Ahh...the heat...

Hydration is important in a runner's life and so much more so when the temperature creeps up and up. Just drinking water while you run is not good enough. You need to stay hydrated throughout the day and night. Planning ahead will eliminate lots of problems.
I like to carry my hand bottle filled with Gatorade or water and a wet bandana with me while I run. It gives me a little bit of relief as I dab my face. Sprinklers are a help too!

So, my run class is going very well. We are slowly building up their endurance each week. Several comment that they can see improvement and of course, this makes me very happy! We have about 6 weeks until the 5K, I can't wait to see how they do.
Happy Running to you all!

The cutest Runner Girl!

2012 Summer group (minus 3)

NEXT STEP Performance Training

I never thought I would have my very own run class but that is exactly what has happened. I have 17 participants and from what I can tell, they are having a good time. We are beginning a 9-week program that ends with a 5K run. My desire is to teach these runners how to slowly build up their base in order to accomplish the running goals they have set for themselves. I am teaching them how to stretch before and after workouts, my nutritionist is coming to share with them in the next few weeks, and they receive unlimited encouragement. I truly believe each one will be able to look back on our training time together and see much improvement, if they have followed the training plan. 

Remember this, "If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits."

If you are reading this and want to take the NEXT STEP, please contact me for more information. It only takes a few small changes to make a big difference!

Komen Global Race for the Cure and D.C tourists

Will and I had a great time in Washington, D.C. this weekend. We try to visit our nation's capital once a year. Of course, if a race is involved, I am very happy about that! After a long ride and a lot of rain, we finally arrived on Friday and checked in at our hotel. The race was Saturday morning so we left bright and early for my warmup time. The starting line was near the Washington monument and the race went around the city and ended at the National Mall. I was trying to place in the top 5 for my age group and post a better time than last year. I ended up placing 7th out of some 340 women aged 40-44 but my time was better by almost a minute. Yay! Now time for sightseeing...

After breakfast and a change of clothes off we go to the National Art Gallery. While I don't particularly like art museums, my history buff hubby fills in the details about these pieces of art and who these people were, so it wasn't too bad. It was pretty interesting actually. We ate at Ebbitt's Grill for dinner and walked around the monuments afterwards. Our visit to view the White House was a little different this year. Usually, there is the one lady that has been demonstrating since 1981 but this year there was a large group and 2 other single men demonstrating for different causes. What those causes were, I couldn't tell you. I read their signs but couldn't figure it out.

I always look forward to my early Sunday run around the National Mall but this year, I just had to add in a detour to the White House to see if all the demonstrators were still there. Only the one lady and about 4-6 policeman were around. Bummer...It was a great run around the monuments and then we went to the new Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial. It was awesome and if you go to D.C.  you need to stop by. I will post some pics of it below.

Home is a great place to be. We have been gone the last 3 weekends and I am looking forward to being here for a while-at least a week or two anyway.

This week is a week of endings and beginnings. It is the last week of Fit-tastic at Capital RunWalk and the beginning of my own run group in Garner with NEXT STEP Performance Training. I will blog about my run group after Thursday, which is our first training session. I am proud of the Fit-tastic group and excited to see how they do in the 5K on Saturday.

Happy Running!!