Re: Training for Memphis Half, looking for 9:00-10:00 training partner
hope your training is going well; i actually found a running buddy at work who is running at a 10:00 pace (she is also training for a half), but i did want to pass along a great website that will help you find a runner partner or group, given your pace and distance goals:
http://www.nashvillestriders.com/main.php
the nashville striders is an active local running club, with a membership of varied ages, paces and race goals. follow the link to the "message board" on the left side of the main page, click on "running partners" and then click on "new topic" at the center/top to initiate your post/message. or, you can reply to a number of exisiting posts, and membership is $20/year (but i don't think you need to belong to post messages on their boards). you will see that there are a number of people training for similar distance races at your pace, so i don't think you'll have any trouble finding a training partner or group at this site. the striders support a number of group training runs on the weekends and during the week, so i highly recommend checking them out.
alternatively, just go to the entrance of percy warner (where belle meade blvd dead-ends into the park), and you will find tons of runners (not sure if you've been there...it's a challenging, hilly route). i know there are groups that routinely meet around 6:30 or 7:00 on sat and sun for long runs, and i have heard there's a group that meets at 5:30 AM on tue and thurs.
or, there's always craigslist.com...also a good resource! but, i think between the striders and percy warner park, you will definitely find a training partner or group who is running your pace and will help keep you motivated for all of your races. best of luck with your training, and run strong and healthy!
suzanne
