Congratulations on taking your first steps toward completing a 10K footrace. For those of you for whom today was your very first run - or at least your very first run in a long time - great job out there. It was really neat to see everyone in the "mega-group" making their way around the fair grounds. Some of you walked, some of you ran, and most did a combination of walking and running to get your two-three miles in. No matter how you finished - YOU DID!
So now what? It was a little confusing, but bear with us while we sort everyone into a group that will be the best for you. This week, while you are running on your own - wear a simple inexpensive stop watch (WalMart - clearance rack: $5). Mark out your route in your car, or use an interactive map such as one found on www.usatf.org. Time yourself and try to note how long it takes you to complete each mile. If you're supposed to run 3 miles - note the time it takes and divide it by three.
Next week when you show up for Abe's Army - you'll have a better idea of what your "pace" is and we'll help match you to leaders training at that pace. Our goal is simply to assist you in meeting your goals - we've all been in your very shoes ourselves.
Remember - each time you lace up your shoes and head out the door - it won't be easy. Try varying the time of day you run to avoid the heat. Pay attention to the foods you eat as this, too, can make a difference. Drink plenty of water. Set small specific goals. Stretch. Find a running partner. Research. Learn. Enjoy cross-training.: try something new! But most of all - relax and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. After all, you want to be doing this for a very long time and Abe's Army is a great way to move forward. No one can put the miles on your shoes - but we'll be there every step of the way to encourage you to meet your goals. Training is not easy - if it were, there would be a lot of people out on the roads. But the accomplishment that comes from meeting goals - big and small - are what keeps all of us, even leaders, on our feet.
Post your comments, follow the log, and we'll see you next week! Questions? Check out the link to the right "Abe's Army FAQ's".
Mary R. (9:30 - 10:00 pace group)
"There are as many reasons for running as there are days in the year, years in my life. But mostly I run because I am an animal and a child, an artist and a saint. So, too, are you. Find your own play, your own self-renewing compulsion, and you will become the person you are meant to be. " ~George Sheehan
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13 comments:
Tonight marked the one year anniversary of my having started running. WOW…what a difference a year makes! I remember starting Abe’s last year thinking “If I can even run half of this by race time, I’ll be pleased (and shocked)!” Well, one year and two half marathons later, here I am running Abe’s Army again. Great program! I definitely credit Abe’s for giving me the running bug, but it’s the encouragement, strength, and friendships of those I began running with last year that kept me running long after August. Tonight our group of six celebrated a year of not only running, but great friendships and good times. I encourage everyone new to Abe’s to find a group of runners with a similar pace to run with throughout the week….They become your reason for getting up early on Saturday morning, the reason you push yourself to do better, and the reason you just might find yourself signing up to run a half-marathon less than a year after huffing and puffing through your first mile. Oh, and one more thing...you won’t find better cheerleaders at the finish line!
Very cool - and congratulations on the one year mark - for me, this was my two year mark - and huffin' and puffin' aside, I've made some amazing friends along the way and have achieved more than I ever thought possible. Whether your goal is a 10K or a marathon - or just going a step further than you did yesterday - you're discovering the power and the energy of the group.
Thanks for your post!
Wow, congratulations on your running anniversaries! May I add that everyone did great last night! Way to hang in there! It was one of the warmest evenings (maybe THE warmest) of the year. I think the people working at the race barns thought we were all crazy.
Anne
Group 5
Yes, Congratulations Tressa! It has to make you smile a mile long!!! You are no longer a rookie, you ARE a runner!!!
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Oh and btw, for those that do not know Mary Rogers very well, she only looks like that (her blog pic) after she bathes in mud~~ It is great for the face right? LOL!) ;)
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I want to acknowledge Eleanor Singleton, Kathy Buskirk, Jim O'Brien, Madalyn Draper and Janet Powell. Last year I was their platoon leader... They too, after several 5K's, 10K's half marathons, and marathons, they have become your platoon leaders this year. I am so proud of them! They are such great friends and will be GREAT platoon leaders!!!
:):):):):)
As Mary always says, "The power of this group is simply amazing!"
-Emily K
platoon leader
9:30-10:00 pace group
Emily,
Kathy and Jim were in my group the year that I was an Abe's Army rookie. They're platoon leaders this year simply because they were so inspired by me becoming a leader LAST year. They weren't listening to you, the were watching me being a true leader among runners.
LOL!
Oh Barry! Of course! Of course!! What was I thinking??!?!? You are the one that "Keep(s) it strong!" HA! :)
Tressa,
Glad to hear about your accomplishment. Way to go! And now I have the privilege of having you in my group. I will push ya to improve.
It is very exciting to see all the first timer's and try to share with them what a wonderful thng Abe's Army is. One lady decided to try the running group instead of the walking group. She said she hated to leave us because we were such nice people. I told her there were about 500 nice people in Abe's Army and that her experience would be great no matter which group she chooses. It is difficult to explain to the new folks the wonderful and potentially life changing experience that they are embarking on. I guess all we can do is try to get them to stick around long enough to see for themselves.
Chuck,
I'm excited about our group and up for the challenge. I definitely want to improve my pace! Thanks
Thanks to everyone for the kudos! Go Abes!
There is a traveling Hot Rod Show at the Fairgrounds on Tuesday. Does anyone know if this is going to confilct with us on Tuesday night - it goes all day until 7 pm? I have had a couple of recruits ask me about it. They are worried they will have to pay to get into the fairgrounds and where we should meet. I didn't know anything about it, but the state fair website says it is taking place at the Foodorama (9 am-9pm)- which is where we meet, and Midway area. Any thoughts?
Lori Platoon Leader 10-10:30
Group 14
The Hot Rod Show will be using the area around the Coliseum and the Foodorama. Our meeting point is the Commodities Patio and should not conflict. Jan Wilson has talked to the Fair officials today and they do not see a conflict with us using the fairgrounds. Unless a group is given the entire fairgrounds for an event, the gates are open to the public without a fee. We may find the grounds more congested and Jan has been given some suggestions on the best paths to run tomorrow night. She will go over these with all the platoons and leaders before the run starts. Lot 21 is still open for us for parking.
Linda Jones
Hi. My husband is working out at the fairgrounds for the Hotrod Show today and said it’s a total mess. Cars are waiting to get in and people are everywhere. Are we still meeting at the fairgrounds? And if so where?
This will be more like the real race then: perfect training conditions!
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