Sorry! Update! 2011 Races!

It's been awhile I know and I'm SORRY. Let's just say life got in the way! It's been a busy few months but I'm back and promise to get back to regularly blogging. Jenn promises too (we made a pact) but I'll let her do that in her own posting.

Speaking of Jenn, we actually got to see one another twice in the last month! The first was for dinner while I was in Chicago on business and the second time when we were in Chicago for Thanksgiving (an annual family trip). Always a treat to catch up with Jenn in person and eating fabulous food! Oh and guess what we forgot to do?? Take a photo so we could post on the blog - shame on us we know!

OK, so here's a recap of what's been going on:

TRAINER
As I mentioned in my last post, I joined a gym and started working with a trainer. She has kicked my butt and yes there were times I thought "I can't do this" but continued on. I'm proud of myself as this really pushed me outside of my "exercise comfort level" and the great news is that it's really made a difference. I feel stronger and this definitely (I would think) will only help with my running.

RUNNING
So have I been running? Yes and no. Yes, I've been running but not as consistently as I planned. This month my goal is to work back up into 8 mile shape. And the plan is to post a weekly update on how things are progressing.

TRAINING
I've decided to join a half marathon training group! Fleet Feet offers one where I live and I thought why not? So starting in January I will start training with a group on Saturdays (6:30 am for long runs) and Thursdays (6:15 pm for speed workouts). Last year I trained solo for my two half-marathons. While I will admit I prefer to run by myself I wanted to take my training to the next level and figured this made sense. It certainly can't hurt and I'm curious what impact it will have on my running. Time will tell. Anyone else have any thoughts/experiences with running groups?

2011 RACES
Research and identified some races for the first half of 2011:
January 2 - My First 5k
March 13 - Shamrock Half Marathon
May - Loop the Lagoon 10k
May - Fiesta Days Half Marathon

MUSIC
And here are some new songs that I enjoy working out to:
Pink "Raise Your Glass"
Katy Perry "Firework"
Taylor Swift "The Story of Us," "Better Than Revenge," "Mine" (note: I pretty much LOVE her new album)
Mariah Carey "Oh Santa"
Linkin Park "The Catalyst"

That's it for now. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is enjoying the holiday season.

Happy Running,
Suzanne