Sunday, June 24, 2007

Chicago Half Marathon Site Coordinator

A lesson.....if you keep showing up, they'll eventually ask you to take charge!!

Yep......they asked me to be in charge of the whole half marathon training group. I learned it's the only site in the Chicagoland area for this race. So that means 205 people!! As expected, most don't show up....I've never understood that, since they've already paid...but that's the way it is.

I must say, though, I truly enjoy it. Especially with the beginning runners....which the majority are. They are just hungry for information, and absorb it like a sponge. I'm still training my little 12:00 pace group, which is about 25 folks, and that is a great experience.

So, I'm combining my half marathon group runs with my own marathon training. This week, the group had to do 5 miles and I added another 45 minutes on my own. We were lucky to have a slightly overcast and drizzly morning, great to keep you cool, though the humidity was still high. I wind up drinking so much more on those days.

I'm amazed at my training program. I havent even done a 20-mile week yet! Though my cross-training is intense, involving: rowing, spinning, powerwalking with weights, weight training, yoga, core workouts, jumproping and speedwork. I do feel much stronger...especially my arms and thighs. So time will tell if it all comes together.

14 comments:

Bri said...

Congratulations, it takes a special kind of person to do what you're doing.

Neese said...

I agree with Bri -- it's not just for showing up, it's because YOU my dear are just the one for this, and you are special ;o)

Jenniferlyn said...

Way to go!!!!!

MNFirefly said...

That's AWESOME, Lora! It must be a HUGE honor to do that type of job.

Jack said...

Wow, I'm impressed. I think you're going to do great!

Chris said...

That's fantastic lora! There were six of us who couldn't have done it without you last year. Now there's 200!

runliarun said...

Oh, that's an awesome responsibility! You mean most of them do not show up for training?

You are going to be so strong!

Sam said...

Wow! Your cross training really will make a big difference. I was shocked at how much easier I move after getting into yoga/pilates a couple of years ago. Glad to know another blogger will be cranking em out on the Lakefront this summer.
Enjoy!

Unknown said...

Good luck with the extra responsibility. You'll do great and I know those under your tutelage will appreciate all your hard work. Good luck with your training as well.

Ryan said...

Sounds great Lora...Keep up the hard work over there!

jeanne said...

it is weird how people pay and then don't show up, but kudos to you for stepping up to the task! a good leader can make or break a program for a runner...and i KNOW you're a good leader.

and what a cross-training program! truly inspirational.

JeffM said...

That's great Lora. With your experience it should be a good fit.

Black Knight said...

Wow, now you are a v.i.p. in the running world!
Impressive cross-training, do you have a plan to become wonder woman?

Deb said...

You are awesome woman! To take charge requires you give alot of yourself. Something tells me that's not problem for you!! ;)
Remeber, to some of those 'newby' runners, you'll be their angel!