Watching "Funny People" - Less "funny" than you'd think.

I'm blogging for 2 reasons. 1. We're watching Funny People and I'm about to start crying, so I needed a distraction. This movie should have been called "Miserable People."

AhhH! Paul from Mad About You just came on and he looks OOOOLLLD.

But, I digress.

The second reason I'm blogging is because I. Am. The. Man. I felt so good after running 3 miles with my girls this morning, that I came home and demanded that Preston join me for a bike ride. We rode for 8 miles! I feel like I should jump in the pool for a while to complete my own fun version of a triathalon.

We're up to 4-1 intervals and a 5k is officially feeling like a very do-able goal. In fact, we're already planning the next runs - a Halloween run (theme: Super Heroes) and Preston and I are going to do the Turkey Trot in Charleston for Thanksgiving. That's the plan... basically, keep signing up for (and paying for!) runs in various locations for various causes to stay motivated.

I am getting a smidge nervous about the group runs ending (ok, still got 4 weeks, but I'm a planner) but I think there are several of us that can get together and continue at least a couple of times a week.

The cooler weather is much appreciated - I'm not sure if I feel so much better after running now because it's nicer outside, or because I'm really that much better in shape, but either way - good times.

In honor of the Vampire Weekend show I bought tickets to last night, today's official running song is Horchata by, well, Vampire Weekend.

Oh hey, now Adam Sandler isn't dying. Did I ruin it for you? Ok I hope not, but really, don't waste your money.

Nap time.
Sarah

Usually this is more fun.

Group C officially started 4-1 intervals yesterday. Wow. That is harder. But I still did it! I was pretty drained after though. Even a little lightheaded. Maybe a nutrition problem?

Today it was pouring down rain. Even with my enthusiasm, downpours are just not something I felt like dealing with. Sprinkles, sure. Even steady rain, OK. But not downpours.

So, I put aside 30 minutes after work to do a quick couple of miles. Well, I didn't quite make it. In fact, I threw in the towel after only about a mile and a half. I know, lame. I'm not sure if it was the hard run yesterday, the increased traffic (and therefore, more mental games about how I looked while running) or the heavy lunch, but my calves were screaming, my lungs were wheezing, and I just wasn't feeling it.

But hey, that's 20 minutes of exercise I wouldn't have gotten otherwise, so it's better than nothing! I need to be careful not to get discouraged by one bad day. Everyone has them. Right?

Sarah

It's like I'm in their club...

So, there are basically 2 categories of people, runners, and non-runners. I was, until very recently, safely in the "non-runner" category. And there was like this magical club where all of the runners met and talked about things like pronation and routes, and stretching, and what race they were running next, and well, they didn't bother talking about that stuff with us non-runners because, well, we didn't so much care.

But I think they're starting to let me in. I'll give you an example. David, one of my work buddies is a serious runner. He blows past people on the racecourse while pushing his daughter in a baby stroller. He's been checking in on my running progress. Today he even offerred a tip for soggy tennis shoes... remove inserts and put in crumpled newspaper.

This is a simple thing. But this is not a conversation David and I would have had before this whole running thing. And he's not the only one. I've been sharing my adventures and more and more people are coming out to not just support me with words and "good for you!"s, but also with insider tips. And it makes me feel like "one of them." You know, the runners.

We did 2.5 miles today at 3-1 around Lake Lynn. Remember, this is where I started this whole adventure, and I could BARELY run 90 seconds and walk 2 minutes for 1 mile. Talk about progression. When you consider how much improvement we've made as a collective group, it's even more impressive.

I may not run like a deer, like some of those cute, skinny, tan girls in their sports bras and little shorts, but I'm still running, and I'm getting better every week.

So thanks, runners, for letting me into your club. It's good times.

Sarah

Week 4 - ROCK

Another Monday morning run down! 2.25 ish in about 30 minutes. Group C is rocking it. Our pace was a lot faster, but for the most part, we kept up! It sure goes faster at a 3-1 interval.

I ran at the River on Saturday. It's beautiful down there, but gees, it it a boring run. Fields on one side, fields on the other. Straight. Windy. Less fun than I'd hoped. I might drive into bath or belhaven in the future for at least something to look at. Oh, and got chased by pit bulls - another downside to River running. Luckily, I know all about being a pack leader and gave that stupid dog my very serious "NO!!!" Plan B was to kick his head. Will avoid that path next time as that was not fun. And I'm not fast enough to just run away. Must work on that.

Looking forward to weather that is not humid or hot. October is going to be great.

Sarah

Running Song of the day: Everything is Alright by Motion City Soundtrack. Excellent pace.

Woot! 3.1 all by my selvsies.

I thank the DJ mashups I found on itunes. It was awesome. The weather was great - overcast, a little breezy, about 77. The greenway near our house is nice and flat too - not to diminish the accomplishment, but I'm just saying. Still a long way to go! I'm thrilled that I managed to do the 3-1 interval the whole way. Just think, last week I couldn't imagine running three minutes at a time!

It was good to get this run in this morning(I have the day off), because it was a long and stressful week. Combine the board meeting with the AFP conference out of town, and I didn't have any spare time to get group runs in.

Thanks to everyone for their words of encouragement - and if you're trying to start a running program I suggest this ... tell EVERYONE. It's just more people to hold you accountable and cheer you on. Even people at AFP know about my little 5k in September. And I know, that next time I see them, they'll ask how it went. It's going to be great to tell them how fun it was!

Happy Friday! I'm off to the River this weekend. Back to 6am runs Monday. Woot!

Sarah

Did it! Much awesome.

Woo hoo! We made it 2 miles at a 3-1 interval. That makes us AWESOME. I dreaded it all week. I credit our fearless volunteer leader, Megan, who set us at a great pace. You can do just about anything if you go slow enough. haha.

I haven't really talked about our volunteers. There are usually 5-6 per group and they spread out throughout. They are the most encouraging group of people you've ever met. Evelyn started cheers. Georgia gave me some stretching tips. Megan encouraged us to talk so that we would get distracted and not think about our intervals. Some volunteers stay behind with the folks that are struggling and keep them moving ahead. No one ever has to run alone.

So here's a shout out to the ladies that keep us going.

In other news, I got a wicked-awesome new haircut. Short. Will make ponytails challenging, but I have some very cute headbands that should do the trick.

Oh, and here's an article I like a lot. Many of these are no-brainers, but others are some things you may never have thought about before. http://completerunning.com/archives/2006/09/12/100-beginner-running-tips/

New feature: Running song of the week... Drunken Lullabies by Flogging Molly.

Happy weekend!

Sarah

Please, God, let it get cooler soon.

Tonight was another tough one. After feeling encouraged by my Tuesday morning run, today set me back a bit. I kept up for nearly all, but lost it on the last interval. I just couldn't push it one step further. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about our interval increase on Saturday - group C moves to 3-1. Might need to bring the iPod shuffle to make it through. Thank goodness for my running partner (we can give it a label now, right D? haha). Wouldn't have made it through tonight's run without her.

Bra report: Settled on one I scouted out online and purchased at REI. It is made by Moving Comfort (good call Brandy) and it is GENIUS. Today was the first time I didn't think about my boobs. Hopefully it will also help the upper back soreness. Invest in a good bra. They told me this, and I didn't listen. Those cute Champion ones at Target are cute, but they got NOTHING on this $44 piece of perfection.

So, if you're feeling so motivated (ahem Dana and Brandy) I'd love it if you'd join me for the 5k - $25 to sign up and you don't have to fundraise. And it's women only, and for many of us, it's our first real race. Sept. 25th in downtown Raleigh. Either way, expect an event of some sort to celebrate that weekend. Or come out and volunteer! Just let me know and I'll get you signed up.

So, that is all. I reward myself with a skinny cow icecream bar. uh, YUM.

Sarah

Yikes.

Yikes gang. I am hurting after pushing it a little much this morning. I am thrilled tomorrow is a rest day. My first taste of knee pain was not so fun. Also, I think I need a better bra. I'm pretty sure that's why my back has felt so tired as I'm not tensing or anything.

Found these at www.titlenine.com. Will order and report back. Just the fact they categorize them by barbells gives me hope. These puppies need to strapped down. Too graphic? Sorry. That's just how it is.

Week 2 going swimmingly. Who wants to run the 5k with me??? (sorry fellows - ladies only)

Sarah

Soggy mountain wedding

My roommate from freshman and sophomre years at ASU, Susan Sheek, got married this weekend up near Sparta. It was a soggy mess, but she looked amazing and is so happy. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton!

Susan ran a marathon a couple of years ago. She set a goal, and just went for it! I am always amazed by Susan's gumption - she even lived in India and Indonesia for 2 years!

So on the running front, I did, in fact run! I managed to squeak in 30 minutes before brunch. And, I learned a few things:
1. Running in the rain is fun!
2. Running in a sceninc location makes it go by a lot faster. Running chickens providing roadside entertainment = major bonus.
3. Running up a mountain SUCKS.
4. Running downhill is wicked fun, but it makes new muscles sore the next day.
5. Altitude SUCKS.
6. 70 degrees ROCKS.

So, I definitely earned that extra piece of wedding cake. Right?

Sarah