PLEDGE ME!
So who's up for a little fun??
JELLY BEAN VIRTUAL! No need to be the fastest, great prizes, and a wonderful read of her blog as well! Random draw for winner!! BE THERE! You have 8 days to complete run of your choice!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
AFTERGLOW??
I havent been able to stress how much I enjoyed Sunday's ATB.... so much, I turned around and registered for Midsummer's 30km! WHAAAAAAAAT??
I'm going to try and raise money this year, SICK KIDS is a wonderful hospital, (my 19mth old spent the first 23 days of her life there) so any extra money to help kids is AWESOME!
PLEDGE ME!
So who's up for a little fun??
JELLY BEAN VIRTUAL! No need to be the fastest, great prizes, and a wonderful read of her blog as well! Random draw for winner!! BE THERE! You have 8 days to complete run of your choice!!
PLEDGE ME!
So who's up for a little fun??
JELLY BEAN VIRTUAL! No need to be the fastest, great prizes, and a wonderful read of her blog as well! Random draw for winner!! BE THERE! You have 8 days to complete run of your choice!!
Monday, March 26, 2012
ATB.....Success
Admittedly, I was dreading this run..... Was feeling very unsure of myself, and just remembering how LOOOOONG the 30 km felt last year. Scott and I drove up Friday and picked up my kit. The weather in Hamilton was sunny but cool and windy. So I started to doubt what to wear. Decided to bring a little of everything.
I put off all day packing my bags, did a gazillion loads of laundry and baked 3 pies. Finally Saturday afternoon, I thought I had better get cracking. *I would later be so thankful for that!*
Put kids to bed (my parents took 1, inlaws another, and we decided to take the babies), made my playlist on my IPOD, showered and Scott mentioned that I should sleep.
Set my alarm on my phone for 5:27am (I always chose off times), moved the cursor over to the S and went to bed. Read for a few minutes to relax, and finally decided lights out.
I have come to realize that my baby girl FEELS when I have a run the next day. Without fail, she will wake. 2-3am was 'playtime' & cuddle time. Then I needed to get back to sleep mode. I constantly was thinking the alarm would go off any minute. I must have dozed off and decided to check the time on my phone..........WHAT! 6:35a!!!!!
"SCOTT GET UP, THE ALARM DIDNT GO OFF!"
We jumped up, got the babies up and left! Scott was reassuring me he could get to Hamilton in 2 hrs. Stopped for coffee, and bagels. I had packed bananas' and PB the night before. (phew) We got to Hamilton at 9:03a, I changed in a Tim Hortons bathroom (!!!), parked, kissed everyone and ran up to the start line. Had enough time to tighten my laces (which still came loose at 11km--never happens to me!!) and start my play list. YA, talk about cutting it close!
After all my thoughts and fears this week leading up, I just kept chanting 'run your own run'. I looked down at the ground about 2 feet in front of me, trying not to people watch.
Last yr, when I hit the 10k, I remember wishing it was over (lol) and this yr, I felt so much stronger, 56min and loved the hill that follows into the 11k marker. I was pleased to think I wasnt running 'hard' and my 10k time was the same as a hard race last summer. I decided then to take a gel and apparently fix my shoelace. (eyeroll)
Continued on and decided at km 14 I was going to grab a cup of gatorade, so I thought I would pee as well. I shut my Garmin off for that, and thankfully it was not busy and no line. Came back out and back on the road, and hit the 15k at 1:27, (it was 1:22 on my garmin and I remember being confused for a second, forgetting about the washroom break!)
Last yr km 16, I was struggling and walked for a few minutes, this yr I was able to keep soaring and was loving the feeling that the halfway mark was done. I saw a sign that said 'dig deep the hills are starting' or along those lines. I have a long tribal trance song on my Ipod, and it started playing and I left it on for the whole hill travels. I congratulated myself on all the hill training I have done because they werent an issue at all.
Even high fiving the little person at the bottom of THE hill, I continued and ran up to the top. I had been running along side a couple for nearly the whole run, and they high fived each other at the top. I walked for a few seconds to catch my breath, and secretly wished that I had someone to high five too. Plus, I knew the worst was over. I was waiting for a glimpse of the grim reaper, it was starting to feel warm out, the sun was higher and I really felt the feeling of 'so close, yet so far away.' I refused to look at my watch, and people watching the crowd on the sidelines. It's really an overwhelming feeling, thinking of what you accomplished and that these people come out to cheer you on.
Coming around the sharp bend inside Copps, I looked up and saw it was just under the 3hr mark, and I took off into a sprint. A volunteer at the finish line told me to 'slow down' laughing. I started following the other runners into the end area, and trying to look into the bleachers for my husband. Remembered that I still hadnt checked my garmin or shut it off.
I've been on Cloud 9 for 2 days. I can't believe I was so worried over it. Definitely makes my dream of running a full marathon more attainable.
I put off all day packing my bags, did a gazillion loads of laundry and baked 3 pies. Finally Saturday afternoon, I thought I had better get cracking. *I would later be so thankful for that!*
Put kids to bed (my parents took 1, inlaws another, and we decided to take the babies), made my playlist on my IPOD, showered and Scott mentioned that I should sleep.
Set my alarm on my phone for 5:27am (I always chose off times), moved the cursor over to the S and went to bed. Read for a few minutes to relax, and finally decided lights out.
I have come to realize that my baby girl FEELS when I have a run the next day. Without fail, she will wake. 2-3am was 'playtime' & cuddle time. Then I needed to get back to sleep mode. I constantly was thinking the alarm would go off any minute. I must have dozed off and decided to check the time on my phone..........WHAT! 6:35a!!!!!
"SCOTT GET UP, THE ALARM DIDNT GO OFF!"
We jumped up, got the babies up and left! Scott was reassuring me he could get to Hamilton in 2 hrs. Stopped for coffee, and bagels. I had packed bananas' and PB the night before. (phew) We got to Hamilton at 9:03a, I changed in a Tim Hortons bathroom (!!!), parked, kissed everyone and ran up to the start line. Had enough time to tighten my laces (which still came loose at 11km--never happens to me!!) and start my play list. YA, talk about cutting it close!
After all my thoughts and fears this week leading up, I just kept chanting 'run your own run'. I looked down at the ground about 2 feet in front of me, trying not to people watch.
Last yr, when I hit the 10k, I remember wishing it was over (lol) and this yr, I felt so much stronger, 56min and loved the hill that follows into the 11k marker. I was pleased to think I wasnt running 'hard' and my 10k time was the same as a hard race last summer. I decided then to take a gel and apparently fix my shoelace. (eyeroll)
Continued on and decided at km 14 I was going to grab a cup of gatorade, so I thought I would pee as well. I shut my Garmin off for that, and thankfully it was not busy and no line. Came back out and back on the road, and hit the 15k at 1:27, (it was 1:22 on my garmin and I remember being confused for a second, forgetting about the washroom break!)
Last yr km 16, I was struggling and walked for a few minutes, this yr I was able to keep soaring and was loving the feeling that the halfway mark was done. I saw a sign that said 'dig deep the hills are starting' or along those lines. I have a long tribal trance song on my Ipod, and it started playing and I left it on for the whole hill travels. I congratulated myself on all the hill training I have done because they werent an issue at all.
Even high fiving the little person at the bottom of THE hill, I continued and ran up to the top. I had been running along side a couple for nearly the whole run, and they high fived each other at the top. I walked for a few seconds to catch my breath, and secretly wished that I had someone to high five too. Plus, I knew the worst was over. I was waiting for a glimpse of the grim reaper, it was starting to feel warm out, the sun was higher and I really felt the feeling of 'so close, yet so far away.' I refused to look at my watch, and people watching the crowd on the sidelines. It's really an overwhelming feeling, thinking of what you accomplished and that these people come out to cheer you on.
Coming around the sharp bend inside Copps, I looked up and saw it was just under the 3hr mark, and I took off into a sprint. A volunteer at the finish line told me to 'slow down' laughing. I started following the other runners into the end area, and trying to look into the bleachers for my husband. Remembered that I still hadnt checked my garmin or shut it off.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Shamrock Shake
23 degrees! WOWSA! Loved it but HOT!
Being the shoe whore I am, I did todays run in a new pair of Saucony's I bought yesterday. Saucony Kinvara 2, in the white with blue and lime. I also found a pair of my Mana 5's (last yrs, which Adidas has made into the Mana 6) so I do have those for back up.
I tried the size 8s on in store Friday night, and then Saturday, found them cheaper at another store, and seemed to like the 7.5.
Now running, it did seem a bit tight on the left foot by my baby toe, BUT I was wearing a thicker cushioning sock. So I am going to give them another run with a thinner sock. National told me I had 90 days to return, as long as they were in sellable condition.
Run was good, hot but wind in some good places to cool off. Few inclines, but I was trying to choose the dryest route around the back roads here, to save my shoes from mud or dirt. Pic above is post run, so I think I succeeded.
Gave my mom my phone for Garmin proof of run, and LMAO she was having issues taking pics with my Samsung. These are a few:
13km done- 1:11:35
Being the shoe whore I am, I did todays run in a new pair of Saucony's I bought yesterday. Saucony Kinvara 2, in the white with blue and lime. I also found a pair of my Mana 5's (last yrs, which Adidas has made into the Mana 6) so I do have those for back up.
Now running, it did seem a bit tight on the left foot by my baby toe, BUT I was wearing a thicker cushioning sock. So I am going to give them another run with a thinner sock. National told me I had 90 days to return, as long as they were in sellable condition.
Run was good, hot but wind in some good places to cool off. Few inclines, but I was trying to choose the dryest route around the back roads here, to save my shoes from mud or dirt. Pic above is post run, so I think I succeeded.
Gave my mom my phone for Garmin proof of run, and LMAO she was having issues taking pics with my Samsung. These are a few:
Monday, March 12, 2012
Just signed up!
http://confessions-of-a-runner.blogspot.com/2012/03/2nd-annual-shake-your-shamrock-virtual.html
Hey,
If you are doing a long run Sunday anyway.......DO IT!
Side note: I need to plug my Garmin in and recheck some runs..... I am pretty sure checking my mileage ticker, I am missing some, PLUS the few treadmill runs, I may have forgotten to tag on. OPPS. Honestly, I am losing it lately. D'oh!
Hey,
If you are doing a long run Sunday anyway.......DO IT!
Side note: I need to plug my Garmin in and recheck some runs..... I am pretty sure checking my mileage ticker, I am missing some, PLUS the few treadmill runs, I may have forgotten to tag on. OPPS. Honestly, I am losing it lately. D'oh!
Sunday, I took a different approach to my long run (24.5 running, 2.5 walk cool down) and instead of an out and back, I just ran and brought my dad's dinosaur flip phone to call for a ride when I was done. Ended up 2 towns over!
The warm weather threw me off. I dressed slightly too warm--and only had a sports bra under my fleece zip.....so I was stuck with it! Also, I have driven the route many times.....I didnt realize how big the hills were. LMAO. Tough run, but done run!
I stopped a few times to let the wind behind me hit me in the face. I passed an uncle who was driving, I resisted the urge to flag him down and drive me home!
Monday, February 27, 2012
RUN REVIEW: YMCA HALF-- Feb 26th
Having run it before, I really wanted to beat my last time. I did run a half marathon in November, so I wasnt worried about THAT time, but I was fretting over any improvement since November. I've been stuck at 40 ish km a wk for a bit, life and weather interferring with some longer mid week runs.
I had signed 3 of my kids up for the 1k and they were excited, and stoked to have their own Tshirts! Their 'race' started at 12 noon, and it was SO cute to see all the little kiddos' out there! My husband carried our 3 year old (who was sick!) on his shoulders, Bash ran ahead and I jogged along side Piper, who did have to take a mini walk break, but I think she's hooked!
After the 1k, I had enough time to have a quick washroom break and put on my Garmin and grab kleenex, Ipod and kiss everyone good-bye. I jogged down to the start area from the truck, and literally had time to get in line and start running!
The one thing I love about this run, it didnt have a crowded start, I hate trying to find a spot and having a tough time to find your groove. And being a later start, it felt just like a regular long run Sunday for me.
The run follows thru some side streets, and curves around Little Lake, and then comes out to Lansdowne St, inclines up to Ashburnham St, and up thru the Liftlock bridge and then down thru east city and out to an end of Peterborough that I am not that familiar with, and then turn around to come back.
I was going strong thru the first half of the run, and hit the 10km marker at 55 minutes exactly, coming up that last hill around 15km I stopped thru the water station and drank a cup of Gatorade. Around 16-18km, I felt tired. I dropped to a 6:00min pace and I had to really get my mojo going again.
I saw the 19km marker and knew there were NO more hills or inclines from that point. I fell into pace, and took my water bottle out of my pocket and sneaked a sip.
Hit the 20 km marker and refused to look at my Garmin, I hadnt since the 12k sign. So I was trying to play mental math in my head to keep busy while running. I didnt care what the number was at the finish, but didnt want to see a 2:xx:xx
Turned the last corner onto Alymer St, and saw the big puffy red finish line. My Ipod was still going but heard some volunteers yelling 'Almost there, this is the fun part' etc and noticed my mom and cousin Nicci right at the finish line.
I sped up a bit for a finish, and couldnt see the clock at the finish line. I spun around quickly to look and it was under 2hrs! (1:58 on my garmin) and I literally jumped for joy.
So next comes Hamilton........
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Quality vs Quantity
Having reviewed my disappointing mileage for January, I have to say there wasn't a lot of acreage covered....BUT I did put in some much needed quality. Each run did have a purpose and werent just junk miles b/c I could.
The weather certainly hasn't been helping my cause. We are in a pretty rural area, and limits many of the roads I can run. Either ice or snow OR wet mushy dirt roads. Hoping for a better turn out February.
The weather certainly hasn't been helping my cause. We are in a pretty rural area, and limits many of the roads I can run. Either ice or snow OR wet mushy dirt roads. Hoping for a better turn out February.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Another year wiser?
Yesterday was my birthday. Quiet weekend, and so different from any birthdays I celebrated in my 20's..... or even ever!
I had no desire to go out ( I think New Years Eve filled my quota for a while. hehehe) So a quiet morning at home, took my one daughter to gymnastics-and met a friend for coffee (she introduced me to a new coffee flavour..... white chocolate mocha, non fat, no whip, peppermint shot) and my long run in perfect temps.
I have really been taking my long runs easy, tempo runs speedy--after some great advice, it's really sunk in. And strangely, I happened to glance at my Garmin, to keep myself honest, and thought 'oh I must be running around a 6min pace' ........ nope 5:10m pace! And it felt so easy. So I'm a believer! HA!
I had no desire to go out ( I think New Years Eve filled my quota for a while. hehehe) So a quiet morning at home, took my one daughter to gymnastics-and met a friend for coffee (she introduced me to a new coffee flavour..... white chocolate mocha, non fat, no whip, peppermint shot) and my long run in perfect temps.
I have really been taking my long runs easy, tempo runs speedy--after some great advice, it's really sunk in. And strangely, I happened to glance at my Garmin, to keep myself honest, and thought 'oh I must be running around a 6min pace' ........ nope 5:10m pace! And it felt so easy. So I'm a believer! HA!
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