Team Runs with Scissors

Congratulations to Team Eastern Mountain Sports!

I failed to mention in my previous post that Team Eastern Mountain Sports--which includes Eric Bowker of Williston, Vermont--won the USARA National Championship.

Interestingly, they had two co-ed teams of three and all six teammates crossed the finish line at the same time so they could share the victory. That's cool.

Congratulations Team EMS, way to represent your East Coast peeps!

It's a little known fact that TRWS has an EMS connection. Aside from being loyal supporters of GMARA--for which we are very grateful--EMS also at one time employed our teammate, Justin.

Team EMS has a blog at www.teameasternmountainsports.blogspot.com

So far, we're beating them on visits! That'll probably be the only time we beat them at something.

(Photo courtesy of Team Eastern Mountain Sports)

JG

Team Runs with Scissors

BRICK LAYER...

No, I'm not talking about my basketball game. Although, I expect the winter mens league to start up in Waterbury after the holidays.

I'm talking about the time-tested training technique of back-to-back disciplines called a "brick" workout. Yesterday, I had a good one--a 6.5 mile run, followed by 50 minutes on the bike with Coach Troy.

Today, I'm not sure what's on the agenda. Possibly some lifting. Possibly some running. Maybe both.

If you're looking for some motivation, check out this photo gallery from the USARA National Championships.

JG

PS--Yo, Grambo: It's 2-1. Slacker.

As J mentioned below, we have been having more fun then exercise lately, but that is hopefully changing this week. I did my usual slow 3 mile loop yesterday, and did OK, not having run for 2 weeks (I know, being sick, having a birthday, anniversary, and Thanksgiving all in a 2 week period is no excuse). I am planning on hitting it again tommorrow, and then doing something longer Friday, either my 5 mile loop, or perhaps running down to the Ice Center bike trails and running the big hill a couple times. The thought of running that hill makes me slightly ill, but as one training link J sent me pointed out, the best, quickest way to get in shape is to run hills. Ugggg.

Also, you have probably noticed our lack of web posts. In an effort to curb this bit of lazyness, I have challenged J and myself to get at least 1 post up each weekday. As you can see, today we actually had 2!!!

And finally, in case anyone was wondering what kind of shape we were in Thanksgiving, well, we had a great time. After a wonderful dinner at J and Amy's, we relaxed for a while, and then visited the pub. As you can see from the photo below, we were in rare form (that's J trying to wrestle both Justin and me). Well, at least we didn't get thrown out...


Woo Hoo!

5K -- Distance or Temperature?

THIS JUST IN...

All 4 members of Team Runs with Scissors are running in the Central Vermont Runners Montpelier First Night 5K on Sunday, December 31st! That's right, a rare opportunity to see all of us running, at the same time, for something other than the last frosty beer.

Who wouldn't want to run a 5K at 3:00 p.m. on New Years Eve? Yes, it's going to be cold...and nearly dark...but Team Runs with Scissors doesn't care, that's our idea of fun! Besides, it's only 5K (3.1 miles), right?

So please come on out and support Team Runs with Scissors! The race only takes about 30 minutes and we would love to see you there.

jg

PS--We're planning some post-race/New Years festivities in Waterbury...

Team Runs with Scissors

There's no doubt about it, this time of year is challenging for every athlete, but it's especially difficult for guys like us.

Team Runs with Scissors does, as you've no doubt determined, like to eat, drink and be merry.

Couple all this "being merry" with the change in seasons, vacation time, daylight savings, and the weather and it's a holiday recipe for adventure racing disaster. Well, maybe its not a disaster but it sure makes drumming up the time and energy for training more of a challenge.

But, I can't take it anymore. Perhaps more importantly, my pants can't take it anymore.

We're just over 3 months from the Frigid Infliction--and just 8 months from the Jay Challenge--and its time to work off some of the holiday happiness that appears to have accumulated around my waist.

No more 3 weak workout weeks; no more excuses about not running outside "becuase it's cold" or "dark"; no more side splitting, gut-busting meals (except at officially sanctioned parties) and, hopefully, no more whining about my pants being too tight.

Ratcheting up the training schedule to full race preparation mode will also help to justify the many more holiday parties and meals I'm looking forward to between now and New Years.

So we're back at it, a little heavier and a lot happier--we do, afterall, have a lot to be thankful for.

Now, if you'll excuse me, one of my coworkers put some leftover apple pie in the kitchen...

jg