GREAT 18 MILER FOR MY RUNNERS

me with my "kathy switzer" pace group. there's about 85 runners in 10 pace groups all named after famous marathoners.

contrary to the previous post below, my runners had a much more enjoyable 18 mile run today. sure there were some that could not complete the mileage due to injury, some who are catching up in the mileage due to injury, but overall, today was a great day for them. the weather held out with some cloud coverage which makes all the difference. they did so well on staying together and keeping their pace. i struggle most with trying to slow them down and getting them to understand training pace versus race pace, but they're starting to see the big picture. they're training for both the florence marathon and the honolulu marathon while raising money for the aids marathon charity. it means so much to me to help these people realize their fitness goals and dreams and raise money for a charity and a disease that has affected my family and so many others.

i'm thinking i should maybe do my last long runs for nyc at the beach, but it's such a haul clear across town, and i already do it once a week to coach there and usually a second time to get in an ocean swim. but hell, gas just went down below 3 bucks, so maybe i'll splurge for those last long runs. it makes such a difference and hopefully nyc will be cooler than the last two times i ran it when they had record heat and humidity...