Would the weather please take a hint and warm up? It's the end of March, for Pete's sake, and still hovering around 0!
But that didn't stop the dust, no no! Since there is no snow to cover it up, all the dust flies up as cars drive past, clogging in my lungs.
Which are already clogged from some unknown cold or problem. I keep thinking that I should go visit the doctor, but have trouble getting out of bed.
On that account, I'm still running in the afternoons, when it is warmer and sunnier. I'm sure the morning is a great time to run at this time of year, but it's still dark!
I must apologize, I'm tired and feeling a bit sarcastic, and it's only 7:30pm. After doing 4km this afternoon, I am still pooped as heck, but happy that I got it done and over with. Now to get this stupid lung issue solved...
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Post Race Day
I posted last December about maintenance plans, which I am absolutely awful for.
This time, I have a cunning plan. Let's just hope it's better than Black Adder's cunning plans.
I will now proceed to the half-marathon clinic at the Kanata Running Room. I've taken the first step and introduced myself to the leader. Whether I actually join the clinic itself or just join the Sunday runs, I'm not sure. I will start next weekend, because this is going to be an easy recovery week.
Ugh. That's all the writing I've got in me today.
This time, I have a cunning plan. Let's just hope it's better than Black Adder's cunning plans.
I will now proceed to the half-marathon clinic at the Kanata Running Room. I've taken the first step and introduced myself to the leader. Whether I actually join the clinic itself or just join the Sunday runs, I'm not sure. I will start next weekend, because this is going to be an easy recovery week.
Ugh. That's all the writing I've got in me today.
St. Patrick's Day 10K 2011
After not posting in all of February, I will finally write:
Enough, Winter, lay off and bring in Spring! Gawwwwwd!
It's been cold and rainy and snowy and miserable here, and I think everyone who's not an ardent skier will agree that it is time for nicer weather.
The contrast is apparent in photos of this year's race compared to last year. 2010's St. Patrick's Day race was, though overcast and slightly drizzly, verdant. This year's photos show snow, snow, slush, ice, and icy water. No green to be seen!
Having moved much further away than last year, I was a little worried about arrival, but I was able to arrive 30 minutes before race-time anyway. I had decided to do the 10k this year, because I knew I could do the distance, but it was still a challenge.
The race took us from Immaculata High School (who generously lent their gym) up Col. By Drive, up to around Carleton University and back. The first half had more uphill, and the only benefit of that was it meant more downhill on the way back. However, I can still remember after the half-way mark thinking, "What? This was uphill a few minutes ago! It's a physics impossibility to have this route be uphill both ways at the same time!"
I will admit, this race was a struggle. I had been sick two weeks prior, and my lungs felt like they couldn't get full. My legs and knees were wobbly by the end of it, and I took far too many walk-breaks (and one texting break).
I picked up my pace for the last kilometer, and made it in at 1:13, only 6 minutes longer than my first 10k. I was a bit disappointed because I'd really hoped to get under one hour, but I think if I hadn't been sick, my time would have been a lot better.
Post-run, I harassed a friend to wakefulness and dragged him out for brunch. I had a probably-very-unhealthy steak and eggs. Protein, baby!
Lessons learned from this race:
1. Eat something more than cereal before a race. A bowl of cheerios was not cutting it. And of course, experiment with what this meal will be before race day!
2. If you're going to get sick, try to do it after the race. If you can't put off being sick, try to take care of yourself as much as possible so you get healthy faster. This is a legitimate reason to take time off work, and your boss who is hopefully a runner will understand.
3. You still have something at the end! Swing the arms harder, know it's the end, and go for it! See the clock ticking up and tell yourself, "Not gonna finish 1:15 if I can help it!"
4. Don't mouth along to your music. Everyone will think you're strange, and it's very likely you're interrupting your breathing habits. The latter is more dire.
Enough, Winter, lay off and bring in Spring! Gawwwwwd!
It's been cold and rainy and snowy and miserable here, and I think everyone who's not an ardent skier will agree that it is time for nicer weather.
The contrast is apparent in photos of this year's race compared to last year. 2010's St. Patrick's Day race was, though overcast and slightly drizzly, verdant. This year's photos show snow, snow, slush, ice, and icy water. No green to be seen!
Having moved much further away than last year, I was a little worried about arrival, but I was able to arrive 30 minutes before race-time anyway. I had decided to do the 10k this year, because I knew I could do the distance, but it was still a challenge.
The race took us from Immaculata High School (who generously lent their gym) up Col. By Drive, up to around Carleton University and back. The first half had more uphill, and the only benefit of that was it meant more downhill on the way back. However, I can still remember after the half-way mark thinking, "What? This was uphill a few minutes ago! It's a physics impossibility to have this route be uphill both ways at the same time!"
I will admit, this race was a struggle. I had been sick two weeks prior, and my lungs felt like they couldn't get full. My legs and knees were wobbly by the end of it, and I took far too many walk-breaks (and one texting break).
I picked up my pace for the last kilometer, and made it in at 1:13, only 6 minutes longer than my first 10k. I was a bit disappointed because I'd really hoped to get under one hour, but I think if I hadn't been sick, my time would have been a lot better.
Post-run, I harassed a friend to wakefulness and dragged him out for brunch. I had a probably-very-unhealthy steak and eggs. Protein, baby!
Lessons learned from this race:
1. Eat something more than cereal before a race. A bowl of cheerios was not cutting it. And of course, experiment with what this meal will be before race day!
2. If you're going to get sick, try to do it after the race. If you can't put off being sick, try to take care of yourself as much as possible so you get healthy faster. This is a legitimate reason to take time off work, and your boss who is hopefully a runner will understand.
3. You still have something at the end! Swing the arms harder, know it's the end, and go for it! See the clock ticking up and tell yourself, "Not gonna finish 1:15 if I can help it!"
4. Don't mouth along to your music. Everyone will think you're strange, and it's very likely you're interrupting your breathing habits. The latter is more dire.
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