I just spoke with the new president of USATF (USA Track & Field) Georgia, Ian Dube. He is starting an athlete of the month program and asked me to be his first athlete, so he is coming to the house on Thursday night to do photography and interviews. He has also offered to have USA Track and Field do an assessment for me, so I’ll let you know when those pictures come out, hopefully everything goes well!

Today was a tough workout consisting of 16 miles with a few sprints in between. My feet and legs were fatigued and tight afterwards, so I’m wearing the Chung Shi’s for the rest of the day to help elongate my calves and Achilles and make everything feel better. When I wear them in the car (where I feel like I spend most of my time), I like to rock back and forth from heel to toe.

I have a group of friends coming over Thursday to do some ‘water running’ in the pool- it’s a great form of cross-training especially if you’re recovering from injuries. Our pool has a heater, but unfortunately it’s broken so it may feel more like an ice bath than a pool. Its always fun to workout together with friends, time goes by so quickly and you build such a great friendship.

Motivational Tip: When it’s tough to stay motivated, try setting up a time to workout with your friends. If you make a plan to meet people, you may find that you are more likely to stay committed to your exercise routine!

With over 55,000 runners in the Peachtree Road Race, its important to set a realistic strategy for this hilly 10k. Learn how to customize a personal strategy to help you navigate the race!

I switched out my shoes today, I wasn’t quite at the 400 mile count, but I have put some hard miles on them. My feet already feel totally different and I’m looking forward to the support of the Brooks!

Tip: Remember to keep track of the mileage you put on your athletic shoes- they should last around 400 miles or about 6 months. For an easier way to keep track, write on the side of your shoe (in permanent marker) the date you purchased them.

I spoke too soon.

I saw that Katie left her diabetes kit at home, and when I got to the school to drop it off I couldn’t get in touch with her so I figured she had her backup kit with her… until I got a phone call from her. She was at her gymnastics meet after school so I had to drop everything and get her kit to her- which made me late for picking up Daniel. My other daughter forgot her soccer gear at home, so we’ll be late for that event now, too.

We had a great family vacation in St. Simons over Easter weekend, but its always so difficult to get back on schedule after returning- is it just me or do other moms experience the same thing? Although we somehow got off to a great start this morning. My to-do list is enormous, and intimidating. One thing I’m a stickler about is my to-do list. No matter how long it is, I won’t go to sleep until everything is done. It’s really the only way I can keep my life organized and not fall behind.

Give it a try- if you keep a to-do list, prioritize it and try not to finish the day unless everything is crossed off. It’s a great feeling.

The nation’s largest 10k, the Peachtree Road Race, is right around the corner! Typically the race is on a very hot, humid day which can mean trouble if you’re not properly hydrated. In this video I give you a few helpful tips on staying hydrated before the big event.

Well it was a fun race- I didn’t run as well as I probably should have, but I finished in 2nd overall and 1st Masters with a time of 17:10.  It was a good realization of how different a 5k race is from a 10k for an older runner. I did a good 3.5 mile warm up, but on a cold day I didn’t get as warm as I needed.  At a mile, I ran along with them and by about a mile  and a half I led the race up until the last 100 meters, when  I was outrun at the end by I think a 24 year old track girl.  But I had a great time at the race, my body felt pretty good and my feet felt great through the race.  After the race, I was asked to be the first athlete to go through the new Elite Athlete Lab opening in June of this year. I thought that was pretty cool, and will try to sneak in my flip camera to film it!

I think my next big race is the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th here in Atlanta. Its one I look forward to every year and am hoping to be in good enough shape to place well.

Here are some pictures taken from the Atlanta Women’s 5k

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Here is the Starting Line of the race

And the finish line

Before the Atlanta Women’s 5k on Saturday, I’ll take my workouts a little easier starting Thursday. I’m nervous for the race, this is my first race since the Bermuda 10k in January.  Today’s workout consists of a 3 mile warm up, then 4 fast quarters followed by a long warm-down. Tomorrow I’m hoping to get in 12 miles, then starting Thursday I’ll drop it down to 9 mile.