Group Run #2 and Best 2010 Running Blogs

Yesterday at 7am and 8 degrees warm, I started the second group run with about 25 other people. I cannot believe that many people wanted to run at that time and temperature. So motivating! I was up at 6 to pump, and left the house around 6:40. There wasn't too much hanging around. We started along the bike path from Valley Forge towards Philly and ran out just over 3 and back. I started running in the front behind 2 people I ran with last week and then linked up with a girl close in age and we chatted - I love chatting when I'm running. It passes the time so quickly. She was speedy and training for Boston - only her 4th marathon and this will be her 2nd Boston! She was great to run with - even paced and a good pace. We started out at 9:45 warming up, then 8:56. Then I linked up with Jen and followed her lead - 8:39 for mile 3, then 8:30, 8:36 and 8:36.   I need to run with you Jen more often!  Good conversation and kept me moving. 

When we picked up the others, the plan was to run on the trail - which was snow covered. I was not happy running on this and my ankles which have been bothering me since last week's hilly adventure run were not happy either. When I saw some people going the other way after about a mile, I made a u-turn and followed them.  I kind of wanted to stick it out, but running on snow was not enjoyable at all and it was super slow. Those miles were 10:03 and 10:24 and I followed 2 others to the bike path. They were running a bit slower also, and I just wanted to get done so I ran with them for a little while and then turned around to finish 10. By the time I got back, I circled around a little bit - slowly. My stomach was in disarray so I finished at 10.26 and 1:35+.

I was kind of disappointed with the second half of this run, but my stomach wasn't 100% so maybe it was meant to be.  I think this group is awesome - drinks are provided, and post run food. It's a big group with varied paces and I'm psyched for the spring.  I'm making a lofty goal for Broad Street and that is a 1:15. That will be my "A" goal. My current PR is 1:18 in 2008 at Broad Street. I plan to put in the miles and train hard.

Thanks so much for the support/encouragement on the "I'm lost" post.

This was a fun thing. Jake from Broken Hearted Runner compiled a list of best running blogs for 2010 and featured Lil Runner. Thanks Jake! Check out all of those other running blogs that he posted - there's a little post it on my sidebar that will take you to the post too.