Running with the group.

Is anyone running via the schedule listed above? I would like to get back into running. Let me know.

Tammy

Races

Julie, Marla and I are thinking of doing the Jingle Bell 5k and the Frostbite 2 mile if anyone else is interested.

Running?

Are you girls still running on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays?

Athens Heritage Days 4 Mile Run

Julie, Marla and I ran in this race today. 53 minutes was our time. How is everyone else doing?

Sherman 5K

Julie, Marla and I ran in the Sherman run. It was great to do a race again! Julie's time was 40:11 and mine was 40:22. I'm not sure about Marla's. We were happy because our goal was 40 minutes. Next week -- Athens 4 miler. If anyone can go, we'll meet you there!

Sherman Run

Is anyone doing the 5K in Sherman this Sunday?

Jacksonville was Awesome !!!

The 5K in Jacksonville this past Saturday was wonderful !! I hope that our entire group can do it next year. At the first mile, my time was 12:17. At the second mile, it was 25 something. I finished at 41:28 ---- whoo hoo !!!!

In addition to a T shirt, we each received a goody bag with lanyards, blinking lights to wear on evening runs, sunglasses, Biofreeze ... The organizers did an amazing job of soliciting sponsors -- more than 100 door prizes. I won a $20 gift certificate to the Springfield Running Center !!! All this for an $18 entry fee -- unbelievable. The course was flat, the weather was perfect.

I will definitely go back next year !!!

Tuesday and Thursday Running times changed.

Look to the right. - - - - >

We will be meeting on Tuesday & Thursday nights at 5:30 because it is getting dark out earlier & we want to get our runs in. (for now.)

Still running with a group.

We are still going to try and meet 3 days a week.

Look to the right. - - - - >

I have updated our "Runs".

A couple of more events.....

I finally have information on the Sherman Sesquicentennial 5K. Registration & sign-in is at the Sherman Athletic Club.
The race begins at 9am & is non-competitive but they will be awarding prizes to the top over-all finishers. In addition, they will have a kids fun run, diaper dash, toddler trot & pre-school sprint @ 10 am. So, it sounds like a fun event for the whole family! The cost is $10 w/a t-shirt. Visit shermalil.org for details or to download the registration form. I am defiately doing this event since this is why I started Abe's to begin with this summer!! I know the route if anyone is interested & would like to practice before the event.

Also, my family is involved with Special Olympics & our local chapter is having a walk/run event on October 11th, 8am @ Lincoln Park. This is a fund-raising event for our area 17 group. Minimum pledge amount is $50.00. It is a 1-3 mile run/walk. Water, fruit, and other breakfast items will be available. If interested you can register online @ www.activeusa.com or contact our Area Director Darrin Burrnett @ 544-3023, email: dburnett@soill.org -

Hope to see you soon!

Running with the group.

I was just wanting to know if anyone is interested in keeping a scheduled run? Do you want to keep meeting on Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings and/or Saturday morning? Please let me know what your thoughts are on this. I would like to still get together with you all (that want to). I need the group to keep me going.

Thank You Team M:P!

Well, you guys were awesome! Take a minute to look back at where you started and think of all you've accomplished in 13 short weeks. You should feel on top of the world!

It was an absolute joy and privilege to be a part of this team! I want to specifically thank Chris, Kellie, and Paul for being such awesome leaders -- what a fun group to experience leading with!

I hope you will continue running, either together or with other SRRC groups. I look forward to having the opportunity to meet up with you "on the roads" in January!

Even though I won't be able to run this Fall, I'll be checking in on the blog to see how you guys are doing. I'm granting administrative rights to both Tammy & Nancy so they are able to update all areas of the blog and keep the site fresh and new (feel free to call or email me if you have questions about updating other areas).

FYI - I added two new areas toward the bottom of the page. The first area lists all SRRC Races and the 2nd area lists all Springfield Area Races. I encourage you to participate. Also, in the upper right I added the Frost Toes blog address. They are a great group to train with and the Frostbite is a fantastic, challenging course...definitely something to think about. And from there...what's another 3.1 miles, right? Next thing you know, you'll be training with the Half Wits and running your first 13.1 in the Spring ! See? It becomes a vicious cycle that's hard to walk away from.....but hey, there are worse things : )

Please stay in touch! See you when it's cold : )

Thanks to all,
Tressa

Have you checked your packets ?

There are several good races in that packet from the Amble. I have already registered for the Shoreline Classic. In fact, the mailbox is just a 2.1 mile roundtrip from my house, so I jogged my entry over to it !!! My sister-in-law in Decatur is going to join me for the 5K.

I am also interested in the 5K in Jacksonville on August 30th. This could be a great road trip for TEAM MP !!!!!!!

Decatur

I'm sending in my entry for the 5K Run/Walk in the Decatur Shoreline Classic. Is anyone interested in training for that with me ?

Thanks For Encouragement!!

I can't tell you how much it helped to have the group come back and encourage me for the last 100 or so yards of the race. I'm not sure I could have pulled it together to jog those last steps, without your enthusiasm!

I also want to thank Nancy who tried to slow her pace to stay with me. It wasn't my day to improve. I would never visit that on anyone else. I'm glad you did as I asked and tried for your personal best!!

You All Rock!!

Love and Hugs to Everyone,
Nora

After the Amble .....

I am so psyched for the Amble but a little worried. What happens after the Amble ? I'll definitely need "wunning" buddies or I'll end up back on the couch !! Tressa, do the groups that meet on Panera's have any newbies like me, or are they all runners ? Will our little platoon keep together ? Help !!!

Race Day Goal

The Abe's Amble blog says that the awards ceremony starts at 9:30. My new goal: get in before the awards ceremony starts! ;o)

Race Shirt Etiquette

I found this interesting & thought i would share it.

Should I wear the shirt at the race? Race tradition has it that you do not wear the race shirt during the race. If you want to change into a dry shirt afterwards, that's acceptable. (ok, so it's a bizarre rite of passage --- I can only guess that the idea is that you have to earn the right to wear the shirt.). For next year's race, wear your shirt from this year. People will know you are a veteran.

You ARE Ready!

Great Job Tonight Ladies! You are soooo ready for the "Big Kahuna"!

Chris & Nancy...We missed you!
Cat...Take it easy and we hope to see you Sunday!

WE WILL MEET AT 6:30 a.m. at the entrance to the Bud Tent (this is where the race officials are and same day sign-up will be held). Parking is free to the the Abe's participants. Check your packets for the gate # for entry (I think it's the Westside entrance). Also, since I will not be running (boo hoo) I will be happy to hold on to any items you guys may want to carry with you until race time. I will also be "with camera" so plan on pictures, pictures, pictures!

Reminders for Sunday
-Packet pick-up is Saturday at Athleticare - Check the Abe's Blog for times.
-Drink, Drink, Drink on Saturday even into the evening.
-Lay your clothes out the night before. Pin your bib on your shirt and put your chip on your shoe. If you have questions on how to attach, we can do it Sunday morning.
-Think about the course prior to race day. Know where your turns are and during the race gradually move to that side of the road to cut back on time. The fewer the steps the faster your time.
-Eat carbs the night before. Pasta is always a good one.
-Eat a light breakfast. Banana, Bagel, Peanut Butter & Honey, Oatmeal, or whatever works for you.
-Don't start off too fast. Remember, it takes your body 15-20 minutes to run efficiently. If the energy of the day seems to carry you faster (and it usually does), hold off until mile 2 or 3 to pick up the pace. The last thing you want to do is poop out before the finish!
-Refuel 45 minutes into your run. Gu packets are great sources of fuel and come with caffeine or caffeine free. You can buy these at Dicks (near the checkout) or the Running Center. Sport beans or other candies can help wet your whistle when you are dry.
-Take advantage of the water stops along the way.
-PICTURES! Don't shy away from the photographers! Smile, wave, give a thumbs up, run closer to them...whatever! It will make for a great shot!
-RUN AT YOUR PACE! The "Power of the Group" got us to this point through encouragement, support, friendships, accountability etc. Most runners rely on "the group" to get through the training and to be there to share the rewards of their hard work and dedication, but RACE DAY IS YOUR DAY! Give it all you got! There will be plenty of support along the way for everyone in our group and those finishing early will be your biggest cheerleaders at the the finish!

I can't wait to see you guys on race day! I remember how exciting it was for me the first time! The energy out there is amazing! Team M:P is gonna ROCK!

See you Sunday Ladies!

Tuesday August 12, 2008

Hi all,
I will be home on the treadmill tomorrow evening. Dave is out of town and I don't have a sitter beyond 5:30. Good luck to all!!!
Chris

We Really Are Team Mission:Possible

Thanks Paul and Kellie for guiding us through our last "long" run before Abe's Amble. I plotted our course for this morning and it came up to 5.2 miles. I also checked the mileage from the parking lot at Washington Park and Paul had an extra 2.4 mile run (round trip) to and from his home.

Looking forward to seeing everyone this Tuesday!

Wouldn't it be great if we had the same fantastic weather for the race as we did for this morning?

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday....

Tuesday Rain Out!
A couple of us didn't get the message until late, so we were there and were able to get in a 30 minute workout. Great job!

Thursday Parade Run
Good luck to those of you running the parade run. Drink a ton of fluid that day as it will be HOT, HOT, HOT! Enjoy the crowds and have fun! Anyone not participating in the race may want to meet at the Wabash Trail at 6:30. Double check with Nora or Nancy to see if a group is still meeting.

Saturday Route
We will return to Washington Park 7:30a.m. for a 4 miler (see lower right section of blog for updates). Paul Green will definitely be there to help lead, but there is a good chance I will not. This will be your last "Long Run/Walk" before the Amble...Have Fun!

Not much longer now...You guys are gonna rock your 1st Amble!

Athens Heritage Days 4 mile Road Race

A couple friends of mine put on this race. This is the second year, so they are trying to recruit more runners/walkers. The date is September 27th. The cost is $13 and that includes a tee shirt to the first 100 registrants. They asked me to tell my running group. (Who would have thought that I would ever have a running group!) If you are interested, you can download an application at www.athens-il.net.

August 5th

Hello everybody. Where is the run this Tuesday?

Carlberg Design Run

Has anyone else signed up for the 2 mile run? I just registered. Someone mentioned tonight how cool the shirts are. They are guaranteed for the first 400 registrants. See you all Saturday.

Tuesday Night

Did you girls and guy run the course? Or did it get rained out?

We made the front page of the Abes Army Blog!!!

Girls and guy, go to the Abes Army Blog by clicking the link to the right. Our picture, after the womens distance festival, made the front page. How awesome is that!!!

Tonight we proved that we ARE Team M:P !

Hard work is paying off....and I mean BIG TIME! You gals and guy totally ROCK! This is a great time to reflect upon the early days and how far you have come! Pat yourselves on the back because it was YOUR dedication and inner-strength that brought you this far. I'm honored to be a part of such a great group!

Thanks to Mary for joining us this evening...Great wealth of knowledge!

Keep up your training. A group meets Thursdays & Saturdays so watch the blog (lower right side) for specifics!

Only 3 more weeks until the big day!

Team M:P Rocks!

Congrats to everyone who participated in the Women's Distance Festival. I believe we had the most participants from any one Abe's Army Team! Definitely the most 1st time racers! Now that's dedication!

Tammy 23:51.49
Julie 25:52.20 (new to our group)
Cat 25:54.40
Sarah 26:13.94
Jackie 26:16.98
Marla 26:32.53
Chris E. 26:34.12
Nancy 29:01.95
Nora 29:03.16

Great job tonight at Lincoln Park. You're just 1 mile away from completing a 10k. Wow! Don't feel frustrated if you didn't have your best night tonight. We all have bad runs, and the heat can make it so much worse. If history is any indication, it's only going to get warmer. Let's discuss shorter workouts on Tuesdays in lieu of distance to avoid the hot temps. Totally up to the group to decide as you would need to be getting your miles in other days of the week (hopefully in the cooler morning temps). We would stick to "wunning" (who came up with that term...I love it!) 2, never more than 3 miles on Tuesdays and make it hill work, tempo runs, speed drills etc. Please comment with your thoughts so we can prepare for next Tuesday.

Go Team M:P!

Times are posted.

Click on the Abes Army Blog and you will see that they have posted the times along with some photos. (my photo is awful.)

WOW!

Wow! Who can believe we even ran that race?! Abe's Amble seems longer than ever now :o), but really last month I wouldn't have thought that I could run most of 2miles. (Of course, I wouldn't have without Chris and Sarah. Thanks, Girls!). Really though running that race was awesome! Don't you think?

Women's Distance Festival

Good luck to each and everyone of you tomorrow. We can do it.
Mulch!!!

women's distance run

Hello. I was wondering if we had a meeting point set up for this run? Since we missed Tuesday I feel like I'm out of the loop...

Fitness is Killing Me

Good grief !!! I could have sworn I was running last night, but apparently I was hit by a bus instead. I AM POOPED !!!! I barely made it out of bed this morning.

I am so impressed with everyone in the group. You go, girls !!! That 1/1 pace is too much for me; thank heavens for my buddy, Nora, who is willing to hang back with me. We'll catch up with the rest of you before you know it !!

Tuesday Night Trials

I want you all to know that I have been thinking of you tonight. I am hoping that everyone was able to realize the fruits of your labor at the Fairgrounds. I am confident that everyone ran/walked great times as we have all shown great improvement over the last several weeks. That being said, I took tonight off as I have continued to have unrelenting head and neck pain for almost two weeks now. I did walk 2.5 miles tonight in 50 minutes. Not the greatest of times but keeping me active. Hopefully after tomorrow I will be able to resume my training. Look forward to seeing the group this Saturday!!!

Chris

Oh deer!!!

I wanted to share tonight's run with you all. I was running west on Outer Park Drive (sidewalk) on the curve heading towards Cherry Road when all the sudden out from behind the trees a deer runs out & we almost ran into one another. Well, not really. I think we were about 10 feet apart but...I stopped suddenly & so did he. He backed up about 5 feet or so. I had my cell phone in my hand, b/c I use the stop watch, and was trying to click the camera button to take a picture and he just stood there looking at me. I took a picture which didn't come out very good. I walked towards the road and he walked past me. He turned back around to look back at me so I took another picture but you cannot see him b/c of the trees. He then ran back into the woods and I went on my way. It was so cool. Now this encounter I can handle.

Good Luck Tuesday & Other Tidbits From The Beach!

FIRST: Don't fall apart on me girls! I read about the injuries and aches/pains and want you all to know I'm thinking of you.

Mom, No more "mulching" alone for you! And in the future, I'd prefer not to learn of such incidents via the blog : ) Take care of yourself.

Chris, I would definitely see someone about the headaches. Probably a lack of water or some other nutrient you need, but I wouldn't take a chance. Let us know what you find out.

Nancy, Hope your back is doing better. You guys have all been working so hard at this. Maybe give your bodies a short break this week.

SECOND: Good luck at the Fairgrounds Tuesday night! Should be fun...can't wait to hear all the details. DRINK YOUR FLUIDS beforehand!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: I must confess that I have not run (except to chase my son) since I arrived here Saturday. I've seen some running on the beach barefoot (I hope to try before I leave), and others running along the bike trail, but have yet to get off my butt and join them. Sure could use the power of the group here : )

Happy 4th of July!

Question for the group

After Nora's blog this afternoon, I feel guilty asking. Does anyone know or can anyone explain why I seem to be getting horrible headaches? I had one Sunday last week, then starting Wednesday of this week through Thursday evening. I am not sure if it is induced by running as they seem to be centered around this activity or if it is something else. They have been bad enough that I had to leave work both days. Any suggestions? Any ideas?

Saturday, June 28

POWER OF THE GROUP

Well, I "mulched" alone this morning at Washington Park. I also kissed the pavement on the recently graded rough surface of William's Blvd. Right ankle is swollen, left knee is bloodied but I got up and continued around the outer roads of the park. Not sure of the distance, maybe two miles, but I kept up a one minute walk / one minute jog routine. Sure did miss the POWER OF THE GROUP!!! I just couldn't talk myself into including Park Street to Outer Park to Wiggings and back to Washington Park. The knee and ankle provided the perfect excuse. Do you think I fell on purpose??

You Guys Rock!

Great job tonight everyone! You should all be very proud of your progress...you've come a long way in a short period of time. I have had such a great time running with all of you and feel fortunate to have ended up with such a wonderful group my first year! I can't wait to do the Women's Distance Festival together - Yippee!

Couple of things...

• If you would like to work towards running more of the WDF on July 12th. Just take one day a week and run 2 miles. Start out VERY SLOW and see how far you can go. If you would like to pick up the pace a bit, don't do it until after your first mile. You don't want to go out too strong and poop out before the finish! We will definitely be starting this as a team, but if you feel you can do more...GO FOR IT!
• To all you creative ones...I like the idea of having one of those bootcamp-type song thingys (I can't remember what you guys called that). You know like "I don't know but I been told..." thing. It would be fun to have one(s) for our group. Maybe you guys can work on that during your Thursday or Saturday runs. Just a thought : )
• Chris E. brought up doing a CPR training course sometime during the summer for anyone interested in our group. I know I would be very interested...if anyone else is interested please mention it to Chris. What a great opportunity for the group!
• Reminder: MEET AT FAIRGROUNDS NEXT TUESDAY for a timed 5K! What a great way to help prepare for your first race.

Keep up your training ! Enjoy your 4th of July Holiday w/ Family & Friends!

Now..."MULCH"!

O - M - G !!!!!

Nora is a taskmaster ! I would have posted sooner than this, but I am just now recovering from our Saturday morning workout. Mile after mile after mile......... Whew ! One funny moment (and it really was a lot of fun) was when Nora got confused after looking at all of the beautifully landscaped yards and yelled "Mulch !" instead of "Run".

We missed you, Tressa ! I hope you're feeling better !!

Last Saturday's Run

Good job for the Saturday morning group at Washington Park. Total distance was 4.3 miles. Sorry ladies, my premature turn on Bates cut off .3 mile but it was still a great workout. Plus, we came in strong, taking advantage of a downhill slope to jog the last three minutes straight! Tressa, we missed your leadership (as documented by my wrong turn) and your encouragement. Hope you're feeling much better by Tuesday.

Saturday Morning Run--June 21

Good evening group.
Are we meeting tomorrow morning? I know Chris said she wouldn't be able to make it but unsure if Tressa is planning to lead.
If we are meeting, is it same time, same place?

CAN !

A friend of mine shared this with me during some of our training and I wanted to share it with each of you. If you are ever feeling as though you can't...this will truly inspire you to believe that you can!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gm7XwtIJdM

Here's to a BIG turnout at the Women's Distance Festival - Go Team M:P!

THURSDAY NIGHT RUNS

Last night was a workout. Donna did a wonderful job of leading us through two miles of walking/running, followed by another two miles of walking -- FOUR MILES !!!!!! Good grief, were we tired !!! After a great night's sleep, I'm already looking forward to the next run; this is addicting. See you all next week, same time and place -- the walking trail next to BJ's on Robbins Road at 6:30 pm. Don't forget to stretch !!!

WHAT A TEAM

I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone for their encouragement & support! I was really not sure what this experience was going to be like but it is so nice to hear all of the "way to go's", "keep going - you can do it" & "Great Job's" it has been such a positive experience! I'm so happy to be taking on this adventure with all of you!

Thursday Night Run !!!

Let's meet at 6:30 pm at the walking trail next to BJ's on Robbins Road. (between BJ's and the car wash)

Saturday Run

Is the run this Saturday at Washington Park? What time? For some reason I was thinking that it was starting at Panera Bread. Leaders, thanks for all of your help and encouragement tonight!

Running Buddies Needed !!

Is anyone willing to sign up for the Women's Distance Festival on July 12th with me ? It's a 2-mile run in Washington Park -- Only $25 which includes a wicking sleeveless shirt !!! I would love to do it but chicken to sign up by myself....... It would be an excellent short-term goal !!

Saturday Walk/Run

Great workout this morning ladies! You actually completed a 5k today, so pat yourselves on the back....You're half way there! For those of you who met at the trail or ran on your own....how did it go? I heard several comments that it's already getting a little easier...amazing what a body can do in such a short time!

If you haven't been to the Abe's Army blog in the last day or so, please check out Mary's post. It's a good one for those who are new to running and can't quite visualize the great strides your body can make through dedication and training.

BLOG: On the right you'll find instructions for commenting on the blog. You only need to register and login to Blogger if you would like to POST, otherwise you may communicate through the "comments" section.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact myself or one of our other great leaders. Our contact info is listed below.

Hills Tuesday! They are a big part of the Abe's course, so might as well start conquering them now! We'll get through it together! Positive Thoughts!

Go Team M:P!

Welcome Team M:P!

Great Run Tuesday Night! Everyone should be very proud.

What an awesome group! We are 25 strong so talk about "Power of the Group"...we definitely have the numbers! Working together, having fun, leaning on one another for encouragement/support, and finding buddies who can run with you throughout the week will be key to your success!

Here's our first stab at a blog. I tried to bring in the M:I colors, but if you find it annoying...I can always make changes. Please check your contact info for mistakes/typos and let me know if a correction needs to be made. This site is a work in progress. I plan to post pre-run nutrition info in the near future and if you find other helpful info please feel free to post it.

SATURDAY RUN! If you can join us for a 3 mile walk/run Saturday morning, we plan to meet at 7:30 at Washington Park (west parking lot/near duck pond). Hope you can make it!

This is YOUR blog TEAM M:P so please post/comment your thoughts, questions, suggestions etc.

Again, great job Tuesday night - Together we'll reach our goals!