Heading Into Week Three

So how does it feel so far? You should all feel empowered that you are doing something so great for yourselves! It doesn’t matter what your speed is; it matters that you’re out there working to get more fit and enjoying the path to success!
This week we’ll work to get everyone to a pace that will work for training. The STARTERS will be doing a timed run to find a pace for a 1-1/2 mile to 2 mile run and will get organized into groups with leaders. The goal is to run YOUR PACE—even if this means doing a walk/run. We’ll organize at the Grandstand and have timers on the course and a stopping point. At the stopping point we’ll get organized into groups and then do a short cool down. We’ll explain all this before the evening run starts.
Anyone who wishes to run with the STARTERS to check your pace or look to get assigned in a different pace group is welcome to do so. Usually we’ve started the first night with a timed run, but this year we decided to give recruits some time to build conditioning and get used to pacing themselves before doing the timed run. The decision to stay with your assigned group or try the timed run is entirely yours. If you think you need a faster or slower group, don’t be shy in telling your current platoon leaders that you want to try a different pace!
The closer you are to a pace you find manageable but edgy (my word for challenging!) the more likely you will be able to complete the run. It also is immensely helpful to have others your same pace and leaders to help you through the run. Remember, that over the 12 weeks, your speed may change a lot so you might find it difficult to find the exact group to pace with—but don’t give up! There’s lots of runners out there trying to find a group and we have over 125 leaders to help you! If you are having second doubts and wonder if you can do this, please send me an email and give us a chance to help you! I’m confident we can fit you in a group that meets your needs!

Linda (jones.linda@mhsil.com)