I frequently mention the Tuesday night running group I attend, Four Green Fields Running Club , and I have continued to go to this club over the years , despite the fact that I don't really drink or socialize afterward, for several reasons. One is the location--the route is on Bayshore Blvd., where I often run, and close to the various places I've lived for the past six years I've been running; although now it's a bit farther away since I just moved, but not far enough away to keep me from going. Another is the people; even though I am not a social butterfly when I go to the runs, I love seeing running friends I've met over the years, even if just in sweaty passing. But one more reason I love this club is because they partner with my favorite local running store, Feet First , to demo different running shoes each week. A representative from the shoe brand comes out with Nikki from Feet First, and together they encourage the runners to try out the latest shoe models f...

I'm happy to report that I'm back in training. I've been cautiously adding some weekly miles back in since around Thanksgiving, and I finally feel back to normal. Coming back from the injury was a little more difficult than I thought it would be. I was hoping to be able to start training for the Gasparilla half marathon, on February 24, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to take on the training. After two successful long runs in the past two weeks, though, I feel confident I can go forward with my plan. Here's how the first two weeks went: Week 1: 12/24/12 - 12/30/12 M: 4 mi (E) T: rest W: 5 mi (E) R: rest F: hot yoga (XT) Sa: 7 mi (LSD) Su: Ashtanga yoga (XT) Weekly mileage: 16 Week 2: 12/31/12 - 1/6/13 M: 3 mi (E) + yin yoga (XT) T: 3.1 mi (P) W: CrossBoot (XT) R: 3.1 mi (E) F: hot yoga (XT) Sa: 9 mi (LSD) Su: mini core workout (XT) Weekly mileage: 18.2 Key: (E) = Easy; (P) = Pace; (LSD) = Long Slow Distance; (XT) = Cross Training In oth...