7 January 2008
January 7th
Posted by Mike Dopke under: Mike Dopke (Coach) .
Saturday morning I walked into Aquinas Fieldhouse and was shocked to see the number of new members who turned out for our first official Run Gazelle 5/3 training run. I would bet that there were at least 100 people, most of whom I did not recognize, who were ready to take some of their first steps towards the 25K on May 10th. Some of you looked a little nervous, others excited, but you all looked like you were right where you belong. I hope that you enjoy this great training group as much as I do.
I have member of Run Gazelle for about a year now. I joined as a Road Warrior last year and was amazed at the gains that I made simply by running with a group. I cut 10 minutes off of my previous PR for riverbank, and have gone on to run the Grand Rapids Marathon last fall. I don’t believe I would have accomplished either of these goals without Run Gazelle. This year I am shooting to run a 1:45 at Riverbank and then run sub 3:14 for the Bay Shore Marathon at the end of May.
I am also having a blast coaching this year’s Road Warriors. They are a lot of fun and are working very hard to accomplish their individual goals. It was hard to pick just 10 people but each one is deserving of a spot on this team. I see progress in each one of them every week and it makes me proud to know I am a small part of it. Yesterday we had half the team show up for our Sunday run around Reeds Lake. It was foggy but thanks to Road Warriors Steve and Shelly we were clearly visible from space. Thanks kids.
4 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
7 January 2008 at 4:42 pm.
Lol–I am happy I could be the trailing light for you all with my LiteBrite jacket! Hey–I was glad to have it in those patches of fog–I knew at least *I* wouldn’t be getting smacked by a car! It was a great time running with you all yesterday–even though I apparently missed out on some great new stretching technique due to my snail’s pace! >:( You’re doing a great job coaching, Mike (and Terry, too–who gave me a high-five as he was going BACK around the lake when Shirl and I were coming around the first time!)!
Heather York Says:
8 January 2008 at 9:22 am.
way to go COACH !!!!! I know that you and Terry are just having a ball being coaches and being able to see the accomplishments of others while training - I am sure it just makes you experience the runners high even more.
Hats off to you
Steve Kelly Says:
8 January 2008 at 1:30 pm.
I told you all that jacket was bright! I have to keep it in a closet at home or it scares the dogs. Thanks again for your help on Sunday!
Danielle Hathaway Says:
11 January 2008 at 11:31 am.
Hi Mike,
Serious, you are the coolest. So cool, that I want to join your running group as a virtual runner from Portland, OR. Count me in? Let me know what I need to do. Can’t wait. I’ll make you proud.
dh.