Women In Training

I joined the Women In Training Program for several reasons. First, I wanted to be able to run a distance. Second, I didn’t join groups in the past as they were predominantly male. Third, I wanted to be a role model for my daughter. Her dad is a superior runner, but I wanted her to see that her mom, too, could run. I thoroughly enjoyed the training. We would meet every Saturday morning and every Wednesday evening to train. We started out with a mile and a half run and would gradually add a quarter every Saturday until the point that we could run 14 miles. The theory was that if we could get to the point that we could run 14 miles that 13.1 would be easier to do. Our team leader was Martha Porter. She kept things fun. Each Saturday morning she would hold a raffle, and you could only redeem the prize if you were present. The prizes were running related and included things like wrist-held water bottles and other gear.We would have practice on Saturday morning at 7am so that the Albuquerque sun didn’t quash us. We would arrive, seek out Martha, and stash our keys in her car so that we could run unencumbered.And then… we were off!

Running in Albuquerque is easier than other places as it is largely flat and there is relatively no humidity. Each week I would arrive excited to be part of a group of like-minded women and scared that I wouldn’t be able to go the distance or some other ridiculous fear.

The Women In Training staff were always positive and uplifting. Each group had pacers, to guide us through the run and keep us all going at the same pace. My pacer was Phil, an active-duty military man who was funny, relaxed and supportive. We would have clinics throughout the training on shoe recommendations, dietary guidelines, and even a clinic on appropriate BRAS to wear. Needless to say, Phil didn’t join us for THAT one!! It felt good to be part of a group.

I headed downtown to pick up my Women In Training running shirt as well as a packet that included my number, and safety pins to secure my racing number to my shirt. I had talked Victor into running the race with me