As I have stated over and over again, I don’t like treadmill running. After a few days of it my legs begin to feel like my muscles can only move in one direction. So today I mixed it up a little. I threw in a yoga class.

Now for those that don’t me, I’m not the kind of person that you would imagine doing yoga. 6′3, 230lbs. Whenever I think of yoga I think of girls in school that were affectionately referred to as “granola’s”. I don’t mean any offense by this, I just don’t know of a different way to describe the image. But I have to say it’s definitely not the case. In the class that I participated in there were a huge range of people, ages, and physique’s.

For anyone that hasn’t taken yoga or doesn’t know anything about it, the first half of the class totally kicked my butt. I was stretching in ways I didn’t ever think a normal person would want to. What completely amazed me is that I sweat, alot. This was a beginning class and it was hard. You stretch, balance, move, and most importantly you breathe. Every movement is about using your core in line while taking deep breaths.

After this I did my normal run that is scheduled for today. I love that feeling of improvement when I run and today was definitely a better day.

I think I’m going to try a pilates class too.

The Holiday Run @ Sharon Woods

Come join us for the 2005 Holiday Run at Sharon Woods and work off some of Thanksgiving Day pounds. Experience one of the greatest places to run or walk in Central Ohio. This a wonderful course that is very scenic, safe, and challenging witha few hills for that extra burn. Come socialize, exercise, and celebrate this wonderful holiday season with us. Hot Chocolate w/marshmellows and some holiday cookies!

Distance: 4 Miles
Location: Sharon Woods Metro Park

Directions:
From I-270, take the Cleveland Avenue North exit. Entrance is about 1/2 mile on the left. Start of the race will be in the Apple Ridge Picnic Area.

Today I ran the first of my marathon training plan days. It was extremely difficult. I think I’m in worse shape than I thought, but I have 5 months to get ready.

The 19th Annual Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk is just around the corner. This year’s event is expected to attract 3,000 participants, including 300 children. The 5K run/walk is gaining a strong reputation as one of the ultimate family events in Central Ohio. This year’s run is will start and finish in downtown Columbus, at the corner of High Street and Nationwide Boulevard. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, inside the Franklin Ballroom. Christmas-related entertainment will begin around 9:00 a.m. Then at 10:30 a.m., the Snowflake Run for Kids will be held outside the hotel. The 5K run/walk begins at 11:00 a.m. Come early to hear the sounds of Christmas carols and see exciting dance routines. Jim Hunter & Sue Hagar from Oldies 107.9 and Bob Nunnally from NBC-4 will emcee the event. Afterwards, enjoy a chili buffet provided by Max & Erma’s, as well as awards and great raffle prize packages. In 2004, we set a record for runners and walkers, with more than 2,800 participants. Plus, we raised more money than ever before for this event. Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation, Central Ohio Chapter www.arthritis.org. In addition to being a fun event for local families, the Jingle Bell Run raises money that helps the Central Ohio Chapter fund programs and services that assist people in 25 counties. Arthritis affects 765,000 people in central Ohio, including 5,000 children. Over 70 million people nationwide (1 in 3 Americans) have one of the 100 forms of arthritis. It is the number one cause of disability in the U.S. The Arthritis Foundation provides programs and services to assist them in taking control of their disease as well as funding research for a cure.Take the Team Challenge; become a Team Captain and form a team of ten or more members. Then, raise money through pledges and sales of raffle tickets. You can register online at www.jinglebellruncolumbus.org or by calling 614-876-8200

Distance: 5K
Date & Time: Sunday, December 04, 2005 @ 11:00 A.M.
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel - Franklin Ballroom - Downtown Columbus at the corner of Nationwide Blvd. & High St.

Awards:
There are fantastic prizes and fun to be had by all.

Race Divisions:

Entry Fees:
$20 pre-registration and $25 on race day

Packet Pickup:
FrontRunner 1344 W. Lane Ave. 614.486.0301 at the following times:
Sunday 11/27 - Saturday 12/03
Store Hours are Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.,
Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup:
From 8:30 A.M. to 10:45 A.M.. *NO ENTRY after 10:45 A.M.

Race Packets:
All participants will receive the official Jingle Bell Run long-sleeved T-shirt!

Certification Information:

This year prior to the plethora of New Year’s resolutions that come I am resolving to run through the winter so I can train for that ever so difficult Spring marathon. I am going to use any combination of means to get through it, even running on the treadmill for post hour long runs.

I have said it before and I will say it again, I hate winter running. In Central Ohio we don’t have normal winters. Northern Ohio they have snow. Southern Ohio they have ice. In good old Columbus we have a little of both. Which means that temperatures and humidity is constantly chaning.

I am fortunate enough to have friends who are brave(sometimes crazy) to run outside all year long and they have assured me that they will assist my efforts. If they are reading this, then they know who they are and I’m counting on you. I am also fortunate enough to have a gym membership with an array of treadmills.

But the boredom of running on treadmills. How to escape it? Every year as I run through the winter I usually overtrain because I get so bored on the treadmill I keep speeding it up. This year I’m going to develop a strategy. I don’t know what it is yet, but I’ll get one. If anyone has any ideas, please don’t hesitate to share.

That being said, I am determined to run through the winter. I will complete the Spring marathon. I’m so confident I’m registering for the Flying Pig Marathon this week.

To help with the winter training I’ve modified a running plan on Runners World for their intermediate training plan. What I’ve done differently is added cross training and extended it to 5 months instead of their 4.