Coffee Talk 2/22

Pour your coffee and settle in, coffee talk is about to begin...

I don't know about anybody else but I feel like I'm still recovering from last week's race. Ever have a week where you just can't seem to get out of your own way? That's how I have been feeling. I could not kick it into high gear this week. All my body wanted to do was rest, rest, rest. So I did. I am determined to get out there this week, though, and stay on track for the New Bedford 1/2. For those of you planning to run the 1/2, please sign up when you can and let me know. Last year there were 3 of us--Lisa Letourneau, Courtnee Munson and me. And I went there kicking and screaming the entire way. And for those of you who have a memory (I really don't but this one detail stands out in my mind)that was the day I discovered how terrible multi-grain bagels are without cream cheese. I stand by that statement today.

But as always, I digress. Another sign of the aging process and dementia.

The New Bedford 1/2 is a terrific precursor to a marathon, especially for those of you who are planning to run the full marathon in May (Providence/Cox Rhode Race). This will give you an idea of what your marathon pace would be--not exact, but pretty darn close. It's also a chance for us to run together. I will advise you, though, that it is not a race to be taken lightly. It can be very cold along the water. There are also 2 hills that are rather daunting and of course one is at the end. So when deciding, remember those 2 factors.

We all gathered on Saturday, 2/21, for our weekly long run. As always, choosing the best weather day is key and Saturday seemed to be it for the majority. I mapped out a route and did so under time constraints. With that said, I think I made a mistake on the route (gee, what a surprise.) I did check the prime time records and know that everyone got back so I hope you didn't get too lost. Jane, Courtnee, Tara, Liz, Cynthia and myself headed out together for our long runs. I have to say that it was cold running through farm country in Rehoboth. Had I known, I would have mapped another route. Nice runs, ladies. Jane tacked on an additional 3 miles for her marathon prep. I give her a lot of credit. I didn't have it in me. Courtnee kept a nice pace the entire time. Tara, Liz and Cynthia tackled their runs as well and are gearing up for a strong 1/2 marathon in the spring.

The walk/run group had a strong turnout yesterday. Led by Chris Ross, Karen Araujo, Lisa Cote, Lisa's sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Tom (visiting from Florida), Mary, Lori and Mary Ellen ventured out for 3.2 miles. Nice job everyone. If you know of anyone who would like to join in, bring them along. Chris will continue to lead the group and follow a pace that is appropriate for everybody. Please make sure you review the weekly Walk/Run 5K schedule and tailor it to your individual needs. For example, when you see 2.75 miles, you can walk/run 2.75 miles if you don't feel you are up to running the entire distance. Set a pace that works for you. Before you know it, you will be running 3.2 without stopping. Please plan to meet in the lobby at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. start time. You can use the 15 minutes to stretch.

Sandy Pereira went out with her husband, Victor, yesterday afternoon for a nice 6 mile run. I talked to Katie Damon as well and she ran her mileage yesterday which include Hillside. If you haven't run Hillside yet, don't worry, you will. CJ and Stacie ran out and back on Route 152 and got their mileage in as well. After talking with them, it seems 152 was the warmer route. I wish I had mapped that one. Lisa Letourneau ran yesterday afternoon and was getting out there this morning as well. How did you feel like doing that? Jill Lifrak was also out with her husband, Joe, this morning and got 13 miles under her belt. I feel so incomplete without all of you.

When we all meet in the lobby, we need to meet closer to the door. The front desk is blocked and members are having a hard time getting around us. It is also difficult to for the staff to hear the phones. Just something to keep in mind when we meet.

Luca will be setting up tri-swimming shortly. This is for people who want to improve their swimming ability in preparation for a triathlon. I know we had discussed a triathlon race for all of us to take part in. I would like to get your feedback as far as races are concerned. If there is a race that you would recommend for beginners, or a race that you plan on doing, please let me know so we can share it with the group. Sherilynn Pearce has mentioned Danskin, which is an option. Courtnee and I have done Bayside. Lisa has done Wild Dog. There are plenty of them out there, just let me know your opinions.

There will be a HIIT session next Sunday, followed by a swim, provided that the pool is open.

I think that's all for now. Have a great week.

Joyce

Coffee Talk

Pour your coffee and settle in, coffee talk is about to begin...

First and foremost, congratulations to everyone who participated in yesterday's race. A ten mile race is a huge accomplishment and one that you should all be proud of. This is just the beginning of racing season. There are many more to come.

Cherylynn Brownback ran a fantastic race yesterday. New to pavement, this girl showed no mercy on the track. In fact, Cher is so inpsired she plans to run the Providence Marathon in May. We are with you all the way, Cher. Maybe not the entire 26.2 but I promise we will be at several locations throughout the day. :) Seriously, hook up with Jill Lifrak, Jane Morris, Laurel McLaughlin and Nicole Coutu if you are looking to train for the marathon. They are terrific to run with.

Linda Britt you are awesome! It was great to meet you yesterday and see you cross that finish line. Make sure you sign up for our next big one if you can--New Bedford 1/2 marathon. Linda, Cheryl and my sister, Lisa, all work together and Linda has been training faithfully on her own. Your effort and hard work paid off yesterday. Nice run, girl.

Cynthia Corbett you are officially back. There should be no stopping you at this point and I know you will easily handle the 1/2 marathon in Providence come spring. This is your year. Enjoy!

Laurel McLaughlin, just one day shy of 40, ran a fabulous race and is also considering (and I think she's going to do it) the Providence marathon. You ran a fantastic race, Laurel, and I am so happy that you were able to do it while you were still 39. Providence will be a breeze.

Sandy Barbour ran the race of her life yesterday. Not only has she been following this training to the letter, she has been working hard to increase her strength and stamina at the gym. It showed yesterday, Sandy. Who said you weren't going to get any faster?

Cheryl Withers, I cannot believe you crossed that finish line with the headache you had and still had a smile on your face at the end of the race. You are one strong woman and I am so proud of you for finishing and I'm grateful that you're part of this team. You always have great advice and I always learn something new from you that I can add to my runs. Trust me ladies, if you have questions, ask Cheryl.

Katie Damon and Sandy Pereira crossed the finish line together and supported each other from start to finish. Katie you ran a terrific race. Sandy, I knew you could do it! I am so happy for both of you. Now make sure you sign up for a 1/2 marathon. Really, what's 3 more miles once you have 10 under your belt?

Tara Marceau, you never lose your cool. Even when we couldn't find your number, you were willing to sit out and cheer for your teammates. HA! Not happening. You ran a fantastic race and I know that the next race we do will be even better. You have come so far. And am I hearing rumblings that a triathlon is in your future or is it just rumor?

Liz Fasteson you have come so far in such a short time. For someone who does not like to run outside this time of year, you had no problem doing so on Sunday. So psyched to hear that you plan to run the 1/2 marathon. You are so close to it now you may as well.

CJ Jasionowski you surprise me all the time. I thought you were still running with a few minutes to go and lo and behold I turn around and find you inside the building reserving a table for all of us. Great race Sunday. Are you up for the 1/2 as well?

Chrs Ross, Monique Francouer and Erin Sears, its not easy to walk/run 10 miles but you did it. I heard Monique that you were "all set" at about mile 9 and proceeded to just run it in. Erin I am so glad you are back with us. Hope that hip is okay and you can run one or two of the next races. Chris, thanks so much for your efforts with the walk/run group. I know I say it all the time but really--without the walk/run group, there would be no "newbies"

Nicole Coutu I am so happy for you and really proud of you as well. You ran a terrific race on Sunday and not only got yourself across the finish line but you stayed with your sister-in-law to help her. You are an amazing person and I am so glad you are part of this group. Will we see you in New Bedford?

Lisa Letourneau, aka Prancy, surprised herself with her time and the ease of her race. It is great to have you back running distance not only because you're good but because you're so much fun. And its not because your my sister that I say all this. If it weren't for you nudging me to run, there would be none of this. So really, its you we need to thank.

Tracey Mahoney, this is probably your last race of the season and I must say I was so pleased and impressed. You ran a great race and I hope you are proud of what you accomplished Sunday. Before you know it, you'll be back on the road.

Jane Sincere Morris, you were fantastic on Sunday especially after running 12 on Friday at that vomit inducing pace. Where do you find the strength? the energy? What is it that you are eating? Please share your secrets because truly you are a dynamo.

Michelle Polk, I am so happy that you crossed that finish line with a smile on your face and a light step. Huge accomplishment and I know this race had a lot of sentimental value for you. Looking forward to seeing you cross the next big one.

Brenda Booth, the determined runner. No matter how much pain she is in, she just keeps going. I love your attitude Brenda and your tenacity. I promise all the bruising and "surgical" physical therapy you're receiving will pay off. And I'm proud of you for going through all of that. Its not easy to do but as always you do what needs to be done.

Stacie Tracey I love when you finish a race. I know you didn't feel as though you were prepared as you would have liked due to vacation but you ran so well. You have come so far and the Providence 1/2 is going to be your best race ever. Can I interest you in New Bedford?

Courtnee Munson, you never give up. I love your style, girl, and I will always love you as a running partner. You are a terrific athlete all around and one of the strongest runners we have on this team, not just physically, but mentally as well. It is, as always, a privilege, to run with you.

Lori Keough you are one of those silent but deadly runners. This is the woman who runs in 7 degree weather regardless of wind. The woman who sticks to a schedule and makes it part of her life regardless of responsibilities. I just wish we saw more of her. But one can't have everything especially when you work like Lori does. You were phenomenal, Lori. I am so proud of you and I hope you and your family are proud of you as well.

Josie Dutil it is great to see you back in action. I know there were a few weeks when running did not look to be a possibility but you are back. You were great on Sunday and I know that you plan to tear through Boston come spring. We will be rooting for you every step of the way.

I think I have covered all of my bases. Congratulations to Keith, Jane, Aimee, Rob and Lorie. We would love to have you join us for any long run you might be up for. I don't like to talk about people when they don't expect it, but Keith, you are amazing. Jane, you must be an Olympian, Aimee, awesome job; Rob and Lorie, great race great run.

Please make sure you register for the St. Pat's race and the New Bedford 1/2 marathon. Let me know when you register. St. Pat's is a family team so when you register, the pass code is Team Newman Password is 111500. We are all going to ReRa after for a post celebration. I'm sure everyone else at the race will be there too.

Our annual awards dinner will be held Friday, May 15. This is where we get out of our sweaty smelly running clothes and put on a little paint and powder for kicks. Please mark your calendars accordingly. This is a night not to be missed.

I think that's all for now. Enjoy the week.

Keep on keepin on...

Joyce