Yep, I do want to ramp up my mileage now that cross country season is nearly over and I can do longer runs after school on my own (except when it starts getting dark really early). Right now I've just been doing between 15 and 25 miles a week, depending on our workouts at practice and on whether I get a long Sunday run in.

Just ran 4 very slow, easy miles, mostly to clear my head. My grandfather died yesterday and I'm about to go out of town for the funeral, so my mind is kind of...heavy. My hamstring did ok on the run, but I took it really really easy. I'm just hoping it'll be ok next Saturday on my 5k. I really want to do well.

likenoother – Welcome back to running! Never heard of that OHR plan… off to Google

onthetee- WTG on those three milers! My iPod has been out of commission for many moons, I’m afraid to find out what it would cost to fix. I figure it’s safer when running outside to be able to hear stuff, like traffic and other people and dogs, but when winter hits and I have to start running at the gym I’m going to wish I had it. Music is great for pumping you up!

Helen – Have a great trip and good luck!

Lisa – So sorry to hear about you loss. Glad to hear your hamstring is holding out. Take care of yourself!

I signed up to do a 5k this Sunday to kick off homecoming week here, proceeds go to the Alumni Association. Haven’t been running enough to really hope for a time improvement, but it’ll be fun and it’s a nice route around the beautiful campus.

My latest goal is to build the ultimate running play list now that I have a new iPod. I have one that is fairly good that is 34 minutes. I think I can do better. My kids just don't allow me to spend hours going through all of my CDs, contemplating each song and deciding whether or not to audition it for the very prestigious spot on my run. It did force me to buy my very first song from iTunes, though!

I have started jotting down songs when I hear them. I got my hair cut this afternoon, and I had my head cocked to see if any of the songs were worthy. I think listening to the 80s station will inspire me as well.

I have been consistently running 3 milesb with no problems. I NEVER thought I would actually do it. I guessed that it would be too hard and that I would just revert back to the safe elliptical. Thanks for all of the support that I have gotten here!

Lisa -

I've just done my last (very short) run, I'm going to work for most of the day then going straight to the airport, so I might not be back online until Monday or more likely Tuesday. I'll let you know I get on.

Have some good runs over the weekend, everyone!

onthetee,

How nice that you have your own iPod! I borrow dh's or dd's and so my running music varies between Queensryche for the former and Avril Lavigne for the latter. Both keep me running. If (only!!) I have time, I'd like to set up my own list of running songs, but I also just learned how to turn an iPod off. I am technologically inept.

5.1 miles today. I am increasing one run a week as a long run, building up to the half in January. Maybe I should check out the full. You guys all make it seem so doable....this huge massive athletic achievement seems doable, cause, well, you guys have done it!!!

Good luck Helen! Can't wait to read your report!

I feel silly posting this, with of all the great ladies here who ran marathons, but...I am SO excited about my 5k next weekend. And I have a few questions:

Is it ok to listen to music while I run?
Do they usually have refreshments (water, gatorade) available or do I need to bring my own?
If I'm last place, will anyone laugh at me? lol

Any other tips you ladies have would be greatly appreciated

Yes, bring your own, no.

LeedaRenee, check the rules of the race posted on their website - some do prohibit wearing headphones, so if they do, you should follow the rules. But, if there isn't anything indicating headphones are prohibited, go right ahead. As to refreshments, the website again should tell you what they'll have available - I'd be surprised if there wasn't at least some water/gatorade station.

And finally - don't worry about being in last place - there's always someone slower than you, trust me, I know!

Most important tip - relax and enjoy the moment! And post a full report when it's over so we can celebrate your success!

LeedaRenee, please note the USATF, the US governing body for long distance races, has banned headphones from use to increase runner safety. This means that you could theoretically get disqualified if the race is USATF certified and they decide to enforce the rule. If you wear headphones, you'll also have trouble hearing last minute race instructions, and instruction from race officials on the course, which could mean finishing or not, even if you aren't disqualified.

Have a great race!

Anne

The other thing about headphones and races is that a race is usually more social than a training run. (For me, anyway. I race to finish, not to win). There are folks cheering you along the way, runners saying good job as they pass you or you pass them, and it's a lot less boring than training runs. Not that all training runs are boring, but I like music to help me on the longer, lonely runs, and I've never missed music during a race.

Good luck with your 5K!! Even if you are last (which you won't be!) you are an athlete for getting out there....and that is awesome!!!!!

Friday I ran 1.75 miles - the most I have done since I hurt myself last month. And I am proud to say I am still not hurt! Next week I will be trying for 2 miles and so on. It felt good to get past the 1.5 barrier though!

I must say even though this is obvious...it is SO MUCH EASIER to run being 16 pounds lighter! I feel even lighter than that some days when I run. It used to hurt so bad and now it feels good! So glad I bought a treadmill and kept with it!

Shananigans

OHR--One Hour Runner
http://www.coolrunning.com/major/97/...it0214.htm#run

Scroll down to Becoming a One Hour Runner.

Shay thanks for sharing the link. I have it saved for after completing the 30 min runs!

So, I ran a "virtual" half marathon today, for something new. For those with the Nike Ipod kit, they had a virtual race today...anyone who logged 13.1 miles today is a finisher. I signed up for it months ago, and forgot about it in the marathon excitement, so good thing they sent a reminder. Anyway, went fine, it was kind of cool to think about other people running all over the country for this event.