 Another Saturday run, another brutal week. There seems to be a pattern developing and I don’t like it. I will tell you that I have never seen three weeks in a row with heat and humidity like we have just experienced. We had to cut our speed work short because of the storm on Wednesday. It was not the rain, we run in the rain, but the lightening was all around us. We tried to wait it out but it went on all evening. That is a first in all my years of training. In the end it will make us stronger. Just think on 10-10-10 when the temperature is in the low 40’s how fast we will be after training in this stuff. As the mileage gets high you may think about dropping back a pace. I know you are starting to get accustomed to your group and leaders but there are nice people and good leaders at other paces as well.
We have a holiday weekend coming up and many of you have plans, I hope they include training. Like I said Saturday, our enemy doesn’t take time off for holidays. He will only get stronger as the mileage gets higher. He will be watching and will know who does their miles and who doesn’t, so will I. Don’t make him smile by not doing your miles. If you don’t do your miles he will smell weakness and he will grow stronger.
Make me smile by doing your training, holiday or not.
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Please check out the new event just posted about supporting our troops. Please help out if you can.
Click on the group photos at the bottom of our home page for a brief story about them. Soon we will start to feature a new runner to our group each week.
If you were paying attention on Saturday you heard me talk to you about what a worthy adversary we will face over the next 16 weeks. I have faced this enemy many times and it is only by drawing on the strength of those I train with am I able to defeat this enemy. I asked you to watch for the enemy. I warned you he might be hiding anyplace. While you’re looking for the enemy, look at your fellow runners, know that they are feeling and going through the same things you are. Draw strength from and give strength to those you journey with. We are all going to the same place; some will just get there sooner then others. |
The journey has begun. This journey will be difficult. You are part of a very special group of friends. If you are willing to do what must be done, you will find great support. It will not matter if you hope to run a 3-hour marathon or just to finish, your group leaders the friends you have or soon will make and myself will be with you along the way. If at any time I help you in any way let me know. I am easy to contact. You can e-mail gokarts@juno.com me or phone my home, 708-429-9598. Feel free to phone up to 9:30pm.
A few reminders of how we do things. I will make every effort to get running by 7:00am. If you want to hear any announcements or any of the stories I may tell you should be there by 6:50am.
Please keep the water stops clean. Group leaders do a lot for us and we should not expect them to clean up the water stops. Please conserve cups when you can. Perhaps you can carry a cup from one stop to the next. Water belongs in you NOT on you. Drink all you want but do not pour any over your head. We have many runners and bikers not with our group take our water. I never want to see one of our runners get to a water stop and find it empty. So don’t waste water.
Please wear your shoe tag. This way I’ll know who is supporting the group and who is looking for the benefits of the group without supporting us. A big benefit of running with us is the group events that we do throughout the year. Check out are events page. Most have been posted but others may come up as the year goes along. Any questions about any of these ask you group leaders or myself.
First time marathoners please send me a couple paragraphs about yourself and why you are running this marathon. I have received a few already.
Check out our sponsors below and if you use any of the service they provide give them a call. If you want to become a sponsor let me know. Our rates are very reasonable. |
