2-2-21-point-1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-01-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

Notice the new addition to the links ---> That's right, I'm stuf on the NYC Marathon for 2007. Call it my new found love affair with New York - it'll happen. I'm thinking that because there's no way I'll be able to run the 8 qualifying races this year in NYC that guarentee's entry - so I have 3 choices otherwise:

1. Do the Lottery thing and pray that I get in.
2. Buy guarenteed entry through a tour-company.
3. Run for a charity.

I'm thinking I'll pick the third option, it seems like the best one. I'm just waiting now to see which charities are approved for this event to contact one.

Otherwise, I went out for my first run of the New Year today. 5km. It started off well, my ipod wasn't charged so I was running without aid today. The first 2 1/2 km were FAST, and I slowed down alot for the last 2 1/2. Judging by today my lactic acid threshold and my cardio fitness level needs some work. My muscle tone actually isn't terrible, a little squishier than I'd like, but it has been worse going back in the past.

My plan is to do about 7km tomorrow morning, hopefully down by the lake. I'm also going to do some Yoga & Ballet today to improve my muscle tone a little.

I'm having surgery this coming Thursday, which is going to put me back further. I've been advised not to do ANY excercise for two weeks --- though I think I'll make it a week, depending on how I feel. That said though, the Chilly Half Marathon is slipping further and further away from me....

So Sonia, Kayla -- and all the rest of my running buddies. I'm not holding on to that one at this point. Yes, I realize I ran Toronto after being deathly ill for two weeks prior, but I had been training all summer for it -- I'm starting to realize that for the Chilly Half I may just have to be "last 5k runner" for those of you competing. We'll see though. If I can do a decent (read: 1 hour 30 minute) 15 km run by February 1 then it might happen afterall.

It's been awhile my friend...

2006-12-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

So it's been a long while since I've posted --- it's safe to assume 3 things about that time:

1. I did minimal exercise (true)
2. I gained between 5-10 lbs (also true, though I think as of today I'm only up 5lbs)
3. I went soft in all the wrong places (true)

BUT...

I'm officially on holidays now, and I've come to the place of X-mas (hint - it is much colder and has a foot of snow to Toronto's 4 degrees and greenery). I've come armed with 2 technical tees, two long sleeved technical tees, 1 pair of lycra pants, 1 pair of thermal running tights, 1 pair of Brooks Adreneline's (Size 9.5), an assortment of fleece hats, gloves, scarves, and a pair of double layer CoolMax socks (only because I could only find one pair!).

I even got up this morning and god out for my first run in the snow EVER! And it didn't even suck!

I went about 3.8km (a slow 30minutes) - exploring strange blocks. I was warm, it was awesome. -10 degrees out and I wasn't even cold - All I can say is -- thermal tights rock!

I love warm weather!

2006-11-25T06:09:00.000-08:00

So the 8 lbs I had regained is now down to my being up 4.5 lbs --- Thank G-d!

I woke up this morning with noticably less belly -- which is going great things for my confidence this morning --- and is excellent ratification for NOT going out for that pizza last night!

Okay -- so yesterday morning I ran 4km in the sunshine -- that wasn't too bad. Today I've got a pretty little 6km route mapped out that I'm going to force myself run in 10:1's. Tomorrow I have 7km with my running group, which puts me back on track with my half-schedule.

I'm still not in great shape --- but it's getting there slowly, I'm hoping to be back in good form by mid-December ------ and for me good form means back to my "preferred" weight, and not feeling like I'm going to die on every run.

I also need to push my lactic acid threshold a little...but I think come december I'm going to make more of an effort to get into the gym ----- I really do think elliptical work helped me tackle those hills back when I used to hit the gym 3 days a week and run as well.

That's it. The weather's calling for 11 degrees today, and all the way through until Wednesday! I LOVE THAT!

(Sonia -- you can save your ass-kicking for the minus 5-20 degree weather!)

Sunshine makes me happy!

2006-11-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

YAY! 7 degrees outside makes for fun times on the run!

Seriously. I'm a little out of shape. I've been stressed, gaining weight, and not doing nearly enough exercise lately. It took me awhile to come to terms with the fact that I'm actually OUT OF SHAPE ----- mostly I just thought I was lazy.

So yeah, this little recognition comes along with a gameplan. I'm taking tonight off from my running clinic (mostly to finish a term paper) -- but today I ran a few km this morning, and will again tonight if I need a break. I'm going to dedicate this week to getting comfortable with shorter distances again --- and go out for the 8:30am group run on Sunday morning.

Really though -- I'm happy with running today because the weather's supposed to be awesome for the rest of the week :)

Yay sunshine!

Well --- if Sonia said so......

2006-11-20T16:04:00.000-08:00

A Quote From Sonia :
"Don't give up lady!!! And you're not canning the half-marathon! I'm gonna be there with my newfie and we're all gonna run like a happy family!! lolAnd yes, it's hard for everybody... this weather is just so so GROSS!!! I wish I could stay in drinking a hot latte and watching tv under a blanket all day... unfortunately life goes on... there are races to race and we will do it!! Get use to it!!... ... ... I don't want to come out too harsh... just a gentle kick in the butt :P "

So. It's been said. Me, Sonia, her newfie, Kayla (and Andrew?) and possibly a handful of people from the half-marathon clinic I may just quit --- will be running the Chilly Half like a big, giant, happy family. And then we will all eat bananas and chilli after. Sonia kicked my ass into recommitting to it!

Seriously, I read this comment this morning and it made me laugh... but it also motivated me not to give up just yet. We'll see -- I need to rethink the running clinic thing. It's good because it gets me out there, bad because it means there's a constant pressure to keep up with a competitive group. That and last Wednesday's run re-aggrevated my old hip injury..... so I don't want to keep doing it if I'm just going to get hurt.

But yes ---- not giving up yet! Though I'll probably need Sonia to kick my ass 4-5 more times before the actual race :P

BAH!

2006-11-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

Officially the first REALLY bad run I've had in a LONG time.

I went out with the intention of doing an easy 10k. It's 1 degree celcius outside, but I was dressed to run in it.

The first 4km weren't so bad, but I was moving pretty slow --- but things quickly went downhill from there. By the end I was walking, cold, and ended up getting on the bus to come home.

I keep telling myself it was just a bad run, and they happen --- but my motivation is lagging some. I can't imagine feeling fantastic running outside in the dead of January.

I have ALOT of cross-training scheduled for this winter - tennis, ballet, not to mention gym work. After today's bad run I'm honestly thinking of canning the Chilly Half and training indoors all winter where I'll be warm and happy.

I miss those Spring mornings when I would wake up at 6:30 am totally psyched to get down to the Lake and be in the sunshine....... why can't all running be like that?

Oh -- hello Half-Marathon Training..... I haven't missed you.

2006-11-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

Bah! First day of the half-marathon clinic tonight.

I remember now why I stopped running with the groups, I'm just not competitive when I run, that's not WHY I do it. We ran a 3km warmup tonight followed by a mile for which they were going to time us in order to get into pace-groups.

Now.... on a GOOD day it takes me 4-5km to really warm up and get into it, today was no different. My preference is to start super slow, basically to ease into the run. This is part of the reason I love long runs --- there's no pressure to do it fast, you can start slow - warm up slowly - just go with the flow. This is also why I skipped alot of the short runs when I was training for Toronto.

So tonight I started running, and did pretty good - considering. I was 2km into a brisk tempo run when I realized that I was a> running cold and b> there was no immediate plan for a walk break (I usually take a short walk break every 5 minutes or so for the first couple of km) -- at about 2.5km I stopped to walk for a minute. At 3km I was in relatively decent shape.

We stopped at the 3km mark to line up for the mile-time run. This time I vowed to do it at MY pace --- there's no point in an inflated mile-time --- So I ran at the back at a comfortable pace, and another girl fell in with me, she seemed grateful that I made that move. We ran the whole mile at a steady pace at the back of the pack - chatting, then low and behold - THE GROUP DIDN'T WAIT FOR US! They literally turned and left about 30 seconds before we got to the end! I don't even think they realized they had left us!

So I guesstimate my mile time was around 10minute to about 10:30 --- who knows. *shrug*

My hips hurt, as do my ankles. Part of this is because I was in new shoes tonight (my flashy metallic blue Adrenelines!) - part of it is because I was pushing too hard to keep up to a group I can't keep up with on my best day.

We'll see ---- my goal for the Chilly Half is 2:15:00 -- IF I am 100% healthy on the day of the race. I think in order to be able to train through for this race I'm going to have to keep running primarily on my own --- I liked running with the girl I met tonight, but I can't take the competition week after week.

11km today.

2006-11-04T21:19:00.000-08:00

It was a fantastic morning for a run today. About 4 degress celcius, sunny, not too windy.

I ended up doing 11km through my favourite routes --- it was pretty fun. I may even get up early tomorrow for a quick 5k just for the hell of it.

Am rethinking the ATB 30k run. Not sure it'll be the optimal time for me to do a race like that. I figure I"ll wait and see and decide in February if I'm going to enter or not -- I'll have a better idea then about how winter training is going.

Slowly and surely....

2006-10-31T12:13:00.000-08:00

BLAH BLAH BLAH!

It's always the same process after a race, a little bit of melancholy. A few pounds of regained weight. A little bit of consideration if I'll never run again... Nonetheless, trying to get back into it's tough.

Here are my goals for the next 4-6 months:
1: A sub 30 minute 5k training run. (I think I'm out of races this season anyways...) I'd like this BEFORE the snow flies, my current 5k time is approx. 32-34 minutes.

2. A sub 60 minute 10k. This one's not entirely unattainable considering my PB for a 10k is 66 minutes -- but it means I DO need to make an effort to make it happen.

3. Get into the habit of running 3-7km 3 times a week (1 night can be subbed for another activity like Tennis)

4. Do a 12km or longer run once a week.

5. Learn to run at least 4km at a steady run pace.

That's it.

In terms of races here's on my (tentative) schedule for the 2007 season:

March 4 -- Chilly Half Marathon, Burlington
March 28 (?) -- Around the Bay 30k Race, Hamilton
April 22 -- Montreal Half Marathon, Montreal (VERY tentative -- this is a "wish" race)
May 6 -- Sporting Life 10k, Toronto
May 27 -- Ottawa Race weekend (either Half or Full marathon -- depending on what kind of shape I'm in)
July 1 -- HBC Run for Canada 10k, Toronto (another tentative one... depends on what's happening in the summer...)
September 30 -- Scotia Waterfront Marathon - half-marathon (or Full, depending again... on weather...)
October 14 -- Toronto Marathon, either the half or the full this year!

Ideally I'm aiming for at least 2 Half-Marathon's and one Full for the 2007 year. I'd like to beat my time for last year's Sporting Life 10k, but really --- we never really now how it'll all work when it comes to running!

Group Run tomorrow!

2006-10-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

Ipod's charged, Fuelbelt is ready to go with Water and Gatorade...Clothes are all laid out. Yup. I'm getting my butt up early for a run tomorrow morning.

I've been...okay, with my short runs this week. Not as good as I'd like it to be, but it was a very stressful week and I had other things to look after. Tomorrow though I'm out for at least 10k. I'm thinking I'll get up early and head out at 8am for a half hour or so, and then swing by the running room around 8:30 to finish off my run with some of the groups I run with normally. Who knows -- we'll see, I figure by that point I'll be nicely warmed up, and I can push myself into a brisk 10:1 pace for about 5k or so.

Anyways -- I should go to bed soon. It's 11pm........

An actual training program I wonder?

2006-10-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

After the half I VOWED that I would start doing my shorter 5k runs. I skipped all the little runs while training because ---- well, short distances suck for me.

It takes me forever to warm up, so they're always a bit of a challenge, and really -- it's alot of work for just a little distance! I always find 10k+ more fulfilling.

That said, however, being able to run a decent (read: under 30 minutes) 5k without feeling like I want to throw away my running shoes is a definate goal.

I've been good this week --- and easy 8k on Sunday, a slow 5k this morning.... and another short one planned for Wednesday morning....

I just have to keep reminding myself that it WILL get easier to run the shorter distances eventually :P And they'll only help my performance on the longer ones!

First Run back...

2006-10-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

Went for my first run out today after last week's race. An easy 7-8km run/walk through varied terrain and a good excuse to go see the animals in the small zoo near my house. It went well -- of course the spots that were bothering me after the half were a little finicky about 5k into my route, but I made a special effort to stretch better when I got home so it should be good.

I also tried the Blue "Sport Beans" today ---- they weren't so bad. I'd give them a 4/5 for taste (good, but the texture was a little grainy which threw me off a little), as for effectiveness -- mmmmm, I'm going to stick with my GU gels, but they're sort a fun treat for a shorter run :P

That's it. The great thing about running is that now I can justify the pub food I'm having for dinner! :P

Where to go from here?

2006-10-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

So as I recover I'm left with the question of --- What Next?!

My legs were SO sore yesterday. I could barely walk. Today they're slightly better, but going down stairs isn't really pleasant just yet. I think this is perhaps the worst factor from running the race on the weekend without much running in the weeks before ---- my recovery time is going to suck from this because I basically just shocked my muscles into submission. At this point my legs are still randomly spasming.... Running for the bus isn't even an option, let alone something I'd even consider!

Awww well though. This too shall heal soon enough. And then we're faced with the question of -- What next?

The Chilly Half-Marathon is in March 2007. That one's usually the first major race of the year for most of the runners in the area......... and is a nice way to lead into Spring/Summer running. But that said --- a half in March means running OUTSIDE in January & February! I'm not sure I have the stamina for that! Let alone the desire!

But the Hamilton Around-the-Bay 30k race is March as well ---- that's one I'd really like to do this year. Which basically means I should probably resign myself to running in the snow. We'll see.... I guess we won't have any really packed stuff until Januaray........... bah!

So at the end of the Half - Toby (my friend who ran me in) --- told me that if I just finished strong I'd never have to run again! At the end of the race I think I was willing to hold him to that.......... now........ well, I guess we'll see!

2:40:32.7!

2006-10-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

So. When I started my blog I decided to name it "2-2-21-point-1 because", well, that was my journey. When I started running I could go about 2km before collapsing. Two kilometres to 21.1 km for this half-marathon.... that was my mission.

I did it! Yay! Seriously, it feels so awesome to have accomplished one of my major goals this year. And it's seriously cool to be able to look back and see the process...

I don't even know what to say about the experience... so I'll just describe it.

Race morning I was up at 6am, after a not-so-great night's sleep. I was up, packed the last little bit of my stuff, and called myself a cab around 6:35......

I was in the cab at about 6:45 and 30 minutes, and $40, later I arrived at Mel Lastman Square. There weren't too many people there but I was glad I arrived early. I found a quiet area and gathered my stuff up, used the washroom (just in the knick of time before the LONG lines too), stretched a little and had someone take a pre-race picture of me. As I wandered around, keeping my eye's out for Sonia's purple shirt I noticed the baggage check line was getting HUGE ---- so I started trying to find the end of it....... Luckily Kathryn - the manager at the Running Room I work at occassionally -- spotted me and pulled me into line with her. It was great to see a friendly face in the crowd who was also running. Then -- to my surprise, I turned around and there was my friend Kenneth! He was in the area that weekend and walked over to the start line from his Grandma's house to hopefully see me off. That was awesome.

At 8:30 the race started. I started running with the 2:30 pace bunny but lost track of her around the 3rd km when I got a KILLER cramp. It was the worst cramp ever --- probably from my body's shock at running again after 3 weeks of illness. I walked a few minutes, and made an effort to slow down my pace. Thank god that it worked. By the 5th kilometre I felt like I was in good shape and I just watched the race go by under my feet. Don't get me wrong, it was tough --- running always is --- but I couldn't possibly ask for a better first 18km of the race.

At the 10k mark I was at 1 hour 15 minutes, and maintaining my pace --- I couldn't believe I was still on pace for a 2 1/2 hour half! I maintained the same pace all the way to the 18km mark.

My amazing friend Toby met me at the 17th and a half kilometre to run me in those last 5k. He was AWESOME. Without him I guarentee I would've come in closer to the 3 hour mark. He kept encouraging me and pushing me to run even when my body was giving out.

By the 19th km my body was DONE. By the 20th I wasn't sure if I could run another kilometre. The Queen's Park loop (the end of the race) is a sadistic finish. It's uphill around a curve that's so sharp you can't see 200 feet in front, let alone the finish line. I couldn't see the finish line until I was literally 100 feet from it. Toby urged me on though -- we ran in the last 400 metres or so, and he urged me on to a strong finish at the end (I didn't think I had it in my to run like that for the finish line!). At the end I smiled for the photographer, high fived SpongeBob Squarepants and collapsed into a hug from Toby. Then it was all about getting the chip off, getting my medal, and wrapping me up in a Thermal blanket! Low and behold Kenneth was there at the finish line waiting for me too!

I got a massage, ate a green banana and found my friend Sarah. Then I hung out with my friends and some other running buddies who were there as spectators while we waited for Sonia to come in.

I think the biggest surprise of the day was that the marathon winner finished about the same time I did. I kept expecting to get smoked by some long, lean Kenyan who had run twice as far as me that morning, but it never happened! Apparently the winner was from Vancouver and finished either right before or right after me --- I don't know, I was sort of out of it on both ends :P

So. 2 hours, 40 minutes, 32.7 seconds. Not too bad at all! My original goal was a sub 2:30:00 half, but when I got sick I inflated my goal to "anything under 3 hours is awesome". Well, I definately came in under 3 hours --- and the race went better than I could have ever expected so I'm totally happy with that!

I'm not even thinking about the next race yet. I can barely walk today afterall! But it was a good race --- I was inspired by Katherine Switzer's speech at the Carbo dinner the night before (she is AMAZING to hear speak!) --- as well as the thought of Sonia pushing through the marathon drove me on....... You'll have to hop over to her blog to read her marathon story - but it was awesome to see her come in still running!

That's it. I'll update about my sore muscles later!

Tomorrow is RACE day.

2006-10-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

OH my gosh.

I can't believe tomorrow is the race.

I met the lovely Sonia this afternoon (who by the way has lost a ton of weight since the last photo I saw of her! Luckily she recognized me :P) and we hung out doing pre-race stuff and going to the Carbo dinner.

Now I'm home, frantically searching for things like lycra pants, coolmax socks and t-shirts that aren't going to drive me insane while I run. My ipod is updated with a bunch of new music. I have gatorade pre-mixed and ready to go in the fridge. I have a million litres of Chocolate Milk in there as well (okay, that's unrelated -- but it was on sale!)

I'm just gathering the last few things -- a change of clothes, advil, rub*a535, food and a bottle of water..... and then I'm off to bed. Only to wake up at 6am and continue the frantic pace of getting race-ready!

So I'm running tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. I'm not in the best shape, but I know I won't come in last ----- and I know there will be many friends cheering me on so it's extra motivation. Mostly --- I've come to the realization that this is 2 1/2 hours of my life (with any luck anyways) --- and I need to just put my head down and DO it. That's it. It might hurt, I KNOW it'll be tough mentally. But really --- this is a mental thing.

Physically and mentally I've been through things that are FAR tougher than this race will be. It's time to suck it up and realize that. And just run in for all its worth.

....the last two weeks just don't count anymore.

It sucks kissing a Goal goodbye.

2006-10-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well -- I'm being forced to concede that the half-marathon is slowly becoming a lost cause for me.

I was in the hospital yesterday for a wicked-bad case of bacterial tonsilitis --- today I'm lying on the couch mustering all my energy to drink 1/2 a cup of water an hour and swallow down my huge amounts of antibiotics and painkillers. I can't open my mouth -- and running is a distant concern right now.

I'm still deciding about what to do about the half. I KNOW at this point I'm not going to be in good form for the race ----- there's no way I'm going to hit my 2 1/2 hour goal time. I'll likely end up running regardless, and extending that goal time to around 3 hours -------- but it's still dissapointing that I won't be able to run my best race that day. Especially since I've been working toward this for so long.

I have to keep reminding myself that there WILL be other races - and that the fact that I'm sick doesn't make this accomplishment worth any less..... but it's still sad :(

Sick.

2006-09-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted in awhile. I also haven't been running as much as I'd like lately.

At the moment I'm holed up at home the sickest I've been in awhile. It sucks. I've literally been unable to move for the past 4 days. This is day 5. Today though I did get outside for a little while --- so that's good. Sore throat, migraine, cold sweats -- the whole bit. A friend has me all paranoid that I might have mono -- which sucks, but we'll see --- I'll go to the Dr. on monday if it still sucks for a throat swab.

That's it. Something tells me I'm not making it out for my 18k run this weekend.

I'm scared about where this leaves me for the half.

Long Run Report.

2006-09-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

So I tried 2 Gels today ---

The GU Vanilla Bean ---
Taste = 5/5 --- tastes like vanilla pudding! Also has a great texture and was easy to eat.

Functionality = 4/5 ---- I'm not sure what I'm expecting about these gels -- but it was good, and gave me a pick-me-up.... but it also upset my stomach slightly immediately after I ate it.

The GU Chocolate --
Taste = 4.5/5 --- VERY good, but also very sweet & thick. Reminded me of chocolate icing.

Functionality ----- same as the Vanilla..... but I couldn't get that sweet taste out of my mouth. Didn't leave an aftertaste though.

I actually went about 20k on my run today --- I ran the first 15 and walked the last 5 (and let me tell you, that was a LONG 5k to walk!) ----- my legs are sore and I'm exhausted, but it was a decent run, all things considered.

My brain's a little mushy right now.........

BLECH!

2006-09-04T04:34:00.000-07:00

It's hard to get up and motivated for a run that you KNOW is going to suck.

Today's my first attempt at an 18k LSD. I'm still in the process of mapping out my route (and waking up) -- but I'm really not feeling it today already. I'm going to load some new music onto my IPOD and hopefully that will increase my motivation factor some.

So yes -- 18k this morning - I'm looking to do it at an 8min/km pace (ie. SLOW!), which would mean that the entire run would be about an hour and 24 minutes. Ideally I'll actually be running at a more reasonable 6min/km pace, but I want to take lots of walk breaks so that I don't feel like I'm going to die today.

I think today I'm going to try the GU gels -- and fill up one of the bottles in my fuel belt with Red Gatorade. The other 3 bottles will hold water.

I'm also looking into participating in the Rolling Hills Half-marathon --- well, no, not the half-marathon, because it falls on October 1 and I'm already committed to running Toronto on October 15. But I was thinking of trekking it up there for a decent 10k race through Parry Sound. I would REALLY like to cut my 10k time down to under an hour (from a 66 minute PB) --- and I think I could do it on this course....

Okay -- I'm awake -- going to get dressed and try to do some stretching. I"m going to attempt something I haven't done yet --- I'm going to run out pretty far with the intention of taking the TTC home...... I figure by the time I finish my run the subways will be moving for the morning.......

BLECH!

Wish me luck!

LSD Report.

2006-08-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

Had a great run this morning --- a planned 15ish km --- around my usual route..... It was good, but I just got home and mapped it and realized I only did about 14km.... Not really sure HOW that happened (it was a premapped route, and I substituted 1 block loop for another -- but it shouldn't have been a whole KM difference) --- but I'm a little dissapointed about that - oh well.

I finished in 1:55ish today -- which is a very good time, and totally in line with my 2hr for 15km training goal. So that's good.

I ALSO tried my first gel today --- an Orange-Vanilla Carbboom. It was my first try so I don't have anything to compare it to but here's my rating:
Taste: 2/5 (it tasted good at first but was actually sort of gross, also had a nasty aftertaste)
Effectiveness: 3.5/5 --- I didn't notice anything miraculous, and I had to drink ALOT of water to get it down (about 14oz!), but I took it about an hour into my run and I never got hungry ---- I was also running right up to the end of my run, so that was good :)

Either way though --- a fantastic overall run! My stamina's improving as well, I didn't stop nearly as often today as I normally do..... which was great.

Hill Fartlek's tomorrow! It's going to suck to run hills but I like doing fartlek's because it gives me a chance to stretch my legs. I'm also thinking of just running a chunk of the 1/2 marathon route tomorrow for my fartlek's --- but we'll see, the Subway doesn't start until 9:00am and that might be a bit late....... although I suppose I could just ride my bike down......

Long Run Tomorrow!

2006-08-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

So... after much deliberation I've decided to do my long run tomorrow morning and my Hill-Fartlek's on Sunday morning. Basically, this is because I KNOW that if I do the hills tomorrow I'm not going to be able to motivate myself to get out there and do the long run - - and in my world it's all about building the endurance and confidence for the race.

I got a message from Sonia today -- she'll be arriving the Friday before the race to hang out on my couch for the weekend so we can do the race expo and stuff on Saturday. Should be fun! I know that weekend is around midterm time, so I really hope I'm not too bogged down with school to get out and have a good time that weekend - not to mention be a good host to Sonia! (Dude -- in advance, I'm sorry if I have to be a nerd for a few hours that weekend!)

Other than that --- on my way out for a drink with a friend..... then it'll be about coming home and going to be so that I can get up at 7am and run my little heart out in the morning :P Just diet coke for me tonight!

4.6km at 6am!

2006-08-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

I ran this morning! Got my ass out of bed at 5:30 am to realize that it was still pitch-black outside...... so I waited until about 6:15 when the sun started lighting the streets a little and headed out for my morning run.

It was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC. Seriously. I haven't had a run that good in a long time. I felt awesome, I had a steady pace right off the bat, I was dressed properly --- all was in good form. I love it when I have good runs, it really just makes my whole day better.

So I skipped my LSD last week....... I'm ahead on my training schedule anyways so I think I'll be okay. My plan is to do another 5k tomorrow or Friday morning, and then do some hills either Friday evening or Saturday morning, and then my LONG run on Sunday ---- I'm aiming for a 15km run, but we'll see. This week I'll be experimenting with Gels for the first time, so I'm not really sure how they'll work out. First on the list are the CARB BOOMS -- mostly 'cause they seem to get the best reviews :P

All sorts of cheeziness on my ipod :)

2006-08-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

Did 15k on Friday morning! It took FOREVER, but for my 1st attempt at a 15km distance it wasn't that bad.... AND it now means that I'm once again back on schedule for 1/2 marathon training!

Thank god for the ipod -- that's ALL I have to say about that.

I spent some time tonight customizing my playlists --- I now have Fast, Medium and Slow Running Music playlists --- I'm hoping they help to steady my pace a little and provide a bit more structure to my runs.

I also did my first Farklet run the other day -- I was short of time so I did 20 minutes alternating sprints and speedwalking ------ it went well, and was a nice break from the monotony of my half-marathon pace....

Tomorrow morning I'm going to attempt the 15km distance again --- I've got 2 more weeks of doing 15's and then I'm going to push up to 18 and 20 km routes. I'm also going to start running chunks of the marathon route as part of my training.

My goal tomorrow is to finish my 15k within 2 hours -- it's a 8 min/km pace -- which really isn't that fast at all (my goal race-pace is around 6.5 min/km) -- but it really depends on how I'm feeling.

I'm also considering breaking down and carrying water on my run tomorrow --- mostly because if I have my belt I'll also have somewhere to carry some gummies for that horrible 12km mark where I'm inevitably going to start to get hungry!

I <3 my Ipod!

2006-08-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

So I finally invested in an ipod nano! And the thing rocks my world!

Seriously -- I went running with it this morning --- had a 12k run mapped out --- and it was awesome, such a great way to run.

I started at 7:30 and finished at about 9:00 am --- but I did grab a freezie and walked the last km to cool down.

Overall, considering the distance, it was a great run -- no major hiccups or walk-breaks. I was sweaty and tired by the end of it.... but I literally ran until I couldn't run anymore.........

Next week will be my first attempt at 15 km ---- I'm going to do 3 weeks of 15km's (on Sundays) before pushing to 17, 19, then the full 21. --- Then a long taper will begin until race day.

10 weeks to go!

I must be insane...

2006-08-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 6am this morning (6am!!!) to run 5k. Little did I realize that it was THE HOTTEST FRIGGEN DAY OF THE YEAR. How silly is that?

I wish I could say I actually went the full 5k -- but not even close. I think I probably went about 3km before I walked back. The bonus was that 'cause I cut my run way short I also gained about 10 extra minutes on my morning routine ---- So I actually got to work on time today, not to mention looking pretty damn nice too.

Going to attempt this damn running thing again tomorrow morning -- will have more time so can go slower - will also try to get in a cold shower before I head out :)

And this is the Sunday Report.

2006-07-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Planned LSD -- 10-12km
Actual LSD Run -- 7.8km
Total Distance Travelled today -- 14km (the last half was walked).

Freaking hot morning today -- plus a crappy run. It did about 8k before I started to peter out a little. So I walked, got a freezie, and walked some more. It was a BAD idea to run out 7k before turning around -- it made the 14km walk home VERRRRY long!

I really hate it when I have a bad long run -- it makes me feel like I'm falling behind in training. Sometimes that kicks my ass, sometimes it just makes me doubt whether I'll get that 21km done in October.

I dunno -- tomorrow I'll get up early and do an easy 5km in the morning. I think improving my shorter distances will help with my longevity when it comes to the long runs.

Must go -- no point in stretching this out further.

Weekly Recap and Weekend Commitments

2006-07-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Soooooooooooo..... I did alot of cross-training this week at least :P

Seriously. I rode my bike to school and back twice this week, and did some walking --- not a heck of alot of running though. I really have to start rectifying that.

Tomorrow I have the day off work so I'm going to do a 5k run with a few hills in there at some point -- probably in the morning before I settle down to look at Spanish homework.

Saturday I'm WORKING at Running Room, so I'll catch up on all the running accessories that came out in the last month, and maybe even do a short run in the morning -- we'll see.

Sunday is, of course, LSD day --- this week I'm going to push my 10k route up to 11 or 12km --- depending on how I feel. I'm going to try to make it as flat and shady as humanely possible as well because it's supposed to be HOT HOT HOT this weekend! I might just run down by the lake in the morning --- we'll see though, it really depends on whether or not I can drag my lazy bum out of bed before 9am!

In other news --- I got GREAT news this week. My friend Sonia -- my online Weight Watchers/Running Buddy (check out her new blog -- she's such a running inspiration) -- has signed up to run the Toronto Marathon! It's on the same day as the 1/2 marathon (similar routes too) -- so we'll be there to cheer each other on, and (more importantly? :P) have each other to hang out with at the Carbo-Dinner the night before! I'm so excited, I was worried I'd have no one to eat dinner with :D It's going to be fun having a buddy there, depending on start times one of us will be waiting for the other at the end :)

That's it, that's all folks :) G'night.

10k!!!!

2006-07-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

Yay!

Got up this morning, set my VCR to tape my Sunday morning show (one of the few I watch every week), put on my running clothes and went out and did a super slow 10k -- it was awesome! And HOT.

I ALSO lost the 5lbs I gained over the time I spent with my mom for her wedding, which is FREAKING AWESOME. I also bought some pants that FIT last week :) My other pants are leaving the house early this week (For Sonia's house! Yay!) and I can slowly replace my waredrobe with one that's not falling off me :)

Sweet.

Recap.

2006-07-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

So last week I did everything except my 5k run yesterday morning, only because I got asked to work -- so I chose not to run and went to work instead. I made up for it by walking in the afternoon and running errands this morning on my bike.

Tomorrow morning will be that 10k or bust! I'm going to map it out tonight so I can just get up and go in the AM.

No posting = no running

2006-07-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

... okay -- I lied a little....... I've been running, a little. I've done a handful of 5k runs in the last few weeks -- and a 5k race on a VERY hot day after spending the day at Canada's Wonderland (Funnel Cake and Racing is NOT a good combination!).

This morning I woke up and did 4.7 km. As of Monday I officially begin my training program - Hal Higdon's 1/2 Marathon Program.

It's an intense 12-week program, and I'm a little worried about the push it's going to require to keep going (especially if it gets super hot again) -- but my plan is to start going to sleep earlier and to start getting up an hour early to run in the morning 3-4 days a week.

So here's the schedule until Monday:
Today: 5km -- completed

Tomorrow: Leisurely swim in the pool- 45 minutes.

Friday: 5km in the morning, pick bike up from repair shop in the afternoon.

Saturday: Day off -- though going Wedding Dress shopping with a friend so I suspect it will be a tiring day. Maybe a bikeride by the Lake.

Sunday: 8-10km in the morning ---- that is taking 2 hours to get out of the house goal is to run - but also want to do 30 minutes of hills at least at some point.

4km at 7:45 am!

2006-07-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

I did a fan-fucking-tabulous 4km today. I actually should've (could've) probably stretched it to 5km --- but I left the house late and was running out of time.

The only problem with running first thing in the morning is that I'm TIRED now! My legs are sore and I'm fairly sure my post-run breakfast of yogurt & fruit was metabolized hours ago....... mmmm, feels like a pizza day for me.

NO! No pizza! I'm on a low-fat/low-sodium diet this week, with the hopes of curbing some bloating and flushing my system out a little bit.... not sure it'll work, but we'll see. I'd like to be belly-bloating free by the weekend :D

That's it, tomorrow's a cross-training day for me -- I think I'll aim for 45 minutes of cardio in the gym.

Okay -- well I had to get out of the city....

2006-07-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

...but I finally ran again!

Hurray!

On Saturday morning I did about 6km around Kincardine, on Sunday morning I did maybe 4.5 around the town, and on Monday morning I did about 3 km on the highway outside of my friend's family's farm ---- they weren't the best runs -- but THANK GOD I MADE IT OUT.

Now just to stick to the schedule.

I'm home now -- I'm going to relax and decompress --- have plans to ride my bike to the grocery store this afternoon and to do some laundry a bit later on.

No updating = no running.

2006-06-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

It's true, I've gone soft, and I'm going softer every day.

I bought a bike today! A pretty little Raleigh town bike --- 18 speeds, built for comfort over functionality mostly. I'm so excited to have it -- excited enough that I'm ACTUALLY considering biking to work tomorrow! And trust me, I work probably about 20 km from my house! I'm not sure how long it'll take -- or if it's that smart on a brand new bike -- but if I get up early enough, and I'm excited enough --- I think I might just do that :) At least it'll be some wicked exercise. I'll probably leave early anyways because I don't want to get stuck in crazy traffic or anything like that. But it'd be fun to bike to work, and possibly bike home again that night from school. The only thing that's stopping me is bike theft -- which is a problem in Toronto......

I dunno.

Either way though -- I need some exercise tomorrow!!!

In the clear to Run again!!!

2006-06-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hurray!

I went to the doctor yesterday and got a prescription for anti-inflamatories, massage therapy, and physio. I also got the go ahead to go running again as much as I'm able without pushing myself --- once I start physio I'm to listen to the physiotherapist in terms of what's okay and what's not.

I saw the massage therapist today -- that woman ROCKS -- seriously - it was awesome. She was working primarily on my hips and shoulders -- the ULTIMATE combo for a massage...

I also joined the gym at school again -- in the name of not overdoing it I'm going to aim to run 2-3 times a week and cross-train another 2-3 days as opposed to just running 5 days a week. Hopefully that'll help keep my hips in check and my legs injury free. End of July I'm going to seriously start half-marathon training again --- probably with Hal Higdon's program this time.... We'll see -- I"ll update on that later.

Sitting around....getting fat :)

2006-06-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

hahaha -- not really.

But I still can't run. I try occasionally to do a light jog for a few feet and it usually results in sharp pains through the hip -- which sucks.

I got goggles today though so tomorrow I'm going swimming! Yay!

It'll be a fun way to get some exercise at least.

6km in 45 minutes....

2006-06-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

Did 6km with the amazing Dawn last night... it was slow -- but fun -- it was sore - but I pushed through.

We did a steady run -- with 2 very short walk breaks.....

Okay -- I'll be honest, it was a CRAPPY run, a shitty, crappy run. I felt like shit - I wanted to walk, I wanted to cut the whole thing short. There was nothing FUN about it at all.

But it was done.

I'm sore today -- my hip hurts and I've developed a habit of icing it at night and taking advil during the day. I'm going to see the doctor next week to get a referral to physio..... hopefully that helps a little.

Not running tonight - no part of me wants to run tonight.

Going to clean the house and sleep.

MudRun Report!

2006-06-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

Well --- according to the results I finished in 1:32:05 ----- Yikes! That’s a LONG time for a 10k --- not that time mattered in this event. I came in 87th out of the 186 women who ran the race --- not a bad place at all.

It was a TOUGH race – tougher than I thought. I knew it would be cross-country, but I was envisioning a casual run through the forest, relatively flat – with the only real hazards being having to watch out for the odd stray tree root. I WAS WRONG!

As we got going there was a bottle-neck run through the forest --- sooooooo many people which made running basically impossible. Within 5 minutes my shoes were wet and muddy – oh well, it’s all part of the fun. We opened up into a field with a relatively wide trail and the runners began to space out a bit. I ran pretty consistently for the next half-hour or so until we hit fields where the trail was just a narrow strip through the field --- the people in front of me were walking so I had no choice but to stop and walk a little up hill. The worst part of running through those fields was the uneven terrain --- there were parts that I was afraid to run because the dips were idiosyncratic and deep enough to cause damage if they were misjudged.

I was worried about the obstacles before the race but they weren’t too bad at all --- ramps and a small wall to climb over --- the ramps were slippery but totally not worth the worry at all. The river crossing was…..cold! Rib-deep water about 20 metres across. It wasn’t so bad because I had shoes on of course – but I wouldn’t have wanted to be in that water without shoes on!

All in all it was a fun race. My only complaint is that none of the kilometres were marked – which made it VERY difficult to judge my pace – when I hit the hour and ten minutes mark I kept expecting to hit the finish any minute --- but it never seemed to come – that was tough mentally.

It was well organized though – and we got Advil in the swag bags – which was awesome because my hip was totally acting up that day – gotta love those free drugs!

Would I do it again? Maybe. I’d want to be better trained and in trail-running shoes ---- it’d be super fun to do it on a team next year.

Okay – that’s my Mudrun report! As for below – a picture’s worth a thousand words!

(Photo By: Toby Cockcroft)

Mudrun is tomorrow morning!

2006-06-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

Yikes!

That's all I have to say about that.

Running in the Park is fun.

2006-06-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Well -- I ran about 7.7km tonight after work --- and in total travelled about 9.5km

It was hot -- but it felt awesome... This 10k on Sunday is definately going to be a stretch, but I was running up and downhill today and I think Sunday's run is supposed to be flat so once I get my cadence going I'm sure I'll be okay until about the 8km mark -- and it won't be too hard to push through those last 2km I think.

I'm going to work tomorrow -- and run again Friday afternoon -- I'd like to do another 8k - but I don't want to push it ---- if I'm feeling it I'll do the same route around the park that I did tonight.

Tonight's run was awesome -- I felt great. Much easier than Thursday's run for sure. I'm hoping that it keeps getting better and better and that by Sunday I'll be good to run that 10k like a champ :)

MUDRUN!

2006-06-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

THE MUDRUN IS ON SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yikes!

Pay no attention, this is just me trying to pump myself up -- especially considering it is in less than 5 days and my lungs are still a little stiff and gross-feeling.

I really would love to make it through this one without dying - making it through with a smile on my face would be awesome as well :)

Slow and Steady finishes the race without Dying...

2006-06-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted in a week, the reason for this is that I haven't run in a week. Seriously. I haven't even laced up at my running shoes in a week.

It's been brutal, I've been sick -- I lost my voice, then I sounded like a pre-pubescent boy for 2 days, then I sounded like a Porn Star for 2 more days --- today I was told I sound like a phone sex operator, all deep and husky.

Okay -- enough about future career possibilities...

I finally realized today that I have a race coming up this Sunday and I hadn't run in a week --- Time was ticking. So I made up my mind to go out and do a slow 5km tonight as a way to get my lungs working again... It worked out well, I moved slowly, but ended up taking a new route and all in all I did about 8km tonight. I didn't run all of it, there were no rules -- if I felt like walking, I walked, if I wanted to run, I ran -- I'm guessing I ran/jogged about 5km of it, and walked 3 in there -- which isn't bad. All in all that 8km took me about 75mintes -- which is about 9 minutes per kilometre, pretty slow in my book -- but acceptable.

My goal is to finish the 10km race on Sunday in 75 minutes as well. I know it won't be my best possible 10k time, because I've been so sick lately, but if I can finish still moving and smiling I'll be a happy girl.

Must.....Run...

2006-05-31T08:48:00.000-07:00

Am SIIIIIIIIIIIICK!

And it sucks. My ears are all plugged up, my nose is clear (after 1/2 an hour of blowing in the morning anyways) -- and my chest is filled with nasty grossness.

Must run though.

The mudrun is in 12 days -- I want to do an LSD this coming weekend of 8km --- whether I have to push through or not.

Can't run tonight -- have to work, and Thursday is out too. Going to do a short 3.5 km with the boss-lady at work on Thursday hopefully, but we'll see how it goes.

I made an appointment with the massage therapist on Friday for a 30 minute massage. I'm going to ask her to focus on my IT band and my hip -- hopefully it'll clear up my issues.

I'm tired, and getting a little worried about the Mud Run -- but as long as I'm not still sick (which I won't be) I know I"ll get through -- it might be a slow race though!

Day OFF!

2006-05-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

From work that is...

Due to a surprise system-wide transit strike I was stranded without a way to get to work at 7am this morning....

So, after 2 hours of waiting to see if the workers would be ordered back to work immediately I decided to take advantage of both the sunshine and circumstance and head out for a run.

My hip's still bothering me a little -- so I went for about 4km before I decided to stop and continue with a long walk. I explored High Park and stopped by the running room to say hello, and basically walked about 10km in itself. It was a good walk, but a dissapointing run.

I'm going to pick up some arch supports for my running shoes tonight. Ideally I wouldn't need them -- but I'm hoping some more stable inserts will help the situation a little -- plus I could use some more anchoring in my heal. Either way -- I'm not sure this is a matter of my ankles moving too much, because my most problematic leg isn't acting up... rather, it's my left hip that's painful, which seems strange to me -- ankles or knees I'd understand, but only one hip?

My ankles and knees are totally fine, they seem to have adjusted to the shoe change as I expected.... I just keep hoping that the hip pain will clear up too.

Meh -- it's all about walking around Toronto today -- for those of us without cars anyways!

Owwwwwwwwwwwwie!

2006-05-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Ran yesterday -- a moderate 3.5 km -- though I was running slightly faster than I would have preferred....

Today my left hip is killing me -- I don't know what's going on - but it hurts to walk.

I'm starting to wonder if this is a result of the new shoes -- which drives me insane because they're expensive...and felt awesome in the store....... what gives? It just seems like I've been suffering one ouchy joint after another.

I'm also getting sick. My sinuses hurt and I feel like they're going to explode. My focus today is hydration and good food. It's a non-running day for me, though I have a long-slow run planned for tomorrow early...... My plan is to go to bed early in the hopes of getting some rest and combatting this stupid flu.

4km Steady Run!

2006-05-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

I ran with the amazing Dawn tonight.... which was awesome -- we ran 4km STEADY (without stopping!) -- we even went up a hill!

It was totally great, and totally fun too.

I felt like a bit of an imposter only because I ran with my old Learn to Run group --- who are now all members of the 10k clinic. Because I work and am overscheduled as it is I didn't join the 10k clinic -- I just run with them on the run club nights :P It was fun though -- and I look forward to continuing to run with these guys..... it's just sad when I see them leave the store on tuesday nights for their clinic runs while I'm left there working....... Oh well -- such is life I suppose.

Anyways -- going to run again Friday night, then again Sunday morning --- also have a chinese food FEAST planned for Friday :D Hurray!

Would any of my adoring fans....

2006-05-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

...like to buy me an IPOD? :P

Hahaha -- don't worry, I'm not dissillusioned into thinking I have ANY adoring fans... but it's nice to dream.

Seriously though, I need an MP3 player. It's becoming increasingly annoying to run with my CD player, which while it's good (and a year and a half old) -- it skips when I run. More often then not I just leave it at home.

I want to run with music though....... and ideally, if I'm going to buy myself one I'd get a decent sized one -- so I could just load my CD's on it and go, and not have to reload it everytime I wanted to change musical genres.

I've asked around -- and ipods seem to come highly recommended. Ideally I'd get a black ipod nano or a blue ipod mini...... I'm a late adopter when it comes to electronics - I don't need the best one, just something with a decent size, but small enough to run with....

mmmm... perhaps I might get a mini second hand from someone upgrading to an ipod video...

MUDRUN!

2006-05-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

So I was bored and full of energy tonight -- so I did a quick 1.83 km run around the block... it was a steady run for the most part - though I sprinted the last bit just to stretch my legs out. I think I want to spend more time sprinting -- especially in the evening when there's no one around to watch! It was fun to really use my legs and move fast.

I also signed up for the MUD RUN tonight! There's a few people from my running club doing it to, and tonight I asked someone if I could get a lift with them because the run's in the middle of nowhere-- so it's all set! It should be a fun course -- a trail race with the last 30 metres being a huge mudpit! Anyways -- it's a 10k race/Obstacle course... which'll be awesome -- I'm going to do the whole thing in my old shoes, so as not to ruin the pretty new ones..... so hopefully they don't cause any injuries that day. I'm sure they'll be fine, but it might be the last time those shoes see the light of day!

YAY! A new race-goal!

Log.

2006-05-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday -- Ran 5km with Jill
Today -- Ran 4.5km alone, followed by a 2km walk.

That is all :)

I want it to start raining!

2006-05-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

Here I am WAITING for the rain!

I want it to rain NOW so that it clears up later so that I can run with the fabulous Jill tonight! We have an easy 5k planned, which is good because I a> bashed up my knee at work yesterday and b> haven't really been too gung ho on the running thing lately - which is BAAAAAAAAAAAAAD.

I found out the other day that one of the guys I used to run with has a reoccurance of cancer. That sucks. It just really does. It's not my place to feel sorry for him at all -- but I hate it when bad things happen to good people. I wish him all the best in this new detour of chemo he's being led to --- and I hope that he's able to get back running before the summer is out.

I have a bunch of errands to run today -- going to drop off a pie to my friend because there's NO way I'm going to be able to eat the other half of it in the next few days :P Nor do I WANT it hanging around taunting me like that.

I have stopped Weight Watcher's because I am getting so much exercise -- and holding steady at 166 pounds this week. I'd still like to lose another 20 lbs or so -- but 166 is freakin' awesome for me -- and puts me at a BMI of 25 again -- which is once again in "normal" range (ie. NOT OVERWEIGHT!) --- that feels good.

Oooooooooooooh -- I think I can hear the drops on my outside window -- AWESOME! I hope the sky opens up and it POURS down so that there's nothing left to dampen my run later this afternoon!

Totals.

2006-05-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

Total shoes purchased today -- 2

Total distance travelled for purposes of exercise -- 6km

Total distance of warm-up -- 1.5 km

Total distance steady running (no break, steady pace) -- 2.5 km

Total distance walked -- 2 km

Total number of sore ankles from going too hard in brand new shoes -- 2

Where's my ice?

Not sure how I feel about this.

2006-05-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

Did a KICK ASS 20-minute session on the elliptical today --- went so hard I burned 250 calories in that 20 minutes! It was awesome.

Tried to do a 5km run tonight as a means of getting back on my training schedule -- barely made it through 3km, and that was with more walking than I would have liked.

It's DEFINATELY time to buy new shoes --- mine aren't really safe for me to be running in anymore -- my ankles and knees were screaming at me today. I'm going to hunt for a pair of Mizuno Wave Nirvana's tomorrow -- they got awesome reviews for responsiveness and cushioning for a stability shoe in this month's Runner's World... Hopefully they feel awesome on my feet too!

30 km by August?

2006-05-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

So in my guilt at not running tonight I found this link for an event in August. A "Midsummer's Night Run" is a fun event (as opposed to a race) that starts at 8pm --- a run through the running paths of Toronto.

It seems really cool - and something I'd like to do -- but the distance is a little daunting. I had planned to train to 25km before the half marathon -- could I train to 30km for 6 weeks earlier? Do I want to run for 3 hours at night? It seems a little extreme, but also a little romantic at the same time.

The deadline for early registration is July 1 -- time to think about it.

5km tomorrow!

Rain Rain Go Away....

2006-05-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

I hate this rain!

I was supposed to run 6km today with my run club. I was all pumped about it too -- and then today around 4 the sky opened up and it began to POUR...it's 5:30 and it's STILL raining.

Normally this wouldn't be a big deal - I'd suck it up and push through, but today it just SUCKS. I forgot my shoes at the office yesterday and wanted to buy new ones.... but I'm not going to do my first run in a pair of new shoes in the pouring rain.

ARGH! I'm just going to have to go to bed early tonight and get up early tomorrow to work out at the office before work.

I took my boss for a run today!

2006-05-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

Seriously.

We did 1/2 an hour at 1:1 intervals (she's a newbie runner). We were both pretty warm by the end, but we did it! It was awesome, and she's all gung-ho to run 2 days a week at lunchtime now :)

I like that I inspired someone to start running.

mmmm....

2006-05-10T16:46:00.000-07:00

5 km run, and another km walk tonight..... it was okay -- I had a wonderful running partner for most of my 5km, but she dropped back during the last 5 minutes and I wasn't able to push myself up the hill. I think this weekend I'm going to make hill training my priority.

Don't feel great about this run tonight... Just generally sore and wasn't too motivated after that 5km.

I think that I need to push myself a little harder so I can feel those interim runs better.

My Inspirational Running Quotes.....

2006-05-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

We all need something to inspire us ----- these are the ones that inspire me to get my ass out there and run!

"There is no coming to consciousness without pain." --Carl Jung

"Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop."
Lewis Carroll, from Alice in Wonderland

"Somewhere in the world someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win." Tom Fleming's Boston Marathon Training Motto

Get back in that damn saddle!

2006-05-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

1/2 Marathon training officially starts tonight!

I took 2 days off to recover from Sunday's 10k. Yesterday I did an intense 20 minutes on the elliptical machine at the office, but tonight will be my first day back running - I'm hoping to do 5km tonight with my run club.

Other than that -- I've done my training schedule for the half-marathon and it's INTENSE. Because I have 22 weeks to do this in I'm going to actually train to 25km as opposed to the normal 18 or 20. I figure this will help build my endurance better. My goal is still to finish in 2:15:00 but if I train really hard I think I could probably even cut that down to a finish in 2:05:00 --- we'll see how it goes.

Really I'm just tired. I've started taking a multi-vitamin and I'm trying to eat more veggies and stuff, but I'm over-scheduled and under-funned!

Oh well -- a friend is arriving next week from the states which surely will pull me out of this schedule a bit!

01:06:37!

2006-05-07T12:20:00.000-07:00

Apologies if you've come here from my other blog -- this post is going to be mostly a repeat of the other one... but keep scrolling -- the rest of the posts are different I promise!

I'm Smiling as I type this. The race was awesome. I finished a few minutes shy of my target time (Target was 70-75 minutes, finished in 66) -- and I ran the race with everything I could. I don't say this often -- but I'm REALLY proud of myself. In February I couldn't run 5 minutes to save my life, and this morning I did 10 kilometres - to me, that's a HUGE accomplishment, and I feel really good about it. I wasn't the fastest runner there, and I didn't have the best form -- but I finished my race with enough juice left to go hard at the end - it was great.

I have a medal, and my bib from the event. I'm going to buy a frame this week and hang both together on my wall.

Turns out no one was there to greet me in the end -- which was really dissapointing to me. But I found some people that I work with -- and we all hung out and went for breakfast, so that was fun! If anything I got a chance to network a little bit with some of the up-and-comers. We might do more races together in the future, which would definately be fun.

Onwards and Upwards --- Toronto Half Marathon in October....

My Grandpa's Story...

2006-05-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Tonight I sat with my Grandpa and he shared with me some of his experience -- I thought I'd share it here - just so we know his story won't be lost.

When he was younger he was very athletic -- he participated in everything. Being the Southern-Ontario boy that he was he was very into track, and really just wanted to win a ribbon at his school's track and field day. So in this grade 9 & 10 years he ran his hardest, and while he wasn't the slowest, he didn't win either. At the end of Grade 10 he realized that the kid doing the 100m spring was blessed with the "natural ability" -- and that it was unlikely that he'd EVER beat him. So he set his sights on the 1/2 mile and mile races - and spent the summer training.

The next year he went to Track and Field day...he sat back and didn't participate in any of the events all day long --- then, finally, before dinner, the 1/2 mile race was announced. There was a boy there about 6 feet tall who'd been winning ribbons all day (my grandpa is about 5'3" or so). They all lined up. There was another boy who took off like a shot, then the 6' tall boy -- then my grandpa. They ran and ran. About 1/2 the way through my grandpa realized that it was now or never, if he was going to win his medal he'd better get going! So he started running faster, and faster. He caught up with the 6' tall boy and the crowd started to cheer. He went balls out and caught up with the leading boy. As he past him the boy in the lead looked at him and said "I can't run anymore!" and fell back, but the 6' tall boy had decided that it was time to get going as well and was catching up! My grandpa won his 1/2 mile race by a nose.

He won the full mile race without any competition :)

His coach looked at him and thought he saw a winner. That year he took him to the provincial races. My grandpa got there and saw all the other guys -- all running faster than him ---- and dropped out of his race. He didn't know it at the time but his principal was in the crowd and saw this --- the topic of the next Friday's school assembly (because they did that in the old days!) was Following Through on Things you start. The principal never mentioned his name, but my Grandpa knew he was talking about him.

The next year my Grandpa ran the same events again and went to the provicial championships again. This time he ran his races and tried his hardest. He didn't win -- but at least he knew he finished, and ran a good race.

That was his message to me tonight for tomorrow. It's not about winning, it's about finishing what you start and knowing that you did that.

:(

2006-05-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like no one's going to come and cheer me on in my first race -- which makes me a little bit sad.

Oh well -- I'm going to shed a tear over this now and get over it, because I really just want to do this the best that I can tomorrow. And then I'm going to take a 30 minute nap before I have to leave to catch my train tonight...

Edit: Yeah -- I shed just one tear over this one - and then I realized this isn't about them, it's about me. I'd love support and encouragement --- but that's not where the strength to get it done is coming from.

It looks now like a great friend may get down there tomorrow --- that would really make me smile :)

Tomorrow, Tomorrow...

2006-05-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sporting Life 10k is tomorrow!

I'm feeling pretty crappy today -- only because I'm tired and overscheduled today, which sucks -- and also potentially because I haven't been eating all that well lately.

I've decided to buy myself an extra 10 minutes by taking a cab to my swordfighting class this afternoon -- which is great because it lets me update AND start the pile of stuff I need for the race tomorrow.

I did 40 minutes on the elliptical machine yesterday at the gym, and stretched out for awhile -- tonight I'm going to make a point of stretching my hamstrings, calves and quads really well though.

I worked at the Running Room for the first time today -- that was fun, and exciting -- but I was also nervous. I hate starting new jobs when you have NO idea what's going on.....

Would like to nap tonight -- but I don't think it's going to happen. Must go out to Oakville to see my grandma........ though I'll have a good hour to myself this afternoon, maybe will nap afterall...

Am I a loser if......

2006-05-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

...I wear the FREE event t-shirt I got TO the event?

I ask only because I picked up my race kit for the Sporting Life 10k today --- and I really like the shirt! It's blue, and a size small (which DEFINATELY helps my high opinion of that! I like fitting into a small!). Basically the story is that until now I've been running in long sleeves. I have 3 technical running shirts (well 4 now!), 2 of them are long-sleeved, and 1 is short-sleeved - but was ALSO my free shirt for signing up for the Running Room clinic and is pretty bright green....

Anyhoo -- the race kit is exciting me! I'm bib #2885 -- and I got my timing chip and EVERYTHING........ how freakin' awesome is that?

That's all -- I didn't work out today. Although I DID wear heels to work and managed to blister my poor baby toes pretty good (not AT work, but after when I had to do the hike to sporting life for my race kit) - I"m hoping they heal quickly, or at least before Sunday.

Am considering bringing my shoes and running gear to the office tomorrow to run on my lunch-break...... not sure though, we'll see. Either way would like to get in about 5k tomorrow.

3 days!

2006-05-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

3 days left until the Sporting life 10k! Eeep! I'm scared!

I had a bit of a crappy run tonight -- I did maybe 4km or so (I dunno - it was a 20 minute run) --- and it was hell on wheels throughout most of it. It didn't help that I was, once again, inappropriately dressed though -- stupid shorts and cotton shirt thing -- it's true, cotton really doesn't breathe.

Tomorrow I'm going to go shopping for a t-shirt to wear for the race Saturday. Zellers had some great ones last week when I was there, but stupid me bought the LONG-sleeved version, and now I DEFINATELY require a short-sleeved. I want something that's going to look hot with my lycra running pants :) 'cause let me tell you -- not alot looks hot with lycra!

Other than that -- no running tomorrow, but I'm going to pick up my race kit. YAY! My first race kit! How fun is that????

I'll post with the details on my free shirt :D

Oh -- and as you can see I've succumbed to the presence of google ads. Honestly, while I'm not entirely sure how I feel about advertising on blogs I like that these ones are specific to content -- and I've noticed that some of them are actually cool things ------ if google wouldn't give me a slap on the hand for clicking on 'em I'd be interested.... but maybe I'm a sucker for the advertising :P

Running is Especially Fun when you Prance!

2006-05-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

So while I'm not SORE today from yesterday's run I was generally fatigued.... although the multiple bottles of red wine at last night's dinner party, and working all day didn't help.

Tonight I ran with my run club -- 22 minutes at an 8:1 pace. Honestly, I was so not into it -- and chose to instead make the entire run as fun as possible for myself and my running buddy. Jill, my running buddy -- runs at this fantastic slow, but very steady, pace --- which is great when I'm tired because it's just easy on the legs and you can go forever like that. So today I was at the back of the pack with her, basically encouraging her on and timing both of us. Around the last one I decided I'd had enough with that running thing -- and began to prance, speed-walk in that rediculous fashion, and skip - it was super fun, made her laugh -- and kept us both moving through to the end of the run.

While I wasn't sore before I am now. Mostly it's my quads and IT band....... but we'll see. Tomorrow I'm going to call my masseuse to try to get an appointment on Thursday or something --- just to rub out any of the aches and strains before the race Sunday....... mmmmmm, maybe I'll get another massage AFTER the race!

I'm getting excited about this 10k. I think it's going to go great as long as I remember to go at my own pace and not try to keep up with everyone else.

I really hope someone's there to greet me after the fact. Just for the high fives and to have someone remember it with me.

Bring on the Rub A535!

2006-04-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Today: Total Distance Covered (incl. warm-up, walk break, cool down) -- 10km
Total Distance Ran (approximately) 8.5 km

WOW! I feel fantastic -- but can now explain why, about 4 blocks from my house -- my arthritic ankle started making its presence known ----- My goal was to do 8km today --- in all reality I did 10!

Wow. I'm amazed myself. And I sense I'm going to FEEL IT TONIGHT.

It took me about 2-3 km to both warm up and get into my own pace --- which is good to know so that I don't freak out this time next week when things feel crappy to start with. Around 5k I started to hit my stride and did the next 2 intervals without even breathing all that heavily. Around the 8k mark (although I had NO idea at the time) -- I was starting to wear a little so I took an extra 5 minute walk break in the middle -- as it happened I was at the High Park zoo -- so I looked at the animals at the same time :)

After the zoo I did another 3 intervals out of the park and up High Park avenue -- at which point I elected to walk the rest of the way home to cool down more effectively.

Spent about 10 minutes stretching -- with my focus on my calves and hamstrings... and am now downing a bottle of water before I hop in the shower and then have breakfast!

I forgot to eat before this run, and didn't bring water -- both of which sucked. I was also slightly overdressed in my long sleeved running shirt and lycra pants. I think I'll wear the pants next weekend -- but I'm definately going to make a point of picking up a short-sleeved t-shirt. Or perhaps I'll wear my free one for the race :)

Okay -- going to hydrate, clean myself and eat! Then I'm going to slather my legs with RUB*A535 and probably take a nap!

New Watch! And a Short-Term Goal....

2006-04-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

So.... inspired by last night's run --- and the promise of a SUPER fun event --- I went ahead and signed up for the Sporting Life 10k which happens next Sunday! Yikes! That's close! I can't believe I did this. Again to clarify --- my goal is to finish, not to win. I'm going to attempt to do it in 1 hour 10 minutes --- which is a SLOW pace, but is pretty close to my goal pace for the half marathon. We'll see -- if I come in at 1:15 I won't be upset at all.

Basically -- this race will get me a free t-shirt, my FIRST running medal, AND it'll be my very first chip-timed event. It's also straight down Yonge Street -- which means that it's covering about half of the same distance as the Toronto 1/2 Marathon -- which will be good experience I think.

Hahaha -- it just occured to me that I'm doing an "experience" run for my "experience" run for the full Marathon :P hahahha -- honestly, I just like the thought of medals.

So I've been using the excuse of having no watch to time my intervals as an excuse to skip practice runs for too long now ---- Today I went by my local Running Room, spoke with Kathryn - who's also my new boss (although I haven't started working yet!) and using the staff discount came out hooked up with a stylish and totally useful watch!

It's pretty -- Pearlescent baby-blue and Grey --- and has all the functions I need, plus more!

Best of all -- with my staff discount I got this little baby at about 30% off!!!!! Sweet deal! ALL of my Running Room wages are SO going directly back into the store!

Feelin' good tonight :)

Just call me Wheezy....

2006-04-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

Wow -- now I know why they tell you not to skip runs.

Before tonight I hadn't ran since last weekend -- I was just honestly feeling like crap and couldn't get motivated.

I remembered quickly why skipping runs is a BAAAAD idea though -- aside from the 4 lbs I gained this week --- I was WHEEZING during my warm up jog down to meet my run buddy today!

All in all though -- between going down to meet her, and coming back home --- I did about 6.3 km today -- which is actually pretty good! It took about 45 minutes or so -- which isn't great for time, but that's alright. 6.3km is getting closer to 10! Which of course leads us even closer to 20!

Today we were running at a 6:1 pace --- we did that for 25 minutes total -- the other 20 minutes were the time it took for me to get down to meet her and the time it took to get home -- not too bad actually.

On Monday we jump up to 8:1's which should be interesting. I'd actually like to do maybe 10km or so this weekend at a slow 5:1 pace ----- but we'll see how it goes, my running buddy isn't up for it yet and I'm not sure I want to do it alone.

All in all though -- good run! My joints are a little sore and angry at the time I took off, but that's alright.

Owiiiiiie!

2006-04-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Did about 4.75 km this morning --- IN THE DRIZZLING RAIN!

Today I learned that SORE NIPPLES SUCK! Because it was so cold I had a pair of raging nip-ons by about halfway through the run ---- which in turn became chafing nipples against my cold, damp, sports bra. Talk about painful!

I'm going to hop in the shower now to hopefully thaw out my poor nipples. Otherwise am feeling awesome though -- no soreness or problems to report.

I am the laziest 1/2-marathoner I know!

2006-04-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

...okay, I'm really the ONLY half-marathoner I know.

I've had a lazy lazy week filled with bad food, no sleep, and even a Wednesday night smoke :P (Yes - the cigarette tasted SO good -- my first in 3 months -- but I'm still feeling the effects today! Yuck!). Oh -- I forgot to mention that I didn't get any exercise in their either! Not since Monday anyways.....

So it's Friday now -- I'm at home. I think I'm going to do some strip-tease aerobics later on, just to feel like I'm doing something to counter the 2000 calories I've eaten today!

I made arrangements for some super-exercise tomorrow though -- at 9:30 I'm going to meet Jill, my running buddy, at the park for a morning run -- then there's driving school from 11-1, and then SWORDFIGHTING class at 2pm! So exciting, all sorts of exercise happening tomorrow - which is good because tomorrow night is a party that will inevitably lead to lots of drinks!

I'll post later in the afternoon tomorrow to update on my sore muscles.

A skeleton with a Condom on its Head.

2006-04-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I came across a quote that said that one of the famous coaches for distance runners said that he wanted his team to look like "Skeletons with Condoms on their Heads" (not the exact quote). I mentioned this to a friend who also gets a fair amount of exercise and we laughed.

This is my goal.

The great thing with distance running is that it doesn't really bulk you up. I kickstarted my weightloss by running again -- which was awesome.

Lately though, I've been eating like a FIEND. It's been stress, and PMS, that's been getting me -- and while I'm not gaining weight (because I run) -- I'm not losing anymore either -- which annoys me.

Tomorrow I want to get back on track. I'm going to go vegetarian for a week or so I think -- just to regain control of my foods and stuff....

My friend says that I'm going to waste away if I don't start lifting weights to counter the loss of muscle tissue that comes with endurance running (not that I'm there yet -- but eventually) ----- me, I'm not ready yet. I want to be long and lean before I purposely begin to bulk up again.

Tomorrow I'm going to run a short 3k in the morning when I get up. Hopefully that will kickstart the plan again.

2006-04-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

*gasp* 5:1's almost killed me tonight -- was going great until the last 200m or so when I got a KILLLER rib cramp....... it was awful.

Sometimes I really doubt if I'm going to be able to finish the half or not. Sometimes I think I'm going to end up WALKING the last 10k of it or something rediculous like that.......

Monday, Monday...

2006-04-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

So I made the valient attempt to get out for 7k on Saturday ---- but it was hot, and my unicycling friend had ridden 40km already this morning, so we basically ran half a km, and walked about 6 ---- at least we got some exercise. We also got to see some animals and ate ice cream.

Tonight is my run club. We're doing 5 minutes run per 1 minute walk ---- we'll probably do about 5km tonight or so.

I have to really start training a little harder. I think I'm going to sign up for a 10km clinic in june -- that will probably kick me into high gear.

Good Friday ---

2006-04-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

I'm debating on whether or not I want to run today...

Yesterday I ran/jogged/walked about 5.5km -- and the day before we did about 4k in the pouring rain with the run club. My head is telling me to take the day off, but I sort of want to push myself a little bit.

I may take the day off running today -- but do some yoga or something instead -- maybe I'll go find a drop-in class tomorrow or something.

I was STARVING after my run last night, and ended up at my favourite restaurant with some great friends. Had been planning to take it easy and eat salad, but I was STARVED, so ended up with sweet potato fries and a wrap! It was super good -- and I'm still full.

I do have to walk down to my Running Room today to drop off some paperwork --- I need a new watch too so maybe I'll pick one up then... we'll see.

Well -- here we have the Intro post........

2006-04-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

This is my training blog for the Toronto Half-Marathon --- October 16, 2006.

I registered officially yesterday - after many months of "thinking about it" --- so there's no backing down now....

The title of this blog - 2-2-21-point-1 stands for the fact that over the next six months I'll be building my running endurance from 2km to the full 21.1 km length of the half marathon.

Why am I doing this? Basically, I'm doing this as a stepping stone --- In January, in the midst of a whole lot of personal turmoil and reassessment I made it my goal to run a Marathon in 2007. The half-marathon this year is being used as an interim goal --- one that will give me both the experience needed to finish the full, as well as give me a sense of accomplishment before the winter running season starts.

How am I training?
Well -- in March I joined the Running Room's Learn to Run clinic -- and from there we're been building. Right now I'm running pretty slowly -- but every week I see the distance and speed improve a little!

The clinic wraps up in may -- and if all things are okay I'm going to jump right into the 10k clinic from there, and from the 10k to the half-marathon clinic. There's a good chance that my schedule won't allow for either, or both, of the 10k or half clinics ------ So I'm going probably have to train on my own for a bit. In preparation for that I've started reading what I can, and learning more about running and all associated with it.

This is sort of fun for me -- it's a new challenge that makes me feel great and lets me learn a new skill. I've picked up a part-time job at my local Running Room to keep me motivated :)

Okay -- that's it. I'm tired, and this post isn't terribly well written so I'm going to stop :P

Onward and Upwards!