I just wanted to introduce myself to the rest of the runners on this board from Maine. I'm new to running, but not new to physical activity per se, having come from a local cycling group. That being the case, I have built up a fair amount of stamina, but I'm not crazy about taking my bike out in the winter and wearing layer upon layer for a workout that lasts half an hour due to darkness. I've decided to try something different this winter and see if I can get over my dislike of running (from my old Army days) in order to make it more a part of my fitness routine. So far, so good: it's been about a month and a half and I'm feeling pretty good about my decision. It's nice to be able to get dressed in a few layers and take to the streets just outside my door. A half hour of running I find is equal to an hour on the bike.
If anyone from the Auburn/Lewiston area would like to join me in my metamorphosis from cyclist to runner, I'd love to have a running partner to share my pain and push me to even higher levels. I'm doing about an 8-minute mile right now and I'd like to get to about 7:30 by the springtime. I get out when I can and use the treadmill at the gym when I work late or the weather is too bad to go out. I go out for about a half-hour at a time with a maximum of 50 minutes so far. I guess a reasonable goal would be to make my average run 45 minutes and eventually up to an hour. I am registered to do my first 5K this coming weekend and I'd like to run a few more next year and improve my time for each of them.
OK, enough about me. If you think you'd like a partner, drop me a line. I'll check back in a few days.
