Welcome! 5kers & 10kers

So here we are, some of us reunited, some of us brand spanking new, but all of us here to pursue new endeavors. Sure some of us may be training for the same distance, but challenging yourself with new goals. While others are challenging themselves with elusive distances they still may not believe they can run. No matter what group you belong, know that we are all in this together!

We will individually struggle, but together we will encourage each other as we put one foot in front of the other. Individually we will hear voices shouting, “QUIT”, but together we will hold each other accountable. Individually we will find excuses not to run. But together we will still meet to run.

It’s not going to be rainbows and butterflies each time, but the overall experience will be amazing. For those of you that have crossed the finish line, share the feelings you felt, with those who have not. For those that have not crossed the finish line, it is your duty to inject those of us who have, with your energy and enthusiasm.

Every person has a role, an important role, to fulfill. Where one may not shine another does. The best part about a group, no one person is good at it all. We need each other to learn and grow from.

So as we toe that starting line in November as individuals, and break the finish tape of figurative, imaginary, and physical boundaries remember we are in this together!

I’m excited that you have signed up, and are challenging yourselves. You will be amazed at how far you will come and the things that you will accomplish! If you doubt this ask those of us that surprised ourselves as we crossed the finish. It’s not going to be easy, as you have to work for your goals, but you can and you will do it!

Like a 5k Newbie all Shiny & New

Run Your First 5-K

By Kristen Wolfe Bieler

For one brief moment, probably while endorphins were still pumping through your body after a good run, you flirted with the idea of doing a marathon. Then the endorphins disappeared and the reality of training for four months and trying to squeeze in a handful of three- to four-hour long runs set in. Fair enough. How about a 5-K instead?



It's the perfect distance: 3.1 miles require relatively little buildup, the training doesn't take over your life, and the race is over fairly quickly. By logging only three or four runs per week, you can be ready to toe the line of a 5-K in just five weeks. And having that race date on your calendar gives your training purpose, says Jane Serues, of Springtown, Pennsylvania, founder of Making Strides and First Strides training workshops for women. "The runners I coach are much more motivated knowing the 5-K is approaching than they would be if they simply promised themselves they'd run."



Chris Carmichael, founder of Carmichael Training Systems, also encourages runners--whether they're competitive or not--to try a 5-K. "People run for a variety of reasons, but I've found that they get more out of it when they are working toward something specific," he says. "And a 5-K race is an attainable goal for any runner." Plus, there's the "fun factor," says RW columnist Jeff Galloway, coach and author of Running: Getting Started. "My favorite thing about 5-K races is the atmosphere. Almost everyone there is in a good mood. How many other events in your life are like that?"

The greatest challenge of running a 5-K is finding the right pace, says Serues. Start out too fast and you'll likely struggle to finish the race. That's why Galloway recommends all first-time racers (including veteran runners) get in the back of the pack at the starting line. This prevents an overzealous start and allows you to gradually build up speed, ideally running the final mile the fastest.

Most experts discourage first-timers from shooting for strict time goals. "Make it a race against yourself," says Carmichael, "because it's your progress that's most valuable to you." Galloway seconds that thought. "Just get to the finish line," he says. "If you have a great experience, you'll do it again." And chances are you'll have an even better time.

Full article can be found: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-380-381-386-11940-0,00.html