Blogging Runner

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 12:12 PM PDT

Today was my running group!

After our challenging run last Saturday, I was excited to see what our trainer would have in store for us this week. I knew we were going to focus on hill training, but I had no idea how many hills we would be running!

My new sneaks and hot pink insoles!

Today was also my first run in my new Brooks Adrenaline GTS shoes. I actually bought my Brooks a few months ago, but I kept them in my closet until I was ready for a new pair.

About 2 minutes into our run, I knew my Superfeet insoles were not positioned in my shoes correctly. I thought about what to do – stop and fix my insoles or keep going. Rather then risk an injury, I stopped to adjust the insoles in both of my sneakers.

I told the group to go on and I would catch up when I was ready. Well, I don’t know if it was my nerves or a weak determination, but I just couldn’t get my shoes to feel right!

Discouraged, I thought about turning around and walking back to the gym. But I paid to be a part of that group and the members are inspiring and encouraging. I wanted to run with my group, even if I was (far) behind!

So I ran on, unsure of the exact route. I remembered some of the street names our trainer had mentioned, and I did my best to find my way. I ran my first two miles alone. After my second mile I finally found my group running up and down a SCARY hill!

We all ran up and down (and up and down) that insane hill for about 20 more minutes without stopping! It was painful, challenging and hard. I just made sure I kept going!

Oh, how I HATE hills. I loathe them! But with the proper training, I’ve been getting a little better. Maybe, over time, they won’t be so scary!

We finished our run back to the gym in the rain, but it felt so refreshing! Today we ran about 8 miles, including 3 – 4 miles of straight hills.

My legs feel fine now, but I’m nervous about how they’ll feel in the morning!

Also, if you were wondering about my Sweaty Band, it stayed in place during my entire run, hills and all! I’m officially hooked!

Today: 8 miles.
Weekly: 28.5 miles.
Yearly: 410.22 miles.