Jennifer, I'm having a tough time with recovery, too. I prefer to do a day and a half between runs if my schedule allows (i.e. run on Monday morning and then on Wednesday evening), and that makes a huge difference over going every other day. I'll echo what everyone else has said -- just take it at your own pace. What if you try 15- or 20-minute runs for a week and move up to the 25-minute runs when you find it's taking you less time to recover?

Jogger, sounds like you had a great time on Saturday! I love the idea of a city-wide fitness awareness program. The next town over from me launched a summer-long fitness initiative, but I don't know how successful it has been thus far. We are one of the more obese states in the nation, so I'm glad the town is taking action, but I don't know how many people will change their unhealthy habits as part of the program. There's always hope, though!

So now on to my first-ever race report! I had typed it up last night, but my internet connection died on me when I hit the "Post Message" button, and I just didn't have the energy to type it up again. Sorry to have kept you all hanging!

My husband, 8-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son got me to the starting line with plenty of time to spare. I was glad to not have to rush, but boy, was I antsy waiting for the start, especially after my family left me to go find a place to cheer from. There were 130 runners (not a bad turnout for what I learned was the inaugural race for the Big Brothers Big Sisters) and it was hard not to feel intimidated by the super-fit, super-trim elite in the pack. I headed to the back to get as far away from them as possible. The skies were threatening before the start and there was some thunder and lightning in the distance, but since the worst of it wasn't near us, we were able to start on time. We started off in a light drizzle, to the absolute dismay of the other first-time racer next to me who was wearing full makeup. (What was up with that?) I was just thankful that the heat and humidity weren't too bad -- I'd really been dreading those conditions.

I started up the Week 7 podcast and hit my Nike Plus a few seconds late -- too much was going on to remember to hit the button! I'd planned to walk the first 5 minutes, run for my mandated 25, and then walk the rest. But then I saw my family and wanted to run past them, so I broke into my run after only 3.5 minutes. My kids were the best "pit crew;" one handed me a Gatorade sippy bottle and the other waited a few yards behind to take the bottle back from me. Thank goodness for that, as it turns out I am HORRIBLE at drinking out of paper cups while on the move!

The course had a few rolling hills, which was new for this track-or-treadmill-at-zero-incline runner. I was really proud that I didn't slow down to walk the hills; quite a few people around me did, but I wanted to keep running until my 25-minute mark had passed. My family did another Gatorade relay for me just before the 2-mile mark and a third right at that magic 25-minute (really 26.5 minutes since I'd started early) point. I started walking immediately after the podcast said I could and it was a good thing I did. There was a long, gradual hill that would have wiped me out if I'd tried to keep running. The best part was that the course was mostly downhill from the third mile marker on. I tried to run from that point to the finish, but I was pretty tired by then. My family did one more Gatorade relay at the 3.5-mile mark, and I slowed to a walk when I saw them. I wanted to save just a bit for the finish and am proud to say I was able to run in and finish strong. My goal time had been 1 hour (you know how I obsess over 15-minute miles, right?) and I was thrilled to cross the finish line at 53:00. A personal record (by default, since it was the longest distance I've ever gone, but still a PR), I was not the dead last finisher, and I beat my target time = victory on all 3 fronts!

I didn't see where the actual finish line was and the volunteer in the chute had to tear my tag off for me and ended up taking my number as well, so it wasn't exactly a glamourous finish. Whoops. I finally remembered to turn off my Nike Plus about 6 minutes later -- it's amazing how distracted I was by the thrill of finishing. The after-party was great. Everyone wore glow necklaces, there were inflatables for the kids, and a terrific band was playing. It was so nice that there was something for my "pit crew" to enjoy and it made for a fun family night out. I can't wait to race again!

Fooseberry, how was your race? Were you bitten by the racing bug as well?

I think racing is going to be addictive for me! Ihave my first 5K scheduled for 6/24 as part of the informal series being put on by the local running store. The next 2 in the series will be in July, and then I'm sure I'll start looking for a "real" 5K.

Congrats on your W7D1 run, Brad. I wonder if W6D3 felt easier because the run before it was an easier one? I think it's taking my body longer to recover between these long runs. Good luck with the new shoes. I hope you get used to them and that they are the right type for your feet. Good luck with the biking as well. Now all you need to do is start a swimming program, and we'll have a triathlete in our midst!