My goodness I can't believe it's been so long since I was able to blog about the running that's been going on.
Ack.Eep.Whoops.
Let's see.. hmm... Tuesday nights are suppose to be trail running nights - sometimes I can make it, some times I can't. When I have managed trails the last few times it's been STINKING HOT... so I can't bring Mika with me, it would be cruel. A couple of weeks ago I managed to get home on time (traffic during July has been awful) I quickly took the dogs out for a walk & wouldn't you know it Kees gets skunked. ACK. Then last couple of weeks I don't get back home until gone 5:30 and then after I take the dogs for a nice walk inthe woods it's well past 6pm. I have an obligation to them & during the extreme heat they were not getting quality walks & Mocha needs them. The other two get terrorized if she doesn't.
Wednesday runs - have been going well, very well. I've got a good tempo going and sometimes I get a gaggle of runners following me. As much as I love the company, I do have to strike out on my own. A couple of Wednesdays nights ago I was running with a teenager - holy crap she ran my pants off. I need more of that. I have to ask Trish more about her so I can team up with for tempo runs - it felt good!!! Note to self... ask Trish. :)
This Wednesday it was a challenge to get to Barrie. I left work an hour late due to work issues. (blech) and had to get to a meeting with Jeff Moyle the race director for the Barrie Half Marathon, I'm his newly appointed Race Volunteer Co-ordinator & we just wanted a meet & greet. Spit ball some thoughts and brain storm a bit. Then at 6:30 we mosied over to the Running Room to schlep our wares. I didn't even have time to go home to get my running stuff first, so no running for me. We hung around the store a bit and chatted. Then I had to race off back home to take care of my puppies.
My speed work has been hit and miss. I got a late start on speed work due to traffic & only managed about half an hour of speed work then I had to jet off to take the recycling bins etc in for my g/f that is away & check on their amphibians. Then zoom home to take the dogs for a long walk - Mocha needs the work out. A tired puppy is a good puppy. Then to wash and change to get Chelsea & make it to the movies.
My Sundays are really EARLY morning runs. Like 5am & head down the rail trail for 30km runs. that way Shannon & I are back by about 8:30 - and she can still spend the day with the family, church etc. I can take the doggies for a walk before the bad heat & then spend the day doing all the things I didn't have time over the course of the week.
Crazy busy. I also have to incorporate a hill training night. I might do this Friday night & use Leacock since it is the closest to me, I can run there for a warm up and then pick my poison as it were as to how far up it I wish to run, just for the sake of adventure.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Post Va Beach runs
I didn’t run on Sunday morning as I only arrived back to Barrie at 12:30am from Va Beach. I drove for 19 hours with having only at a 6 inch vegetarian sub from subway and some Gatorade. Nope, there was no way I was running.
Tuesday I was all set to run trails. I got home at an appropriate time. I grabbed the dogs headed out the door for a quick walk in the woods. I wasn’t taking Mika on the run as it was far too hot & humid for that. We had just walked into the woods when Kees went dashing off in chase of a chipmunk. Halfway through the walk I thought I was being followed by a skunk, turns out the chipmunk used a skunk for self defense. ACK. There goes Trails. He got spayed in and around the mouth, so… I had to take some care in administering my concoction of peroxide, baking soda & dishwashing detergent.
Wednesday nights 9.3 K run was fantastic. The first half was a bit shakey, but by the 4 k mark I was feeling the love, my groin only ached a tad.
I finished off very strong and well ahead of the others. Not that that is important, I just mean that I was able to run with out stopping and I could pick up the pace comfortably.
My speed work went very well. I managed to stay very consistent in my 3 x 800m runs. I should have done 4 but I miscalculated.
Sunday’s long run became Saturday’s long run. Shannon & I went around 5:45 am for a 25K jaunt along the rail trail. It’s not exciting or sexy as far as route, but when getting back into the distance thing, it does just jim-dandy. We did the distance that’s what counts, the out to the 4th line went really well. The bugs were awful around there holy crap. Those horseflies were inconceivably large & determined. So were we – TO GET THE HECK OUT OF THERE.
The sun was just starting to peek through the trees when we left, now at the half way mark we could feel it was going to be a hot one. By the time we hit Range Rd it was sweltering and we were more than grateful for the shade provided by the trees. We were running 3 k & walking 1 min. It seemed to be going well. Our pace would range from 5:45 – 6:30 depending on what we were talking about at the time. LOL. However; as we hit the 17 k mark we were starting to run in silence. Shannon hadn’t been running much and this was the furthest she had done since March.
Though we both had Kevin in our heads providing us with different pieces of advice, man did we laugh when we confided that to each other. Ahaha.
After we got off the rail trail and back on to Ridge Rd things were starting to stiffen up, by the time we hit the new side walk near the trail entrance off Blake/Ridge Rd I had to take a bit of an elongated walk break. Then back on for the last 3 k. We took another two walk breaks.. K’s 22-23 were not pretty, not by any stretch of the imagination. However; by about 24k we were back in business and managed to whip out a good steady clip-clop. We did 25 in 2:49 which is perfect for a long slow run. Hopefully we’ll be able to get out a bit earlier next Saturday. I’d like to do about 30K.
Our goal, that’s Shannon & myself, is to run to Orillia one Saturday morning very early in the next 4 weeks. I want to have my runs for the next while consistently over 35k.
Tuesday I was all set to run trails. I got home at an appropriate time. I grabbed the dogs headed out the door for a quick walk in the woods. I wasn’t taking Mika on the run as it was far too hot & humid for that. We had just walked into the woods when Kees went dashing off in chase of a chipmunk. Halfway through the walk I thought I was being followed by a skunk, turns out the chipmunk used a skunk for self defense. ACK. There goes Trails. He got spayed in and around the mouth, so… I had to take some care in administering my concoction of peroxide, baking soda & dishwashing detergent.
Wednesday nights 9.3 K run was fantastic. The first half was a bit shakey, but by the 4 k mark I was feeling the love, my groin only ached a tad.
I finished off very strong and well ahead of the others. Not that that is important, I just mean that I was able to run with out stopping and I could pick up the pace comfortably.
My speed work went very well. I managed to stay very consistent in my 3 x 800m runs. I should have done 4 but I miscalculated.
Sunday’s long run became Saturday’s long run. Shannon & I went around 5:45 am for a 25K jaunt along the rail trail. It’s not exciting or sexy as far as route, but when getting back into the distance thing, it does just jim-dandy. We did the distance that’s what counts, the out to the 4th line went really well. The bugs were awful around there holy crap. Those horseflies were inconceivably large & determined. So were we – TO GET THE HECK OUT OF THERE.
The sun was just starting to peek through the trees when we left, now at the half way mark we could feel it was going to be a hot one. By the time we hit Range Rd it was sweltering and we were more than grateful for the shade provided by the trees. We were running 3 k & walking 1 min. It seemed to be going well. Our pace would range from 5:45 – 6:30 depending on what we were talking about at the time. LOL. However; as we hit the 17 k mark we were starting to run in silence. Shannon hadn’t been running much and this was the furthest she had done since March.
Though we both had Kevin in our heads providing us with different pieces of advice, man did we laugh when we confided that to each other. Ahaha.
After we got off the rail trail and back on to Ridge Rd things were starting to stiffen up, by the time we hit the new side walk near the trail entrance off Blake/Ridge Rd I had to take a bit of an elongated walk break. Then back on for the last 3 k. We took another two walk breaks.. K’s 22-23 were not pretty, not by any stretch of the imagination. However; by about 24k we were back in business and managed to whip out a good steady clip-clop. We did 25 in 2:49 which is perfect for a long slow run. Hopefully we’ll be able to get out a bit earlier next Saturday. I’d like to do about 30K.
Our goal, that’s Shannon & myself, is to run to Orillia one Saturday morning very early in the next 4 weeks. I want to have my runs for the next while consistently over 35k.
Virginia Beach Vacation July 2011
My last runs before Virginia Beach were rather painful as my groin pull was fabulously emphatic about how much it was damaged. I managed through them fine, but they were not enjoyable at all. However; at least my calf muscle wasn’t hurting me.
I got to Va Beach ( as they say in the States) on Saturday around 11pm after having left my Toronto departure pad at 9am, so a Sunday run was not in the cards. I did run Monday morning. I got up bright & early and was out the door by 6:50 am. I ran from 60th Street on Atlantic towards the Interstate. I stayed on Atlantic until it became Pacific and continued to run. I’m always wary about running in something other than a straight line in a city I do not know. I’m paranoid I know, but I have a underdeveloped directional sense from time to time. I continued to run up until 15th Street and then turned around. I didn’t have my garmin but by this point my groin was starting to twinge. I had seen Trish in the week and that helped immensely & I was not going to mess with that. So I turn around and headed back. And let me tell you something – IT WAS EFFING HUMID by 6am. I was drenched before I got to 40th Street.
Now I have no idea of how far I actually ran – and if I was a keener I’d use Map My Run to figure it out, I ran 50 minutes out, I used my cell to track my time, and then back. I know I took a bit more time on the way back as I had about 2 more quick walk breaks, but dang it was humid.
I got back to the house at about 1:47 mins which is a 16-18K run depending on my speed. So I was okay with that.
My next run was on Wednesday morning. I was out the door around the same time but it was even warmer. So I ran to 24th Street and back, dripping in sweat the whole way. I had sodium tabs with me as well but holy crap!!!!!!!
My plan was to run on Friday on the beach, it was a 6k stretch from where we get on the beach to the end. I figured I could tack more on going the other way as well, however….. I was reading “ The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” and was at some of the freaky parts when I went to bed. I scared myself so badly that I couldn’t run on the beach in fear of being dismembered and pitched into the ocean.
Yeah… so erhm I didn’t. However; I’m estatic with the fact I did manage to get a few bargoons from the U/A store at the outlet mall in Williamsburgh. Some tights & a sports bra – My favourite one too! Yippee it’s my favourite one EVER!!!!!!!!!!!
I got to Va Beach ( as they say in the States) on Saturday around 11pm after having left my Toronto departure pad at 9am, so a Sunday run was not in the cards. I did run Monday morning. I got up bright & early and was out the door by 6:50 am. I ran from 60th Street on Atlantic towards the Interstate. I stayed on Atlantic until it became Pacific and continued to run. I’m always wary about running in something other than a straight line in a city I do not know. I’m paranoid I know, but I have a underdeveloped directional sense from time to time. I continued to run up until 15th Street and then turned around. I didn’t have my garmin but by this point my groin was starting to twinge. I had seen Trish in the week and that helped immensely & I was not going to mess with that. So I turn around and headed back. And let me tell you something – IT WAS EFFING HUMID by 6am. I was drenched before I got to 40th Street.
Now I have no idea of how far I actually ran – and if I was a keener I’d use Map My Run to figure it out, I ran 50 minutes out, I used my cell to track my time, and then back. I know I took a bit more time on the way back as I had about 2 more quick walk breaks, but dang it was humid.
I got back to the house at about 1:47 mins which is a 16-18K run depending on my speed. So I was okay with that.
My next run was on Wednesday morning. I was out the door around the same time but it was even warmer. So I ran to 24th Street and back, dripping in sweat the whole way. I had sodium tabs with me as well but holy crap!!!!!!!
My plan was to run on Friday on the beach, it was a 6k stretch from where we get on the beach to the end. I figured I could tack more on going the other way as well, however….. I was reading “ The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” and was at some of the freaky parts when I went to bed. I scared myself so badly that I couldn’t run on the beach in fear of being dismembered and pitched into the ocean.
Yeah… so erhm I didn’t. However; I’m estatic with the fact I did manage to get a few bargoons from the U/A store at the outlet mall in Williamsburgh. Some tights & a sports bra – My favourite one too! Yippee it’s my favourite one EVER!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, June 27, 2011
An unexpected turn of events
For the crazies in our running family they have done night runs from Barrie to Orillia and back to Barrie to condition the runner to be able to run extended distances during the night to simulate the experience they will be having when doing their endurance race.
One of my girls is running her first 100 miler, yes you saw that correctly, in another couple of weeks and along with another runner doing his first 100 miler organized this night run on the rail trail. My concern was that because she’s a “slower” runner that there would be little to no support for her, so Friday morning I started sms’ing with Catherine to find out the logistics of her team. It was just her and Bill & perhaps Chris. The extent of my volunteer was going to be to drive a support vehicle between the concessions to make sure she had everything when she needed it.
As it turned out Bill was driving support on the way up, would I like to run with her. RUN? TO ORILLIA? The most I had done was 21.1 on May 29th. Last week I crawled back up to 18k at a decent training pace. I haven’t done 35 k in a long time…. Sure why not! The worst that could happen was I had to bow out part of the way, but at least she’d have someone, Chris wasn’t going to meet her until part of the way (I found that out later).
It use to be that distance would intimidate me, but on this occasion it did not. So by the afternoon it was decided that I would run up to Orillia on the rail trail with Catherine.
I got home, walked the dogs, couldn’t eat cause I don’t eat before I run, I get indigestion. So I picked up a small Dairy Milk bar & two small(ish) bags of regular chips. I figured they serve them at ultra races, if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.
I like a salty treat now and again.
We were to meet at Hooter’s and start running around 6pm. Then it changed to 6:30 and then finally at 7:04 Catherine and I started off down the trail. We were gabbing away. It was a glorious evening. Her running strategy was run 5 minutes walk 3 minutes. Okay. I’ll do that. It wasn’t about me. It wasn’t about anyone else but Catherine and getting her to Orillia and back.
The male contingency of crazies was heading off around 8pm – so we expected them to overtake us around 10pm, so with that in mind we continued our 5 & 3’s. Our pace whilst running was a solid 6:13 sometimes even quicker.
Dusk was setting and the rain was gently falling on us, it was so light and gentle it was hard to tell if it was raining at all. The fireflies were out in force and lit up the scenery around us. Frogs were calling out, crickets were chirping & stillness lay about the land. It was amazing. The only down side was hearing the crush of snails under my feet. I certainly felt awful trampling them, made me rather ill inside. However; I couldn’t see them even with my headlamp on. So many acts of generosity & kindness will need to be done this week.
We passed by a pond chatting away only to hear a huge SLAP of what I can only imagine was a beaver’s tail. Then further down the trail a HUGE porcupine ambled across our path. She was NOT going to go any faster than she wanted to & we were NOT going to push her.
However; all of this wildlife made Catherine rather nervous and she started to pick up the pace a tad. When I hit the 25Km mark I was getting a tad bit fatigued & started to use some tricks I picked up on how to combat pain. They were working up until about the 28K mark. Then I started thinking about all the people I know and to say 5 nice things about them, by the time I hit 30K I knew that I was on my last few kilometers.
I hadn’t prepared properly for the run. Not enough hydrating that morning (as I didn’t know until late in the day I was running), no proper carb loading & didn’t put electrolyte replacement in my water.
My calf muscles were seizing up every step and when we saw Bill at the 30K mark I was not smiling, I was grimacing. I said I would run until the next line and make my determination at that point, but those last two kilometres were agony. It was like a set of escalators going up my calves. The muscle spasms would start at the bottom and work up to my knee then start again.
At 32k Bill took Cathy the last 3 k to the turnaround point and the lads had not caught up to us. We did see a single light behind us & figured that must have been Chris as we never did meet up with him on the trail. So it was a good thing that I did end up running with Catherine or she would have been alone.
At the turn around I started to inquire about logistics for the run back. The guys apparently were fine, yeh them. My concern was that someone be there for Catherine. As it turns out none of the fellas thought that far. ( I won’t say typical) Luckily Steen showed up to do some support type duties. He took Brendan & Chris back to Barrie and I stuck around to follow Catherine & Bill. Luckily I did. At the 49 K mark – Concession 14 Catherine was having ankle problems. We put some topical anti-inflam cream on it and she went off again. I drove to the next concession to wait, unfortunately Catherine wasn’t any better and decided to drop out of running any further in fear that she might injure herself and not be able to do her 100 Miler. I think that was a wise choice.
Saturday was spent trying to catch a bit of shut eye. I didn’t make it home until 3:30. I was up again at 7am because the dogs don’t care. Off for our walk at 8am. House work, lunch, nap, more house work.
Sunday I had wanted to do 23K – but as per usual I decided NOT to listen to myself. I picked up the map for the marathon clinic & started to do that. It was 13k and all uphill for the first half. Currently that just does me in, as I train better this will disappear, but for now BAHHUM BUG!!!!
I couldn’t imagine running past the 4 k mark. Greg caught up to me around Johnson & Blake street. We chatted… I carried on. Then Tracy & Catherine caught up & I stuck along with them. At Grove I turned left and followed it all the way back to Owen. Once on Grove and on my own, I felt much better and I knew I should have stuck with my original game plan. Right now I need “flat” with manageable inclines. Next week… I’ll listen to myself. I did get just under 11k in so I was happy with that.
I surprised myself being able to pull that run out of my backside, and I’m very glad that I could be there for Catherine. It was about her. It’s unfortunate she had to pull out after 51K – however; that’s still a tremendous distance! GOOD LUCK CATHERINE.
One of my girls is running her first 100 miler, yes you saw that correctly, in another couple of weeks and along with another runner doing his first 100 miler organized this night run on the rail trail. My concern was that because she’s a “slower” runner that there would be little to no support for her, so Friday morning I started sms’ing with Catherine to find out the logistics of her team. It was just her and Bill & perhaps Chris. The extent of my volunteer was going to be to drive a support vehicle between the concessions to make sure she had everything when she needed it.
As it turned out Bill was driving support on the way up, would I like to run with her. RUN? TO ORILLIA? The most I had done was 21.1 on May 29th. Last week I crawled back up to 18k at a decent training pace. I haven’t done 35 k in a long time…. Sure why not! The worst that could happen was I had to bow out part of the way, but at least she’d have someone, Chris wasn’t going to meet her until part of the way (I found that out later).
It use to be that distance would intimidate me, but on this occasion it did not. So by the afternoon it was decided that I would run up to Orillia on the rail trail with Catherine.
I got home, walked the dogs, couldn’t eat cause I don’t eat before I run, I get indigestion. So I picked up a small Dairy Milk bar & two small(ish) bags of regular chips. I figured they serve them at ultra races, if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.
I like a salty treat now and again.
We were to meet at Hooter’s and start running around 6pm. Then it changed to 6:30 and then finally at 7:04 Catherine and I started off down the trail. We were gabbing away. It was a glorious evening. Her running strategy was run 5 minutes walk 3 minutes. Okay. I’ll do that. It wasn’t about me. It wasn’t about anyone else but Catherine and getting her to Orillia and back.
The male contingency of crazies was heading off around 8pm – so we expected them to overtake us around 10pm, so with that in mind we continued our 5 & 3’s. Our pace whilst running was a solid 6:13 sometimes even quicker.
Dusk was setting and the rain was gently falling on us, it was so light and gentle it was hard to tell if it was raining at all. The fireflies were out in force and lit up the scenery around us. Frogs were calling out, crickets were chirping & stillness lay about the land. It was amazing. The only down side was hearing the crush of snails under my feet. I certainly felt awful trampling them, made me rather ill inside. However; I couldn’t see them even with my headlamp on. So many acts of generosity & kindness will need to be done this week.
We passed by a pond chatting away only to hear a huge SLAP of what I can only imagine was a beaver’s tail. Then further down the trail a HUGE porcupine ambled across our path. She was NOT going to go any faster than she wanted to & we were NOT going to push her.
However; all of this wildlife made Catherine rather nervous and she started to pick up the pace a tad. When I hit the 25Km mark I was getting a tad bit fatigued & started to use some tricks I picked up on how to combat pain. They were working up until about the 28K mark. Then I started thinking about all the people I know and to say 5 nice things about them, by the time I hit 30K I knew that I was on my last few kilometers.
I hadn’t prepared properly for the run. Not enough hydrating that morning (as I didn’t know until late in the day I was running), no proper carb loading & didn’t put electrolyte replacement in my water.
My calf muscles were seizing up every step and when we saw Bill at the 30K mark I was not smiling, I was grimacing. I said I would run until the next line and make my determination at that point, but those last two kilometres were agony. It was like a set of escalators going up my calves. The muscle spasms would start at the bottom and work up to my knee then start again.
At 32k Bill took Cathy the last 3 k to the turnaround point and the lads had not caught up to us. We did see a single light behind us & figured that must have been Chris as we never did meet up with him on the trail. So it was a good thing that I did end up running with Catherine or she would have been alone.
At the turn around I started to inquire about logistics for the run back. The guys apparently were fine, yeh them. My concern was that someone be there for Catherine. As it turns out none of the fellas thought that far. ( I won’t say typical) Luckily Steen showed up to do some support type duties. He took Brendan & Chris back to Barrie and I stuck around to follow Catherine & Bill. Luckily I did. At the 49 K mark – Concession 14 Catherine was having ankle problems. We put some topical anti-inflam cream on it and she went off again. I drove to the next concession to wait, unfortunately Catherine wasn’t any better and decided to drop out of running any further in fear that she might injure herself and not be able to do her 100 Miler. I think that was a wise choice.
Saturday was spent trying to catch a bit of shut eye. I didn’t make it home until 3:30. I was up again at 7am because the dogs don’t care. Off for our walk at 8am. House work, lunch, nap, more house work.
Sunday I had wanted to do 23K – but as per usual I decided NOT to listen to myself. I picked up the map for the marathon clinic & started to do that. It was 13k and all uphill for the first half. Currently that just does me in, as I train better this will disappear, but for now BAHHUM BUG!!!!
I couldn’t imagine running past the 4 k mark. Greg caught up to me around Johnson & Blake street. We chatted… I carried on. Then Tracy & Catherine caught up & I stuck along with them. At Grove I turned left and followed it all the way back to Owen. Once on Grove and on my own, I felt much better and I knew I should have stuck with my original game plan. Right now I need “flat” with manageable inclines. Next week… I’ll listen to myself. I did get just under 11k in so I was happy with that.
I surprised myself being able to pull that run out of my backside, and I’m very glad that I could be there for Catherine. It was about her. It’s unfortunate she had to pull out after 51K – however; that’s still a tremendous distance! GOOD LUCK CATHERINE.
Monday, June 20, 2011
A very good run for a June morning
I had a lot on my plate for a Sunday. I was going to my nieces dance recital in Toronto, doing her hair & her makeup prior. Then afterwards, taking my Mum back home to Niagara & then driving back to Barrie. So I needed to get an early start on the run & so with that in mind I headed of around 7:30 and decided to do the highway run. I wanted to get as close to 21 km in as I possibly could.
There was a chill in the air but I threw on my favourite tank top on and slipped my compression sleeves on my calves, filled my water bottle to the brim, adjusted my shoes and clammered into the Tribute.
I oiked myself out of the vehicle, clicked on my water belt and my happy attitude and headed off to the path. I was hoping to do 5 k & 1 minute walk breaks, however I had to settle for 3k & 1 minutes walk breaks. I haven't regained the 5&1 ability yet. Probably in about 2-3 weeks I'll be back on target.
I kept at about a 6:08-6:20 pace as much as possible and as I rounded my way onto the first concession what to my wondering eyes should appear but a completely tarmaced surface!!!!!!!!! I said thank you the WHOLE route. It was so wonderful!
Going up the hill I did walk with the intention of starting hill training this coming week. Start with three hills and go from there. I've had enough of this, I need my strength training back. I may not start by running Berczy Street (for those that don't know Berczy is a 75 degree angle [Ithink, I'm not much of a mathematician]) I may work on a longer climb - lesser grade hill. I'm sure I'll do it, in fact I KNOW I'll do it.
I got to just past the 9 k mark when I decided to turn around. I had only done 6 k last Sunday and 4 of that was walking, so I figured doubling plus two is a hefty jump in one week. Next week though it will have to be 23k. However; back to the 9 k mark. I took a couple extra walk breaks until I could get my mental game back on the tracks. I crossed over the 5/6th road and was back on the new ashpalt & it was like a energizer. Before I knew I was at a 5:36 pace going up the hill towards the stop sign to get on to Ridge road to head back into town. I ducked down towards the path, I had no desire to run UP any hills. I plodded along at about 6:19 nice and easy to finish my distance.
I got 18.5 in and then managed to take the daughter and all our doggies to the land fill for another long walk.
I got to Toronto with time to spare, managed to get the hair done and make up on my neice. She was the best looking Grade 1 there. If I do say so myself!
There was a chill in the air but I threw on my favourite tank top on and slipped my compression sleeves on my calves, filled my water bottle to the brim, adjusted my shoes and clammered into the Tribute.
I oiked myself out of the vehicle, clicked on my water belt and my happy attitude and headed off to the path. I was hoping to do 5 k & 1 minute walk breaks, however I had to settle for 3k & 1 minutes walk breaks. I haven't regained the 5&1 ability yet. Probably in about 2-3 weeks I'll be back on target.
I kept at about a 6:08-6:20 pace as much as possible and as I rounded my way onto the first concession what to my wondering eyes should appear but a completely tarmaced surface!!!!!!!!! I said thank you the WHOLE route. It was so wonderful!
Going up the hill I did walk with the intention of starting hill training this coming week. Start with three hills and go from there. I've had enough of this, I need my strength training back. I may not start by running Berczy Street (for those that don't know Berczy is a 75 degree angle [Ithink, I'm not much of a mathematician]) I may work on a longer climb - lesser grade hill. I'm sure I'll do it, in fact I KNOW I'll do it.
I got to just past the 9 k mark when I decided to turn around. I had only done 6 k last Sunday and 4 of that was walking, so I figured doubling plus two is a hefty jump in one week. Next week though it will have to be 23k. However; back to the 9 k mark. I took a couple extra walk breaks until I could get my mental game back on the tracks. I crossed over the 5/6th road and was back on the new ashpalt & it was like a energizer. Before I knew I was at a 5:36 pace going up the hill towards the stop sign to get on to Ridge road to head back into town. I ducked down towards the path, I had no desire to run UP any hills. I plodded along at about 6:19 nice and easy to finish my distance.
I got 18.5 in and then managed to take the daughter and all our doggies to the land fill for another long walk.
I got to Toronto with time to spare, managed to get the hair done and make up on my neice. She was the best looking Grade 1 there. If I do say so myself!
The week in review.
Wow – I can’t believe that I’ve missed so many blogs? What is the world coming to when you are so busy at work you don’t have time to update your blogs for your peeps? I’m telling ya, it’s craziness!
So Thursday last week Kevin & I did 2000 meters in the pool. I miscounted all but one of our sets. Either I was over or I was WAY under. At one point I was 100 meters off. That’s 4 times the length of the pool, how in heavens name do you make THAT kind of mistake? Generally my brain is thinking about 40 different things at one time or preoccupied with flights of fancy. At any rate we did 2k in the pool – way to go Kevin!!! A milestone for him.
Sunday was a run to remember, remember to forget! Saturday night I had attended the engagement dinner for James & Angela at the Urban Dish. The vegetarian option was gnocchi with wild mushrooms in a sauce. I happily ate the gnocchi as I had no idea what it was, the sauce although it was cream based was very yummy & being lactose intolerant I tried not to have too much of the sauce. It was so delicious.. the sauce unfortunately had about 39 times the amount of garlic that I can consume without gastric issues. Then Scott Googled gnocchi and I found out that it was an Italian dumpling made of flour *groans*. That’s three for three. This did not bode well.
I was in the loo from 5am onwards. So by the time running was going I was pretty sure that my distance was going to be whatever I could muster. My legs we wooden, my veins carried lead, my eyes were sewn shut & I didn’t dare to be too far from a loo. I managed to run 2k out of 6. However; I was able to appreciate all the beautiful houses on Napier St & the cardinal that was singing in the tree following who was me for a few blocks. I think I managed to walk 4 k and run 2. It was sad. Very sad.
Last night at the Trails it was a completely different story. I was running the good run. Keeping a decent pace and having a great pain free experience. We did our usual 9k route. The steep up hills are still a bit of a challenge and I’m still okay with walking them when I have to. The roller coaster was very good bar the back up from other runners so I’d wait at the top of the one hill I had just crested while waiting for the runner in front to get to the top. Mika was running with me, she had a great run, stayed with me the whole time. She’s such a good girlie. Not keen on the mountain bikers going by though. Aahh well. She loves her trial runs.
Tonight was a struggle compared to yesterday’s run. My legs felt like they were inflexible & made of carbonite. It was not my best run. I barely made it 6k. I think I still have to get back into the swing of running back to back nights. I’ve babied my leg so much that I only ran a couple of nights a week. So I’ll have to get back into the swing of things. I think a couple of weeks and I’ll start getting that feel back. I had better, my training starts shortly. YIKES.
So Thursday last week Kevin & I did 2000 meters in the pool. I miscounted all but one of our sets. Either I was over or I was WAY under. At one point I was 100 meters off. That’s 4 times the length of the pool, how in heavens name do you make THAT kind of mistake? Generally my brain is thinking about 40 different things at one time or preoccupied with flights of fancy. At any rate we did 2k in the pool – way to go Kevin!!! A milestone for him.
Sunday was a run to remember, remember to forget! Saturday night I had attended the engagement dinner for James & Angela at the Urban Dish. The vegetarian option was gnocchi with wild mushrooms in a sauce. I happily ate the gnocchi as I had no idea what it was, the sauce although it was cream based was very yummy & being lactose intolerant I tried not to have too much of the sauce. It was so delicious.. the sauce unfortunately had about 39 times the amount of garlic that I can consume without gastric issues. Then Scott Googled gnocchi and I found out that it was an Italian dumpling made of flour *groans*. That’s three for three. This did not bode well.
I was in the loo from 5am onwards. So by the time running was going I was pretty sure that my distance was going to be whatever I could muster. My legs we wooden, my veins carried lead, my eyes were sewn shut & I didn’t dare to be too far from a loo. I managed to run 2k out of 6. However; I was able to appreciate all the beautiful houses on Napier St & the cardinal that was singing in the tree following who was me for a few blocks. I think I managed to walk 4 k and run 2. It was sad. Very sad.
Last night at the Trails it was a completely different story. I was running the good run. Keeping a decent pace and having a great pain free experience. We did our usual 9k route. The steep up hills are still a bit of a challenge and I’m still okay with walking them when I have to. The roller coaster was very good bar the back up from other runners so I’d wait at the top of the one hill I had just crested while waiting for the runner in front to get to the top. Mika was running with me, she had a great run, stayed with me the whole time. She’s such a good girlie. Not keen on the mountain bikers going by though. Aahh well. She loves her trial runs.
Tonight was a struggle compared to yesterday’s run. My legs felt like they were inflexible & made of carbonite. It was not my best run. I barely made it 6k. I think I still have to get back into the swing of running back to back nights. I’ve babied my leg so much that I only ran a couple of nights a week. So I’ll have to get back into the swing of things. I think a couple of weeks and I’ll start getting that feel back. I had better, my training starts shortly. YIKES.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sunday.. la la la la...
I'll tell ya something - it was a great day for a run yesterday. I woke up Sunday morning to Mocha vocalizing her displeasure at being in her crate when her pack of hounds were out and about. So I let her out, feed, toileted and played with her for a bit, then got my running gear together.
I decided to wear my pink breast cancer running skorts - but I forgot to put on the glide. My somewhat "muscular" legs have a habit of creating friction when I run so now I have road rash on my inner thigh. AGGHH! That stung like a bastard when I finally made it to the bath last night. YIKES.
After much debate (internal) debate I decided that 24 km was not in the cards. I'd rather have a successful shorter distance. My ITB was very sore yet even just walking. At the RR I met up with Cindy & the gang they were doing 10k. Well that was way to low for me. I want to build my mileage so, nothing less than 16 really.
They had a 16 map on the counter so I grabbed one. Trish did as well as did Jenny. SO it would be the Scotia bank Marathon 2009 all over again. Sorta. I ran with Jenny for her first full marathon and really had to help her the last 12k, but she got it done.
The route that we had was good in as much as it took us out and back, however; the fact that every UPHILL that could be added to the "back" part was added with vicious delight I'm sure! I didn't have my Garmin so I wasn't sure what pace we were doing at any given time. Jenny had her iTouch or iPhone hooked up but I don't really trust them. The calibration comes unglued. I usually can tell by my breathing what pace I'm running & what her technology was saying & what I was feeling were two different things. However; we tried to keep it at a comfy 6:15-6:30 pace.
We started up Owen - Worsley & kept moving up and over. And I do mean up. We ended up coming out by St Vincent and going UP. Then Duckworth, UP Georgian. Penetang Rd. Down Crestwood UP Johnson. Across Steel (which is up) Blake, down Vancouver. Kempenfelt Dr. on to Dunlop. Then UP Mulcaster, Collier and down Owen.
I said screw Mulcaster. No friggin way.
It wasn't until the last 750 meters that I decided that I was going to walk. My ITB was humming a very unpleasant tune and I had no desire to cause any issues. Trish was happy to keep me company on our walk back.
I think we lost about 500 meters by cutting out Mulcaster - but I don't really care. LOL.
My ITB is still tighter than a duck's backside.
Trish said she would be okay doing a bit of ART on that baby. I'm using the roller as well, but nothing like a good old fashioned thumb in your ITB pushing out the kinks to make it feel good.
I decided to wear my pink breast cancer running skorts - but I forgot to put on the glide. My somewhat "muscular" legs have a habit of creating friction when I run so now I have road rash on my inner thigh. AGGHH! That stung like a bastard when I finally made it to the bath last night. YIKES.
After much debate (internal) debate I decided that 24 km was not in the cards. I'd rather have a successful shorter distance. My ITB was very sore yet even just walking. At the RR I met up with Cindy & the gang they were doing 10k. Well that was way to low for me. I want to build my mileage so, nothing less than 16 really.
They had a 16 map on the counter so I grabbed one. Trish did as well as did Jenny. SO it would be the Scotia bank Marathon 2009 all over again. Sorta. I ran with Jenny for her first full marathon and really had to help her the last 12k, but she got it done.
The route that we had was good in as much as it took us out and back, however; the fact that every UPHILL that could be added to the "back" part was added with vicious delight I'm sure! I didn't have my Garmin so I wasn't sure what pace we were doing at any given time. Jenny had her iTouch or iPhone hooked up but I don't really trust them. The calibration comes unglued. I usually can tell by my breathing what pace I'm running & what her technology was saying & what I was feeling were two different things. However; we tried to keep it at a comfy 6:15-6:30 pace.
We started up Owen - Worsley & kept moving up and over. And I do mean up. We ended up coming out by St Vincent and going UP. Then Duckworth, UP Georgian. Penetang Rd. Down Crestwood UP Johnson. Across Steel (which is up) Blake, down Vancouver. Kempenfelt Dr. on to Dunlop. Then UP Mulcaster, Collier and down Owen.
I said screw Mulcaster. No friggin way.
It wasn't until the last 750 meters that I decided that I was going to walk. My ITB was humming a very unpleasant tune and I had no desire to cause any issues. Trish was happy to keep me company on our walk back.
I think we lost about 500 meters by cutting out Mulcaster - but I don't really care. LOL.
My ITB is still tighter than a duck's backside.
Trish said she would be okay doing a bit of ART on that baby. I'm using the roller as well, but nothing like a good old fashioned thumb in your ITB pushing out the kinks to make it feel good.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Swim as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread.. never mind.
Ohhh ggrr.. my evening was slightly disrupted. I was going to meet Wayne to walk our dogs at 5pm. I didn't make it back til gone 5, then Wayne was in the middle of a brake rebuild so, he was delayed and 45 minutes later he told me to go without him. So at almost 6pm we headed out. That's an hour off my lawnmowing time.
Oh well.
I got back mowed the front lawn & my neighbour's as Dave always snowblows my driveway. Then I took my borrowed roller and ROLLED MY ITB.. oh my gawd, jeezzusmurphy. PAIN...
Then let that settle down a bit and headed to the pool.
Meet up with Kevin and we started our 1900m journey. Poor little dude, he was huffing and puffing but his legs are better. Still room for improvement, but they are much better than was I was seeing last week. Needs to keep the legs a bit more together and pointed.
So it was 100 warm up. 300,350,400,350,300 100 cool down.
And I've started grouping them in 4's. So 300 is 3 groups of 4. when I get to my second set I start counting 2-1, 2-2 on the third set 3-1, 3-2 etc. and somewhere in the counting I got distracted by some very distrubing thoughts and ended up two short. So Kevin would tell me two more ... so off I go.
Stupid counting.
We managed to shave about 6 minutes off our time from last week. I didn't see the exact time we went into the pool, but I know it was well after 8:15 as I kept signalling to the lifeguard that was ignoring me, if we could go in. So that's great. I felt really strong during the swim. The first 50 m I was wondering what the heck I was doing in the pool... I was sore, my arms hurt... blah blah blah.
It turned out very well though.
Chris was in the viewing gallery and waved, my eyes were so blurry though I couldn't actually make her out very well. So it was nice to have a cheering squad for Kevin. He worked hard.
Then a few minutes in the pee pool to reward ourselves and back home to eat the veggie burger Chelsea made for me. yummmmmmmmy!!!
Oh well.
I got back mowed the front lawn & my neighbour's as Dave always snowblows my driveway. Then I took my borrowed roller and ROLLED MY ITB.. oh my gawd, jeezzusmurphy. PAIN...
Then let that settle down a bit and headed to the pool.
Meet up with Kevin and we started our 1900m journey. Poor little dude, he was huffing and puffing but his legs are better. Still room for improvement, but they are much better than was I was seeing last week. Needs to keep the legs a bit more together and pointed.
So it was 100 warm up. 300,350,400,350,300 100 cool down.
And I've started grouping them in 4's. So 300 is 3 groups of 4. when I get to my second set I start counting 2-1, 2-2 on the third set 3-1, 3-2 etc. and somewhere in the counting I got distracted by some very distrubing thoughts and ended up two short. So Kevin would tell me two more ... so off I go.
Stupid counting.
We managed to shave about 6 minutes off our time from last week. I didn't see the exact time we went into the pool, but I know it was well after 8:15 as I kept signalling to the lifeguard that was ignoring me, if we could go in. So that's great. I felt really strong during the swim. The first 50 m I was wondering what the heck I was doing in the pool... I was sore, my arms hurt... blah blah blah.
It turned out very well though.
Chris was in the viewing gallery and waved, my eyes were so blurry though I couldn't actually make her out very well. So it was nice to have a cheering squad for Kevin. He worked hard.
Then a few minutes in the pee pool to reward ourselves and back home to eat the veggie burger Chelsea made for me. yummmmmmmmy!!!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Victoria Day
Oh I know some of you are saying " But Joan, Victoria Day was a couple of weeks ago what are you on?"
I'm not talking about THAT Victoria Day... I'm talking about MY Victoria Day. It's Wednesday night & as you all know by now that's run club night.
I put the new puppy in the crate, she was some tired. I walked her for an hour and she was POOPED. Then when we got home for the walk, I wouldn't let her sleep more than half an hour. So hopefully tonight it's a full night of puppy dreaming.
Right so back to the Running Room. Trish wasn't running at 6:30, she was going later with Fred, fine.. I'm sure Cindy will be there. No Cindy. The usual elite gaggle of runners were at the back taking up space. Then I saw Steen, Lisa & Victoria & Ang. They were all going to do the Bus Run which is 9.3 k. Up some pretty nasty hills as well. I wasn't overly jazzed but I thought give it a whirl. The object isn't to keep up to them, just to keep them in view.
So I reluctantly said yes. Whined from Owen Street until Mulcaster and then put on my best run face.
We got to Vancouver and instead of cutting over to Shanty Bay we kept on Blake. Apparantly the front three shaved off some distance and hills and we were now doing 8k & cutting out Crestwood. God bless them each and everyone.
I had a bit of trouble going up Vancouver - but I kept going slowly. Then up Puget, slowly. Over to Napier. I could feel my body readjust to the slight incline rather than the all out hill. My speed started to increase and I passed Ang.
Then turned up Nelson and I caught up to Victoria. Now Victoria is a lovely lady, I adore her. She & I made my duvet cover & pillow shams together. We get each other. We've had lots of great discussions, she's a clever clever woman. With a great heart. Victoria qualified for Boston her first Marathon & has qualified last year and this year. She's a great runner, so keeping her in my sight would have been grand, but to actually be able to run with her & hold a conversation without puking was such a rush for me.
Now I'm sure she slowed it down a bit, regardless, it was such a great feeling to be able to keep pace with her. My breathing was calm. My feet were flying.
We got back to Fred Grant Square a good two minutes (or more) before Steen, Lisa & Ang.
I'm pumped.
My calf didn't even bother me (much). I'm about to ice it though just in case.
I'm very happy.
I'll take my roller ( well Trish's roller) to work and try to get two mintues on it there. I can't here with all the canines running around. It'd be a disaster.
I'm not talking about THAT Victoria Day... I'm talking about MY Victoria Day. It's Wednesday night & as you all know by now that's run club night.
I put the new puppy in the crate, she was some tired. I walked her for an hour and she was POOPED. Then when we got home for the walk, I wouldn't let her sleep more than half an hour. So hopefully tonight it's a full night of puppy dreaming.
Right so back to the Running Room. Trish wasn't running at 6:30, she was going later with Fred, fine.. I'm sure Cindy will be there. No Cindy. The usual elite gaggle of runners were at the back taking up space. Then I saw Steen, Lisa & Victoria & Ang. They were all going to do the Bus Run which is 9.3 k. Up some pretty nasty hills as well. I wasn't overly jazzed but I thought give it a whirl. The object isn't to keep up to them, just to keep them in view.
So I reluctantly said yes. Whined from Owen Street until Mulcaster and then put on my best run face.
We got to Vancouver and instead of cutting over to Shanty Bay we kept on Blake. Apparantly the front three shaved off some distance and hills and we were now doing 8k & cutting out Crestwood. God bless them each and everyone.
I had a bit of trouble going up Vancouver - but I kept going slowly. Then up Puget, slowly. Over to Napier. I could feel my body readjust to the slight incline rather than the all out hill. My speed started to increase and I passed Ang.
Then turned up Nelson and I caught up to Victoria. Now Victoria is a lovely lady, I adore her. She & I made my duvet cover & pillow shams together. We get each other. We've had lots of great discussions, she's a clever clever woman. With a great heart. Victoria qualified for Boston her first Marathon & has qualified last year and this year. She's a great runner, so keeping her in my sight would have been grand, but to actually be able to run with her & hold a conversation without puking was such a rush for me.
Now I'm sure she slowed it down a bit, regardless, it was such a great feeling to be able to keep pace with her. My breathing was calm. My feet were flying.
We got back to Fred Grant Square a good two minutes (or more) before Steen, Lisa & Ang.
I'm pumped.
My calf didn't even bother me (much). I'm about to ice it though just in case.
I'm very happy.
I'll take my roller ( well Trish's roller) to work and try to get two mintues on it there. I can't here with all the canines running around. It'd be a disaster.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
A training run my sweet pineapple !!
So the buzzer is set to go off on my alarm clock for 4:43am this morning to get ready to meet the gals, Sandra Lalonde & Regina Pehr at the spirit catcher before heading off to Sunnybrook Park in TO for the Toronto Women's Only half marathon.
I woke up before the alarm. Meh.
The ladies were punctual and off we went to the Micky D's on the 400 to pick up Deb Watson. We were off as per my schedule by 6am.
We arrived at the Sony building across from the park with oodles of time - so we warmed up a bit, changed choose, grabbed water bottles & debated clothing. I had my BRR short sleeve shirt on & debated adding my jacket. Thank goodness I didn't. It was going to be a sweltering day by the end of the run.
Now the TO Women's Only isn't my favourite race only due to the course. I'm not a big fan of open courses & even less of a fan of running through parks. Especially through TO, damn they are deceptively hilly. I'm not good with hills right now. Not enough training, however; I digress.
Sandra had managed to snaffle a spot the day before as Karen had to back out. So it was this morning that I learned Sandra was going to run with me, I thought she was joking, but nope very serious. Her goal was to run about 6min pace. Which is okay...I suppose, if you are off the DL which I am not to date. I can run that for about 15 k but that's been my longest run & we walked the big hills.
So I was a bit worried - so I made it clear that Sandra could go her own way when required. I wouldn't hold her back.
I didn't have my Garmin on purpose, I just wanted to enjoy the run. I'd use the KM markers to take my brakes.
Sandra & I were in the 3rd & final wave of the race - at the very front, it was like we were elites!! LOL. Check out the website there should be some good piccies of us posing.
We had a great pace going, it didn't feel bad at all. I used my breathing as a measurement tool & it was all good. We were ahead of pace according to Sandra, but I have no clue.
The first 6k went really well. We didn't have a walk break til 6.5 ish. Then up hill. Blech. Not a fan.
Then by 10k it was getting stinking humid and my breathing was getting laboured. I'm not sure if I get anxious and cause the issues or the breathing difficulty causes the anxiety which increases the heaviness in my chest. But we had a quick walk break at the 10k mark. I was trying my utmost to relax myself, but I started piling on the pressure to keep up with Sandra. She runs 1:47 1/2 marathons. I do not. So I kept going to my dark place & that just did me in.
By the 14k mark I waved Sandra on as we rounded the next turn. I kept her in sight for another kilometer and then I needed a walk break and lost her.
The route was filled with puddles and ladies that felt the need to pussy foot through them, REALLY.. I just barrelled though the middle of them and through the water, enough of that silliness.
Over the bridge and up more hills & by 17k I had another walk break. And my ITB was singing a very unhappy tune. So I made the decision to walk when it started to twing. I did not want an all out pain to happen. So I did a lot of walking between the running from 18 - 20 k.
I ran through the firemen for the third time which, in my opinion is rather a non-event, but the other ladies seem to enjoy it. Almost as much as the firemen.
Then through the chocolate station at 19k - now this is more for me! But I only took one Cadbury's thin. Just the one. I was running with some walking. Then past the 20k mark & I was going to run - I could run 1 k.
Then as I got to the parking lot a woman was yelling " ONLY ONE MORE KILOMETER - THIS IS THE LAST KM..." My brain just shut down. I was ticking off the meters and the thought of having to run one more k - well, it just pissed me off. So either they have the mileage markers wrong or the lady is on crack... so I ended up walking across the parking lot & started running after I hit the trail again. I knew she was off her rocker - the finish line was just around the bend and through the over pass. Geezzz I wish people would just shut up if they don't know distance.
There was one little girl at the 9 k mark saying " Great work, you're almost there" ARE YOU EFFING JOKING ME??!!! We aren't even half way yet. *shakes head*
Here's your sign.
There are way too many turn arounds and loop backs and clover leafs on this course. I don't enjoy it really. The organization is tremendous & I wonder if they might thing about finding a different venue, however; with Rob Ford's current stance on races in Toronto, I can't see it happening. I don't mind it in parks, but close it the public for a few hours & is there anyway for there to be less turn arounds & doubling backs?
Just askin.
I woke up before the alarm. Meh.
The ladies were punctual and off we went to the Micky D's on the 400 to pick up Deb Watson. We were off as per my schedule by 6am.
We arrived at the Sony building across from the park with oodles of time - so we warmed up a bit, changed choose, grabbed water bottles & debated clothing. I had my BRR short sleeve shirt on & debated adding my jacket. Thank goodness I didn't. It was going to be a sweltering day by the end of the run.
Now the TO Women's Only isn't my favourite race only due to the course. I'm not a big fan of open courses & even less of a fan of running through parks. Especially through TO, damn they are deceptively hilly. I'm not good with hills right now. Not enough training, however; I digress.
Sandra had managed to snaffle a spot the day before as Karen had to back out. So it was this morning that I learned Sandra was going to run with me, I thought she was joking, but nope very serious. Her goal was to run about 6min pace. Which is okay...I suppose, if you are off the DL which I am not to date. I can run that for about 15 k but that's been my longest run & we walked the big hills.
So I was a bit worried - so I made it clear that Sandra could go her own way when required. I wouldn't hold her back.
I didn't have my Garmin on purpose, I just wanted to enjoy the run. I'd use the KM markers to take my brakes.
Sandra & I were in the 3rd & final wave of the race - at the very front, it was like we were elites!! LOL. Check out the website there should be some good piccies of us posing.
We had a great pace going, it didn't feel bad at all. I used my breathing as a measurement tool & it was all good. We were ahead of pace according to Sandra, but I have no clue.
The first 6k went really well. We didn't have a walk break til 6.5 ish. Then up hill. Blech. Not a fan.
Then by 10k it was getting stinking humid and my breathing was getting laboured. I'm not sure if I get anxious and cause the issues or the breathing difficulty causes the anxiety which increases the heaviness in my chest. But we had a quick walk break at the 10k mark. I was trying my utmost to relax myself, but I started piling on the pressure to keep up with Sandra. She runs 1:47 1/2 marathons. I do not. So I kept going to my dark place & that just did me in.
By the 14k mark I waved Sandra on as we rounded the next turn. I kept her in sight for another kilometer and then I needed a walk break and lost her.
The route was filled with puddles and ladies that felt the need to pussy foot through them, REALLY.. I just barrelled though the middle of them and through the water, enough of that silliness.
Over the bridge and up more hills & by 17k I had another walk break. And my ITB was singing a very unhappy tune. So I made the decision to walk when it started to twing. I did not want an all out pain to happen. So I did a lot of walking between the running from 18 - 20 k.
I ran through the firemen for the third time which, in my opinion is rather a non-event, but the other ladies seem to enjoy it. Almost as much as the firemen.
Then through the chocolate station at 19k - now this is more for me! But I only took one Cadbury's thin. Just the one. I was running with some walking. Then past the 20k mark & I was going to run - I could run 1 k.
Then as I got to the parking lot a woman was yelling " ONLY ONE MORE KILOMETER - THIS IS THE LAST KM..." My brain just shut down. I was ticking off the meters and the thought of having to run one more k - well, it just pissed me off. So either they have the mileage markers wrong or the lady is on crack... so I ended up walking across the parking lot & started running after I hit the trail again. I knew she was off her rocker - the finish line was just around the bend and through the over pass. Geezzz I wish people would just shut up if they don't know distance.
There was one little girl at the 9 k mark saying " Great work, you're almost there" ARE YOU EFFING JOKING ME??!!! We aren't even half way yet. *shakes head*
Here's your sign.
There are way too many turn arounds and loop backs and clover leafs on this course. I don't enjoy it really. The organization is tremendous & I wonder if they might thing about finding a different venue, however; with Rob Ford's current stance on races in Toronto, I can't see it happening. I don't mind it in parks, but close it the public for a few hours & is there anyway for there to be less turn arounds & doubling backs?
Just askin.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Another day in the woods ....
Ahhhh what a glorious day, I managed to hold my tongue at work & keep the folks down south happy. Could it get any better? Why yes it could!!! I'm a gunna go a trail running tonight! YAHHOO!!
Got home in great time, took the poepies for a "quick" walk came back, got changed and loaded Mika & all my water bottles etc in the car and arrived at the forest with a few minutes to spare.
The crew showed up - most of the usual folks. Sandra, Terry, Jen, Leslie, Lucille, Lorna, Glen, Kelly, Trish & a couple of dudes I did not know. One was Neil the Bastard & the other Alex. ( I think)
Mika was beside herself with glee; a run in the woods and time away from Kees. She was in her element, tear assing through the woods back and forth between the front of the pack and the back of the pack to make sure everyone was accounted for.
Then she settled in beside me or behind me for the run. It felt like I had wooden beams for legs. Though when Sandra asked me how I felt after Sunday's run I said I probably could have done a few more Km but happy with the result. " yeah yeah sure Joan, you say that now" ahahah.. that's true, but looking back I think I would have done okay tacking on 3 more. As long as it wasn't up hill. LOL.
So I managed to keep mid pack or the at least the back of the front of the back. Or front of the mid of the pack. LOL. Trish and I traded spots back & forth. A few more stops that I would have liked on occasion but we were waiting for the back packers. I know I appreciated the others waiting - so I know why it's being done. And I stay inthe middle so I don't get lost!! ahah
I felt my calf ache a lot, but by the 6k mark it had subsided enough that I didn't really notice it. Or perhaps I just got used to it? hmm.. At any rate by about 4k we hit the end of the first section and crossed over Nursery Rd to get to the "roller coaster" that's always a good test of strength. I had commented to Sandra I could really feel the lack of strength training during Sunday's run, but I'm not ready to tackle hill training as of yet. So running up and down the roller coaster was good practise. I even managed the last steep incline well. No stopping except for at the top.
Then out of the woods a K later and only 3 more to go. Sort. The trail back to the car park always feels shorter for some odd reason. I mean much shorter than 3 k. But in actuality it's the half way mark. We finished off at 9k last night. The second half i just love because we generally come across all the mountain bikers and get to stop more often but for briefer periods of time. Just enough for me to give Mika water from her water bottle. She drinks it as I squirt it to her mouth. She's a talented doggy!! That girlie was a running fool! She was great. Waited at the road when told, crossed when told. She's a sweet little girlie.
I think at one point we were running 5:53 pace. I mean seriously?? Gawd!! These are the trails people. STUMPS, ROOTS, STONES not a good combination with blonde, however; even though I found 3 stumps/rocks/roots I managed to stay upright.
We had one woman down within the first 2.5 k and luckily there was no serious injury, just some embarassment.
Got home and steamed up some asparagus from Barrie Hill Farms, made a Hollandaise sauce & a few fried mushrooms. Yummy... Missed the carbs but I had no desire to cook anthing more than I had.
I'll get some in me today! Promise.
Tonight - a quick run as Chelsea is getting her new puppy tonight.
Got home in great time, took the poepies for a "quick" walk came back, got changed and loaded Mika & all my water bottles etc in the car and arrived at the forest with a few minutes to spare.
The crew showed up - most of the usual folks. Sandra, Terry, Jen, Leslie, Lucille, Lorna, Glen, Kelly, Trish & a couple of dudes I did not know. One was Neil the Bastard & the other Alex. ( I think)
Mika was beside herself with glee; a run in the woods and time away from Kees. She was in her element, tear assing through the woods back and forth between the front of the pack and the back of the pack to make sure everyone was accounted for.
Then she settled in beside me or behind me for the run. It felt like I had wooden beams for legs. Though when Sandra asked me how I felt after Sunday's run I said I probably could have done a few more Km but happy with the result. " yeah yeah sure Joan, you say that now" ahahah.. that's true, but looking back I think I would have done okay tacking on 3 more. As long as it wasn't up hill. LOL.
So I managed to keep mid pack or the at least the back of the front of the back. Or front of the mid of the pack. LOL. Trish and I traded spots back & forth. A few more stops that I would have liked on occasion but we were waiting for the back packers. I know I appreciated the others waiting - so I know why it's being done. And I stay inthe middle so I don't get lost!! ahah
I felt my calf ache a lot, but by the 6k mark it had subsided enough that I didn't really notice it. Or perhaps I just got used to it? hmm.. At any rate by about 4k we hit the end of the first section and crossed over Nursery Rd to get to the "roller coaster" that's always a good test of strength. I had commented to Sandra I could really feel the lack of strength training during Sunday's run, but I'm not ready to tackle hill training as of yet. So running up and down the roller coaster was good practise. I even managed the last steep incline well. No stopping except for at the top.
Then out of the woods a K later and only 3 more to go. Sort. The trail back to the car park always feels shorter for some odd reason. I mean much shorter than 3 k. But in actuality it's the half way mark. We finished off at 9k last night. The second half i just love because we generally come across all the mountain bikers and get to stop more often but for briefer periods of time. Just enough for me to give Mika water from her water bottle. She drinks it as I squirt it to her mouth. She's a talented doggy!! That girlie was a running fool! She was great. Waited at the road when told, crossed when told. She's a sweet little girlie.
I think at one point we were running 5:53 pace. I mean seriously?? Gawd!! These are the trails people. STUMPS, ROOTS, STONES not a good combination with blonde, however; even though I found 3 stumps/rocks/roots I managed to stay upright.
We had one woman down within the first 2.5 k and luckily there was no serious injury, just some embarassment.
Got home and steamed up some asparagus from Barrie Hill Farms, made a Hollandaise sauce & a few fried mushrooms. Yummy... Missed the carbs but I had no desire to cook anthing more than I had.
I'll get some in me today! Promise.
Tonight - a quick run as Chelsea is getting her new puppy tonight.
Monday, May 23, 2011
The long weekend... *sighs*
Ahhhh it was so nice to know it was a long weekend. Mmmm.. I really needed it after the week I've had at work. I do need to start my meditation again, but I am NOT at peace with my offices in the USA. I'll get there. I know I will.
A little meditation, some chants for wisdom & compassion & I'm sure I'll be right as rain.
I hopped it to the RR as I was running a tad bit behind ( seems to be a trend doesn't it) Oh well.
I got there and I think there was less than a half a dozen folks there. Gave Angel her well deserved pat & a big old hug.
I grabbed a Gu and chugged that down as I did NOT eat properly on Saturday night. Not even close to properly. Sandra came in and was interested in running with me again. I was planning on doing about 15-16k but had no idea of a route. Angela C was all interested in coming out as well so Sandra was in charge of the route & it was determined we would head for the 5/6th side road and do some dipsydoodling from there.
We were sub 6min / km which I thought was a bit quick for me, but I muddled along. We turned on to the 1st line rather than stay on Ridge Road... drat...friggin hills. But that seems to be the way with Sandra & I - we are off on an adventure.
I had to walk that hill on the 1st Line I didn't think it would be wise to run it. Then out onto the 5/6th Back towards Barrie. We stopped to walk so we could enjoy the nesting Herons. It's truly amazing to see the nests in the trees and these huge birds on the edge of them. I was planning on going back in the evening but alas the fog I live in ... I forgot.
Then over to Johnson, onto Hickling, dispsy doodling all the way back towards the centre of town. We somehow ended up on Oak & we were at 14.5k YEAH... a few more dipsy doodles, onto Owen and i could see the barn door!!! We did 15.5 in 1:40 our best pace was 3:59 ahahaha I wonder what hill we were running down. Our ave pace was 6:27...
I was thinking as I got to the 10k mark that I'll never get the Womens Only Half done. Then when I got to the 13 K mark I was debating not even going at all & giving the space away. by the end of the run I was almost convinced that I should, I couldn't see me racing that with any confidence. Then I remembered that it was going to be just a run, I wasn't going to race it no matter what folks say. It's an open course in Sunnybrook park. I'll be dodging strollers, dogs and slow meandering folks. My time isn't going to be important, it's going to be doing the distance & not causing more injury.
My calf doesn't get any worse durning a run, I can feel my ITB tightening so I'm going to have to get a roller for that & a bit of ART to loosen up the tissue. Man that's going to hurt. Who's going to volunteer for that!?!?!?! ahahaha
A little meditation, some chants for wisdom & compassion & I'm sure I'll be right as rain.
I hopped it to the RR as I was running a tad bit behind ( seems to be a trend doesn't it) Oh well.
I got there and I think there was less than a half a dozen folks there. Gave Angel her well deserved pat & a big old hug.
I grabbed a Gu and chugged that down as I did NOT eat properly on Saturday night. Not even close to properly. Sandra came in and was interested in running with me again. I was planning on doing about 15-16k but had no idea of a route. Angela C was all interested in coming out as well so Sandra was in charge of the route & it was determined we would head for the 5/6th side road and do some dipsydoodling from there.
We were sub 6min / km which I thought was a bit quick for me, but I muddled along. We turned on to the 1st line rather than stay on Ridge Road... drat...friggin hills. But that seems to be the way with Sandra & I - we are off on an adventure.
I had to walk that hill on the 1st Line I didn't think it would be wise to run it. Then out onto the 5/6th Back towards Barrie. We stopped to walk so we could enjoy the nesting Herons. It's truly amazing to see the nests in the trees and these huge birds on the edge of them. I was planning on going back in the evening but alas the fog I live in ... I forgot.
Then over to Johnson, onto Hickling, dispsy doodling all the way back towards the centre of town. We somehow ended up on Oak & we were at 14.5k YEAH... a few more dipsy doodles, onto Owen and i could see the barn door!!! We did 15.5 in 1:40 our best pace was 3:59 ahahaha I wonder what hill we were running down. Our ave pace was 6:27...
I was thinking as I got to the 10k mark that I'll never get the Womens Only Half done. Then when I got to the 13 K mark I was debating not even going at all & giving the space away. by the end of the run I was almost convinced that I should, I couldn't see me racing that with any confidence. Then I remembered that it was going to be just a run, I wasn't going to race it no matter what folks say. It's an open course in Sunnybrook park. I'll be dodging strollers, dogs and slow meandering folks. My time isn't going to be important, it's going to be doing the distance & not causing more injury.
My calf doesn't get any worse durning a run, I can feel my ITB tightening so I'm going to have to get a roller for that & a bit of ART to loosen up the tissue. Man that's going to hurt. Who's going to volunteer for that!?!?!?! ahahaha
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Just the facts Ma'am, just the facts.
The fact was I had no interest in doing anything tonight. I had cramps that would buckle the knees of an elephant, so I sat and watched Sex and the City for half an hour rather than cycle. Then because Kevin was counting on me, I grabbed my swimming gear and headed out the door.
I was told I probably just need a good swim to get rid of the cramps - whatever, I'm not in any mood to agree with anyone other than Ms Cadbury's Fruit and Nut or her cousin Diary Milk. ppffftt
I knew they were right, I just had the motivation of a piece of driftwood.
I met up with Kevin it was going to be strictly distance - 100 m warm up. Then a ladder 200 - 250- 300 - 250 - 200 and a cool down of 100 m. No sprints as I had eaten a couple of table spoons of Peanut Butter around 5 & I knew as such as the grass will grow I'd be bringing it up if I did sprints.
I'm so friggin clarvoient!! 125 m into the 2nd 250m stretch I could feel it bubbling up. ACK!
Kevin was a little pooped from the swim - The worst part is I probably could have pushed myself to go a bit faster, Theo would have kicked my ass for being so slow. But don't tell him. Right now I'm just helping Kevin get to the distance he needs to be at for his race June 18th.
Next week we'll bump it up another 50m per "step" in the ladder.
I'll go do a bit of spinning and core work out first.
Promise.
:)
I was told I probably just need a good swim to get rid of the cramps - whatever, I'm not in any mood to agree with anyone other than Ms Cadbury's Fruit and Nut or her cousin Diary Milk. ppffftt
I knew they were right, I just had the motivation of a piece of driftwood.
I met up with Kevin it was going to be strictly distance - 100 m warm up. Then a ladder 200 - 250- 300 - 250 - 200 and a cool down of 100 m. No sprints as I had eaten a couple of table spoons of Peanut Butter around 5 & I knew as such as the grass will grow I'd be bringing it up if I did sprints.
I'm so friggin clarvoient!! 125 m into the 2nd 250m stretch I could feel it bubbling up. ACK!
Kevin was a little pooped from the swim - The worst part is I probably could have pushed myself to go a bit faster, Theo would have kicked my ass for being so slow. But don't tell him. Right now I'm just helping Kevin get to the distance he needs to be at for his race June 18th.
Next week we'll bump it up another 50m per "step" in the ladder.
I'll go do a bit of spinning and core work out first.
Promise.
:)
And then there were three
Ahhhhh so after much angst about getting home on time, as I had left work an hour late, I manged to find the best traffic on the roads for 420pm and got home almost at 6pm. I couln't get the dogs out for a walk before running so... they got a stretch outside in the back garden whilst I changed for running.
It was a bit muggy out so shorts were in order & a short sleeve. Donned on my compression sleeves and a pair of socks and off I went.
I didn't ride my bike as I wasn't fancying getting caught in the rain, so I got to the RR with little to no decision on my route. I really wish I could remember the full Industrial Run route - Sandra & I did some of it on Sunday on our way back. Maybe I'll drive it on Saturday and just mark down the names of the roads. yeah yeah that's the ticket!!
Trish showed up along with Fred since he is going to start running again. We quickly decided the Church run backwards was okay. I hate Fred a lot. He ran the 6 k with out breaking a sweat and he's been off running for 2 years! Ooooohhhh..gggrrr..
It was a rather uneventful run - Trish was strong, Fred well I'm not talking about him ... I've said my peice in the above paragraph I can say though, I did tell him how much I hated him. He was at peace with that. AHAHA.
We ended up taking longer last night than last weeks run. I put it down the longer walk breaks we had. That's the only reason because our pace never fell below 6:02 when we were actually running. Most of the time it was sub 6 mins.
I'm also trying to still figure out how to train my lungs to breath at fast paces. I just can't seem to figure that one out folks. It's not sressing me out, but it is causing me some moments of distrubed pondering. The Respericare that I have is something that I should be able to take & it work immediately one doesn't have to take it accumulatively. But a lot I think is the fact that I'm a bit too tense still, I really need to relax more.
hmmmm... how to do that? Focus more on the breath like with my yoga? I'll work on that kids & get back to you.
The compression sleeves helped keeping the pain at bay. The run felt good that's for sure. However; I didn't ice my leg as per my usual routine, I walked the dogs when I got home from running as it was still dry & it was still light out. They are so funny those two. I hid on them behind a tree & Kees panics. He couldn't find me & I was down wind. Poor little sod!! Mummy was teasing him. Mika figured it out and turned around to sniff out a better object of interest. ahahah.
P.S Have a great Wedding Day Katie!!! All my best! xox.
It was a bit muggy out so shorts were in order & a short sleeve. Donned on my compression sleeves and a pair of socks and off I went.
I didn't ride my bike as I wasn't fancying getting caught in the rain, so I got to the RR with little to no decision on my route. I really wish I could remember the full Industrial Run route - Sandra & I did some of it on Sunday on our way back. Maybe I'll drive it on Saturday and just mark down the names of the roads. yeah yeah that's the ticket!!
Trish showed up along with Fred since he is going to start running again. We quickly decided the Church run backwards was okay. I hate Fred a lot. He ran the 6 k with out breaking a sweat and he's been off running for 2 years! Ooooohhhh..gggrrr..
It was a rather uneventful run - Trish was strong, Fred well I'm not talking about him ... I've said my peice in the above paragraph I can say though, I did tell him how much I hated him. He was at peace with that. AHAHA.
We ended up taking longer last night than last weeks run. I put it down the longer walk breaks we had. That's the only reason because our pace never fell below 6:02 when we were actually running. Most of the time it was sub 6 mins.
I'm also trying to still figure out how to train my lungs to breath at fast paces. I just can't seem to figure that one out folks. It's not sressing me out, but it is causing me some moments of distrubed pondering. The Respericare that I have is something that I should be able to take & it work immediately one doesn't have to take it accumulatively. But a lot I think is the fact that I'm a bit too tense still, I really need to relax more.
hmmmm... how to do that? Focus more on the breath like with my yoga? I'll work on that kids & get back to you.
The compression sleeves helped keeping the pain at bay. The run felt good that's for sure. However; I didn't ice my leg as per my usual routine, I walked the dogs when I got home from running as it was still dry & it was still light out. They are so funny those two. I hid on them behind a tree & Kees panics. He couldn't find me & I was down wind. Poor little sod!! Mummy was teasing him. Mika figured it out and turned around to sniff out a better object of interest. ahahah.
P.S Have a great Wedding Day Katie!!! All my best! xox.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Some things just don't work out
I managed to get out of work at a decent time - got home at 5, lots of time to get changed & get the dogs ready to go to the trails.
I pulled in the drive way & noticed my neighbour had cut my front lawn.
He was out so I thanked Dave for doing that. See my lawn mower is in dire need of having the blade sharpened. It's duller than Stanley Kubrick movie.
I tried to remove the blade last night but my wrenches were either to big or too small. Dang nabbit. So this was a treat, the dandelions were starting to annoy me.
I asked to borrow a wrench & after a few unsuccessful tries found the one that fit, a 3/4 wrench. Dave took off the blade & started grinding it with his grinder. It wasn't the worlds best job but hey it was sharper than it was 10 minutes earlier.
With that I looked at the sky & decided that chores around the house were far more important than going to the trails. Sad but true.
The rain wasn't going to hold off forever and if the grass got any longer in the back yard I'd have too weed whip it like I did a few times last year. That was not fun.
So between cutting the grass, I was on doggie do do patrol as well. I turned the mowing into a core work out as best as I could, it kind of helped sooth the fact that I was missing my run. Not a lot... but a weeeeee teeny tiny itty bitty bit.
And another great thing I was able to plug the electrical cord into the outlet on the back deck. Jim D had come over several months ago and helped me figure out what the heck I had done to my wiring to make a few of my outlets non-functioning. Who knew that extra wire attached to the wrong point would make the light switch turn all the plugs on & off... who knew? NOT ME!! Any way it was a good laugh for Jim & I & all his electrian buddies no doubt.
The grass in the back is now at a respectable height. I got my weed pully thingy out as well and started to pull the major dandelions that had sprung from out of nowhere back there. I'm not happy. I'm going to let them grow a tad & then get my "haakje" that I inherted from my dad & hack them out of the ground.
This weekend I'll have to clean the "dog pond" out for Kees. He's dying to have his wading pool cleaned with fresh water in it I'm sure. Spoiled dog. It's supposed to be for me to have a nice little fish pond. Not a pool for a pooch. ACK.
I pulled in the drive way & noticed my neighbour had cut my front lawn.
He was out so I thanked Dave for doing that. See my lawn mower is in dire need of having the blade sharpened. It's duller than Stanley Kubrick movie.
I tried to remove the blade last night but my wrenches were either to big or too small. Dang nabbit. So this was a treat, the dandelions were starting to annoy me.
I asked to borrow a wrench & after a few unsuccessful tries found the one that fit, a 3/4 wrench. Dave took off the blade & started grinding it with his grinder. It wasn't the worlds best job but hey it was sharper than it was 10 minutes earlier.
With that I looked at the sky & decided that chores around the house were far more important than going to the trails. Sad but true.
The rain wasn't going to hold off forever and if the grass got any longer in the back yard I'd have too weed whip it like I did a few times last year. That was not fun.
So between cutting the grass, I was on doggie do do patrol as well. I turned the mowing into a core work out as best as I could, it kind of helped sooth the fact that I was missing my run. Not a lot... but a weeeeee teeny tiny itty bitty bit.
And another great thing I was able to plug the electrical cord into the outlet on the back deck. Jim D had come over several months ago and helped me figure out what the heck I had done to my wiring to make a few of my outlets non-functioning. Who knew that extra wire attached to the wrong point would make the light switch turn all the plugs on & off... who knew? NOT ME!! Any way it was a good laugh for Jim & I & all his electrian buddies no doubt.
The grass in the back is now at a respectable height. I got my weed pully thingy out as well and started to pull the major dandelions that had sprung from out of nowhere back there. I'm not happy. I'm going to let them grow a tad & then get my "haakje" that I inherted from my dad & hack them out of the ground.
This weekend I'll have to clean the "dog pond" out for Kees. He's dying to have his wading pool cleaned with fresh water in it I'm sure. Spoiled dog. It's supposed to be for me to have a nice little fish pond. Not a pool for a pooch. ACK.
Monday, May 16, 2011
A BBBIIIGGGG Post
Seems I've missed a day or two, so ya'll be reading a bit of everything:
Thursday - Swimming. I decided to pass on the cycling because I was behind the 8 ball. Traffic coming back from work was stupid busy so by the time I got home, walked the dogs & tidied up a bit, it was very late. Cycling for 7 would have been stressful to get to. So, I just kept myself busy and arrived at the pool for swimming. Kevin & I were going to do a ladder 150-200-250-200-150 then some sprints warm up and cool down. We did about 1150 m. I cut the sprints from 4 x 25 m to 2 x 25 because I had nibbled on something before I left and it was threatening to reappear in the pool. Never a good thing. This is why I never eat before cycling or swimming or even running for that matter.
I did beat Kevin at the sprints - by about 2-3 seconds. Made me feel good! He's such a freak! LOL. BLess his little heart!
Saturday - God I set my alarm, well I didn't even have to set it, it's always at 4am, so I could get ready and help Joe with his epic run and back to Wasaga Beach. Bill and Catherine had bowed out the night before. I was all set to let Bill take on all the duties of support as I wasn't sure they needed my help just for two folks. When Bill opted out - I couldn't do that to Joe. It wouldn't have been fair to him. His wife would have come out and checked on him periodically, but in my mind I'm always thinking "what if". I know how I feel when I'm on long runs.
So I arrived by 5:10 - after hitting snooze 5 times. LOL. I kept thinking it was a week day! pppfftt ahaha.
I was greeted by several surprise runners. Well hey it'd be great if there were some surprise support peeps then!! Victoria, Donni & Keith showed up. I could see a big gap in distance between some of the runners.
And it was wonderful when Brian C showed up to do some support. He kept the front runners in sight & I kept a watchful eye on Joe.
Then when Victoria & Donni hit 30K Brian took them back to Barrie & I was trying to figure out the logistics. Then Steen arrived! The man of the hour!! He could keep the front runner in sight & I could once again keep a watchful eye on Joe.
Who knew you could get to Wasaga from back roads.
Joe made it to Wasaga & decided not to continue back. So he & I kept an eye on Keith, who made it all the way back to Barrie. 50 miles in total. Not too shabby. Almost 10 hours in the car though. ARGH.
Sunday - It was run day. I had decided on 12.5 k & I had the map in my head. Up Sunnidale, Letitia, Leacock, Fox Run, Edgehill,Spoule, Miller, Tiffin, Lakeshore done.
Sandra figured she'd like to come along & a couple of other gals, but luckily they didn't like my route, so they went their own way. I turned on Shirley rather than letitia so we had to do a bit of creative running. No biggie except that we were going UP the big hill. ack. Walked that one. Then we weaved our way onto Edgehill and kept straight to Miller. I had originally wanted the pace to be around 6:15 - 6:30/km. So that I wouldn't injure anything (seeing as my anti inflam cream is still AWOL)- ahahah. yeah right. Our pace averaged out to 6:30 with the walk breaks we took. They were somewhat extended but so what. We were running into the wind at an average of 5:50 - 6:02/ k. I was a bit winded (no pun intended) but it felt good. Sandra doesn't do 10 & 1's which was super for me. We picked a spot and we'd walk. First was only 3 k in.
Then at Miller. Another walk break on John. So three in total, but they, as I said, were longer than I normally would have walked, though I'm complaining. I needed it obviously.
We turned onto Dyment, Brock, John and then weaved back to Fred Grant Sq. for a total of 12.53k
A nice cuppa tea afterwards with Sandra, Stef & Thomas & back home to do all sorts of stuff around the house. Yeah.
Thursday - Swimming. I decided to pass on the cycling because I was behind the 8 ball. Traffic coming back from work was stupid busy so by the time I got home, walked the dogs & tidied up a bit, it was very late. Cycling for 7 would have been stressful to get to. So, I just kept myself busy and arrived at the pool for swimming. Kevin & I were going to do a ladder 150-200-250-200-150 then some sprints warm up and cool down. We did about 1150 m. I cut the sprints from 4 x 25 m to 2 x 25 because I had nibbled on something before I left and it was threatening to reappear in the pool. Never a good thing. This is why I never eat before cycling or swimming or even running for that matter.
I did beat Kevin at the sprints - by about 2-3 seconds. Made me feel good! He's such a freak! LOL. BLess his little heart!
Saturday - God I set my alarm, well I didn't even have to set it, it's always at 4am, so I could get ready and help Joe with his epic run and back to Wasaga Beach. Bill and Catherine had bowed out the night before. I was all set to let Bill take on all the duties of support as I wasn't sure they needed my help just for two folks. When Bill opted out - I couldn't do that to Joe. It wouldn't have been fair to him. His wife would have come out and checked on him periodically, but in my mind I'm always thinking "what if". I know how I feel when I'm on long runs.
So I arrived by 5:10 - after hitting snooze 5 times. LOL. I kept thinking it was a week day! pppfftt ahaha.
I was greeted by several surprise runners. Well hey it'd be great if there were some surprise support peeps then!! Victoria, Donni & Keith showed up. I could see a big gap in distance between some of the runners.
And it was wonderful when Brian C showed up to do some support. He kept the front runners in sight & I kept a watchful eye on Joe.
Then when Victoria & Donni hit 30K Brian took them back to Barrie & I was trying to figure out the logistics. Then Steen arrived! The man of the hour!! He could keep the front runner in sight & I could once again keep a watchful eye on Joe.
Who knew you could get to Wasaga from back roads.
Joe made it to Wasaga & decided not to continue back. So he & I kept an eye on Keith, who made it all the way back to Barrie. 50 miles in total. Not too shabby. Almost 10 hours in the car though. ARGH.
Sunday - It was run day. I had decided on 12.5 k & I had the map in my head. Up Sunnidale, Letitia, Leacock, Fox Run, Edgehill,Spoule, Miller, Tiffin, Lakeshore done.
Sandra figured she'd like to come along & a couple of other gals, but luckily they didn't like my route, so they went their own way. I turned on Shirley rather than letitia so we had to do a bit of creative running. No biggie except that we were going UP the big hill. ack. Walked that one. Then we weaved our way onto Edgehill and kept straight to Miller. I had originally wanted the pace to be around 6:15 - 6:30/km. So that I wouldn't injure anything (seeing as my anti inflam cream is still AWOL)- ahahah. yeah right. Our pace averaged out to 6:30 with the walk breaks we took. They were somewhat extended but so what. We were running into the wind at an average of 5:50 - 6:02/ k. I was a bit winded (no pun intended) but it felt good. Sandra doesn't do 10 & 1's which was super for me. We picked a spot and we'd walk. First was only 3 k in.
Then at Miller. Another walk break on John. So three in total, but they, as I said, were longer than I normally would have walked, though I'm complaining. I needed it obviously.
We turned onto Dyment, Brock, John and then weaved back to Fred Grant Sq. for a total of 12.53k
A nice cuppa tea afterwards with Sandra, Stef & Thomas & back home to do all sorts of stuff around the house. Yeah.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Backwards is the new black
Right well this is attempt #2 at writing this blog. Blogger had a few technical difficulties this morning.
I had planned to ride my bike down to the Running Room in an attempt to save on petrol. With these prices, every little thing I can do to minimize usage is a good thing. However; I couldn't figure out how I was going to take my running gear with me, cause I couldn't imagine strapping my running bag to my bike anywhere. And I was fixing Chelsea something to eat so I was running a titch behind. (big frigging surprise there eh ladies?)
And then on my way I drove past Theo & Lisa T on their bikes & they had BACK PACKS on to carry their stuff. OMG.. seriously? I have some horrific cerberal hiccups that that has to rate right up there! Geezzzz... d'oh. And the worse thing about it is that I'm sure I did the backpack thing last year... I'm a blonde through and through.
Next time.
So I had been ping ponging a few routes in my head. The one I really wanted to do was the Industrial Run, it's flat but I could only remember parts of the run. Like turning right onto Victoria Ave then the first left or do I keep going straight and then.. screw it. Church run backwards!!! It's the new black!! ahahah
Trish was bringing Natalie so we wanted to keep it easy as Nat hasn't really run since last year. So off we went and low and behold there were 6 other runners joining us. Heu? And yep complaining about Theresa. Listen folks as much as I'm flattered, ya'll can walk where & whenever you want. I walked up Theresa. Trish did, Nat did. You wanna run, knock yourselves out.
Walked crossing over at Duckworth and then on Puget and again on Blake. And I was okay with it. I didn't have any moments where I said HOLY HANNAH that hurt. No stabbing pain, nothing more than perhaps a dull ache on my calf for a bit and a bigger ache on my knee where Angel whacked into me.
That still hurts like a SOB. Oh well at least I didn't damage my knee at all.
We had a jaunty little pace going on Blake heading back to the store. I tried very very hard not to run with Lyndy. I was so tempted, but I hung back and slowed down. We did 6k in 38 minutes. It's a good recovery pace, so it seems to agree with me right now.
And now all I need to do is figure out what the heck I did with the anti inflam cream I got from the doctor. I had it Tuesday night after trails. Now... I have zero clue. None. Nada. I am drawing a blank. I'm going to have to ponder this one. However; I am certain it will be in the last place I look.
Then off for a tea with my good friend Tom and get his take on the Sweep of Orange in Quebec and how he's handling the demise of the Liberals. I still love him though. LOL.
had my tea in front of me and went to put a tip in the tip cup and dropped it into my tea instead. OMG..a ahahah.. ahhhaa... pppfffftttttt.
I had planned to ride my bike down to the Running Room in an attempt to save on petrol. With these prices, every little thing I can do to minimize usage is a good thing. However; I couldn't figure out how I was going to take my running gear with me, cause I couldn't imagine strapping my running bag to my bike anywhere. And I was fixing Chelsea something to eat so I was running a titch behind. (big frigging surprise there eh ladies?)
And then on my way I drove past Theo & Lisa T on their bikes & they had BACK PACKS on to carry their stuff. OMG.. seriously? I have some horrific cerberal hiccups that that has to rate right up there! Geezzzz... d'oh. And the worse thing about it is that I'm sure I did the backpack thing last year... I'm a blonde through and through.
Next time.
So I had been ping ponging a few routes in my head. The one I really wanted to do was the Industrial Run, it's flat but I could only remember parts of the run. Like turning right onto Victoria Ave then the first left or do I keep going straight and then.. screw it. Church run backwards!!! It's the new black!! ahahah
Trish was bringing Natalie so we wanted to keep it easy as Nat hasn't really run since last year. So off we went and low and behold there were 6 other runners joining us. Heu? And yep complaining about Theresa. Listen folks as much as I'm flattered, ya'll can walk where & whenever you want. I walked up Theresa. Trish did, Nat did. You wanna run, knock yourselves out.
Walked crossing over at Duckworth and then on Puget and again on Blake. And I was okay with it. I didn't have any moments where I said HOLY HANNAH that hurt. No stabbing pain, nothing more than perhaps a dull ache on my calf for a bit and a bigger ache on my knee where Angel whacked into me.
That still hurts like a SOB. Oh well at least I didn't damage my knee at all.
We had a jaunty little pace going on Blake heading back to the store. I tried very very hard not to run with Lyndy. I was so tempted, but I hung back and slowed down. We did 6k in 38 minutes. It's a good recovery pace, so it seems to agree with me right now.
And now all I need to do is figure out what the heck I did with the anti inflam cream I got from the doctor. I had it Tuesday night after trails. Now... I have zero clue. None. Nada. I am drawing a blank. I'm going to have to ponder this one. However; I am certain it will be in the last place I look.
Then off for a tea with my good friend Tom and get his take on the Sweep of Orange in Quebec and how he's handling the demise of the Liberals. I still love him though. LOL.
had my tea in front of me and went to put a tip in the tip cup and dropped it into my tea instead. OMG..a ahahah.. ahhhaa... pppfffftttttt.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Ruby Tuesday, who could hang a name on you?
Aaaahhhhh the trails, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. What a most perfect evening to run the trails and because I was so excited I took the dogs out when I got home put my old pair of Salomons on that I bought when I was rather drunk one fine Saturday & took them for a 2k run through the Carson & Anne woods.
Then I dropped Chelsea off as she had plans for the evening & headed to the Simcoe Admin Buildings.
The "black" flies where out in force & it was chilly. I thought I had under dressed with just a short sleeve tech on. However; as we progressed into the run, I thought perhaps I was far too OVER dressed. Holy Hannah I was dripping in sweat.
I had anticipated that I would be the sweeper at the back, I was pleasantly surprised when i wasn't, I was the scout between Sandra & the backpackers. I kept Sandra in sight while keeping the gals behind me in my line of vision as well so no one got lost. The front of the herd was wonderful - they'd stop and wait for us to catch up before we diveated from the trail onto a new one.
There were a multitude of cyclists in the woods as well which made for a reprieve on occasion from running. phew.
We did the roller coaster & I thought I would have to walk up the hill, but I managed with little difficulty ( other than gravity) to scale the roller coaster WITH NO UNDUE PAIN TO MY CALF. Ohh that was exciting.
In fact there was little calf discomfort there was more discomfort from the region of my ITB. Now I'm not certain if that's the issue of it's exactly where Angel knocked into me doing about 50 miles an hour. She knocked into Kees on Monday, in the head, then rictoched off him into me. My goodness that hurt. It still does. However; I think I'll put a call out for a foam roller at any rate - just in case.
We got back to cars with 8.5 km under our belt in about 1:05 so not too bad for a relaxed jaunt in the woods with friends.
I did come to some conclusion that when I'm running I need to relax my upper body and that might also help with the asthma issues. It's hard to breath when you are tense around the chest area, so I was trying to implement some relaxation as I was running the last couple k's. I became aware of this as I took a drink of water. It felt like it was stuck near my sternum. So it would make sense if I'm having some difficulty letting liquids flow uninhibited, perhaps I'm causing some of my breathing issues as well.
Hmmm..... something to ponder through out my day.
Then I dropped Chelsea off as she had plans for the evening & headed to the Simcoe Admin Buildings.
The "black" flies where out in force & it was chilly. I thought I had under dressed with just a short sleeve tech on. However; as we progressed into the run, I thought perhaps I was far too OVER dressed. Holy Hannah I was dripping in sweat.
I had anticipated that I would be the sweeper at the back, I was pleasantly surprised when i wasn't, I was the scout between Sandra & the backpackers. I kept Sandra in sight while keeping the gals behind me in my line of vision as well so no one got lost. The front of the herd was wonderful - they'd stop and wait for us to catch up before we diveated from the trail onto a new one.
There were a multitude of cyclists in the woods as well which made for a reprieve on occasion from running. phew.
We did the roller coaster & I thought I would have to walk up the hill, but I managed with little difficulty ( other than gravity) to scale the roller coaster WITH NO UNDUE PAIN TO MY CALF. Ohh that was exciting.
In fact there was little calf discomfort there was more discomfort from the region of my ITB. Now I'm not certain if that's the issue of it's exactly where Angel knocked into me doing about 50 miles an hour. She knocked into Kees on Monday, in the head, then rictoched off him into me. My goodness that hurt. It still does. However; I think I'll put a call out for a foam roller at any rate - just in case.
We got back to cars with 8.5 km under our belt in about 1:05 so not too bad for a relaxed jaunt in the woods with friends.
I did come to some conclusion that when I'm running I need to relax my upper body and that might also help with the asthma issues. It's hard to breath when you are tense around the chest area, so I was trying to implement some relaxation as I was running the last couple k's. I became aware of this as I took a drink of water. It felt like it was stuck near my sternum. So it would make sense if I'm having some difficulty letting liquids flow uninhibited, perhaps I'm causing some of my breathing issues as well.
Hmmm..... something to ponder through out my day.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Ever have one of those Sundays?
Mother's Day started at about 5am. Meh. After taking care of the hounds dietary & "elimination" needs I crawled back in my trusty ol' bed. At 7:50 I rolled out - grabbed my gear and headed off to go for my 10 - 15K run with Sandra.
However; upon arrival I was informed that Sandra had joined TfB for his 10k in Oakville at the Mercedes 10K Race. Ahhh well... I'll figure something out. Cindy was willing to do 11 k with me. Just what I needed - slow and steady.
Unfortunately both Cindy & my body had other plans. Cindy's hip was stiff/sore from her trip back from Big Sur in California, doubled with the driving to the airport in SF. & back from Buffalo.
Me? My excuse ... My ITB was starting to hum. Or was it my quad. My calf was actually doing okay. MY thigh was tighter than a guitar string. *groans*
So our 11K turned into a Je Ne Sais Quoi. No clue ... but that's okay. There's always the next run.
So I know to go and get my stick out and rub that bad boy into shape. It's even doing a few hums right now.
What's up with my left side? It's always the same thing.
I best go get that sorted with a very vigirous massage! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
However; upon arrival I was informed that Sandra had joined TfB for his 10k in Oakville at the Mercedes 10K Race. Ahhh well... I'll figure something out. Cindy was willing to do 11 k with me. Just what I needed - slow and steady.
Unfortunately both Cindy & my body had other plans. Cindy's hip was stiff/sore from her trip back from Big Sur in California, doubled with the driving to the airport in SF. & back from Buffalo.
Me? My excuse ... My ITB was starting to hum. Or was it my quad. My calf was actually doing okay. MY thigh was tighter than a guitar string. *groans*
So our 11K turned into a Je Ne Sais Quoi. No clue ... but that's okay. There's always the next run.
So I know to go and get my stick out and rub that bad boy into shape. It's even doing a few hums right now.
What's up with my left side? It's always the same thing.
I best go get that sorted with a very vigirous massage! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Friday, May 6, 2011
Sadly the last "gym workout" with Theo
I managed to get to cycling 15 minutes late. No praise for all the times I'm there 20 minutes to 30 minutes early... noooooo... never. They only remember when you are late. Buggar Buggar Buggar.
Oh well, life carries on I suppose. So it was an "easy" cycle. Just high tension and some cadence. Yeh.
Corework out & I did lots of stretching - I can feel my quad as tight as a wound up clock. I may have to go get a massage. I thought it was my ITB - but it's too much in off the from the side to be an ITB. So much stretching. And owwies...
Off to the pool. Yeah. 900 meters of drills. 100 warm up. 100 flippers. 100 tickle the toes in front of you. Sounds rather kinky if you ask me, but the idea of it was arms only and keep only a finger tip away from the person's feet that is in front of you. Theo and I took turns. Think he was getting fresh? ahah NOT.
Then 100 m of drills. in 25 m stints - one length of the pool in XX amount of time. Theo was 25 seconds I was 22 but I pretended 25. I know I'm bad. Then it was 50 m in 50 seconds or under. I beat Theo again. I kept it close. LOL.
The second set I was just about to do my flip turn and I was whacked in the shoulder by the swimmer next to me as he was turning doing his butterfly stroke. I got a mouth full of water and I was knocked off my turn and spit up water. I didn't make the turn around. I was heaving over the ledge trying not to throw up. Luckily no one came to my rescue. *rolls eyes* But I suppose if I'm coughing I'm not choking right?
Whatever.
Then another 200 m of swimming and we called it quits. This was Theo's last Thursday in the pool. He's on his bike from now on & cause I only have a KICK ASS mountain bike I would not be able to keep up with him on his road bike. So I'll be back in the pool on Thursdays for sure.
I'll just have to make a little training package for myself. I'll lonely though. No Theo to add that extra bit of pressure to push myself that much harder. I'll manage. In the next few weeks I can head out to the marathon training and partake in their Thursday night runs. Maybe. We'll see. I really do love the spinning/cycling.
Oh well, life carries on I suppose. So it was an "easy" cycle. Just high tension and some cadence. Yeh.
Corework out & I did lots of stretching - I can feel my quad as tight as a wound up clock. I may have to go get a massage. I thought it was my ITB - but it's too much in off the from the side to be an ITB. So much stretching. And owwies...
Off to the pool. Yeah. 900 meters of drills. 100 warm up. 100 flippers. 100 tickle the toes in front of you. Sounds rather kinky if you ask me, but the idea of it was arms only and keep only a finger tip away from the person's feet that is in front of you. Theo and I took turns. Think he was getting fresh? ahah NOT.
Then 100 m of drills. in 25 m stints - one length of the pool in XX amount of time. Theo was 25 seconds I was 22 but I pretended 25. I know I'm bad. Then it was 50 m in 50 seconds or under. I beat Theo again. I kept it close. LOL.
The second set I was just about to do my flip turn and I was whacked in the shoulder by the swimmer next to me as he was turning doing his butterfly stroke. I got a mouth full of water and I was knocked off my turn and spit up water. I didn't make the turn around. I was heaving over the ledge trying not to throw up. Luckily no one came to my rescue. *rolls eyes* But I suppose if I'm coughing I'm not choking right?
Whatever.
Then another 200 m of swimming and we called it quits. This was Theo's last Thursday in the pool. He's on his bike from now on & cause I only have a KICK ASS mountain bike I would not be able to keep up with him on his road bike. So I'll be back in the pool on Thursdays for sure.
I'll just have to make a little training package for myself. I'll lonely though. No Theo to add that extra bit of pressure to push myself that much harder. I'll manage. In the next few weeks I can head out to the marathon training and partake in their Thursday night runs. Maybe. We'll see. I really do love the spinning/cycling.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
FINALLY...
I got home late (again) from work & quite frankly the dogs didn't care one jot!! Imagine that?!?!?!. Hmmm so much for their concern. ahah. So off we went for our walk, ran into a group of doggies, I was set upon by a pug - jack russell cross. What a cutie... took all my doggy treats and left dusty paw marks on my trousers. LOL.
Finally made it back home, found my running gear & discovered my Recovery Socks are losing their compressionistic abilities. Drat. I'll have to look into more. BUFFALO HERE I COME.
Made it to the RR by 6:30 so I figured I might as well just start my run, I hadn't planned to run with anyone so I didn't do anything dumb, like set a stupid pace.. again.
I headed down the trail by the waterfront and managed an okay pace. 6:02 then I had to think myself into a slower pace. I finally got it to a 6:29 pace and while watching my shadow I worked on form.
It was awesome.
I never really thought about doing that before. I managed to keep my arms straight, my shoulders relaxed and the movement minimual through my shoulders.
Before I knew it my pace crept back up again.
So more vigilance in slowing down.
I got to the fence and my plan was to walk when I got to the fence, but I didn't have any pain and my pace was "slow" enough.
So I headed back. Again focusing on my form. Arms, midfoot strike, shoulders, bounce, pace.
I did feel a tick of pain abour the 3.72 mark, so I slowed down a titch, it didn't increase so I kept on going.
I had runners in front of me & we all know what that does to me... well I kept completely focused on trying to match my pace to theirs and NOT zip past them. The ladies had stopped for a walk and only then did I manage to over take them.
Apparently I even knew them.... Way to deep in thought to even realize this until they tapped me on the shoulder as they ran with me.
I got to the 6:33 mark switched off my Garmin and checked the time. 40:37 so it was 4 minutes better with no pain to speak of.
Plus it was a contiguous run. Which is awesome.
Did some stretching at Fred Grant Square & figured before the clock strikes midnight and my leg turns into a pumpkin, I should head home and it the ol' ice pack treatment. So iced - hot bath - iced & antiflam cream and a good old snooze all before 10:30. Not bad.
I'm very very pleased with that run! WOOT WOOT...
Finally made it back home, found my running gear & discovered my Recovery Socks are losing their compressionistic abilities. Drat. I'll have to look into more. BUFFALO HERE I COME.
Made it to the RR by 6:30 so I figured I might as well just start my run, I hadn't planned to run with anyone so I didn't do anything dumb, like set a stupid pace.. again.
I headed down the trail by the waterfront and managed an okay pace. 6:02 then I had to think myself into a slower pace. I finally got it to a 6:29 pace and while watching my shadow I worked on form.
It was awesome.
I never really thought about doing that before. I managed to keep my arms straight, my shoulders relaxed and the movement minimual through my shoulders.
Before I knew it my pace crept back up again.
So more vigilance in slowing down.
I got to the fence and my plan was to walk when I got to the fence, but I didn't have any pain and my pace was "slow" enough.
So I headed back. Again focusing on my form. Arms, midfoot strike, shoulders, bounce, pace.
I did feel a tick of pain abour the 3.72 mark, so I slowed down a titch, it didn't increase so I kept on going.
I had runners in front of me & we all know what that does to me... well I kept completely focused on trying to match my pace to theirs and NOT zip past them. The ladies had stopped for a walk and only then did I manage to over take them.
Apparently I even knew them.... Way to deep in thought to even realize this until they tapped me on the shoulder as they ran with me.
I got to the 6:33 mark switched off my Garmin and checked the time. 40:37 so it was 4 minutes better with no pain to speak of.
Plus it was a contiguous run. Which is awesome.
Did some stretching at Fred Grant Square & figured before the clock strikes midnight and my leg turns into a pumpkin, I should head home and it the ol' ice pack treatment. So iced - hot bath - iced & antiflam cream and a good old snooze all before 10:30. Not bad.
I'm very very pleased with that run! WOOT WOOT...
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Take me away Calgon
I tell you I have the fortitude of a blowing leaf right now. I have this desire you see, a deep burning desire. I urn and urn and urn for this simple pleasure. Above anything else it gives me the deepest satisfaction.... *sigh* Some nights I even dream about it.
Ohhh get your minds out of the gutter.
C-H-I-P-S. plain chips, flavoured, baked, Kettle cooked,I love them all. Excepted all dressed. My favourite brand is Lays ( you can't eat just one) and then any other kettle cooked brand.
They've been my weakness the last 4 weeks. Well they are my weakness all the time but trying to move out of this injury FUNK has created a somewhat unexplainable fixation on potatoe chips... oh why oh why must you taunt me & tease me with your deliciousness? WHY WHY WHY????????????????
So I had a very long think & chat and basically you get out what you put in to something. So I have to shift my mental game away from the chips. How Now Brown Cow?? Really ya think?? Ohhhhhhhhh poop!! I have to reign in my insatiable desire for them. Dang nabbit!!! That's going to be hard.
Now what does this have to do with my work out? LOTS... that whole garbage in - garbage out theory has to do with fueling the old bod for workouts. Chips maybe carbs - but yeah.. when it's your entire calorie base it's not so good.
So as I was sitting on the sofa last night - shaking my fist at the heavens for letting it rain on Trail run Tuesdays. ( Theo's out on the road speed training right now. Which means either spin/swim alone or go out on the trails)
So I flipped on Glee ( I've seen maybe 5 episodes in total) ran upstairs put on my work out clothes, grabbed socks, shoes and pulled out the elliptical.
Off I went. I looked at the tension and said "2??? that's it????" and flipped it to the highest tension and started again.
I was concentrating on form a lot. I wasn't letting my shoulders move unneccessarily & boy could I feel that burning my quads. So I was on the elliptical for about 45 minutes at the highest tension. SWEATING... and you know what? It didn't even bug my calf muscle.
Nuttin.
Nada.
Niets.
Zip.
Zero.
Buttkiss.
I was dripping in persperation even after I stopped. It was never ending almost. I grabbed the cold pack from the freezer strapped it to my leg and relaxed. Then I put it on again for while just before bed, rubbed on the anti inflam cream & it's feeling rather good today!!!
So here's working on NOT succumbing to my chip fettish today.
I'll remember how good that work out was... Ohhh I won't cut them out altogether but I'll certainly be tackling the frequency that I give in to this temptation.
Ohhh get your minds out of the gutter.
C-H-I-P-S. plain chips, flavoured, baked, Kettle cooked,I love them all. Excepted all dressed. My favourite brand is Lays ( you can't eat just one) and then any other kettle cooked brand.
They've been my weakness the last 4 weeks. Well they are my weakness all the time but trying to move out of this injury FUNK has created a somewhat unexplainable fixation on potatoe chips... oh why oh why must you taunt me & tease me with your deliciousness? WHY WHY WHY????????????????
So I had a very long think & chat and basically you get out what you put in to something. So I have to shift my mental game away from the chips. How Now Brown Cow?? Really ya think?? Ohhhhhhhhh poop!! I have to reign in my insatiable desire for them. Dang nabbit!!! That's going to be hard.
Now what does this have to do with my work out? LOTS... that whole garbage in - garbage out theory has to do with fueling the old bod for workouts. Chips maybe carbs - but yeah.. when it's your entire calorie base it's not so good.
So as I was sitting on the sofa last night - shaking my fist at the heavens for letting it rain on Trail run Tuesdays. ( Theo's out on the road speed training right now. Which means either spin/swim alone or go out on the trails)
So I flipped on Glee ( I've seen maybe 5 episodes in total) ran upstairs put on my work out clothes, grabbed socks, shoes and pulled out the elliptical.
Off I went. I looked at the tension and said "2??? that's it????" and flipped it to the highest tension and started again.
I was concentrating on form a lot. I wasn't letting my shoulders move unneccessarily & boy could I feel that burning my quads. So I was on the elliptical for about 45 minutes at the highest tension. SWEATING... and you know what? It didn't even bug my calf muscle.
Nuttin.
Nada.
Niets.
Zip.
Zero.
Buttkiss.
I was dripping in persperation even after I stopped. It was never ending almost. I grabbed the cold pack from the freezer strapped it to my leg and relaxed. Then I put it on again for while just before bed, rubbed on the anti inflam cream & it's feeling rather good today!!!
So here's working on NOT succumbing to my chip fettish today.
I'll remember how good that work out was... Ohhh I won't cut them out altogether but I'll certainly be tackling the frequency that I give in to this temptation.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Up and Att'em
Lord - please let me sleep in today. Amen.
Nope - the dogs were up before the crack of dawn, as is their routine. 0400am is NOT all what it's cracked up to be by any stretch of the imagination on a weekday & even less on a weekend.
*grumbles*
So I crawled back in bed and drifted in and out of sleep until about 7:45. Then it was do or die to decide on going in for a run. OH WHY NOT... I got to the store as the "morning" announcements were being sung out.
I was still uhming and ahing about distance, route and pace.
I threw up my hands and started my Garmin and headed out the door. As I passed close to Casa Cap I figured TRAIL... so I ducked down Fred Grant Square and headed behind the buildings to get to the trail. I figured why battle traffic.
I nipped onto the trail and started my mental check list. Breathing, in check. Pace - spot on. Distance - Fence & back - 6k, acceptable. I had no music in my head really, just replaying the events of the day before at the Pick Your Poison Ontario Ultra Series race at Horseshoe. I was working the timing table with Kim & Ken.
I happened to notice runners in front of me, so the old pace started to pick up & next thing I know, I'm 6:08/km. Not exactly what I wanted. Dr Macksey said WALK, JOG, RUN my way through this recovery. I figured jogging is too 80's so I'll just say "run at a slower pace". That I could do. I caught up with the LTR group & chatted with Stef & she picked up the pace very nicely for about 500 m. Good for her, she's got some gumption in her. Yahoo Stef.
I stopped to pet the cat that was flaunting itself on the trail. One must always stop to appreciate an animal asking to be noticed. Less of course it's about to eat you and then I'd say discretion is the better part of valour.
Off I went and passed a few more runners on their Sunday morning run, several walkers & our own RR walkers.
Keeping my pace to about a 6:30 was more difficult than I had anticipated.
It's not at all easy, but I could feel my calf "burning" for lack of a better word. So once I got to the turn around point I decided that I should take a walk break. Fiddled around with my jacket as it was getting warmer than I anticipated, but with the cool breeze I kept it on so I didn't get a chill.
I passed Tigera on the way back, she's out and about training for Mississauga. Drat I wish I could run that. Ahh well. Patience is what is required in mega doses right now. So I wished her much success in her full & carried on. My pace was back up to about 6:10 so I took another walk break to try to slow myself down.
Man oh man... some days it's easier to get hit by a tree branch then to stop the pace your body wants to go to.
MEH!!!!!
So for 6.33km I managed 44mins. It's that double edged sword right now. I looked at my Garmin and my heart sank I'm used to 34 mins on a hilly course. I should have been able to do this under 30 mins.
But then I realize that I have to take my time, slow down, listen to the Doc & let the healing progress.
So I got home, took the dogs for a very long walk, enjoyed the morning even more. Then I sat and ICED my calf - soaked in a tub, then iced it again & rubbed in the anti-inflam cream.
I iced it again last night whilst watching the BBC World News unfold on the breaking story that Osama bin Laden had been found and killed in Pakistan. Rubbed more topical anti-inflam in and went to bed to ponder what this turn of events will bring.
Nope - the dogs were up before the crack of dawn, as is their routine. 0400am is NOT all what it's cracked up to be by any stretch of the imagination on a weekday & even less on a weekend.
*grumbles*
So I crawled back in bed and drifted in and out of sleep until about 7:45. Then it was do or die to decide on going in for a run. OH WHY NOT... I got to the store as the "morning" announcements were being sung out.
I was still uhming and ahing about distance, route and pace.
I threw up my hands and started my Garmin and headed out the door. As I passed close to Casa Cap I figured TRAIL... so I ducked down Fred Grant Square and headed behind the buildings to get to the trail. I figured why battle traffic.
I nipped onto the trail and started my mental check list. Breathing, in check. Pace - spot on. Distance - Fence & back - 6k, acceptable. I had no music in my head really, just replaying the events of the day before at the Pick Your Poison Ontario Ultra Series race at Horseshoe. I was working the timing table with Kim & Ken.
I happened to notice runners in front of me, so the old pace started to pick up & next thing I know, I'm 6:08/km. Not exactly what I wanted. Dr Macksey said WALK, JOG, RUN my way through this recovery. I figured jogging is too 80's so I'll just say "run at a slower pace". That I could do. I caught up with the LTR group & chatted with Stef & she picked up the pace very nicely for about 500 m. Good for her, she's got some gumption in her. Yahoo Stef.
I stopped to pet the cat that was flaunting itself on the trail. One must always stop to appreciate an animal asking to be noticed. Less of course it's about to eat you and then I'd say discretion is the better part of valour.
Off I went and passed a few more runners on their Sunday morning run, several walkers & our own RR walkers.
Keeping my pace to about a 6:30 was more difficult than I had anticipated.
It's not at all easy, but I could feel my calf "burning" for lack of a better word. So once I got to the turn around point I decided that I should take a walk break. Fiddled around with my jacket as it was getting warmer than I anticipated, but with the cool breeze I kept it on so I didn't get a chill.
I passed Tigera on the way back, she's out and about training for Mississauga. Drat I wish I could run that. Ahh well. Patience is what is required in mega doses right now. So I wished her much success in her full & carried on. My pace was back up to about 6:10 so I took another walk break to try to slow myself down.
Man oh man... some days it's easier to get hit by a tree branch then to stop the pace your body wants to go to.
MEH!!!!!
So for 6.33km I managed 44mins. It's that double edged sword right now. I looked at my Garmin and my heart sank I'm used to 34 mins on a hilly course. I should have been able to do this under 30 mins.
But then I realize that I have to take my time, slow down, listen to the Doc & let the healing progress.
So I got home, took the dogs for a very long walk, enjoyed the morning even more. Then I sat and ICED my calf - soaked in a tub, then iced it again & rubbed in the anti-inflam cream.
I iced it again last night whilst watching the BBC World News unfold on the breaking story that Osama bin Laden had been found and killed in Pakistan. Rubbed more topical anti-inflam in and went to bed to ponder what this turn of events will bring.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Dr Mackesy
What a day yesterday, working from home is always a treat. I still get up at 4 to let the dogs out & feed them, but damn it's a nice feeling being able to crawl back into bed til 6am.
I managed to get a lot of work done yesterday before I headed off to see the Doc & as usual he was wonderfully chatty, he reviews my file before I am called into see him. He asked about my up coming Marathon in Sept. He inquires as to my specific type of running shoe, my hurricanes. All the small things that some doctors don't look upon as important to make you feel like he was listening & cared & more importantly UNDERSTOOD what I was all about.
( Well good luck in that dept. but you know what I mean)
He listened to my explanation of the pain I was having. Asked if it happened after I went up a hill, and yes it did. He grabbed my leg and started running his fingers up and down where I had pointed out the issue. He felt a rather large divet in my leg, which I have as well, but never thought anything more of it than the area that was ripped.
Then he grabbed my other leg and started searching there. Now usually that's not a problem but I only shaved my left leg. *rolls eyes* I didn't have the inclination to shave both of them. Waattt? You can't tell me you haven't done that!! I bet you have! *grumbles*
Well luckily the didn't cut himself on my razor stubble & firmly declared PERIOSTITIS of the left tiba. Meaning the fiberous tissue between the bone and the muscle is inflammed. ( or most commonly called shin splints) but I've got them in the "proper" placement. Inside bottom of the calf rather than the frontal portion of the shin.
So I was precribed a topical cream with super duper active ingredients at 15% of whatever it is.
I can continue the cross training, keep icing it & resting & ease back into running.
WOOHOO..
So the fall marathon may still be on!!!
I sms'd Trish to tell her - her response was " Strange presentation"... however; considering the source is it really that "strange" & apparently it is not! ahahah.
Well that means I can throw myself 100% into cross training tonight. Theo says no more Princess Moments. One I have ONE moment & I'm labelled, sheesh!
I managed to get a lot of work done yesterday before I headed off to see the Doc & as usual he was wonderfully chatty, he reviews my file before I am called into see him. He asked about my up coming Marathon in Sept. He inquires as to my specific type of running shoe, my hurricanes. All the small things that some doctors don't look upon as important to make you feel like he was listening & cared & more importantly UNDERSTOOD what I was all about.
( Well good luck in that dept. but you know what I mean)
He listened to my explanation of the pain I was having. Asked if it happened after I went up a hill, and yes it did. He grabbed my leg and started running his fingers up and down where I had pointed out the issue. He felt a rather large divet in my leg, which I have as well, but never thought anything more of it than the area that was ripped.
Then he grabbed my other leg and started searching there. Now usually that's not a problem but I only shaved my left leg. *rolls eyes* I didn't have the inclination to shave both of them. Waattt? You can't tell me you haven't done that!! I bet you have! *grumbles*
Well luckily the didn't cut himself on my razor stubble & firmly declared PERIOSTITIS of the left tiba. Meaning the fiberous tissue between the bone and the muscle is inflammed. ( or most commonly called shin splints) but I've got them in the "proper" placement. Inside bottom of the calf rather than the frontal portion of the shin.
So I was precribed a topical cream with super duper active ingredients at 15% of whatever it is.
I can continue the cross training, keep icing it & resting & ease back into running.
WOOHOO..
So the fall marathon may still be on!!!
I sms'd Trish to tell her - her response was " Strange presentation"... however; considering the source is it really that "strange" & apparently it is not! ahahah.
Well that means I can throw myself 100% into cross training tonight. Theo says no more Princess Moments. One I have ONE moment & I'm labelled, sheesh!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday night - meh
Managed to leave work "sorta" on time, messaged Theo and we were on for our cycle & a small swim. Woot woot. My leg has been healing up quite nicely after letting it rest up last week. So I was happy to actually go to the gym, even if it was with Theo. AHAHAHA.
As I parked up my vehicle I realized I had forgotten my swim suit so back home I went. ACK!! I mean really, who packs up their gym bag and forgets their essentials? Me obviously. But it's a good thing I did, I was about to message Theo to say I could be late when I noticed my calendar light up. I checked it and BAM... my appt. with Dr Mackey said Wednesday NOT Thursday as I had originally thought. Geez louise!!
Back at the gym Theo and I pratted around to get our bikes "just right" and off we went for an easy ride. ahahah. whatever.
I already had the tension on about a 5 I would think. THen Theo introduced cadence ... ohhhh man!!!!!! The sweat was pouring off me, salt was stinging my eyes. Dammit man!!! I'm a human being NOT a machine. ggrrr.. did it. Even turned the tension up when told to.
So half an hour of that and then off to do core and stretching. Why does it always seem that the last 20 minutes goes the fastest? Got some good core in, probably should go a bit faster, but I think it's about targeting the muscle group properly and not speed. Quality over quantity. pppffffffftttttt...
The pool was annoyingly busy. half the pool was closed for private lessons. Seriously? EBCC ... What are you doing? It was heaving for fitness swim last night. and only 4 lanes? Are they on crack? Theo and I were completely unable to do any drills because the two lanes for SLOW had some seriously SLOW people in it. Walking in the water. The one lane of Medium where we ended up was right beside the FAST lane and getting jostled and bumped... my patience level was tettering at the empty mark.
So rather than 1000 meters of drills we ended up doing 500 meters. I pulled the princess card and out of the pool we got. Headed over to the pee pool and sat for half and hour and chatted. It's probably exactly what I needed as I'm finding it more and more difficult to leave me work at the office.
Theo's got a good head on his shoulders when it comes to the que sera sera of employment. I gotsta get me some of that.
As I parked up my vehicle I realized I had forgotten my swim suit so back home I went. ACK!! I mean really, who packs up their gym bag and forgets their essentials? Me obviously. But it's a good thing I did, I was about to message Theo to say I could be late when I noticed my calendar light up. I checked it and BAM... my appt. with Dr Mackey said Wednesday NOT Thursday as I had originally thought. Geez louise!!
Back at the gym Theo and I pratted around to get our bikes "just right" and off we went for an easy ride. ahahah. whatever.
I already had the tension on about a 5 I would think. THen Theo introduced cadence ... ohhhh man!!!!!! The sweat was pouring off me, salt was stinging my eyes. Dammit man!!! I'm a human being NOT a machine. ggrrr.. did it. Even turned the tension up when told to.
So half an hour of that and then off to do core and stretching. Why does it always seem that the last 20 minutes goes the fastest? Got some good core in, probably should go a bit faster, but I think it's about targeting the muscle group properly and not speed. Quality over quantity. pppffffffftttttt...
The pool was annoyingly busy. half the pool was closed for private lessons. Seriously? EBCC ... What are you doing? It was heaving for fitness swim last night. and only 4 lanes? Are they on crack? Theo and I were completely unable to do any drills because the two lanes for SLOW had some seriously SLOW people in it. Walking in the water. The one lane of Medium where we ended up was right beside the FAST lane and getting jostled and bumped... my patience level was tettering at the empty mark.
So rather than 1000 meters of drills we ended up doing 500 meters. I pulled the princess card and out of the pool we got. Headed over to the pee pool and sat for half and hour and chatted. It's probably exactly what I needed as I'm finding it more and more difficult to leave me work at the office.
Theo's got a good head on his shoulders when it comes to the que sera sera of employment. I gotsta get me some of that.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
On the Road again
I managed to get out and do a nice 6-ish K run this morning with Trish. I could feel the epicentre of pain start, but it didn't radiate out or increase what so ever. I was conscience to make sure I work my tightest pair of compression socks & keep the running to a manageable pace and took walk breaks when Trish did. We detoured off Blake street onto the trail right at Johnson so that we didn't have to climb the hill there, which was tickety boo a-okay with me. And then at the end of the trail we ran back onto Blake & back to the store.
It was a grand & glorious day for a run, that's for sure & it was a wonderful day for my last run on Sundays for a while.
I've been networking to find a p/t job just to help cover some costs, it's not easy on one income to keep a household running. So with any luck I'll be hard at it next weekend & that'll mean running will have to take a back seat for now. Or more than likely on days other than my usual Wed & Sun runs.
You can't do everything & right now I've weighed my options and decided that running, as much as I love it, will have to be secondary for a while. I mean that's not to say I can't get out on other days for now. I am running pretty much on my own anyway, so starting from my place to where ever shouldn't matter.
Theo & I will be moving out of the gym onto the road for speed work in the next few weeks, if my leg holds out. We'll see what Dr M says this week.
Plus I have another job with a friend in the works, so much of my "free" time will be used up working.
It was really hard to say anything to anyone about it. And here I am posting it on the 'net. But having only two followers, I think it's okay. *waves to the girls*
This just means I have to better manage the time that I have and make the most of my running. I think Golf will be exnayed for the Ladies League. I'll have to go to the driving range and whack there. And go evenings midweek to get a few rounds in as I don't want to give that up either.
Man it's going to take some getting use to this. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Ahhh well.
It was a grand & glorious day for a run, that's for sure & it was a wonderful day for my last run on Sundays for a while.
I've been networking to find a p/t job just to help cover some costs, it's not easy on one income to keep a household running. So with any luck I'll be hard at it next weekend & that'll mean running will have to take a back seat for now. Or more than likely on days other than my usual Wed & Sun runs.
You can't do everything & right now I've weighed my options and decided that running, as much as I love it, will have to be secondary for a while. I mean that's not to say I can't get out on other days for now. I am running pretty much on my own anyway, so starting from my place to where ever shouldn't matter.
Theo & I will be moving out of the gym onto the road for speed work in the next few weeks, if my leg holds out. We'll see what Dr M says this week.
Plus I have another job with a friend in the works, so much of my "free" time will be used up working.
It was really hard to say anything to anyone about it. And here I am posting it on the 'net. But having only two followers, I think it's okay. *waves to the girls*
This just means I have to better manage the time that I have and make the most of my running. I think Golf will be exnayed for the Ladies League. I'll have to go to the driving range and whack there. And go evenings midweek to get a few rounds in as I don't want to give that up either.
Man it's going to take some getting use to this. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Ahhh well.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Batten down the hatches - we're in for a stormy ride
I did it ... I really really did it. Wednesday night's run was the straw that broke the camels back. GOD I'M AN EEDJIT... ggrr...
I have been experiencing more than acceptable levels of pain in my calf near where I had originally put the tear in my fascia, and it wasn't the muscular pain that I'm used to. A few minutes of downward dog and I'm usually tickety boo.
This was a little more cause for worry.
So as I was leaving the Running Room I kept thinking, by the time I get home, it'll be okay. It'll be all right. << to be said in a thick Aussie accent>>
Well it wasnt.
I could see a bit of bruising. DRAT !!!!!!!
So Thursday I cried off spinning & swimming. I rested and iced my leg. I know ... miracle of miracles.
Sunday it wasn't much better, but that could because I was poking at it all the time rubbing and pinching the area. Whoopsie.
So I called my good pal Trish Brunelle to have a looksie at it to make sure I hadn't put another tear in the fascia.
She couldn't feel any tear, oh thank you God!! Thank YOU!!
But there was some swelling - perhaps compartment syndrom ( Basically the muscle is swollen with in the fascia & since fascia does't expand.. the swelling cuts off circulation within the muscles blah blah blah)
Now Google is a dangerous tool in the hands of the wrong person, I'll grant you that. So far I haven't self diagnosised the bubonic plague but I'm sure over time, I'll figure out how to work that into my health issues. :)
I don't have "pins & needles" tingling in the muscle, I have pain and it's not localized, it'll jump around. At first I thought I was friggin crazy. I mean it hurt that this morning, why has the pain jumped about 4 inches. ACK!!! But that's part of the symptoms. I don't have the tight shiny skin to indicate heavy swelling. So... perhaps I'm lucky?
At any rate - I was sent off with some protocols to do to strengthen the opposing muscles that the Alfredson does. Which is simply walking on my heels. I did that from my desk to the kitchen at work and HOLY CRAP... burn my shins or WHAT!
Some massage techniques and how to manipulate the fascia.
I had my leg up, ice on it and I've had two super duper strength Motrins. They are amazing pain killers. Wowsie wowsers.
So I think I may take the week off of running/spinning/swimming/trails completely. I know I was told I could swim/cycle but I figure a week off - can't hurt.
I KNOW... this is me talking here!! I have finally learned something? Have I finally decided to listen to my body & let pain be my guide. OH THANK THE UNIVERSE I'M SITTING DOWN FOR THIS!!
Who knew this day would ever come.
I bet my father didn't! LOL.
More as the week progresses.
I have been experiencing more than acceptable levels of pain in my calf near where I had originally put the tear in my fascia, and it wasn't the muscular pain that I'm used to. A few minutes of downward dog and I'm usually tickety boo.
This was a little more cause for worry.
So as I was leaving the Running Room I kept thinking, by the time I get home, it'll be okay. It'll be all right. << to be said in a thick Aussie accent>>
Well it wasnt.
I could see a bit of bruising. DRAT !!!!!!!
So Thursday I cried off spinning & swimming. I rested and iced my leg. I know ... miracle of miracles.
Sunday it wasn't much better, but that could because I was poking at it all the time rubbing and pinching the area. Whoopsie.
So I called my good pal Trish Brunelle to have a looksie at it to make sure I hadn't put another tear in the fascia.
She couldn't feel any tear, oh thank you God!! Thank YOU!!
But there was some swelling - perhaps compartment syndrom ( Basically the muscle is swollen with in the fascia & since fascia does't expand.. the swelling cuts off circulation within the muscles blah blah blah)
Now Google is a dangerous tool in the hands of the wrong person, I'll grant you that. So far I haven't self diagnosised the bubonic plague but I'm sure over time, I'll figure out how to work that into my health issues. :)
I don't have "pins & needles" tingling in the muscle, I have pain and it's not localized, it'll jump around. At first I thought I was friggin crazy. I mean it hurt that this morning, why has the pain jumped about 4 inches. ACK!!! But that's part of the symptoms. I don't have the tight shiny skin to indicate heavy swelling. So... perhaps I'm lucky?
At any rate - I was sent off with some protocols to do to strengthen the opposing muscles that the Alfredson does. Which is simply walking on my heels. I did that from my desk to the kitchen at work and HOLY CRAP... burn my shins or WHAT!
Some massage techniques and how to manipulate the fascia.
I had my leg up, ice on it and I've had two super duper strength Motrins. They are amazing pain killers. Wowsie wowsers.
So I think I may take the week off of running/spinning/swimming/trails completely. I know I was told I could swim/cycle but I figure a week off - can't hurt.
I KNOW... this is me talking here!! I have finally learned something? Have I finally decided to listen to my body & let pain be my guide. OH THANK THE UNIVERSE I'M SITTING DOWN FOR THIS!!
Who knew this day would ever come.
I bet my father didn't! LOL.
More as the week progresses.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Easy on the port bow.
Ahhh a rest night, I didn’t go swimming/cycling since Theo is still away & my calf muscle feels sore. Not the soleus but where I ripped the fascia last year. There was a small hematoma and some swelling. So last night I spent the night working in Chelsea’s room putting up pictures and her shelf; plus getting rid of the painting gear & double checking the wallpapering job.
The wall paper is still up. PHEW. I think the last time I did wallpapering was when Tony & I had our flat in Gillingham, Kent. Even then I think his parents were the driving force behind the success of it. However; Chels & I are happy with it. Now I realize I should have found the pattern & matched it up that way, but the double roll barely would have covered one full wall & at $50 a double roll- I wasn’t going to waste one centimeter of it.
After that I finally got to sit down and put my leg up with my ice bag, I also popped a motrin earlier in the day so it was feeling pretty good about an hour later.
I had a hot water bottle I was going to put under my leg, but I figured with swelling that wouldn’t be a good idea.
Now today is our typical Friday where Chels & I go out together and do some Mum / Daughter bonding: and then heading out to see her new English Bulldog puppy. Not sure how the heck I got talked into that, I really don’t. They were born about 2 weeks ago a litter of 5 females & unfortunately one passed away. Poor little dear, I think it was the one that I was holding, but then again I’ve always been very sensitive to beings that are dying. There is a disturbance in the energy around them. Apparently my dad had it too. We bonded over that while he was in the hospital dying of cancer. I think that’s what they call irony.
So tonight will be no workout, maybe yoga – depends on how I’m feeling.
Probably be feeling like having a fruit and nut choccie – but that’s a no-no. So I’ll have to be content with a nice warm cuppa something.
Saturday – Lots to do around the house. Sunday all being good I’ll try to hit 21 on the highway run. For whatever reason my mind can accept running there for that distance, I don’t want to exceed 21 in case of injury & I should really think of something that I can cut short, but I don’t do well with being told what to do, even by myself. I’ll have to negotiate with myself … LOL.
More as it happens.
The wall paper is still up. PHEW. I think the last time I did wallpapering was when Tony & I had our flat in Gillingham, Kent. Even then I think his parents were the driving force behind the success of it. However; Chels & I are happy with it. Now I realize I should have found the pattern & matched it up that way, but the double roll barely would have covered one full wall & at $50 a double roll- I wasn’t going to waste one centimeter of it.
After that I finally got to sit down and put my leg up with my ice bag, I also popped a motrin earlier in the day so it was feeling pretty good about an hour later.
I had a hot water bottle I was going to put under my leg, but I figured with swelling that wouldn’t be a good idea.
Now today is our typical Friday where Chels & I go out together and do some Mum / Daughter bonding: and then heading out to see her new English Bulldog puppy. Not sure how the heck I got talked into that, I really don’t. They were born about 2 weeks ago a litter of 5 females & unfortunately one passed away. Poor little dear, I think it was the one that I was holding, but then again I’ve always been very sensitive to beings that are dying. There is a disturbance in the energy around them. Apparently my dad had it too. We bonded over that while he was in the hospital dying of cancer. I think that’s what they call irony.
So tonight will be no workout, maybe yoga – depends on how I’m feeling.
Probably be feeling like having a fruit and nut choccie – but that’s a no-no. So I’ll have to be content with a nice warm cuppa something.
Saturday – Lots to do around the house. Sunday all being good I’ll try to hit 21 on the highway run. For whatever reason my mind can accept running there for that distance, I don’t want to exceed 21 in case of injury & I should really think of something that I can cut short, but I don’t do well with being told what to do, even by myself. I’ll have to negotiate with myself … LOL.
More as it happens.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Running the "right way" on my Wednesday night route
As I arrived back from work I was sms'ing with Trish over some 'stuff' and she indicated that she would be running tonight, one Crestwood & back. Ack my Waterloo!! But being the trooper I am, I said sure, sign me up. Then as we were chatting Dave indicated he was joining our 6k adventure, but was nursing an injury, my whatever it's called was showing signs of a hematoma & some swelling, and it was decided to do the Church run. Less hills. AHAHAH.. Our twosome had become a threesome ( *snickers*) and then blossomed into a six-some. whaha. And off I went UP Owen Street - I turned around to make sure I had my pack and NADA... dammit.... they were doing it the right way. So I turned around and dashed off after them. I actually had a really good steady plod UP Blake Street << insert curse word>> was it ever a different run. But I concentrated on keeping the shoulders from bouncing, leaned forward a tad, had my arms in the right position ( most of the time) and just kept going. I didn't hear Trish yell for a walk break when we got to Coderington/Puget/Blake... So I kept running - the realized I was alone. Again. My calf did ache a lot & I tried to keep the pace steady and not too fast. I thought running it backwards was all uphill the first half, but so is this way. I'm not sure how that's possible. LOL. Welcome to Barrie. The second half is when I start to get into the move & groove. My mojo is doing it's thing and the running feels like there is nothing else around you. Nothing else happening in your life. Shoulders were relaxed as best as possible. As little movement in my shoulders as possible. Trish & Fiona caught up to Dave & I at the bottom of Theresa. As much as I don't run up that hill at vast knotts of speed, but I don't run down hill with a lot of agression. We did 5.74 km in 37 min. prolly the walk breaks. LOL. Bless Trish I love that gal. I wish I could have run with her tonight, but the ills of the day needed to be cleansed from within. I just learned we won a big contract for the product I am the Ops PM for. It's about 65,000 insurance agents. My heart hasn't stopped pounding. I know my team & we'll cope. One at a time. Got home and finshed wallpapering Chelsea closet so now it's a two toned animal print wall papered closet. *shrugs* It's not my room... Til tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A sure sign of spring
What glorious night for a run, just a touch of cool wind in the air some fab running friends gathering at the Forest and their canine companions & the desire to get out on the trails. I packed up Chelsea, Mika and Kees into the Tribute and headed out. CHelsea was going to walk with Steph ( T & S's Aussie Sheila) and Kees and I was going to do a nice little run with Mika and whomever. My partner in many crimes arrived in her sporty red go fast but looks good when Joannie drives it car. TfB, Sandra, Patti,Bill, Cathy, Rickmac, Wayne, Cindy & Greg. Plus Lucky, Gallie, Lilly, Mika and Kees. Off we went. Cindy and I stuck together as I'm not really certain about my trail legs as of yet & didn't want to rip, tear or fracture anything yet. ( well not at all really, but especially not the first run of the season). We were very inconsistent with our running/walking but that's okay. It was just about being out there really. Gosh how I've missed trails. Last year I had to walk the whole season, Mika would take off with the runners, Kees being a good boy would stick with me & I'd walk the main trail. Generally due to the fact I have the directional sense of a lemming. So we chatted, walked, ran, ran, walked, chatted. Caught up on things, discussed the year of racing - which for me will be a very very select few. Perhaps a marathon in the states and a few trail runs here in the Keeping it Beautiful Province of Ontario. I'm just excited to be out and about really. I will never ever do that again. I will never ignore an injury ever again. We got to 7.01k in 1:06 which is fine. I had some pain in my calf near where the fascia tear was, but nothing horrible. As a matter of fact it seemed to get much better as we approached the 5K mark, which is normally when I start coming alive on a run. I really enjoyed that run! I love my time with Cindy & I hold her very dear to my heart. Plus it was such a lovely evening. Now next week I probably won't be out as Theo should be back from the Netherlands by that point in time and I think he said we'll be in the gym until his work starts, which is the May 2-4 weekend. After that I think we'll be outside running speed drills etc. *throws up a bit* I can't imagine what speed workouts with Theo will be like. Actually I can and it's scaring the shit out of me. LOL. But as I've found out over the last few years of my life, what doesn't kill you only serves to make you stronger. I thank the universe everyday for all the great things I've been given & I do not take one day for granted. And I'm really hoping to get to the trails because the Icecream Hut is open now... that means I can get some frozen yogurt. Sandra brought cheese and yummy flax seed crackers. I'm lactose intolerant. The cheese was very good. The side effects, not so charming. It's FOOD ... I love food some days. So make hay while the sun shines. Some days I don't feel like eating at all, so might as well enjoy it when I do. Have a happy evening and a great tomorrow.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Not a jot tonight
Well tonight is a write off. I have no intentions of doing my yoga right now. None. I'm having my heart palpitations which is a side affect of my thryoid meds doseage being a wee bit too high. And when I say wee... it's probably unacceptablely high. And I know this as I've been given the finger wag by my GP & my endo. However; it's drop the doseage and feel like a dishrag dropped in a mud puddle or be the active person I was with a few inconveniences. ( high heart rate & palpitations) So I try to regulate my intake by not taking my doseage on the weekends. Then my pills ran out about 10 days ago and well ya know, I have this brain fog ... yeah. I just picked them up on Friday so I'm trying to get myself back on track and then back on the other track. Sheesh. Why do I do this to myself? WHy?? CUS I CAN!!! I'm an idiot. I know. I guess it's avoidance of what's in front of me and trying to forget what was behind me. I just want to be like I was.... but then I guess I've learned no lessons. Crap. Oh well. In a couple of weeks it'll be right as rain again. *she says with hope* ahhahaha
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Not AGAIN!!! AAAGGGHHHH
I got up at 5am to let the dogs out and feed them, as is customary in our household. There is no such thing as a sleep in for me, however; I'm not grumbling. I went back to bed confident that my alarm would wake me up in roughly 90 mins time. But during that 90 minutes I had the weirdest dream - it involved Jenn R, Trish & a mariade of my running room pals & their canines. Jenn had a new dog and we were running along by Johnson's Beach. After much debate we said screw the run and jumped in the water, frolicking around madly with her pup. ( apparently the other dogs just disappeared). Then in the distance there was thunder and lightening. Trish was being the voice of reason and I did a Baywatch dive into the water to save.... BEEP BEEP BEEP... ech. So brekkie was eaten quickly as I was behind. I got my gear on, found my water bottle filled it up. Took Chelsea to work and headed to the RR. Parked up. Walked in. AND NO WATER BOTTLE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!! This has got to end, this missing water bottle crisis. Message for sure! I had planned 21.1 k doing the "highway run" - but last week was 9.4k and the week before was only 12 k. So a jump to 21 isn't wise, my calf ached and almost felt like the ripped fascia was back. So I scaled back the distance to 15 or so. I'd make the determination as I was running. I headed out towards the water & and near Vancouver I was over taken by the "elites" - yeah no one REALLY likes a show off, let alone a whole group of them. At any rate up Vancouver I ran they all took the flat fun "trail" meh. I almost caught up with them by the 1st concession and when I say almost I'm talking probably 400 meters or more in front of me. ahahah. I headed down the first concession and got my first walk break at the 5k mark. I decided that I would do that every 5 k - quick break - water and Halls. I started back up just passed the under pass for Thunder Bridge, when I started thinking "holy crap - the highway run really isn't that flat on the first concession, it's actually really hilly" and with that I shut down. I literally stopped running. My mental sound track ended and I just started to walk. Well, I said to myself, this will never do. You finish what you started. What would your virtual running partner say?" So I turned back on the mental sound track full blast. Delirious - by Prince and I started again. Damn it really is up hill, so I adjusted my pace and continued on. I could see the traffic on the 5/6th and said See not that far away. You can do it. Then I noticed what looked to be a blob running up the 1st con. towards the highway. Ahhh the elites. *grumble* So I decided 15 k would be awesome. I crossed over the 5/6th ran to the first house and it was exactly 7.52 k. ran back over and looked at the up hill I had to run. But you know it didn't look so bad when I figured that the hill I ran up last week at the 3k mark at the Spring Run off wasn't far off of it. Up I trotted. Determined to keep going until 10k. My Halls was getting smaller and smaller. It was going to have to be replaced. So close to Thunder Bridge I got my next walk break. My leg really was aching - but not bad enough to warrant any stoppages outside my walk break. I turned on to Ridge/Shanty Bay Road and headed back to Barrie with a new Halls in my mouth and Delirious playing over and over and over and over in my head. You'd think it would get annoying but, oddly enough, it doesn't. As I headed towards the hill on Shanty Bay rd I thought " hey why not take the trail?" so I answered " hey why not take the trail? I haven't run on it for a while, so... I was up and down on my pace - one time 5:40, then 6:50 then 6:01. I seemed to even off and hover around the 5:50 - 6:02 pace. When I turned on to the trail my Garmin read 11.94 k & I know the trail one way is 3k. So making my distance wouldn't be an issue. Phew. It had been raining lightly from about Shanty Bay onwards, but by the time I got the the end of the trail it was coming down steadily. My calf was achy - but very bearible. I managed the 15.02 k in 1:35:xx. My best pace 5:02 and my ave pace was 6:22. Not bad I'd say for a route that has a good number of hills Vancouver to midway up the 1st Conc. Tomorrow - Yoga. tonight - hot bath then an ice pack and hot pack on my leg. :) G'night all. Pleasant dreams.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Nancy Drew solves the mystery.
I was getting ready for my Thursday night routine of cycling & swimming, I gathered up my gear
- shoes (newly washed... had too old shoes, bad smell
- towels
- bathing suit
- clothes to change into
- elastic hair band
Then I ducked into the powder room on the main floor to uhmmm well... you know... tinkle & there it was, my Nathan water bottle. Obviously I forgot it in the bathroom on Sunday when I well... you know... had to tinkle.
Phew...
I got to the gym and climbed on the bike I figured I'd take it easy on myself seeing as Theo wasn't here; that didn't happen. It started out as a cadence work out then i added hills in to it. I think the last 10 minutes I had turned the tension up to an 8 then the last 5 up to a 10. I had sweat dripping off me there was a puddle on the floor. Lots of truck stop language was coming out of my mouth. Well more muttered when the boot camp instructor (the gym runs a boot camp Thursday nights) changed the music from a chippy Euro techno mix to ohh what's his name Ka'an? The waving flag guy. Geezzz I can NOT stand that song. Really and truly. Yeah for him he got out - he struggled for survival... but uhmm it just does nothing for me except get my gander up.
Then off to do core and stretching. I tried using the "ball" holy crap. I have to work on that - I wasn't that successful. Maybe the ball was too big for what I wanted to do?! No clue. But yeah, awkward. It was about 8:10 when I finished doing my stretches and had to race down I was meeting Kevin at 8:15 for swimming.
I didn't go with a game plan, I just went to do some swimming and maybe do some drills and technique. I didn't have the desire to do hardcore swimming, luckily for me cause my lane partner ain't the quickest of swimmers. Oh well. It gave me the opportunity to do the pencil drill where by i try to keep my body pencil straight and half way out of the water. I find I drag too much. I'm not sure how to fix that, but I'll do some research on it. Coach Rob says to do that drill, so ...
Did a lot of arms only laps because if I didn't I would have lapped Kevin and that's not really what I wanted to do. It's a bit disheartening especially when he's trying so hard. The man is a freak on the asphalt and a stone in the water. Poor little dude.
Tomorrow night - try to get some dancing in to keep the other parts of me fit & grooving. They say that a majority of knee & leg injuries come from having weak hips. So a few hours on the dance floor should help keep them strong. LMAO... Woot woot.
Til the next time.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Case of the Missing Nathan Water Bottle
I can NOT find my Water Bottle anywhere. EEK.. I had it Sunday morning when I cleaned it out from Saturday's race & I swore I put it on the counter, but this "fog" that I live in, gosh it could be anywhere. I may have even dropped it out of my bag on the way to the running room, or even in the RR. Who knows. I'll put my best Nancy Drew frock on and figure this mystery out. The weather was smiling upon us runners this evening, why some were even in shorts. I'm waiting for Roger to put his singlet on next week. LOL. I got to the RR - had a look around to see if there were any possible running partners & nairy a one to be found, so I took off on my own. A little nudge from Rickymac to get my butt in gear and off I went. I did my route- I managed to get 7/8 up Theresa. Had a bit of a walk break and then off I went again. I forgot my Garmin so I have no idea what I was doing pace wise but by my breathing I was 5:50 ish. I decided since I couldn't time my run then I would try for endurance - I didn't take a walk break ( after Theresa) until about the Nelson Stairs which is erhmm 4 - 4.5 k. And it was a walk break that would be worthy of Theo, throw a bit of water down my gullet and off again. My calf was letting me know that the hill was an effort, but the soleus maintained and it's just that stupid calf muscle pull. I did a few minutes of downward dog at the RR - and it's pretty much gone & I think with some more Yoga / downward dog etc tomorrow after cycling I'll be feeling much better. Came home and had a small bite to eat. I started some basmati rice with curry, corriander and cumin spices in it. Chelsea did some broccoli & asparagus and I stir fried some curried tofu. So I have had my protein, carbs and veggies. Not enjoying the food, but you gotta eat apparently. Ohhh and I ran into Leanne & Brenda after, they do the same route as I do Wednesdays & asked if I could join them. I have no illusion that I'll be keeping up with them, but I do need to start running with faster runners. I told them that I had no expectations that they wait for me, but I need the motivation. They said it was okay. I'm very happy. And soon trails will be ready for running. I can't wait.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
As the old saying goes....
While the cat's away the mouse will play, in this case, just sit and decompress. Theo is out and about for a marathon & isn't here today, so I'm taking the opportunity to just sit down and breath out the day I've had. My plan was to run instead of cycle & swim, but Chelsea is out with a friend tonight and I just need the quiet. I took the dogs for a walk with a running buddy, Wayne and his pooch Angel, it was a good walk. Kees was acting up a bit, but after a Cesar inspired compliance / submission position he got his good sense back. So I managed a bit of dinner, sat and watched Murder, She Wrote and now just some shhhhhh time. aahhh. I'll be on form for tomorrow & back in the saddle ( literally) on Thursday. I'll try my run again but not sure frontwards or backwards. Maybe I'll do the bus run ... Ahhh that's the grand thing about not having a clinic you can do your own thing, but yet at the same time it doesn't provide me with the structure I like. Perhaps I'll just surprise myself & start a few hills and try to strengthen my legs. However; I would greatly appreciate less northerly winds.
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Morning after.
Sunday morning runs are groovy. Sunday morning runs are groovy. I like having my oatmeal in bed at 6am. I do I really really do. *sighs* I was still stinging from the disappointing showing I had at the Spring Run off. Even with the stats to prove I did okay. In my head, I didn't get my goal & I'm very good at post mortums. I know where I lost my time - why I lost my time - when I lost it... blah blah blah. Effin 7 k hill. Effing 3k hill. Effing breathing. And the gel I stuck down my sports bra - CHAFF.. actually I think it's past being chaffing it's gone right into layers of skin missing. Sting city. YOWSA. At any rate I was the first one into the RR other than Char, who was opening the store, and plunked my stuff down only to realize my Garmin was still in it's charger & my water bottle was on my counter top. SHIT SHIT SHIT... awesome. So I improvised with a Dansai water bottle I had. ppfft.. Then I checked my phone as I do pre run to see if there were any messages, Chelsea was working and just got home, so she may have had some pearl of wisdome, luckily not. Though Trish did SMS me to say she was heading down for a "run of sorts" so I figured ahhh I'll run with Trish, we haven't see each other for a while, we can chat & run & catch up. Unfortunately she's been doing mostly Crossfit Potential and not as much running so there would be no 21 k on the agenda. Sad but true. It was good to chat - I haven't had a Sunday run in a while where I could actually talk and run at the same time. WOOTWOOT.. And I must say it probably was a good thing too do the 9.4 k as well. I can feel my ITB tightening up. My goodness my left side of my body is just one big injury. Good gawd. Well I'm just going to have to get The Stick out and do some damage to that ITB. Thursday when I go swimming / cycling I'll use their foam roller. I'm going to run on Tuesday night rather than swim just to mix it up a bit. I'll see if Shannon can come out and play and see if I can keep up to her. Til the next post. Keep at 'er.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Harry's Spring Run Off - 8K High Park
Oh lord have mercy. I was awake before the birds were this morning. I had all my running gear laid out last night. Weather said 4 degrees. So long sleeve tech and a vest, capris, compression sleeves & of course my Saucony's. Made some porridge to eat along the way, filled up my water bottle half way & I was debating about using it in the run, but figured I better just in case I decide to take a swig on a walk when there were no aid stations. There was one at the 4K mark and 6K mark. The first hill is around 3K so.. this time I'll take my waist belt. however; I didn't shut the spout well enough and it soaked my back seat. Awesome... I arrived at High Park with plenty of time to spare for my 9am meeting ( which apparently means 9:30 to newbies) ggrrr. I had a chat with my sis, bro in law & neice for half an hour and headed over to the park. I was suppose to meet a few fellows from work that were running it, I said 9am. They interpreted that to mean 9:30 ... I advised them I was going to be waiting til 9:30 then doing a warm up run and getting ready to be in my corral (red... I know I over estimated... eheheheh) I lined up for the loo as well. I'm not changing my race day plans for folks, I'm sorry, I'm just not going to do it. So off we went - I checked my Garmin 4:15 pace. HOLY SHIT BOPPERS... take that sucker down a notch please and thank you. That's pretty much the only real down hill of the race of any distance. I did my first kilometer in 5:03 ... YIKES Theo is going to kill me. He said 5:30 ... but I knew the hills were going to be tougher possibly more mental than anything but there you go. I round the sharp right at the 2 k mark and was still hitting 5:13 pace, but was going with it. I had my halls in my mouth and was letting my legs go. The only thing I noticed was I didn't have my sound track in my head. I had too much negativity floating around in there. Lots of self talk & doubts. Not good. The 3k hill loomed before me & I took it on. I ran about half way up it and decided walking was okay. It's a frigging long ass hill. I took another quick walk break and by the 4 k mark I was at 21:xx minutes. So well on my way to making my time. the 4 to 5 k distance was probably the only flat part in the race and I tried to keep it at a 5:30 pace as much as possible. 5-6 k ggrrr... you could feel the incline, my leg was aching a tad, nothing horrific, but it was my lungs that were having difficulty keeping up to my legs. I had popped another halls before the other one ran out just to be safe. The 6k run was very rolling - why do I always forget that it's rolling with an emphasis on up hill ? WHy? I don't know. At the 6K mark just coming out beside Parkside rd. ( and the water station) I was at 33 minutes dead on. so that means 11:xx something for the 4th and 5th kilometer. Not bad I think. 6k-7k is a steady run - you again can feel the incline starting. I had a quick little walk break just to let my lungs catch up to me. Then 7k.... ohhhh yeah ... 600 more meters till that effin hill ... and again the incline ... I pushed and pushed at the 400 meters left mark came the hill... I got about 200 m up and I had to walk my lungs were screaming. I walked about 100 meters and then started again, I knew my 44 min goal was toast. At this point I was just hoping to finish before last year's time. As I pushed on through I could hear my sister yelling for me... that was so nice, I really needed that. I finished in 46:23 (chip - 46:36 gun) so it was a PB by 23 seconds. I'll take it that's for sure, but honestly I am disappointed. I could have made it if I had run up more of both hills. Maybe. Or maybe I'd have burned out. The one thing that I do know is that I need to work on the breathing. This activity induced asthma is a pain the behind. I took my puffer and I had my halls, but now I have to get my lungs to the point where the understand that I need more air to be allowed through. I'm not sure how to do that - perhaps more hills with speed? More spinning with "hills" in it? I don't know. I'll have to figure that out. That's what smarter runners than me are for. :) Well I'll be running tomorrow .... We'll see what the Half clinic is doing, but I actually feel like doing the highway run. all 21.1 k of it. Am I crazy? Goofy? Delirious? perhaps. We'll see that the old body decides to let me do in the morning.
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