5:1 Group Update for 7/19/2008

I hope everyone is enjoying the mornings – if you can get up and run, they have been bearable – at least in terms of summer in Florida. We’ve been sitting at about 75 degrees – humidity not totally off the charts and some occasional wind or, as in my run this morning, cooling rain showers. While it is likely to get worse before it gets better, we can count our blessings.

On the other hand, once the sun gets up it has been brutal. This is the time of year when “early to bed and early to rise” really pays off. It is hard to have the discipline, but if you are on a training program for a fall marathon this is the best way to “git ‘er done”.

Looks like we’ll have a pretty good crowd – several folks are back from vacation. I missed you guys last week, although I have a nice (and reasonably cool) long run on Friday around Lake Canandaigua in New York before heading to the Wolfanger family reunion.

Speaking of getting it done – I’m aware of the following training going on besides our normal 5:50AM meeting time:

· Chicago Marathon runners (Jill and Brunie) have 15-17 miles scheduled for next I believe they will start at 5:00 AM.

· MCM runner Lindsay has 12-15 miles to go – I believe Lynne the Crazy is coming out to meet her at 5:20 for 4 early miles.

· St. George Jeff is doing 18. My plan is to come our early enough to get 6 in and meet Lindsay /Lynne for 4, then 8 with the group.

Please let me know of any other “special needs” this week-end and we’ll get coordinated.

PLEASE READ: Now that our group members running fall marathons are seeing their mileage creep up, let’s start meeting the early runners at the 10 mile marker. I know this is a slight inconvenience to the 5:50AM crowd, but this really helps the long runners:

· They see your smiling faces on their run up to 10. It is really encouraging.

· They don’t have to get near their car. Believe me, when you are running long, your car whispers to you: “Gee – let me take you to Dunkin’ Donuts…”

· They don’t have to stand around and cool down in the lot. This leads to tightness and injuries.

We will start this week. Naty and I will let you know each week whether there are any early runners.  We will have a grace period of 10 minutes, so early runners, get the timing down. Also – early runners – carry a cell phone and call Naty if you are running late.

See you Saturday!

jlo