I met Alicia when I moved to the Mobile area in Jan '09. We became good friends and we shared a love for running. She talked me into going to an info meeting for Team in Training which raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society while training for marathons. I thought that would be a great way to increase my mileage and stay in shape while raising money for such a great cause. So, I went to the info meeting not really knowing if I could make such a huge commitment. After hearing all about it I knew I this was something I had to do. I signed up for the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, DC. Through training with the Team, I met some amazing runners and people battling with blood cancers. These people with cancer and those in remission are absolutely amazing and an inspiration! Blood cancers are terrible and I was glad to play a little part in finding a cure. It was the best experience!!
I've been thinking a lot lately about how much I miss my running buddies and the Team. I would really like to get involved again soon. I should go out to some of their runs and visit everyone. Like I've said before, it's hard for me to get up early because I work night shift! I miss running with friends and I know it's going to be rough for me when I start doing my long runs for Disney. Sometimes it is nice to do runs alone though. You can zone out and enjoy the peace and quiet. I'm also excited about focusing on my pace for my upcoming marathon.
This is a picture of some of us on July 4, 2009 after a long run. I tried to be patriotic but I don't own a red top. Oh well, white and blue were close enough!
This is at about 5 am right before the Marine Corp Marathon '09. Woohoo, we were excited! GO TEAM!
And, here is Alicia. I owe so much to her for all the encouragement she has given me through this wonderful running experience! This picture was taken after the Women's Half Marathon in St. Petersburg, FL.
Do you have a running group you are involved with? Or do you prefer to run solo?
Leah B.
Such an upbeat and inspiring post! Too bad you can't run with them more 'cause of shift work.
ReplyDeleteI'm just a starting runner ... need to get my times down in order not to drag everyone to slow down. So no group yet, but I know a lot of people say it improves their running.
Yikes... night shift and training must be so hard!
ReplyDeleteI have a few running partners that I run with occasionally, and a running group that I run with most weekends. For our group runs, we take it nice and easy and enjoy the social aspects of it all. I always look forward to running with my group! (And to going out for coffee after...)
That crew looks fast! I do most of my training solo. With 3 kids, sometimes I have to sneak out for runs like a ninja. But occasionally I organize a group run and it's a great change to run with people. Especially if you like them;0)
ReplyDeleteThis team in training sounds like a good idea. I've been having troubles since getting back into running. Living in a new subdividision is like living in a construction zone, and it not condusive to running. Joining one of these groups would be a great way to get out of my hood and into greener pastures. I will have to see if they have this program in Canada, as it sounds like a great cause.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to run with a group but I usually run at 4:30 or so, before work, so that doesn't happen. Weekends 8:00 is when I could run with a group but by then I've either run or don't want to anymore.
ReplyDeleteI love group pictures. I'm such a loser I never run with people. :( I'm fine with it until I see photos. YAY for you and your group
ReplyDeleteI run solo right now, but I'm thinking about joining a group near the winter time.
ReplyDeleteI do belong to a running group, but I honestly prefer to run alone so I never run with them. Boooo - I'm a horrible runner.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you're having so much fun with TnT though!! I've ran a few of my marathons this year with a TnT coach. he really gets me pumped up about the program.
I like the whole idea of a running group..... but I'm just too slow to keep up with them! So, I have my own running group of Hubs and My Girl!
ReplyDeleteRight now, I am running solo. I am a 3 event alum with Team in Training and loved training with them.
ReplyDeleteI have only ever run solo. I think a group run could be fun - especially on the days when I feel like I'm dragging and need extra motivation. But really when I am on my runs, I do enjoy the freedom that goes with being alone.
ReplyDeleteLeah, since I live so far in the boonies I run 99% of the time solo, I love to run with friends, though.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Leah:)
ReplyDeleteand I'm LOVING the responses to your post.
IMPRESSIVE!
yay
I MISS YOU SOO MUCH!