Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Chili Overload?

To beat a standard case of the Mondays, I participated in the local running groups' chili run (Running for Kicks). The event was sponsored by Mizuno and the chili was from Lindy's and Gertie's. Amanda's parents own 2 local franchises so it was nice to support their local business! There were tons of familiar faces at this run, friends both IRL and online!
Source: RFK Facebook Page
This photo is just a small sample because there were probably about 10 people who were still in the store as this photo was taken! It was a great run with great friends, and I really wish I could make it out there more often. Unfortunately, to get there on time, I had to leave work an hour early, take a different train, and change in the car. Maybe my next Monday off work I'll be there again... As this was my 3rd day running in a row, I didn't want to push too hard. I completed 4+ miles in about 38 minutes (8:56 pace). There were some hills but not a ton. It was just fun to run with a large group of some of my favorite running pals! :)

In other news, I've officially signed up to be a Ragnar Relay volunteer. Kate LF and I are signed up to help out our friend Kate S. and Amanda on Team Chicked! (Definition of "chicked" found here.) I'm looking forward to helping out my friends and hopefully I get one of the coveted volunteer spots at the finish line! Volunteer sign up is April 9 and the race is June 8 and 9. Much more to come on that in the months to come.

I've recently started reading Hal Higdon's book, Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide, as I've mentioned in a previous post.
There are so many things I wish I would have known before I ran my first marathon! I really missed the boat on this one, and I highly highly recommend for anyone about to embark on their first marathon to READ IT!!! The chapter I'm reading today focuses on the 10 Truths About Marathon Achievement. I couldn't agree more with Hal's approach and I thought it would be great to share them with all of you!

1) Progressively longer runs will get you to the finish line
2) Scheduling rest days is the key to staying healthy
3) Taking one step back allows you to take two steps forward
4) Speed training can be a double edged sword
5) Learning pace and learning to race are the two most critical skills
6) Consistency, rather than spectacular workouts, is what counts in the long run
7) Nutrition is an oft-overlooked factor in marathon success
8) Practice everything connected with the marathon, not just the running of it
9) Tapering-reducing your training in order to be better rested for an upcoming big race-is both an art and a science
10) You'll go only as far as your motivation will carry you

10 comments:

  1. I just read that chapter today! :) YAY we're both reading it

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  2. Yay! Such a good book! I love Hal's words of wisdom for all types of runners. :)

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  3. I read that book within like 2 weeks of getting it Kelly, which was like 3.5 months before the marathon! It's a great book!

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  4. runningforthekitchenFebruary 1, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    i really want to read that book! i may make a library visit soon! thanks fro sharing!

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  5. I know I'm way late to this party train. I wish I would have read it before--I think it would have helped me to be more mentally prepared and less focused on a time. I agree, it is a great book so far!!

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  6. Thanks so much for joining us in the Ragnar advneture as a volunteer! We can't possibly express our thanks to you and Kate LF enough!

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  7. I'm happy to give it a try on the volunteering side before jumping in with both feet. Looking forward to it in the months to come! :)

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  8. Man I loved these 10 truths. Luckily, I practice about 1 of them. I'm such a pro.

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  9. Haha... It is so true though! Hal is a wise man.

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