Cool Running

I went out for a 6.5 miler this morning.  I thought I was being really brave by wearing a cotton t shirt instead of a tank top because this time of year Florida's weather is pretty dependable: effin' hot.  Imagine my surprise when it felt really cool!  The t-shirt was a great choice.  Don't get me wrong, it was still 70 and I was DRENCHED by the end of the run, but it felt much better than I expected.

I love my 6.5 mile route, it is a giant circle (which I prefer to out and backs) through streets with tall, shade providing trees.  It is a pretty quiet route, not a lot of traffic, mostly big houses on huge lots.  I felt good, way better than I was feeling this time last year, so look out...I may actually run consistent 8:30 miles at GLR (unless I have that wretched course that begins with a 2 mile uphill).

Hoping to get in a long run tomorrow and more bridges on Monday (sans Caitlin...boo!).

Hope everyone is having a great weekend...can't wait to hear about the Flying Pigs, Michael!

Lunchtime Run

We have a great network of running and biking paths in the downtown area of Indianapolis.  I take advantage of these most days during my lunch break.  Today was a fantastically sunny day after weeks of dreary rainy weather.  A few photos of today's 3-mile loop.

Start at Office

Mile 1 - Say hello to Mr. Clemens.

Mile 2 - Downtown Canal

Government Center North (watchout for the smokers)



Finish - Monument Circle


What are everyone's running plans for the weekend?  I will be waking at the crack of dawn tomorrow to do my last psuedo-long run (7-miles) before the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon.  Then off to coach soccer games for the remainder of the morning.  Should be a great weekend!

P.s. Kuddos to Ms. Caitlin for the awsome banner that now adorns our blog!

Tuesday Night Running Club

On Tuesday nights there is a small running club that meets by my condo and runs through Sawgrass (PGA headquarters and a beautiful golf course). I don't usually run with this club, however I am glad I went tonight. At the last minute I decided not to be lazy and go and I ended up having a GREAT run (love when that happens). The humidity was out of control, but the temperature was fairly low (i.e. under 90). None of my friends could go with me tonight, but I ended up running with someone I normally would not have (since I usually just cling to people I know) and he really pushed me to go fast. The Players Cup (TPC) is taking place at Sawgrass in a few weeks, and the bleachers, tents, etc. are all being build up for the big event. We run through the golf course as part of our route (shhh, don't tell, we would get kicked off if PGA found out) and I would give this a GLR scenery rating of 9. Okay, maybe a 5, since those scenery ratings are always completely wrong and this course is definitely beautiful!

btw - ARCADIANS, the Jacksonville ARCADIS office is about a quarter mile behind the "blue bridge" in Melissa's picture. So, if you are ever at the office, do the bridge run, it will not disappoint!

Mark, good luck at the Indy Mini! I have heard great things about that race. You will have to give us a race review when you are done. My next big race is the Bolder Boulder in....Boulder. It is a mountainous 10K on Memorial Day and I sure can't wait to run at such a high altitude!

Rain Rain Go Away or Stay

Is it just me or does everyone love running in the rain?  I have always enjoyed it.  Well there was that one time...let's just say wet tech shirt + friction on a body part that rymes with Mr. Whipple = an unenjoyable run in the rain and a couple of uncomfortable days.

I am getting excited about race season this year.  I have maintained a descent training schedule during the winter, and managed to keep my winter fat accumulation to a minimum.  I will put my winter miles to the test in less than two weeks at the Indy Mini. 

Southern Hills

Hi! It's Melissa here with an update on a "hill" run that Caitlin and I partook in tonight.  This is one of our favorite courses because it's in beautiful Downtown Jacksonville.  Some highlights of this 5 miler include a two bridges, a crazy ramp, the St. John's River, Hooters, the homeless and a beautiful park.  There aren't actually any hills in J-ville, so we ramp up our many bridges over waterways.

First is the Acosta:

Then the Main Street Bridge (also known as the "blue bridge," super creative folks down here):

Caitlin and I were very cool because we wore matching Team Salamander shirts for the run.  Unfortunately, neither of us had a camera to document this serendipitous event.  Next time.

Happy Running!

Loving the new layout! Weather here in Michigan has been rainy and chilly, not motivating me to run outdoors but I am pushing myself to get outside. I would take Florida weather about now... ;)

Finish Line

Although we are probably all just beginning to think about the GLR and start our training for the race (ok, that might just be me), I thought it would still be great to post Team Salamander finish line pictures from the last three years. We may be far off from the 2011 finish, but it is always great to be reminded of the final goal when training is underway. I believe that everyone signed up for the 2011 team is a returning member from one or more of these previous teams. This is a testament to how fun the last three years have been and proves that we will have experience in our favor this year. Go Salamanders ;)

TEAM SALAMANDER 2008


TEAM SALAMANDER 2009


TEAM SALAMANDER 2010



As you can tell, we got lazier and lazier each year with wearing our team shirts for the final picture! I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. Happy training!

PS~ I just got a text from Melissa and we are running bridges tomorrow after work (FL's only form of hills). This will most likely take place in 95 degree heat and 100% humidity, so enjoy the cooler weather in the north (at least for running!)