Personal Run Training - May 8

I decided I had done enough of procrastinating, and that I as going to join the TNR (Thursday Night Run) group. I texted Bora to find the time and location, and also texted Stu to find out if he was coming.

I reached the parking lot of farmers market and found 3 souls bearing the chilly breeze by the front door. I went and introduced myself as one of the members with TNT training for the Philly Tri. Just about that time Stu showed up, and I did not feel like a total stranger anymore. A bunch of other people started showing up and before long there were a good group of more than 10 people. We started running with Stu and a couple of others in the lead. I fired up my ipod, oblivious to all the other runners, which I realized much later was somewhat rude, so I will have to keep that in my car next time. I overtook a bunch of people to keep pace with Stu, and was doing good till after about 2 miles, by which time either they had picked up the pace, or I just could not get comfortable with following them. I started trailing them, but trying to keep them in sight. I tried to catch up with a sprint, but that got me even more winded, so I just slowed down and picked a pace that seemed to be in line with the breathing.

Eventually the group behind me caught up wtih Jayanne, and I started running with them. Apparently I was more tried than I thought, so I ended up lagging behind them eventually too, only to have the last group catch up to me. The good thing was I made conversation with a bunch of new people, including Chris who is running the Bayshore marathon in two weeks. He gave me a tip to take shorter steps which is easier on the knee as well as to keep pace. I had originally anticiapated running with the 4 mile group, but I ended up running the entire 6 miles, and eventually Chris informed me, that we actually ran about 6.4 miles, more than a 10K (and my first)!!

I was exhausted, dehydrated, but high in spirits for having accomplished this. I also believe my pace was about 8:30ish/mile, nearly a minute faster than my pace has been in the past. I think I broke multiple barriers with this run, and is a major milestone for me. If I continue the same run over the next few weeks, I will be in great shape for the run!!!

For all of you supporting me, it has really helped me to know people have so much faith in me, and I am trying to deliver on all those expectations! ;)