End of Week 2!!

My second week of training was very similar to week 1. This involved 3 mile runs on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, followed by a 7 mile run on Saturday. In order to mix things up a bit, I did my normal 3 mile run to the reservoir in the opposite direction. Its amazing how trees and buildings can look from different angles. I also didn't run with my ipod on these short runs. I'm starting to find that running without my ipod is pretty calm and relaxing, allowing me to focus more on my breathing and stride during the run. I keep telling myself, the more comfortable I can feel during my entire run, the easier the final 26.2 miles will be. I also tried to keep all of my runs this week during the early morning. With the summer heat approaching, running in the afternoon is almost not an option! 

Friday was my normal rest day, and I picked up early Saturday morning with a 7 mile run around the Charles. It's pretty awesome to get up and at em early on a Saturday morning before most people even get out of bed. Its actually surprising just how calm the city is on an early Saturday morning! Check out this awesome photo I found of the Boston sunrise from the Charles River. This is very close to the view I saw crossing the Longfellow Bridge during my run.

I ended my Saturday morning run with a nice stretch session at a park near my apartment. All in all, I'd say week 2 was a success, I'm still feeling great at the end of each run. Lets see what week 3 has in store! 

As always, don't forget to check out my donation page for the American Cancer Society, every donation helps in the fight against cancer!!

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Kevin.Fletcher

Until next time,

-Kevin

Long Run and New Running Shorts

After a weekend filled with going out with friends, I still managed to get my first long run in today. The flexibility of the training program allows me to do long runs on Saturday or Sunday depending on my schedule. After fully recovering from a long weekend, I took to the Charles River to do a 6 mile run. Boston's weather today was perfect for a long run. I could feel a nice strong breeze the entire time! To make my run even a little more exciting, I tried out some new running shorts I picked up from Lululemon Athletica in the Prudential Center. A friend recommended that I check this place out for new running gear. I chose their agility shorts which are made of a lightweight sweat wicking fabric. There was also a handy zipper pocket to keep an ID, credit card, or training gels. Most running shorts can be a little bland, but the designs on these were pretty cool. Check them out!! The bag from the store was pretty cool too, maybe a nice bag to carry lunch or snacks around. Have to make sure I get enough calories in each day to have energy for my runs!

 The shorts felt great after finishing my 6 miles. I may have to go back and pick up another pair!

Looks like week 1 of my training was a success. I finished all of my scheduled runs with a decent pace, and still tons of juice left in the tank at the end. I look forward to week 2 where the mileage will increase only a little. Week 1 down, 17 more weeks to go!!

Don't forget to check out my donation page for the American Cancer Society. Every donation helps fight cancer!!

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Kevin.Fletcher

Morning Runs Around the Reservoir

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday call for easy runs of 3 miles. I chose to run from my apartment to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, and back (a little over 3 miles). Check out this awesome view I get to see every morning of the city while running. If you look closely you can see the John Hancock Tower and the Prudential building in the 

horizon. I love taking this route from my apartment because of the views and the soft surface around the reservoir. There's something extremely calming about running around a body of water. Waking up and running before most people wake up in the morning can also be pretty empowering. I look forward to my easy mid week runs building up. I'm sure it will feel very different running 10 miles on a Wednesday morning before work than the easy 3 miles. The easy runs this week felt great, looking forward to an easy 6 mile run on Sunday, I will let you know how it goes!

Also, don't forget to check out my donation page for the American Cancer Society, every donation helps in reaching my $1,000.00 goal!!

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Kevin.Fletcher

ON YOUR MARK.....GET SET.....GO!!!!!!

Today is my first official day of training for the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I have decided to follow the 18 week novice training program designed by world renowned marathoner Hal Higdon. His training programs have helped at least a quarter million runners reach the finish line of the 26.2 mile race!

As excited as I am to begin training today, I was surprised to find out that Mondays are a rest day on the training calendar! This is probably a good thing for me, as I've developed a slight addiction to running these days. I'm sure my body will like having the day off.

Since I can't technically train today, I will use this day to officially start my fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society. In order to make my first marathon experience more meaningful, I joined the ACS DetermiNation team to raise money that will aid in the fight against cancer. Every mile I run both during my training and on race day will have much more meaning, as it will all be for a greater cause.

I ask all friends, family, and even complete strangers who visit my blog to support the fight against cancer by donating at my personal fundraising page:  http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Kevin.Fletcher

Thanks, and until next time!
~ Kevin