Cross Training

Today was a cross training day on our training schedule. I chose to swim for 20 minutes (the suggested time) because we have a great lap pool and I do like being in the water. It may sound like an easy day - but I've learned that swimming is tiring for me, especially when most of my life I've counted "swimming" as floating on a raft, or doggy paddling around the shallow end.

Figuring out when and how to breathe between my strokes is a challenge, but I am hoping to improve on this. Clint gave me a good "easy exercise" to do. His definition of easy is of course different from me, being a past lifeguard and water polo player.

I'm now making Sundays my official swim days. If nothing else, it will be weekly reminder that I'm grateful I'm not participating in a triathlon!

I Survived my first Saturday Session!

Today I ran 2 miles in preparation for the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon!

This morning, we kicked off our first training session at 8:00am. I can officially say I've started training for a half marathon, and am on my way to raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

After saying hello to my mentor and fellow teammates and receiving some good information from the Team In Training crew, we started stretching and were off on our first run in Kearny Mesa. The coolest thing about this program is they cater it to everyone and anyone's needs. Today participants ran anywhere from 2 to 6 miles, and at different paces.

I decided to start with the easiest level, and am glad I did. A bunch of us ran together and would run for 3 minutes, and walk for 2 minutes.

This pace worked well because I was never faced with the symptom I had been dreading since I signed up: itchy legs from not enough blood circulation in my legs. This happens to me every time I take a hiatus from exercising!

Today was a good start, but next week I think I can challenge myself a little more and complete 3 miles. That will be my goal and what I work toward during the week.

After the run I was able to turn in a copy of my website for my very own Team In Training T-shirt! (Modeled in the picture above) Who doesn't love prizes!

I also enjoyed a fabulous post-run breakfast with my mentor JP and our team! We went to Brian's to celebrate the start of the season. There is great motivation in doing this with others who are just starting out, and I look forward to many more group activities in the future!

If you haven't received an email from me yet, please visit my Team in Training website:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sd/rnr10/GoKatie

Make a donation in support of the fight against blood cancers. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, myself, and all of those fighting against the disease thank you!

Welcome to my blog!

I am excited to announce I am participating in the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon on June 6, 2010 with Team in Training. I will be running a half marathon (13 miles!) and raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the fight against blood cancers!

My friend Steve introduced me to Team in Training, and I've been grateful every since. I have never run a half marathon before, so I need all the help I can get.

There are so many reasons I'm excited to be a part of Team in Training (TNT), but here are my top 5:

1. The Cause!!! I am running for those who are battling against serious diseases and raising money for a worthy cause. I am doing this because other's cannot. I can't wait to meet my "Honored Teammate" - who I will be running for in support of their fight against cancer.

2. Getting in shape! It's a new decade, and I want to concentrate more on my health. It's time to get rid of the "Newlywed 9"! TNT tells me what to do to be successful, and I plan to listen.

3. The support and excitement of TNT. I signed up last Saturday, and I have already met so many people who have encouraged me in my goals. I have a great mentor, and look forward to our first group run. If you want to surround yourself with positive people, I suggest joining TNT! I don't have to do this alone, they tell me what to do! I have no doubt many friends will come out of this experience. Clint jokes "you have gone to two meetings, and two parties for these people, do you guys actually run?" haha...check in to see how I feel after Saturday!

4. The shoe clinic! I love a good excuse to shop, and I'm looking forward to February 6th when I can outfit my feet properly :) This is just one of the many clinics I will participate to learn more about running, fitness, nutrition, fundraising, etc....

5. Crossing the finish line on June 6th...I can't wait to be a part of that day and have the fulfillment of completing my goal.

Training starts this Saturday, and I'm so anxious to start working towards the finish line! Please check in with me over the next five months, and join me in this journey. I cannot do it alone and I look forward to sharing my experience with you.

I need your support - when you see me, ask me how training is going. Remind me I can do this. And don't forget to donate to a great cause!

I'll check in with you after our first workout on Saturday!