Saturday's long run: Big 12 Loop

yeah, it needs a better name. we'll see what turns up. i imagine there might be some colorful suggestions when we're going uphill on Exposition... here's a map of the route as it stands right now, subject to change.

i need to plan our water stops for Saturday morning, so i need to know who all is planning to come out to run. and, if you're not up to 12 miles, let me know where you're at, mileage-wise, and there'll be alternate routes available.

as for the route, all the hilliness is pretty much in the first four miles, except for the long uphill on North Loop in mile seven. i'm trying to keep us off of sidewalks and on softer streets with less traffic. Amy and Chuck, i know you like the softer Hike and Bike Trail, but you're about to run a half marathon on pavement, so i think it's to your benefit to be prepared for that. run your shorter runs on the trail - that's 2/3 of your mileage right now, anyway. your long run the weekend before the race can also be on the trail.

so. holla.

Anyone up for a run tonight? (Monday)

OK, I was a slacker all last week and did nothing but work.

I really intended to run with the group Sat at 7am but my flight got in after 1am...ugh.

Long story short, little sleep, monster headache, no way I was up for running :(

I did run 8 yesterday, felt much better afterward.

SO...I can do anytime today after 5pm. I'm up for 5 or 10 miles or marshes or whatever.

Pre-July 4th Pub Crawl (or drinkfest)?

So... Wednesday is a day off for most of us. Is anyone up for a pub crawl/drunkfest on Tuesday starting later (9:00ish) in the evening?

I still have to withstand a hour of torture with Ron & Leilani beforehand but Paul and I can catch up with everyone if they wish to start earlier.

So, we will belatedly celebrate Jen's birthday and do a little early partying for mine. And, yes, we can call it an early evening for those that are crazy enough to want to run the next morning at 7am.

The door is wide open for suggestions on where to start/end/whatever...

double digits

congrats to amanda, who ran 10 miles for the first time Saturday, and to Mandy, who hadn't done it since she was a Tough Cookie or an Angry Biscuit or something, several years ago.

so, the Congress loop is a little shy of 5, but i'm not going to quibble about the three or four tenths of a mile. they got that walking to and from their cars.

besides, this coming Saturday, we'll be going 12. details to come.

Cops and Joggers 5K

A race i've been eagerly waiting for and wanting us all to do is the Cops and Joggers 5K on Saturday, July 21. It's put on by the very nice folks at CLEAT, the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, and it benefits the Peace Officer Memorial Foundation.

Why this one?

• A good, challenging, but fair course through downtown (see map below). It starts on 15th, heads west to San Jacinto. you get the steep hill to 11th, but then a long, fast nine-block downhill-to-flat run to 2nd Street, where you turn right onto another flat stretch to Lavaca. We're all familiar with heading north on Lavaca, but once turning east on MLK, you get another fast, long downhill back to 15th. You revisit the hill on San Jacinto before turning into the Capitol grounds for the finish.
• Cool t-shirts. Somehow, these guys keep coming up with great, fun logos, and this year, they're on lighter-weight shirts.
• Cheap! $20 entry fee ($25 on race day)
• Saving and growing a good race - there's a lot of competition for race events in Austin. Apparently, this year is make-or-break for this race. If it doesn't get enough entries, it'll be it's last.
• The flip side of it being a small race right now - less crowding, and a shot at placing in your age group.

These guys have worked really hard to make this a great event. I'd love for Team In Exile to show up, run it, and help it survive. If you can't or don't want to run it, please consider volunteering for it.

For Amy and Chuck, who will be running the San Fran half the next weekend, I think running it competitively but not 100% is a great way to get your edge for the race next weekend. Either run a few warm-up miles, and a couple after to get your mileage in (you want 6-9 that day), or get your 6-9 in on Sunday, and have Monday be your rest day.

Paul's Bike

Paul,

Just wanted to thank you for loaning me your bike on Saturday, but really, it was rude for you to change the position of the seat! Thanks again!

Freedom is just another word.....

for nothing left to lose.

Ok, who's running the Freedom 5000 on the 4th? anybody? could be fun.
also the bat run on the 13th looks cool. anybody?

bueller? bueller? bueller?