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!

20km............REALLY??

Outside, sure, NO problem!  BUT on a treadmill, I never thought I could would do it!  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Honestly, I was dreading it.  I was actually thinking I would deal with the MINUS 18, over dah dah dah 'THE DREADMILL'.

I did find it enjoyable actually.  I have issues with running outside and wanting to run fast, but I was able to slow and control my pace and have a true LSD.   Baby slept, I ran-- now the joy of cleaning the house! HA!

Other news-but in the same topic family:  I am writing my Personal Trainer exam in April.  Gives me time to get Peterborugh Half,  and ATB out of the way, and then study for April. 

Minus 4 and that feels warm

I dont know what's been going on with me. HEHEHE, last yr I was running in snowstorms and made no excuses to run outside.  The last few weeks, I've really been wimping out!  Using the treadmill or lifting weights instead.  I do think having the kids home has encouraged my behaviour. 
But today -4, and it felt so nice!  Even though there was no sun, it wasnt very windy.  Was a great reminder of how much I love running and feeling the cool air in my lungs.
9km done in 46min. 

NEW YEAR

Had a great holiday, and probally took to many days off.  GRRR!  I did work out, but didnt run.  I think mentally I needed the running break, but with the kids off school, holidays and weather-- it's not been the conditions to get out there.
That said, today is looking like HELL as well, but will definitely give it a shot!  I may have to treadmill more often this yr.... PUKE!

So resolutions.... what are they??  Who made some??  Mine are:
Run further
Eat better (not that I don't eat healthy, but I will not eat if my ideal choices aren't available, which then somedays, I dont eat enough.)
Spend less.  (Till debt do us part, hoarders etc etc... YEP that's me!)
Yell less.  (4 kids, enough said~~ha!!!)

Sitting on the edge of your seats??

Are you hanging on?  Wondering will she?  Won't she? 

Hmmm??

I started playing with different running styles the last few runs.  I've been doing a tempo (ish) 9km route with intervals mixed in.  Using hydro poles or mail boxes as markers, I run at a 4:xx pace and then slow to a 5:10 - 5:20 pace for 2. 

I like having a 'game' to play while I am running.

Having met my goal I set for myself in 2011, I've been thinking what I was planning for 2012.  With a local half in February, and then ATB in March, I am thinking it should set me up nicely to run MY FIRST FULL.   There I've said it outloud.  YIKES.  My heart slightly pounds faster as I type it. 



So by this time next year, I strive to put a full marathon under my belt!

OH and this........ SUPER FUN

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  :)

FA LA LA LA LAAAAAAAA ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Well, we are done the first week of December and I have 80 some odd KM to go.  Can she do it? YES, she can!

The last month or so, I have been making some changes to my runs,  more hills and intervals, and 2 'longer' runs in the week, and a tempo run. 
I signed up for Around the Bay, a) to better my time from last year, b) great motivation to keep me moving this winter.   Way to easy to sit in the house during the cold and snow if there is no goal to work towards.

I've really been slacking on updating here, because I discovered my own form of crack.   Hey, if it's cool enough for Alec Baldwin.........

Angus Glen

OH what a great day!  So fun and the weather was great!  Course was beautiful (but hilly).  Of course Nicci and I were lost but giggled the whole way thru!  THEN we lost each other after the runs, and missed out on some great food!  (That's ok, looked good, but lots I wouldnt eat and I devoured a Mr.Sub veggie on WW after!)

I was REALLY hoping to be under 2 hrs...... but a pesky 53 seconds held me back!  BUT no complaints, I had a ton of fun and can't wait to run another half!  AND do that course again next yr!

Back to some regular runs to up my mileage, stay tuned.