We Don't Want To Be Fat For The Wedding

We are having the most beautiful fall weather here in NY. It's been sunny and high 60s/low 70s, so fabulous! Of course I'd like it to be about 10 degrees cooler than that for my training, but it'll head that way shortly anyway so I'm enjoying the weather as it is for the meantime. I had an OK 8 mile run yesterday - I had heavy legs, which is never ideal, but I was having fun with my TNTers so that made it lovely despite my uncooperative lower extremities. We had an engaged couple in our pace group who just joined TNT this week. We were asking them what made them want to join and the guy said "Well, we're getting married in the Caribbean in April and we don't want to be fat for the wedding!" Freaking hilarious - and a perfectly respectable reason for joining, by the by! :)

Our pace group splintered off 2 miles into the run because we were all running different distances, so Steph, Christine, and I ran the final 6 together. It was their first time up Harlem Hill, and it wasn't terrible for them. Though, from my recollection, my first time up Harlem Hill wasn't actually that bad either. It's when you get to know the hill and you know exactly how long it is and how much further you have to climb that it becomes difficult. The bastardly hill aside, it was fun covering the distance with the chicas! We talked a lot, obviously, and I kind of guided them through the run; they had lots of questions for me about my preferences for gear, nutrition, hydration, strategy, etc, and I loved answering them! I had all the same questions during my first season, it's nice to be able to pass the knowledge along. I can't remember if it was Christine or Steph, but one of them said I should consider coaching some day. First of all that's a huge compliment, and second, once I get to be a stronger runner with a little more experience, it's something I would looooove to do. It's kind of like cheerleading, and I always like helping people, so it's a natural fit. Something to think about :)

I didn't quiiiiiiite get to my recovery run today - overdid it slightly last night! - but otherwise my training has been super solid so far this season and it feels so different. It's easier and I have a lot more confidence in my ability. It's a great feeling.