Running Group

I've never been part of a regular running group. Whether it's because of where I live, my work schedule, or just not having early-morning motivation, a weekly appointment has just not been my thing.

That's about to change.

I attended a 7:30 group run back on Saturday, put on by the Athens Road Runners. Having relocated nearly two weeks ago, and being a serious introvert, I'm eager to meet people and find things to do. I love the running friends I met in Tuscaloosa, but Athens has a much more vibrant running community-- as evidenced by the 20 or so runners who showed up in late July for a Saturday six-miler. In Tuscaloosa, I made Wednesday afternoon trails for a while, but work didn't always allow it, and when my job changed, it became impossible. That was the only group run on the schedule, Wednesday was the only time to run with others. I remember being the only guy to show up at the running store (the one I would later work at) dressed out for a 5:30 run on an August Wednesday. They looked at me funny. But I looked on the web and saw it on the schedule, so I showed up.

Not so with ARR. This group has about 220 members, and features daily group runs. If it's on the schedule, it sounds like it's gonna happen. Some in the morning, some in the evening. I'm more interested in early-morning runs so as to get it done and get on with the day, so Saturdays seem like the play for now.

It was a good run-- the people I ran with were welcoming, and seem to be really nice. And no downtown traffic. Yet. This is a college town, and that will change. There was even coffee and a delicious apple/oatmeal bar at the end of the run. Yum.

I feel this will help me socially, as well as making me accountable to others, plus getting me ready for October, which could well feature a half and full marathon back to back.

The Lads

I’ve mentioned once or twice that I worked at a retail running store for nearly two years. I obviously had the least seniority when I started (not like it meant anything), and I was the senior man when I left. However, if you include plant life, I was only second on the totem pole.

Meet Bernard (left) and Meb.

These two dudes, named after Bernard Lagat and Meb Keflezighi, were originally one peace lily plant (Bernard is the original, Meb is an offshoot) that held down a spot near the front of the store. It was a sort of housewarming gift from the folks who ran the outdoor mall. Kind of a 'welcome to the neighborhood' sort of thing.

Anyhow, it made its way through the first couple of years until I showed up, by which time it seemed to need a little help. We’re runners (most of us) not horticulturists, so we water the plant about once a week, but it doesn’t seem to improve. Turns out the plant was getting too big for its pot, was getting watered too much, and had no drainage.

I was the only one with any sort of attachment, so I took Bernard (I had named him by this point) home for a week or so of camp. We repotted him, gave him some new soil, and a spot next to a window where some Alabama sun could get in but not beat down on him. I don’t have any ‘before’ pictures, but a week made a difference and we took him back to the store.

It was about this time that there was a gnat outbreak at the store, and Bernard got the blame, freeing me to take home and keep the senior-most employee. We then took our hero and separated him (Meb was born) and put the second plant into a new pot. There was still much trimming of old/dead leaves and stems, and Meb seemed to respond more quickly than Bernard. Ironic, since Meb is a marathoner and Bernard is a 1500 meter guy. I am pleased to report, though, that both peace lilies seem to be healthy and growing. They even seem to be back to normal, following our relocation to Georgia.

It’s pretty corny, I know, but I’ve grown attached to these guys and am glad we were able to rescue them. It’s been a treat to watch their rehab go so well.

Neutrality

I've added two new pairs of shoes to the family here in the last six weeks or so. They are neutral shoes, so I'm getting away from stability shoes since my weight has crept down (and has ticked down again here recently).

A little while back, I paid a Saturday afternoon visit to my old stomping grounds and said hello to some friends, and also came home with these guys:

They're the old Mizuno Wave Rider 14s. These shoes didn't sell too well two years ago. They were on the sale rack when I used to work there, and I bought them off the same rack for 60 bucks. They're up to about 50 miles now, and I use them on Saturday long runs. I have two pairs of shoes that are over 450 miles, so these are welcome additions. They help me stretch the lives of my other running shoes as well. I haven't had any problems with switching away from stability.

Then a week and a half ago, I found these guys:

My new Saucony Ride 3. These are three-year-old shoes, bought for 30 dollars when the First Lady and I were looking at shoes for her one evening. I couldn't say no to an opportunity like that. I even treated myself to a new three pack of socks and still got in at around $40.

I've taken these out for two spins-- a tempo 7 last week, and half-mile repeats (7 miles) yesterday, and I'm already a big fan. I haven't felt anything this soft on my feet in a long time-- it's like I'm wearing two pillows.

So the neutral shoes have been incredible.

The weekly mileage has been around 30 for the last month or so. Pretty nice, considering we've hit the hot and humid season here in Alabama. I've done a good job of getting out the door by 7 am to get a run in. It gets pretty sticky even at that hour, but we're getting the job done. Saturdays are a challenge because I like whiskey so much, so we've gone to the gym for Saturday long runs. I'm even off from work this week, and my body is conditioned to wake up at 6 to get going, so things are going well.