Hey everyone!  If you're on facebook and have a spare minute can you follow the link and vote for me by "liking" my picture before 9am Monday July 30th for CARA Athlete of the Month in Chicago? 

We need some penguin representation! 

Thanks, Judith

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151280301089338&set=a.10151280300609338.560965.399386759337&type=1&theater

I've always been a slow runner. I've had arthritis since I was in my early 20s. I've been running consistently for two years, but had run off and on for decades. I started pretty slow and was timed out in my first half marathon (the Garry Bjorklund in Duluth) in 2011 because I didn't make the max 14 min mile pace. My pace currently is anywhere between 12 min miles and 10 minute miles on varied terrain and 16 minute miles to 11 minute miles on trails. I've gravitated more to trails because I love the terrain changes and the scenery. Trails are softer, too. I wear somewhat minimal shoes as well (Brooks Pure Flows and Grits). My farthest distance so far is 25K. I'm currently training for the Moose Mountain Marathon in Sept. it'll be 100% trail. I'm 48 years old, and my goal is to run a 50K next spring, then a 50 miler in 2014 when I turn 50. One thing I have discovered is that I run slow, but I run far. I log 25 + miles per week, but hope to begin running doubles soon. Oh! And I want to run Ragnar next summer! I have a friend who race walked 10 minute miles, then decided to run and ran 10 minute miles. Her goal is 8 minute miles (she's 51). I will never get that fast. That's okay. She swears she'll never go further than 25K. It's all good. :-)

check out this website, http://running.about.com/od/racetraining/a/10Kbeginner.htm . You may also benefit from some strength training or circuit training.

Sorry i missed this - I've been off boards for a bit - traveling, too lazy to log in, and general honey do list stuff. 

Any good races in chicago area weekend of 22 sept or 6 oct?  I may be in town both weekend.  My nephew is running Chi Marathon this year and I am hoping to provide support crew for him  (mostly yell things like run faster ginger - while eating pizza and downing a brew)...

I've been working my way back from sore knee - its mostly pain free but every once in a while I'll twist it a little too much and get nice reminder.

collw65  -  Congrats on your 5K accomplishment!!!  I just checked in to this forum today after not being involved for a year or so and I'm disappointed that the last post before yours was in August.  I'm also a 'slow' runner, always have been for the last 25 years....and proud of it!  Being a long time runner for years I became very sporadic for the last ten years or so and the last two years rediscovered the joys of running...it's my 'zen' time and I just love it.  I'm only doing 2 to 3 mi., still recovering from neck surgery 8 mo. ago.....so it's a little slow going right now but I'm working my way back.  Again, congrats on your 5K...and for being a proud penguin.  Here's to John Bingham and how he's made us 'slow' runners feel welcome.

Love the title, Penguins. I call my run a "fast walk." But as they say in the group I run with my fast walk/run is faster than those still sitting on their counch or watching me from their window. Doing my first 5k tomorrow. Goal: to cross the finish line no matter what the time is. When I do the next 5k, my goal will be to improve on that time. Only competing against myself. Having a ball doing this. Other goal is to lose 100 pounds. Lost 20 already. Remember, the tortoise eventually won the race!!! Have fun.

I'm feeling a little better about still being so slow.  I've only been at it a few months, and I really enjoy getting out there and running but I'm really slow.  My husband is also much faster than I am.  I have lost some weight, and gained some real interest in being a fit person. Running has been good to me so far