We Did It -- Crossed the Finish Line!!

A GREAT DAY!  Girls on the Run 5K is officially over -- and I reached my goal. I crossed the finish line and high-fived Homer. My friend Maureen O'Boyle cheered me on at the end...and snapped a shot before I slapped the finish line banner and got my medal from whom other than, Sue Gorman!!

Running with those girls lifted my spirits and showed me there is no challenge that can't be overcome.

Thanks to my running buddies -  The Watts Girls for gettin me thru!


Running Buddies w/ Molly --Susan Watts, Ryan Watts, Me, Molly Barker & Peyton Watts
 Molly asked, "What's next?"   ---Who knows? For today, it's a celebration at GIRLS ROCK!

KEEP RUNNING....

24 hours....Girls on the Run..

It all started Jan. 2, 2010. And this morning at 6am, I did my last run where I can say "I've never run a race before."  Tomorrow all that will be over.  It was a sloppy run this morning, listening to Aerosmith and the Stones, but I got it done.

Tonight I joined with fellow GOTR volunteers for an appreciation awards event. Jessica Otto was the MC and handed out some well-deserved awards for Coach of the Year to Cathy Dulin, plus a host of other awards to volunteers, school sites and the Adelaide Awards. Molly joined us and inspired us to believe in ourselves - over and over again. See the pics below.

I'm meeting my friend Susan at the parking lot at 8am. Then it's race time at 9am.

Funny thing is... as a race amateur, I forgot to get my packet today. Since I don't  think of myself as a runner, it never really occurred to me that I needed a number (Wow... my first number.... hope I get #1!) and a t-shirt and a packet... all those things. I just thought I'd show up and run.



See you on the race course. I'll be the one with the big smile.

PS - Can you run with coffee?

2 or 3 days... who's counting?

A hectic week. Very little running. Arrgggh! When it all comes down to it, I can't find even 30 minutes to run without cancelling on someone else. I've already been stood up, then missed another appointment, been late to a baseball game. Who am I kidding? I can't keep up.

So, I'm up at 5 am tomorrow and running.. in the dark... I gotta do something!

Have I got a long way to run? Have I got a long way to run?
                             ----Collective Soul, "Run"

4 Days and Counting...

These feet have carried me since January 2 2010 on this running adventure...

So far, my feet and I have run with a team, without a team, with a family, without a family, with Robert Ullrey and without. I've run in many places...

• Corsicana, Texas
• Orlando, Florida
• Seabrook Island, South Carolina
• Los Angeles, California

And also on the track, at the baseball field, in the gym, on a treadmill, around the neighborhood, in the snow (sorta) and in the rain.

I'm comfortable I'll make the Girls on the Run 5K without keeling over. I won't be the winner with the fastest time and I won't be the mom at the back of the line. I'll be right there in the middle -- where I belong -- with all the Girls on the Run!

Training:  Just run!

8 Days ... Running 'round the island

Took a run around Seabrook Island with my friend, Phyllis on a girls weekend. The faster runners took off for a sprint, but Phyllis and I just cruised around the island in the shade, under stately trees dripping with Spanish moss running, chatting and enjoying the pace. We broke a sweat but it was never a strain.

Glad I had Phyllis to run with....

Training: 30 minute run

21 Days to go.... I'm still running...

Yay! Today I ran 25 minutes, non-stop, no problems! Thanks to Jenny H for introducing me to the 3 mile Gov-FoxEast Loop (and Sally Mc who originated the path). Jenny took me through it a week or so ago, and this morning I breezed through at a clippy pace. The trick was ditching Robert Ullrey's techno-trance music (sorry Bob!) and kicking into the good ole' rock-n-roll on my iPod. Wow! I never thought I'd break through the wall. But Hello... I'm there!

Look out GOTR 5K-ers, I'm running up right behind ya!


Training: 3 min warm-up; 25 min run; 3 min cool down

Set list ran: "Miss You" by Stones; "One of these Days" by Hawaiian John Cruz; "American Girl" by Tom Petty; "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White Ts; "Right Hand Man" by Joan Osborne; to name a few....

24 Days and Running...

with a little over 3 weeks left to go, I'm fast-tracking my running program. I must say I'm seeing no progress and now that Robert Ullrey's podcast is all about 20-25 minute runs, I don't really need them anymore. Each day I listen to what he has to say about what my training will be, then quickly switch my iPod to the music that inspires me.  This has made running a little easier. Don't get me wrong. I like Bob and all that, I just am not a huge fan of his techno-trance music.

So today Bob wanted me to run 25 minutes and I successfully completed 19 - That was running from my house to the baseball field, with SurferKid in front and behind on his Fuzion scooter/skate thingy -- plus -- 2 times around the track. Then I was losing daylight and wanted to be a good Mommy!... I'd promised to throw some baseball, so I had to quit. (Thankfully!)

I'm sure I could've made it 25 minutes? Maybe? Oh... honestly I was grateful and relieved to stop at 19.

Running in LA - Countdown to May 8

I've now run across 3 states in my quest for the 5k finish line. While visiting friends and family in Los Angeles on Spring Break, we ran once. OK, definitely not a stellar showing. We had several opportunities to run that we quickly passed up for food and beverages. But we did at least get one good run in.

Training: Week ? We're so far off the Robert Ullrey plan now, we can't look back... but we will try to do the last 3 weeks before the final run.
Warm up 5 mins walk:  Run 8 mins | Walk 3 mins | Run 8 mins | Walk 3 mins | Run 5 minutes.... cool down 5

A little work in the field..

Baseball season is here, and that means more time on the field. We biked down to watch a little of the team practice then Chip and I took off on a podcast run. Week 5. Run 8 minutes/walk 3 (2x). Made it through huffing and puffing. Next week is Spring Break and I'm on to week 6 training routine. Hope Robert Ulrey doesn't run me into the ground.

Training: Warm up 5 minues | Run 8 | Walk 3 | Run 8 | Walk 3 | Cool down

3-mile Run

Sorry Robert Ullrey! I broke out of your podcast routine and ran with a friend. 
I successfully ran three miles with my neighbor on Thursday night. Jenny H is a marathon runner and a great person to pace with. She graciously offered to run with me and do a run 4 minutes / walk 1 minute routine. We talked about marathons, 10k's and 5k's. And with the help of her trusty interval alarm watch, we kept a steady 4/1 run. This was the first time I ran for the distance vs. the time. Luckily I was able to keep up. It seemed easy when I was running with her.


Training:  Warm up stretch | 3 miles Run 4 minutes / Walk 1 minute.

Crossing over...to running...78 days

I'm approx 78 days into running.  Saturday, while the little guy practiced baseball, I went to the track and ran. Track running is very interesting. It is a mind game, of sorts. It's easier because you have no hills to negotiate, no turns to make, no decisions about your course or path. No people to wave at, no cars to dodge, no dogs on leashes to jog around. But it's harder that way, too.

You circle that monontonous oval a mind-numbing 12+ times, trying desperately not to watch the clock.

My goal for this day - courtesy of Robert Ullrey - was to run 20 minutes straight. Well, I can tell you that did NOT happen. I made it to about 10 minutes. Stopped and walked for 3 minutes. Picked up the pace again and made it another 9 minutes before giving up out of shear mental exhaustion. I just don't have the stamina mentally and physically yet to make it through.  I keep trying and striving for the goal which lies ahead.... the finish line of the Girls on the Run Charlotte 5K.  See you at the finish line!

Training: 5 minutes warm-up | 20 minute run | 5 minute cool down. (Didn't exactly happen like that..)   Actual: 5 minutes warm-up | 10 minute run | 3 minute walk | 9 minute run | 5 minute cool down.

8 Minute Stretch...

Last night was my 2nd run in Week 5 of Robert Ullrey's podcast program. As you can see, my couch to 5K progress has been slow... From Jan 2 to March 22...I am just now on week 5.  And the race is only 6 weeks away.

In that time, I have had 2 snow days, 2 major cold/flu attacks and basically I lost all my running partners. My son dropped out a month ago assuring me he could run a 5k without training. Today I find out his baseball game coincides with the Girls on the Run 5K anyway, so he is out. Kaput. No kid in the race.

My husband is still running, but he will now have to be the parent at the game, and besides, our schedules have not synched for weeks. Team WhiteOak is separated by distance/schedule. The Oaks are running (I think) but we don't run together. I can't remember when I ran with anyone other than myself in the past 5-6 posts. In the end, I guess that is how it is - runners are loners.

So last night I ran my first 8-minute stretch, separated by a 5 minute break, and another 8-minute stretch. I ran in the dark, with a little rain. It wasn't so bad. Nothing but me and my thoughts...

Tomorrow... I run 20 minutes straight. Yeah, right. Like that's gonna happen without cardiac arrest!

Training:  Week 5 program: 
March 23 (Tue) ) 5 minute warm up walk | Run 5 mins/walk 3 mins | Run 5 mins/walk 3 mins| 5 min cool down.

March 25 (Thu) 5 minute warm up walk | Run 8 mins/walk 5 mins | Run 8-min. DONE! 5 min cool down.

A running dry spell...

The dreaded spring cold/bronchitis has settled upon me and I've been out since March 15. Last week ( Mar 9) I got in 2 runs before getting knocked down by this cold.

Now I'm on a Zpack of antibiotics and expect to fully recover in time to run during this beautiful weekend. Problem is, I keep losing ground and since I'm only at week 4 in the training sessions, I am so, so, so far behind.

I've got less than 7 weeks until the 5K. Not looking good...

I'll make it across the finish line, but in what shape? I picture myself sweaty and exhausted, staggering across like some Olympic marathoners of days past, instead of victoriously crossing with my hands held high in triumph. No faith? Most definitely...concerned.

School plays and running days

Two more runs in this week. Apparently, it is easier now to run than blog. This week I'm in full mommy mode with volunteering for a school play, shuttling to baseball practice and rehearsing with the school choir + I'm on deadline for a story about kids adn the arts which isn't even written yet. Oh yeah, deadline was yesterday!

So, therefore I gotta run! I will leave you with these words...

I'm gonna run to you,
I'm gonna run to you,
When the feeling's right, I'm gonna run all night
I'm gonna run to you.
             Bryan Adams

Training:  Week 4 program:  5 minute warm up walk | Run 3 mins/walk 90 secs | Run 5-min/walk 2.5 mins | Run 3 mins/walk 90 secs | Run 5-min: Cool Down while cooking dinner! (ha!)

Slackin' on the Bloggin'

I may be slackin' on bloggin' but I have been running. As I look out my office window, just minutes before midnight and watch as the snow blankets the ground, I am sooooo happy I ran yesterday!

It's not like I wanted to, or enjoyed it, or even had a good run -- in fact, it stunk! But at least I did it. As I jogged along, all iPod-wires flapping, hoodie strings slapping, huffing and puffing down the road in SouthPark, I dodged cars, navigated curbs and gutters, saw cigarette butts fly out windows, said Hello to a little old man walking a prissy dog, wondered about a burned-out house and envied another whose smoke was curling slowly out of the chimney.

Making my way through a 5-minute torture run --- (do you really think I'll be able to do a 5K in May?) -- I thought of all the things a runner must see. What's the most interesting or unusual thing you've seen while running?

Don't run yet? Why not join me? 

YOU could start today and be ready in time for May. Come on... if I can do it... you can.

Training:  Week 4 program:  5 minute warm up walk | Run 3 mins/walk 90 secs | Run 5-min/walk 2.5 mins | Run 3 mins/walk 90 secs | Run 5-min: DONE! almost  5 min cool down.

Running in Hotels, Between Theme Parks

A friend of mine said the following ... 

"Here is what they don't put in the brochure.....

You have to want it. This is your thing, embrace it. Own it.

Dinner's not ready, tough titty, I have to train.

You need a ride to the movies with your friends, tough titty, I have to train.

Fill in the blank here bullshit, tough titty, I have to train.

Pick a time and that's it. When it is sh*!#y out, go train.

When you are really suffering envision yourself during the last K of your 5K feeling strong."

 As you can see, Rob doesn't mince words. Now I think I know what he means  -- you can't let DisneyWorld, vacation, Florida, snow, or whatever the excuse is -- get in your way. You've gotta run!

So, in Florida, I ran on the treadmill in two different hotels on two different days... yeah.. it wasn't beach running or street running (didn't think they'd appreciate me running through Disney's Main Street shouting "just 90 more seconds of running then a brisk walk!") but it was running and I am on schedule. (kinda...soprta)

I'm back in the game baby!

Week 3: 2 90 sec segments alternating running/walking + 2 4 min segments alternating.

Running or Backsliding...

Running? Oh yeah... I remember that thing. Backsliding is more like it

With much insistence from my husband, and even more resistance from the little guy, we kicked into a pre-dinner run around 6:45pm. It is still cold out there, and dark at that time in the evening. These conditions reinforce my "I can't stand running" mentality.

The Oakley part of Team WhiteOak has continued running. We are sluggishly on WeekTwo still. (Embarassing, really.) I won't bother to put in our training routine. Just scroll back a few posts and you'll find it. Is anyone else out there running?

Lost Track of Days...

After days of snow, sleet, ice, rain and a sick kid, Team White finally got back out there minus a runner (Dad). Little guy and I cranked through a Week 2 session and it wasn't too difficult, though he kept lagging behind. Many days have lapsed in between runs. We missed our Monday run (and yoga) this week. And we didn't even think about running over the weekend. How quickly the time passes when you're avoiding running.

Gotta get back out there.

Tonight's run was good but the conversation was better. We talked about our days; he asked about my meetings; we even talked a little about "The Lightning Thief" - a book he is reading and loving. Mother-son moments that don't happen often -- happened tonight.

We're missing the Oak in our Team, but never fear- the LukeMan is here! He's out there running with Team Ok and we will soon be reunited to form Team WhiteOak again.  Now we're running 5 strong.

Training:  Honestly -- who can remember? And does anyone care?
Not much stretching to speak of... 5 minute warm up walk | 6 sessions 90 sec runs | 2 min brisk walk \ 5 min cool down. Done!

Day 27: Cutting Corners

We did a pitiful, cut short, we're so hungry, whiny run yesterday. It was funny how the spiral downward and lack of motivation sucked us both down until we agreed. OK - only 5 running segments instead of 6. (Not too bad of a compromise.) I'll give the little guy credit. He doesn't love it but he keeps running (are we really running or just sort of jogging) with me, and he is awesome company. We discuss our day, laugh and support each other.

Chip is on the beach in the Turks and Caicos with Wheel and running... or so he says. I think he may be "running" to the nearest ice cream stand. OH.... he'll pay when he returns! When we speed right past him.

Saturday a.m. is our next scheduled run. The forecast is for snow and sleet; I can tell you no running. I'll get back to it on Sunday afternoon when it warms up. Schedule so far  Mon | Wed | Sat  - seems to be working. But it's hard to believe in 27 days I've only run 10 times. Seems pretty wimpy to me.

New training schedule continued. Podcast week 2*
Workout 10:  warm up 5 mins | run 90 secs / rest 2 mins (6 5 pitiful segments, always asking "are we done yet?") | Cool down

Day 26: Runnin' Down a Dream

It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down. I had my radio on. I was driving.
Trees flew by, me and Del were singing "Little Runaway", I was flyin'

Runnin' down a dream, that never would come to me.
Working on a mystery, going wherever it leads... 
                Runnin' down a dream.

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, 1989

Day 24: Family Run - Monday Fun

Mondays have become the only day we typically run as a family. Family runs are humourous. If only I could provide a video for your amusement. Tonight did seem easier than before, but still not a "no effort, should be able to carry on a conversation easily" type of run that Ullrey pronounces on his podcast.

Spoke to Molly Barker on Tuesday who is both encouraging and inspiring - and real. She told me I might be one of those who is so glad when it's over. Could be! We will see.

New training schedule continued. Podcast week 2*
Workout 9:  warm up 5 mins | run 90 secs / rest 2 mins (6 segments) | Cool down\

Day 22: Today Embarks Team WhiteOak

Look at that form, will ya? Me and my friend, Claire Oakley, who agree two weeks ago to join in the GOTR training. It's cold. It's damp and we're running. Claire is now on the bandwagon. She will run on a schedule each week - and we will sync up on Sat mornings...


We're renamed ourselves as Team WhiteOak. It helps to someone new. We have moved to Level 2 of the training. Team WhiteOak Rocks!

New training schedule continued. Podcast week 2*
Workout 8:  warm up 5 mins | run 90 secs / rest 2 mins (Total of 20 mins) | Cool down\

*We are doing 2 weeks at each level instead of the 1 week per level recommended by Robert Ullrey. This is in hopes of sustaining interest and drive thru May! 

Day 21: Raining - No Running...

And I ran, I ran so far away.
I just ran. I ran both night and day.
Couldn't get away.....
                                               Flock of Seagulls  - 1982

Day 19: Back in Queen City

A plane ride, a day's work and I'm back at it in Governor's Square. Team White was down to 2 runners today - me and my son. As soon as we headed down the path, he put on the pout. Oh no... anything but running with the pouty boy! So ensued the normal mom/son questioning...

What's up? You don't seem happy.
"Nuthin"
Well it doesn't seem like nothing. Did something go wrong at school?
"No."
What is it then?
"I just don't know why I'm doing this running training thing. I don't really want to. I can run a 5k!"

Well... there you have it. My 10-year-old son can run a 5k. He never has of couse. And he doesn't need training. Listen, I didn't need training when I was his age either - except maybe a training-bra! No, seriously. If I have to listen to mopey pants the entire run...I might quit... thank goodness he finally cheered up.
He cheered up just in time to twist his ankle on the trail. (Are you seeing a pattern here?) Oh yeah, and I made him keep running; never once gave him an ounce of sympathy. THAT, my friends, is how you get voted Mother of the Year! (He got over the ankle twist pretty quickly. Must not have been that bad.)

As you can see I'm serious about this running thing! Nothing stopping me yet - not even mopey boy.

New training schedule today! Podcast week 2: New music on podcast, too.
Workout 7:  warm up 5 mins | run 90 secs / rest 2 mins (Total of 20 mins) | Cool down while cooking dinner. Readers: don't try this at home.

Day 17: No iPod, Egads!

My iPod is dead and I forgot my USB charger cord. Eeeek! I can't run without Robert Ullrey whispering sweet running nothings in my ear! I call Chip to tell him the tragedy laughs. "Can't you just count to 60 running; then count to 90 walking and start over again 8 times?"

"Egads, man!" I reply, "Have you lost your mind? I am not a runner! I must have my Ullrey."

So, it's off to Walmart to find a quick charger or something. Defeated and downtrodden after 10 minutes searching the mega-walmart in Corsicana, TX -- where they have plenty of ride-on shopping cart thingys (I was almost run down twice by women on motorized cart-things coming around corners) but no iPod chargers -- I leave empty handed but determined to run, even without music and my precious Ullrey, I go back to the park.

Looking at my watch was an utter failure and counting didn't really work either, so I used the equi-distant lightposts ringing the track as markers for 60-second and 90-second intervals.

Note to self: running without iPod is like chips without salsa. Tolerable, but boring.

Workout 6: Stretching while watching ducks/swans.  5 minute warm-up watching the clock; 8 complete 5-pole run segments /6-pole walk segments around a pond; 5 min trash pick-up cool down

Day 15: That's right, you're not from Texas....

That's right you're not from Texas,
But Texas wants you (to run) anyway!  Lyle Lovett* 2008
*OK.. not the "to run" part. I wrote those lyrics.

An early flight, a lot of coffee and a surprise visit to Corsicana, Texas. Grabbed the iPod and ran at my sister's park. Who would've thunk I'd actually take time to run in Texas? Had to. My dear hubby is showing me up with his 3x a week consistent running. Doesn't he know it's a GIRLS on the Run 5k?

It was a little wierd not running with Team White. Miss them. Hope they are running too. At least four girls have stepped up to run with me. Hard to believe I am only on run #5. Seems like a lifetime of running....

Workout 5: No stretch. 5 minute warm-up with dachsunds and curious kids; 8 60-sec. runs /90-sec. walk segments in a brutally cold wind; 5 min cool down

Day 14: Running up that road....in my mind

"And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God, And I'd get him to swap our places
Be running up that road...
      Be running up that hill....
          Be running up that building..."    Kate Bush....1985


Didn't run today, but Chip did.  For me, life got in the way. But I thought about running a lot. (Does that count?)  Somewhere between phone calls to Texas to check on my mom, who is in the hospital, working late on the February issue of Charlotte Parent, and the late night bass guitar lesson I forgot about, I lost track of time to get it done. It would really, really be helpful if I could designate a set time to run.  A goal to pursue. Until then, I'm on the run, and trying to find time to run.

In between runs.....

"Running on empty. Running on. Running blind. Running on. I'm running into the sun but I'm running behind...."

Jackson Brown. 1978.

Day 9/10 - Just Another Manic Monday

As I headed out the door to run, my family impatiently waiting, I realized it would be tough to do this without them. Since they run with me, I don't have to feel guilty about not spending time with my son or discussing the days affairs with my husband, or not getting supper on the table at 6pm or any other silly notion. I can just run.

Before we left, my son was complaining of a sore heel."I'll just have to limp," he said. Funny. He wasn't limping while toy-shopping at Target today! Half a block into the warm-up, he tripped and "hurt his ankle" (other leg.) Drama ensued, but we ignored him. Then again, on a steep slope, where I was warning him not to do "tricks", run sideways an otherwise goof around, he tripped/twisted/whoknowswhat! Again, pleas for a swift return home -- NO WAY! --- we were only 3 segments into the program.

So, there you have it. The struggle of the running mom.

Train with the kid - don't train with the kid. That is the question! 

Running with my husband and son requires finding a very different mental place than running by myself at the Y - - where I found a zen moment and pounded through. But at least running with family means, I'm not checking my watch. I'm just running... Not that I like running, mind you. I am still a non-runner in running shoes. As I down-dogged and warriored my way through my codYoga (crack-of-dawn-yoga) at 5:30am, I appreciated it all the more, because at least I wasn't running.

if I can do it -- anyone can.


Workout 4: Stretch cut short by improvisational stretching, lots of moaning and huffing and a general disinterest in the whole process; 5 minute warm-up interrupted by a faux ankle sprain; 8 60-sec. runs /90-sec. walk segments sporadically sprinkled with complaints, maladies and a few please to go home; 5 min cool down

Day 8: The Gym Run!

With days of freezing temps in the teens, I found many excuses not to run. Then, suddenly it occurred to me ... I could run on the treadmill at the Y. So I trotted off to the gym.

Now let's talk about how crazy it has been to fit running into my life! Well, I missed Wed., Thu., and Fri. - for many reasons, most of them related to job and family. It's hard to be a running mom, but if Molly Barker, Susan Watts, Sally McKinley, Jenny Herndon (need I go on???) can all do it - then so can I.

Once I got to the gym, another obstacle presented itself... All the treadmills were full. It was a big day at the Y for New Year's Resolutioners. So, I went upstairs, plugged in my iPod and started around the track. DONE! I finished week one and next week we'll start week 2.

Workout 2: Stretch; 5 minute warm-up; 8 60-sec. run /90-sec. walk segments; 5 min cool down. round and round and round the track... seeing the same butts over and over again.

Day 5: Guilty

Feeling guilty for not running. I'll need to get on a schedule.We can't seem to get all three of us on a training schedule that works, so we may have to divide and conquer. I'm going for Mon/Thu/Sat. That works for me though it may not for hubby and son because of other activities. Maybe we're over-scheduled?

Day 4 - Not So Bad

Running in the frigid temps last night was not so bad. It's more fun when you have your son and husband along to laugh at with! We are a sight to see... my son with his iPod on, singing out loud to the Ben10 Movie theme song, doing skips and jumps and spins. Then, my husband forging ahead, running faster than all of us - in spite of his Nanook of the North look (remember, it's 30-something degrees).

Finally...me, dragging up the rear, calling out Robert Ullrey's podcast commands from my iPod to Team White ("You're doing great! Almost there. Now, ready?....RUN!").

It wasn't so bad. I'm proud we made it this far.(haha... two days!) Our stretching segment was already approaching frantic... kind of the "I'm too busy to stretch" syndrome. Hope we can endure longer than a week!


Workout 2:  Impatient stretching; 5 minute (cold) warm-up | 8 60-sec. run /90-sec. walk segments | 5 min freeze down.

Day 3-You're Kidding, Right?

OK, it's 32 degrees. I did yoga at 5:30am; I worked all day. I haven't cooked supper yet and we have a  church function at 7. You're kidding right? I really gotta run?!!

If not today, when... so here we go.

Day 1 - On the Run

Welcome to my training blog! Let me tell you why I'm here.
My friend and fellow GOTR (Girls on the Run) board member, Sue, dreamed schemed up this wild idea, that I should train for the GOTR Charlotte 5k in May and blog about it. As editor of Charlotte Parent, I'm already a blogger and writer, so that part is easy -- but one thing I am NOT, is a runner. Never have been. Never will be. As a matter of fact, I tend to brag about how I hate to run. I exercise, do yoga, and stay active, but running is another thing altogether.

So, to humor my Girls on the Run friends, I agreed. My husband and son agreed to join me, too. I think they don't believe I'll make it, so they're coming along for moral support. Of course, I quickly forgot about my commitment in the whirlwind of the holidays. And really, January 2010 seemed so far away.

Then, on New Year's Eve, at a dinner party with friends, I suddenly remembered my promise - and announced my intentions to seal the deal. After a few hearty laughs, the other moms around the table offered to join my training sessions.  My friend, and walker-extraordinaire (who just finished the 39-mile Avon Walk!) Claire Oakley wants to train with me, and once we are fast enough we will let our friend, uber-runner Susan Watts, coach us. Quite frankly, she's an awesome runner and I'm scared of her. I'm sure she would run me into the ground.


So, here we go... . Today, I downloaded a schedule from CoolRunning.com , loaded a podcast from Robert Utlley's "Coach to 5K" program on my iPod, forced my family into some stretches, started a blog, Running in the Mom Zone, and took off on my (our!) first run. It wasn't so bad except it was 37 degrees. Brrr... with a little huffing and puffing.. and we made it. 

Tune in. Join us. Laugh. Cry... I'm sure I will.


Workout 1 - 12 stretches - 5 min warm up ; 8 60sec run / 90sec walk segments - 5 min cool down.