I find the energy at the FNRC runs these days to be unbelievable. The number of people with the variety of runners and paces is absolutely inspiring. It is hard to “hold back” and not run too fast when the energy is so high. Although difficult to explain, it is similar to the feeling of racing where the excitement is so high, and you have focus on relaxing and keeping the pace easy enough so as not to bonk die before the end. However, this is NOT a race but our normal group run atmosphere, on our home trail, with our friends. I not only feel lucky to be part of this group but am constantly inspired by the influx of newbies. I feel compelled to run strong, NOT BITCH COMPLAIN and strive to be better so that I am a good example for those who put their heart on the line and have the courage to step up to run with our group. I know joining a group run can be scary but it appears that A LOT of YOU people are overcoming their fears and stepping up to join us! Thank you, newbies! You push the rest of us to be better, and be present, not only for all of you but for ourselves. Amazing!
Today we had two groups, an early group of longer runners who drug themselves out of bed for a 7am start. Here they are from left: Joe, Pat, Kate, Mary, Kelly, Susan, Joyelle, Lynn & Lara.
We then had to push a little bit to be on time to pick up the second group of sleepyheads runners. When we got to the next pick up we doubled in size. Here is the group that made it to the 2nd pick up from Top left: Dawn, April, Jennifer, Nicole, Kate, Gennie, Kelly, Lisa, Me, Lara, Joe. Bottom left: Cathie, Nicole, Melissa.
So the two groups equaled 19 people, then we “found” Diane (not pictured) along the way and she made 20! Thank you, Diane for making an appearance so we could break yesterday’s record of 19! Whoooop!
The run was really awesome on all levels from the weather, the atmosphere to the conversation. Great day! I had initially planned to run with my Ragnar Vanmates this morning and was fortunate to have many more on the trail! My Ragnar Van: Kate, Lara & Me.
We also saw Lara’s Hubby our Van driver out training this morning so made him stop for a photo op too! And since Kelly is one of our volunteers, we had almost the entire Chicago contingent of Team “Chicked” for the pic: Kelly (volunteer), Lara, Nels (driver), Kate & Me.
The group really was all over the board this morning with paces and distances. We had a large group of run/walkers, and everything from 3-12 miles at various paces. I needed 12 this morning and Joe showed up a few minutes early to squeeze in two miles with me before the rest of the group arrived. The majority of the group ran 10 miles. The temps were cooler initially at 24 degrees but we didn’t have the wind today and it was a beautiful day to get out and burn some calories run before the Super Bowl parties this afternoon.
My total: 12.07 miles in 1:49. I was hoping to keep it around 9 minute miles today and we did very well. We were faster for the most part but then had to slow to a walk thru a few icy sections so it worked out to a 9:03 average. Can’t complain about that. I am pushing for a sub 1:50 in the 13.1 Miami Beach race in 4 weeks. It seemed very doable until Ang told me that 6 or 7 miles of the 13.1 were bridge inclines……hmmmmm, don’t count me out yet. I’m feeling strong.
Any big plans for Super Bowl? Who are you rooting for this year? Did you get a run/workout this morning?
Happy Running, Amanda – TooTallFritz
TooTallFritz 