Today's weather was a gloriously sunny 13C. Despite an energy crash at around 2:30, I was so excited to get out there and run that I spent a few minutes texting my boyfriend, and then headed out.
It was so lovely that I kept breaking pace. You'd think I'd slow down to appreciate it more. I did slow down more than Tuesday's run, where it was cold and cloudy so I was pushing 5:15 just to get it done and over with. Not sustainable!
However, I think it's really a good time to look at new shoes, because almost on schedule, my knees are starting to hurt early in my run.
The problem is, how do I go about finding the right shoe? The Ghost 4 has apparently incorporated the technology that the Glycerin 7 adopted which led to disastrous and expensive results - did I never finish that story? Long story short, I took those 7s out and ran on them and it turned out that the pressure spots were in exactly the right places to cause me a lot of pain. Anyways, it's back to the Running Room for me. Thankfully, tomorrow is payday.
The plan for this weekend is 12k with the Running Room and then off to brunch with my mother. Getting 'er done, one run at a time.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Update of the Week
This week was bad for running. I had planned to go to the gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and run Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
I made it to the gym, and ran today.
On the plus side, I was able to treadmill without worry, but on the minus side, that didn't make up for two days of not-running. My reasons are legit: on Tuesday, I was counseled to stay home and hopefully head off the cold that was threatening. And on Thursday, Edmonton weather was up to its old tricks, and gave us at least 7cm of snow.
Today, I waited until it didn't seem like the mercury was going to climb any higher before suiting up to head out. It wasn't the unpleasantness like two Tuesdays ago, which I'm certain was the commencement of last week's illness, but it was only 1C and there was a wind most of the way. However, I got the 10km in like a good little half-marathoner, and kept myself warm after getting back.
One thing I put a lot of thought into while I was running was mantras. Every so often, a running magazine will start talking about the mantras that successful runners use during their races to continue. And trust me, they do work. In my last half-marathon, my mantra was, "If I can't finish this race, how can I finish anything in life?" A little dismal and exaggerating, but it got me through some of the toughest parts of the race.
I thought about the different words I would likely use during a race, and the time or distances that I'd use them at. For example, I'd start the first five kilometers with "Ease into it," to keep myself from leaping into the race and exhausting myself prematurely. After that, I'd probably try, "Slow and steady," to keep myself on pace. Right around the 10km mark, I would probably switch to, "Just keep moving," because that's when I need to keep moving forward. Then my planning went sort of out the window, preparing for the end with 'Finish strong,' or some inspiring, upright-staying message.
Of course, I remember one other mantra from my races, which I used when my knees started hurting: "Concentrate on foot placement." When one knee or the other started kvetching, I would start to pay attention to exactly how my foot hit the pavement. Usually, I found that my form was suffering from the tiredness of, surprise, running a half-marathon, so I'd pay close attention to that, and either the pain gave up and went away, or I fixed the problem that was causing the pain in the first place.
All this to say, mantras do have their place in a race, the magazines aren't out to lunch, and getting to concentrate on a mantra can take your mind to other places and the kilometers will fly by!
Interestingly enough, Myfitnesspal says that, after expending the calories of a 10km run, I should be able to eat more than 2000 calories total today. Yeah, the only way I'd do that is if I went out for pizza, and I didn't really feel like that. Instead, dinner was a herb-rubbed pork tenderloin with apples and roast potatoes. Amazing how healthy some foods can be while tasting like slices of heaven on your tongue.
On the plus side, I was able to treadmill without worry, but on the minus side, that didn't make up for two days of not-running. My reasons are legit: on Tuesday, I was counseled to stay home and hopefully head off the cold that was threatening. And on Thursday, Edmonton weather was up to its old tricks, and gave us at least 7cm of snow.
Today, I waited until it didn't seem like the mercury was going to climb any higher before suiting up to head out. It wasn't the unpleasantness like two Tuesdays ago, which I'm certain was the commencement of last week's illness, but it was only 1C and there was a wind most of the way. However, I got the 10km in like a good little half-marathoner, and kept myself warm after getting back.
One thing I put a lot of thought into while I was running was mantras. Every so often, a running magazine will start talking about the mantras that successful runners use during their races to continue. And trust me, they do work. In my last half-marathon, my mantra was, "If I can't finish this race, how can I finish anything in life?" A little dismal and exaggerating, but it got me through some of the toughest parts of the race.
I thought about the different words I would likely use during a race, and the time or distances that I'd use them at. For example, I'd start the first five kilometers with "Ease into it," to keep myself from leaping into the race and exhausting myself prematurely. After that, I'd probably try, "Slow and steady," to keep myself on pace. Right around the 10km mark, I would probably switch to, "Just keep moving," because that's when I need to keep moving forward. Then my planning went sort of out the window, preparing for the end with 'Finish strong,' or some inspiring, upright-staying message.
Of course, I remember one other mantra from my races, which I used when my knees started hurting: "Concentrate on foot placement." When one knee or the other started kvetching, I would start to pay attention to exactly how my foot hit the pavement. Usually, I found that my form was suffering from the tiredness of, surprise, running a half-marathon, so I'd pay close attention to that, and either the pain gave up and went away, or I fixed the problem that was causing the pain in the first place.
All this to say, mantras do have their place in a race, the magazines aren't out to lunch, and getting to concentrate on a mantra can take your mind to other places and the kilometers will fly by!
Interestingly enough, Myfitnesspal says that, after expending the calories of a 10km run, I should be able to eat more than 2000 calories total today. Yeah, the only way I'd do that is if I went out for pizza, and I didn't really feel like that. Instead, dinner was a herb-rubbed pork tenderloin with apples and roast potatoes. Amazing how healthy some foods can be while tasting like slices of heaven on your tongue.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Loops for the Troops
Remember how I was laughing at the idea of being fit in time to run a half-marathon in may?
Laughed so hard I could have cried...
Anyways, I realized that:
1) I was running with the 10k group who were doing their final run for the time.
2) The half-marathon group was off doing 16k, and my knees would NOT have forgiven me that.
3) Despite my being at the 10k mark, I still have time to get ready for the Loops for the Troops half-marathon on June 3.
So that's my goal: building up to a 21k on June 3.
Yesterday's run was a nice square, which gives me a great new 10k path. It's one I had hoped to try a long time ago, but never quite had the nerve. It had snowed the night before, so there was an icy slush for some parts of it.
That's actually about all I can remember about the run, other than some lovely company. Then I had a power nap, lunch with family, and spring seedling shopping.
Laughed so hard I could have cried...
Anyways, I realized that:
1) I was running with the 10k group who were doing their final run for the time.
2) The half-marathon group was off doing 16k, and my knees would NOT have forgiven me that.
3) Despite my being at the 10k mark, I still have time to get ready for the Loops for the Troops half-marathon on June 3.
So that's my goal: building up to a 21k on June 3.
Yesterday's run was a nice square, which gives me a great new 10k path. It's one I had hoped to try a long time ago, but never quite had the nerve. It had snowed the night before, so there was an icy slush for some parts of it.
That's actually about all I can remember about the run, other than some lovely company. Then I had a power nap, lunch with family, and spring seedling shopping.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Reconnecting with Friends
One aspect of running that I frequently forget about is the social aspect. It's not that I mean to, or that I'm upset - I just stop visiting places. It's happened with the Running Room (though moving away helped) and with Running Mania, a Canadian running website. I just... stop going.
But part of my re-entry into the great outdoors is acknowledging that man is a pack animal, and sometimes, it doesn't suck to run with people. In fact, it frequently doesn't.
So I logged back onto Running Mania and re-introduced myself. Everyone was happy to see me again, and I'm heading to my first RM event at the end of April! Everyone is full of advice, stories, and jokes, and it's so much fun to find a place on the internet where everyone gets along so well!
In other news, today's run was a lot more pleasant than Tuesday's. Tuesday's 30m run was gross and full of wind and damp and grey skies. It was a huge letdown after a beautiful day.
Today's weather was a lot sunnier in the evening, a lot warmer, but there was still a bit of a cold wind. However, it could have been a lot worse. I decided to run my usual route backwards, for some adventure, and I'm finding that I'm tracking about 4.5k in those 30 minutes. Given some time, patience and effort, I have no doubt I could bring it to 5k in 30 minutes, or even 25 minutes. Wouldn't that be something?
In upcoming races, my friend and I are talking about the Canadian Derby half-marathon race in Edmonton. I asked the RM folk about it, and got a lot of glowing reports! It's fast, as the website boasts, flat, and apparently very well run.
There's also a Run for the Troops on June 3 that has a 5k, 10k, and 21k. I think I'd like to do the 10k.
Speaking of 10k, I looked at the latest e-mail from the near-by Running Room, and it says the half marathon group is doing 10k this week. Just in time! Wouldn't it be funny if I started running with them and wound up in shape to do whatever half-marathon is in May? Hilarious! And tempting.
In other news, I have seen that I am exceeding my cardio calorie needs. Even if I don't run 45 minutes a day, or recumbent-bike on the days I'm not running, I'm still expending more calories than it requires. Me, I'm gonna put that down as one of those things that can't be helped.
In other other news, I've got busy legs like mad and I think I'm gonna go stretch them out!
But part of my re-entry into the great outdoors is acknowledging that man is a pack animal, and sometimes, it doesn't suck to run with people. In fact, it frequently doesn't.
So I logged back onto Running Mania and re-introduced myself. Everyone was happy to see me again, and I'm heading to my first RM event at the end of April! Everyone is full of advice, stories, and jokes, and it's so much fun to find a place on the internet where everyone gets along so well!
In other news, today's run was a lot more pleasant than Tuesday's. Tuesday's 30m run was gross and full of wind and damp and grey skies. It was a huge letdown after a beautiful day.
Today's weather was a lot sunnier in the evening, a lot warmer, but there was still a bit of a cold wind. However, it could have been a lot worse. I decided to run my usual route backwards, for some adventure, and I'm finding that I'm tracking about 4.5k in those 30 minutes. Given some time, patience and effort, I have no doubt I could bring it to 5k in 30 minutes, or even 25 minutes. Wouldn't that be something?
In upcoming races, my friend and I are talking about the Canadian Derby half-marathon race in Edmonton. I asked the RM folk about it, and got a lot of glowing reports! It's fast, as the website boasts, flat, and apparently very well run.
There's also a Run for the Troops on June 3 that has a 5k, 10k, and 21k. I think I'd like to do the 10k.
Speaking of 10k, I looked at the latest e-mail from the near-by Running Room, and it says the half marathon group is doing 10k this week. Just in time! Wouldn't it be funny if I started running with them and wound up in shape to do whatever half-marathon is in May? Hilarious! And tempting.
In other news, I have seen that I am exceeding my cardio calorie needs. Even if I don't run 45 minutes a day, or recumbent-bike on the days I'm not running, I'm still expending more calories than it requires. Me, I'm gonna put that down as one of those things that can't be helped.
In other other news, I've got busy legs like mad and I think I'm gonna go stretch them out!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Death of a Toe Nail
One thing that I don't miss about running is the way it affects my feet. To my annoyance, it's not a situation that can be solved by new shoes or better socks. Mainly, it's my toe nails. Actually, it's one specific one (as the others do well enough when clipped).
It's a weak nail, and has a tendency to fall off whenever I run a half-marathon. Actually, it falls off several weeks after the race, giving me a lot of time to contemplate the eventual death of that toe-nail. Essentially, a bruise forms beneath the nail, pushing the nail away from its bed, and turning it a spectacular purple-black. The lack of bloodflow (remember, a bruise is full of dying blood cells) will kill the nail.
After today's run, it's feeling pretty tender, so I won't be surprised if it starts turning colour soon and takes a walk.
Anyways, I went out for a nice long run this afternoon. I decided to try to focus on time in my runs instead of distance, so I said to myself, "I'm going to run an hour today!" It turned out to be an hour and 13 minutes, average pace of 7:39m/km, and a distance of 9km! I'm feeling very happy with myself, though I have little doubt that I will feel it tomorrow. My breathing was good, though, and my legs and knees, though tired, are still functioning (after a nice application of ice).
And now, I'm going to have a nap before dinner and a movie with my mother!
It's a weak nail, and has a tendency to fall off whenever I run a half-marathon. Actually, it falls off several weeks after the race, giving me a lot of time to contemplate the eventual death of that toe-nail. Essentially, a bruise forms beneath the nail, pushing the nail away from its bed, and turning it a spectacular purple-black. The lack of bloodflow (remember, a bruise is full of dying blood cells) will kill the nail.
After today's run, it's feeling pretty tender, so I won't be surprised if it starts turning colour soon and takes a walk.
Anyways, I went out for a nice long run this afternoon. I decided to try to focus on time in my runs instead of distance, so I said to myself, "I'm going to run an hour today!" It turned out to be an hour and 13 minutes, average pace of 7:39m/km, and a distance of 9km! I'm feeling very happy with myself, though I have little doubt that I will feel it tomorrow. My breathing was good, though, and my legs and knees, though tired, are still functioning (after a nice application of ice).
And now, I'm going to have a nap before dinner and a movie with my mother!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Spring Running
I love running as winter is melting away, and spring is warming the air.
I don't mean that I enjoy splashing myself through soggy mush, or slipping on the hidden ice beneath. But I do enjoy the feeling of anticipation of a warm run, where I don't come home feeling chilled, where there's sunlight past 6:30 p.m., and I don't need a face mask to avoid frozen skin. The renewal of life seems to renew my love of running.
Today's run was a bit of a challenge. I haven't been outside nearly all winter, but I decided to try to keep a 6.5min/km pace. That's probably about what I do on the treadmill, but doing it on uneven ground, in slush, is a different story! In the end, I had to take more walking breaks than I like, but I did 30 minutes of it, so for my first run, I was pretty happy.
My muscles were pretty complacent with the idea of out-door running. A bit stiff at the beginning, but they soon warmed up. I don't remember if they were entirely happy at the end, but there was a general sense of tiredness in them. I'm looking forward to pushing that wall of tiredness back, starting Sunday. One thing I'd forgotten is to move my neck while running. I am the type of runner who holds her head very stiffly. After about 20 minutes, I need to shake my head and neck a little, or it goes from nada to nagging to 'fix this now there is no option'. No wonder Paula Radcliffe (fastest female runner in the world, and a great role-model to boot!) has a head-bobbing motion; it must negate the stiff-neck issue I have!
It was also my first run with my iPhone. I had hoped to tuck it into the little pocket in my pants, but that was a non-starter when I realized it would drag my pants down. I ran with it in-hand, but I think I'll be looking for an arm band instead.
In other news, I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app for my phone, and so far, I'm quite impressed. They have a very comprehensive food database with easy repeatable options, and they can calculate how much more you can eat a certain day from how much you've exercised (don't get me wrong, they start with a reduced calorie intake idea, and then adjust). What I adore is the option to scan bar-codes of packaged foods, and it shows up in your day's food tally! Well done, MyFitnessPal, well done!
I don't mean that I enjoy splashing myself through soggy mush, or slipping on the hidden ice beneath. But I do enjoy the feeling of anticipation of a warm run, where I don't come home feeling chilled, where there's sunlight past 6:30 p.m., and I don't need a face mask to avoid frozen skin. The renewal of life seems to renew my love of running.
Today's run was a bit of a challenge. I haven't been outside nearly all winter, but I decided to try to keep a 6.5min/km pace. That's probably about what I do on the treadmill, but doing it on uneven ground, in slush, is a different story! In the end, I had to take more walking breaks than I like, but I did 30 minutes of it, so for my first run, I was pretty happy.
My muscles were pretty complacent with the idea of out-door running. A bit stiff at the beginning, but they soon warmed up. I don't remember if they were entirely happy at the end, but there was a general sense of tiredness in them. I'm looking forward to pushing that wall of tiredness back, starting Sunday. One thing I'd forgotten is to move my neck while running. I am the type of runner who holds her head very stiffly. After about 20 minutes, I need to shake my head and neck a little, or it goes from nada to nagging to 'fix this now there is no option'. No wonder Paula Radcliffe (fastest female runner in the world, and a great role-model to boot!) has a head-bobbing motion; it must negate the stiff-neck issue I have!
It was also my first run with my iPhone. I had hoped to tuck it into the little pocket in my pants, but that was a non-starter when I realized it would drag my pants down. I ran with it in-hand, but I think I'll be looking for an arm band instead.
In other news, I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app for my phone, and so far, I'm quite impressed. They have a very comprehensive food database with easy repeatable options, and they can calculate how much more you can eat a certain day from how much you've exercised (don't get me wrong, they start with a reduced calorie intake idea, and then adjust). What I adore is the option to scan bar-codes of packaged foods, and it shows up in your day's food tally! Well done, MyFitnessPal, well done!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
After (nearly) A Year
Wow, I've managed to go nearly a year without posting in here. A year in which so much changed!
First: I moved back to Edmonton, to live with my boyfriend.
Second: I didn't run very much over the winter, though I did start going to the gym.
Third: I applied to try being in training for a fitness competition... and didn't get it.
One thing I learned with the first is that, upon moving to a new climate, it will take time to get acclimatized. It took me nearly a month for my body to stop feeling out of oxygen, once I'd moved back to a higher, dryer, altitude.
One thing I learned with the second is that, 10 minutes on a treadmill for warm-up will never be enough cardio. I also learned that that's all I can really enjoy on a treadmill, because they're boring as heck. The rest of the gym visit is much more fun.
One thing I learned with the third is that, there is no harm in trying. So I sent an application with a 'headshot' (read, a nicer self-portrait), and never heard back. Still, it's cool to imagine that maybe this is something I COULD do.
Ragnar and I went out for our first run in a long time. It was 30 minutes of 0C weather, which wasn't bad. Without getting too into the subject... the run was cathartic.
Now that the weather is getting nice, I'm hoping to hit the gym and the pavement more often.
There's a few in-town races, including a half-marathon that I want to get in on!
Edited to add: I totally missed the third birthday of this blog!
First: I moved back to Edmonton, to live with my boyfriend.
Second: I didn't run very much over the winter, though I did start going to the gym.
Third: I applied to try being in training for a fitness competition... and didn't get it.
One thing I learned with the first is that, upon moving to a new climate, it will take time to get acclimatized. It took me nearly a month for my body to stop feeling out of oxygen, once I'd moved back to a higher, dryer, altitude.
One thing I learned with the second is that, 10 minutes on a treadmill for warm-up will never be enough cardio. I also learned that that's all I can really enjoy on a treadmill, because they're boring as heck. The rest of the gym visit is much more fun.
One thing I learned with the third is that, there is no harm in trying. So I sent an application with a 'headshot' (read, a nicer self-portrait), and never heard back. Still, it's cool to imagine that maybe this is something I COULD do.
Ragnar and I went out for our first run in a long time. It was 30 minutes of 0C weather, which wasn't bad. Without getting too into the subject... the run was cathartic.
Now that the weather is getting nice, I'm hoping to hit the gym and the pavement more often.
There's a few in-town races, including a half-marathon that I want to get in on!
Edited to add: I totally missed the third birthday of this blog!
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