Group Run

Great idea! Would definitley love to join that action. Maybe not 10 k, but a nice 45 minute run would be great in the am.
I am staying at the Hilton, what else do you need from me?

Thanks a lot for the initiative!

Peter

Awesome Peter! I think we'll have a few runners at the Hilton. I'm at the Marriott. We'll see what comes up in the next couple of weeks with interest and I'll create the route and time based on attendee feedback. See you in Atlanta!

I'm in and love the idea!!!! Would be fun to get water and see the other conference hotels and get a sense of Atlanta. I'm staying at the Marriott

Hi all! I am actually organizing a run for MeetDifferent, I was trying to arrange a lead from Atlanta for the run. Jodieann- Please email me and I will send you what I have so far- maybe you can be the lead for the run!

I am in for up to 10k - are you booked in Buckhead or downtown Atlanta?

JodieAnn, it figures that you would be the instigator of something like this. I'm in. Say when.

Pack your shoes and reflective gear for a couple of early morning runs. If you are game meet by the Starbucks in the lobby of the Marriott Marquis on Monday and/or Tuesday at 6:00 am. Weather is looking like high 30’s and sunrise around 7:30 am. We will run a 5K route that can be easily looped for those who want to go 10K. All paces welcomed. I will have maps for participants the mornings of the runs. I look forward to leading you on a fun journey through Atlanta. Having never been out of the airport in Atlanta before I am psyched about this being an adventure for at least me, don’t worry I will have a GPS to get us pack but it can’t hurt to have a couple of dollars on you for a cap should we need one. Good news is I’ve never lost anyone on a run nor had any injuries.

I saw the invite to for some morning runs and of coure - it is from you!! :) Please keep me updated - I am at the Omni and would be interested in joining the group on Monday and will commit for Ms. Deb Taylor who will also be there as well!

We will make a pass by the Omni about 6:15 am so be ready to go! Look forward to seeing you and Deb.

I'm staying at the Hyatt and am most definitely up for outdoor runs 10k plus. Will the run go anywhere near the Hyatt? Michelle

Can we make sure the outside temperature during our runs is at least at 50 or so???

Hi everyone - I am in for the morning run too. I'll be statying at the Wyndham Garden Hotel Atlanta Downtown - so let me know where to meet you all if you aren't running by my hotel. Jen

Just so everyone knows the plans. The run will start at the Marriott at 6 am on Monday and Tuesday. If you go mpiweb.org and look at the hotel map for MeetDifferent you will see where your hotel is in relation to the Marriott. The run will run by some other hotels but will not stop. It will be like the Nike commercial...see the group running by and join in. Ideally we will have some maps at each hotel for a reference. I see the run starting on Harris and looping around some of the hotels making our way over to Andrew Young and including Olympic park as part of the experience. The distance from the Marriott will be at least 5K and back. Those who want to go longer by all means make a second lap. Sorry Peter, looks like you should invest in some cold weather running clothes temps will be in the high 30's so for those of us who have been in sub zero weather it should feel like shorts weather.

What to wear, what to wear?! The answer to the burning question just what do I pack to run in 39F/4C degree weather. I realize that for some this will be cold weather running but don't let that deter you. Here are some simple guidelines to help you decided what to pack. For some it is simple as dress in fitness attire that you would wear for a casual walk if it were 10 degrees warmer. If that still leaves you stump try these recommendations from running planet:
•Dressing for cool to moderate weather - 40 to 65 degrees F. - This is the most difficult weather to dress for. A single layer of clothing is the best bet. Wear either a long sleeve or short sleeve shirt depending upon the exact weather and your personal preference. Shorts are usually warm enough for these conditions. If you prefer a bit more warmth, wear lightweight tights. Running gloves and a headband or hat will provide some added warmth, especially if it is windy. If it is raining wear a water resistant outer layer.
•Dressing for cold weather - 15 to 39 degrees F. - You will want at least two layers of clothing in cold weather. Start with a long sleeve shirt and heavy running tights. Add a water resistant running jacket for the outside layer. You will definitely want running gloves and a headband or hat.
Since we are running/jogging/walking on the high side of the cold weather recommendations my recommendation would to be go lighter on the bottom layer and double up on top. Again, you know how quick you heat up. For those coming from sub zero temps Atlanta will feel like a heat wave.
See you in a week!

Perfect - thanks a lot for the info, JodieAnn. This should be interesting for sure. Looking forward to it!

I am excited! Thanks JodieAnn for coordinating this effort. I am at the Marriott as well and have the best intentions to be out there both days. Sounds like perfect running weather to me - just the start time that is painful...
Craig - so happy to see you will be in Atlanta. I look forward to catching up with you during the run (if I can keep up, that is!)

Yes, it will be early but a great way to start the day Kristin. Don't worry about Craig just because he finished an Ultra doesn't mean anything, right? Besides I remember in Dallas when he didn't like running. If he gets out of control we can play climb the ladder and make him sprint a block or so to get to the top. That should slow him down a bit.

Craig - can you tell I've miss you?

Welcome to Atlanta! I've been here about 16 hours and have managed to get a couple of runs in. This morning with Chris, Craig, Peter and Erin up to Piedmont Park and back. This is a nice route and I think will work well for the group runs the next couple of days. Now that you are in the city and can see how close the hotels actually are you knowing getting the the Marriott is no big deal. If you are coming from the Omni...lucky you, you get a longer run. :-) Craig Raughton of 7th Wave Communications and I will meet everyone at the corner of Andrew Young and Marietta about 5:55am we will head up to the Marriott via Andrew Young to Peachtree Center to the Starbuck's Marriott Marquis. From there we will travel down Baker to Piedmont and take that down to Piedmont Park for a lap in the park and back. There are a some hills but nothing major. The weather this morning was great. I was a little over dressed. I could have easily left the gloves and hat in the room. Craig and Peter were comfortable in shorts and a couple layers on top. Remember all paces welcome. This is a great way to get some exercise and meet some new people. Look forward to seeing everyone in the morning!

The Omni has graciously sponsored a aid station for our group runners. The station will be within the lobby of the North Tower, (just inside the front doors). The station will offer water with sliced fruit, bottled water and Vitamin waters. Thank you Omni!!!

Great organization, I got a big walk in on Saturday, I'll have to join you on Monday morning, thanks again for organizing, I'll see if I can get myself out of bed and start at the Marriott...

Thanks to everyone who came out for the group run this morning. The weather was perfect. If you didn't make it today you can still join us at 6:00 am tomorrow at the Marriott Marquis.

Day 2 of the group run started off to be uneventful until we lost Craig with a twisted ankle. Thanks to Chris for guiding him back as the rest of us finished the run. Great job Jennifer. I know it wasn't the easiest run for you but you did awesome. For those of you who made it out the last couple of morning, thank you. I hope we can do it all again in Utah. If you are game you know I am. For those who didn't make it out we hope you will next time. I'll start the planning now so you can plan on it!

Thank you everyone who came out for the group runs! Hope you enjoyed them as much as I did!

Thanks a lot, JodieAnn. Definitley enjoyed meeting you as well as the rest of the runner.
My take away is to organize this for which ever conference I will go to next.
Craig, I hope you are healing up well!
Chris, great effort on the Tuesday morning....! ;-)
Looking forward to our next joint run in the near future!
Stay warm, JodieAnn!

It was great to meet everyone and thank you for the wonderful weather!! JodieAnn~ thank you for organizing and taking care of each of us. Also - Craig I hope you are doing much better now! I am game for all future group runs! If in Vegas, look me up. I am known to take runners outside the strip to experience an entirely different Vegas.