12-12-12

I wish I had a clever post associated with the date. I may have, at some point, actually.

Last night's Christmas party has rendered me mostly useless, though, today. I was up way past my bedtime and indulged, just a bit too much.

That's the cool thing about being a lame-o and rarely going out, though. The few times a year we get out of our "comfies", get babysitters and hang out with other adults pretty much allows us to get a little crazy. People tend to forgive us more easily with the "They don't get out much..." mindset.

this pretty much captures the overall feel of the night

 

Since I forced invited all my friends and family to join the running group, we get to go to group functions, together. Last night the West Volusia Runners held their annual Christmas party. The founder/president/runner extraordinaire, Jennifer, makes sure everyone has a fun time.

 

There was plenty of food and drinks, personalized awards, runners in Regular Clothes (i.e. shocked and awkward conversations when people start to recognize each other) and a cutthroat gift exchange. Perfect ingredients for a memorable party.

 

The husband was awarded the very sweet and appropriate "Wind Beneath Her Wings" certificate. He was recognized for always supporting me, in every way, for every one of my crazy running goals.

 

I was honored to be named :

 

Best Looking in a Boot

 

Almost made me want to break it out and model for everyone!

 

I did manage to drag myself out for my last, short speedwork before the marathon, this morning.

 

1 Mile Warm Up (this isn't going to be nearly as bad as I thought it would!)

4x400s w/active recovery between each (oh-ho! This is actually worse than I thought it would be!)

1 Mile Cool Down (I think that happened. I don't really remember much past the wind-sucking, dry heaving, head-throbbing bits)

 

Before the fuzziness in my brain takes over, again, I'll end with :

 

Today's Share: I'm a fairly new reader of Fit Fun Mom, but I'm so glad I found her. Like me, she recently completed her first Full Marathon (just over 4 hours, too!!), after years of running and racing. Unlike me, though, she actually offers readers posts that are useful. While it may be unfair that she's extremely intelligent AND a talented runner, she's earned her claim to both.

 

Any fun holiday events on your schedule? 



Keeping the Streak Alive on Day Five

Rain, rain...go away.
Come again another day
'Cause faced with a tempo run on a treadmill?
I'd probably rather lay down in an anthill

Adventrageous!!

 

Today's story:  yes I realize sometimes it's a "topic" and sometimes it's a "story". Other times it may be something even more random. My blog. My rules. (or lack thereof)

 

Yesterday was my first time hosting a Group Run, with the Running Club I joined over a year ago. Had someone told me, two years ago, that I'd someday be not only an active member of an RRCA Running Club, but also an officer/co-organizer, I really would not have believed them. I also would've wondered why they came back, from the future, to give me such mundane news.

 

When I started running I was all alone. It was completely random. I didn't do it to train for a race or event, nor was I joining a group of girlfriends for a new exercise routine. I put on my (then) crappy shoes, walked out my front door, and ran. I didn't know any other way. It wasn't until I showed up for my first race that I really saw that there were actually hundreds of people, in my community, that shared a similar interest.

 

Even after that, though, other than a handful of runs with my newly back-to-running dad and/or new-to-running sister, I generally set out alone. I wasn't (and am not) a running snob. It just made more sense, scheduling-wise, and was very much in my comfort zone.

 

Now, while I still end up setting out, alone, for most of my runs, I make it a point to schedule in one or two group runs each week. The benefits are ones I never could have imagined. Running with friends, both in and outside of the West Volusia Runners, has improved my overall training and given me a deeper love for the sport I was already totally infatuated with.

 

not pictured : me. They always seem to wait 'til I leave before taking a group photo

 

When asked to accept the newly vacated spot of Secretary, and take on the responsibilites associated with it, I immediately balked. And deleted the email.

 

Then, I took a couple days to try to, once again, wiggle a little more out of my cozy comfort zone. I love running. I love runners. I love my running group. Why would I not give a little extra bit of my time and energy to this "thing" that I love?

 

Fast-forward past an extremely awkward acceptance speech at our annual meeting to yesterday's run.

 

I brought my $4, styrofoam cooler full of cold waters and (bonus!) Capri Suns and ran with the group, that had rsvp'd, on a familiar paved trail. I didn't lose anyone, nor did I get myself lost. (double-win!)

 

There was only one Wild Boar sighting, but it didn't end with any trauma. All-around success that left everyone exercised, refreshed and in enjoyment of one another's company.

 

Step outside your comfort zone every once in a while. You'll be glad you did.

 

Today's Share: Find a local running group. Get a friend or family member to join you, if you're terrified of such things. You can even find groups to join, while you're on vacation and need a good, safe place to run. We've had out-of-towners do the same with our group. They're welcomed and treated like celebrities.

 

I actually went to far as to look up a running group in the area we travelled to, this past Summer. I saw they had a group track workout one of the days we'd be in town!

 

So, I ran, from our hotel, to the track...about 10 hours before they'd be showing up. Not quite ready for that sort of interactive craziness, yet... 

 

No need to venture TOO far out of the comfort zone, people

 

Have you survived any recent, new experiences?