Reaching 18.

How many of you remember that day you finally reached the ripe old age of 18? I remember with great excitement, that now, I would be responsible for me, as if 18 was some magic number that catapulted me into adulthood. That reaching 18 would gain and earn me the respect of adults that were much older than I, that finally I would be able to vote, and my decision mattered.

Today along with my Runner Girl Power Friend Linda, we reached the 18 mile mark, our furthest run to date. We ran the 3, 6 mile loops, that Kathy our wonderful coach had designated as our Saturday morning run. I was wondering how this run was actually going to turn out, not for the distance, which really did not concern me, it was the challenge to leave our Garmin's at home and learning to run by how we feel and not by the pacifier that is normally wrapped around our list.

To be real honest, I was going to just blow off this challenge, but I have come to trust the training techniques of Coach Kathy. Through her being willing to freely invest into the lives of each of us as runners, I have been able to see measurable successful results, with my running, whether she has us running in the rain, wind, up hills or down hills. I can honestly say, I have enjoyed our marathon training, I have no complaints, I am having the time of my life and could not think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning than running 3, 6 mile loops which equal a total of 18 miles.

Reaching 18, what a day...I am looking forward to our next big run...hopefully, we will get to have our Gamin's back.

Special props as always Linda...Runner Girl Power Activate!!

My Super Sweet 16

Don't let the title fool you, this is not a recap to the MTV reality program of overly indulged, excessively spoiled and mollycoddled teenagers whose parents feel that turning 16 is such a milestone in their life that it warrants a lavished birthday party, that rivals that of Kings & Queens.

No, this is about my incredible personal record run of 16 miles & some change, today with my ever faithful Runner Girl Power friend Linda. Yes, we did it! She and I both trekked from Veteran's Park down the long & flat Riverside trail and back again.  

I must confess, when I first awaken this morning, I really wanted to stay in bed, which is odd for me, as I have come to really look forward to our Saturday morning runs, but this morning was one of those mornings when I thought, staying in bed and sleeping would be a much more pleasant exercise, than running in the humidity & rain.  Begrudgingly I rolled out of bed to meet the Runner's World group, my friend Linda and the course, which Coach Kathy charted for us.

As it all turned out, the run was wonderful. Linda and I met Jessie, who gave us some great insight and tips about our pending first marathon run. Jessie hope you do well on your run in St. Paul. We also got to chat with Team Bean runners at our water stops, what do you call Team Bean, when the Bean is not there?  You all did great!

All I can say, is I really loved this Super Sweet 16...now I am wondering what is 18 going to be like?

Oh What A Beautiful Morning!!

It was just so beautiful this morning, the sun was shining, the birds were singing...well not really, just a little wishful thinking on my part.

Our run this first Saturday of September was so very cool. Our scheduled read 7 miles, BUT upon our arrival to Veterans Park, Coach Kathy informed us, we were going to run 9 miles, oh the added bonus, we would be running numerous hills. I would like to make mention, that I did not detect an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm from the group of runners.  We all diligently collected our directions and hit the concrete.

May I say, I enjoyed this run, up the hills, down the hills, in the wind and through the rain, it just was fun...yes, I am serious it was just fun. I want to be real honest with you all, isn't this what I have been training for? It takes sheer dedication to stay the course of the race that is set before me, that would also include all those who have committed themselves to the Runner's World training.  And I think it is safe to say, each person has a reason for running, and each person's reason is individually and uniquely distinct to his or her life.  As for me, I am so enjoying the process, embracing the training, whether it's a good run day, bad run day, or indifferent run day.

Today, was just a great run day. I enjoyed meeting some new runners, getting to run a new route, running up to the BOK center, and laughing, cause it looks like "duct-tape," with lights,  and then I enjoyed getting to hang out afterwards with some of Tulsa finest people.

(looks like duct tape to me)

Special props to Susan, I saw you running, is it still a secret? Way to go Cheryl, you Go Girl!,  your 1/2 marathon goal is so doable and of course a special shout out to my Runner Girl Power- Friend, Linda, we so ROCK! The Power is Activated!!  By the way, Linda & Bobby, it's official I have drank the Kool-Aide, I registered today for Route 66, what in the world are we thinking?