Starting a running group

I know many people love to run alone and I do at times but I love running with a buddy.  I have been running with my SIL but she is currently pregnant and has not been running as much.  So I decided to try and find a running group.  I tried a local running club but really did not click with any members plus the times of the runs were not convenient.

 So embracing stepping out of my comfort zone, I have decided to set up my own running group.  I am really lost on how to go about it.  I really dont know too many runners in my area ( I guess the point of starting a group).  I have started researching and reaching out to some people but really I am still at square one.  So I thought I would reach out to the blogging world.  I have a few questions...

Have you started a running group?

Live in the area and want find some running buddies?

Have any tips on how to start a group?

When researching, I stumbled upon Irun Mommies and was wondering if anyone had any experience with them?

Any input would be greatly appericated.

I am very excited to get this group in motion...

Tangent Tuesday: The Half Edition

This weekend I am running the Half at the Hamptons this weekend.  I am very excited for the race this weekend.  I have not run a half sense May 2010 so I am pumped.  This is a a little unique for me sense it is more of a training run for the marathon than a race.

Three Reasons I am excited about this race...

1.  We run along the beach and I find nothing more relaxing or peaceful than running along the water.  I have been missing running along the water due to all the snow so I am pumped to be back along the beach.

Even though it will probably look like this

2. I am wearing my new running skirt.  I just bought two skirt recently and I have fallen in love with them.  I have been running in them when on the treadmill but never outside.  This being New England in Winter I will be wearing tights or capris under it.

3.  The weather is suppose to be great this week well after today.  It is suppose to be in the 40s and 50s which is pretty amazing considering the weather have been having.  Though the  temps wont be that high on Sunday  it is suppose to be 30 and sunny.  I am very happy not to be running in temps in the 10s.

My goal for this race is 2:20.  Again this is more of a training run than  race so I need to stick with that pace.  Though it wont be a PR it would be about 12 minute improvement  from my last race so that is a plus.

Do you love racing?

Do you use them as training runs?

Where is your favorite place to run?

My Hot Valentine's Date

I wish I was cuddling on the couch watching TV with this guy:

or this guy

But the first guy is at class and the second guy is fast asleep in his crib.

So these two are my hot dates

AND

Hope your Valentine's night is a little more exciting then mine!!

Recommiting...

So it has been a while since my last blog post.  I have been struggling this winter with running.  I could go with my various reasons/ excuses that I have not ran as much as should be and thus not much to blog about in the last couple of weeks but I wont.  Instead I will simply say that now everyone in the family is healthy again.  I am here and I am running.  I have some great blog posts and giveways coming.

Two a day...

I did something I have never done before... actually two things.  First, I ran 10 miles on a treadmill. Before that the longest I probably did was 5 or 6 miles.  Second, I ran twice in one day.  I needed to get my long run but J had to work and had class so he was gone for almost 13 hours.  I could not run outside with the jogging stroller due to the snow this week not to mention it was 8 degrees yesterday a little could for L Boogie.  My only option was the treadmill.  I was not sold on the idea but I headed down to the treadmill.  I put in a movie The Holiday ( better late than never) and was getting into a good groove when L boogie who normally sleep 2 to 3 hours woke up 65 minutes into my run ( only 6.25 completed)  I hoped he would fall back asleep but no luck.  So I ended saying I would finish when J came home but wasn't sure I would.

Well 3 hours later I found myself back downstairs doing another 3.75 to complete the whole 10 miles. 

I wish I could have done it all at once but it just wasn't feasible this weekend.  I was worried that this is not as effective doing a long run at all once.  I did some research, read some forums, blogs and articles about this topic.

Here an article
http://www.runningplanet.com/training/splitting-your-long-run.html

And a blog post from
Jess Runs

Conclusion from my research is it ok to split your run when:
That is the only option ( time constraints, heat, cold etc)
You don't do it all the time
You are looking to break any records in your race.

My conclusion is getting the 10 miles is better than not for me and in order for me to be successful in marathon training I need to be flexible.  If some weeks my long run needs to be split so be it although i would aim for less than 3 times in a training cycle.   Training as a whole is more important than one run...


I would love some more expert opinions on this topic....

Do you ever split your long runs?  Why and how often?
What are your thoughs on this topica

Plans for the week... skipping into the new week!!!

I very rarely say this but I am excited to start a new week.  Things have just been going great in many areas of my life... family, health, running, etc.  And those things that are not  going so great I feel invigorated and ready to tackle them head on.  I have been focusing on exercising, clean eating and focusing on the simple things in life.... its working!  Life is good!

Plans for the week

Sunday: Rest
Monday: 60 min Bootcamp
Tuesday: 1 mile warm up 12x 400 (90 sec RI) 1 mile cool down
Wednesday: 60 Min Bootcamp
Thursday: 1 mile warm up 4 mile tempo 1 mile cool down
Friday: 60 Min Bootcamp
Saturday: 11 mile long run



Just cause I really think this has helped my mood I will share 10 simple things that made me happy today ( in no certain order)

1. Watching L Boogie  dance
2.  Walking my door
3. The new flavors of greek yogurt
4.  Staying on budget at the grocery store
5. J coming home after he was at work all day
6.  Bedtime stories with L Boogie
7.  Cooking dinner
8.  Thinking about my upcoming week
9.  Reading so great blogs
10.  Cuddling on the couch with J

What are some simple things that made you happy today?

In need of a little decorating help...

As you know we recently bought a treadmill.  Unfortunately it is stuck in the basement since we live on the 3rd floor and I don't think my neighbors would appreciate hearing me run on my treadmill above them esp before 6am.  Well I am not a fan of running in the basement so far.  We live in old three family home and the basement is kinda gross and scary...

We managed to move stuff around so I am not looking at a bunch of boxes.  This is my view:

My wonderful husband is will to take down his dartboard and let me have the whole space to decorate as I see fit.  Except I am clueless on what to do.

Any ideas?  Care to share your workout space?

I would love any decorating help... Thanks!!