Another Run, Another Success

There was a point during my run tonight when I thought this posting was going to appear different than I am writing it. I didn't think I was going to be able to push through. This week I have increased my total distance to 4 miles. I had two goals when I left for my run; 1-to run a greater distance than my last run and 2-to complete the whole 4 mile course. I am happy to report that I did both!! I left for my run earlier than I was originally supposed to because the sky and the forecast for this evening were looking ominous for plenty of rain. I should think about running in the rain at some point just in case it rains during my leg(s) of the relay but for now.....I think just conquering the distances is what I should focus on. So...tonight I met my goals :) I ran 2.8 of the 4 miles....and of course....finished it. At the bottom of my blog you will now see my run tracker. It will display my data for the week as I complete each training run.

In the meantime, please don't forget that while I conquer my distances the American Cancer Society is working to conquer cancer. My first fundraising goal is to have $200 raised by Sept 1st. Right now I have just over $100 to my credit. If you would like to help me with my fundraising goals, please visit the Maryland Athletic Association's donation page. When you donate, please make sure to click the link to leave special directions (on the confirmation page) and be sure to type in the text box that the donation is "on behalf of Jenn Sponheimer".

Thanks again for your support!

Willpower and Determination

Tonight was my next official training run. I wasn't exactly feeling well today.....big headache the whole day.....that resulted in the need for a nap when I got home from work. But I knew going into the nap that after the boys went to bed, I was going to head outside for that next run. The humidity was much cooler this evening so I feel like I was set up to perform better. And between that and the sheer determination I had to improve I exceeded my goal. I really wanted to improve my pace in the 2.8 mile run by 50/100 but instead I improved it by 92/100!! I feel really lifted by this run...and by the people who are cheering me on behind the scenes...thank you to all of you for your support! I couldn't do it without you!!

Jenn

Let the Training Begin

So the organization that runs the relay I will be participating in (Ragnar Relay) has a posted training plan for both beginners and experienced runners. I am definitely a beginner. Years ago I used to hate running....but sometime in the last year I realized that if I was ever going to lose the pounds I have gained since I graduated from college....running was going to have to be my friend. So I started running....slowly but surely. But I felt like I needed to run toward something. Enter this relay :)

If I were to follow the "official" training program, I would start this coming Monday....but I decided to get a bit of a jump. So....I started this past Saturday and ran again today. I only ran 2.8 miles total each day and today I shaved 36/100 off my pace from the first run. By no means am I going to be the team superstar....but if I keep continual progress and regular training...I will certainly not let them down.

But to really do this....I am going to need help and support. Feel free to email me, text me, or comment here to ask how I am doing on training days (Mon, Wed, Fri, and in a few weeks Sat). I will be posting regularly too. Thanks for your interest and support!

Starting the Journey

This post is the first of many as I begin a 21 week training plan to be prepared for the experience of a lifetime. On January 7, 2011 I will join 11 other runners in Miami, FL on a 185 mile relay race to Key West, FL. We will be running not only for our love of it, but to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Running is a new passion of mine and I am thrilled to not only be able to participate in a unique experience but to do so in an effort to help the American Cancer Society further their work in the fight against cancer.

If you would like to help me with my fundraising goals, please visit the Maryland Athletic Association's donation page. When you donate, please make sure to click the link to leave special directions (on the confirmation page) and be sure to type in the text box that the donation is "on behalf of Jenn Sponheimer".

Thanks for visiting my blog. In the coming weeks you will see much about my training, and my successes and failures along the way. I appreciate your love and support!

Jenn