I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone a lot lately, first with morning workouts then with attending the blogger meet-up, and today was another new experience. First of all, I worked out twice today. I started out my day working out at the gym. Today was back and biceps day. However, I skipped the cardio portion and saved it for later in the day.
After work, Kevin’s brother and I jogged to Lake Eola to meet up with the Lululemon Orlando Run Club. They’re partnering with Orlando Health, and the run club is helping its runners train for the Miracle Miles race in September (a choice of a 5k or 15k). Hector Torres, head coach with Tri Peak Athlete, was there to help us develop our own training plan.
The run club first ran a warm-up run then performed some drills at the Howard Middle School Track. There was a pretty good turnout and people of all different paces. At first I was extremely self-conscious about what a slow runner I am, but I felt comfortable very quickly. Everyone was focusing on his or her own personal goals.
After the warm up and drills, we ran at our own comfortable pace (Hector said to run at a 9 on a 10-point scale) for twelve minutes to establish our base pace.
After running for the twelve minutes, Hector created personalized training plans for us based on our paces. I’m excited to slowly start building up my stamina and speed. Hector was great. I really enjoyed picking his brain about nutrition and toning up for the wedding.
Even though it was really hot outside, I loved running off of a treadmill. It was a nice treat. Everyone in the group was so encouraging as well. People were cheering each other on, and there was just a really positive vibe all around.
Combined with the run to Panera, I ran about three and a half miles today, which is some serious mileage for me.
The Lululemon Run Club meets every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. at the Lake Eola Panera. I urge you to try to make it out one evening. Just try not to leave me too far in the dust.
Do you prefer to run in groups or alone?
That sounds like a lot of fun.
I’ll try to make it there on a Wednesday I’m free.
I usually run on my own or with one other person.
I usually never run ;P haha I just don’t like it! Good for you though!! It’s really an accomplishment!
You look so cute!!
Great job running! You should never be self-conscious about your pace – that’s the great thing about running is that it’s completely personal.
I used to think I hated running with other people – but after marathon training I realizes that on a long run I LOVE IT!
Thanks so much for posting about this! I didn’t know about it…I’m definitely going to try to make it out next week!
Way to get out there! I typically run alone, but I love having company every so often. I just don’t have many friends who are at my pace because they’re either quite a bit faster or slower, so it depends on what I’m looking for.
I do a mix or solo runs, and running with a run club. It’s nice to throw that social aspect into running, and also running with a group always helps me get a bit faster bc I usually try hard to keep up with the faster runners.
Look at you doubling up! Nice work! Running with others is soooo much better than by yourself. I used to only run alone but then marathon training changed that. Now I need people there. I’m so needy! Was Andrea a part of that club at all? She runs and she works for LuLu.
I actually prefer running alone! I know I’m probably in the minority, though.
I usually run with one other person. But I think I’m better off alone since I’m not the fastest runner.
I enjoy running alone in shorter distances but for long runs it’s all about having people to make the miles fly by!
This is great! I should try to make it out one of these days, but to be honest I’ve been haaaating running as of late. Like, so much that I can barely get past .5 of a mile on the treadmill without wanting to jump off haha
And PSH 3.5 miles is AWESOME! Get it girrrl!
Way to go! I do a mix of alone & group running – about 2 days a week alone and I have two different groups I might run with during the week (although I haven’t been doing both groups throughout the winter – just one or the other).
Have you decided which distance of the race that you’ll be training for?
I think definitely just the 5k if I can even get there. I get so bored with running sometimes, so hopefully I can stay motivated. This would be my first race!