The Run Wild Marathon/Half Marathon training for the 2011 event reached the half way point this past Saturday.  We are 10 weeks into the 20 week training program.  

Saturday morning over 30 runners/walkers gathered bright and early at the Pearl Amphitheater for the longest runs (to date) of the training season.  Half marathoners ran 7.25 miles while those training for the full marathon ran over 15 miles.  

I was particularly encouraged by not only the more experienced runners who finished toward the front of their groups but also by several less experienced runners who indicated “that’s the farthest I have ever run in my life.”  Not only was there fatigue on their faces, but also there was a relief, pride, and satisfaction born of endurance and achievement.  Those are some of the reasons I enjoy running with the Run Wild Sports running group.

As training continues, you should use these longer runs to gain some valuable experience.  Refine the fueling and hydration techniques that are critical to successful completion of the races in November.  This does not just mysteriously happen.  Most of the runners in the group are carrying fuel belts that include water bottles.  HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! during your training runs and throughout the week.  Ask the folks at Run Wild about electrolyte supplements and recovery drinks that go along with water to keep you hydrated. 

Several people mentioned the sensation of “running out of gas” during the run.  Another asked if it was normal to be hungrier than normal during the training.  Two helpful reminders for fueling before and during your runs are –

1.)  Eat something before you go on your longer runs.  Now, not late October, is the time to make sure you know what works for you.  Is it toast, oatmeal, bagel with peanut butter, or 2 eggs over easy with sausage, bacon, 2 pancakes, and chocolate pudding?  (If you don’t know which one of those suggestions was more appropriate for a condemned man’s last meal, go get some help.)   As a runner, you are looking for a balance of what gives you some fuel to burn and digests well. 

2.)  Test some race day supplements like GU, Chomps, etc.  Determine which ones work for you, how your body reacts to them, how often to use them during a race, etc.  Again, check with the staff at Run Wild Sports about what products are available and how they work.     

Hang in there Wild Things!  We’re halfway there.  (Guest post by Bo Brockman)

Who or what inspired you to become a Wild Thing?  In conversations with some of the members of our group I have heard snippets of stories that are varied, fun, and inspiring to others. 

Roger and Maria after their five mile Saturday morning run

Jason didn’t want to be left as a lump (his words, not mine!) when Jennifer got into distance running.  In other words, she inspired him to train and participate.  She runs faster than Jason (and most of the rest of us) but they start together and get it done.  Roger tells a similar story.  Last year he was preparing for the CPA exam and didn’t sign up for the marathon.  When he came with family members to the 2010 race last November  to cheer for his wife Maria, he got caught up in the excitement and decided to get off the sidelines and train with her for this year’s event.  Ah, women inspiring men – a story of the ages.

There are instances in the Run Wild group of supportive husbands/fathers making moms’ participation easier.  That is inspiring also.

Patty and her new friend Sarah

Patty is  a middle school math teacher on the east side of town (whew!) and also a mother of three.  She  has the extra responsibility at home of providing therapy for one of her children with autism.  She shared with me, “I have been talking about wanting to do something like this race for years, and this year my husband finally convinced me to give myself permission to do something for me.”  He covers for her at home while she runs and she makes sure he has time for some golf.    Don’t be surprised to see an additional “Go Mom!  We are proud of you!” sign on race day. 

Kim with son and daughter

Kim is another one of our group whose job is demanding.  She is in the medical profession and, like Patty, also the mother of three.  She and her husband really have to juggle home, family, work, and training as they prepare for this November.  She and Randy have turned Saturday training times into family time as well.  Sometimes it is Run Wild runs.  Other weekends, it is a local 5K.  Kim and her daughter in one jogging stroller along with Randy and their two sons in a double stroller make quite a caravan – especially while the boys are more interested in catching frogs while Dad jogs through the River Road neighborhood.  It’s not easy to get there ready to run on Saturday morning with three children in tow!  Now that inspires me!

Dad Randy and son hunt for treasures on the river walk

How about you?  Encourage others by letting us know your story.   Guest authors welcome or I am happy to listen, take notes, and then tell your story. 

Don’t forget to say thank you to the people who inspire you to do this and help you to achieve your goals.

Running group coaches Jeff and Bree answer questions at orientation

New members of the Wild Things run club are eagerly and enthusiastically getting with the program. After five weeks of training there is a noticeable change in confidence and commitment. Take, for instance, Carolyn and Luanne, co-workers at USAA, who are adding to the number of running minutes recommended on the training calendar with cross training that includes bike rides, body pump, and yoga classes at the Y.  Recently Luanne showed off the running app on her phone which documented that she had already logged nearly 80 miles! In addition to noticing improvements in physical fitness, Carolyn said she can tell that she is managing stress better at work. Besides their determination to finish the San Antonio Rock n’ Roll half marathon, they are committed to encouraging each other. I overheard Carolyn admit she nearly slept through her alarm last Saturday morning.  Luanne has promised to make sure that doesn’t happen and that Carolyn is there ready to go at 7 a.m. for our Saturday morning runs!

Nearly 80 people have signed up to train with the group. We have seniors in high school and the other kind of seniors as well and just about every age in between. A large percentage are like Carolyn and Luanne, who have never done anything like this before. Others have run not only the San Antonio marathons and half marathons but travel all across the country to compete in similar races. Why would an experienced runner want to join the Wild Things run club to train? We are an awesome group of people who care about helping each other! That’s why!

I am proud to be a part of the group and one of those who never dreamed they would ever participate in a running event. I am grateful that Run Wild Sports has made  training available for the run group and I appreciate the friends I have made. I look forward to telling you more about the group and using the blog to inform and encourage others.  ( Submitted by Pat Brockman)