As we get closer to the holidays we will find multiple holiday races popping up everywhere you look.  This is a good thing as it brings many people out that would not normally come out to do a 5k event.  The best part is there are many choices and distances to choose from.  Typically you are always going to find a 5K event (3.1 miles), but some may be fun run type events that are not timed other than the clock at the finish line and the Timex Watch on your wrist, while others may have timing elements to them that allow for age group awards.  Either way you cannot go wrong.  Central Florida Running season offers some great choices all throughout the December Race time.

So as the holidays approach, look at your local race calendar and choose a race that you and some friends and family can participate.  Its a great way to feel better about all the extra food you are eating during all of those holiday parties!

This past weekend was a great example of why running with a group or a partner is much better than running alone.  Our group headed out Saturday morning for a 7 mile run, I typically run somewhere in the middle of the pack.  As we came up to a corner I heard my name, and saw one of our faster runners limping on the sidewalk with another runner standing with her.  She hadn't seen a large rock in the dark, stepped on it and turned her ankle really bad.  We made sure someone stayed with her and I ran back the 2.5 miles to the car to come and pick her up.  Now I had to cut my run short, but I was motivated to get back to the car to help her so although short on miles, I ran a harder pace,,,so I guess in the end I still got a good run.

Had she been alone, she would have either had to find help from a stranger which is not always safe, or hobble on a very painful ankle back 2.5 miles to her car.  Either scenario doesnt sound all that great.

If you have the chance find a group to run with, or at least try to find a running partner.  Sometimes because of schedules or other committments you will run alone but remember the more the merrier,,,,,and safer.

It's very common for many of us to suffer from a lack of motivation.  Sometimes we just need a break from training.  I was talking to a gentleman in the store the other day that I think could eventually be looking at some burnout.  He just starting running in the last 11 months and runs 7 days a week.  I asked him why he chooses to run every day and he replied because he doesnt want to take time off for fear of losing fitness level he has attained.  I think this gentleman may be on the road to some burnout.  I suggested to him that he may want to consider giving himself 1 to 2 days off a week to allow his body to recuperate and that he would not lose any fitness in doing so.

But somtimes we do need a break to get re-energized.  I find that when I take a small break, mentally I am more ready to go when I start again.  Amy and I stay very busy between the store, training, and just trying to have our own life, so there are times when we just decide to do nothing all day long.  Its a good break and relaxing albeit just for one day.  We shouldn't dread times of rest but rather look forward to them in a effort to keep things balanced and healthy.  Here are some tips to stay motivated.

1. Set some realistic goals.  Put a race on the calendar.

2. Run with a friend.  Easier than going it alone.

3. Take 2 to 3 days off.  You will not lose fitness in that amount of time.

4. Cross Train.  Give your body a break from running by taking a week to cross train such as cycling or swimming.  Throw in some weight training if you prefer.

5. Run without a watch sometimes.  It may drive you type A's crazy at first but its a good way to keep the fun aspect in the activity.

These are just a few easy suggestions, but remember if you get burnout or injury from going too hard then you will end up taking off much more time than you really wanted in the first place.

As we do every Tuesday morning at 6am, our Half Marathon Training group met at the store to go for a run. Today we did 5 miles incorporating a bridge crossing twice. I must admit I am very proud of how our training group is doing. We have around half the folks that have never done a half marathon before and its great to watch them progress. We can see vast improvements in performance and confidence as the program has continued.

Our group is split between the OUC Half Marathon, and the Disney Half Marathon. So we are all looking forward to the opportunity to share experiences and stories from both races here in Central Florida.

Although in many other parts of the country Summer is the season for running, here in Central Florida we are now in the running season.  We are finally picking up a hint here and there of cooler weather, although not consistently, but its still there.  Also slowly the humidity is starting to drop.

We encourage people to go out and find some good races to get on their calendar.  Central Florida races are plenty this time of year whether 5K, 10K or whatever distance you prefer.   Putting a race on your calendar is a great way to stay motivated and it keeps things fun.  Be sure to check out our race calendar to see what may be coming up in the area.

We know for all of you hard core triathletes this time of year starts to get a little depressing.  The season is almost over.  We just finished the Hawaii Ironman World Championships and now the off season begins.  But I always say look at this as your time to evaluate this past season and see where you can improve for the next year.  2009 Triathlon season is just around the corner so use the off season wisely to stay ahead of the game.