Blog #14, Oct. 26, 2008, Tulsa Run/10 Miles

For those of you who ran the Tulsa Run-congrats and good job. For those of you who ran with Fleet Feet, hope you had a good run! I missed both-which meant I would be doing it alone, and if you've ever had to do a long run by yourself you know it can be difficult.

At 3:30 Saturday afternoon, I headed out to 31st and Riverside for my 10 miler. I thought if I went to the place where we meet on some Saturday mornings I would feel motivated, excited and ready to go...that didn't happen. Regardless, I took a drink of water, ate a Jolly Rancher, put on my headphones and I was off.  I'll be honest, the first 2 miles were the worst. It was really hard running by myself.  You have no idea how badly I wanted to stop but I kept going. By mile 3, everything was fine. I had settled into a rhythm, my breathing was in check, I didn't have a stitch and I seemed to be on track with finishing strong; and I did, but I really missed the camaraderie. While running I thought about one of my first blogs that I wrote on "running with a group." (Here it is from Sept. 9, 2008.)

I came across an article on active.com. The last paragraph was very poignant.

"Many running experts cite the propensity of North African runners to train in large groups as one of the keys to their dominance. If it's true, this brain training mechanism is likely the reason. So find a local track club to join, or at least do your hardest workouts with a training partner of similar ability. The desire to win is the oldest and best performance-enhancing drug there is."

How cool is that? Tim and Lori at Fleet Feet got it right, didn't they? So here we are, 250+ athletes running, laughing and encouraging each another-all the while, we probably don't even realize those things are keeping our brains positive so we can finish whatever mileage it may be.

So there ya go! I'm glad next Saturday I will be running with the group again, it makes things so much easier, and a lot more fun! I missed you guys, and I hope you all had a fabulous run.

Congratulations to those of you who ran the Detroit (Oct. 18, 2008) and Marine Corps Marathon. (Oct. 26, 2008) Can't wait to see you and hear your stories of success!

This coming weekend is the NY Marathon. Coach Tim and Captain Insane-O (Coach Kathryn White) from the M2 Fleet Feet group will be running; Captain Insane-O will also be a pacer. Please wish those two and the others who are running good luck.

Also, if you get a chance, pick up this months issue of Oklahoma Magazine (November issue.) I wrote an article about Captain Insane-O! If you can't pick up the magazine, I will also post it later this week in one of my blogs!

Again, thanks to all of you and thanks to the "Hawt AsSphalts" in M3B, who are always so supportive and positive. Also, thanks Coach Paul, Tim, Brian, Steve, and Ben from Fleet Feet, you guys are wonderful!

One more note, I know many of you are on Facebook, there is a whole "group" dedicated to Route 66 Tulsa Marahon/ Fleet Feet. Sign up, and say hello!!!

Happy running!

~Chera