Sunday, October 10.
I had a big run planned as in: this is the big run before the actual big running event next weekend in Hood River, Oregon. I was a little nervous because aren't we all nervous before a test?
I did everything I usually do before a long run: ate well the night before (no alcohol), got a good night's rest, got up two hours before my run to have a substantial breakfast (not too much, but good nutrient dense food -- as Brendan Brazier would say -- to sustain my run).
Running map is a website where I usually map out a route to match the distance that I need to go. The scheduled run for the morning was 17 k. I started to map out a route, but because I prefer to go out and make it up as I go along, I scrapped the running map ideas and went with a run that could take me where I'd like to go. The important thing was to run somewhere around the 2 hour mark.
You have to understand that since the pneumonia silliness, and the time off due to my Achilles injury that my running pace has slowed quite a bit. Normally, I would be able to know exactly how far I've run by simply knowing the time I've run, but recently my pace has slowed considerably so I'm not quite sure how long it takes me to run a km anymore. It's varied lately, and I've done a lot of running at the gym without measuring distance so I'm running in the dark, so to speak.
I loaded my water bottle with my Vega sport drink and set out. I do hate carrying a water bottle, but it's essential for the long run.
It was sunny and just the right running temperature. I started out slow, holding back my pace knowing I'd need it in the middle of my run. I felt good. I ran towards the Pitt River area, taking a nice back route that weaves through lots of little streets. I reached the DeBoville Slough and ran about 400 meters of the trail before I realized that I really should be heading towards home. There are some nice park trails in that area that are quite flat so I ran that circuit, and then hit my wall at around the 1 h 20 mark (note to self: good time to have a few medjool dates, or a whole food energy bar on me for the actual event. Quick energy). I struggled a bit, took a two minute walk break, and fought through it. Before I knew it, I was back to my rhythm and maintaining a good pace.
Along the route, I decided to run to the Whoville central station where all of the city buses converge, and then I could hop on a bus to avoid the hill home, but by the time I reached the station, I was worried that I probably hadn't run far enough and I wanted to keep going to be sure that I ran 17 k.
I was getting close to home, but would still need to catch the bus. I stopped on one of the trails that runs along Scott Creek and felt that I was finished. When I checked my watch and it said 2:07, I knew I was finished, and had definitely covered the 17 k. I called db to give him the heads up, and he offered to pick me up so I wouldn't have to endure the long, long, oh so long walk up the hill.
Once at home, I mapped my run that revealed I had gone over the 17k, and had actually run just over 20k! 20k is almost the half marathon distance (21.3k). Hmmm. The funny thing was that I really wanted to keep going on my run, but I was afraid of overdoing it. At least I can be sure that I'll be able to go the distance. I'm definitely excited now!
Columbia Gorge in 8 days!
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Run Vegan Run
Finally I was able to run more than 10 k today! I had a few dates, some fresh blueberries (I love summer!) and I was out the door. It didn't all go smoothly though. Less than 1 k into my run my bra strap came undone. Hmmm...what to do? The only way I could fix it would be to take off my bra. That's complicated when you're out for a run. I looked for a place to step into the woods, but then I saw a woman coming along the path that I had passed a few minutes earlier. She was on a power walk. I stopped her and asked if she could fix my bra. An odd thing to ask a stranger, but there you go. She fixed the strap, I thanked her and wished her to have great day, and then was on my way.
Two minutes later my left hamstring twinged, kind of like a little pop. I stretched and tried to massage the pain away, but was having little luck. Walking was hurting it. Hmmm....what to do? I tried shuffling along to see how far I could go, but it only took a few steps before I had to stop from the pain. I did some more stretching and massaging. I felt like crying! After all of this recovery time for my achilles and now this! I shuffled along some more, walked, shuffled, and then slowly began to do a slow jog using my yoga breathing to "breathe into the pain." I also focused on relaxing my legs and hips as much as possible because it's so easy to tense up when you're feeling pain. Once I crested the hill I knew I'd be able to keep going a little further, and decided to keep going as long as my body could stand it. Well...10 k later I felt pretty good.
I think it was the uphill that irritated the hamstring. I've been doing so much running on flat terrain to help my achilles recover that my legs just aren't use to having to climb.
During the last kilometer I felt really great endurance-wise, but my hamstring started to tighten up again. I couldn't wait to get home and stretch.
Now I can rest it for the remainder of the day, and tomorrow we'll see how it goes.
(I also tried out my new Camelbak water bottle, and I love it! It took a little getting use to, but now I really appreciate being able to drink from any angle, which is nice while running because I don't have to tilt the bottle to get liquid. It's the small things...)
Two minutes later my left hamstring twinged, kind of like a little pop. I stretched and tried to massage the pain away, but was having little luck. Walking was hurting it. Hmmm....what to do? I tried shuffling along to see how far I could go, but it only took a few steps before I had to stop from the pain. I did some more stretching and massaging. I felt like crying! After all of this recovery time for my achilles and now this! I shuffled along some more, walked, shuffled, and then slowly began to do a slow jog using my yoga breathing to "breathe into the pain." I also focused on relaxing my legs and hips as much as possible because it's so easy to tense up when you're feeling pain. Once I crested the hill I knew I'd be able to keep going a little further, and decided to keep going as long as my body could stand it. Well...10 k later I felt pretty good.
I think it was the uphill that irritated the hamstring. I've been doing so much running on flat terrain to help my achilles recover that my legs just aren't use to having to climb.
During the last kilometer I felt really great endurance-wise, but my hamstring started to tighten up again. I couldn't wait to get home and stretch.
Now I can rest it for the remainder of the day, and tomorrow we'll see how it goes.
(I also tried out my new Camelbak water bottle, and I love it! It took a little getting use to, but now I really appreciate being able to drink from any angle, which is nice while running because I don't have to tilt the bottle to get liquid. It's the small things...)
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Run Vegan Run
I had a great run today. It was easy, breezy (for real), and I felt strong even though I was running into the wind half of the time.
My ipod has become a regular attachment during because it can be a great way to lose myself in thought or a rhythm and think less about an ache or how hard that hill is to run. However, sometimes I turn it off especially when I'm running along trails so I can hear the birds, or in today's case hear the river.
Compared to last week's long run where I spent the whole time struggling, stopping and starting, and feeling completely unmotivated, this week's run was a pleasure even with the hills. I thought about why this might be, and considered that maybe much of it depends on my mental preparation. I'm not kidding. For 2 days I've been thinking about Sunday's long run, looking forward to having the day off, and hoping to have a little break in the rain to make the running a little easier. Last night I thought about what I was eating and how it might affect my run, and I had the same thoughts this morning when I ate a light breakfast. I went out without a plan in direction, but knowing that I wanted to run for at least an hour and a half so I could break it into three 30 minute runs. I really think it made a difference. I had mentally prepared myself to be out there for a certain amount of time, and with no pressure on where to go.
I use to go for a run with a certain route mapped out so I would know exactly what distance I had covered, but I've stopped doing that for about a year now, and I find it's so much easier to go out and just run with a time goal in mind.
I ran for an hour and 20 minutes. At the bottom of the hill I decided I'd walk the rest of the way. I didn't want to end my run by struggling for 12 minutes running uphill. It's steep climb on the lower part of the hill, and my legs just didn't have enough. Walking up the hill is a great way to cool down though.
When I reached our turn off I saw a deer dart across the road. The traffic slowed and crept passed. Then another deer trotted across the road to join the first one. They stood on the side of the road and munched a little. I called db so he could come out and see them. He seems to always miss the deer sightings. By the time he reached me, the deer had just gone down into the woods. There's a creek and a trail that cuts alongside the road, and leads to our street. We went into the trail and saw their tracks, and headed alongside the creek. There they were on the other side of the creek watching us, and they had probably been watching us for a while before we even saw them.
I ran home and grabbed the camera.
We could only see one by the time I got back. The second one had moved further into the brush. The light behind this deer is coming from the road above. So they were still fairly close to the road, but if you were walking along the road, you would never know they were there.
My ipod has become a regular attachment during because it can be a great way to lose myself in thought or a rhythm and think less about an ache or how hard that hill is to run. However, sometimes I turn it off especially when I'm running along trails so I can hear the birds, or in today's case hear the river.
Compared to last week's long run where I spent the whole time struggling, stopping and starting, and feeling completely unmotivated, this week's run was a pleasure even with the hills. I thought about why this might be, and considered that maybe much of it depends on my mental preparation. I'm not kidding. For 2 days I've been thinking about Sunday's long run, looking forward to having the day off, and hoping to have a little break in the rain to make the running a little easier. Last night I thought about what I was eating and how it might affect my run, and I had the same thoughts this morning when I ate a light breakfast. I went out without a plan in direction, but knowing that I wanted to run for at least an hour and a half so I could break it into three 30 minute runs. I really think it made a difference. I had mentally prepared myself to be out there for a certain amount of time, and with no pressure on where to go.
I use to go for a run with a certain route mapped out so I would know exactly what distance I had covered, but I've stopped doing that for about a year now, and I find it's so much easier to go out and just run with a time goal in mind.
I ran for an hour and 20 minutes. At the bottom of the hill I decided I'd walk the rest of the way. I didn't want to end my run by struggling for 12 minutes running uphill. It's steep climb on the lower part of the hill, and my legs just didn't have enough. Walking up the hill is a great way to cool down though.
When I reached our turn off I saw a deer dart across the road. The traffic slowed and crept passed. Then another deer trotted across the road to join the first one. They stood on the side of the road and munched a little. I called db so he could come out and see them. He seems to always miss the deer sightings. By the time he reached me, the deer had just gone down into the woods. There's a creek and a trail that cuts alongside the road, and leads to our street. We went into the trail and saw their tracks, and headed alongside the creek. There they were on the other side of the creek watching us, and they had probably been watching us for a while before we even saw them.
I ran home and grabbed the camera.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
What! September 16th! Where did those two weeks go? Work, work, work is where the time went.
Okay it wasn't all work. I did have two days in a row on the labour day weekend. We did go for a walk in a local park with some intention on looking for mushrooms, but we didn't see much. There was a nice trail around this small pond though that made for a nice easy walk.
We found some puff mushrooms that were beyond their eating stage, but when pressed little puffs of brown spores came out of the top. We also found a cauliflower mushroom that was sizeable. We took a sample home to do a better ID on it. I actually found a couple of black chanterelles, which I never thought I'd spot in the woods and didn't really know existed until I started to identify it. One I found looked a bit past its prime and the other one was tiny so I left it alone. They are supposed to be quite good though.
I love the west coast trees. Of course this whole area was heavily logged. Many of the stumps left behind still have the springboard markings in them. This is where slots were cut out of the lower trunk and a springboard was set up so the loggers could stand on them and cut away with their axes.
This side of the park is quite nice because it's a little less travelled than the beach side of the park. It would make a nice running trail actually.
Last weekend we were planning on going to P's for a little mushroom walk (he's more of a pro and I want to learn what I can from him), but he called to say that the forests were still pretty dry. The summer was so dry, and our fall hasn't produced much rain either. So we decided to delay our trip for another week. Then hopefully he'll come to the mainland to poke around here. We've probably had a little more rain than Nanaimo.
***
What else have I been doing?
Of course I'm running again. It's very frustrating having to take a week off. I feel like I've lost some of my momentum, but I'm slowly gaining that back.
I had a great run along the inlet one evening after work. I ran the trail the whole way. It was sunny and not too warm; the weather was perfect running weather. That run really motivated me. Tonight I ran near the inlet, but had one of those sluggish runs. My legs felt heavy and I could never get into a groove. Sometimes it's just tougher. I'll see how it goes Friday on my long run.
I need to keep running because with the feeling of fall in the air, I've been baking. I've been baking cookies, muffins, and even a cake (for db's birthday).
These are the lemon poppyseed muffins I made. They turned out beautifully. What is it about lemon and poppyseed that goes together so well?
We found some puff mushrooms that were beyond their eating stage, but when pressed little puffs of brown spores came out of the top. We also found a cauliflower mushroom that was sizeable. We took a sample home to do a better ID on it. I actually found a couple of black chanterelles, which I never thought I'd spot in the woods and didn't really know existed until I started to identify it. One I found looked a bit past its prime and the other one was tiny so I left it alone. They are supposed to be quite good though.
This side of the park is quite nice because it's a little less travelled than the beach side of the park. It would make a nice running trail actually.
Last weekend we were planning on going to P's for a little mushroom walk (he's more of a pro and I want to learn what I can from him), but he called to say that the forests were still pretty dry. The summer was so dry, and our fall hasn't produced much rain either. So we decided to delay our trip for another week. Then hopefully he'll come to the mainland to poke around here. We've probably had a little more rain than Nanaimo.
***
What else have I been doing?
Of course I'm running again. It's very frustrating having to take a week off. I feel like I've lost some of my momentum, but I'm slowly gaining that back.
I had a great run along the inlet one evening after work. I ran the trail the whole way. It was sunny and not too warm; the weather was perfect running weather. That run really motivated me. Tonight I ran near the inlet, but had one of those sluggish runs. My legs felt heavy and I could never get into a groove. Sometimes it's just tougher. I'll see how it goes Friday on my long run.
I need to keep running because with the feeling of fall in the air, I've been baking. I've been baking cookies, muffins, and even a cake (for db's birthday).
These are the lemon poppyseed muffins I made. They turned out beautifully. What is it about lemon and poppyseed that goes together so well?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Run Vegan Run
15 k tomorrow. Am I up for it? I'll find out tomorrow.
I've changed my long run days to Fridays since I tend to be off work on Fridays and I'd really like to sleep in one of these Sundays, although that never seems to happen. db has started running again so I want to run with him on those Sunday mornings and it is so peaceful early in the morning. Last Sunday we saw a deer just up the hill. That's not going to happen at the same time on a weekday.
So this will be my last long run before the race. I hope we have good weather and a great turn out. We haven't had rain since the 26th of May so I'm a little worried that when it turns back to rain it will really rain. I've run in the rain a few times, but at an event it's never been an issue. It rained a little in Tofino during my marathon there, but nothing to worry about, and by the end of the run it was sunny and hot.
I'm also excited about the new course. I love running a new course. Surprise hills are always fun (sarcasm). As always I'd like to drive the route before running it, but that may not be possible since I don't have a car. We'll have a car that weekend because the family arrives (mom, gp & c-loo), but I don't imagine I'll have time to drive the route since I'll be getting house and home ready for their arrival.
This will also be my last run in a certain...ahem...age group (35-39) and that's all I'm going to say about that.
For now, I'll just focus on tomorrow's run. I'll get up early and get out the door at a reasonable time so I can just take my time and enjoy the run.
I've changed my long run days to Fridays since I tend to be off work on Fridays and I'd really like to sleep in one of these Sundays, although that never seems to happen. db has started running again so I want to run with him on those Sunday mornings and it is so peaceful early in the morning. Last Sunday we saw a deer just up the hill. That's not going to happen at the same time on a weekday.
So this will be my last long run before the race. I hope we have good weather and a great turn out. We haven't had rain since the 26th of May so I'm a little worried that when it turns back to rain it will really rain. I've run in the rain a few times, but at an event it's never been an issue. It rained a little in Tofino during my marathon there, but nothing to worry about, and by the end of the run it was sunny and hot.
I'm also excited about the new course. I love running a new course. Surprise hills are always fun (sarcasm). As always I'd like to drive the route before running it, but that may not be possible since I don't have a car. We'll have a car that weekend because the family arrives (mom, gp & c-loo), but I don't imagine I'll have time to drive the route since I'll be getting house and home ready for their arrival.
This will also be my last run in a certain...ahem...age group (35-39) and that's all I'm going to say about that.
For now, I'll just focus on tomorrow's run. I'll get up early and get out the door at a reasonable time so I can just take my time and enjoy the run.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Sometimes life just gets too busy and I never seem to catch up. Even though I'm sitting here and taking time to blog, meaning that I must have spare time on my hands, I really am overwhelmed with the every day.
First, I want to talk about my Great Aunt Viki. She passed away this past week and I am so sorry for the family. She was such a great woman who was always so kind and welcoming. Whenever I visited with she and my Great Uncle Hanf, I was always reminded of how wonderful it is to be part of this large family we have spread across the country...or actually... across the continent.
One of my favorite traits of Viki's was how she would often say how nice it was to see me. We'd be having dinner or sitting in her living room having drinks and she'd just say how wonderful it was to see me, speaking exactly what I was feeling. Her smile was lovely and warm. Her face showed the signs of someone who smiled and laughed a lot. She loved her family, immediate and extended, and loved nothing more than to be with that family.
I saw her not too long ago when her illness had progressed so that she wasn't always aware of what was going on around her. This was heartbreaking to see, but she still wanted to be with us all and she still greeted me with her broad smile and a warm hug and kiss to the cheek.
***
So this news about my Great Aunt has been hovering around me since I found out from my sister on Friday and it put into motion the arrangements to fly my mom out from Quebec so she can be here for the funeral.
Friday morning was spent on the phone with my sister and aeroplan working through the process of purchasing a ticket by using my miles to bring the price down as far as possible. It wasn't going well. I was having trouble getting through to aeorplan and was learning to navigate the process when I got completely fed up. I called my sister and told her I needed to go for my run before it got to hot (we also had a heat wave here this past week).
I finally got out the door for my run about an hour and a half later than expected. My mind was focused on just getting it over with (13 k to go). However, running doesn't work that way. The body reminds you of the niggling aches and pains you've collected or are working through, so you can't just get a run over with. It doesn't take long for the mind to wander elsewhere. After only about 3 k into the run, my thoughts turned to Viki and I got the opportunity to go over all of my memories I had of her. I got to grieve a little, which is what I really needed to do because I hadn't given myself a chance to do that yet. This changed the whole feeling of my run that then became about every step and enjoying each moment I had.
By the end of the run it was very hot out, and I was more than happy to be finished with a nice walk up the long hill towards home.
I finalized the ticket for my mom and carried on with my day.
Since then I've been working. We had inventory today-- it's once a year--so I was at work all day long. Tomorrow I'm back at work and Tuesday and Wednesday.
My mom arrives Wednesday evening.
Thursday is the funeral. Thursday is the day we can all come together to remember Viki. I know it's an odd thing to say about a funeral, but I'm looking forward to it so I can have the chance to say good-bye in a more formal way. I want to say good-bye without the everyday of my life getting in the way. Thursday will be about Viki and I can't think of a better way to spend my day.
First, I want to talk about my Great Aunt Viki. She passed away this past week and I am so sorry for the family. She was such a great woman who was always so kind and welcoming. Whenever I visited with she and my Great Uncle Hanf, I was always reminded of how wonderful it is to be part of this large family we have spread across the country...or actually... across the continent.
One of my favorite traits of Viki's was how she would often say how nice it was to see me. We'd be having dinner or sitting in her living room having drinks and she'd just say how wonderful it was to see me, speaking exactly what I was feeling. Her smile was lovely and warm. Her face showed the signs of someone who smiled and laughed a lot. She loved her family, immediate and extended, and loved nothing more than to be with that family.
I saw her not too long ago when her illness had progressed so that she wasn't always aware of what was going on around her. This was heartbreaking to see, but she still wanted to be with us all and she still greeted me with her broad smile and a warm hug and kiss to the cheek.
***
So this news about my Great Aunt has been hovering around me since I found out from my sister on Friday and it put into motion the arrangements to fly my mom out from Quebec so she can be here for the funeral.
Friday morning was spent on the phone with my sister and aeroplan working through the process of purchasing a ticket by using my miles to bring the price down as far as possible. It wasn't going well. I was having trouble getting through to aeorplan and was learning to navigate the process when I got completely fed up. I called my sister and told her I needed to go for my run before it got to hot (we also had a heat wave here this past week).
I finally got out the door for my run about an hour and a half later than expected. My mind was focused on just getting it over with (13 k to go). However, running doesn't work that way. The body reminds you of the niggling aches and pains you've collected or are working through, so you can't just get a run over with. It doesn't take long for the mind to wander elsewhere. After only about 3 k into the run, my thoughts turned to Viki and I got the opportunity to go over all of my memories I had of her. I got to grieve a little, which is what I really needed to do because I hadn't given myself a chance to do that yet. This changed the whole feeling of my run that then became about every step and enjoying each moment I had.
By the end of the run it was very hot out, and I was more than happy to be finished with a nice walk up the long hill towards home.
I finalized the ticket for my mom and carried on with my day.
Since then I've been working. We had inventory today-- it's once a year--so I was at work all day long. Tomorrow I'm back at work and Tuesday and Wednesday.
My mom arrives Wednesday evening.
Thursday is the funeral. Thursday is the day we can all come together to remember Viki. I know it's an odd thing to say about a funeral, but I'm looking forward to it so I can have the chance to say good-bye in a more formal way. I want to say good-bye without the everyday of my life getting in the way. Thursday will be about Viki and I can't think of a better way to spend my day.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
run vegan run
Sunday I managed to get up for the early morning run at the Running Room. Even though I didn't get to bed until at least after 12 I knew I had to get up early. If I didn't, I'd lose the chance of enjoying a run in the sunny weather.
I only had time for a Quinoa sesame snap bar and some water. I chose this because the bar had the most carbs out of all the quick snacks I had on hand. I was still on the detox so I wanted to save the protein shake until after the run since you're supposed to fuel up with protein post-run.
My hope was to run with the half marathon group and start training with them from now on. Last week I ran with the 10 k group which was good, but I wanted to add a little more distance.
When I arrived just after 8:30 the groups were already heading out the door. I asked a woman which group she was in. She said "half marathon 18 k." Damn. 18 k. I was hoping for 14 or maybe 16 k. I'm not really ready for 18 k. Or am I? I checked the schedule on the board and the 10 k group were doing 10k (not enough). The marathoners were doing 29 k (have a nice time). I'd have to go with the 18 k half marathoners and just run as far as possible. I'd turn back when I'd had enough.
Outside one of the group leaders was going over the route and handing out lists with directions. They were taking one of the Pitt River trails so that was a plus. The trail would be definitely nice and soft to run on and it would be peaceful. I sort of knew the route and I knew I'd stick with the pack as much as possible so I didn't take the paper with directions.
Off we went. There must have been about 35 or 40 half marathoners in total. I ran my own pace. I didn't know anyone in the smaller group I broke off with, but I followed this small pack not sure if I could keep pace since I was about five or six strides behind them. I didn't know if this was the 2 hour group or the 2:15 or what. I was just running my pace.
We ran along the Coquitlam river trail into Poco where we had our first walk break. I was glad to see that we were taking the 10:1 walk breaks. I was losing some distance from the pack, because I had to stretch. I promised my physio I'd stretch once I was warmed up and I'm going to do it. I'm not going to risk further injury.
By the time we hit the next trail, Hyde Creek park, I was closer to the pack again. Two women breezed past me. They looked like marathon runners to me. By the time we exited the park one of the women had dropped back and I was just behind her. We ran into the Minnekhada park and I met the woman I had been running behind. We introduced ourselves as we ran along DeBoville Slough. I was keeping pace and feeling fine. Along the slough we saw three great blue herons. I also saw an eagle. I love running out there. It's so flat and the mountains are right there. The woman I was running with, D., had just done a mini trial triathalon the day before so she was feeling a little done-in and felt the pace was a bit fast for her. She was trying to keep the pack in sight just like me.
When we left the trail and hit the country road near the entrance to Minnekhada park, the pack had split into the front runners of about 8 or 9 people, the middle group of three or four, and the back two me and D. D was dropping back a little, but was still in view. Now I was tired, but I knew we had already started to head back. My calf was a bit tight but not painful. My achilles was doing okay. Again, no pain so I was okay. I was just tired. One Quinoa bar cannot sustain 18 k. I know that and I knew that going in.
I decided that once we got to the next turn I'd take the trail back instead of going up the hill with the group. The distance wouldn't be that different in the end, but there'd be no hill to tire me out more. I thought maybe I'd jog back and ask D. if she wanted to take the trail back with me since she was dropping further and further back and she didn't even know where we were going.
Of course when we came to the hill to run away from the park I went up the hill with the group. I just didn't want to give up. This was the same hill I had run up last week with the 10k group. However, this week I couldn't do it. I stopped half way to walk. I kept taking water, but I really needed fuel. I can't drink electrolyte drinks, or take gels because they often upset my stomach. I didn't even think to buy some Sharkies. I ran again before we reached the top. Now I had really dropped back, but I could still see runners up ahead so I could follow them because now I was also unsure of the route back.
Along the gentle downslope I looked back for D. and didn't see her. When we got to the next turn I looked back and finally caught sight of her. I waved and she waved back so I knew she'd seen me and would see the turn. I had to take an extra walk break and decided that I'd wait for D. and just keep pace with her for the rest of the run. We had about 4 1/2 k left. I jogged back to meet up with D. and she was so grateful for me having waited for her because she said she had no idea where we were or which way to go.
We ran together. We could still see 3 people ahead of us, one of whom was the woman D. had started her run with. We were able to follow the pack and keep going.
With three blocks left D. recognized where we were and started jumping for joy. She got a burst of energy and ran ahead to the stop light. We caught up with the other 3 there and everyone congratulated each other. It was really rewarding after a long run. Clearly we were all struggling together. One of the guys I had run with previously so we caught up since I hadn't seen him since before the Fort Langley half.
Even though I was very tired I was really relieved that I could go the distance and happy that I'd stuck it out instead of turning back early. My time is still a bit slow, but that will come with more training.
I iced my achilles when I got home and felt a little stiff by the end of the day, but not bad overall. I'm going to run with the group as much as possible, even though it means I don't get to sleep in on Sundays. The motivation is just what I need.
I only had time for a Quinoa sesame snap bar and some water. I chose this because the bar had the most carbs out of all the quick snacks I had on hand. I was still on the detox so I wanted to save the protein shake until after the run since you're supposed to fuel up with protein post-run.
My hope was to run with the half marathon group and start training with them from now on. Last week I ran with the 10 k group which was good, but I wanted to add a little more distance.
When I arrived just after 8:30 the groups were already heading out the door. I asked a woman which group she was in. She said "half marathon 18 k." Damn. 18 k. I was hoping for 14 or maybe 16 k. I'm not really ready for 18 k. Or am I? I checked the schedule on the board and the 10 k group were doing 10k (not enough). The marathoners were doing 29 k (have a nice time). I'd have to go with the 18 k half marathoners and just run as far as possible. I'd turn back when I'd had enough.
Outside one of the group leaders was going over the route and handing out lists with directions. They were taking one of the Pitt River trails so that was a plus. The trail would be definitely nice and soft to run on and it would be peaceful. I sort of knew the route and I knew I'd stick with the pack as much as possible so I didn't take the paper with directions.
Off we went. There must have been about 35 or 40 half marathoners in total. I ran my own pace. I didn't know anyone in the smaller group I broke off with, but I followed this small pack not sure if I could keep pace since I was about five or six strides behind them. I didn't know if this was the 2 hour group or the 2:15 or what. I was just running my pace.
We ran along the Coquitlam river trail into Poco where we had our first walk break. I was glad to see that we were taking the 10:1 walk breaks. I was losing some distance from the pack, because I had to stretch. I promised my physio I'd stretch once I was warmed up and I'm going to do it. I'm not going to risk further injury.
By the time we hit the next trail, Hyde Creek park, I was closer to the pack again. Two women breezed past me. They looked like marathon runners to me. By the time we exited the park one of the women had dropped back and I was just behind her. We ran into the Minnekhada park and I met the woman I had been running behind. We introduced ourselves as we ran along DeBoville Slough. I was keeping pace and feeling fine. Along the slough we saw three great blue herons. I also saw an eagle. I love running out there. It's so flat and the mountains are right there. The woman I was running with, D., had just done a mini trial triathalon the day before so she was feeling a little done-in and felt the pace was a bit fast for her. She was trying to keep the pack in sight just like me.
When we left the trail and hit the country road near the entrance to Minnekhada park, the pack had split into the front runners of about 8 or 9 people, the middle group of three or four, and the back two me and D. D was dropping back a little, but was still in view. Now I was tired, but I knew we had already started to head back. My calf was a bit tight but not painful. My achilles was doing okay. Again, no pain so I was okay. I was just tired. One Quinoa bar cannot sustain 18 k. I know that and I knew that going in.
I decided that once we got to the next turn I'd take the trail back instead of going up the hill with the group. The distance wouldn't be that different in the end, but there'd be no hill to tire me out more. I thought maybe I'd jog back and ask D. if she wanted to take the trail back with me since she was dropping further and further back and she didn't even know where we were going.
Of course when we came to the hill to run away from the park I went up the hill with the group. I just didn't want to give up. This was the same hill I had run up last week with the 10k group. However, this week I couldn't do it. I stopped half way to walk. I kept taking water, but I really needed fuel. I can't drink electrolyte drinks, or take gels because they often upset my stomach. I didn't even think to buy some Sharkies. I ran again before we reached the top. Now I had really dropped back, but I could still see runners up ahead so I could follow them because now I was also unsure of the route back.
Along the gentle downslope I looked back for D. and didn't see her. When we got to the next turn I looked back and finally caught sight of her. I waved and she waved back so I knew she'd seen me and would see the turn. I had to take an extra walk break and decided that I'd wait for D. and just keep pace with her for the rest of the run. We had about 4 1/2 k left. I jogged back to meet up with D. and she was so grateful for me having waited for her because she said she had no idea where we were or which way to go.
We ran together. We could still see 3 people ahead of us, one of whom was the woman D. had started her run with. We were able to follow the pack and keep going.
With three blocks left D. recognized where we were and started jumping for joy. She got a burst of energy and ran ahead to the stop light. We caught up with the other 3 there and everyone congratulated each other. It was really rewarding after a long run. Clearly we were all struggling together. One of the guys I had run with previously so we caught up since I hadn't seen him since before the Fort Langley half.
Even though I was very tired I was really relieved that I could go the distance and happy that I'd stuck it out instead of turning back early. My time is still a bit slow, but that will come with more training.
I iced my achilles when I got home and felt a little stiff by the end of the day, but not bad overall. I'm going to run with the group as much as possible, even though it means I don't get to sleep in on Sundays. The motivation is just what I need.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
I went to the Running Room group run tonight. There was a huge crowd of people when I arrived. The warmer drier weather sure brings people out. That's why I was there. I admit I'm a fair weather runner. I still know no one except H who I gave a nod to when I arrived. We were broken into our groups and I learned that we'd be running tempo run. There were two groups and I was shuffled into one of them, given directions and off we went.
I didn't know the streets that well and it was a pretty darkly lit area. A couple of people had headlights on. I stuck with the group, but wanted to keep near the front pacers. I followed not far behind one guy wearing a flashing bike-type light on his arm. There were two women further up ahead. I had to keep pace with them all just so I could make sure I was going the right way. The group had thinned out quite a bit by then. I couldn't hear anyone behind me anymore. Then suddenly we were stopped and one of the women was checking the directions. We started up again and then realized we were running the same loop we had just done. We stopped again to consult the directions and then we were relatively okay.
I kept pace with one woman who was at the front now. It felt good. I knew if I kept up with her I'd be okay. I also knew that if I was on my own I would have given up this pace by now.
In total I did just over 7 k with the partial run home as well.
The best part of a hard workout is the fabulous meal after, of course. db made a beautiful mix of roasted veggies, grilled tempeh, and steamed kale. It was a perfect meal after a great run.
I didn't know the streets that well and it was a pretty darkly lit area. A couple of people had headlights on. I stuck with the group, but wanted to keep near the front pacers. I followed not far behind one guy wearing a flashing bike-type light on his arm. There were two women further up ahead. I had to keep pace with them all just so I could make sure I was going the right way. The group had thinned out quite a bit by then. I couldn't hear anyone behind me anymore. Then suddenly we were stopped and one of the women was checking the directions. We started up again and then realized we were running the same loop we had just done. We stopped again to consult the directions and then we were relatively okay.
I kept pace with one woman who was at the front now. It felt good. I knew if I kept up with her I'd be okay. I also knew that if I was on my own I would have given up this pace by now.
In total I did just over 7 k with the partial run home as well.
The best part of a hard workout is the fabulous meal after, of course. db made a beautiful mix of roasted veggies, grilled tempeh, and steamed kale. It was a perfect meal after a great run.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Saturday was a fairly nice clear day. A good day for a run if I hadn't been working all day. I knew Sunday's weather forecast was rain, but I thought if it's not too bad and just drizzling a little then I'll go out in it. I had 15 k to run and I'd really rather run outside.
Sunday morning not only was it raining, but it had snowed a bit so there was a slushy mess out there and the rain was pelting down working on washing the snow away. So I called my mom, then had brunch and watched some tennis (we had taped the men's final) while I was knitting. The rain did not let up even a little. So...to the gym.
Another 15 bucks, but I have to get my run in. The treadmills weren't very busy so I just kept going and got in 12 k before I ran out of time because the gym was closing at 5 pm. I didn't get the full distance in but I certainly felt like I could have run the full distance. I wanted to but the time factor prevented me.
I felt pretty good overall. My pace was good. I'm still quite a bit slower than last season, but I think I can still do the half in under 2 hours. I know once I get there on race day I'll be motivated and I'll pick out someone to keep pace with.
Wednesday (weather depending again) I'm hoping to go out with the running group even though it's in the evening. It's good motivation and I can try and keep pace with the front runners which is fun. I think a group run would be a good idea at this point.
Sunday morning not only was it raining, but it had snowed a bit so there was a slushy mess out there and the rain was pelting down working on washing the snow away. So I called my mom, then had brunch and watched some tennis (we had taped the men's final) while I was knitting. The rain did not let up even a little. So...to the gym.
Another 15 bucks, but I have to get my run in. The treadmills weren't very busy so I just kept going and got in 12 k before I ran out of time because the gym was closing at 5 pm. I didn't get the full distance in but I certainly felt like I could have run the full distance. I wanted to but the time factor prevented me.
I felt pretty good overall. My pace was good. I'm still quite a bit slower than last season, but I think I can still do the half in under 2 hours. I know once I get there on race day I'll be motivated and I'll pick out someone to keep pace with.
Wednesday (weather depending again) I'm hoping to go out with the running group even though it's in the evening. It's good motivation and I can try and keep pace with the front runners which is fun. I think a group run would be a good idea at this point.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Fluville again!
Race day is almost here. I'm panicked. Have I written this before? I think so. When do I ever not worry about race day. This time though I really feel unprepared. My training was going along fine until Wednesday. Right in the middle of my run I felt feverish and had to stop immediately. I went home and felt okay, but then I felt feverish again. Yes, it was the flu. It's been a couple of years and I was doing so well not getting sick at all.
Well, there went the rest of my run for the day and Thursday's run as well.
So I'm not as trained as I'd like to be. Race day I'll just have to focus on finishing. To be a little more positive...I'm also looking forward to running in Fort Langley and running in the middle of February which will be a new experience.
It'll be a slow start to the season, but it's a start isn't it.
Well, there went the rest of my run for the day and Thursday's run as well.
So I'm not as trained as I'd like to be. Race day I'll just have to focus on finishing. To be a little more positive...I'm also looking forward to running in Fort Langley and running in the middle of February which will be a new experience.
It'll be a slow start to the season, but it's a start isn't it.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Is everyone Obamaed-out? I need a day off from the Obama news and yet I'm afraid I'll miss something. I just can't look away.
I watched the inauguration...actually I taped the inauguration from BBC world news because I was working and then I watched it that evening because I wanted to hear his speech without it being re-capped in the evening news. I just wanted to hear it for myself before journalism started picking it apart line by line.
I also taped the inauguration because I was really looking forward to watching Bush take off in that chopper. It was a great moment and I felt hugely relieved to see him go.
***
As for the rest of my week...
Sunday I had the toughest run ever! I am probably exaggerating but it was really tough. It was my first run outside since before Christmas. It's so different from a treadmill. The sidewalks were mostly clear and at least we had some sun before the fog rolled in again that night. My legs felt like logs, clomping along at a pitiful pace. I kept going.
I didn't run as far as I wanted to, but I did get a solid hour of running in. It wasn't a great moment of running for me, but at least I got it done. However, it did open new worries for me anticipating the upcoming Historic Half Marathon in Fort Langley. It's just a few weeks away and I feel really ill prepared. From now on I think I'm just going to train as if I'm planning to run a marathon because then I'll get the distances in that I should be doing and when I do run a half I won't be worried about my conditioning.
Today I did go for a short run this morning and felt a lot better. So I won't give up yet.
I watched the inauguration...actually I taped the inauguration from BBC world news because I was working and then I watched it that evening because I wanted to hear his speech without it being re-capped in the evening news. I just wanted to hear it for myself before journalism started picking it apart line by line.
I also taped the inauguration because I was really looking forward to watching Bush take off in that chopper. It was a great moment and I felt hugely relieved to see him go.
***
As for the rest of my week...
Sunday I had the toughest run ever! I am probably exaggerating but it was really tough. It was my first run outside since before Christmas. It's so different from a treadmill. The sidewalks were mostly clear and at least we had some sun before the fog rolled in again that night. My legs felt like logs, clomping along at a pitiful pace. I kept going.
I didn't run as far as I wanted to, but I did get a solid hour of running in. It wasn't a great moment of running for me, but at least I got it done. However, it did open new worries for me anticipating the upcoming Historic Half Marathon in Fort Langley. It's just a few weeks away and I feel really ill prepared. From now on I think I'm just going to train as if I'm planning to run a marathon because then I'll get the distances in that I should be doing and when I do run a half I won't be worried about my conditioning.
Today I did go for a short run this morning and felt a lot better. So I won't give up yet.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Comfort food and Run Vegans Run
The VeganMofo continues...
Friday was a busy day. I worked a half-day, did some blog visiting and writing, cleaned the apartment (cat sitter would be coming in and it really needed it anyway), packed, made copies of all the receipts (hotel, race registration, cat sitter invoice etc etc), and google mapped our destinations.
I had to whip up something quick and tasty. I went for the comfort food that would take little time and have me sitting down to watch the Blues as soon as possible.
Here we have garlic mashed potatoes, steamed kale, and glazed tofu. Not seen in the photograph is the mushroom gravy.
Someone at work asked me if I was having a Tofurky on Monday (Monday being Thanksgiving). I was surprised that they knew a Tofurky existed. Alas no I won't be having Tofurky since it's made with wheat gluten. My Tofurky days are over. We do have a yummy meal planned though, but I'll save that for another day of blogging.
***
What do two vegans do on a long October weekend (remember that one of them is Italian)? They buy grapes of course!
Before going to catch our ferry we picked up 6 cases of Zinfandel grapes. We'll be crushing them today. No doubt there will be photos that probably resemble photos I took last year.
***
Pre-race day!
We arrived in Victoria, picked up our race kits and booked into the hotel. I was a little sad when I had to trade in my marathon race number for a half marathon race number. I got a little teary and then let it go. I knew I couldn't do the full distance.
food for thought
Being in Victoria felt a bit like going home since I really loved living there. For me going home often feels familiar and yet somehow different. I felt connected and yet still apart from it. I can't quite reach the same comfort zone that I once had. Once I leave a place for a long time it's never quite the same when I go back. It's as if I've betrayed that place. This is where the nostalgia comes in because even when I'm back in that place, I still feel nostalgic for the place it once was.
food for us
We needed a few supplies for our dinner: some lettuce, a pepper and some dressing. Lifestyle markets was a dream come true when I moved to Victoria in the 90s. For a veg and then vegan I thought I'd hit the jackpot and I had.
db and I had a great time there picking up our supplies and then of course found all sorts of other foods to try out.
Back at the hotel, db made our corn pasta and bolognese. I tossed the salad together and we had a delicious pre-race meal.
Sunday and Race Day!
Too early in the morning I made my rice bread toast and had some decaf tea. We dressed and drove downtown in the dark to find a parking spot.
It was light out by the time the gun went for our 7:30 start-time. We were off and running. The weather was perfect: cool, partly cloudy and no wind. db and I ran together for a bit. There were over 5,000 half marathon runners (10, 400 runners total for a marathon, half marathon and 8 k). It was packed! I loved it. db and I split around the four or five k mark and went our separate paces.
What I love about the busy, almost elbow-to-elbow run is that you're swept along with everyone. I find I think about my running less since I'm so aware of so many people and needed to move around or past them.
At the turnaround point I wondered if I'd see db and I did. We high-fived as we passed each other and I knew by my watch if I kept my pace I'd be running in around 1:50 or so.
The marathoners started an hour after us and just before I hit the last 4 k I saw the first elite marathoners fly by me. It was pretty exciting. I cheered them on.
I had no calf pain and pushed aside any negative thoughts my mind tried to send my way. After the last hill I knew if I kept my pace I'd be fine. I started to see those people who flew past me earlier; they were fading. And then there were others who found that extra push and kicked it into gear, passed me.
The last km always feels like 3 k for some reason (the fatigue, the excitement of reaching the finish line) but I pushed that thought out of my mind as well. I could see the finish and I was in the chute. I tried to go in between two other people, but ended up getting wedge between them and couldn't pass through. I heard the announcer call my name and where I was from. I saw the clock at 1:52. I crossed the line wedge in between the other two (more or less). I stopped my watch at 1:51 and that was my official chip time! A personal best! I took 3 minutes off my time from just two weeks ago which was a pb. I am thrilled!
The race director shook my hand and thanked me for "coming over" (from the mainland) which I thought was cool that he was able to hear and remember what the announcer said. I was funnelled through the chip removal area, the space blanket area and into the food area where I waited a bit for db. I missed him crossing the line in 2:04! A p.b. for him as well! We love Victoria!
***
My step-dad drove down from Nanaimo and we met up with him after the race.
Later I'll post more on our day in Victoria and the food we ate there. Plus, maybe some grape crushing photos and possibly some cooking photos.
Friday was a busy day. I worked a half-day, did some blog visiting and writing, cleaned the apartment (cat sitter would be coming in and it really needed it anyway), packed, made copies of all the receipts (hotel, race registration, cat sitter invoice etc etc), and google mapped our destinations.
I had to whip up something quick and tasty. I went for the comfort food that would take little time and have me sitting down to watch the Blues as soon as possible.
Here we have garlic mashed potatoes, steamed kale, and glazed tofu. Not seen in the photograph is the mushroom gravy.
Someone at work asked me if I was having a Tofurky on Monday (Monday being Thanksgiving). I was surprised that they knew a Tofurky existed. Alas no I won't be having Tofurky since it's made with wheat gluten. My Tofurky days are over. We do have a yummy meal planned though, but I'll save that for another day of blogging.
***
What do two vegans do on a long October weekend (remember that one of them is Italian)? They buy grapes of course!
Before going to catch our ferry we picked up 6 cases of Zinfandel grapes. We'll be crushing them today. No doubt there will be photos that probably resemble photos I took last year.
***
Pre-race day!
We arrived in Victoria, picked up our race kits and booked into the hotel. I was a little sad when I had to trade in my marathon race number for a half marathon race number. I got a little teary and then let it go. I knew I couldn't do the full distance.
food for thought
Being in Victoria felt a bit like going home since I really loved living there. For me going home often feels familiar and yet somehow different. I felt connected and yet still apart from it. I can't quite reach the same comfort zone that I once had. Once I leave a place for a long time it's never quite the same when I go back. It's as if I've betrayed that place. This is where the nostalgia comes in because even when I'm back in that place, I still feel nostalgic for the place it once was.
food for us
We needed a few supplies for our dinner: some lettuce, a pepper and some dressing. Lifestyle markets was a dream come true when I moved to Victoria in the 90s. For a veg and then vegan I thought I'd hit the jackpot and I had.
db and I had a great time there picking up our supplies and then of course found all sorts of other foods to try out.
Back at the hotel, db made our corn pasta and bolognese. I tossed the salad together and we had a delicious pre-race meal.
Sunday and Race Day!
Too early in the morning I made my rice bread toast and had some decaf tea. We dressed and drove downtown in the dark to find a parking spot.
It was light out by the time the gun went for our 7:30 start-time. We were off and running. The weather was perfect: cool, partly cloudy and no wind. db and I ran together for a bit. There were over 5,000 half marathon runners (10, 400 runners total for a marathon, half marathon and 8 k). It was packed! I loved it. db and I split around the four or five k mark and went our separate paces.
What I love about the busy, almost elbow-to-elbow run is that you're swept along with everyone. I find I think about my running less since I'm so aware of so many people and needed to move around or past them.
At the turnaround point I wondered if I'd see db and I did. We high-fived as we passed each other and I knew by my watch if I kept my pace I'd be running in around 1:50 or so.
The marathoners started an hour after us and just before I hit the last 4 k I saw the first elite marathoners fly by me. It was pretty exciting. I cheered them on.
I had no calf pain and pushed aside any negative thoughts my mind tried to send my way. After the last hill I knew if I kept my pace I'd be fine. I started to see those people who flew past me earlier; they were fading. And then there were others who found that extra push and kicked it into gear, passed me.
The last km always feels like 3 k for some reason (the fatigue, the excitement of reaching the finish line) but I pushed that thought out of my mind as well. I could see the finish and I was in the chute. I tried to go in between two other people, but ended up getting wedge between them and couldn't pass through. I heard the announcer call my name and where I was from. I saw the clock at 1:52. I crossed the line wedge in between the other two (more or less). I stopped my watch at 1:51 and that was my official chip time! A personal best! I took 3 minutes off my time from just two weeks ago which was a pb. I am thrilled!
The race director shook my hand and thanked me for "coming over" (from the mainland) which I thought was cool that he was able to hear and remember what the announcer said. I was funnelled through the chip removal area, the space blanket area and into the food area where I waited a bit for db. I missed him crossing the line in 2:04! A p.b. for him as well! We love Victoria!
***
My step-dad drove down from Nanaimo and we met up with him after the race.
Later I'll post more on our day in Victoria and the food we ate there. Plus, maybe some grape crushing photos and possibly some cooking photos.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Uh-oh it's VeganMofo time and I'm not even cooking tonight!
First an update on the run. It went great. I felt good with no pain in my calf. I pushed it really hard and knocked five minutes off last years time which means I managed a 1:54 finish just as i did this past May in Vancouver. I'm happy with that result.
Tonight I had more physio and she thinks one more session should do it. I'm happy with that result too.
Now how to start my VeganMofo? An introduction?
Vegan food is part of my vegan lifestyle. The way I like to cook is mostly by feel. By this I mean, some days I can look in the fridge and pull together whatever is in there and create something quick and nutritious (nutrition is important and not just because I'm vegan, but also because my running is important to me), or on other days I'll look at an ingredient in the fridge and flip through my vegan cookbooks to find something that appeals to me. If I don't have all the ingredients I don't sweat it, because I'll sub in another ingredient which often results in something new and wonderful .
Tonight db is cooking a stir-fry that I'm about to sample. It's one of those what's in the fridge meals. db is the champion of "winging it." He'll go into the kitchen and say "I'll just wing something" and turn out a beautiful meal in no time.
Tomorrow's topic:
My favorite cookbooks.
First an update on the run. It went great. I felt good with no pain in my calf. I pushed it really hard and knocked five minutes off last years time which means I managed a 1:54 finish just as i did this past May in Vancouver. I'm happy with that result.
Tonight I had more physio and she thinks one more session should do it. I'm happy with that result too.
Now how to start my VeganMofo? An introduction?
Vegan food is part of my vegan lifestyle. The way I like to cook is mostly by feel. By this I mean, some days I can look in the fridge and pull together whatever is in there and create something quick and nutritious (nutrition is important and not just because I'm vegan, but also because my running is important to me), or on other days I'll look at an ingredient in the fridge and flip through my vegan cookbooks to find something that appeals to me. If I don't have all the ingredients I don't sweat it, because I'll sub in another ingredient which often results in something new and wonderful .
Tonight db is cooking a stir-fry that I'm about to sample. It's one of those what's in the fridge meals. db is the champion of "winging it." He'll go into the kitchen and say "I'll just wing something" and turn out a beautiful meal in no time.
Tomorrow's topic:
My favorite cookbooks.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
change of plans
Today I had a good run, but at around 24 k I couldn't go any longer, my calf was hurting too much and I knew I needed to stop. I wasn't too far from home and walked the rest of the distance. db had met me part way through my run so he kept going to finish off his distance. He did great and looks very ready for the event.
At about a kilometer before I stopped I made my decision. I didn't want to go into the marathon stressed about if I'd be in pain or not. I didn't want to get part way through the course and have to stop and walk the rest of the way. I didn't want to go there and not have fun. I also thought about how I love running. I love going out for a run on the quiet streets when no one else is up. I love going out even after a long day at work, when I feel like sitting on the couch, but instead I go for a run and feel energized after it. I love the solitude of it, feeling completely on my own. I also love the hard training, the speedwork, the hills, and pushing to go further. I don't want it to be too much like work and today it became a task of going out and running the distance just to get it done. So as I ran into the inlet trail I decided that if I was going to have fun at the race in Victoria I was going to have to switch to the half marathon. Relief! No longer did I have to wonder if I'd make it through or not, I felt like I'd made a solid decision. Maybe next year I'll be injury free for a full marathon.
I still plan on doing the Trail River Run next Sunday. What an opportunity to run on trail with a group in the beautiful b.c. outdoors. It's a half marathon distance as well so I'll have to do a nice easy taper after that before I go to Victoria. Once in Victoria I plan to have a good time and go for it.
Post-run I iced the calf and stretched. I also applied some healing essential oils. The calf still hurts, but I can rest it now. I've got more physio this week and I'm trying to find the time to have a massage.
Tomorrow I'm 9-5 girl for five days a week for two weeks. This is not my usual routine, but I think I'll manage. I've also got class tomorrow so I'd better get some reading done. I like to feel prepared. Actually, I tend to overly prepare. That's just the way I am.
At about a kilometer before I stopped I made my decision. I didn't want to go into the marathon stressed about if I'd be in pain or not. I didn't want to get part way through the course and have to stop and walk the rest of the way. I didn't want to go there and not have fun. I also thought about how I love running. I love going out for a run on the quiet streets when no one else is up. I love going out even after a long day at work, when I feel like sitting on the couch, but instead I go for a run and feel energized after it. I love the solitude of it, feeling completely on my own. I also love the hard training, the speedwork, the hills, and pushing to go further. I don't want it to be too much like work and today it became a task of going out and running the distance just to get it done. So as I ran into the inlet trail I decided that if I was going to have fun at the race in Victoria I was going to have to switch to the half marathon. Relief! No longer did I have to wonder if I'd make it through or not, I felt like I'd made a solid decision. Maybe next year I'll be injury free for a full marathon.
I still plan on doing the Trail River Run next Sunday. What an opportunity to run on trail with a group in the beautiful b.c. outdoors. It's a half marathon distance as well so I'll have to do a nice easy taper after that before I go to Victoria. Once in Victoria I plan to have a good time and go for it.
Post-run I iced the calf and stretched. I also applied some healing essential oils. The calf still hurts, but I can rest it now. I've got more physio this week and I'm trying to find the time to have a massage.
Tomorrow I'm 9-5 girl for five days a week for two weeks. This is not my usual routine, but I think I'll manage. I've also got class tomorrow so I'd better get some reading done. I like to feel prepared. Actually, I tend to overly prepare. That's just the way I am.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
walk, run, edit
Congratulations to my mom who completed her 10k walk at the Montreal marathon! Her time was 1:54. She took 10 minutes off of her time and is very proud (as she should be)! Walk vegan walk!
This year my mom joined the walking group at her local Running Room and has met some great people who are very supportive of each other. Mom started out at the back of the pack, but now she can keep pace with them. She's come a long way in a short time. She's always been a walker. She doesn't own a car and lives in a very walkable city, but the Running Room walking is a bit different since the focus is on distance walking, pacing, hills etc (very similar to running training).
It's made a great difference in her life. So this is very cool that she's always improving and loving it.
this photo is actually from the Ottawa 10 k.
***
Saturday I did go for a very early morning run with db. We ran for an hour and that was about all I wanted to do. I iced my calf post-run and felt pretty good about how it went.
db checked the marathon site to see what the cut-off date is for changing from one event to another. Apparently I can change my plans the day before the race when I'm at the running expo.
My plan? Pick up my training schedule where I left off. This means a very long run this Sunday which will give me a good idea if I can go the distance or not.
The Trail River Run is coming up (Sept 27). I'd like to do that since I had so much fun last year. It's a soft surface which is important for me right now and it's flat. So I think I should register for that event. I'm hoping db will do the 10 k event in the same race. Also, it's a 9 am start so it's fairly late as events go so I'm all for that. We also can bike there from here and there's nice facilities for changing and storing our stuff. I think I've just convinced myself to register.
The route starts near Hyde Park and turns around just past Dominion and then goes along the Slough to a second turn around before heading back to Hyde Park.
***
Last night I went to my first continuing education course at SFU (Simon Fraser University). It's an editing course. I was pretty nervous wondering what in hell am I doing there, telling myself that I can leave, planning my escape, wondering if I can get my money back. I soon settled down and made it through the class introductions, and the group chit chat. I did not leave on the break. I made it through the whole class.
I did learn that I'm definitely not a copy editor (as you may have noticed from this blog). I rarely edit myself anyway. It did clarify that I am truly passionate about film story editing, but I recognize that I have to broaden my knowledge if I want to do any freelance work.
It does make for a long Monday when I work and then travel into Van city for the course. From work it's less than an hour to get there by skytrain, but coming home it's almost an hour and a half. Last night the bus driver shut the lights on the bus so I couldn't even read! Very frustrating. I think I'll take me book light with me next week.
This year my mom joined the walking group at her local Running Room and has met some great people who are very supportive of each other. Mom started out at the back of the pack, but now she can keep pace with them. She's come a long way in a short time. She's always been a walker. She doesn't own a car and lives in a very walkable city, but the Running Room walking is a bit different since the focus is on distance walking, pacing, hills etc (very similar to running training).
It's made a great difference in her life. So this is very cool that she's always improving and loving it.
this photo is actually from the Ottawa 10 k. ***
Saturday I did go for a very early morning run with db. We ran for an hour and that was about all I wanted to do. I iced my calf post-run and felt pretty good about how it went.
db checked the marathon site to see what the cut-off date is for changing from one event to another. Apparently I can change my plans the day before the race when I'm at the running expo.
My plan? Pick up my training schedule where I left off. This means a very long run this Sunday which will give me a good idea if I can go the distance or not.
The Trail River Run is coming up (Sept 27). I'd like to do that since I had so much fun last year. It's a soft surface which is important for me right now and it's flat. So I think I should register for that event. I'm hoping db will do the 10 k event in the same race. Also, it's a 9 am start so it's fairly late as events go so I'm all for that. We also can bike there from here and there's nice facilities for changing and storing our stuff. I think I've just convinced myself to register.
The route starts near Hyde Park and turns around just past Dominion and then goes along the Slough to a second turn around before heading back to Hyde Park. ***
Last night I went to my first continuing education course at SFU (Simon Fraser University). It's an editing course. I was pretty nervous wondering what in hell am I doing there, telling myself that I can leave, planning my escape, wondering if I can get my money back. I soon settled down and made it through the class introductions, and the group chit chat. I did not leave on the break. I made it through the whole class.
I did learn that I'm definitely not a copy editor (as you may have noticed from this blog). I rarely edit myself anyway. It did clarify that I am truly passionate about film story editing, but I recognize that I have to broaden my knowledge if I want to do any freelance work.
It does make for a long Monday when I work and then travel into Van city for the course. From work it's less than an hour to get there by skytrain, but coming home it's almost an hour and a half. Last night the bus driver shut the lights on the bus so I couldn't even read! Very frustrating. I think I'll take me book light with me next week.
Friday, September 05, 2008
No training today. However, yesterday I had a good session at the track, running 5 k at as fast as I thought I could handle. I completed 5 k in 27 minutes and with my warm up and cool down I completed 11 k and felt like that was enough for one day.
I'm happy with the faster time, but I know I've been faster. It doesn't really matter in the end though, does it? I mean I just want to finish the marathon, right? Right...but I would like to have improved on my time just a little. I can't help wanting to lower my times, it's part of the fun for me. I know it's possible and it's motivating me to some extent.
Next week I'm hoping to drop in on some of the running clinics at a local independent running store. Every Tuesday night they have a drop in clinic for $2. The first clinic is intervals (this is when you run fast for a certain distance then have rest period - a slower pace - before picking up the pace again). I've been doing a little of this each week, but I think the group environment might be fun. My only concern is having to train hard after work and simply not having the energy to do so. We'll see.
On Wednesday I went to see Krazy! The Delirious World Of Anime + Comics + Video Games + Art at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
I wandered into the first room drawn in by the sketches from the Wrong Trousers. I love Wallace and Gromit and all of Nick Park's work. The depth of expression he achieves with what seems such simplicity is remarkable. The room was also playing excerpts from early animation that was accompanied by sketches, notes etc. There was one fabulous NFB piece called Black Hula. You can watch an excerpt on You Tube. It's very worth it.
I kept wandering and went in amongst the anime being projected on angled walls that led into small screening areas. I spent quite a bit of time in the anime and manga (japanese comic books) section before realizing I had started at the "end" of the exhibit. By then I was about half way through so I carried on. I took a break in the middle in a room that had shelves loaded with books to browse through. The rest of the exhibit was the printed comics that again were everything from early (Krazy Kat to Lynda Barry) to contemporary. The Lynda Barry collages were definitely a highlight. Here I had just finished One Hundred Demons and there in the exhibit are some of her collages from the books and prints that she's painted/drawn. It was fabulous. Her collages are beautiful full of fabric, paper, glitter and tiny flowers. They are wonderful to see in three dimensions.
The exhibit was actually too much for me to take in. I would have preferred to see half, go for lunch and then go back and see the rest. I'm use to spending a couple of hours at one of the Vancouver Art Gallery's exhibits, but because so much of the work in this show was text, I wanted to spend more time reading. Maybe if I had started at the beginning and not the end I would have had more time to read. Oh well. It was engaging and cleverly displayed, each area giving you something new. It's closing this Saturday so I won't get a chance to go back, but I am glad I did see the show.
I'm happy with the faster time, but I know I've been faster. It doesn't really matter in the end though, does it? I mean I just want to finish the marathon, right? Right...but I would like to have improved on my time just a little. I can't help wanting to lower my times, it's part of the fun for me. I know it's possible and it's motivating me to some extent.
Next week I'm hoping to drop in on some of the running clinics at a local independent running store. Every Tuesday night they have a drop in clinic for $2. The first clinic is intervals (this is when you run fast for a certain distance then have rest period - a slower pace - before picking up the pace again). I've been doing a little of this each week, but I think the group environment might be fun. My only concern is having to train hard after work and simply not having the energy to do so. We'll see.
On Wednesday I went to see Krazy! The Delirious World Of Anime + Comics + Video Games + Art at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
I wandered into the first room drawn in by the sketches from the Wrong Trousers. I love Wallace and Gromit and all of Nick Park's work. The depth of expression he achieves with what seems such simplicity is remarkable. The room was also playing excerpts from early animation that was accompanied by sketches, notes etc. There was one fabulous NFB piece called Black Hula. You can watch an excerpt on You Tube. It's very worth it.
I kept wandering and went in amongst the anime being projected on angled walls that led into small screening areas. I spent quite a bit of time in the anime and manga (japanese comic books) section before realizing I had started at the "end" of the exhibit. By then I was about half way through so I carried on. I took a break in the middle in a room that had shelves loaded with books to browse through. The rest of the exhibit was the printed comics that again were everything from early (Krazy Kat to Lynda Barry) to contemporary. The Lynda Barry collages were definitely a highlight. Here I had just finished One Hundred Demons and there in the exhibit are some of her collages from the books and prints that she's painted/drawn. It was fabulous. Her collages are beautiful full of fabric, paper, glitter and tiny flowers. They are wonderful to see in three dimensions.
The exhibit was actually too much for me to take in. I would have preferred to see half, go for lunch and then go back and see the rest. I'm use to spending a couple of hours at one of the Vancouver Art Gallery's exhibits, but because so much of the work in this show was text, I wanted to spend more time reading. Maybe if I had started at the beginning and not the end I would have had more time to read. Oh well. It was engaging and cleverly displayed, each area giving you something new. It's closing this Saturday so I won't get a chance to go back, but I am glad I did see the show.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
the tuesday that felt like a monday
Please feel free to bypass the blog if I go on too much about my training, but I'm focused on the goal now and I feel race day approaching. I'm excited and nervous (as always).
I ran after work today. No, I did not run home like last time. It did feel like a Monday, but then I remember that I didn't run at all yesterday so today would be a good time to get an easy run in, and I would benefit from having extra recovery time before my speedwork on Thursday.
It was so nice outside, the air had warmed up a bit and the sun was out so I found it easy to convince myself to go for a run. I'm still a little nervous running after work due to last weeks disastrous result, but I reminded myself that I only need to go as far as my body will let me and if it gets too tired then I'll consider if I need to stop or not.
I had a good run. It was tough as it always is after work, but I did 8 k and even ran up the hill at the end, which I rarely do. So it's been a good running day.
I ran after work today. No, I did not run home like last time. It did feel like a Monday, but then I remember that I didn't run at all yesterday so today would be a good time to get an easy run in, and I would benefit from having extra recovery time before my speedwork on Thursday.
It was so nice outside, the air had warmed up a bit and the sun was out so I found it easy to convince myself to go for a run. I'm still a little nervous running after work due to last weeks disastrous result, but I reminded myself that I only need to go as far as my body will let me and if it gets too tired then I'll consider if I need to stop or not.
I had a good run. It was tough as it always is after work, but I did 8 k and even ran up the hill at the end, which I rarely do. So it's been a good running day.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
monday to monday
monday (last week)
Because of the rain last Sunday I planned to run after work on Monday. I mapped out a route that would take me up on the mountain where it levels out and I thought I'd run a route up there before running the descent home.
This is what I learned:
1. Running a very long distance post-work is near impossible. It's probably better to just run home or do a shorter run.
2. Know when to stop. Instead of pushing myself into frustration and getting down on myself, it's better to stop and call it a day.
3. It's okay to walk.
During the run I felt awful. I kept trying to talk myself into the run, telling myself that I just needed to find my rhythm. Then the negative thoughts starting flowing and no matter how hard I tried to stay positive and focused, the negativity came back. I was simply too tired to carry on. I tried to keep going and took extra walk breaks and longer walk breaks, until finally I admitted to myself that I was beat.
Still quite far from home I started walking. The walk gave me lots of time to think. I questioned whether I should be running at all and asked myself why run a marathon? No clear answers came to me and I got quite irritated. At the bottom of a very long hill, I started to run again. The pain made me angrier and once again I gave up. My legs were so tired. (Perhaps I should have mentioned that three days earlier I did several reps of lunges after my run and was still quite sore from that workout). I wanted to cry, but I was too mad to cry. I wasn't mad at myself or anyone, just frustrated for not having the ability to run.
I made it home just as the sun was setting and told db the whole frustrating story. He tried to reassure me, but the doubts lingered.
tuesday
No running or biking. I started work early because I'm training for the office job to cover the office person while she's on holiday. This is actually the job I applied for last fall, but didn't get. Now I'm getting an idea of what the job would have really been like. While I enjoy learning anything new, I realized that this isn't the business for me. I'm definitely in the wrong area. This isn't an earth shattering revelation, I did study in an arts discipline, but not working in the arts I guess I thought I'd be able to find a place where I could fit in and feel content. I guess I was wrong.
I risked eating sprouted wheat bread on the weekend and lived to regret it. I was starting to feel a little relaxed about my wheat consumption and then lo' and behold it started to catch up to me. I was feeling sluggish and bloated again. So Tuesday was the day I decided to stick to my gluten-free ways and see if it made me feel better.
wednesday
Somewhat hesitant I dressed to go out for my run. When I faced the hill ahead of me I told myself that I would just "do what I can." If it meant that I'd run around the block then I would do just that and call it a day. I was convinced that I would't run more than 2 k.
I started off slowly and ran my regular short route to the park. Once at the park I decided to head toward the track thinking that the softer surface might be a nice change. Once on the track I decided to start my speed workout for the week, but I was cautious and I told myself to just try one set of 1600 meters at a faster pace. I completed one set, followed by 800 m jogs in between. I finish another set and follow with more jogging. The morning heated up, but I tried a third set, completing half of it and I was grateful for completing half since I had left the house with little expectation. I topped off my workout with some lunges (I felt I was ready for more lunges again) and jumping on the spot (yes, I probably did look ridiculous, but it really does help). Then I ran home and was relieved to know that "yes I can run after all." Maybe I won't pull out of the marathon yet. The weekend would be the true test when I'd have another long run (30k).
In the evening I attended a family bbq. Family here meaning cousins, second cousins and my great aunt and uncle, i.e. family I don't see as often. I hadn't seen some of them for 10 years or more so it was quite cool to see everyone and catch up on what they're up to. Veggie burgers were on the bbq before any meat so I was happy and there were gorgeous portobello mushrooms to go with. Very delicious. I did have my burger on a wheat pita bread, but I didn't want to make a fuss about the wheat since I already felt like I was putting people out being vegan.
thursday
A long day at work and I spent most of it on my feet. Even though I'd eaten the pita bread, that was the only wheat I'd eaten since the weeked so I was starting to feel better. Work was long and it seemed like the day would never end.
friday
db and I planned to run after work together. He tends to run a bit faster than I do so I know it will help to run with him.
I was still nervous about running and how my body would respond. Would it give up on me? Would I give up on it?
We had a short, but good run. I felt lighter and leaner as if the affects of the gluten were less. I felt the real test was coming up on Sunday, the long run day.
saturday
We traveled to Bowen Island. It's so close and we've never been. We read about a market on the island and being eager to seek out every market around, we left early in the morning for the ferry.
Bowen is beautiful. I loved the island!
As it turned out the market was just a craft market (no produce). While this was a bit disappointing it didn't really matter.
Just a short walk up from the ferry is the market.
Boardwalk near the marina.
A view of one of the beaches.
The wetlands near Kilarney lake. We hiked around the lake. It was a beautiful hike. The map gave approximate times for how long each hike would take. db and I soon discovered that it was probably written for someone who rarely walks and may need a hip replacement, because the time it took us on the trails was half the time allotted.
More mysterious fungi. I never tire of looking at them.
Very nice day trip that we completed with a microbrew at the pub near the pier. I didn't want to leave. Hopefully we'll go back soon.
sunday
The big day. I was up at 5:30 to have a good breakfast before heading out on my long run. The plan was for me to run 14 k and then meet up with db to run his 16 k. I took a look at my pacing goals and headed out. I was nervous and not entirely certain how to pace myself, but I felt good so I didn't hold back too much.
The morning air was quite a bit cooler than I thought, perfect for running. I did my 10:1 run walk ratio and it was all going really well. In fact I was ahead of my expected pace and started to worry that perhaps I went out too strong.
When I met up with db I felt okay and we continued on. For the most part I maintained a pretty steady pace. My right calf started to tighten up more and more the longer I ran and this was becoming a problem. Still, it wasn't painful enough to cause me to stop.
At around 23 k I hit a mini wall just before having to go up a small hill. I climbed it anyway and kept going. db was so encouraging. He had to run the furthest he's run in a while and there he was trying to keep me going!
The calf was getting worse and with only about 2k to go I started to wonder if I'd finish. 1 k left and I stopped to walk. db suggested I slow down a little and take it easy. I already felt like I was shuffling, but I made it. db did 16k. He looks very ready to run the half marathon. I could hardly believe I was done, but I completed 30 k. How I'm going to do 12 more k on top of it, I don't know.
By the time we stretched, showered and ate it was too late in the day to make it to the local farmers' market. Our on-line research revealed Whistler to have a market than runs until 4 pm. We had a enough time to make it and took advantage of db having the car from work and drove to Whistler.
We've never been. The market was definitely worth the trip. We bought some chanterelles mushrooms and found a stand devoted to heirloom tomatoes.
Ah tomatoes and basil, a perfect combination.
Heirloom varieties.
There was also a raw/vegan booth with raw crackers and lots of sweets. I bought some raw macaroons that I'm pretty sure I can duplicate.
After the market we just took a stroll through Whistler village which is quite nice and made all the more beautiful by the spectacular backdrop.
The signs for the 2010 games are everywhere. The shops are filled with 2010 knick-knacks, t-shirts, postcards etc etc. The signs are posted indicating where the events are to be held. The drive along the sea to sky highway has just about every meter under construction. The amount of work to be done on the highway alone is astounding.
Anywho...db and I drove back, stopping at one of the viewpoints to take in the beautiful vista and stretch our legs once again. I think walking around Whistler helped us both since we both had grueling long runs. It was better than sitting at home stiffening up.
All in all it was a great labour day weekend. We had three days together and definitely made the most of them.
monday (labour day)
A day of rest. I slept in and then eased into my day doing very little. It was a pretty relaxing day. Quite a contrast compared to last Monday. Tomorrow if the weather is nice I may run after work, but only a short distance, just enough to keep the training on schedule.
View along the Sea to Sky highway.
Because of the rain last Sunday I planned to run after work on Monday. I mapped out a route that would take me up on the mountain where it levels out and I thought I'd run a route up there before running the descent home.
This is what I learned:
1. Running a very long distance post-work is near impossible. It's probably better to just run home or do a shorter run.
2. Know when to stop. Instead of pushing myself into frustration and getting down on myself, it's better to stop and call it a day.
3. It's okay to walk.
During the run I felt awful. I kept trying to talk myself into the run, telling myself that I just needed to find my rhythm. Then the negative thoughts starting flowing and no matter how hard I tried to stay positive and focused, the negativity came back. I was simply too tired to carry on. I tried to keep going and took extra walk breaks and longer walk breaks, until finally I admitted to myself that I was beat.
Still quite far from home I started walking. The walk gave me lots of time to think. I questioned whether I should be running at all and asked myself why run a marathon? No clear answers came to me and I got quite irritated. At the bottom of a very long hill, I started to run again. The pain made me angrier and once again I gave up. My legs were so tired. (Perhaps I should have mentioned that three days earlier I did several reps of lunges after my run and was still quite sore from that workout). I wanted to cry, but I was too mad to cry. I wasn't mad at myself or anyone, just frustrated for not having the ability to run.
I made it home just as the sun was setting and told db the whole frustrating story. He tried to reassure me, but the doubts lingered.
tuesday
No running or biking. I started work early because I'm training for the office job to cover the office person while she's on holiday. This is actually the job I applied for last fall, but didn't get. Now I'm getting an idea of what the job would have really been like. While I enjoy learning anything new, I realized that this isn't the business for me. I'm definitely in the wrong area. This isn't an earth shattering revelation, I did study in an arts discipline, but not working in the arts I guess I thought I'd be able to find a place where I could fit in and feel content. I guess I was wrong.
I risked eating sprouted wheat bread on the weekend and lived to regret it. I was starting to feel a little relaxed about my wheat consumption and then lo' and behold it started to catch up to me. I was feeling sluggish and bloated again. So Tuesday was the day I decided to stick to my gluten-free ways and see if it made me feel better.
wednesday
Somewhat hesitant I dressed to go out for my run. When I faced the hill ahead of me I told myself that I would just "do what I can." If it meant that I'd run around the block then I would do just that and call it a day. I was convinced that I would't run more than 2 k.
I started off slowly and ran my regular short route to the park. Once at the park I decided to head toward the track thinking that the softer surface might be a nice change. Once on the track I decided to start my speed workout for the week, but I was cautious and I told myself to just try one set of 1600 meters at a faster pace. I completed one set, followed by 800 m jogs in between. I finish another set and follow with more jogging. The morning heated up, but I tried a third set, completing half of it and I was grateful for completing half since I had left the house with little expectation. I topped off my workout with some lunges (I felt I was ready for more lunges again) and jumping on the spot (yes, I probably did look ridiculous, but it really does help). Then I ran home and was relieved to know that "yes I can run after all." Maybe I won't pull out of the marathon yet. The weekend would be the true test when I'd have another long run (30k).
In the evening I attended a family bbq. Family here meaning cousins, second cousins and my great aunt and uncle, i.e. family I don't see as often. I hadn't seen some of them for 10 years or more so it was quite cool to see everyone and catch up on what they're up to. Veggie burgers were on the bbq before any meat so I was happy and there were gorgeous portobello mushrooms to go with. Very delicious. I did have my burger on a wheat pita bread, but I didn't want to make a fuss about the wheat since I already felt like I was putting people out being vegan.
thursday
A long day at work and I spent most of it on my feet. Even though I'd eaten the pita bread, that was the only wheat I'd eaten since the weeked so I was starting to feel better. Work was long and it seemed like the day would never end.
friday
db and I planned to run after work together. He tends to run a bit faster than I do so I know it will help to run with him.
I was still nervous about running and how my body would respond. Would it give up on me? Would I give up on it?
We had a short, but good run. I felt lighter and leaner as if the affects of the gluten were less. I felt the real test was coming up on Sunday, the long run day.
saturday
We traveled to Bowen Island. It's so close and we've never been. We read about a market on the island and being eager to seek out every market around, we left early in the morning for the ferry.
Bowen is beautiful. I loved the island!
As it turned out the market was just a craft market (no produce). While this was a bit disappointing it didn't really matter.
Just a short walk up from the ferry is the market.
Boardwalk near the marina.
A view of one of the beaches.
The wetlands near Kilarney lake. We hiked around the lake. It was a beautiful hike. The map gave approximate times for how long each hike would take. db and I soon discovered that it was probably written for someone who rarely walks and may need a hip replacement, because the time it took us on the trails was half the time allotted.
More mysterious fungi. I never tire of looking at them.Very nice day trip that we completed with a microbrew at the pub near the pier. I didn't want to leave. Hopefully we'll go back soon.
sunday
The big day. I was up at 5:30 to have a good breakfast before heading out on my long run. The plan was for me to run 14 k and then meet up with db to run his 16 k. I took a look at my pacing goals and headed out. I was nervous and not entirely certain how to pace myself, but I felt good so I didn't hold back too much.
The morning air was quite a bit cooler than I thought, perfect for running. I did my 10:1 run walk ratio and it was all going really well. In fact I was ahead of my expected pace and started to worry that perhaps I went out too strong.
When I met up with db I felt okay and we continued on. For the most part I maintained a pretty steady pace. My right calf started to tighten up more and more the longer I ran and this was becoming a problem. Still, it wasn't painful enough to cause me to stop.
At around 23 k I hit a mini wall just before having to go up a small hill. I climbed it anyway and kept going. db was so encouraging. He had to run the furthest he's run in a while and there he was trying to keep me going!
The calf was getting worse and with only about 2k to go I started to wonder if I'd finish. 1 k left and I stopped to walk. db suggested I slow down a little and take it easy. I already felt like I was shuffling, but I made it. db did 16k. He looks very ready to run the half marathon. I could hardly believe I was done, but I completed 30 k. How I'm going to do 12 more k on top of it, I don't know.
By the time we stretched, showered and ate it was too late in the day to make it to the local farmers' market. Our on-line research revealed Whistler to have a market than runs until 4 pm. We had a enough time to make it and took advantage of db having the car from work and drove to Whistler.
We've never been. The market was definitely worth the trip. We bought some chanterelles mushrooms and found a stand devoted to heirloom tomatoes.
Ah tomatoes and basil, a perfect combination.
Heirloom varieties.There was also a raw/vegan booth with raw crackers and lots of sweets. I bought some raw macaroons that I'm pretty sure I can duplicate.
After the market we just took a stroll through Whistler village which is quite nice and made all the more beautiful by the spectacular backdrop.
The signs for the 2010 games are everywhere. The shops are filled with 2010 knick-knacks, t-shirts, postcards etc etc. The signs are posted indicating where the events are to be held. The drive along the sea to sky highway has just about every meter under construction. The amount of work to be done on the highway alone is astounding.
Anywho...db and I drove back, stopping at one of the viewpoints to take in the beautiful vista and stretch our legs once again. I think walking around Whistler helped us both since we both had grueling long runs. It was better than sitting at home stiffening up.
All in all it was a great labour day weekend. We had three days together and definitely made the most of them.
monday (labour day)
A day of rest. I slept in and then eased into my day doing very little. It was a pretty relaxing day. Quite a contrast compared to last Monday. Tomorrow if the weather is nice I may run after work, but only a short distance, just enough to keep the training on schedule.
View along the Sea to Sky highway.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
return of the rain
It seems like a long time since we had a full day of rain and now here it is. It reminds me of October.
The plan was to get up and run. Last Sunday I woke at 5:30 am and was out the door by 7 am. It rained a little last week and there was a thunder storm to deal with, but nothing like what I woke to this morning. Today I slept in until 8 and then looked out the window to see the rain. Still I prepared as if I was going out for my 28 k run. I had a light breakfast, some water, got dressed and then took another look out the window. db and I stared out the window wondering what the run would be like. db was planning to bike for a bit then run a while before getting back on his bike for the last leg of my run. It was a good plan. It really was. Finally we decided we'd be miserable after 5 k and want to turn back. If it was five or ten k I was doing then I'd do it, but 28? No thanks. If it happens on race day then I'll do it, but why stress through training any more than I already do.
The new plan is I run after work tomorrow (yuck!) and take the long way home. It's 11 k from work to home so I'll take a few detours before heading home. So we'll see how it goes tomorrow.
The plan was to get up and run. Last Sunday I woke at 5:30 am and was out the door by 7 am. It rained a little last week and there was a thunder storm to deal with, but nothing like what I woke to this morning. Today I slept in until 8 and then looked out the window to see the rain. Still I prepared as if I was going out for my 28 k run. I had a light breakfast, some water, got dressed and then took another look out the window. db and I stared out the window wondering what the run would be like. db was planning to bike for a bit then run a while before getting back on his bike for the last leg of my run. It was a good plan. It really was. Finally we decided we'd be miserable after 5 k and want to turn back. If it was five or ten k I was doing then I'd do it, but 28? No thanks. If it happens on race day then I'll do it, but why stress through training any more than I already do.
The new plan is I run after work tomorrow (yuck!) and take the long way home. It's 11 k from work to home so I'll take a few detours before heading home. So we'll see how it goes tomorrow.
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