Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Run Scheduled/Capital Crescent Trail

So, I found a "new" running path that I love.

Last Saturday, in search of a flat run, I headed to Georgetown to run the C&O Canal Towpath, which is the only flat run in the metro area I'm familiar with. But, in my search for parking longer than 2 hours, I ended up at the Capital Crescent Trail. It runs parallel to the C&O for a couple miles before diverting up to Bethesda. I was thrilled because unlike C&O, it's paved instead of gravel - easier on the feet! It was a great 14+ mile run, but NOT flat. When I got home and plugged in the Garmin, I found out that it's a 500ft+ elevation increase from Georgetown to Bethesda. So much for a flat run.

Now that September 1st is here, and we are enjoying low humidity and lower temperatures, I will put those hard runs behind me, and look forward to long runs in perfect temperatures! (LOL - how long will this last, 5 days, 6 if we're lucky?)

Anyways, for those who are in town this weekend, Horizons Runners will be meeting in the Horizons Church parking lot this Saturday, September 5th at 7 a.m. for a 5 mile run. Feel free to add miles before or after if needed - last time I made it a 10 mile run.

Love running with y'all!

Blessings,
Karen

Monday, August 24, 2009

Running Sins

Okay, so I know Horizons is doing a series on sin, so this is a very appropriate link for our group.

http://dailyviews.runnersworld.com/2009/08/forgive-me-bart-for-i-have-sinned.html#comments

I love the comments about the running sins...I'll be bold enough to add my own.

My sin is that I've been following a "have never run a marathon" training program, when in reality, I've run 3 in the last 2 years, so I should be progressing a little more than I'm committing to and should be following the intermediate program. But that requires a LOT more running. Forgive me. In my defense, or for my penance, I will say as much of the "Hail Mary" as I know, and I will try to run 6 miles 2 days in a row.

Blessings,
Karen

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Run Scheduled - This Saturday (8/22 @ 7 a.m.)

Join Horizons Runners this Saturday at 7 a.m. for a 5 mile run. We'll meet in the parking lot of Horizons Church and run the out and back through Augustine. There are runners of all skill level who come out and run, so even if you feel like 5 miles is a stretch...or your concerned about keeping up...please don't let you that hinder you from coming out. If you're concerned about this aspect, please feel free to email me (karenegyud@gmail.com) and we can talk through where you're at as a runner.

By the way, now I'm a big fan of this:





Blessings,
Karen

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Run Scheduled - August 8 @ 7 a.m.

"The biological ages of runners are at least 10 years younger than their chronological ones." Steve Hawkins, Ph.D.

Join Horizons Runners this Saturday at 7 a.m. for a 5 mile run. We'll meet in the parking lot of Horizons Church and run the out and back through Augustine.

There are runners of all skill level who come out and run, so even if you feel like 5 miles is a stretch...or your concerned about keeping up...please don't let you that hinder you from coming out. If you're concerned about this aspect, please feel free to email me (karenegyud@gmail.com) and we can talk through where you're at as a runner.

Blessings,
Karen

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Mind Games & Goal Setting

I have been reading a book about ultrarunning (thanks Dave) - it's a collection of different runners' experiences with doing runs 50K and up. While I type this, Bob H. is probably finishing his 50K, Dave R. is prepping for his 50K next week (Dahlgren - still entry spots available). I'm amazed at their ability to run these distances. I still struggle with the mental part of running 26.2 - or even 10. It can be overwhelming to think about running for that long of a period of time.

One of the runners in the book talked about how much of running is goal setting. Set the goal, put your mind to it and the body will follow. I do know it works because it's what has enabled me to run as much as I have already. And yes, it will be what it takes to run a 50K, if I can ever manage to work up that much courage.

My encouragement to you is that when you're training, make sure you're setting some goals that stretch your mind - not just your body. Don't believe you can even run 1 mile, let alone a marathon? What if you try believing that you can, and setting out to prove yourself right?

Even more so in the race of life that we are running, remember the words of 1 Peter 1:13 "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Blessings,
Karen

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Run Scheduled - This Saturday, 7/25 @ 7 a.m.

Join Horizons Runners this Saturday at 7 a.m. for a 5 mile run. We'll meet in the parking lot of Horizons Church and run the out and back through Augustine.

If you've never been a part of a running group and have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me (karenegyud@gmail.com). I know there is sometimes apprehension about the distance, running speed, etc., and I'm sure I can allay any of your fears. I always look forward to the fellowship and encouragement of being with other runners - people who understand this "sickness" we call distance running :)

I can tell many people are in full race training as the injury reports are starting to trickle in. Make sure you train smart - which often means not over training. Unfortunately, my problem is typically under training!

Last week I ran the 7ish mile loop at Prince William Forest Park (the road loop - not the trail) and ran the part with the horrible hills first. That is a tough, but great training course. If you've never done it, I highly suggest trying it out. It's actually 8 miles round trip from parking lot D. Let me know if you want better directions. There is a $5 parking charge - unless you're in out and before they open. I know there's some energy for running the trail loop out there - let's see what the weekends in August bring us and perhaps we get something scheduled.

Hope to see y'all Saturday! Happy running, enjoy the humidity and be blessed.

Karen

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Run Scheduled - This Saturday, 7/11 @ 7 a.m.

Join Horizons Runners this Saturday at 7 a.m. for a 5 mile run. We'll meet in the parking lot of Horizons Church and run the out and back through Augustine.

There are runners of all skill level who come out and run, so even if you feel like 5 miles is a stretch...or your concerned about keeping up...please don't let you that hinder you from coming out. If you're concerned about this aspect, please feel free to email me (karenegyud@gmail.com) and we can talk through where you're at as a runner.

Blessings,
Karen