The Bentonville Half Marathon training program started last week and this week was my first week to help with the group. Mike Rush and his store manager Drew lead the training group and provide weekly training topic discussions before the group training run. Because there are so many people (200+) in the training group, members of the Rush team like myself join in to help run with the group.
My sister and her family were in town so I was slightly timed strapped on Saturday. The group run was scheduled for 2 miles but I needed to get in 9 for my long run. I decided to split the run up and try to get in some miles early before the group so that I could get done earlier afterwards. It was cold on Saturday morning with temps only in the low 30's. I wore some Aesperis Pivot compression shorts under my tights to keep my bum warm!
I got to the Activity Center just after 6 am and figured I had enough time to get in 4 miles before the training group would start. I selected a route to follow and headed out and enjoyed the peaceful quiet and holiday lights. There wasn't much traffic out and it was so quiet running through the downtown neighborhoods. I loved seeing all the houses with lights... from those with the most simple light displays to the houses with every light and yard art imaginable. It was great!
I finished up just before 7 and headed inside...it felt so hot in the activity center. I found a spot on the floor and listened to Mike's talk on form and why good fitting shoes matter. He ended up the discussion by detailing out the route to the group and covering safety on the roads. We headed out and I did my best to hang towards the back to pace some of ladies who are all training for their first half marathons. It felt like just a blink of the eye and we were at the 1 mile turnaround.
I ended my 2 miles with the group and then caught up with a friend to run a few more miles. The sun had risen by then and it was definitely warming up to be a beautiful day. I wore my santa hat which really warmed me up too. It felt so great to get the miles in and have a good long run. Then I was off to celebrate with my family...we had a little one turning 5 and that requires lots of celebrating, playing, and all around fun!!!
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