Group Goal

Pat has sent out really helpful training schedules, so I know many of us have a personal training goal. I also thought it might be fun to set a group training goal. There are 18 full weeks left before Ragnar, which means that if all 12 of us ran 10 miles per week, we would run 2,160 miles as a team. If we all ran 15 miles per week, we would run 3,240 miles as a team. Clearly, not all of us will run the same number of miles... some will run more and some less. SO, I thought it would be fun to pick a "destination"... as if we're running across the country. Los Angeles is 2,675 miles from DC, so we could set that as our goal and try to "get there" by the time the race comes around by each logging our miles/week and combining them for our team.

Here's how it will work (Directions via Pat):

From the White House to Hollywood, it is just about 2600 miles. The blue line is our Forrest Gump-esqe route, and the red is how far we have already come.


View Larger Map

Here is a closeup of what we have already done, but you can click on "View Larger Map" on either one, and it will take you to the actual Google map.



View Larger Map

Also, if we want, as we go along we can make a little note when we hit 1000 miles as a team, or when we cross the Mississippi or something. For updating the map, either Carrie can add you as a collaborator so you can put your own on or you can just tell her or me and we will add them in.

Welcome!

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Carrie, and I am probably the least experienced runner on our team. Before April, I don't think I had ever run more than a mile in my life!

So, based on the fact that it took a 182 mile relay to inspire me to start running, I've discovered that I am motivated by somewhat crazy, off-the-wall challenges where I can have fun along the way. (You'd think that by this point in my life, I would have already come to that realization...) Anyway, I know that signing up for the team was just the first step, so I've been trying to think of some ways to encourage myself to train.

Running with other people has been helpful (I'm excited for our team to start getting together for some group runs!), and I know that this will be easier for some than others (you know, like if you live in Alaska, for example...). In order to keep us connected, I've started this blog where we can record any notable milestones along our training journey. That way, even if we can't train together in the same physical location, we are connected as a team.

Here's a copy of my 100 mile chart, which is hanging on my freezer. Each day that I run, I highlight the miles in a different color. It's a great visual reminder, plus I'm rewarding myself along the way when I hit personal goals. Just email me if you want the excel sheet to alter it for yourself.

Have fun, and I hope you find this blog a worthwhile place to share our experiences!