Lots of runs, lots of groups.

Well, things are started to get more serious. This week has seen a Tuesday morning run, a Thursday morning run and anticipated runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Keep your eyes open on emails for days, times and locations and find ones that work for you.

As we begin to up our mileage it will be important for everyone to listen to their bodies. We will need to be smart about increasing our distance carefully. There is a great article about strategies for long runs in this month's Runner's World that is well worth reading.

A better map from Kelly.

Kelly sent me a link to another R2C map, this one is better than the last as it shows the hand off positions. Again, remember this is a map from a previous year, but it will give us a good idea of where people will be running.

Hold onto your hats!

I found the R2C route map. This is not an official map, so I don't know how accurate it is, but the numbers add up. I calculated the mile markers for the beginning of each leg:

1. Easy, Fast 0
2. Clear, the Best 4.8
3. All trail, delightful 13
4. The Beast 18.95
5. Rolling 27.65
6. Tricky, stop and go 34.15
7. Short, but full of turns 42.2

HALF WAY
8. Oasis 46.15
9. Looooonnnnngggg and Hot 51.7
10.
11. Wild card- start at 60.95
12. A piece of hot cake 74.8
13. Do or Die 81.35
14. Final spring 89.3

This is a best-guess estimate, so don't hold me to this, but it gives us an idea.

Quite a productive weekend.

Friday night we had a quite a pow-wow, complete with runners, spouses and kids. Thank you to Laura for picking up the pizzas, and to all who contributed food, drink and treats. The highlight of the evening was when the R2C teams were unveiled and runners assigned to legs. We were sorry that Paulette, Shelby and Jenn were not with us, but happy to meet Warren, Maggie and Pete. All in all people were happy with their teams and generally happy with their legs. We are now Why?, Thunder Road Runners and Livin' on a Prayer. Three Beast runners have been identified- Maggie, Kevin and myself. Look for Maggie out on 518 running from her stashed ham sandwiches to Starbursts!

The enthusiasm of Friday's meeting carried us through the weekend. Saturday morning saw a group on the tow path for the 10K out and back, Christine was planning on running after the Monopoly tournament, Maggie and Pete were spotted running in the borough and the Sunday crew ran the Hopewell loop. Jenni had a good weekend, running both Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Keep up the good work- we are supposed to be at 12 miles this week (I think??) The weather is getting warmer so the running will keep getting easier (at least until the dog days of summer get here). There are a couple of upcoming races if anyone is interested- the DNR Canal Watch 5K on April 4th, a 5 mile trail run on March 28th and of course, the early May Spring Lake 5 and Broad Street Run.

A little inspiration....

A NYT article on the 2008 R2C.

And don't forget pizza and beer on Friday night. We will discuss R2C teams and potential legs. Hope to see you then!

Sunday crew doing their part.

Andi, Christine, Shelby and I am guessing Jenni, hit the tow path this morning for a 4.8 miler. The weather wasn't quite as nice as yesterday AND they were running on less sleep, so great job ladies!

Spring has sprung.

This morning several of us ran the Skillman towpath 10K. It was a beautiful morning, warm and the air smelled like spring. It was a brisk pace, with Kevin finishing first and I don't even know how fast he came in. All of us were in by 62 minutes- nice job ladies and Kevin!

The check for R2C is mailed, so we are now official-three full teams! I believe the Sunday group is planning the same run for tomorrow am. Have a good one friends!

R2C team name deliberations

It is looking like we will have 3 full R2C teams, woo-hoo! The plan is to officially send in our checks and applications this weekend, we don't want to get shut out. So, the only thing we need now is team names. This has been, perhaps, the most difficult part of this entire escapade so far. Currently the list of potential names includes:

Hopewell Vipers
Hopewell Cougars
Hopewell Tree Frogs
Living on a Prayer
Hopewell Quarry Rats
Mommies for Tommies
Running on Empty
Why???
Hopewell Hotties
Hopewell Has-Been Hotties (although I don't think Christine would EVER sign up for that one!)
Hopewell Athletic Supporters
Run Forrest Run!
Broad St Broads & Beaus
Friends with Pain
Thunder Road Runners
Born to Run
So, cast your votes, vote early and vote often. The three names with the most votes win. Of course, if you have any other witty suggestions let us know.

Snowy 10K

We had a great Sunday morning run this week. Today officially marks the beginning of our training for the R2C. Starting this week, we are all going to increase our weekly mileage by 1 mile/week. At this point all of us should be running 9 miles before next Sunday. Once we reach 15 miles a week we will start a 15-week half marathon training plan.

We got off to a great start with a full 10K this morning on the towpath in Rocky Hill. Jenni, Doug, Andi, Kelly, Sophie, Kimberly, Pam and I hit the trail and all finished within 66 minutes. Only 3 miles to go this week!