I've been a member on mapmyrun.com for awhile now and use it mainly to share my runs with other runners. Seems like a competitor to our website, Cool Running, and Runner's World, but they focus on the mapping (in my opinion). Normally I use Google Maps but I find mapmyrun.com a lot more easier after all they have markers, calculate the miles and use maps according to Google.

I been noticing at the gym for a couple of weeks that many runners either just run or do other forms of cardio whether its the elliptical, stationary bike, and stair master.

Yes, I still do get a little jittery and nervous every time I am about to participate in a new event whether is a 3K 10K or 21K. I will actually be doing my second 5K of the year tomorrow at Pony Pasture Park in Richmond. I'll be honest, it's not my favorite - running 5K's that is. I am more of a challenger and if I could spend $20 - $25 on a half marathon even marathon I'd do it! Best money spent, hands down.

It's been a great work out week running about 17 miles in two days in conjunction with free weights and abs in between all this work and play. I've noticed I've been asked a similar series of questions through friends and responding to running questions on Yahoo Answers that many ask:

Working, personal life, and running has been keeping me away from updating my blog. I appreciate you patiently waiting for my updates about my training and running events.

In my previous blog, that got lost in the mix, I am running in the Xterra Races this weekend.  I originally intended to run the Xterra Fugitive 10K, but thanks to Jeff – an avid runner friend, Richmond Road Runner, and Courtside West gym member at our office location, he convinced me to run the Xduro 21K (13.1 mile; half marathon) race.

My initial reaction was, “…ahh…(here it comes) why not?” If I ran eight miles Saturday and another six on Sunday, I might as well run the Xduro. He inspired me to just go the distance.  I have been sticking to 10K’s so far this year and I was starting to get tired of it.  Jeff made it simple,  “It’s only $10 more, you’ve got to do it. You just have to!”  Jeff had a point, $10 more and I’d be running a 21K in less than 1 hour and a half. I’m already running, I run in my sleep. It is not just the shirt, but for the miles and experience, I will be taking in. Why not?

I was hesitant at first, because I felt the jitters and in my mind I thought to myself I really am not ready to run a 21K / half marathon.  I have not run a half/full marathon since 2007.  I have not trained enough; see below these “excuses/reasons on why I will not run more than a 10k” Excuses / Reasons why I did not consider doing the 21K:

I had a blast this weekend.  Running three races in three days tested my legs, but my focus, patience, and stamina.  Thank you to everyone that came out to the events, sent text messages (Thank you Twitter Twerps), and general support the past weeks of training and the events. I thought Sports backers and the Richmond Road Runners Club did awesome work and did their damn thing!  I cannot wait to do it again next year.  Here is a recap of this past weekend’s festivities:

Friday Filthy Mud Run 5K

Unfortunately, the brothers were not able to accompany me on the mud run.  This was my first mud run and I was psyched. I met many cool runners and many first timers like myself. I was not there to pull a record, but to enjoy the concept of getting filthy.  I am not so much a trail runner, so this posed a minor threat to my running. Prior to the 6PM race start, I saw some runners that stood out from the norm including a group of girls in prom dresses, a guy with a long beard, another guy in a suit, and a group of ladies known as the “Dirty Divas!” …  Interesting…

I been noticing at the gym for a couple of weeks that many runners either just run or do other forms of cardio whether its the elliptical, stationary bike, and stair master.