Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Trying Again

Some of you will remember our grand plan to encourage new runners from last year. The running club sponsored a "Couch to 5K" program at the Y. We didn't do a very good job of publicizing it though, and we only got one new runner. She stuck with us and ran her first race at our targeted 5K. Here is what she has to say:

I made it to the end of the year with a new love of running - if you don't remember I was the only couch to 5k runner from last spring. So reflecting back to this time last year I am pretty happy with my accomplishments. I can run and feel good, I have completed two half-marathons, various other 5k, 10k and 12k's and I am ready to sign up for my first marathon! So looking back at my numbers I am very happy to be able to call myself a runner.Here is to running for fun in the new year!

We had been talking about trying again, and those words were all the inspiration I needed to get moving on it. This year we have a Y staff member assigned to help us out, and she is one of our Run Club runners, so I am hoping we get a few more people out. I've already had two requests for the training plan - even though we won't start till February. I hope to read lots of stories like that at this time next year!

Eric is down with a stomach bug, and I am feeling a little wonky in the tummy. I have a couple of appointments today, so I am hoping it's just sympathy wonkiness and not real. I can be sick tomorrow, but not today!

Yesterday I flaked out on my run. We had black ice everywhere on Monday, then it snowed during the night, followed by buckets of cold rain. I figured it was a slushy, slippery mess and went back to sleep. This morning it was windy and about 35, and even though it rained all night, Jane and I thought we'd go out for the hill run. We discovered that there were still patches of ice, and that flashlights and headlamps don't really pick them out. We ran to the top of the first hill and started down the back side, but it was way too slick. We decided to bail on the hills. We turned around and ran through neighborhoods till we had an hour in. Our mileage was 4.7 - lots of tiptoeing over icy spots to slow us down. Right now, I'd like 40 degrees and rain, then I would know the streets are ice free!

Signing off from gray and cold Puyallup, where the streets are slick, the runners are careful and princess runners tiptoe over ice!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

How fun, to adopt new runners like that. I need to find a new "subject" now that my sister is part of the club.
I hope both the gray skies and the tummy yucks are history soon!

Anne said...

That's really a wonderful way to thank the people who turned that coach potato into a runner. I hope your outreach works again this year and brings in more people. To start a running program in February in the snowy/cold Northwest is dedication indeed.

Emily said...

Oh my gosh. George had the stomach bug yesterday and today. I hope they did not catch it from the party on Sunday.

Joe said...

Cool program, Michelle.

And good decision when facing black ice..ugh!

Unknown said...

Falling on black ice builds character and makes really tough trail runners as well. Nothing like a good crash on pavement to toughen you up a bit:) Ok, so I suppose it was a better idea to head to the flatter stuff in the neighborhoods. I hope the C25k goes well.

Ms Eva said...

This weather certainly wrecks havoc on one's training plans! Fun for sledding... not so for running.

Anonymous said...

It's RAINING!!!! Enjoy it . . . you told me to keep telling you that!!! ROFL!!!

Jane

jessica said...

I'll glad to spur enough mojo to get the program going this year. The club was a great support to the determination that I already had. Here is a link to my blog - I've been hiding it until I'm ready for the whole world to see. http://jessica-slowandsteady.blogspot.com/

Hopefully I'll see you at the track tonight - take care of your tummys', Jessica

jessica said...

Oh boy, here we go - guess if the running club can see my blog, then I have that many more people to keep my honest! Here I come world - go for it Michele, post the blog!

shawn said...

My vote is also for bailing when black ice is present. Unless you can safely tip toe around it of course. Hmm, too bad you couldn't be like the princess in Mario Brothers 2 and just float over it.

Dori said...

Congratulations to your C25K runner! I hope you feel better--and that your weather improves soon.

Anonymous said...

Crazy weather! Stay safe out there. We don't want any injuries happening.

Good luck with the new runners program. What a great idea.

Anonymous said...

Crazy weather! Stay safe out there. We don't want any injuries happening.

Good luck with the new runners program. What a great idea.

Irene said...

I love the couch to 5k concept and I know a few people who did have success with it. I hope you're able to reach more people at you Y this year!

That's some weird weather!

Sunshine said...

What a great program to encourage folks to run!
Take care, avoid injury, survive until spring........

Meghan said...

Happy belated birthday, Michelle! My, were you ever the princess! You look wonderful and so happy!

Your description of the roads around you sound frightening with the frozen rain, puddles, and snow. Eeks!

Meghan

Sarah said...

Good luck with the club this year. I say if you convert just one new runner, its a success! : )