Group Practice #13
8 miles on the schedule
Start time: 7:00 AM for the walkers, 7:30 AM for the runners
Location: Pittman Wash

If you looked at just this, you would think we had beautiful weather!

And in a way, we did… but there was also a pretty biting wind out there that chilled me to the bone. Mainly because I spent a lot of timing standing around.

Our route today was 2 miles out, then back in… then repeat! So I ran out to the turnaround spot at the front of the pack and then I just stood there, until everyone made it through and then repeated it! So I was fine when running out there, but while standing around? I got chilled to the bone. It took a lot to get me warmed back up! (soup, tea, shower)

When I asked them how they were doing today, most of the team responded with some form of “Ugh…” And most of the people on the team are embracing the taper, very excited to scale back their mileage and time training. But they were all doing great! Aside from the slightly negative mental outlook, they were really looking great today and keeping pace really well!

I saw an awesome cyclist while standing at the turnaround:

Did you see it? He has a doggie on his back?

The dog had a great big doggie grin, it was cute. But I was also amazed that it just hung out there. Jade The Boxer would never do that. Then again, she’s too big to fit into a backpack!

Next week is the final group training before the race. I’m hoping we have a good turnout, despite it being Thanksgiving. We’re giving out everyone’s race day jerseys and race day instructions! I really want to get everyone to have the same symbol or something on their jerseys made out of reflective tape or something glow-in-the-dark so it’s easier to spot our team members on the course. I honestly have no idea how that’s going to play out… guess I need to just roll with it and see how it all goes!

I’m tired, I am ready for the season to be over. But I can guarantee that once race day is here and I see all of my team members accomplish this goal, I will be absolutely giddy and eager for the next season to start. I’m a sucker for a feel-good moment!

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