazing.
You have to see that bobbing snake from Aquinis College around Reeds lake. The conversation, the free advice…the smiles. Yes, smiles and lots of them.
Our morning started in the Field House. Coach Woj said we’d be be doing some “fun” core strength exercises. Coach and I have differing definitions of the word “fun”. Many of my fellow Road Warriors agree! Valuable stuff but challenging. Challenging is good. What a friendly helpful group. Elite runners mixed with people like me and nothing intimidating about it.
You may have first joined a gym or team in school worried about how you’d be accepted. From minute one this group is both inclusive and encouraging. If you want to pull off the 25k, JOIN RUN GAZELLE! There, enough said.
I hooked up with Road Warrior Nick with the goal of the 8 mile loop, my longest run since my injury last year. What great company. We hooked up with a fun mother of four, the oldest of which is 9, Rachel, who helped us when we got lost. Thanks Rachel! Same thing, great company. The three of us made fast friends sharing stories of family, work and training advice. Next thing I know we’re at the second water stop and rounding the bases for home.
Nick and I slowed a bit toward the end and Rachel tore off the last mile. We didn’t see her at the end so, if you’re reading this, great to meet you!
One funny thing. If you get to know Nick you know he’s a great guy. I’ve never heard a cross word from him let alone an expletive…well, he timed a good one as we were searching for the Field House, exhausted at the end. I don’t remember laughing that hard in a long time. Thanks for your help pal, we did eight miles, dodging cars, snow, in 17 degrees and I can’t wait to do it again!
As always it was great to hang out with the Road Warriors. You’re all working hard and we’re getting closer. If I didn’t have the bug before yesterday, I sure do now!
4 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
27 January 2008 at 1:21 pm.
Hey Steve–it was great being put thru core torture with you and the rest of the RW yesterday–and seeing you at the end of our run–cheering Shirl and I onto the imaginary finish line. You and Nick (and Rachel) did a great job w/ getting 8 in yesterday! I agree with you–I’ve always been a solo runner and have enjoyed my quiet time, but I have really been enjoying these group runs (even if I am waaay in the back). Dare I say I may be becoming a group run kind of girl???
Terry Says:
27 January 2008 at 2:27 pm.
Great job running a eight miler in the conditions we ventured out in yesterday. I agree with you that training with a group for the not only the 5/3 River Bank Run and other races makes it easier.
Terry
Deb Says:
27 January 2008 at 5:49 pm.
I too had a great run yesterday with the group. Every week I meet someone new. I love being a part of rungazelle! great job Nick and Steve, Shelly and Shirl!
hectic rascal Says:
20 February 2008 at 12:11 pm.
What, sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty. Rep. ELBRIDGE GERRY of Massachusetts, I annals of Congress at 750 (August 17, 1789).
The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then having the two as close together as possible — George Burns
Beware of computer programmers that carry screwdrivers — Leonard Brandwein
Barab