I love running on a path through the woods in the morning. It takes me away from the busy routine, allows me to enjoy the solitude of my own thoughts. But everyone has his or her own little escapes. My wife has been taking one of those Boot Camp classes at the local Elmhurst Park District gym (Courts Plus) for the last couple of months. It starts at 6am, and it's filled with lots of different workouts that emphasize cardio and strength. I have a hard time believing it is an escape, but she says it has become addictive.
Among they drills they do are the dreaded shuttle runs, which our high school basketball team knew as suicide drills. I haven't done them since high school. The class is not something I could drag myself to, and I give her a lot of credit for doing it. She is usually getting out of bed while I am still snoozing for another hour or two.
She is not alone. The class is filled to capacity, and I believe there is a waiting list to get in. It's not just in our little suburb. Classes like that, along with lots of running groups, are more and more popular. And they are great. I admit I could use some of those drills to improve my core fitness, and get my heart rate up from something other than long runs.
The reason I mention these classes, though is because of a question the instructor, Janet Jackson, asked the other day in my wife's class. She polled them on their goals for the class. I would guess you have to have some reason for dragging yourself to the gym at that time of day. The class is filled with mostly suburban moms, and their goals ranged from 5k races to triathlons, to just weight loss and general fitness.
My wife is training to get in shape for the Milwaukee to Chicago 200 mile relay next month, and also trying to get her body back after the birth of our youngest daughter three months ago.
As I mentioned, I won't get up for early classes, but I will manage to get up early on Saturday mornings for long runs. One day a week, I can do. And my training goals right now include that relay, the Soldier Field race next weekend, and the New York marathon in the fall. But really, I just love running, and I would probably be doing the same amount of training right now even if I had no races on my calendar. But they do tend to add more urgency to my runs. And when it comes to marathon training later this summer, well, that's obviously a different animal.
So, if you are looking for some goals, I have a couple of notes from different races and programs coming up.
First, there is a 5k called stride against violence, sponsored by Apna Ghar in Lincoln Park on Sunday June 8th. It raised money for the charity that helps victims of domestic violence. You can get more information by e-mail: skana@apnaghar.org.
How about a half marathon? Dick Pond Athletics in Elmhurst is sponsoring a half marathon training program led by Bill and Amy Sanders, two really good runners and coaches. The first meeting is Sunday May 18th, and the first run is the following week. It's a 12 week program and can get you ready for the Chicago Distance Classic or any other mid-summer race. You can call the store at (630) 832-7685, or email Julie at katkmt@comcast.net
There are many other half and full marathon training programs around the area, including CARA and Chicago Endurance Sports. They all emphasize long weekend runs, and offer the support you need to get you to the starting line.
So good luck, and I'll see you on the roads.
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