Sunday, March 14, 2010

My First St. Cloud River Runner Group Run!

This is a picture of Amy...I ran with her for my first St. Cloud River Runner group meet:)
What a fantastic weekend!! It was the best weekend that I have had in a long time! Saturday morning I got up at 5 AM so that I could be ready to make the drive to St. Cloud and meet my running group! I was so excited not only to run with a group but to meet many of the other runners:) I arrived at the meeting place (Coborn's) at 7:35 AM. I was early and just kind of hung out until I noticed a few other runners make their way into the store. I then walked out side and started talking to a few of the other runners and got the low down on how things work. Before every run there is a group picture and we all lined up and watched the photographer run to take his place:) The photagrapher is the nice man in the right hand corner in the bottom row. I do not remember his name but he made me kneel front and center because I was one of the three newbie runners. This picture is pretty small if you would like to look at a bigger picture click on to this. There were several runners who showed up at 6:30 to start the run early to bank extra miles. Many of the runners are training for marathons. There are a few training for Boston. The course we were to run that morning was a 10k distance and I felt very happy when I heard that:) I could of done a ten mile but I didn't bring fuel with me. We all just started off together at a pretty easy slow pace...perfect for warming up. Before we started the run I asked if there was anyone who was planning on running around a 8:30 pace. One of the runners asked Amy if that is what she was planning on running. Amy was one of the runners who arrived at 6:30 and already ran 10 miles that morning. This 10k was going to be her cool down:) Honestly, I was a little scared that I would be in the slowest group. Most of these runners can smoke my times and then some:) I am happy to say that I was not the caboose in this 10k group running train:) Woo hoo!! We all ran together for the first mile and everyone was chatting and it was so nice to get to know some of these friendly people. The second mile was when the group started to break up a bit. Some of the guys and a few of the girls busted up ahead. I ran with Amy, Deb, Cathy and Shannon for the first few miles. Deb and Shannon are training for a marathon in May and needed to turn around after the third mile. They arrived early and had already ran ten miles. I ran with Amy for basically the entire run and we chatted almost the whole time. Amy is a tri athlete who does it all. She has children around the same age as mine so we had alot to talk about. I am not used to running with people other than when I race. This was so different for me. There were a few times where I felt like my breathing was labored because I am not used to doing both. I really like running with someone who runs about the same pace as me. I know that Amy can run at a faster pace...this was her cool down. I kept on looking down at my garmin and it was pretty consistenly staying at around the 8:30 to 8:40 range. The only time it went down was at the hill towards the end of the run. It was a gorgeous course of roads and the St. Cloud State University walking/running trails. When we hit mile five we stopped to wait for another runner who was getting a drink and I just ran in place. I would maybe say that we waited about two minutes before we slowly ran on. After going up the hill it was all road and we kept on going steady. When there was around a little less than a mile left Amy told me where the finish was and said that I could go ahead if I felt like sprinting in. I left Amy and started to pick up my speed. I ran pretty steady and got faster as I moved on. I sprinted in the last 800 meters and looked down at my garmin. It read 54:04! I was very happy with that considering we started off slower and we stopped at one point in the run:)

I went to my van and grabbed my water and my purs. After the run they meet inside the Deli and all have breakfast and coffee together. This is when I was able to meet more of the runners and just sat and talked. I had a really good time:) I sat next to a man who is the male version of me. He is a chatty Charlie:) I have never met a man who could talk as much as me before so I found this very entertaining. His name is Gary and he was the nicest guy:) I also had the chance to speak with a few of the other runners! Everyone was very friendly and welcoming:) I know I am going to love running in this group. I am kind of sad because next week I have a race and will not be able to make the group run!
This is a picture that was taken in the Deli. Shannon is the one sitting in the left hand corner and then there is me and Deb:)
Here is another picture of Deb and I. Deb joined the running group last year and she told me something fascinating. She said that when she started doing the group runs she was in the back of the pack and one of the slower runners. She has improved so much and she gives credit to the St. Cloud River Runners and running with this group. I am so looking forward to getting faster and running with people who run at faster paces. Deb is hoping to finish her marathon in May under 4 hours:)
Today was absolutely gorgeous here in Minnesota!! It got up to 56 degrees in the twin cities! I went on a five mile run today and I wore a long sleeved shirt and shorts:) Yes, I wore shorts! I did take a picture but my legs are scary white.....must get a slight tan sometime soon. I really do not tan, even in the summer I am lighter than most:( This is Weaver Lake Road which was the first part of my run. This portion is downhill and easy going.

At the bottom of that hill to the left hand side of the road is this wetlands and wildlife area. It the summer is it so beautiful:) I really wanted to run my old 10k running route from the summer and was pretty happy to see that the trails were free of snow:) This is the first portion of the trail system. No snow, woo hoo!!

This is a little bit farther down the trail. So far the run was great...perfect running weather and solid trails.
Until this...oh crap!! There was at least a foot or two of standing water and there was no way I was getting to the other side:( I was so disappointed because the best part of the trail system is a few miles down the trail. I needed to think about a plan B!

I turned around and ran back up Weaver Lake hill and turned off on a different trail. It is another one that I run if I am looking for a shorter run.

It is surrounded by woods so the snow was not totally melted:( I chose to push on and run on the snowy trails.
I did not have my Yaktraxs and it was pretty challenging in the snow.

This is a smaller steeper hill that I did some hill repeats on last summer and fall. This is another view of my hill.


Here is a small park that I run by and it is usally filled with children playing:)
This is the part of my runs that I like to do sprint repeats. It is nice and flat and it is towards the end of my run:) I love finishing my runs on this path:) I was able to keep a 8:50 mile minute pace for this five mile run! I was pleased with this because I stopped to take pictures and I ran part of it on snowy trails:)
This week I will be working on a getting a few 5ks in as well as one 10k. Next Saturday I am running The Get Lucky! 7k in Minneapolis:) I just purchased a green shirt to run in and I am getting pumped to run this one:) I hope that everyone has a great week!!
Here are a few giveaways to check out:)
Marcia is hosting a Runningskirts.com giveaway:)
Molly is hosting a God Never Blinks book giveaway:)
Misszippy is hosting a Rockin' Refuel giveaway!
Erica is hosting an Oisselle clothing giveaway!!

51 comments:

  1. Hi Julie,

    That sounds like such an awesome running group! That's a great time for a 10K...know that I, for one, am impressed :)

    You're gonna rock your race next weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fun Julie. Glad you found some peeps to hang and run with. The pix are fun. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Too fun! I couldn't help but notice two things: One, you are totally right - the snow is melting!! Hopefully it all stays away. Also, I couldn't help but notice how colorful everyone was in that group shot! You guys should have totally lined up in order of color like a rainbow :)

    I agree with Anne - that is a great time for a 10k. Can't wait to hear about it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I always enjoy your posts so much! So detailed. :)

    I'm glad your group run went well! I checked into the one in Clarksville that I mentioned, but it wouldn't work because they always do their long group runs on Saturday. My schedule doesn't allow for that. I have to do mine on Sunday. :( So it's still just gonna be me and the voices in my head.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks like you found a really great running group that is going to be on my list of things to do I would love to run with a group how far do you drive to meet up??
    thanks for the link. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. How far do you travel for that group? Are a lot of people traveling a ways? Good for you for doing it. I have not done anything like this and would like to.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Julie,

    I love seeing pix from those trails where you run. I have run all those places in the past. It is neat to read a blog and recognize the places :) Thanks! You probably recognize some of the places I run, too, because it is just a few miles from there--- toward the Mississippi River.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am so glad you found a great group to run with-how fun! I am sure they will provide lots of support and inspiration. It will be neat to watch your progression! Thanks for sharing all the wonderful pics from today's run - it's fun to see all the places fellow bloggers live and run. Have a great week!
    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  9. Running groups are the best! What a great morning you guys had together. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Julie - that is so awesome that you had a good time with your new group!

    That was some beautiful scenery. Thanks for the pics ... maybe I'll snap some pics of my trails in TX. Things are already starting the green up here!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh, so fun to run with a group! I miss that!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'd love to run with the local club (that I've actually been a member of for about a year). It sounds like fun, but I just haven't found the time yet. Well, that and the fact that I'm too controlling with my runs :) Maybe someday...

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nice run Newbie Non Caboose runner!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Julie, no wonder you had the best weekend ever! I noticed you front and center in the photograph right away, you all look so great and fit!! Your trails look fun and I love seeing where blogging friends run and have fun. Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful week!
    meg

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Julie;-)
    Nice running group picture. And you have less snow now to deal with! woo-hoo.

    Also, you picked THE best fancy hotel in Sonoma! YEAH! You will have such a great time there! Maybe we can meet you in the lobby one nite!;-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. looks like ole man winter has broken his back up in your neck of the woods as well! can't you just FEEL spring?!?!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi Julie,

    I'm glad you enjoyed your group run. I have learned to really enjoy running with people. Great pictures also!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Running groups are great! I'm glad you found such a nice group. I love the pics. Interesting to see where people on other continents run.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey Julie....that's totally fun that you met with your new group and had an awesome time with them. You are going to love all the support and teammwork and make a ton of friends along the way. Your running in coming along so wonderfully, I couldn't be happier for you! I also just did a 7K, I didn't think there were many of those around. What a fun distance....so much better than a 5K where a lung just gets sucked right out of ya. Ha! Love your pictures and I'm soooo glad that your snow is melting (it snowed here yesterday. err!). You're the best, I just love reading your blog each week, you're always so much fun and so much energy! Have a great week, Julie!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yay for finding a great running group! I'm thinking of doing that after the half and hoping that I can learn to run without the IPod!

    Great pictures! Can't believe you ran on the snow trails - you rock!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hey Julie:
    That is great that you joined a running group! I have been tempted to join one too.

    What trail did you run on? I am amazed that there was still snow and ice on it.

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Julie,
    It sounds like a great group! You'll definitely love running with them as often as time allows. Enjoy the spring like weather.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Julie,

    I am glad to hear that the running group turned out to be so great. It is so nice to be able to run with other people sometimes. I loved the pictures and great job on both runs! It was certainly nice to have the warmer weather as well.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great pictures and sounds like it is an awesome running group you are in! Good luck with your race next week, looking forward to reading about it.

    ReplyDelete
  25. So glad you found a great group like this. I have running partners that I found through my local running club years ago and I can't imagine life without them now. Great pics too--thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  26. A friendly group, a sunny morning and good average pace. You posted beautiful photos of landscapes. Have a nice training for your next week race.

    ReplyDelete
  27. That's one of the nice things about running/tri groups. There is almost always somebody there that will run with you. It's pretty awesome! Great runs too!! In my group, you'd be a speedy peep!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sounds like fun- I love training with a group! And that group photo is fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a fun run in St. Cloud. Are you doing the Earth Day 1/2 (april 17)? It is a great course.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow, great recap! I would love to try a running group. It would be a great way to get up and out of the house one the weekends.

    Thanks for the comment, and yes, I was a cheerleader and on dance team. I guess that part comes out sometimes in pictures, haha. :) Good luck on your run this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm so proud of you for joining a running club! It's something I've wanted to do for awhile but haven't. What a great weekend overall--WOOT for the shorts!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sounds like a great running weekend and a great running group! I haven't run with a group yet. I'm looking into it for the spring/summer!

    ReplyDelete
  33. your trails looks worse then the ones i ride on, your a stud

    ReplyDelete
  34. glad the group run went well! reminds me of the fun group-run days i used to have.... ahhh. pretty soon you'll be skipping races so you can meet up with the group ;) or, maybe you can meet some of the folks mid-week now and then too? :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wow, it sounds like you really enjoyed the group, the run and the visit after the run. It'll be a treat to do that every week. I've been thinking about joining a running group and I think your post may have convinced me to go for it. Great job on your runs. Thanks for the post and for sharing the pictures of your running route. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi Julie! Yay! It sounds like you had an awesome time at your group run. It also sounds like this is a great group to be in to increase pace and mileage. That's awesome. It's so cool to see someone up at 5:00 am excited about their run.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Julie, you are definitely cooler than me. Hands down, don't try to make me feel better by saying otherwise.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm so glad that your first run with the running group went well! Maybe someday I'll join a group too!

    Thanks for the pics of your running route. That looks like a great place to run! :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hooray for group runs! I'm so glad you got to meet up with your running group and join them for a run. It's the best way to meet people and it's so great when you find someone that can run your pace! I have a running group too and I look forward to the days I get to run with them. I think joining them for group runs will definitely help you imnprove your times.

    BTW, thanks for your lovely comment on my blog. Sorry for making you think so much but I always enjoy your thoughts and perspectives.

    Take care and have a lovely Spring week!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm so glad that you enjoyed your group. It sounds like a perfect fit! Good luck at the Lucky 7 next weekend. The sweatshirt looks super cool!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh my-looks like you had a blast! I would SO love to have a running group! Have fun at the 7K next weekend. I will be in the cities for state hockey and tried to register but the race was already sold out! I bet you'll do awesome and the weather is supposed to be pretty decent!! Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Julie!

    Wow, what a group! You are lucky and seems you are very grateful for having such a great group of folks to run with. Take it all in! The area in Minn you are running in looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow! Driving two hours for a running group? That is some level of commitment. I chose my running club becuase I can get up at 6:45 and still make it in time for a 7 AM start :-)

    Thanks for the kind comments about my obsessive planning. I like it that way becuase if I forget something, at least I knowingly forgot it. *That* I can deal with. Showing up 15 minutes too late - *that's* another story...

    ReplyDelete
  44. So glad you found a great running group Julie. I enjoy running with others, though I don't do it often.

    That looks like an awesome trail you took pictures of. Around here it is all sidewalks beside traffic. I miss the trails up north.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi Julie,
    Smashing group of people you chose to run with and you fit in very well. I'm sure your running will improve enormously if you continue to train with them. Takes your mind off the pain!
    Good luck in all you do.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks for the comment Julie, you are too kind and sweet but I'm not an elite runner nor a stellar runner...I'm just a grandma looking for some fun and trying to stay fit!! You crack me up but thanks for being so encouraging!
    meg

    ReplyDelete
  47. Great pictures of your second run. Way to tough it out - although it looks (to me) like more fun than anything.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Running groups are great! They're a great way to meet other like minded people and to find training advice. Great run! And loved the pics!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Julie,

    Since you are not a beer drinker, I would suggest some of these these beers that don't taste so much like beer:

    New Glarus Raspberry Tart
    New Glarus Wisconsin Belgian Red
    You can only get New Glarus inside the Wisconsin state line.

    I also would suggest these Lindemans varieties:

    Lambic Framboise (raspberry)
    Kriek (sour cherry)
    Peche (peach)
    Cassis (blackcurrant)
    Pomme (apple)

    You can get these at most liquor stores. It doesn't taste like beer but, I think you would enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  50. that's a great sized group, what a cool idea to take a photo each week. I know what you mean about getting used to chatting while running, but it does pass the time huh?

    thanks for linking in my giveaway! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Thanks for 'taking' us with you along the way....I miss racewalking so much.....

    ReplyDelete

 
Free Hit Counter