I've been excited about getting back into running while in Holland as there is plenty of space to run, it's safe, clean, beautiful and relatively free of traffic.  But more importantly, Holland has a large community of friendly and motivated runners to exercise with.  For the first time, I've signed up to train for a race with a group and am participating in the Priority Health Run Camp run by Gazelle.  The camp includes lots of clinics on health, nutrition, cross and strength training as well as two organized group practices a week.  One is speed training and the other is long distance; each practice is divided into groups that run at a certain pace.


The first practice was this Saturday and though I didn't relish rising in the cold and dark wee hours of a weekend morning, I did enjoy getting the workout done at the beginning of the day and with the encouragement of others.  We were a pretty ridiculous sight at Kollen Park at 7:45 a.m.  Clad in neon, leg-hugging tights and shod in "Yak-Trax" the excited attitude of the lead runners of each pace group was positively effervescent.  The beautiful sunrise helped a little too.

I haven't run in awhile and I opted for the low-mileage group who went three miles but most people ran much more.  It was really fun having people to run with and I met a lot of new running buddies.  I know that my enthusiasm might wane as training progresses and that my motivation will dip along with the temperature so I hope that Run Camp will help get me out the door and moving in preparation for the Riverbank Run in May.  Interested in joining? Let me know and we'll get you signed up!

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