A new yet very familiar running partner

Ladies and Gentlemen: Pigs are Flyin.

Yesterday was a pretty good Monday. Work was a bit crazy (but that is nothing new). Steve got home relatively early. We had dinner prepared thanks to my dinner co-op (I can share in a later post). Instead of our usual vegging out on the couch we decided to give our cars some much needed TLC. While were were washing them I could get over of how PERFECT the weather and how I was not running! So, I just happen to drop the hint to Steve that we should go for a run. I was completely taken back when he agreed..remember this? but let's be honest I said what if we went to the trail for a walk/run.. all he heard was the walk part ;) We headed home and changed into some running gear and hit the trail. I tried to keep the pace pretty fast because the last time we ran he became injured because he was going to slow. A few times I looked back (yep, back) and he had a big grin on his face because he knew I was purposely trying to push him. He said he felt good and we turned around at the mile mark and walked back. We stretched a lot and no knee pain but it finally came out. He has no desire to be a runner.. but hey, I've heard that before.

Here's to my new GYRO project, Steve. The whole run I was thinking "take  a picture for the blog" but I forgot.. :( Maybe next time..because with me..there is always a next time :)

GYRO,

Sarah

The Huckleberry 3

After work, I ran 3 miles with my friend Nicki on the Huckleberry. After Saturdays run I'd really been wanting to get out there but without running partners we all know where I spend my night (on the couch!) So, I guess my excitement to get back out there pushed our pace a little bit. Physically it was really tough but mentally it was just what I needed.

After we'd finished we stretched and talked some about really ramping up GYRO for the summer. I'm really excited about this and having Nicki's help. We made a brief plan on some ways to generate excitement and get others out there running with us. Look for the e-mail coming soon!

Anyway, tonight I was also reminded by my friends Julie and Kim that running is much more fun when you do it together. They also reminded me why eating greasy food is not good for the system when you've been eating healthy..but I regress.. So here is to a summer of GYRO. Can't wait to hear your stories.

GYRO.

Sarah

Why do you run?

I run because of the feeling afterwards. I run to relieve stress. I run because I'm only competing against myself.

Today a great friend said to me that she's been having the urge to run because walking just wasn't cutting it to get all her aggression, stress, worry, etc out. I kind of chuckled because she has fought the running thing and me pushing her to run for a long time now (let's say at least 5 years). Today, She set a goal to run to the end of the street. We all run for different reasons and we get into running from a variety of different paths so whatever it is that is motivating or urging you to get out there, just go get your run on. Today, not tomorrow.

By the way, this friend is the first person I met when I came into the world 25 years ago today. I love her dearly and to hear her say these words put a smile on my face. I'm looking forward to helping her find out why she runs.

Why do you run?

Back in the saddle

Yesterday was a beautiful day in VA. The high was 72 and sunny. How could I not run?

Of course I had some good company, as I do on all runs. My friend Nicki joined me. She is training for a half marathon in the Spring. It's one of my favorite things to run and talk and see friends get excited about running and set goals. If you remember this post, that is what GYRO is all about. I know Nicki will reach her goal and then some.. especially now that I've blogged about it :)

Most of my running partners famous last words are "I'm just starting and I can't go far". Once you run with someone else and they push you just little you quickly realize running is all in your head. It's something I constantly remind myself of when pushing it just one more mile.. If you have never ran with someone, give it a try just make sure they are your pace. Time quickly passes when you are talking.

We had a nice 3.75 mile run at a 10:15 pace. We talked a lot about running and some of our goals in the next couple of months which really got me excited to be in my running shoes again.

I felt great. Nothing hurt and just a little soreness in my hips and knees later in the evening. Surprisingly, I could hardly tell it had been over 4 weeks since my last run, the marathon. When I turned on the Garmin to track this run it still read 26.4 and 4:44 so erasing it felt like a new beginning.

On a side note, Jenny, an original GYRO Delaware member and Chandler, a GYRO partner from Delaware and Lousiville will be running the Philadelphia marathon in just a little under 2 weeks. I know they will do great and all their hard work during training will pay off.

Still haven't run..

Saturday will mark 3 weeks since the marathon.

Although, I have been very busy (sales in the 4th quarter are no joke!) and its getting darker earlier and earlier and not to mention the cooler temperatures--that is NO EXCUSE.

I have family in town this weekend, but I hate to train so hard and for so long just to lose it. I'll be hitting the pavement this weekend just so my shoes don't get lonely :)

I am trying to sweet talk Steve into another marathon in early spring.. I'll be sure to give you the updates.

Is anyone else training for something? How's it going?