July 25, 2010

Marks the day where I believe I have crossed into insanity. At 6:22 am, I will be leaving the start line to begin a 26.2 mile journey through the streets of San Francisco. Updates later.

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

On February 17, 2010....

...I ran 1 mile in 11 minutes and 33 seconds. I felt like I started too fast.

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

Who Needs A Workout When.....

...you can climb the stairs at work?



I didn't get much of a workout during last night's run. I had 2 newbies that were brand-spankin' new to the program. One of them was battling a sore shin, so I stayed back and walked with her during the entire workout. I was jealous because everyone got to do a "waterfall" run (or more politically incorrect - an Indian run), which is one of my favorites!

So, having to walk up and down the stairs wasn't that bad. The only downside, I work on the FIFTH FLOOR!!!

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

Sunny Days Sweeping the Clouds Away

On my way to where the air is sweet!

What a change - A DAY WITH SUN!


~*~Run Mel Run~*~

4x400

Even though it took me forever and a day to get out of the office, take BART and get to Kezar for Track, I'm so glad that I went. It was cold to start off, but once we got into warm-ups, my body was ready for the workout. It was just Paula and I running together on the track like the good old days. We did a 4x400s today (basically 4 laps) of "sprints" followed by a 30-60 second rest period in between. Paula knows, I'll always opt for the more rest in between. :o) It paid off though. By the 3rd lap, I felt great and our last lap was the best out of all of them. I clocked Paula and I going at about a 9:45 pace for the last 200 meters.

You'd think that Monday would be my favorite workout, but actually, it's the track! Awesome job today Paula! Keep up the good work!

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

Trainee Comments

Conversation with a trainee during the Monday Night Run on February 8:

Trainee: "I tell ya, Melanie, I think this training thing is working. I feel GREAT!"
Me: "Good! I'm glad to hear it."
Trainee: "Is it true that this will only get better in time?"
Me: "Yes!!"

My trainees are awesome! So eager to improve and get this running thing down packed.

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

Perfect Night for a Monday Night Run

That's for sure! Forecast yesterday and this morning said that rain was in store. The weather gods were definitely on our side today. No rain and it was about 60ish degrees out. Perfect running weather.

I had 45 runners today, plus my awesome Pacers! Everyone did a fantastic job tonight! Time to stretch some more, eat some dinner, indulge in the giant cupcake that Jon got me for our anniversary and night night time!

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

Muddy Buddies

Saturday's 5K (or 3.5 miles) was a bit muddy. The rains from Friday night created lake-like puddles throughout Golden Gate Park and along Great Highway. That didn't stop us though. It did, however, result in christening my new running kicks with a little brown color. It was going to happen eventually. I can't wait for the days of running when the roads will no longer be wet.

Time to plan my workout for tomorrow night and get my gear together.

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

And Let the Fundraising BEGIN

It hasn't even been a full day since I sent out my fundraising emails and I've already raised $575 for the American Cancer Society.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit my personal fundraising page at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/runmelrun.

Special thanks to Mia Armas, Marie Peralta and FULLY LACED for their generous donations.

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

Relay Anyone?

What kind of "First Night of Track" would it be if we didn't throw in a good 4x400 relay?

It definitely took me by surprise, but I tell ya what. I FEEL GREAT!! So great, that I squeezed in a little retail therapy on the way home from Kezar. Grocery shopping? Retail therapy? Same thing. :o)

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

Got Wet Shoes?

And do you need them to dry quickly? Just do what I did and...


STUFF NEWSPAPER IN THEM! Don't forget to turn them on their toes. I'll check it in the morning to see how dry they are.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, it was definitely a wet run tonight! It didn't start off that way. It was drizzling a little bit and after I had sent all 55 runners down the Embarcadero, it started POURING! Nothing like taking water straight in the eye. Oh, and my snazzy new jacket with the built-in blinky light? Not-so-much waterproof. Luckily, I had 3 other layers underneath shielding me from the cold. All in all, it was a nice easy run (if it weren't for the rain). Up next, TRACK ON WEDNESDAY!

Time to jump in the shower for a hot one! Oh, and rain, I'M OVER YOU!

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

2010 Training Season Kick-Off

Hi Run Mel Run Followers!

It's been a while since I've posted anything and now it's time to start up again. Plus, so much has happened since my last post.

Yesterday marked the first day of my 2010 Training Season. I feel like it took forever for today to come. After running in the San Jose Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, I kept running on a sporadic basis with Marie, Silvia and Paula. After the holidays came and went, I was literally counting down the days to January 23rd.

I was excited to start running again. I was even more excited to start coaching! That's right, I'm a coach now. I coach the group on Monday nights. Oh, and there's something else. I'm training for my FIRST FULL MARATHON!!!!!!!

The training group was a lot smaller than I had expected probably because it was cold and rainy. There were still a lot of runners though. We took a nice easy run from Sports Basement Presidio to the Hopper's Hands underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and back.


It started drizzling on our way back, but it wasn't too bad at all. It felt nice actually. We congratulated the newbies, saw them off and grabbed our new Pacer shirts. But, how could I leave without stopping by one of my favorite stores ever - SPORTS BASEMENT? How could I pass up a 20% discount on new gear? I scored a new jacket with a built-in blinky light, running skirt, tights, and of course, some brand new kicks to make their debut during our first Monday night run!


Well, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my Sunday. Keep checking back for updates about the training season.

~*~Run Mel Run~*~