Well, I haven't posted in the blog for two weeks now. Work, running, dogs, etc have kept me quite busy and I thought it was time for a break from writing. Hopefully, the blog can start taking on new content and inspiring others to run, walk, or exercise in some form.
As for running: It has been awesome! With the fall in full swing in Colorado, I have logged quite a few miles and have a few highlights on running adventures while working.
Summary of the last two weeks of running:
Sept 18 to Sept 25: Ran 55.0 miles with only one weight lifting session and one speed training session with the Sunrise Striders. Highlights: a great run in Spokane, WA, around the Gonzaga University campus; a great 10 miler along the Mississippi River in St. Paul, MN with about 7 turkeys along the route.
Sept 26 to Oct 2: Ran 60.0 miles with two weight lifting sessions and one session with the Sunrise Striders. Highlights: a Barr Trail/Barr Camp outing with Jim; an awesome run in Mueller SP with the aspens in full color.
Total mileage for the year: 2323.0
As for upcoming plans: Very simple actually: Run at least 2800 miles for the year and go to the Sunrise Stride's workouts when able.
Speaking of the Sunrise Strider group, I did a quick research on the benefits of running with a group. Of course, the Internet had much to say but most of it came down to basics. When you are committed to group running, the following often provides for better running:
*Safety in numbers
*Motivation
*Improved performance
*Socialization
*Consistency
Expanding a bit, perhaps the one concept I noticed in the websites I reviewed was that group running provides consistency and this in turn leads to the other concepts being realized. If you are consistent in meeting with your group, your running performances will improve and you will become a stronger runner.
Here are a few of the links I checked out:
http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/benefits-of-running-in-a-group-16376676
http://www.seriousrunning.com/blog/running-clubs/benefits-of-running-in-a-group-or-running-club/
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/the-benefits-of-group-running/
So, if your running/walking is lacking "ummppffff", try running with a group!
