.... and so like I said yesterday: Rinse and repeat...
Again with the turkey, this bird with my side of the family. My family is wont to overdo any food occasion, even just regular Sunday dinner. Subconsciously that's probably why I had one plate yesterday because I was going to more than make up for it today. My dad served up a turkey, prime rib, with fixings that included roasted root vegetables, white and green asparagus, mashed potatoes, broccoli, a green salad, potato salad with dill and stuffing. My brother-in-law brought his homemade rolls and corn pudding. My cousin and I each bought pie, a pumpkin and a cherry (neither of us were free this holiday weekend to get homemade desserts made. We'll make up for it at Christmas I'm sure.) Everyone went home with leftovers.
I was able to get in a short run before it got too dark but even though I had let a couple of hours pass after eating, I still felt pretty full barreling up and down hills. I worked a little harder today too, ending the 2-mile route with a hard uphill 1/2-mile nonstop. The ZooRun 10K is this Saturday!
Monday, October 13
Sunday, October 12
Turkey trot
CMan and I went to the first of two turkey lunches of this Thanksgiving Day weekend today. I surprisingly restrained myself to one plate of food -- usually I can be and am more gluttonous -- than to stop just after few pieces of turkey, cranberry/apricot/sage stuffing, roast potatoes, squash and carrots. And one small piece of four-fruit pie. I did accept a piece of apple crumble too but I had a bite and a half of it and decided I didn't like it enough to be polite and eat the whole thing.
And then we drove home and I went for an easy 4K run.
Rinse and repeat tomorrow.
And then we drove home and I went for an easy 4K run.
Rinse and repeat tomorrow.
Friday, October 10
TGIfF
I am so glad this work week is over. I'm in transition from one job to another (within the same company) and the change has been less than smooth. It's been a steep learning curve in a very short span, and by no means am I even close to the end of it, and it has left me near-frustration at time, but definitely completely exhausted already. I have gone to bed earlier than usual all week, even after having 2-3 hour naps after work.
Which is to say I haven't had the desire to run. Yesterday, during the drive home, I told CMan that I was going to go for a run as soon as we got home because I didn't want to squander the good fortune of a perfect autumn afternoon. We made a stop at the butcher and the neighborhood farmer's market was still on so we got our dinner ingredients before getting home. I got my running gear together and for some reason, decided to lie down for 10 minutes. Mistake! It turned into two hours and I only woke up because CMan, who had been watching TV when I had supposedly said I was on my way out for a jog, was starting to wonder why I was out running for so long and found me passed out in bed.
Well, I had good intentions but seriously, this week has kicked my ass. I hope it's better next week.
I had better luck today. I couldn't waste a second perfect autumn day (although if I were honest with myself, history would show I'm consistent with that kind of waste). I got home, did a few chores, and didn't lie down. I stepped outside a bit overdressed (a long sleeve shirt was a bit much after I got going) and completed a 4.3K loop around the neighborhood. I almost felt like I could do the whole round again but I reined that idea in real quick.
And yes, that extra "f" in the "TGIfF" title is there on purpose.
Monday, October 6
Renewed
I renewed my gym membership today. I am not entirely sure why since I don't go regularly anymore -- partially out of laziness, partially out of disinterest, partially because I don't make the time. But I also don't want to not have a gym membership. Just in case? Well, I went today after work and did 1 paltry mile on the treadmill, the first run since the race, and started work on rehabilitating my right shoulder (also something that's fallen off lately). Time to get back my good habits.
Sunday, September 28
Race report: Scotiabank half (woot, it's done)
What relief: It's done. 2:42:48 final chip time (2:50:50 gun).
This time it was never about hitting a PB because I simply hadn't put enough training into a reasonable attempt at it. The whole of September was a write-off in terms of regular training, with a lot of work projects and being away from home for two weeks. But, at least I avenged my last half-marathon time by a little bit more than an hour, but was about 27 minutes slower than my personal best on this particular course (when I was in "peak" condition on my way to the Chicago marathon) and about 20 minutes slower than last year's effort.
Pre-Race
Since I've been away for last two weeks, my house (literally and figuratively) was not in order. I didn't have milk for cereal, or any kind of bread. But oh joy, I found in my deep freezer some plain bagels. A little on the freezer-burnt side I think, but I managed to eat half a bagel with peanut butter and sipped some Gatorade. I sent Yumke a text message to wish him best of luck.
C woke up while I was puttering around the house. I figured this was a good sign because I could ask him to drive me to the race instead of me driving myself there and looking for parking. Plus I was running behind. But he got me to the race about 25 minutes before the gun went off and I was able to check my bag and get into the start corral on time. It was 16C with a little breeze -- a singlet, capris and a hat should do it.
First half
When I signed up earlier this year, I had marked myself to finish between 2:00-2:15, which was an aim to PB. That would put me in the Green Corral. By this morning, I didn't really think that was feasible but I still hadn't worked out in my head what my pace would be.
I lined up in the Green zone anyway, right beside the 2:15 10/1 pace bunny. That relationship would prove to last from the chute all the way through the first kilometer. Too fast.
I resolved to just do my own thing. And I kept my own steady plodding pace, not caring that a bunch of people were passing me. I looked for Frankie near his home, but I missed him (or he wasn't there. No matter)
At 5K, I recognized someone! My old running mate from The Office. She and her husband were doing the marathon. I followed her pace for a little while but told her she didn't have to wait for me. I lost her before we hit 8K because I was concentrating on the other side of the course. It was important for me to spot and give a shout out to Yumke. Normally I'd have seen him before a race We would pass each other just around his 16K, my 8K. He was looking good. I took my first gel, a chocolate one. I worried that I might reject the fuel (I haven't had a gel in a long time so I wasn't sure how I'd react. I was fine).
I wasn't doing so hot as I passed the 10K mark, notching a split of 1:22:04. I saw the pace bunnies for 2:30 continuous and 2:30 10/1 pass by. I thought I would follow one of them.
No. I didn't have a chance.
And that's when the next 3K were probably the worst mentally -- I was filling up with doubt and my feet were sore already.
Second half
With the pace bunnies now pretty much out of sight, I glanced at my watch. Already 1:30 had passed. I resolved to make it back in time to see Yumke cross the finish line. And that frequently came to mind as I kept plugging away, that I wanted to be there at the chute to see Yumke come through. My feet were starting to feel a little cramped, and my hips were aching. I took my second gel at 15K. Move forward, pump your arms, you're almost there, I thought to myself over and over. I walked through every aid station, taking two cups of water -- a few sips for me, the balance for cooling off. I also grabbed Gatorade.
At 18K, it was like a new race. All the doubt was going away. I could see all the downtown office towers and that meant I was near the end. At 19K, I finally ignored my aching feet and said, It's Go Time. At 20K, as I turned the corner, I could see the big clock tower that represented the end. And this is where I do that dig deep thing and find another gear. There were signs counting down the meters that were left. This is also where I usually start crying because I can't believe I've done this... again. I crossed the finish line with a fist pump and broke out into a wide smile. My second half of the race was faster than the first.
Waiting for Yumke
I hobble through part of the chute and stand wrapped in a space blanket. I know I've come in with lots of time to spare to see Yumke. I'm staring at the clock and when it hits 3:10, I start looking hard at all the marathoners walking past me. I don't see him. And I start to worry. When the clock hit 3:30, now I'm really concerned. Either Yumke has somehow snuck past my eagle eyes in the chute or something has gone horribly awry.
At the 3:40 mark, I start heading out of the chute to collect my things, convinced that I've missed Yumke. I get a bagel, two bottles of Gatorade, hand in my chip, get my gym bag. I text "Bacon?" to Yumke, trying to preserve the tradition of the post-race breakfast. No answer for some time, so I start making my way home. Yumke and I would catch up later on the phone once both of us have returned home and I get the live version of his blog post.
This time it was never about hitting a PB because I simply hadn't put enough training into a reasonable attempt at it. The whole of September was a write-off in terms of regular training, with a lot of work projects and being away from home for two weeks. But, at least I avenged my last half-marathon time by a little bit more than an hour, but was about 27 minutes slower than my personal best on this particular course (when I was in "peak" condition on my way to the Chicago marathon) and about 20 minutes slower than last year's effort.
Pre-Race
Since I've been away for last two weeks, my house (literally and figuratively) was not in order. I didn't have milk for cereal, or any kind of bread. But oh joy, I found in my deep freezer some plain bagels. A little on the freezer-burnt side I think, but I managed to eat half a bagel with peanut butter and sipped some Gatorade. I sent Yumke a text message to wish him best of luck.
C woke up while I was puttering around the house. I figured this was a good sign because I could ask him to drive me to the race instead of me driving myself there and looking for parking. Plus I was running behind. But he got me to the race about 25 minutes before the gun went off and I was able to check my bag and get into the start corral on time. It was 16C with a little breeze -- a singlet, capris and a hat should do it.
First half
When I signed up earlier this year, I had marked myself to finish between 2:00-2:15, which was an aim to PB. That would put me in the Green Corral. By this morning, I didn't really think that was feasible but I still hadn't worked out in my head what my pace would be.
I lined up in the Green zone anyway, right beside the 2:15 10/1 pace bunny. That relationship would prove to last from the chute all the way through the first kilometer. Too fast.
I resolved to just do my own thing. And I kept my own steady plodding pace, not caring that a bunch of people were passing me. I looked for Frankie near his home, but I missed him (or he wasn't there. No matter)
At 5K, I recognized someone! My old running mate from The Office. She and her husband were doing the marathon. I followed her pace for a little while but told her she didn't have to wait for me. I lost her before we hit 8K because I was concentrating on the other side of the course. It was important for me to spot and give a shout out to Yumke. Normally I'd have seen him before a race We would pass each other just around his 16K, my 8K. He was looking good. I took my first gel, a chocolate one. I worried that I might reject the fuel (I haven't had a gel in a long time so I wasn't sure how I'd react. I was fine).
I wasn't doing so hot as I passed the 10K mark, notching a split of 1:22:04. I saw the pace bunnies for 2:30 continuous and 2:30 10/1 pass by. I thought I would follow one of them.
No. I didn't have a chance.
And that's when the next 3K were probably the worst mentally -- I was filling up with doubt and my feet were sore already.
Second half
With the pace bunnies now pretty much out of sight, I glanced at my watch. Already 1:30 had passed. I resolved to make it back in time to see Yumke cross the finish line. And that frequently came to mind as I kept plugging away, that I wanted to be there at the chute to see Yumke come through. My feet were starting to feel a little cramped, and my hips were aching. I took my second gel at 15K. Move forward, pump your arms, you're almost there, I thought to myself over and over. I walked through every aid station, taking two cups of water -- a few sips for me, the balance for cooling off. I also grabbed Gatorade.
At 18K, it was like a new race. All the doubt was going away. I could see all the downtown office towers and that meant I was near the end. At 19K, I finally ignored my aching feet and said, It's Go Time. At 20K, as I turned the corner, I could see the big clock tower that represented the end. And this is where I do that dig deep thing and find another gear. There were signs counting down the meters that were left. This is also where I usually start crying because I can't believe I've done this... again. I crossed the finish line with a fist pump and broke out into a wide smile. My second half of the race was faster than the first.
Waiting for Yumke
I hobble through part of the chute and stand wrapped in a space blanket. I know I've come in with lots of time to spare to see Yumke. I'm staring at the clock and when it hits 3:10, I start looking hard at all the marathoners walking past me. I don't see him. And I start to worry. When the clock hit 3:30, now I'm really concerned. Either Yumke has somehow snuck past my eagle eyes in the chute or something has gone horribly awry.
At the 3:40 mark, I start heading out of the chute to collect my things, convinced that I've missed Yumke. I get a bagel, two bottles of Gatorade, hand in my chip, get my gym bag. I text "Bacon?" to Yumke, trying to preserve the tradition of the post-race breakfast. No answer for some time, so I start making my way home. Yumke and I would catch up later on the phone once both of us have returned home and I get the live version of his blog post.
Friday, September 26
Pre-flight taper
I'm on the next flight home, thanking my lucky stars that this flight was delayed so I managed to get on standby. Otherwise, I'd be waiting til 7pm before boarding a plane.
I haven't had much opportunity to blog about my crammed training, so I put myself on the 1-hour, $4.95 wifi plan at the Baltimore Airport to catch up on some stuff. I think I'm ready to run this. I told my classmates that I was due to do a half-marathon after the course finished, and they became my conscience. I haven't run much this week, but last week I was the most committed and focused I'd been about running in a long while. It all culminated in an 8-mile jaunt around DC with R., who planned a wonderful sightseeing route to visit Presidents Lincoln, Roosevelt and Jefferson. We didn't run the whole thing non-stop, there were many walking breaks -- but the point is that we finished it. She's got a 10-miler soon, and I've got the half and neither of us are very good on our own, but we kept each other going. After we cooled off with a frozen lemonade, we almost thought we could run the whole route again. We didn't though. Instead we went and had a lot of mojitos.
I'm ready for the half. I always was.
Monday, September 15
Cramming
I'm in the Washington DC area on training. Not the running kind either, but professional development for two weeks.
There's less than two weeks before the half marathon. I haven't run since the Olympics were on. I think I might be in trouble now -- no fitness, no idea how to right this. I had all these plans to ramp up training last month but put me down for an epic fail on execution. This shouldn't be an excuse but it has been the last couple of years -- the annual 10-day film festival in this city just got in the way and I didn't rearrange my life around running. At least I didn't eat any popcorn.
Still, I've got a few more days. If I can get myself up to a reasonable level of fitness in the next 10 days, I can still complete the half. And that's all I ever really go for. And today I ran for 30 minutes, with one 1 minute walking break. Not a bad (re)start and I can only build from here.
Sunday, August 17
Olympic inspiration
I was going to go to the high school track, not ever having done this before, but because I watched some Olympics track running today and really enjoyed the 10,000M mens race. I watched the pros finish 10K in just over 27 minutes. I probably should have tried my own 10K today and called it my weekend long run. I didn't quite get that far. I watched a whole bunch of Battlestar Galactica Season One though as I have all weekend. Then feeling a little buggy eyed, decided it was time to work off some of the couch potatoness. Instead of going to the high school, I stayed real close to home today. Looped up and down all the north/south streets between the main streets in my neighborhood. Surprisingly, that's 5K. Not surprisingly, it took me 35 minutes.
Saturday, August 16
Full moon
I went and checked out part of the 30K midsummer race that Yumke is running, but on my bike -- to crosstrain -- with my dad in tow (or maybe my dad had me in tow. Actually, that's more accurate). I have a special dislike of running that particular route, bikes are just fine. I don't know if it's because it's just so isolated at times, or the creepy bird sanctuary, or that I remember that one time in 2006 when Frankie decided he was ready to run 7 miles nonstop and I tagged along and found out quickly that I was not as ready. I may try to be at the finish line to cheer on Yumke (it depends on whether I get this peach crisp finished in time, as well as if I can find my bike light -- safety first!).
The route was partially set up, marked up by some traffic pylons with the blinky lights. There were some large puddles. And a very pungent fishy smell if the wind was blowing right.
We went off road to check out the birds.
That's also when we also discovered another community. The special type that like to sunbathe, as my dad put it as we turned around to head back to the main road.
Let's just say I wasn't expecting to see a full moon quite yet in the late afternoon.
The route was partially set up, marked up by some traffic pylons with the blinky lights. There were some large puddles. And a very pungent fishy smell if the wind was blowing right.
We went off road to check out the birds.
That's also when we also discovered another community. The special type that like to sunbathe, as my dad put it as we turned around to head back to the main road.
Let's just say I wasn't expecting to see a full moon quite yet in the late afternoon.
Friday, August 15
Under The Wire
Things that I thought about while I was out for a 30-minute run (a rather slow 2.6 miles).
1. The Wire is a mesmerizing show. Friends of mine pushed the first season DVD set on me. I finally put it on today -- a far better alternative than going to a work party -- and watched 4 episodes. (Then HAD to run after viewing because I was feeling strangely aggressive after watching these aforementioned 4 episodes. Anybody else feel this way?)
2. I had forgotten my iPod. I noticed about 22 minutes into the run.
3. The storm clouds above my head matched my mood (not because of The Wire, but because of a generally forgettable work week). And if I didn't move faster, I might get caught in the coming rain. It already hailed earlier. Yes, hailed.
4. Where are my f'n regular pair of running shoes?
1. The Wire is a mesmerizing show. Friends of mine pushed the first season DVD set on me. I finally put it on today -- a far better alternative than going to a work party -- and watched 4 episodes. (Then HAD to run after viewing because I was feeling strangely aggressive after watching these aforementioned 4 episodes. Anybody else feel this way?)
2. I had forgotten my iPod. I noticed about 22 minutes into the run.
3. The storm clouds above my head matched my mood (not because of The Wire, but because of a generally forgettable work week). And if I didn't move faster, I might get caught in the coming rain. It already hailed earlier. Yes, hailed.
4. Where are my f'n regular pair of running shoes?
Wednesday, August 13
Triple haiku birthday wishes
three hours and ten
it's the last year this matters
why wait til next year
you're stronger, faster
waterfront is your home course
boston in 0-9
lots of happiness
and success for thirty-fourth
happy birthday yum!
After I wrote and emailed the above to Yumke, my dad picked me up for lunch. As we were nearing the grocery store off one of Yumke's favored routes, I saw him doing what he does very very well -- !running! In the rain! On his birthday! (too many exclamation points!!!)
It was too late to honk though.
After I wrote and emailed the above to Yumke, my dad picked me up for lunch. As we were nearing the grocery store off one of Yumke's favored routes, I saw him doing what he does very very well -- !running! In the rain! On his birthday! (too many exclamation points!!!)
It was too late to honk though.
Tuesday, August 12
Big hour
An hour-long run after work is so good because it just helps wash away a bad day. It wasn't the worst day, but my frustration ran fairly high today. But at least I feel better about my prospects at the halfmarathon next month. I felt okay with my pace throughout the early-evening run around the neighborhood, concentrating not on what transpired during the day, but focusing on my breathing and my stride. My stride was pretty pathetic, very short and a little uneven at times (for some reason, I cannot find my shoes so went with an older pair as I have last few days. My current pair may have been shoved into my parents' car from the camping trip -- who knows). My breathing was surprisingly unlabored today, and I think I should thank the summer of rain that has kept Toronto from being overly humid. With 4.5 miles today I logged my longest outing since... well, the half marathon in Cinci.
Saturday, August 9
September wrinkle?
There is a possibility that I could still do reasonably well at next month's race if I moderately trained. That was the thinking up until early afternoon yesterday. Then I got two different pieces of professional news about an hour apart. The plans, if I get the greenlight and went through with it, would really put a lot of strain, among other things, on my training run schedule (the pretend schedule that I abide by. It's very loose.) Basically I may be on the road for pretty much all of September. I'd likely be back in time for the race ... but probably in no condition to run it. One two-week trip, which is on this continent, is 99.9% in the bag; the other two-week trip has considerably lower odds at 25% (there are three other people being considered) and it is on the other side of the world. It would be exhausting to do both, and of course I would like to do both because of the amazing opportunities they present.
If the overseas trip doesn't work out, there's a better chance to complete the half-marathon next month because I could keep up the running during the first two weeks and I would have less qualms running in a North American city. Overseas .... well, I'm not so sure. Nevermind that I think the climate might do me in.
So for now, there won't be an adjustment to my haphazard running schedule. I'm not sure if I'll just eat the entrance fee, defer to next year, or run/walk it. I'll know more about everything next week.
If the overseas trip doesn't work out, there's a better chance to complete the half-marathon next month because I could keep up the running during the first two weeks and I would have less qualms running in a North American city. Overseas .... well, I'm not so sure. Nevermind that I think the climate might do me in.
So for now, there won't be an adjustment to my haphazard running schedule. I'm not sure if I'll just eat the entrance fee, defer to next year, or run/walk it. I'll know more about everything next week.
Friday, August 8
Texting away
The following are real text messages from me to my sister throughout the day on the way up north last Friday (times are approximate) :
1:22 Yo. Additional instructions: bring smores ingredients. We hv the stix. They're annoying already. Lol!
4:58 Lightning! Thunder! Hard rain. We're just arriving :( Bring yams
6:28 I want 2 cry
8:10 Rain sux. And i think i broke the hotel. [ed: hotel=my fancy tent]
9:26 It's dark. Im sleepn in the car. Dont bring ur bikes, likely 2 muddy. Might not need the yams either...
I also reverted back to my kindergarten self and had a major hissy fit because I was so frustrated with the rain and most of all, with myself, for being such a doofus about setting up a tent. I mean, wasn't I a Girl Guide? Well, I woke up with a very stiff neck and my first thought was, "Oh $*&#, I have undone all my physiotherapy and I'm out of insurance money." It took me half a day before I stretched it out enough. Oh and there were signs posted about bear sightings. Great.
Things only improved from about midday on Saturday, although there was a ray of sunshine during breakfast when my dad made fried bread (as gross as it sounds, but he fried sliced whole wheat bread in the leftover bacon fat).
I managed to fit one run in -- 36 minutes around the camp grounds. Of course it rained. So it wasn't the best camping trip ever, but I guess the family can laugh about this episode now. Since camp[, I've done some treadmilling too -- 30 minutes and 20 minutes on separate occassions, before I got into my shoulder strengthening exercises.
There's not a whole lot of time before the half..... and there may be a wrinkle... More tomorrow.
1:22 Yo. Additional instructions: bring smores ingredients. We hv the stix. They're annoying already. Lol!
4:58 Lightning! Thunder! Hard rain. We're just arriving :( Bring yams
6:28 I want 2 cry
8:10 Rain sux. And i think i broke the hotel. [ed: hotel=my fancy tent]
9:26 It's dark. Im sleepn in the car. Dont bring ur bikes, likely 2 muddy. Might not need the yams either...
I also reverted back to my kindergarten self and had a major hissy fit because I was so frustrated with the rain and most of all, with myself, for being such a doofus about setting up a tent. I mean, wasn't I a Girl Guide? Well, I woke up with a very stiff neck and my first thought was, "Oh $*&#, I have undone all my physiotherapy and I'm out of insurance money." It took me half a day before I stretched it out enough. Oh and there were signs posted about bear sightings. Great.
Things only improved from about midday on Saturday, although there was a ray of sunshine during breakfast when my dad made fried bread (as gross as it sounds, but he fried sliced whole wheat bread in the leftover bacon fat).
I managed to fit one run in -- 36 minutes around the camp grounds. Of course it rained. So it wasn't the best camping trip ever, but I guess the family can laugh about this episode now. Since camp[, I've done some treadmilling too -- 30 minutes and 20 minutes on separate occassions, before I got into my shoulder strengthening exercises.
There's not a whole lot of time before the half..... and there may be a wrinkle... More tomorrow.
Friday, August 1
Going north
Heading to Algonquin Park for the annual family camping trip.
Hope to run leisurely. And not from bears...
Hope to run leisurely. And not from bears...
Wednesday, July 30
Shouldering on
My shoulder is so much more... functional these days. I've had six visits with the physiotherapist so far (soon I'll actually have to start ponying up my own money for it instead of relying on insurance -- bleh). After my last visit, I was shown three specific shoulder strengthening exercises which were to be done with a 3-lb weight. Ten reps times three. Which is why I found myself at the gym during my lunch break today. I wasn't sure how much time these exercises would take but I managed a real short 16-minute warmup on the treadmill. That'll be the running for the day, although if it cools off enough in the early evening, I might just go back out there for a real run.
My endocrinologist yelled at me today. Okay, if I have to be honest, she's just dishing out the tough love -- she firmly reminded me that I do not have my blood/sugar levels under control yet as my sugar log revealed. Exercise is part of diabetes management!
My endocrinologist yelled at me today. Okay, if I have to be honest, she's just dishing out the tough love -- she firmly reminded me that I do not have my blood/sugar levels under control yet as my sugar log revealed. Exercise is part of diabetes management!
Sunday, July 27
Um... 9 weeks to go.....
It dawned on me, rather suddenly for some reason, that with nine weeks to go til the Scotiabank half-marathon, I have some work to do.
Good thing is that when I woke up this morning, I immediately felt the urge to run. I don't know where this was coming from, but I didn't question it. Before I let this moment pass, I was dressed, stretched, and mentally calculating how much I could do after taking half the summer off. Go for time, not distance, I reasoned (again). Thirty minutes was the goal time. I walked to the corner and as soon as I took my first few running steps, I felt like I hadn't had such a long hiatus.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not in the best cardio shape, but the whole experience today didn't suck (just as it hadn't 10 days ago during the fun run). I'm not breaking any records by covering 2-1/2 miles over 30 minutes, but it's done. For the next nine weeks, I hope to just ramp it up until race day. No taper. There's just no time!
Good thing is that when I woke up this morning, I immediately felt the urge to run. I don't know where this was coming from, but I didn't question it. Before I let this moment pass, I was dressed, stretched, and mentally calculating how much I could do after taking half the summer off. Go for time, not distance, I reasoned (again). Thirty minutes was the goal time. I walked to the corner and as soon as I took my first few running steps, I felt like I hadn't had such a long hiatus.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not in the best cardio shape, but the whole experience today didn't suck (just as it hadn't 10 days ago during the fun run). I'm not breaking any records by covering 2-1/2 miles over 30 minutes, but it's done. For the next nine weeks, I hope to just ramp it up until race day. No taper. There's just no time!
Saturday, July 19
Safe at third, but on the DL?
I don't know what came over me. We're leading in the softball game, a pretty rare occurence so far this season. In fact, we're crushing our opponenets 15-0 or something like that. But I've decided that I'm going to run from first to third on a long ball hit to left center. I knew the throw was coming in and I've already committed myself to that base. I slid, something I haven't done since, say 1993. I still have it in me, I guess. SAFE!
I scratched up my knee pretty good, and in the process I think I earned a boatload of respect from the team. I took a picture but I don't want to post gory pix here. I'm able to walk, but unsure if running, outside of bases once in a while is a good idea. It's just a nasty scraped knee but it's in the process of healing, where the skin feels really tight especially where it's scabbing over. I'm still going to play in the softball tournament this weekend. Won't be put on the disabled list, that's for sure. But no more sliding. I also ripped a hole in my favorite running pants. Pffffft. I'm hoping the polysporin will help and I'll be able to get a short run in sometime tomorrow.
I scratched up my knee pretty good, and in the process I think I earned a boatload of respect from the team. I took a picture but I don't want to post gory pix here. I'm able to walk, but unsure if running, outside of bases once in a while is a good idea. It's just a nasty scraped knee but it's in the process of healing, where the skin feels really tight especially where it's scabbing over. I'm still going to play in the softball tournament this weekend. Won't be put on the disabled list, that's for sure. But no more sliding. I also ripped a hole in my favorite running pants. Pffffft. I'm hoping the polysporin will help and I'll be able to get a short run in sometime tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 16
20-minute challenge
Before heading down to the running shop for the 20-minute challenge, Frankie phoned. He had some news to relay, but before continuing asked if I was busy.
"Oh, I'm getting ready to go for a run," I said casually, but eyeing the clock.
"Excuse me? Who am I talking to? Jelly doesn't run," he said.
"Ha ha. Funny guy! But I am doing this. Hat run," I said.
I got to the store, thinking I was late for the group run. Turns out I was half an hour early. I collected my green hat, one to add to my rainbow of running caps -- the reward for participating in this annual running event. Bonus reward attached to the hat was a save-20-percent coupon off next purchase (now, that's clever marketing), so maybe I'll think about one of those running skirts that are really gaining popularity lately.
I ran for 20 minutes without stopping! It was a very steady, leisurely pace. I was in better shape than I thought, and considering this was my first run since May, I'm fairly pleased overall. My breathing was labored during the final few minutes, so it'll take a little bit of work to get that stamina going again. My cousin looked strong as ever (though she wouldn't think so) and my sister seemed to do well too but still needs to work on strengthening her ankle. This was our first run together since the Cincinnati Flying Pig. The run today was exactly what I needed. For the next week or two, I'm not going to focus on distance. I'll look for timed outings. Maybe I'll get another 20 minutes in tomorrow; stretch it to 30 minutes on the weekend.
"Oh, I'm getting ready to go for a run," I said casually, but eyeing the clock.
"Excuse me? Who am I talking to? Jelly doesn't run," he said.
"Ha ha. Funny guy! But I am doing this. Hat run," I said.
I got to the store, thinking I was late for the group run. Turns out I was half an hour early. I collected my green hat, one to add to my rainbow of running caps -- the reward for participating in this annual running event. Bonus reward attached to the hat was a save-20-percent coupon off next purchase (now, that's clever marketing), so maybe I'll think about one of those running skirts that are really gaining popularity lately.
I ran for 20 minutes without stopping! It was a very steady, leisurely pace. I was in better shape than I thought, and considering this was my first run since May, I'm fairly pleased overall. My breathing was labored during the final few minutes, so it'll take a little bit of work to get that stamina going again. My cousin looked strong as ever (though she wouldn't think so) and my sister seemed to do well too but still needs to work on strengthening her ankle. This was our first run together since the Cincinnati Flying Pig. The run today was exactly what I needed. For the next week or two, I'm not going to focus on distance. I'll look for timed outings. Maybe I'll get another 20 minutes in tomorrow; stretch it to 30 minutes on the weekend.
Tuesday, July 15
Tagged by Sonia
Okay, I'll play!!
Better late than never. But I'm not tagging anyone else. You can play along if you want to.
1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
Limited to running for the closing subway doors (yes, I'm one of those noobs that rush the doors, and invariably miss and end up trying to look like I wasn't rushing for the door).
2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
Best: Crossing the finish line at my first (and only, so far) 26.2 miler, the Chicago Marathon in 2006. Second best: crossing the finish line with my sister at the Flying Pig this year.
Worst: Hill training following the "fun run". Seriously, this is the run early in the marathon training that nearly broke my spirit. I think about that from time to time. Relive it with me, you know you want to.
3. Why do you run?
At first, it was because Yumke was doing it. Then it became something enjoyable, thinking time, Me-time. Occassionally, it's a way to lose weight. In the past year, it's been about bonding with family and friends, the best therapy that costs only sweat and personal motivation (okay, and a freaking nice pair of shoes will set me back a couple of C-notes).
4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you’ve been given about running?
Best: Hal Higdon's "Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide". Two items, in particular: 1) Have faith in your training plan. Because even if you miss the last three weeks of an 18-week training schedule before your first marathon because of some godawful sickness, know that the preceding 14 weeks of long runs prepared you. And they did. 2) REST, that word is gold.
Worst: Eating a pound of wings the night before an 8K race is a okay. That's not so much advice given to me as it is real-life learn-from-experience (Yumke was there. He knows). Some might argue that there is no need to dole out this advice. I mean, it's self-explanatory.
5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
The story behind the nickname Jellypepper. I'll tell you in person if you can find me.
Better late than never. But I'm not tagging anyone else. You can play along if you want to.
1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
Limited to running for the closing subway doors (yes, I'm one of those noobs that rush the doors, and invariably miss and end up trying to look like I wasn't rushing for the door).
2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
Best: Crossing the finish line at my first (and only, so far) 26.2 miler, the Chicago Marathon in 2006. Second best: crossing the finish line with my sister at the Flying Pig this year.
Worst: Hill training following the "fun run". Seriously, this is the run early in the marathon training that nearly broke my spirit. I think about that from time to time. Relive it with me, you know you want to.
3. Why do you run?
At first, it was because Yumke was doing it. Then it became something enjoyable, thinking time, Me-time. Occassionally, it's a way to lose weight. In the past year, it's been about bonding with family and friends, the best therapy that costs only sweat and personal motivation (okay, and a freaking nice pair of shoes will set me back a couple of C-notes).
4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you’ve been given about running?
Best: Hal Higdon's "Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide". Two items, in particular: 1) Have faith in your training plan. Because even if you miss the last three weeks of an 18-week training schedule before your first marathon because of some godawful sickness, know that the preceding 14 weeks of long runs prepared you. And they did. 2) REST, that word is gold.
Worst: Eating a pound of wings the night before an 8K race is a okay. That's not so much advice given to me as it is real-life learn-from-experience (Yumke was there. He knows). Some might argue that there is no need to dole out this advice. I mean, it's self-explanatory.
5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
The story behind the nickname Jellypepper. I'll tell you in person if you can find me.
Shapes
Funniest sign I saw on the street today: I'm in shape. Round is a shape.
I'm not saying I'm round. But it is clearly evident from the date of my last posting that I've taken another one of my semi-frequent hiatuses -- too lazy to run, and even lazier about blathering on about how lazy I am about running in this space, much less keep up with the running community. Last time I checked in, which was some seven weeks ago, I had just signed up for a couple of races. I have spent ZERO hours training for them. In fact, I am embarassed to say I still haven't taken my running shoes out of the travel bag (although I did take them to San Francisco last month, fully expecting to get at least one run in during vacation. Then I decided I didn't have to, nor need to, nor want to, do any hill training while on said vacation).
But it starts tomorrow. ("Famous last words," as my physiotherapist said today -- I'm getting my right shoulder looked at because I've been having some mobility issues. It's vastly improved after two visits, but by no means repaired!). So training really does start tomorrow. Because I signed up for the annual 20-minute challenge put on by the local running shop (free hat!). The key word is "challenge", I honestly don't think I can put together a nonstop 20 minute run, but that's okay, I have to start somewhere. I've convinced my sister and cousin to also come with me, both of whom also need a little bit of a kick in the butt (but much less than I do).
Thinking maybe I should go and carboload for this.
I'm not saying I'm round. But it is clearly evident from the date of my last posting that I've taken another one of my semi-frequent hiatuses -- too lazy to run, and even lazier about blathering on about how lazy I am about running in this space, much less keep up with the running community. Last time I checked in, which was some seven weeks ago, I had just signed up for a couple of races. I have spent ZERO hours training for them. In fact, I am embarassed to say I still haven't taken my running shoes out of the travel bag (although I did take them to San Francisco last month, fully expecting to get at least one run in during vacation. Then I decided I didn't have to, nor need to, nor want to, do any hill training while on said vacation).
But it starts tomorrow. ("Famous last words," as my physiotherapist said today -- I'm getting my right shoulder looked at because I've been having some mobility issues. It's vastly improved after two visits, but by no means repaired!). So training really does start tomorrow. Because I signed up for the annual 20-minute challenge put on by the local running shop (free hat!). The key word is "challenge", I honestly don't think I can put together a nonstop 20 minute run, but that's okay, I have to start somewhere. I've convinced my sister and cousin to also come with me, both of whom also need a little bit of a kick in the butt (but much less than I do).
Thinking maybe I should go and carboload for this.
Tuesday, May 27
30-minutes to a price hike
Just signed up for two fall races and saved myself $10 before the prices were set to increase. I'm down for the habit-forming Scotiabank half-marathon (third year in a row!), to be followed by the fun Zoo Run (second consecutive year). I'm going to let the spring go as far as races are concerned -- though may be convinced to do one if the timing is right -- but really focus on doing well later this year. My sister isn't likely to avenge the half-distance this year, but I'm sure she'll sign up for the 10K. It's practically family tradition now. I only remembered to sign up for either race because of my cousin (sorry I didn't phone you back today!). So I hope she's committed to it already too.
By the way, I have not unpacked my running shoes from Cincinnati. I kid you not.
By the way, I have not unpacked my running shoes from Cincinnati. I kid you not.
Sunday, May 11
Looking for the next PB
Runners are always striving to achieve the next personal best. It makes us feel good because it's a sign that we're progressing in our training. Who doesn't like to improve?
Cincinnati wasn't about my personal best half-marathon race time, but it was certainly a personal best in sisterly-relationships. I had said I'd immediately thought about my next race shortly after rolling through the finish line.
I targeted Mississaugua, knowing it was a week after Cincinnati. A good local one to jump into, one that I could be ready for right now. Incidentally my buddy E., as well as R-Cane, were running the full distance [Good luck boys!] I thought about signing up for it all the way home during the 10-hour car ride. I consulted Yumke, my cousin, my sister. My sister offered to pay half my entry fee to Miss (I guess she still felt guilty for my sticking with her). I even filled out the online form and almost pressed "submit". But, I couldn't do it. I've been sick this week with a cold. Or maybe it's allergies. Either way, my eyes haven't stopped watering, my nose is raw from all the tissues, and I have been having some intermittent violent coughing fits.
So nevermind.
Then I started to fall in love with the idea of the race weekend at the end of May in the capital city, Ottawa. I've always heard good things about this one. It's only 4 hours away and I'm certain a cousin of mine would be more than thrilled to host me and cheer me on. And then I checked my calendar. D'oh, I'm booked for a convention that weekend.
So.... I'm still looking for another (fairly local) spring half marathon. If it happens, great. If not, it's not the end of the world. But I think I may just wait until the fall and run the Waterfront Half. PB or not, if I get out the door, that is a personal best in my books.
Cincinnati wasn't about my personal best half-marathon race time, but it was certainly a personal best in sisterly-relationships. I had said I'd immediately thought about my next race shortly after rolling through the finish line.
I targeted Mississaugua, knowing it was a week after Cincinnati. A good local one to jump into, one that I could be ready for right now. Incidentally my buddy E., as well as R-Cane, were running the full distance [Good luck boys!] I thought about signing up for it all the way home during the 10-hour car ride. I consulted Yumke, my cousin, my sister. My sister offered to pay half my entry fee to Miss (I guess she still felt guilty for my sticking with her). I even filled out the online form and almost pressed "submit". But, I couldn't do it. I've been sick this week with a cold. Or maybe it's allergies. Either way, my eyes haven't stopped watering, my nose is raw from all the tissues, and I have been having some intermittent violent coughing fits.
So nevermind.
Then I started to fall in love with the idea of the race weekend at the end of May in the capital city, Ottawa. I've always heard good things about this one. It's only 4 hours away and I'm certain a cousin of mine would be more than thrilled to host me and cheer me on. And then I checked my calendar. D'oh, I'm booked for a convention that weekend.
So.... I'm still looking for another (fairly local) spring half marathon. If it happens, great. If not, it's not the end of the world. But I think I may just wait until the fall and run the Waterfront Half. PB or not, if I get out the door, that is a personal best in my books.
Saturday, May 10
Week later post-race thoughts (a quasi-race report)
My sister's guest post was pretty much how it all played out. No need for me to fill in random details, except that, with the exception of our lead speed piggie Yumke, I'm happy we managed to run with all the rest of the Canadian bacon crew in this race. We started the race with Cousin, ran with Grasshopper from Mile 2.5-4, walked with his entourage just past the halfway mark, and finished to the delirious cheers of all our curbside grunts (ie family).
As I hobbled (I was surprised that I was surprised that my legs would feel the way they did since we'd walked most of the course) back to my hotel after all les felicitations from the family, I was already thinking about my next race. It's not that I feel I "wasted" my half-assed winter training, but I did sign up to run this race.
I was never going to abandon my sister during her first-ever half marathon. If I inspired her to lace up in the first place, it's practically my duty to stick with her for this distance. I said from the moment we'd signed up for this race that I'd see her to the finish. And that's what I did. No matter how many times she tried to push me away, I just held firm ("I'm on you like bad B.O., just try to get rid of me") and talked to her. At times I thought to myself, whether we were doing more damage to her leg just by continuing, while simultaneously cursing the non-existent medical help. It didn't seem that my sister thought quitting was an option. As long as she had the power to put one foot in front of another, she was going to get to the finish line. And so we soldiered on. Sometimes running a few hundred meters, but mostly walking. We'd started on a 12-minute mile pace and held it for four miles. Not bad. But when her leg started hurting, the time to cover a mile eventually stretched to 20+-minutes because of the starting and stopping. My sister would freak out about "her time" but I'd say, "sista, we in this for completion. Everything else is gravy. You worry about your 'time' next time. This is a PB before we started."
Somewhere between Miles 8-10, I think she stopped listening to my optimistic chitchat, and just complained. One reason for these outbursts was hunger. Anyone that knows either of us knows that if we start getting cranky, No. 1 resolution is to feed us. We're probably just hungry and our anger is being misplaced. (Aside: last year, my sister and her husband went to Spain and her husband learned to carry a cache of almonds in his pockets for any hint of a hunger-induced rant). All we had were the sportsbeans and by this time, they just weren't that satisfying. What we needed was food. Even I nearly succumbed to the pangs.
But by the time we got to Mile 12, we were ready to finish strong. We didn't stop, not once, on the final 1.1 mile. I kept an eye out along the side of the road for the family. In fact, they were on an upper walkway and I can't believe I could hear them yelling my sister's name above all the din. But I pointed them out to my sister, and whispered with tears welling up in my eyes, that I was so very proud of her.
We raised our arms in triumph. There's nothing like crossing the finish line. And then two bags of ice taped to the knees immediately.
As I hobbled (I was surprised that I was surprised that my legs would feel the way they did since we'd walked most of the course) back to my hotel after all les felicitations from the family, I was already thinking about my next race. It's not that I feel I "wasted" my half-assed winter training, but I did sign up to run this race.
I was never going to abandon my sister during her first-ever half marathon. If I inspired her to lace up in the first place, it's practically my duty to stick with her for this distance. I said from the moment we'd signed up for this race that I'd see her to the finish. And that's what I did. No matter how many times she tried to push me away, I just held firm ("I'm on you like bad B.O., just try to get rid of me") and talked to her. At times I thought to myself, whether we were doing more damage to her leg just by continuing, while simultaneously cursing the non-existent medical help. It didn't seem that my sister thought quitting was an option. As long as she had the power to put one foot in front of another, she was going to get to the finish line. And so we soldiered on. Sometimes running a few hundred meters, but mostly walking. We'd started on a 12-minute mile pace and held it for four miles. Not bad. But when her leg started hurting, the time to cover a mile eventually stretched to 20+-minutes because of the starting and stopping. My sister would freak out about "her time" but I'd say, "sista, we in this for completion. Everything else is gravy. You worry about your 'time' next time. This is a PB before we started."
Somewhere between Miles 8-10, I think she stopped listening to my optimistic chitchat, and just complained. One reason for these outbursts was hunger. Anyone that knows either of us knows that if we start getting cranky, No. 1 resolution is to feed us. We're probably just hungry and our anger is being misplaced. (Aside: last year, my sister and her husband went to Spain and her husband learned to carry a cache of almonds in his pockets for any hint of a hunger-induced rant). All we had were the sportsbeans and by this time, they just weren't that satisfying. What we needed was food. Even I nearly succumbed to the pangs.
But by the time we got to Mile 12, we were ready to finish strong. We didn't stop, not once, on the final 1.1 mile. I kept an eye out along the side of the road for the family. In fact, they were on an upper walkway and I can't believe I could hear them yelling my sister's name above all the din. But I pointed them out to my sister, and whispered with tears welling up in my eyes, that I was so very proud of her.
We raised our arms in triumph. There's nothing like crossing the finish line. And then two bags of ice taped to the knees immediately.
Wednesday, May 7
Guest blogger: Sister's race report
I convinced my sister to guest-blog her thoughts about her first half-marathon experience. Her race was my race. She wrote a first draft on the night we returned to Toronto from Cincinnati, but was reluctant to have me post it. I let her marinate on it overnight (after I teared up a little.... again) so she could edit it down. "It was fun to write -- cathartic -- it felt good to write down how I felt about it because I just wasn't satisfied with the race," she said. She agreed to let me post this... as long as I wrote my own race report as a companion piece -- companion being the key word here -- which I will publish later this week.
"It wasn't really how I imagined The Flying Pig Half Marathon - me, practically dragging my right leg through the finish line, almost 4 hours after the race started.
But I guess I shouldn't really be surprised. I mean, my right leg had been hurting since I maxed out at 14 km on April 13th. Since then, I've never been able to run more than 5K. And my physiotherapist was reluctant to even let me run it at all. But he showed me how to tape my ankle anyways, since I was pretty resigned to do it. All the signs were there that I wouldn't be able to run this race fully... but I thought I would try. Weak ankle or no weak ankle - I was going to at least start the race!!
I woke up at 4:45 on Sunday morning. As I stumbled around in the dark and tried to stay awake at the unearthly hour, I started to feel the nerves in my stomach. I had to tape my ankle but wasn't sure how I was going to do it. The night before, I had tried to tape my ankle the way my physiotherapist had showed me. Unfortunately, the tape was generic crap from Walgreens and I couldn't get it to stay put properly. As a result, I had to try my luck at getting my ankle wrapped at the medical tent -- something that would not happen until much later.
My cousin, my sister, and I started walking towards the start of the race around 6:15 am.. I looked around anxiously for the medical tent but there was no sign. I found a guy with a Flying Pig badge on his jacket. I asked him where the tent was and he said he wasn't sure but said we should check the front of the race. Turns out, no one really knew what they were talking about when it came to the medical tents. I realized that I wouldn't have time to get my ankle taped, even with the 15 minute delay in the start of the race due to a fire somewhere along the marathon route. We ended up in a pack of marathoners slated for a 3:30 finish - way too advanced for me but we couldn't get back any further.
Finally, the race started. My first ever half-marathon. My sister told me she wasn't going to leave me - I knew she wouldn't but I didn't push her away anymore either - and we started off really well. I was pretty much loving every minute of it while my wobbly right ankle was still holding up (fyi, I actually don't feel pain in my ankle - the instability in it causes the pain in my knee and calf as they try to compensate for the weakness). We crossed underneath the first bridge and I saw B. and G. standing up there cheering us on. Felt great. Ran across the first bridge into Covington, Kentucky. Felt even more awesome. Mile 1 passes... mile 2 passes... my endurance has definitely been built up since I started training. Soon we're heading back into Ohio and as we approach mile 3, and I know that my knee pain will start at any step now. I could feel it coming on - it starts behind my knee cap. And then my hamstring starts to feel super-tight and a string of pain runs down my calf. I had maxed out at mile 3, which has been my cap for the past two weeks. I started walking. I don't feel pain when I walk.
So we walked and looked for the medical tent that should've been located around mile 3. But I didn't see any - and so we went all the way to mile 5. We asked and waited for a medical person on a bike to come by. I mean, they were summoned. Where were they? Time was ticking by and the part of me that gets frustrated with late people started to come out. I couldn't stand still any longer, I made my sister take off and we walked to Mile 7 where there was a promise of a STATIONARY medical tent. We get to mile 7 and sure enough, there was a medical tent. Only they were only equipped with BAND AIDS. I was about to leave in a huff when one of the attendants came back with tape. Finally. Except, I was taped up rather unprofessionally (probably didn't help that I said to the girl, "Do you know how to tape an ankle?" But it also didn't help that they were all about the band aids either!!) and as soon as I started to walk on it, my circulation was pretty much nonexistent So, as we started up the hill to Eden Park, I had to rip off the bandage again. The theme of my race was starting to become clear - this is RIDICULOUS!! A bike guy asked me if I wanted band aids as he watched me rip off the ankle tape in a fit of "this is ridiculous!" rage and someone was summoned to tape up my ankle again. This time, the med guy was much more proficient as I sat on the side of the road and had my ankle taped up. I did have to get my sis to rip off the heel part and then I was on my way again. I was getting super irritated that we were so behind where we once were when we were running - now there seriously weren't that many people behind us. Apparently 40 minutes had passed since we first tried to get medical attention. You just can't make up that kind of time!
I had to loosen the tape so we walked some more. We walked until I felt semi-confident that I'd be able to run a little bit. So we did. But then we stopped again. And then we started again. Then stopped. The pain in my leg was getting worse. I knew I couldn't do it and I was definitely feeling sorry for myself. I complained. And my sister listened. And this went on from mile 7 to mile 12. And then finally, we went for it and ran. And we ran until the end. My leg was really hurting but I didn't care. I had to run the last mile. I wanted to run across the finish line. My sister stayed with me the whole time. She pointed up and told me our family was watching us from the second level of the staduim. They were jumping up and down and screaming. I waved. We crossed the finish line together. She held me up the whole way even though I was feeling so down (and probably bringing her down too...not probably - definitely!)
We finished the race together. We teared up together. And then we went into the medical tent together and she watched me get giant ice packs taped to my right leg.
I don't regret starting the race. Not for a second. I do regret dragging my sister into my poor performance, but at the same time, there was no way I would have been able to finish without her. She was my rock throughout and I wish I could let her know how much it meant to me. After all, she's the one who inspired me to run in the first place. My cousin did really awesome and I'm so proud of her. Next time sis and I are going to be by her side!!
I'm going to go back to physio and try to get stronger for next time. Yes, there HAS to be a next time because I won't let this race be the only half marathon I've ever finished. My body beat me this time but my mind was ready to do it. So I'll just have to work harder next time. More cross-training and less bronchitis at the beginning of training.
In October 2007, I told everybody that would listen that I was going to run a half marathon. I hadn't even signed up yet. I just wanted to get it out there so then I'd have to do it. I don't like going back on my word.
I'm going to run another half marathon when my leg gets better. I've said it... So now I'll have to do it."
"It wasn't really how I imagined The Flying Pig Half Marathon - me, practically dragging my right leg through the finish line, almost 4 hours after the race started.
But I guess I shouldn't really be surprised. I mean, my right leg had been hurting since I maxed out at 14 km on April 13th. Since then, I've never been able to run more than 5K. And my physiotherapist was reluctant to even let me run it at all. But he showed me how to tape my ankle anyways, since I was pretty resigned to do it. All the signs were there that I wouldn't be able to run this race fully... but I thought I would try. Weak ankle or no weak ankle - I was going to at least start the race!!
I woke up at 4:45 on Sunday morning. As I stumbled around in the dark and tried to stay awake at the unearthly hour, I started to feel the nerves in my stomach. I had to tape my ankle but wasn't sure how I was going to do it. The night before, I had tried to tape my ankle the way my physiotherapist had showed me. Unfortunately, the tape was generic crap from Walgreens and I couldn't get it to stay put properly. As a result, I had to try my luck at getting my ankle wrapped at the medical tent -- something that would not happen until much later.
My cousin, my sister, and I started walking towards the start of the race around 6:15 am.. I looked around anxiously for the medical tent but there was no sign. I found a guy with a Flying Pig badge on his jacket. I asked him where the tent was and he said he wasn't sure but said we should check the front of the race. Turns out, no one really knew what they were talking about when it came to the medical tents. I realized that I wouldn't have time to get my ankle taped, even with the 15 minute delay in the start of the race due to a fire somewhere along the marathon route. We ended up in a pack of marathoners slated for a 3:30 finish - way too advanced for me but we couldn't get back any further.
Finally, the race started. My first ever half-marathon. My sister told me she wasn't going to leave me - I knew she wouldn't but I didn't push her away anymore either - and we started off really well. I was pretty much loving every minute of it while my wobbly right ankle was still holding up (fyi, I actually don't feel pain in my ankle - the instability in it causes the pain in my knee and calf as they try to compensate for the weakness). We crossed underneath the first bridge and I saw B. and G. standing up there cheering us on. Felt great. Ran across the first bridge into Covington, Kentucky. Felt even more awesome. Mile 1 passes... mile 2 passes... my endurance has definitely been built up since I started training. Soon we're heading back into Ohio and as we approach mile 3, and I know that my knee pain will start at any step now. I could feel it coming on - it starts behind my knee cap. And then my hamstring starts to feel super-tight and a string of pain runs down my calf. I had maxed out at mile 3, which has been my cap for the past two weeks. I started walking. I don't feel pain when I walk.
So we walked and looked for the medical tent that should've been located around mile 3. But I didn't see any - and so we went all the way to mile 5. We asked and waited for a medical person on a bike to come by. I mean, they were summoned. Where were they? Time was ticking by and the part of me that gets frustrated with late people started to come out. I couldn't stand still any longer, I made my sister take off and we walked to Mile 7 where there was a promise of a STATIONARY medical tent. We get to mile 7 and sure enough, there was a medical tent. Only they were only equipped with BAND AIDS. I was about to leave in a huff when one of the attendants came back with tape. Finally. Except, I was taped up rather unprofessionally (probably didn't help that I said to the girl, "Do you know how to tape an ankle?" But it also didn't help that they were all about the band aids either!!) and as soon as I started to walk on it, my circulation was pretty much nonexistent So, as we started up the hill to Eden Park, I had to rip off the bandage again. The theme of my race was starting to become clear - this is RIDICULOUS!! A bike guy asked me if I wanted band aids as he watched me rip off the ankle tape in a fit of "this is ridiculous!" rage and someone was summoned to tape up my ankle again. This time, the med guy was much more proficient as I sat on the side of the road and had my ankle taped up. I did have to get my sis to rip off the heel part and then I was on my way again. I was getting super irritated that we were so behind where we once were when we were running - now there seriously weren't that many people behind us. Apparently 40 minutes had passed since we first tried to get medical attention. You just can't make up that kind of time!
I had to loosen the tape so we walked some more. We walked until I felt semi-confident that I'd be able to run a little bit. So we did. But then we stopped again. And then we started again. Then stopped. The pain in my leg was getting worse. I knew I couldn't do it and I was definitely feeling sorry for myself. I complained. And my sister listened. And this went on from mile 7 to mile 12. And then finally, we went for it and ran. And we ran until the end. My leg was really hurting but I didn't care. I had to run the last mile. I wanted to run across the finish line. My sister stayed with me the whole time. She pointed up and told me our family was watching us from the second level of the staduim. They were jumping up and down and screaming. I waved. We crossed the finish line together. She held me up the whole way even though I was feeling so down (and probably bringing her down too...not probably - definitely!)
We finished the race together. We teared up together. And then we went into the medical tent together and she watched me get giant ice packs taped to my right leg.
I don't regret starting the race. Not for a second. I do regret dragging my sister into my poor performance, but at the same time, there was no way I would have been able to finish without her. She was my rock throughout and I wish I could let her know how much it meant to me. After all, she's the one who inspired me to run in the first place. My cousin did really awesome and I'm so proud of her. Next time sis and I are going to be by her side!!
I'm going to go back to physio and try to get stronger for next time. Yes, there HAS to be a next time because I won't let this race be the only half marathon I've ever finished. My body beat me this time but my mind was ready to do it. So I'll just have to work harder next time. More cross-training and less bronchitis at the beginning of training.
In October 2007, I told everybody that would listen that I was going to run a half marathon. I hadn't even signed up yet. I just wanted to get it out there so then I'd have to do it. I don't like going back on my word.
I'm going to run another half marathon when my leg gets better. I've said it... So now I'll have to do it."
Monday, May 5
Flying Pig race report: just the numbers
Saturday, May 3
Kentucky Carb Derby
Race day tomorrow. You wouldn't know it by what I've been eating today. Got up this morning, and the free breakfast at the hotel included things like waffles, pop tarts, and cinnamon buns. Then made our way over to Cincinnati, picked up Yumke and R. and went for a drive along part of the race route, then to the expo to pick up race packets, and then for a light lunch. Some of us indulged in a flight of sampler brew pub beers. Before a race?! Well, there's carbs, aren't there? And they were such little glasses split amongst four girls. Barely five sips to a glass.
Then my family convened at my sister's inlaw's family farm.We were invited for the big pasta feed, but also to take part in tradition: The Kentucky Derby. A whole lot of pregame show for a 2-minute horse race, but what fun. I also did not refuse the mint julep... when in Rome.... We just ate an incredible pasta dinner -- fusilli and penne with choice of veg sauce and/or meat sauce, dollops of amazing homemade pesto, and roasted garden asparagus. And a brownie and coffee to cap it.
Race... race... race.... my sister is adamant that my cousin and I run the race and not worry about her. I haven't decided yet. She says she doesn't want me to "waste" my training on not running, but I also don't want to not see her through. Game time decision tomorrow. Off to bed soon. (Man, the sun is still up. This is just wrong). Weather is supposed to be nice tomorrow. I was worried because it's rained more than I liked it to earlier this weekend.
Then my family convened at my sister's inlaw's family farm.We were invited for the big pasta feed, but also to take part in tradition: The Kentucky Derby. A whole lot of pregame show for a 2-minute horse race, but what fun. I also did not refuse the mint julep... when in Rome.... We just ate an incredible pasta dinner -- fusilli and penne with choice of veg sauce and/or meat sauce, dollops of amazing homemade pesto, and roasted garden asparagus. And a brownie and coffee to cap it.
Race... race... race.... my sister is adamant that my cousin and I run the race and not worry about her. I haven't decided yet. She says she doesn't want me to "waste" my training on not running, but I also don't want to not see her through. Game time decision tomorrow. Off to bed soon. (Man, the sun is still up. This is just wrong). Weather is supposed to be nice tomorrow. I was worried because it's rained more than I liked it to earlier this weekend.
Border vignette
Yesterday at the border on the drive down
Border Guard: Citizenship?
Me: Canadian
Border Guard: Purpose of trip?
Me: Running a half marathon in Cincinnati
Border Guard: Don't they have half marathons in Canada?
Me: Yes... but............. also visiting family.
Border Guard: Okay, go on through.
Border Guard: Citizenship?
Me: Canadian
Border Guard: Purpose of trip?
Me: Running a half marathon in Cincinnati
Border Guard: Don't they have half marathons in Canada?
Me: Yes... but............. also visiting family.
Border Guard: Okay, go on through.
Wednesday, April 30
Last minute squeals
Checklist:
- Race bag: Brooks shoes, two pairs of socks, capris, sleeveless, one throwaway longsleeve shirt, sports bra, and a few choices for headgear (cap, toque, bandana, headband), jellybeans and two Clif bars, my Chicago marathon technical long sleeve shirt with thumbholes, multigrain Cheerios
- Everything else bag for the weekend: jeans, two tshirts, one long sleeve, nice sweater, hoodie, pjs, toiletries, meds, socks and sundries .... packing light so I can haul some new clothes home
- Goodies basket for the car: peanut butter, Dairy Milks, pretzels, granola bars; Juices and water, berries, grapes and oranges to be added in the morning; Also a portable DVD player, the next Book Club book, and a crossword puzzle to entertain me for the two-part 9-hour drive
- Training: Best I could do without really sticking to a plan. But feel ready enough.
Well. The party is about to begin. In about 16 hours, we'll be hopefully avoiding rush hour out of the city and on our way to Cincinnati for the race this weekend. We're not driving all the way in one shot, but we don't know where we'll stop either. In all, there's 15 people in my party -- two arriving by plane, and 13 are driving in five separate car. Of the 15, 8-1/2 of them are runners. Yumke plus R equals 1-1/2 runners, logic being that R., who was signed up for the half but has since dropped out since she managed to sprain an ankle the day after signing up. Grasshopper and his entourage are arriving on Saturday afternoon. Then there's my whole family, plus cousin and her husband. I'm still a bit foggy on the details of our actual trip -- like what we'll do while in Cinci, but I think there will be a lot of laughs along the way. The weather looks like it's going to cooperate.
Race Strategy: The plan is to stick with my sister from start to finish. I promised to see her through her first half marathon. If her leg bothers her so much that she must walk, I will walk with her. We will finish together.
- Race bag: Brooks shoes, two pairs of socks, capris, sleeveless, one throwaway longsleeve shirt, sports bra, and a few choices for headgear (cap, toque, bandana, headband), jellybeans and two Clif bars, my Chicago marathon technical long sleeve shirt with thumbholes, multigrain Cheerios
- Everything else bag for the weekend: jeans, two tshirts, one long sleeve, nice sweater, hoodie, pjs, toiletries, meds, socks and sundries .... packing light so I can haul some new clothes home
- Goodies basket for the car: peanut butter, Dairy Milks, pretzels, granola bars; Juices and water, berries, grapes and oranges to be added in the morning; Also a portable DVD player, the next Book Club book, and a crossword puzzle to entertain me for the two-part 9-hour drive
- Training: Best I could do without really sticking to a plan. But feel ready enough.
Well. The party is about to begin. In about 16 hours, we'll be hopefully avoiding rush hour out of the city and on our way to Cincinnati for the race this weekend. We're not driving all the way in one shot, but we don't know where we'll stop either. In all, there's 15 people in my party -- two arriving by plane, and 13 are driving in five separate car. Of the 15, 8-1/2 of them are runners. Yumke plus R equals 1-1/2 runners, logic being that R., who was signed up for the half but has since dropped out since she managed to sprain an ankle the day after signing up. Grasshopper and his entourage are arriving on Saturday afternoon. Then there's my whole family, plus cousin and her husband. I'm still a bit foggy on the details of our actual trip -- like what we'll do while in Cinci, but I think there will be a lot of laughs along the way. The weather looks like it's going to cooperate.
Race Strategy: The plan is to stick with my sister from start to finish. I promised to see her through her first half marathon. If her leg bothers her so much that she must walk, I will walk with her. We will finish together.
Monday, April 28
A fork in the road
The last long run didn't go quite as planned on the weekend. My sister and I were hoping to run 10 miles together. We were going to do it at 6:30 a.m., same time the race begins this Sunday. We had a 10-mile route planned out. And despite best efforts for preparation, imagined or real, the plan can change and adjustments must be made. Especially if the body breaks down.
Nearly 3 miles into a run that began about 4 hours later than scheduled, my sister's leg began to act up. We had literally and figuratively come to a fork in the road. Heading north would have taken us towards home, cut our run short. Heading west would be sticking seeing through a peak mileage training run. Both routes probably meant risking aggravating an injury a week before the race. None of the options were palatable. Eventually, we decided that having the ability to at least start the race next week would be the best course of action. We tried running a little bit more but there was no rhythm and we ended up walking the bulk of the next 3 miles. She was sorely disappointed in herself. I said can't worry about that now, let's see what the physiotherapist says before we reevaluate the race day plan.
The physiotherapist figures my sister has a weak right ankle, which she thinks likely stems from a sprain back when she was a student living in Montreal. There was also theory that she is developing Baker's cyst. But the physiotherapist also did not say "Do Not Run" so that's good. My sister got her ankle taped -- an effort she'll have to duplicate or beg the medical tent to do for her on race day -- and she tried running on it tonight. Seemed okay, not great, but she has one more appointment this week to loosen everything up. Plan still evolving...
Nearly 3 miles into a run that began about 4 hours later than scheduled, my sister's leg began to act up. We had literally and figuratively come to a fork in the road. Heading north would have taken us towards home, cut our run short. Heading west would be sticking seeing through a peak mileage training run. Both routes probably meant risking aggravating an injury a week before the race. None of the options were palatable. Eventually, we decided that having the ability to at least start the race next week would be the best course of action. We tried running a little bit more but there was no rhythm and we ended up walking the bulk of the next 3 miles. She was sorely disappointed in herself. I said can't worry about that now, let's see what the physiotherapist says before we reevaluate the race day plan.
The physiotherapist figures my sister has a weak right ankle, which she thinks likely stems from a sprain back when she was a student living in Montreal. There was also theory that she is developing Baker's cyst. But the physiotherapist also did not say "Do Not Run" so that's good. My sister got her ankle taped -- an effort she'll have to duplicate or beg the medical tent to do for her on race day -- and she tried running on it tonight. Seemed okay, not great, but she has one more appointment this week to loosen everything up. Plan still evolving...
Saturday, April 26
Pep talk: the sequel
Cool, just got this email blast from the Pig Organizers. Might just have to pencil this in.
"Spirit of the Marathon"
If you'll be downtown Friday night, May 2nd, plan to be at Fountain Square for the viewing of the film, "Spirit of the Marathon" at 9:00 PM. We know that many people didn't get to see the first showing on February 21 because of snow. The Flying Pig Marathon is happy to show the film downtown during Pig weekend!
300
Here's a recap of the activities since the last (sad and slightly negatory) post. It's been hectic in the professional and personal life last little while, but I've managed to find a little bit of time to run but no time to blog. Five times in 10 days (which really breaks down to four times in one week, and once this week).
Valley Adventure
My sister and I got together during a lovely Sunday morning and dipped into the recreation trail near where we live. There is quite a steep hill that leads into the trail. We'll come back to that later. Part way through, she decided her own odor was offending herself (I suspect she will now be offended that I actually just wrote that - ha). Lots of other people had the same idea as us to be in the valley trail that morning. We refueled in Grasshopper's garden, who had generously left a lovely cache of Gatorade, red sports beans and water for us while he was out on his epic 20 miler. At this time, we wondered if we should resume the run with the original plan of residential side streets, featuring a few loops around a gentle slope. In the end, we decided we'd attack the monster hill from the beginning of our run. As we crossed paths with many of the same people on our way back, we wondered how far north on the trail they had been. We took a tiny break before facing the hill. I told my sister that she should just focus on herself, go at her own pace, keep her head up, and not to worry about what I was doing. She made it about two-thirds of the way up before it hurt too much and she slowed to walk up the rest. I told her it was not failure to have to walk -- there is just no shame in walking -- and that she's a champ because by this time, this might as well have been Everest as she'd not only run the furthest she's ever run, but she did it with ease, a smile, and increasing confidence. That was 9 miles in the books. Originally we were going to do 8 miles, so another shot to the arm!
Sidestreet Swing
I had it in my head to ramp up the running right up until the race. My unofficial program that I'm really not following suggests increasingly long weekend runs with the half-marathon as the peak distance. No taper. So I was determined to get out there again after one rest day. My legs were feeling pretty good after the weekend 9 miler. I weaved around the side streets, bopping to my iPod, and just like that, I put up 5 miles.
Killing time before the drink
I had some time between after work and after-work adult beverages. There was an unofficial going-away party and I had a three-hour gap to fill. I didn't want to go home and come back as that usually results in me just staying home. Knowing this, I brought my gear to work and went for a 4-1/2 mile downtown dash before tucking into Heineken and some tasty asparagus and proscuitto rolls, tempura shrimp, and beef skewers. That Patron Silver tequila might have been a bad idea to cap off the night.
Saving the Pandas
Ultimate hill training? I climbed the CN Tower for charity. I had hemmed and hawwed about joining the corporate team (Would this hurt my half-marathon training? Answer:
What training?) Another reason I was leaning to not participating is because I've done this twice before -- nothing left to prove? -- and not feeling adequately trained up for stairs. But I am in reasonably good shape and at the last moment, I decided to go when a spot opened up because a colleague was sick. It's 144 flights, or 1,776 stairs, in a windowless staircase. In the end, I didn't even get an official time because my chip hadn't worked. Unofficially, I estimate it took me between 21-23 minutes (I forgot to stop my own watch when I reached the top but it read a bit more than 25 minutes well after I'd gotten water and reconnected with my team).
Negotiating with myself
Spent the weekend at a training course learning the art of negotiation. In the end, I worked out a good deal with my head to take the weekend off from running and concentrate on absorbing skills and techniques. The 10 mile run can wait til Monday or Tuesday.
To the pool
Too exhausted on Monday to bother with running shoes, but I met my contractual obligation with myself to get my 10 miler in on Tuesday. I did it right after work before going home. I quickly changed at the gym and headed to the waterfront. I kept an eye out for Yumke since this is his turf but didn't see him. My route would take me out to the lakeside pool on the western side of the city. I love this pool, visited it many a time when I was growing up. There was a time when my family would take epic bike rides together on the waterfront and end up at this pool to cool off. This was my turnaround point. By the end of the run, I felt good about the upcoming race. I felt I could easily put out another 3.1 miles so I'm ready. I worry about my sister though -- her knee's acting up.
Reflections
Here we are at Post #300. It's fun to look back at the previous 299 stories. I've concluded this blog is not about the running. Really, it's been about everything else. It's been about bonding with new and veteran runners. It's about what I eat, how much I do or don't sleep, sometimes just the really mundane details. I don't write much about splits, nor speed training, or even my pace. This space is about having an excuse to make bad puns or write really contrived haikus. Sure it's a record of how many miles these legs can or can't handle on any given day. But it's about the person that I was, could become, but just am.
Valley Adventure
My sister and I got together during a lovely Sunday morning and dipped into the recreation trail near where we live. There is quite a steep hill that leads into the trail. We'll come back to that later. Part way through, she decided her own odor was offending herself (I suspect she will now be offended that I actually just wrote that - ha). Lots of other people had the same idea as us to be in the valley trail that morning. We refueled in Grasshopper's garden, who had generously left a lovely cache of Gatorade, red sports beans and water for us while he was out on his epic 20 miler. At this time, we wondered if we should resume the run with the original plan of residential side streets, featuring a few loops around a gentle slope. In the end, we decided we'd attack the monster hill from the beginning of our run. As we crossed paths with many of the same people on our way back, we wondered how far north on the trail they had been. We took a tiny break before facing the hill. I told my sister that she should just focus on herself, go at her own pace, keep her head up, and not to worry about what I was doing. She made it about two-thirds of the way up before it hurt too much and she slowed to walk up the rest. I told her it was not failure to have to walk -- there is just no shame in walking -- and that she's a champ because by this time, this might as well have been Everest as she'd not only run the furthest she's ever run, but she did it with ease, a smile, and increasing confidence. That was 9 miles in the books. Originally we were going to do 8 miles, so another shot to the arm!
Sidestreet Swing
I had it in my head to ramp up the running right up until the race. My unofficial program that I'm really not following suggests increasingly long weekend runs with the half-marathon as the peak distance. No taper. So I was determined to get out there again after one rest day. My legs were feeling pretty good after the weekend 9 miler. I weaved around the side streets, bopping to my iPod, and just like that, I put up 5 miles.
Killing time before the drink
I had some time between after work and after-work adult beverages. There was an unofficial going-away party and I had a three-hour gap to fill. I didn't want to go home and come back as that usually results in me just staying home. Knowing this, I brought my gear to work and went for a 4-1/2 mile downtown dash before tucking into Heineken and some tasty asparagus and proscuitto rolls, tempura shrimp, and beef skewers. That Patron Silver tequila might have been a bad idea to cap off the night.
Saving the Pandas
Ultimate hill training? I climbed the CN Tower for charity. I had hemmed and hawwed about joining the corporate team (Would this hurt my half-marathon training? Answer:
What training?) Another reason I was leaning to not participating is because I've done this twice before -- nothing left to prove? -- and not feeling adequately trained up for stairs. But I am in reasonably good shape and at the last moment, I decided to go when a spot opened up because a colleague was sick. It's 144 flights, or 1,776 stairs, in a windowless staircase. In the end, I didn't even get an official time because my chip hadn't worked. Unofficially, I estimate it took me between 21-23 minutes (I forgot to stop my own watch when I reached the top but it read a bit more than 25 minutes well after I'd gotten water and reconnected with my team).
Negotiating with myself
Spent the weekend at a training course learning the art of negotiation. In the end, I worked out a good deal with my head to take the weekend off from running and concentrate on absorbing skills and techniques. The 10 mile run can wait til Monday or Tuesday.
To the pool
Too exhausted on Monday to bother with running shoes, but I met my contractual obligation with myself to get my 10 miler in on Tuesday. I did it right after work before going home. I quickly changed at the gym and headed to the waterfront. I kept an eye out for Yumke since this is his turf but didn't see him. My route would take me out to the lakeside pool on the western side of the city. I love this pool, visited it many a time when I was growing up. There was a time when my family would take epic bike rides together on the waterfront and end up at this pool to cool off. This was my turnaround point. By the end of the run, I felt good about the upcoming race. I felt I could easily put out another 3.1 miles so I'm ready. I worry about my sister though -- her knee's acting up.
Reflections
Here we are at Post #300. It's fun to look back at the previous 299 stories. I've concluded this blog is not about the running. Really, it's been about everything else. It's been about bonding with new and veteran runners. It's about what I eat, how much I do or don't sleep, sometimes just the really mundane details. I don't write much about splits, nor speed training, or even my pace. This space is about having an excuse to make bad puns or write really contrived haikus. Sure it's a record of how many miles these legs can or can't handle on any given day. But it's about the person that I was, could become, but just am.
Thursday, April 10
A haiku on Pizza Thursday
Zonked, nothing to say
Sloppy three miler, chilly
Where's my whole wheat crust?
Sloppy three miler, chilly
Where's my whole wheat crust?
Wednesday, April 9
Pep Talk
"Well, that was a good pep talk."I wish the entire Pig-bound crew (eight runners in total, more on that another time) came out to see this documentary, a one-time showing across the country tonight. But it was just me and Yumke. I relived quite a few emotions tonight as the 100-minute drama unfolded. I watched six runners juxtaposed in six stories about their personal journeys toward competing and completing the 2005 Chicago Marathon (the year before I ran it).
-Yumke, as the credits were rolling for "Spirit of the Marathon"
I found myself at the edge of my seat, wondering if Deena Kastor was going to survive the fast-closing Constantina Tomescu-Dita. And even though I already knew the result, I still clapped a little when she did win. My heart sank when Daniel Njenga still couldn't claim a victory in his fourth trip to Chicago, after coming so close each time (small complaint: I wish to know more of his story -- a Kenyan living and training in Japan away from his family? Tell me more!). I teared up as the runners lined up at the starting line, then again when they crossed it. I laughed when one runner's husband said he didn't understand why people run long distances. I laughed again when the runner wondered if marathon training had changed or stressed their marriage in any way (Answer: He gets time to himself when she's out for a couple of hours on a long run. Yes the long run he doesn't understand.) These questions have come up in my own life. I cheered at the Chicago scenery. I also saw some of myself in the father-daughter combo who trained and went the distance. I saw some walls. I saw these walls being punched through.
It's definitely the ultimate pep talk for anyone who's a runner. But it's also a film that non-runners would enjoy as well. Did it make me want to immediately sign up for another marathon? No, not exactly though Yumke said I could still upgrade my Pig registration to marathon....
(oh ya, and I'm on my third rest day this week).
Tuesday, April 8
Gift in the mail
The May issue of Runner's World showed up in my mailbox today. Just because I ran the Scotiabank half marathon last year, the accompanying letter said. I'll dogear "Special Beginner's Guide -- P. 70!" right now.
This will come in handy since I'm taking a bonus rest day (feel like I haven't recovered from the weekend yet) so I might as well read about what I should be doing.
This will come in handy since I'm taking a bonus rest day (feel like I haven't recovered from the weekend yet) so I might as well read about what I should be doing.
Sunday, April 6
Flat hills = oxymoron
Yesterday's hills in the race weren't enough. Gimme more. Grasshopper phoned shortly after noon to say he would stop by today for a Gatorade break during his long run (mileage undecided) in about 90 minutes. That gave me enough time to finish folding laundry, eat a small lunch, rock out on Guitar Hero some more, and map an 8-mile route that I would pretty much throw out the window at Mile 1-1/2.
I joined his run-in-progress (wearing the new long sleeve technical shirt from yesterday's goodie bag) after a few sips of the blue stuff. While I was putting on my shoes, I left Grasshopper with a magazine with tips on hill training. One tip was to "visualize a flat hill" as you run up, keeping head up and arms swinging, or something to that effect. He pointed out that hills couldn't be flat. Terrain, yes. Hills, no. Oxymoron.
Anyways, I was able to keep up with Grasshopper nearly stride-for-stride for most of the run (except on a couple of uphills), leading me to declare that he and I should only run together after he's done at least 7miles already and is just a bit tuckered out by this distance completed. That improves my chances much more of keeping up. We made a stop at the running shop for water and some candy. We also made a good decision to head north from the store. He was tiring (this being his longest run in a while), and my energy was starting to wane a little (probably because of a second day of faster-than-normal pace). The yummy berry blue sport jellybeans were probably a key reason for making it up the next five hills (these were definitely NOT flat but these did not defeat me. The second and fourth ones almost though) on the way back home. Mmmmm sugar boost.
Reached home and immediately kicked off the shoes. Laid out a small buffet of lavash, Vinta crackers, smoked gouda, peanut butter, carrot sticks, granola bar, and more Gatorade. Mmmm, replenished. I later mapped out the actual route -- I'm a bit shy of the goal distance, but I'm rounding up from 7.6 miles.
I joined his run-in-progress (wearing the new long sleeve technical shirt from yesterday's goodie bag) after a few sips of the blue stuff. While I was putting on my shoes, I left Grasshopper with a magazine with tips on hill training. One tip was to "visualize a flat hill" as you run up, keeping head up and arms swinging, or something to that effect. He pointed out that hills couldn't be flat. Terrain, yes. Hills, no. Oxymoron.
Anyways, I was able to keep up with Grasshopper nearly stride-for-stride for most of the run (except on a couple of uphills), leading me to declare that he and I should only run together after he's done at least 7miles already and is just a bit tuckered out by this distance completed. That improves my chances much more of keeping up. We made a stop at the running shop for water and some candy. We also made a good decision to head north from the store. He was tiring (this being his longest run in a while), and my energy was starting to wane a little (probably because of a second day of faster-than-normal pace). The yummy berry blue sport jellybeans were probably a key reason for making it up the next five hills (these were definitely NOT flat but these did not defeat me. The second and fourth ones almost though) on the way back home. Mmmmm sugar boost.
Reached home and immediately kicked off the shoes. Laid out a small buffet of lavash, Vinta crackers, smoked gouda, peanut butter, carrot sticks, granola bar, and more Gatorade. Mmmm, replenished. I later mapped out the actual route -- I'm a bit shy of the goal distance, but I'm rounding up from 7.6 miles.
Saturday, April 5
As it actually happened... (Harry's Spring Run-Off race report)
Turns out I'm not much of a fiction writer (please read companion piece posted earlier today). 
I wasn't too far off from my invented post. Just about everything I predicted would happen, did happen. One major change to the fantasy post was my finishing time: a new personal best of 51:49.4 (previous 53:24.6, set in 2005)! I'm not sure why I'd said 56+ minutes in my pretend post, just a number I picked out of the air with no thought to what I'm now capable of. I dressed about perfectly for the weather today: a sleeveless shirt with a long sleeve on top (which I'd take off and wrap around my waist at the halfway mark when I walked through the Gatorade station).
As much as I complain about hills, this course is challenging, yet enjoyable, especially if the weather was as perfect as today's (5C, no wind, all sun). The first hill just before the 3K mark sucked. I think I was still partially distracted by the poor start. I just tried to remember to keep my head up, pump my arms, and just keep going. I hadn't thought about a race strategy, a pace, or even reviewed the course before showing up. After 4K I was a new runner. I had much better focus, better breathing, and frankly, I felt invincible. By the time I hit the 6K mark, I was really warmed up (this is typical -- it takes me at least 3 miles to feel good about running). My stride became surer, stronger. I reached the 7K marker and I quickly glanced at my watch. It read just over 44mins. All that was left was 1K and it included the legendary hill (maybe 300 metres?) to the finish. I charged ahead. It was time to leave it all on the floor. A lot of people were starting to walk up this hill. Easy pickoffs. I felt pretty light during the first half of the hill. It started getting tough, but a great song was blaring in my ears, and I forged ahead. Saw Arcane and Yumke at the top of the hill. Only 100m left. All smiles, high-fived Yumke and made the turn towards a personal best.
Everyone did real well. Fitz placed 10th in his category; Tommy, who just started running in January and has lost 70 pounds in the past year, almost cracked the Top 100 5K finishers. Unsurprisingly, Yumke PB'ed. And Arcane, in his first 8K race, was hot on Yumke's heels, coming in microseconds behind him.
And as a casual observation, this is probably the first post-race meal that I've ever eaten that did not -- !DID NOT! -- feature heaps of bacon. Maybe because it was well after noon by the time the four photogs found each other. I ordered a burger, but the waitress told me the pub was not serving these sandwiches today. Something about the meat being fine but no matter how the kitchen cooked it, the burgers still came out looking raw and each one had already been sent back. Uh, no thanks. So I chose a side of multigrain toast to go with a lovely iron-rich spinach salad with pears, blue cheese and candied walnuts. I ignored the tomatoes.
I wasn't too far off from my invented post. Just about everything I predicted would happen, did happen. One major change to the fantasy post was my finishing time: a new personal best of 51:49.4 (previous 53:24.6, set in 2005)! I'm not sure why I'd said 56+ minutes in my pretend post, just a number I picked out of the air with no thought to what I'm now capable of. I dressed about perfectly for the weather today: a sleeveless shirt with a long sleeve on top (which I'd take off and wrap around my waist at the halfway mark when I walked through the Gatorade station).
As much as I complain about hills, this course is challenging, yet enjoyable, especially if the weather was as perfect as today's (5C, no wind, all sun). The first hill just before the 3K mark sucked. I think I was still partially distracted by the poor start. I just tried to remember to keep my head up, pump my arms, and just keep going. I hadn't thought about a race strategy, a pace, or even reviewed the course before showing up. After 4K I was a new runner. I had much better focus, better breathing, and frankly, I felt invincible. By the time I hit the 6K mark, I was really warmed up (this is typical -- it takes me at least 3 miles to feel good about running). My stride became surer, stronger. I reached the 7K marker and I quickly glanced at my watch. It read just over 44mins. All that was left was 1K and it included the legendary hill (maybe 300 metres?) to the finish. I charged ahead. It was time to leave it all on the floor. A lot of people were starting to walk up this hill. Easy pickoffs. I felt pretty light during the first half of the hill. It started getting tough, but a great song was blaring in my ears, and I forged ahead. Saw Arcane and Yumke at the top of the hill. Only 100m left. All smiles, high-fived Yumke and made the turn towards a personal best.
Everyone did real well. Fitz placed 10th in his category; Tommy, who just started running in January and has lost 70 pounds in the past year, almost cracked the Top 100 5K finishers. Unsurprisingly, Yumke PB'ed. And Arcane, in his first 8K race, was hot on Yumke's heels, coming in microseconds behind him.
And as a casual observation, this is probably the first post-race meal that I've ever eaten that did not -- !DID NOT! -- feature heaps of bacon. Maybe because it was well after noon by the time the four photogs found each other. I ordered a burger, but the waitress told me the pub was not serving these sandwiches today. Something about the meat being fine but no matter how the kitchen cooked it, the burgers still came out looking raw and each one had already been sent back. Uh, no thanks. So I chose a side of multigrain toast to go with a lovely iron-rich spinach salad with pears, blue cheese and candied walnuts. I ignored the tomatoes.
Three things I learned:
- Don't pick up race packet on race day. I was so unprepared this morning. I left the house, realized I'd forgotten photo ID, returned home to get ID, and then run to the subway. Train ride
was uneventful but I kept staring at my watch, trying to will time to slow and/or make the train go faster. I got to the park with 15 minutes before gun time. The packet pickup (nice swag by the way) was not where I'd remembered it to be. By the time I got my chip and checked my bag, I was dashing back to the start line, and someone said "30 seconds!" I was still pinning my bib to my shirt as I was trying to get to the line! I began to wonder if I'd pay for this unnecessary expenditure of energy during those messy hills. I've already run 1.5K for my tardiness. I joined the back of the pack and it'd be another 2 minutes or so before my foot would cross the chip activation mat. - Don't eat a pound of wings the night before a race. This requires no explanation. Yumke might add, "don't eat a pound of hot wings the night before a race". If it weren't because it was monthly Dinner Club night, we both would have eaten something else, but it's Dinner Club and we love Dinner Club. At least I had spaghetti carbonara for lunch.
- My iPod loves me. Put it on shuffle and it's like the songs knew what I needed. Started off with, curiously, Sir Mix A-Lot's "Baby Got Back", which was fun because I was passing all sorts of butts .... and ended with John Parr's "Man in Motion", which is my ultimate Power Up song, and again passing all sorts of butts (going back to the days when Frankie and I would do spinning class on Thursday nights and this was the song that got us through some long hills.)
As I imagined it.... (Harry's Spring Run-Off fake race report)
The following is a post, as i imagined it, for today's race (originally written March 28 after I'd heard who was the potential post-race breakfast partners; photo courtesy of Yumke and posted late afternoon):
Photo Finish
If you had asked me 10 years ago if half the masthead at the school newspaper would become avid runners, I would have bet heavily against that. All my savings, plus my firstborn if I had one.Especially if you had said that this group of runners were all photo editors too. This is a group of kids who stayed up all night to meet deadlines (all of us), smoked too much (well, one of us), drank too much (most of us), watched our waistlines expand with the embarassingly bad eating habits (sadly, all of us), all while inhaling photo developer fluid (hey, these were the days before anyone was fully digital). And occassionally listening to Celine belt out that schmaltzy Titanic love song (one of us subjected the rest of us).But here we were, at the 2008 Harry's Spring Run Off.
Four photo editors running the city's first big race through the beautiful (and hilly -- have I complained about hills before??) High Park. Two of us sign up for the 5K, and the other two sign up for the 8K.
The race itself was okay for me and went as expected. I had difficulty on the hills, but my new shoes feel great. I finished in 56:27 minutes, no walking. Yumke, who PB'ed yet again, and I waited for our former fellow photo editors to finish their 5K race, which started an hour after ours.It's the most unlikely of reunion spots for this group. I wonder if we could get a few more editors, photo and otherwise, out there. One day, maybe we could even enter as a TEAM.
Thursday, April 3
Downtown Dash
It's been a long time since I've run any of my old downtown routes. Not that I've moved to the suburbs, despite some uninformed opinions, but I'll trade a downtown condo for the air that is definitely nicer this side of the Don River. I had about 3 hours today to kill between after work and nerding out at the annual corporate Scrabble tournament.
Centroid: The center of mass of a geometric object of uniform density. So this is the word that I could have spelled on a triple-word, double letter squares hat would have netted me some ginormous one-turn score of 150-something. Too bad I didn't think of it and it was pointed out to me after I had taken my turn (I spelled drones instead, on a triple word no less but it was only worth around 30). I still won my table.
But before all the drama of the tiles, I ran outside. I had intended on doing a few miles in the sunshineless gym, but then I had some sense talked into me. Ended up with a great 4.5 miles and then had a divine steam at the gym. Rest day tomorrow ahead of the 8K race.
Centroid: The center of mass of a geometric object of uniform density. So this is the word that I could have spelled on a triple-word, double letter squares hat would have netted me some ginormous one-turn score of 150-something. Too bad I didn't think of it and it was pointed out to me after I had taken my turn (I spelled drones instead, on a triple word no less but it was only worth around 30). I still won my table.
But before all the drama of the tiles, I ran outside. I had intended on doing a few miles in the sunshineless gym, but then I had some sense talked into me. Ended up with a great 4.5 miles and then had a divine steam at the gym. Rest day tomorrow ahead of the 8K race.
Wednesday, April 2
No loafing around
Nearing the end of my shift yesterday, I emailed my sister and asked her to go out for a run. By the time I got home, there was a wind advisory in effect and not-so-secretly I was glad for the excuse. Although my sister tried to give me a guest pass to her gym so that we could still run together. I politely declined. At least she got 3 miles in.
No excuses today. It was sunny, about 6C, no wind. Of course I overdressed. I figured I'd be good for 3 miles, not wanting to overexert myself before this weekend's Spring RunOff, my first chip-timed race since October. Of course I overdid it. Funniest observation during this 6.5mi run was near the end of my route. Every few steps on the side of the road was a different kind of bread. There was a bagel, a mini French baguette, an onion bun, a panini. I was on a roll uphill, rising to the challenge of this loooong hill (all bad puns absolutely intended and dedicated to Yumke).
That reminds me, need some carbs.
No excuses today. It was sunny, about 6C, no wind. Of course I overdressed. I figured I'd be good for 3 miles, not wanting to overexert myself before this weekend's Spring RunOff, my first chip-timed race since October. Of course I overdid it. Funniest observation during this 6.5mi run was near the end of my route. Every few steps on the side of the road was a different kind of bread. There was a bagel, a mini French baguette, an onion bun, a panini. I was on a roll uphill, rising to the challenge of this loooong hill (all bad puns absolutely intended and dedicated to Yumke).
That reminds me, need some carbs.
Sunday, March 30
Blitzed
I overshot my target mileage today. I thought I was scheduled for 8 miles. That's actually next week. This week I was actually booked for 7 miles. It didn't start off well. I woke up around 7:30 a.m. and did not feel like going. I needed to be around people to make sure I wasn't being a lazy runner. It already felt like it'd be one of those give-up-if-the-wind-is-blowing-the-wrong-way type days.
I pulled on my gear, made a face as the weather channel said it was 0C, but it felt like -5, and out the door I went. My iPod was dead. Of all the days that I really wanted to listen to some Incubus, Foo Fighters, and maybe some Billy Talent. I headed straight to the Beach to meet up with the Sunday running group I hadn't seen in months. I briefly thought about running with the 1/2 marathon group, which was doing 14K. But that was more than I wanted to do (calculating that it was a round trip 6K from my house to the meeting spot .... I did not need to do 20K today). So I went with group that was doing 7K.
In the summer, this is a nice route -- mostly boardwalk along the beach. In the tail-end of winter, it's icy, it's windy, and the waves (which remind me of the North Shore in Hawaii but devoid of surfers here) crashing on the rocks can actually kick up enough spray to hit you along the way. The unintentional funny thing about me running with people this morning is that I ran it alone, neither at the front of the pack or at the back -- in the middle where it was just me. I started off pacing myself behind the twins (two runners wearing the same jacket. We could have been triplets since they were donning the jacket that was given away at the Resolution Run) but quickened my pace. The fierce wind would make me feel like I was running in one spot and I almost wished for a treadmill. I completed the route in about 45 minutes. I took a quick drink and started my journey home. I won't lie, I wish I had brought my car. But my mileage wasn't done yet.
Away from the water, it was a completely different run. I stuck to the sunny side of the sidewalk and I moved with ease. There was no wind. All the traffic lights worked in my favor (today that means I didn't stop). I took a different route home and stopped at the Golden Arches to pick up hash browns and a McMuffin for me, some hotcakes for CMan. By the time I reached home, 2-1/2 hours from the time I left, I'd covered 9.4 miles/15K. Which means, I've inadvertently jumped ahead 4 weeks in the schedule.
Luckily for me, I had a girl's day scheduled today. Four of us went to take the waters, that is do the whole water therapy thing -- soak in a sea salt pool, steam, cold plunge, sauna, cold plunge, green tea hot tub, cold plunge, more sea salt. It was a perfect ending to a hard run.
I pulled on my gear, made a face as the weather channel said it was 0C, but it felt like -5, and out the door I went. My iPod was dead. Of all the days that I really wanted to listen to some Incubus, Foo Fighters, and maybe some Billy Talent. I headed straight to the Beach to meet up with the Sunday running group I hadn't seen in months. I briefly thought about running with the 1/2 marathon group, which was doing 14K. But that was more than I wanted to do (calculating that it was a round trip 6K from my house to the meeting spot .... I did not need to do 20K today). So I went with group that was doing 7K.
In the summer, this is a nice route -- mostly boardwalk along the beach. In the tail-end of winter, it's icy, it's windy, and the waves (which remind me of the North Shore in Hawaii but devoid of surfers here) crashing on the rocks can actually kick up enough spray to hit you along the way. The unintentional funny thing about me running with people this morning is that I ran it alone, neither at the front of the pack or at the back -- in the middle where it was just me. I started off pacing myself behind the twins (two runners wearing the same jacket. We could have been triplets since they were donning the jacket that was given away at the Resolution Run) but quickened my pace. The fierce wind would make me feel like I was running in one spot and I almost wished for a treadmill. I completed the route in about 45 minutes. I took a quick drink and started my journey home. I won't lie, I wish I had brought my car. But my mileage wasn't done yet.
Away from the water, it was a completely different run. I stuck to the sunny side of the sidewalk and I moved with ease. There was no wind. All the traffic lights worked in my favor (today that means I didn't stop). I took a different route home and stopped at the Golden Arches to pick up hash browns and a McMuffin for me, some hotcakes for CMan. By the time I reached home, 2-1/2 hours from the time I left, I'd covered 9.4 miles/15K. Which means, I've inadvertently jumped ahead 4 weeks in the schedule.
Luckily for me, I had a girl's day scheduled today. Four of us went to take the waters, that is do the whole water therapy thing -- soak in a sea salt pool, steam, cold plunge, sauna, cold plunge, green tea hot tub, cold plunge, more sea salt. It was a perfect ending to a hard run.
Friday, March 28
Tickled pink
New shoes!These are going to go so great with the colors at the Flying Pig in 36 days. Took these kicks out for a spin around the block. A 5-1/2 mile block. Met my sister partway, who decided she would run home from work (taking a page out of my playbook, I see). The first part of my run was good. The middle part not so much. I feared it might be my new shoes, Brooks GTS 8, which are the next generation of my current pair. Coincidentally there were hills (ok, a steady low grade incline) at this time, so I'll blame that, because I more or less sprinted the last two miles home on very flat ground when my sister and I parted ways. I'll see how these feel again during the 8 miles I have scheduled this weekend. Probably Sunday.
Wednesday, March 26
Old shoes
I ran an errand-based 3K late this afternoon in my old shoes. I had absent-mindedly left my running shoes at work. I had brought them in because I read somewhere that it was a good idea to bring in your old shoes when going to buy new ones but I never made it to the store over my lunch break. It's so nice out today, very spring-like, and I wished I had more time to get in a much longer run but had another commitment to attend to in the early evening. But at least I got a short one in anyway. Ran and met up with CMan at the grocery store to pick up ingredients for dinner. We've decided to open up the grill for the second time this week. Yummy burgers on the menu tonight!
Monday, March 24
Three angry miles
Without going into deep detail, let's just say I'm having issues with a certain retailer and a credit card company. The gist of it is that I've been arguing a false charge on my credit card for nearly four months now, and it is still not resolved. It's moving at a snail's pace, despite frequent calls where I have to explain the same story to a different customer service agent every time. Needless to say, I want to pull my hair out. Instead, I went for three furious miles today, meeting my sister partway on the route (lucky her to get me in a foul mood). I quickly cooled down from the angry words I had and enjoyed the warmth of the wintry sun (oxymoron?) and my sister's funny stories from her trip on the West Coast.
Friday, March 21
Double the fun with cousin
The running week is ending early. I went to the gym for the first time in months on Tuesday. I was quite a sight -- so uncoordinated on the treadmill. In fact, I misstepped half a dozen times during this very poor 5K. I was pink with embarassment at nearly falling off each time. Maybe it was the lasagna with bechamel sauce, fried zucchini and Italian donuts, that were being prepared FoodTv that caused the distraction of not running in a straight line?
But luckily, my cousin was housesitting for my sister this week and this enabled us to have back-to-back outdoor runs together, yesterday and today. It was a blustery Thursday. She pulled up to my house just as I was returning from work. It would be another 45 minutes before we could talk ourselves into running in that cold wind. It seemed no matter which direction we headed, the wind was not at our backs. It didn't stop us, we just pushed through. I steered us a little off course so that we could end the run at the local coffeeshop for a hot chocolate to warm our hands and bellies for the short cooldown walk home after we completed 5K.
Today, it took us another 45 minutes to depart upon meeting up. I used almost the same route as last Saturday, except went in reverse so the hill home was more drawn out but less steep than if I had gone the other way. It's also a step-back long run week (again, not adhering to any plan in particular. Just running what I feel like. Though I plan to reach a long run of 10 miles before the taper). We set off slowly. We both have start-issues, ie can't seem to get going until about 20 minutes in. I purposely lead us past the new cupcake shoppe and she was equally enamored by the choices that would await us... one day. I think we actually hit a comfortable stride in the second half of the 6-1/2-mile journey when the promise of hot coffee and pancakes was close at hand. (In reality, the coffee wasn't very satisfying at the diner, as was the service, but I managed to eat some of everyone's breakfast -- cousin's hashbrowns, her husband's rye toast, CMan's bacon, and 2 of 3 of my own stack of pancakes with a side of sausages).
But luckily, my cousin was housesitting for my sister this week and this enabled us to have back-to-back outdoor runs together, yesterday and today. It was a blustery Thursday. She pulled up to my house just as I was returning from work. It would be another 45 minutes before we could talk ourselves into running in that cold wind. It seemed no matter which direction we headed, the wind was not at our backs. It didn't stop us, we just pushed through. I steered us a little off course so that we could end the run at the local coffeeshop for a hot chocolate to warm our hands and bellies for the short cooldown walk home after we completed 5K.
Today, it took us another 45 minutes to depart upon meeting up. I used almost the same route as last Saturday, except went in reverse so the hill home was more drawn out but less steep than if I had gone the other way. It's also a step-back long run week (again, not adhering to any plan in particular. Just running what I feel like. Though I plan to reach a long run of 10 miles before the taper). We set off slowly. We both have start-issues, ie can't seem to get going until about 20 minutes in. I purposely lead us past the new cupcake shoppe and she was equally enamored by the choices that would await us... one day. I think we actually hit a comfortable stride in the second half of the 6-1/2-mile journey when the promise of hot coffee and pancakes was close at hand. (In reality, the coffee wasn't very satisfying at the diner, as was the service, but I managed to eat some of everyone's breakfast -- cousin's hashbrowns, her husband's rye toast, CMan's bacon, and 2 of 3 of my own stack of pancakes with a side of sausages).
Monday, March 17
She wins skinny jeans
I made a bet with my sister. If she finished her 5K in 33 minutes, I owe her a pair of skinny jeans.
She won. We all have our motivators.
(Actually she ran 3-1/2 miles in 36 minutes. Does she win? I'm too lazy to do the math actually.)
She won. We all have our motivators.
(Actually she ran 3-1/2 miles in 36 minutes. Does she win? I'm too lazy to do the math actually.)
Sunday, March 16
Springing into action
Good luck to all the leprechauns running in various St. Patty's dashes. Fitz, ya look good! Yumke, another 5K is nothing this weekend. M, you can do it. Bobby, I hope you outrun your buddy and get free beer all day.
Funny how a flurry of running activity will get me trawling the web for new races. It becomes a big calendar study and I tend to sign up only if there's critical mass amongst my running partners. Or at least one other body going. So I've just signed up for Harry's Spring Run-off. Yumke's already in. And there were preliminary talks recently with my sister and cousin about doing this too, as a Piglet (hilly course, about 5 miles, good practice a month before the Big Pig). This will be the second time I'll run this course, the first being the first race ever in adulthood (I mean, I had quite the elementary school track record. I got lots of participation ribbons to prove it!)
Funny how a flurry of running activity will get me trawling the web for new races. It becomes a big calendar study and I tend to sign up only if there's critical mass amongst my running partners. Or at least one other body going. So I've just signed up for Harry's Spring Run-off. Yumke's already in. And there were preliminary talks recently with my sister and cousin about doing this too, as a Piglet (hilly course, about 5 miles, good practice a month before the Big Pig). This will be the second time I'll run this course, the first being the first race ever in adulthood (I mean, I had quite the elementary school track record. I got lots of participation ribbons to prove it!)
Saturday, March 15
Hard eight on the Ides of March
It was a tough 8.2 mile run today. I remember why it's useful to run with people. It was easily the most gorgeous running day of the year. It was 3C, sun was beating down, and there was just a whisper of a wind. Grasshopper, who was booked for an 18-miler (gawd, I don't miss those AT ALL), graciously allowed me to join him for part of this epic run. It cost me a glass of water when he showed up at my door at about 12:15 pm, a little later than we'd semi-planned but that was entirely a miscommunication.
We set off. By this time I'd already redrawn his proposed route. I had to be at my sister's for 2pm before she was heading to the airport for a week on the West Coast (I should mention, she's doing a St. Patty's 5K this weekend. That is not the principal reason for going, but cool). I had shortened Grasshopper's route by 2 miles, with the expectation that after the loop down to the water and back to my house, I'd make up the balance by running to my sister's.
There weren't too many stops. A few traffic lights. A water stop and washroom break at the local running shop. A small detour into a new cupcake shoppe I didn't know about (I stop at all cupcake shops, whether or not I intend to buy something. I really wanted one, but it's not really intra-run food is it?) Note to self, stick to completely residential roads so there's no danger of window shopping.
The scariest part of the run was not the hill at close to Mile 4. It was when Grasshopper nearly got mowed down by a careless driver coming out of a driveway. It was probably a good thing that we slowed down for a microsecond to do a Jellybean transaction (he was carrying and passing one to me). The driver didn't seem too apologetic, and we just kept on going.
Eventually we made it back to my house, where I had a small costume change. I ditched the jacket and the protective pant layer (for the puddles). And we had another water break. And then off to my sister's. At this point, I was running better. Must be the flat road. I'm semi-concerned about these Cinci hills.
My breathing was pretty labored today. I struggled at times to keep up, mostly on the inclines and hillier portions. But I'm glad I had a running buddy today. I would have walked way more. And ran much slower. About 22 miles in total for the week! How's that for picking it up.... I had a nice long nap. Then proceeded to work on my taxes. Now I'm going to take a break and go run in the virtual world of Outland and kill some stuff.
We set off. By this time I'd already redrawn his proposed route. I had to be at my sister's for 2pm before she was heading to the airport for a week on the West Coast (I should mention, she's doing a St. Patty's 5K this weekend. That is not the principal reason for going, but cool). I had shortened Grasshopper's route by 2 miles, with the expectation that after the loop down to the water and back to my house, I'd make up the balance by running to my sister's.
There weren't too many stops. A few traffic lights. A water stop and washroom break at the local running shop. A small detour into a new cupcake shoppe I didn't know about (I stop at all cupcake shops, whether or not I intend to buy something. I really wanted one, but it's not really intra-run food is it?) Note to self, stick to completely residential roads so there's no danger of window shopping.
The scariest part of the run was not the hill at close to Mile 4. It was when Grasshopper nearly got mowed down by a careless driver coming out of a driveway. It was probably a good thing that we slowed down for a microsecond to do a Jellybean transaction (he was carrying and passing one to me). The driver didn't seem too apologetic, and we just kept on going.
Eventually we made it back to my house, where I had a small costume change. I ditched the jacket and the protective pant layer (for the puddles). And we had another water break. And then off to my sister's. At this point, I was running better. Must be the flat road. I'm semi-concerned about these Cinci hills.
My breathing was pretty labored today. I struggled at times to keep up, mostly on the inclines and hillier portions. But I'm glad I had a running buddy today. I would have walked way more. And ran much slower. About 22 miles in total for the week! How's that for picking it up.... I had a nice long nap. Then proceeded to work on my taxes. Now I'm going to take a break and go run in the virtual world of Outland and kill some stuff.
Friday, March 14
performance predictor
One of the best predictors of performance is food.
Food as reward: For one reason or another, it's thinking about pizza that sometimes gets me through a long run. Or it's the promise of a short stack of pancakes with real maple syrup or a fluffy Belgian waffle with strawberries, either treat must come with a side of bacon, that makes many a weekend long run so satisfying (but particularly majestic post-race).
Food as motivator: It's not entirely the best pre-run meal but it's a good predetermined guarantee I'll put on some running shoes not too long afterwards. Food guilt? Maybe a little. What did I do? I went to McDonald's for lunch and it cost me 830 calories. Give me points for having a diet Coke?
And that is why I ran 3miles after work today.
......Then I proceeded to go to the bar for a going-away party, where I had one beer, fish and chips and a couple of chicken fingers.
And that is why I plan on running 8 miles tomorrow. The vicious cycle.
You are what you eat.Food as fuel: The bowls of pasta we eat the night before a race is there to store enough energy to get us to the finish line. The electrolyte-laden drinks and pure water keeps us hydrated. Gels give us that extra boost down the stretch. We try to stay away from binge drinking and deep fried foods during serious training periods. Eat greens.
Food as reward: For one reason or another, it's thinking about pizza that sometimes gets me through a long run. Or it's the promise of a short stack of pancakes with real maple syrup or a fluffy Belgian waffle with strawberries, either treat must come with a side of bacon, that makes many a weekend long run so satisfying (but particularly majestic post-race).
Food as motivator: It's not entirely the best pre-run meal but it's a good predetermined guarantee I'll put on some running shoes not too long afterwards. Food guilt? Maybe a little. What did I do? I went to McDonald's for lunch and it cost me 830 calories. Give me points for having a diet Coke?
And that is why I ran 3miles after work today.
......Then I proceeded to go to the bar for a going-away party, where I had one beer, fish and chips and a couple of chicken fingers.
And that is why I plan on running 8 miles tomorrow. The vicious cycle.
Wednesday, March 12
Lost nerve, and window shopping
Another sunny day, chalk up 4.5miles more for me. I no longer feel bad about hibernating all winter. I thought about repeating Monday's effort (like I'm sticking to a training plan anymore) but I sort of lost my nerve about 10 minutes into it. Twas windier than expected, and the chill seemed to pierce right through my jacket today and the sun wasn't warming. I decided to shorten the run and tried to remember past routes (it's been so long!). I headed toward my sister's place, that would be about 4 miles. But, I decided I should throw a hill into today's run. Because there are hills, and quite the doozies in the Cinci route I hear, and so I thought I should practice just a little. Three-quarters of the way through the run, I found myself on Queen St between the neighborhoods of Leslieville and The Beach. Lot of stores were catching my eye, not to mention many a menu of the local restos. So, it wasn't the most productive mile there, with a lot of stops. I guess I lost a bit of momentum because the last mile was the toughest -- and not just because there was a hill looming. It was a tremendous effort to just put one foot in front of the other. I ended up walking quite a bit.
But at least I ran up the entire hill.
But at least I ran up the entire hill.
Monday, March 10
"We had a pact!"
Somehow R. and I had agreed to not train for the half marathon in Cinci. I don't really remember why. Anyways, I broke the pact last week -- twice. So not to be entirely outdone, R. went out this weekend and ran 16.5K in one shot. Hmmmmph.
So, in the spirit of one upmanship, I made the most of the incredible sunshine this afternoon. I had bought myself a new toque during my lunch break for cold weather running (it doesn't seem like this snow is ever going to end! ....). because, you know, it was the hatless running that was stopping me all winter. The giant square route around the eastern part of the city before it becomes real suburbs took 90 minutes but I'm not fussing too much about that. There were a lot of puddles, people in the way, unshoveled portions of sidewalks, and I had to stop for about 5 minutes because I was so fascinated by the sight of snow removal by a convoy of trucks. All told, 6.5 miles (10.5K)! So I didn't quite beat R.'s distance, but maybe we'll both start getting into some kind of different groove. Ah, spring....
So, in the spirit of one upmanship, I made the most of the incredible sunshine this afternoon. I had bought myself a new toque during my lunch break for cold weather running (it doesn't seem like this snow is ever going to end! ....). because, you know, it was the hatless running that was stopping me all winter. The giant square route around the eastern part of the city before it becomes real suburbs took 90 minutes but I'm not fussing too much about that. There were a lot of puddles, people in the way, unshoveled portions of sidewalks, and I had to stop for about 5 minutes because I was so fascinated by the sight of snow removal by a convoy of trucks. All told, 6.5 miles (10.5K)! So I didn't quite beat R.'s distance, but maybe we'll both start getting into some kind of different groove. Ah, spring....
Wednesday, March 5
This just may become a habit
Jogging and blogging twice in one week? Something's happening.... a half-marathon training is in progress.
Did the same 5K route as Monday, but in the other direction. Again, it didn't look promising weatherwise this morning (overnight storm), but by the time I got home, the sun was shining and people were outside shoveling their portions of the sidewalks with t-shirts on. Also, I had to fit in a run today because my monthly dinner club is on tonight and we're going to Lebanese buffet. Mmmm, lentil soup and kebabs in an hour!
Did the same 5K route as Monday, but in the other direction. Again, it didn't look promising weatherwise this morning (overnight storm), but by the time I got home, the sun was shining and people were outside shoveling their portions of the sidewalks with t-shirts on. Also, I had to fit in a run today because my monthly dinner club is on tonight and we're going to Lebanese buffet. Mmmm, lentil soup and kebabs in an hour!
Monday, March 3
baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack-the sequel
SIXTY DAYS to train. That's enough time to prep for a half-marathon that I just want to complete, right? Right? I'm saying it more to convince myself as the winter training I thought I would do sort has just withered to nothing. One might say I never really got started. I have been so sedantary this winter I'm surprised I haven't gained much weight... Almost none.
Well, it's upon us and the time to get serious about training might be now. Or yesterday. So here I am, starting again. Because everyone else I know who's signed up for the Pig is miles ahead in training. Let there be no more excuses.
I am still not 100-percent healthy. About 98 percent, I'd say. I thought I had kicked whatever it was (bronchitis?) just out of pure stubborness, but a cough crept up on me the other day. And no, I haven't gone to the doctor yet. Still. Yes since New Year's Eve. But I do have an appointment on Thursday. Really.
It was remarkably balmy this morning and I thought to myself, okay today is the day I start over and run outside because it's 60 days before I take my place....at the back of the pack. That first half of the thought lasted for as long as it took me to take my next step because I nearly slipped on some black ice. And I proceeded to nearly wipe out another dozen times along my 10 minute walk to the subway. By the afternoon though, as I was staring out the window, it was sunny and I figured the ice would have melted by now and I'd be safe on the sidewalks of Toronto. Except for all the puddles, and patches of thick ice not yet removed by the city... and the smattering of rain and dark clouds. But guess what, I went anyway.
3.3 miles (5.2K) in about 40 minutes. Still got it.
Well, it's upon us and the time to get serious about training might be now. Or yesterday. So here I am, starting again. Because everyone else I know who's signed up for the Pig is miles ahead in training. Let there be no more excuses.
I am still not 100-percent healthy. About 98 percent, I'd say. I thought I had kicked whatever it was (bronchitis?) just out of pure stubborness, but a cough crept up on me the other day. And no, I haven't gone to the doctor yet. Still. Yes since New Year's Eve. But I do have an appointment on Thursday. Really.
It was remarkably balmy this morning and I thought to myself, okay today is the day I start over and run outside because it's 60 days before I take my place....at the back of the pack. That first half of the thought lasted for as long as it took me to take my next step because I nearly slipped on some black ice. And I proceeded to nearly wipe out another dozen times along my 10 minute walk to the subway. By the afternoon though, as I was staring out the window, it was sunny and I figured the ice would have melted by now and I'd be safe on the sidewalks of Toronto. Except for all the puddles, and patches of thick ice not yet removed by the city... and the smattering of rain and dark clouds. But guess what, I went anyway.
3.3 miles (5.2K) in about 40 minutes. Still got it.
Tuesday, February 5
baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack
.... and about time, huh?
It's been 38 days since I last ran, which was the fun run. I fell pretty sick pretty much immediately after the run and haven't checked in on my own blog or others during this whole time. Yeah, pity party of one this whole time so that I didn't want to read about anyone's running progress, hear about anyone's running progress, or think about my non-progress. My sister is pretty sure I had/have bronchitis, but she's not a doctor although she actually went to one and was diagnosed with it. I still have a lingering cough, so maybe I should go see my doctor, but I did not cough once during the 21 minutes I was outside. I'm healed! Maybe fresh air does help.
Mileage: 1.7 miles
YTD: 1.7 miles
It's been 38 days since I last ran, which was the fun run. I fell pretty sick pretty much immediately after the run and haven't checked in on my own blog or others during this whole time. Yeah, pity party of one this whole time so that I didn't want to read about anyone's running progress, hear about anyone's running progress, or think about my non-progress. My sister is pretty sure I had/have bronchitis, but she's not a doctor although she actually went to one and was diagnosed with it. I still have a lingering cough, so maybe I should go see my doctor, but I did not cough once during the 21 minutes I was outside. I'm healed! Maybe fresh air does help.
Mileage: 1.7 miles
YTD: 1.7 miles
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)