I've really been waiting for Spring to (finally) arrive. The Onion wasn't far off when it ran its article about Puxsatawney Phil being beheaded for false predictions of warmer weather.
Unfortunately in Alberta, the weather cares nothing for my fitness, or my level of spirits, or time of year. If it wants to snow in August, it will damn well snow in August.
In any case, as I had promised my running buddy at work yesterday, I would run today. And to avoid a work social event, I really really did.
I do like my coworkers. They're a very friendly lot, but while we celebrate Les rendez-vous de la Francophonie (basically, a big celebration across Canada of being Francophone), there's a lot of mixing. Today, there was singing, and my introverted self was having none of it. I was so happy to be outside with one other person, rather in a dark, boisterous and loud meeting room that I sort of feel like I won a jackpot.
The jackpot being my peace of mind.
The sun was gorgeous and bright, the route was (mostly) flat and not-mushy, and the wind was quiet. My running buddy coworker and I caught up on each other's news, and essentially enjoyed ourselves.
Then my knee complained that we hadn't done this in a while, but I ignored it in favour of not only finishing the run but staying at least half a foot ahead of my friend as we finished our run with a sprint.
All in all, it was a lovely day.
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Why I Enjoy Groundhog Day (even if the premise is utterly ridiculous)
January was not the best running month for me. I started off sick, and then I became a little lazy; then it became stupidly cold, and I was very lazy, and then it got warm again and now it's February.
As we say in fond tones but with gritted teeth, only in Canada can you have -40C and +2C in the same week. Those Arctic fronts come in and wreak havoc, from snow to black ice, from stuck-solid windshield wipers to the car not starting, from having to keep various weights of coats in the front closet to trying to remember when you last saw the really warm toque.
February is deceptive. Sometimes it can be warm, but those Arctic fronts are still on the northern horizon, lying in wait for us to sigh happily in the sun, put our coats away, and think that winter is over. Then it sneaks in behind us, clocks us over the head with an icicle and refreezes everything.
The possibility of an earlier spring is incredibly enticing to any Canadian runner who has checked the weather and realized that the air is too cold to breathe properly.
Then this little rodent of various name and location is woken to pop out of the ground on February 2 and predict whether there will be six more weeks of Winter or if Spring is coming early.
In Alberta, it's Balzac Billy. Manitoba has Winnipeg Willow and Manitoba Merv, Ontario with Wiarton Willy, Shubenacadie Sam in the Atlantic provinces, and Quebec has... Fred. Since British Columbia doesn't have proper winter, they don't need predictions. Saskatchewan presumably relies on the predictive abilities of the cows (which I'd find a lot more reliable, myself).
I'm kidding, BC has plenty of winter. They call it 'rain'. (okay, so that's southern BC, sheesh, fact checkers...)
I do find the idea that a groundhog will accurately predict the oncoming of spring to be hilariously faulty. The problems with the hypothesis are fundamental: what if it's a cloudy day? What if the groundhog died the night before? What type of extrasensory perception ability does a groundhog actually possess? What if the groundhog is cranky the morning of February 2 and lies just to get these pesky humans off his back? The independent variables are so, er, independent.
They also ruin the fun of it. There's a simple amusement in waiting and hoping every February 2 for an early Spring (or six more weeks of winter, if you love cross-country skiing). If the groundhog predicts unfavourably, you get to hope he's wrong. In either case, you hope there's enough pancake breakfast (or whatever the local tradition is) for everyone and that they're still hot when you sit down to eat.
Anyways, most Canadian predictive groundhogs are calling for an early Spring. At press time, Billy had not announced whether Alberta would be lucky or not, but I'm just happy that my car will start today.
If I get a moment today or tomorrow, I may even be able to go enjoy the nice around-0C climes with a run.
As we say in fond tones but with gritted teeth, only in Canada can you have -40C and +2C in the same week. Those Arctic fronts come in and wreak havoc, from snow to black ice, from stuck-solid windshield wipers to the car not starting, from having to keep various weights of coats in the front closet to trying to remember when you last saw the really warm toque.
February is deceptive. Sometimes it can be warm, but those Arctic fronts are still on the northern horizon, lying in wait for us to sigh happily in the sun, put our coats away, and think that winter is over. Then it sneaks in behind us, clocks us over the head with an icicle and refreezes everything.
The possibility of an earlier spring is incredibly enticing to any Canadian runner who has checked the weather and realized that the air is too cold to breathe properly.
Then this little rodent of various name and location is woken to pop out of the ground on February 2 and predict whether there will be six more weeks of Winter or if Spring is coming early.
In Alberta, it's Balzac Billy. Manitoba has Winnipeg Willow and Manitoba Merv, Ontario with Wiarton Willy, Shubenacadie Sam in the Atlantic provinces, and Quebec has... Fred. Since British Columbia doesn't have proper winter, they don't need predictions. Saskatchewan presumably relies on the predictive abilities of the cows (which I'd find a lot more reliable, myself).
I'm kidding, BC has plenty of winter. They call it 'rain'. (okay, so that's southern BC, sheesh, fact checkers...)
I do find the idea that a groundhog will accurately predict the oncoming of spring to be hilariously faulty. The problems with the hypothesis are fundamental: what if it's a cloudy day? What if the groundhog died the night before? What type of extrasensory perception ability does a groundhog actually possess? What if the groundhog is cranky the morning of February 2 and lies just to get these pesky humans off his back? The independent variables are so, er, independent.
They also ruin the fun of it. There's a simple amusement in waiting and hoping every February 2 for an early Spring (or six more weeks of winter, if you love cross-country skiing). If the groundhog predicts unfavourably, you get to hope he's wrong. In either case, you hope there's enough pancake breakfast (or whatever the local tradition is) for everyone and that they're still hot when you sit down to eat.
Anyways, most Canadian predictive groundhogs are calling for an early Spring. At press time, Billy had not announced whether Alberta would be lucky or not, but I'm just happy that my car will start today.
If I get a moment today or tomorrow, I may even be able to go enjoy the nice around-0C climes with a run.
Friday, January 4, 2013
2013, in With a Whimper
It is now four days into the New Year, and I haven't run once yet.
This is due to the cold that has settled into my lungs, which seems intent on creating a homestead on which its grandcolds can thrive.
Of course, this coincides neatly with the beautiful 0C weather we're having, so I'm pretty bitter about this.
There is also the matter of missing a boatload of work, being up all night due to coughing, and pondering sleeping on the couch so I don't wake Ragnar.
If this continues into tomorrow, I'm going to the medical clinic. I'm sick of this shit.
This is due to the cold that has settled into my lungs, which seems intent on creating a homestead on which its grandcolds can thrive.
Of course, this coincides neatly with the beautiful 0C weather we're having, so I'm pretty bitter about this.
There is also the matter of missing a boatload of work, being up all night due to coughing, and pondering sleeping on the couch so I don't wake Ragnar.
If this continues into tomorrow, I'm going to the medical clinic. I'm sick of this shit.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
So Far, So Good (possibly the most boring post I've ever written)
In my last post (two months or so ago), I mourned my lack of encouragement to keep running, and vowed to set new goals to continue going.
In a way, I did. I didn't maintain the fitness to running a second half-marathon a month later, but I did keep running with coworkers. In that way, it worked. I have been running at least twice a week, except for the week that my uncle died (sort of puts a damper on things).
In any case, today I got the cabin-fever, and decided to go out for a run. Despite the air quality being less than ideal (there was a lot of smoke from a fire nearby) and no music, I decided to go out for a run. I figured it would be a nice 6km or so, but really, I was shooting for at least 10km.
As I headed out, I really did feel the air quality affecting me. I had to slow a little more at certain points, but I kept going. At one point, I passed one guy who was doing some meditation next to his bike. The next guy I passed was about 10 seconds later, and we agreed that the Meditation Guy had a better idea. But that was early on in the run, and I still had about 8k to go.
I decided that because my watch had started late, I would sort of guestimate where I should turn back. It was about 4.7km when I decided to strike north to my run-home road.
I did make one quick stop to check out Clancy's Meat shop, and continued on. It was uphill for the most part, with a fierce, sometimes unpredictable, wind that made the coming back much tougher than the going out.
In the end, it was a good 10k, with a suitable pace of around 6:30m/km. The wind notwithstanding, it was a very nice run overall, and I love the sort of latent tiredness in my muscles. It's been too long since I felt this way. The usual 5km runs just don't give me the same feeling of finale accomplishment as a long-run.
In a way, I did. I didn't maintain the fitness to running a second half-marathon a month later, but I did keep running with coworkers. In that way, it worked. I have been running at least twice a week, except for the week that my uncle died (sort of puts a damper on things).
In any case, today I got the cabin-fever, and decided to go out for a run. Despite the air quality being less than ideal (there was a lot of smoke from a fire nearby) and no music, I decided to go out for a run. I figured it would be a nice 6km or so, but really, I was shooting for at least 10km.
As I headed out, I really did feel the air quality affecting me. I had to slow a little more at certain points, but I kept going. At one point, I passed one guy who was doing some meditation next to his bike. The next guy I passed was about 10 seconds later, and we agreed that the Meditation Guy had a better idea. But that was early on in the run, and I still had about 8k to go.
I decided that because my watch had started late, I would sort of guestimate where I should turn back. It was about 4.7km when I decided to strike north to my run-home road.
I did make one quick stop to check out Clancy's Meat shop, and continued on. It was uphill for the most part, with a fierce, sometimes unpredictable, wind that made the coming back much tougher than the going out.
In the end, it was a good 10k, with a suitable pace of around 6:30m/km. The wind notwithstanding, it was a very nice run overall, and I love the sort of latent tiredness in my muscles. It's been too long since I felt this way. The usual 5km runs just don't give me the same feeling of finale accomplishment as a long-run.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Post-Race Running
You know, I think I say this every time I run a race: I'm going to keep running after.
Up to this point, I have failed horribly at this! I like to rest on my laurels (and butt) and pat myself on the back for what discipline and stamina I have! Had, perhaps.
But this time, I'm really gonna do it. I would really like to run another half-marathon in a month or so. I can't just sit around and let the race come to me, I have to get ready for the new race!
Post-race, my knees were agony yesterday. I did a lot of stretching at work, and applied ice last night, and today my knees feel much much better. I'm going to ice again tonight and hopefully be right as rain tomorrow.
Speaking of rain, the weather is supposed to be cold and rainy tomorrow - maybe I'll take my first run on Thursday...
Up to this point, I have failed horribly at this! I like to rest on my laurels (and butt) and pat myself on the back for what discipline and stamina I have! Had, perhaps.
But this time, I'm really gonna do it. I would really like to run another half-marathon in a month or so. I can't just sit around and let the race come to me, I have to get ready for the new race!
Post-race, my knees were agony yesterday. I did a lot of stretching at work, and applied ice last night, and today my knees feel much much better. I'm going to ice again tonight and hopefully be right as rain tomorrow.
Speaking of rain, the weather is supposed to be cold and rainy tomorrow - maybe I'll take my first run on Thursday...
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Race Report: Edmonton Half Marathon
As an introduction, I have to confess that I was both ready and not ready for this race. Ready in that, technically, I had done the runs, worked on my fitness, and was pretty physically prepared as I was going to be. Not ready in that my head was a mess. Yesterday was spent dashing around town, doing this that and the other, and not relaxing and thinking my race through. I generally got stuck on, "Holy crap, I'm racing, it's going to be hot, what if I..." with a general end result that was worse than death, injury, or a bad time. I like to work myself up about the little stuff.
But I hydrated like (almost) a pro, despite the new research that constant hydration is possibly not the best thing for you (just like eggs, innocent last week, are apparently as bad as smoking, but I really don't know how you'd smoke an egg). I got my race kit ready, I set my alarm, I had my boyfriend informed, and all seemed ready to go.
I did get to the race on time, though the gear check signs were a little misleading (an arrow pointed left means left, an arrow pointed up means go through this break in the fence). I got all checked in, tried to find an appropriate start place (which ended up being just behind the 2:30 pace bunny), and all too soon, we were heading out.
The route, I knew, was going to be an out-and-back, from the Northlands Park down to Somewhere in the River Valley. I started off very confident and strong (despite yesterday's emotional upheaval). Despite a frequently patched-and-rutted road (thank you, Edmonton City Council), I was moving strong, and had to remind myself that my pace target was 6:00m/km, not 5:45, or even worse, 5:30. The thing I loved was the very strong Edmonton Police Service presence, and got a high-five from a cop as I went by. I think I may make this a race custom, if I can. The first five kilometers were not through a necessarily pretty area of Edmonton, despite the River Valley on the left side. After that, we started moving closer to downtown, and the last unprettiness is the unscenic pre-Chinatown area. However, there was no Lilydale packing plant, so Edmonton wins on that.
Since we ran across Chinatown instead of through, I did not say a thing about stopping for dim-sum. I was already starting to feel some wear on my body, but kept on truckin'. Through downtown Edmonton, we raced right by Allison's apartment building (if she weren't racing, I'd have stopped for a break), and through a little arch into Railtown. Starting with the Edmonton Veterinary Emergency Clinic, the place was rife with cheerers-on, applauders, and signs. Many were the usual 'You're Doing Great!' or 'Keep Going', but some were fun, like 'Why Do All the Pretty Girls Run Away From Me?' I shouted over my shoulder, "Because we're hoping you're chasing!"
After Railtown, with all its lovely shade, we passed by the Royal Alberta Museum, and it was about this time, at 8km that my left knee started to make its presence known. Not the usual gentle, "Um, I beg your pardon," but the, "Oi, what the hell do you think you're doing up there?" It was a pain on the outside of the kneecap, so I'm pretty sure it's rejecting the runner lifestyle. Or whatever, I didn't care. I had passed the 2:30 pace bunny and was feeling strong, despite my knee. In fact, I think I passed a fair number of people at this time. Down 102 Ave we went, and suddenly, it seemed like heaven - people were turning! Thank goodness, the turn around point!
I was a little self-delusional at this point. No, the corner was not the turn-around point (as anyone who had really studied the race map would have told me), there was still another kilometer and some in the affluent neighbourhood of People-Who-Don't-Listen-To-Insurance-Companies-Or-Common-Sense. Yes, it's the beautiful neighbourhood along the River Valley where homes have been known to slide into the river below because they were built too close to the edge. Fortunately, no homes fell in today, and we safely made it past the turn-around point and again into shade.
On my way back, around 11km, my right knee was starting to complain too. I would take extra walk breaks, and for a while, Advil helped a bit. However, after leaving downtown, there was little shade. I tried to take my last Advil, and it fell to the ground. To hell with it. Keep going. Once I passed the 18km marker, I realized I really could finish this in a suitable time. My hamstring had felt a bit achey on and off, but I really felt that 3km more was not going to be much of a problem. By then I had my fellow racers who I could not lose against (one of whom turned out to be doing the marathon, bless her), and I made it, and kept it, past them. Walk breaks were a risk, though - every time I took one, it took longer to start up running again. I would do the stiff-knee waddle for a little while before whatever was hurting warmed up (or just resigned itself to a life of servitude and pain). I took one more walk-break at 21km before realizing that, unlike the Calgary 10km, my own home city wouldn't lull me into thinking 0.1km was not that far away. I started to run again, and kept up a powerful (at the time, for me, it was powerful), up around the bend, through the first arch, and up the little hillet to the second arch, and I was done! DONE!
It turns out that I came in at 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 24 seconds, another 10 minutes off my last half marathon time! I'm very happy with this.
Now, it's naptime.
But I hydrated like (almost) a pro, despite the new research that constant hydration is possibly not the best thing for you (just like eggs, innocent last week, are apparently as bad as smoking, but I really don't know how you'd smoke an egg). I got my race kit ready, I set my alarm, I had my boyfriend informed, and all seemed ready to go.
I did get to the race on time, though the gear check signs were a little misleading (an arrow pointed left means left, an arrow pointed up means go through this break in the fence). I got all checked in, tried to find an appropriate start place (which ended up being just behind the 2:30 pace bunny), and all too soon, we were heading out.
The route, I knew, was going to be an out-and-back, from the Northlands Park down to Somewhere in the River Valley. I started off very confident and strong (despite yesterday's emotional upheaval). Despite a frequently patched-and-rutted road (thank you, Edmonton City Council), I was moving strong, and had to remind myself that my pace target was 6:00m/km, not 5:45, or even worse, 5:30. The thing I loved was the very strong Edmonton Police Service presence, and got a high-five from a cop as I went by. I think I may make this a race custom, if I can. The first five kilometers were not through a necessarily pretty area of Edmonton, despite the River Valley on the left side. After that, we started moving closer to downtown, and the last unprettiness is the unscenic pre-Chinatown area. However, there was no Lilydale packing plant, so Edmonton wins on that.
Since we ran across Chinatown instead of through, I did not say a thing about stopping for dim-sum. I was already starting to feel some wear on my body, but kept on truckin'. Through downtown Edmonton, we raced right by Allison's apartment building (if she weren't racing, I'd have stopped for a break), and through a little arch into Railtown. Starting with the Edmonton Veterinary Emergency Clinic, the place was rife with cheerers-on, applauders, and signs. Many were the usual 'You're Doing Great!' or 'Keep Going', but some were fun, like 'Why Do All the Pretty Girls Run Away From Me?' I shouted over my shoulder, "Because we're hoping you're chasing!"
After Railtown, with all its lovely shade, we passed by the Royal Alberta Museum, and it was about this time, at 8km that my left knee started to make its presence known. Not the usual gentle, "Um, I beg your pardon," but the, "Oi, what the hell do you think you're doing up there?" It was a pain on the outside of the kneecap, so I'm pretty sure it's rejecting the runner lifestyle. Or whatever, I didn't care. I had passed the 2:30 pace bunny and was feeling strong, despite my knee. In fact, I think I passed a fair number of people at this time. Down 102 Ave we went, and suddenly, it seemed like heaven - people were turning! Thank goodness, the turn around point!
I was a little self-delusional at this point. No, the corner was not the turn-around point (as anyone who had really studied the race map would have told me), there was still another kilometer and some in the affluent neighbourhood of People-Who-Don't-Listen-To-Insurance-Companies-Or-Common-Sense. Yes, it's the beautiful neighbourhood along the River Valley where homes have been known to slide into the river below because they were built too close to the edge. Fortunately, no homes fell in today, and we safely made it past the turn-around point and again into shade.
On my way back, around 11km, my right knee was starting to complain too. I would take extra walk breaks, and for a while, Advil helped a bit. However, after leaving downtown, there was little shade. I tried to take my last Advil, and it fell to the ground. To hell with it. Keep going. Once I passed the 18km marker, I realized I really could finish this in a suitable time. My hamstring had felt a bit achey on and off, but I really felt that 3km more was not going to be much of a problem. By then I had my fellow racers who I could not lose against (one of whom turned out to be doing the marathon, bless her), and I made it, and kept it, past them. Walk breaks were a risk, though - every time I took one, it took longer to start up running again. I would do the stiff-knee waddle for a little while before whatever was hurting warmed up (or just resigned itself to a life of servitude and pain). I took one more walk-break at 21km before realizing that, unlike the Calgary 10km, my own home city wouldn't lull me into thinking 0.1km was not that far away. I started to run again, and kept up a powerful (at the time, for me, it was powerful), up around the bend, through the first arch, and up the little hillet to the second arch, and I was done! DONE!
It turns out that I came in at 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 24 seconds, another 10 minutes off my last half marathon time! I'm very happy with this.
Now, it's naptime.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
21km, Solo, Hot
This past weekend, when I was scheduled to do the 21km on Sunday morning, I was waking up in a tent in the wilds of Grande Cache, AB, where my boyfriend was participating in the Canadian Death Race.
Instead, I did the 21km run yesterday, which would have been nice had I not decided to run it at noon. (interjection: I wish we had HTML voice tone tags. That would be so useful)
Yes, at noon in Alberta's summer drop-dead heat, I was running 21km. I knew it wasn't the best of ideas when I made it to 3km and was looking at my watch. I had already taken my shirt off, and by 5km, was giving serious thought to packing it in.
Alas, no, the Pride of Jelly is not to be denied. Someone had mentioned doing a 10km run, and I was indignant. By the 6km mark, where I could have crossed the street and gone home, I turned the other way and continued. Up 97 St. I went, imagining how wonderful it would feel to toss 21km in someone's face in retribution. By 11km, the shirt actually went back on because I was getting cold chills which meant my core temperature was overheating. At 13km, I stopped again at Subway and availed myself to their cold fountain water. Through-out, I would stop under shade for a few minutes, and took far more walk-breaks than I usually do. By 15km, there was no stopping. I paused at the nearby church to take a photo of their advert sign ("Is your prayer well-done or rare?"), and continued.
The last 4km were the hardest. I was walking every 2-5 minutes, but I kept going, damnit. I even passed the last 'Go Home Now' point (17km) in order to get the full distance. The sun was beating down hot and repressing at 27C. I wasn't sure if the cold chills had given up the ghost or if I'd successfully beaten back over-heating.
Finally, I made it to 21km, right outside my house. I tramped back in, chucked down a glass of water and some salt chips, and went for the best cold shower ever. Well, it started warm, so as to not shock the system.
Let me say this: running long distances in heat is not fun. It can be done, but it sucks. If my race day doesn't begin at a beautiful 15C, the least the weather can give me is some cloud.
On the other hand, I met the wall on 21km, and I ... well, it didn't win, but I didn't either. But I can learn.
C'mon, Canadian Derby Half-Marathon, bring it on. Two weekends from now, I will win over you, and then I will eat a ridiculous brunch to celebrate.
Instead, I did the 21km run yesterday, which would have been nice had I not decided to run it at noon. (interjection: I wish we had HTML voice tone tags. That would be so useful)
Yes, at noon in Alberta's summer drop-dead heat, I was running 21km. I knew it wasn't the best of ideas when I made it to 3km and was looking at my watch. I had already taken my shirt off, and by 5km, was giving serious thought to packing it in.
Alas, no, the Pride of Jelly is not to be denied. Someone had mentioned doing a 10km run, and I was indignant. By the 6km mark, where I could have crossed the street and gone home, I turned the other way and continued. Up 97 St. I went, imagining how wonderful it would feel to toss 21km in someone's face in retribution. By 11km, the shirt actually went back on because I was getting cold chills which meant my core temperature was overheating. At 13km, I stopped again at Subway and availed myself to their cold fountain water. Through-out, I would stop under shade for a few minutes, and took far more walk-breaks than I usually do. By 15km, there was no stopping. I paused at the nearby church to take a photo of their advert sign ("Is your prayer well-done or rare?"), and continued.
The last 4km were the hardest. I was walking every 2-5 minutes, but I kept going, damnit. I even passed the last 'Go Home Now' point (17km) in order to get the full distance. The sun was beating down hot and repressing at 27C. I wasn't sure if the cold chills had given up the ghost or if I'd successfully beaten back over-heating.
Finally, I made it to 21km, right outside my house. I tramped back in, chucked down a glass of water and some salt chips, and went for the best cold shower ever. Well, it started warm, so as to not shock the system.
Let me say this: running long distances in heat is not fun. It can be done, but it sucks. If my race day doesn't begin at a beautiful 15C, the least the weather can give me is some cloud.
On the other hand, I met the wall on 21km, and I ... well, it didn't win, but I didn't either. But I can learn.
C'mon, Canadian Derby Half-Marathon, bring it on. Two weekends from now, I will win over you, and then I will eat a ridiculous brunch to celebrate.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Running 18k Ensemble
Given last week's lonely run, I got wise and went in to the Running Room to find out where the half-marathon group would be running from. It's a good thing, too, because they were running from a mildly obscure area in the River Valley, and starting an hour earlier.
Waking up at 6 a.m., I really did consider just running on my own, and stealing the extra sleeptime. However, I really didn't want to do the whole run on my own again, so I got up, ate my bowl of Cheerios and a slice of toast with peanut butter, and drove down to the starting site.
I started out rather slow, to maintain pace with someone who hadn't run since the 12k weekend. During the first 5km, we went down roads, into ravines, and down gravel hills that I dreaded coming back up. I kept up the chatter, as my running companion seemed to find my patter absolutely interesting - or she couldn't catch enough breath to interrupt me.
Right around 5km, my running buddy decided to head back, and conveniently, there was a bathroom stop just around the corner. Even more conveniently, the city employee had just arrived to open the locks on it. However, despite the five adoring women thanking him profusely, he did not seem terribly amused. I hope he remembers us fondly, because we sure will.
Anyways, continuing on, through the swelling hill-ettes and along the paths, we made it to 9km, and paused long enough to wait for everyone to catch up. By that point, I was extremely glad we'd started early, because despite the trees and the River Valley, the sun was hot and the mercury was rising. It was, of course, at that point that the rest of us discovered that the lead-pack had gotten lost twice. Whoopsie! However, we were close enough to downtown that I would have been able to find my way home (or at least given Ragnar enough direction to pick me up).
We headed back, and I was quite pleased that, not only were my knees reacting ... reasonably well, and my hip wasn't paining me nearly as much as last week. During the run back, it was time for more runners and bikers to be out, and I saw an example of bad road courtesy: a road biker was heading towards us, and shoved a walker out of the way, to the ground (though whether there was actual contact, I didn't see). He then took a moment to look back, but continued on his way. Mitigating circumstance: the walking group was not sharing the road either, and looked like they could be working off last night's hangover. Bad karma all 'round.
We stayed to the path on our way back, and I was not taking as many GU energy gels as I had expected. Speaking of GU, their Chocolate Outrage and Peanut Butter gels are pretty tasty. I just know I can't be the only person to think there needs to be a Chocolatey Peanut Butter Explosion.
Anyways, it was during the last 3.5km that I started really watching my watch. We were still going up and down hills, and my knees were letting me know about it. And just as we got to the end... Stairs. The dreaded River Valley Stairs loomed before me. The last time I had seen these stairs, I'd nearly puked, and I hate puking. But I did them, and found that, despite having elapsed nearly 17km already, I did the stairs with relative ease - my lunchtime runs in the Valley, doing similar stairs, had trained me well.
We were pretty close to the end, and I managed to burn some extra by finishing fast and strong. I like doing that. It makes me feel like it's a piece of cake, and the last 18km was de rigeur.
Post-run, I enjoyed a raspberry protein shake, and a nap. My knees and left hip feel pretty comfortable, though respectably tired. It feels like a job well-done, and we shall see what next week entails.
Speaking of my hip, I am debating between going to get it checked out, and leaving it be before the big race. This week will be the big decider.
Waking up at 6 a.m., I really did consider just running on my own, and stealing the extra sleeptime. However, I really didn't want to do the whole run on my own again, so I got up, ate my bowl of Cheerios and a slice of toast with peanut butter, and drove down to the starting site.
I started out rather slow, to maintain pace with someone who hadn't run since the 12k weekend. During the first 5km, we went down roads, into ravines, and down gravel hills that I dreaded coming back up. I kept up the chatter, as my running companion seemed to find my patter absolutely interesting - or she couldn't catch enough breath to interrupt me.
Right around 5km, my running buddy decided to head back, and conveniently, there was a bathroom stop just around the corner. Even more conveniently, the city employee had just arrived to open the locks on it. However, despite the five adoring women thanking him profusely, he did not seem terribly amused. I hope he remembers us fondly, because we sure will.
Anyways, continuing on, through the swelling hill-ettes and along the paths, we made it to 9km, and paused long enough to wait for everyone to catch up. By that point, I was extremely glad we'd started early, because despite the trees and the River Valley, the sun was hot and the mercury was rising. It was, of course, at that point that the rest of us discovered that the lead-pack had gotten lost twice. Whoopsie! However, we were close enough to downtown that I would have been able to find my way home (or at least given Ragnar enough direction to pick me up).
We headed back, and I was quite pleased that, not only were my knees reacting ... reasonably well, and my hip wasn't paining me nearly as much as last week. During the run back, it was time for more runners and bikers to be out, and I saw an example of bad road courtesy: a road biker was heading towards us, and shoved a walker out of the way, to the ground (though whether there was actual contact, I didn't see). He then took a moment to look back, but continued on his way. Mitigating circumstance: the walking group was not sharing the road either, and looked like they could be working off last night's hangover. Bad karma all 'round.
We stayed to the path on our way back, and I was not taking as many GU energy gels as I had expected. Speaking of GU, their Chocolate Outrage and Peanut Butter gels are pretty tasty. I just know I can't be the only person to think there needs to be a Chocolatey Peanut Butter Explosion.
Anyways, it was during the last 3.5km that I started really watching my watch. We were still going up and down hills, and my knees were letting me know about it. And just as we got to the end... Stairs. The dreaded River Valley Stairs loomed before me. The last time I had seen these stairs, I'd nearly puked, and I hate puking. But I did them, and found that, despite having elapsed nearly 17km already, I did the stairs with relative ease - my lunchtime runs in the Valley, doing similar stairs, had trained me well.
We were pretty close to the end, and I managed to burn some extra by finishing fast and strong. I like doing that. It makes me feel like it's a piece of cake, and the last 18km was de rigeur.
Post-run, I enjoyed a raspberry protein shake, and a nap. My knees and left hip feel pretty comfortable, though respectably tired. It feels like a job well-done, and we shall see what next week entails.
Speaking of my hip, I am debating between going to get it checked out, and leaving it be before the big race. This week will be the big decider.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Running 18k Solo
You would think I'd learn after one lesson and call to see where the running group is at, but as I may have mentioned, it takes a few times to get through to my cognitive processes.
But no - I got to the Running Room this morning and discovered that the half-marathon group was doing their 18km run out of St. Albert. Again, it was then too late to drive to St. Albert, so I said to heck with it, I'll do 18km on my own.
I stopped briefly at home to bolster my resources and check out a new route.. The last version involved road-side running, which I dislike for safety reasons. This new route was all side-walk friendly, and involved some paths that I'd traversed a few times. I explained my route to my boyfriend, and set out.
In the first loop through Lago Lindo, I already felt the need to use the bathroom, but shrugged it away until later thought. I had a pace of around 6:45min/km, which was alright. The breeze was cool, but the sun was hot. Thankfully, there was a 7-11 who gave me succor (and by succor, I mean air conditioning and the bathroom key).
Then I started through Castle Downs, ran by the dude with the gigantic Great Dane again, past the church, and down Castle Downs Road. As my boyfriend had worried, I was starting to get low on water, so by kilometer 11, I stopped at the nearby Subway (eat fresh!), and was able to get free cold water from their drinks fountain. It was around this time that I remembered GI Jane and the recitation, "A bird will drop dead from its tree, without feeling sorry for itself." Imperfectly remembered, probably, but the sentiment kept me going.
By about 10:30 a.m., it was getting quite warm. My left knee had ached on and off for a while, but I concentrated on exactly how my foot was falling. The 16th kilometer was on a bit of an uphill, but I powered through that, but right around 17.5km, my knee started trying to buckle every 200 meters. Well, that wasn't going to get my run finished, so I used a Granny Weatherwax tactic: "But her voice wasn't faint and she wasn't swaying, Nanny Ogg could see, because Granny Weatherwax's body was in the grip of Granny Weatherwax's mind." (Lords and Ladies, Terry Pratchett)
The saying goes that 90 per cent of running is mental, and this really proved it. My knee continued to come close to buckling, and every time it did, I kept thinking it as a strong joint, moving forward. It did work, but as I came close to the final turn, walking was very tempting. As I hit the 18.01km mark, I was very very happy to mark this run as 'complete'.
And next week, I will indeed be checking where the hell the running group will be!
But no - I got to the Running Room this morning and discovered that the half-marathon group was doing their 18km run out of St. Albert. Again, it was then too late to drive to St. Albert, so I said to heck with it, I'll do 18km on my own.
I stopped briefly at home to bolster my resources and check out a new route.. The last version involved road-side running, which I dislike for safety reasons. This new route was all side-walk friendly, and involved some paths that I'd traversed a few times. I explained my route to my boyfriend, and set out.
In the first loop through Lago Lindo, I already felt the need to use the bathroom, but shrugged it away until later thought. I had a pace of around 6:45min/km, which was alright. The breeze was cool, but the sun was hot. Thankfully, there was a 7-11 who gave me succor (and by succor, I mean air conditioning and the bathroom key).
Then I started through Castle Downs, ran by the dude with the gigantic Great Dane again, past the church, and down Castle Downs Road. As my boyfriend had worried, I was starting to get low on water, so by kilometer 11, I stopped at the nearby Subway (eat fresh!), and was able to get free cold water from their drinks fountain. It was around this time that I remembered GI Jane and the recitation, "A bird will drop dead from its tree, without feeling sorry for itself." Imperfectly remembered, probably, but the sentiment kept me going.
By about 10:30 a.m., it was getting quite warm. My left knee had ached on and off for a while, but I concentrated on exactly how my foot was falling. The 16th kilometer was on a bit of an uphill, but I powered through that, but right around 17.5km, my knee started trying to buckle every 200 meters. Well, that wasn't going to get my run finished, so I used a Granny Weatherwax tactic: "But her voice wasn't faint and she wasn't swaying, Nanny Ogg could see, because Granny Weatherwax's body was in the grip of Granny Weatherwax's mind." (Lords and Ladies, Terry Pratchett)
The saying goes that 90 per cent of running is mental, and this really proved it. My knee continued to come close to buckling, and every time it did, I kept thinking it as a strong joint, moving forward. It did work, but as I came close to the final turn, walking was very tempting. As I hit the 18.01km mark, I was very very happy to mark this run as 'complete'.
And next week, I will indeed be checking where the hell the running group will be!
Friday, July 13, 2012
My Week In Running
I discovered a lot of new things in running this past week:
Addendum: Dear hip, shut up. Just because we're turning 30 tomorrow does not mean my warranty has run out. Stop whining. You just have two more half-marathons to do this season. Quiet.
- BC has a lot of hills. Sweetie and I did our 15km long run on Saturday, as we were planning to drive home on Sunday. This began with a big downhill, which meant on the return, there would be a big uphill. However, it was a nice run, fully enjoyable time with Ragnar, and I was able to enjoy the beautiful near-countryside of BC. Weird thing seen: a couch in the ditch.
- Podcasting: I've heard of podcasting, but never figured it out until I needed something, anything, to block out the Flames of War podcast Ragnar was listening to. So I hooked up to Geeks in Running Shoes, which is a couple of self-proclaimed geeks who are recording their continuing efforts in making running a norm in their lives. They have guests, they talk about their race results, and they're super-nice: one already responded to me on Twitter! They also led me to the Slow Runners' Club, which espouses a joy in running and racing that is based on having fun, not racing for time, personal bests, or a win. Also, running while listening to podcasts? Not awesome, because you may have to laugh too hard.
- Upon returning to Edmonton, it was, as my sister had described it, as hot as the seventh level of Dante's Hell. Constantly 28-30C, and humid to boot! Fortunately, I had lived in Ottawa, so this humidity was a mosquito's bite compared to some I'd experienced, but it made me start running in the morning again, because running at noon was torturous.
- Which I did, actually, because I hadn't woken up early enough Thursday morning (the invasive heat and resulting two-hour thunderstorm broke my sleep too much). In deference, I brought a bottle of water with me, and took more walk-breaks than usual. It was a light 5k, but ended up taking a bit longer than usual.
- Speaking of torturous running and podcasting, one of the topics that Geeks in Running Shoes covered at one point was Ultra running. This was very interesting for me because my boss runs ultras, and Ragnar is getting into them. As a matter of fact, Ragnar is training to participate in the Canadian Death Race (my boss is also training for this, but I'm not his pit crew). Listening to GiRS's podcast, I got a sense of what Ragnar will need on his run in the Death Race: yes-or-no or other equally simple questions, like "Are you peeing? When did you last pee? Are you drinking water? Electrolytes?" Quadratic equations are right out at a time when someone is concentrating on one foot in front of the other.
- Last but not least, I really hope the wildfires in northern Alberta die down fast because I want everyone to be safe, and I want the air in Edmonton to clear up - right now, it's a disturbing yellow-peach colour during the day, stings my eyes, and doesn't feel healthy in the lungs. I wanted to go rollerblading tonight, but maybe I'll wait for a clearer day.
Addendum: Dear hip, shut up. Just because we're turning 30 tomorrow does not mean my warranty has run out. Stop whining. You just have two more half-marathons to do this season. Quiet.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Running in the Rain
As I take a break from packing for my visit to BC and my boyfriend's family, I reflect on this morning.
I got up and debated not going on my 16km run. Then I got breakfast, and figured I might as well.
It looked sunny enough, and as in my past few posts, if it looked like rain, it generally wasn't. So you can imagine that, as I looked out and saw clouds, I generally presumed it wouldn't be too bad.
We started off at a slower pace. My slower running buddy was there, and, loathe to leave one man behind, I stayed with her. We had gotten to about 5km in the route, and the heavens opened up.
At first, it was a trickle, but then it quickly became a downpour. My running buddy and I stopped for a bathroom break at Starbucks, and I debated calling my boyfriend for a ride home. But no, my buddy said, we started this, and she would finish this. And I said, if she can do this, so can I.
We kept running on. I turned off my Garmin when thunder started ringing, but I didn't see any lightning. Still, better safe than sorry.
Long story short, it was a pretty easy run over all. When we got in, other people from the half-marathon group clapped us in - I love that feeling. It certainly made the wet shoes, the shorts threatening to drop, and the mosquitoes feel worth it.
Then I hopped in my car and scrambled back home to get out of my clothes and into a very hot shower.
Next week will be 16km on Saturday in BC - looking forward to it!
Happy Canada Day, everyone!
I got up and debated not going on my 16km run. Then I got breakfast, and figured I might as well.
It looked sunny enough, and as in my past few posts, if it looked like rain, it generally wasn't. So you can imagine that, as I looked out and saw clouds, I generally presumed it wouldn't be too bad.
We started off at a slower pace. My slower running buddy was there, and, loathe to leave one man behind, I stayed with her. We had gotten to about 5km in the route, and the heavens opened up.
At first, it was a trickle, but then it quickly became a downpour. My running buddy and I stopped for a bathroom break at Starbucks, and I debated calling my boyfriend for a ride home. But no, my buddy said, we started this, and she would finish this. And I said, if she can do this, so can I.
We kept running on. I turned off my Garmin when thunder started ringing, but I didn't see any lightning. Still, better safe than sorry.
Long story short, it was a pretty easy run over all. When we got in, other people from the half-marathon group clapped us in - I love that feeling. It certainly made the wet shoes, the shorts threatening to drop, and the mosquitoes feel worth it.
Then I hopped in my car and scrambled back home to get out of my clothes and into a very hot shower.
Next week will be 16km on Saturday in BC - looking forward to it!
Happy Canada Day, everyone!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Photos and other Evidence
Today was much the same as the last week - get up, disbelieve my phone's weather report, get dressed, eat, go to Running Room.
What I hadn't done was read the RR e-mail as closely as I should have - the half-marathon group was to meet in St. Albert. By the time I figured this out, it was too late to drive to the St. Albert store and hope everyone was still there, so I went out and did the 14km on my own.
When I started out, the weather was nearly perfect. The temperature was 15C, the wind was cool but not cold, and I had my route planned out. Ragnar seemed a little surprised that I would do all 14km on my own, but as I found out through personal experience, you don't just show up to a half-marathon and expect to run - you gotta do the work first. Or, 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail', and other like clichés.
I planned out my route for maximum can't-stop-now-ness, and it worked. A leisurely tour of Klarvatten and Lago Lindo where I didn't get lost once led me back to the main road, and then I went to run around a loop in Castledowns. The houses in that area vary between new to 20 years old or so, but most of the time, the area is very picturesque, with some lovely trees providing crucial shade.
My knees, however, were not as delighted with the weather and scenery. Their main concern was the fact that the LSD was happening at a 6:30min/km pace, which used to be my fast pace. My hip was nagging me too, so I think a visit to a physiotherapist or some such medical person would be a benefit. Hopefully, it's just a need for a quick deep tissue massage to straighten things out. Did I really just say 'hopefully' about a deep tissue massage?
Right as I was continuing down 97 St., I hit the wind tunnel. Sadly, the wind was attacking me, so in natural human competitive response, I ran harder against it. Not conducive! But that's how my body reacted, and to slow it down would, sometimes, tire me out further.
Thankfully, that was nearing the end of my run, so I managed to make it to just over 14km. It was relatively flat, but not quite enough shade for my liking. Also, when there is a choice of sidewalk, take it! The initial thrill of running off the path will be soon dashed by the realizing that mud is collecting on your shoes, making you heavier!
And the only unusual thing I saw today was the gigantic Great Dane who seemed very eager to meet me.
In other news, someone mentioned that I should post some photos. I will try to do that a bit more.
Here are a couple:
What I hadn't done was read the RR e-mail as closely as I should have - the half-marathon group was to meet in St. Albert. By the time I figured this out, it was too late to drive to the St. Albert store and hope everyone was still there, so I went out and did the 14km on my own.
When I started out, the weather was nearly perfect. The temperature was 15C, the wind was cool but not cold, and I had my route planned out. Ragnar seemed a little surprised that I would do all 14km on my own, but as I found out through personal experience, you don't just show up to a half-marathon and expect to run - you gotta do the work first. Or, 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail', and other like clichés.
I planned out my route for maximum can't-stop-now-ness, and it worked. A leisurely tour of Klarvatten and Lago Lindo where I didn't get lost once led me back to the main road, and then I went to run around a loop in Castledowns. The houses in that area vary between new to 20 years old or so, but most of the time, the area is very picturesque, with some lovely trees providing crucial shade.
My knees, however, were not as delighted with the weather and scenery. Their main concern was the fact that the LSD was happening at a 6:30min/km pace, which used to be my fast pace. My hip was nagging me too, so I think a visit to a physiotherapist or some such medical person would be a benefit. Hopefully, it's just a need for a quick deep tissue massage to straighten things out. Did I really just say 'hopefully' about a deep tissue massage?
Right as I was continuing down 97 St., I hit the wind tunnel. Sadly, the wind was attacking me, so in natural human competitive response, I ran harder against it. Not conducive! But that's how my body reacted, and to slow it down would, sometimes, tire me out further.
Thankfully, that was nearing the end of my run, so I managed to make it to just over 14km. It was relatively flat, but not quite enough shade for my liking. Also, when there is a choice of sidewalk, take it! The initial thrill of running off the path will be soon dashed by the realizing that mud is collecting on your shoes, making you heavier!
And the only unusual thing I saw today was the gigantic Great Dane who seemed very eager to meet me.
In other news, someone mentioned that I should post some photos. I will try to do that a bit more.
Here are a couple:
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| This is what I get to see while running in the River Valley! |
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| Classy as always, Edmonton. Well done. |
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Very Tired
Today was a very busy day.
First, I woke up and looked out the window. My iPhone had said there was an 80 per cent chance of raining every hour until noon. However, my look outside told me there was nary a cloud in the sky. I went with the sky.
Clad in my new shorts and a t-shirt, I walked to the Running Room to run the scheduled 12 kilometers. The weather was pleasant, with a light breeze. When I looked to the north, I saw the menacing clouds that the iPhone was probably warning me about. But no, I thought, we don't run that far!
Turns out that this morning, not only were we running that way, we were driving into it, and THEN running that way. We drove up to the nearby base, and stopped at the local elementary school to start our run.
You'd think that running around a base would be stifling and boring. However, CFB Edmonton has done it right. The running path is paved and has a little forest you can lose yourself in - or, there's plenty of open space to feel at one with the world. There was even a port-a-potty next to the community garden which is always useful for runners who need to, er, go. My only complaint is that it doesn't go past the tank course. THAT would be something to watch.
We did one large loop of 7.5k, and then started the same loop, but cut left earlier and rejoined the loop for 5k. The clouds disappeared during the run, hiding just long enough to make the run pleasantly warm and bright, but then gave us a beautiful shine to finish with.
The best part was that I kept a 6:30 pace during it all. I was talking with someone who works on the base as a civilian engineer, and we had lots to talk about! The flames on her headband must have inspired the both of us to keep a faster pace. In all, 12k took me 1h23, where as last week, 10k took me 1h20.
By the end of it, I was certainly feeling it, and tried to stay around a while to cheer the last runners in - but then I looked at my watch and realized I had 30 minutes to get home, shower, get presentable, and drive 15 minutes to Fathers' Day Brunch in St. Albert. Whoops! Fortunately for me, my new friend was kind enough to drive me nearly right home.
My legs are, for the time being, toast. If they were a child, they'd be two or three years old, screaming about how they don't wanna. Probably beating their little fists into the floor.
Tomorrow will be a rest day. I wonder where we'll run next Sunday for 14k.
First, I woke up and looked out the window. My iPhone had said there was an 80 per cent chance of raining every hour until noon. However, my look outside told me there was nary a cloud in the sky. I went with the sky.
Clad in my new shorts and a t-shirt, I walked to the Running Room to run the scheduled 12 kilometers. The weather was pleasant, with a light breeze. When I looked to the north, I saw the menacing clouds that the iPhone was probably warning me about. But no, I thought, we don't run that far!
Turns out that this morning, not only were we running that way, we were driving into it, and THEN running that way. We drove up to the nearby base, and stopped at the local elementary school to start our run.
You'd think that running around a base would be stifling and boring. However, CFB Edmonton has done it right. The running path is paved and has a little forest you can lose yourself in - or, there's plenty of open space to feel at one with the world. There was even a port-a-potty next to the community garden which is always useful for runners who need to, er, go. My only complaint is that it doesn't go past the tank course. THAT would be something to watch.
We did one large loop of 7.5k, and then started the same loop, but cut left earlier and rejoined the loop for 5k. The clouds disappeared during the run, hiding just long enough to make the run pleasantly warm and bright, but then gave us a beautiful shine to finish with.
The best part was that I kept a 6:30 pace during it all. I was talking with someone who works on the base as a civilian engineer, and we had lots to talk about! The flames on her headband must have inspired the both of us to keep a faster pace. In all, 12k took me 1h23, where as last week, 10k took me 1h20.
By the end of it, I was certainly feeling it, and tried to stay around a while to cheer the last runners in - but then I looked at my watch and realized I had 30 minutes to get home, shower, get presentable, and drive 15 minutes to Fathers' Day Brunch in St. Albert. Whoops! Fortunately for me, my new friend was kind enough to drive me nearly right home.
My legs are, for the time being, toast. If they were a child, they'd be two or three years old, screaming about how they don't wanna. Probably beating their little fists into the floor.
Tomorrow will be a rest day. I wonder where we'll run next Sunday for 14k.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Overdoing It, and Loving It
In the past two days, I have run three times.
The great weather was just irresistible. Despite dire warnings of rain, the weather was sunny (or only mildly cloudy) and perfectly warmed for me (15C).
Yesterday, I ran some hills at lunch. It was the first day my boss was back and I felt the urge to just get out for an hour and run. There's a pleasant little hill into the Edmonton River Valley that's nearly perfect for the Running Room half-marathon program. I only did three hills, while the program calls for four this week. The first hill had me feeling it. The second made me ache half-way up, and the third was the hardest and yet the easiest. But I was glad I did it.
The reason I did only three hill repeats was that I play Ultimate Frisbee on Thursday evenings, so I had to keep some strength.
The Ultimate game was fine, too. I had plenty of energy and didn't feel much to any ache in my legs. I did a lot of running after a few certain people, so the fact that my legs weren't causing problems was a great testament to how fit I have become, as compared to five years ago, when one game would have wrecked me.
Today was another beautiful day, and I just couldn't help myself! So I went for an easy 3.5k run. I don't know if this is the addiction to running or the sheer need to get away from work for an hour, but it was good. My legs were tired and I slowed my pace down so I was getting out to stretch my legs, but not really making them work.
The lesson for me is, take the sun when you can, and run when you get the chance. The rewards are the feeling of having a run done, enjoying the sun, and a great photo of the River Valley!
The great weather was just irresistible. Despite dire warnings of rain, the weather was sunny (or only mildly cloudy) and perfectly warmed for me (15C).
Yesterday, I ran some hills at lunch. It was the first day my boss was back and I felt the urge to just get out for an hour and run. There's a pleasant little hill into the Edmonton River Valley that's nearly perfect for the Running Room half-marathon program. I only did three hills, while the program calls for four this week. The first hill had me feeling it. The second made me ache half-way up, and the third was the hardest and yet the easiest. But I was glad I did it.
The reason I did only three hill repeats was that I play Ultimate Frisbee on Thursday evenings, so I had to keep some strength.
The Ultimate game was fine, too. I had plenty of energy and didn't feel much to any ache in my legs. I did a lot of running after a few certain people, so the fact that my legs weren't causing problems was a great testament to how fit I have become, as compared to five years ago, when one game would have wrecked me.
Today was another beautiful day, and I just couldn't help myself! So I went for an easy 3.5k run. I don't know if this is the addiction to running or the sheer need to get away from work for an hour, but it was good. My legs were tired and I slowed my pace down so I was getting out to stretch my legs, but not really making them work.
The lesson for me is, take the sun when you can, and run when you get the chance. The rewards are the feeling of having a run done, enjoying the sun, and a great photo of the River Valley!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Post-Race: Calgary Marathon 10K
Last month, my sweetie was told, "Thou shalt run a marathon!"
So he signed up for the Calgary marathon and said to me, "Hey, why not run the 10k?"
What a brilliant idea, I said, and signed up. However (sidestory), due to uncertain lodging details, I invited my friend Allison to join us, and got a hotel room.
Anyway, we headed down on sunny Saturday, met with some Running Maniacs for lunch, then went to get our race kits at the Big Four of the Olympic Park.
Now, let me preface this next statement with the acknowledgement that I was spoiled by the Ottawa Race Weekend, and I know this, and it's not fair, but the Calgary Marathon expo was ... disappointing. Getting my race kit was easy, getting my shirt was easy, finding the bathroom was very easy but there were few exhibitors, it wasn't an easy in-and-out process, and what there was to see just wasn't very exciting. It felt like it needed a face lift.
Fast forward to race-day. We all wake up at 5 a.m. Thankfully, we had laid our race kits out the night before, because I swear if we'd had to think this through the morning of, we would have ended up wearing each other's clothes.
By 6 a.m., we are fed (granola bars) and already heading to the C-train. It is cold outside, at 2C, and it feels colder than we expected (meanwhile, Ottawa's race weekend is enjoying at least 15C). After figuring out the fare payment method, we get the train and arrive, along with the many other racers. How exciting, we're wandering around our first non-hometown race! It's getting close to race-time for Ragnar, and he has to find his regiment buddies. With a send-off and final kiss, Ragnar goes one way and Allison and I head in to check our bags.What marvelous bag-check, there is no line-up for us!
The only thing I might mention at this point is that signs above ankle-reading height would have been nice.
So we wait a bit before braving the cold to get to the start-line. Somehow, Allison and I get in right behind the 50 minute pace-bunny. No matter, though, we'll figure ourselves out. Neither of us are really going for best time.
The gun goes off, and Allison and I move quickly over the starting line. The first two kilometers is pretty hard - the scenery is not very pretty, there are cars trying to make their way through, and I'm really not sure I'll be able to keep this pace up. Into the third kilometer, I'm getting used to the feeling of it. This area is looking a bit nicer, I'm warming up, and my legs are loosening up. By the end of that third kilometer, I've gotten rid of my throw-away sweater, and suddenly, there's a hill. Okay, it's not a huge hill, but it's more hill than I expected! I repeat to myself, "I love hills. I love hills. I love hills. Oh, who am I kidding?" I do actually love hills, but it depends on whether they're thinking kindly of me.
By the fifth kilometer, we're moving into some really nice, trendy areas. A little combination of Bank St. in Ottawa and Whyte Ave. in Edmonton. Allison asks if we want to stop for sushi. For a second, I consider it, but everyone's behind me, so let's keep going. At this point, I have had a stitch which passed, a shin ache that passed, and my knees haven't started yet, so why stop now?
Six and seven pass well, but by eight, my knees have suddenly realized that I wasn't joking, and start to ache a little. This time, the hill starts down, then up, back into the Olympic park. The end must be near, right? Oh no, there's two more kilometers to go. By then, I've seen the Saddledome, and it promises and beckons. The end has got to be around here somewhere.
Back and forth, we go, winding our way to the finish line. Allison and I are saving our breath, but hey, I think to myself, I'm feeling strong, I'm upright, and I can't believe we're already nearly there! The ninth kilometer is through the parking lot, and while I'm amusing myself with mentioning I'm passing the 41st marker in one hour, the joke is kinda getting old. Suddenly, there's a turn, with a big floating arch, so that's the end, right? Oh, I am to laugh!
With 500 meters to go, Allison jets off. I figure I'll get there when I get there by now, and give my knees, who haven't stopped complaining, a little break. As I pass over the timing strip that keeps you honest, I pick it up again. The end is so close! I really can see it! Then I see the time. 1:06:21, and there is no way I'm not beating my first 10k time. I pick up some speed, and make it over as the clock reads something like 1:06:33, and I'm done! Allison and I catch up with each other, congratulations are given on jobs very well done (her, the pacer; me, the amusing but sometimes irreverent side-kick), get our packs, and then go regroup, change, and wait for Ragnar. Pancakes are also devoured.
Three hours later, Ragnar came across the marathon finish line at 4:19:16 (according to my camera). A dash back to the hotel, shower, Starbucks, and leave for lunch. Ragnar was safely ensconced in the back seat with all the room he could get in the back of a four-door Honda Civic.
We are home now, and apart from my previous recounting of the tale, my impressions of Calgary and its running event are:
Calgary's downtown is beautiful. Seriously, Edmonton, WTF.
Starbucks apparently close at 6 p.m. on weekends in DT Calgary. WTF.
Calgary marathon is a fun event, but you go for the run and the Running Maniacs, not for the Expo.
Here ends my tale.
Oh, and lessons learned: when traveling to an event, check the weather expected, and then bring everything anyways. The end is never as near as you want it to be. Stay at a Westin, you cansteal use the soap. Travel with someone, keep your phones on you, and designate a meeting point, even if you insist at waiting at the end line. Always have a warm sweater and windbreaker for after. If there is free food, and you're not allergic to it, take it. Drink water afterwards or your eyeballs do funny things. Run a race with a buddy at least once, to see how it goes. Throw-away sweaters can be purchased for cheap at second-hand stores.
So he signed up for the Calgary marathon and said to me, "Hey, why not run the 10k?"
What a brilliant idea, I said, and signed up. However (sidestory), due to uncertain lodging details, I invited my friend Allison to join us, and got a hotel room.
Anyway, we headed down on sunny Saturday, met with some Running Maniacs for lunch, then went to get our race kits at the Big Four of the Olympic Park.
Now, let me preface this next statement with the acknowledgement that I was spoiled by the Ottawa Race Weekend, and I know this, and it's not fair, but the Calgary Marathon expo was ... disappointing. Getting my race kit was easy, getting my shirt was easy, finding the bathroom was very easy but there were few exhibitors, it wasn't an easy in-and-out process, and what there was to see just wasn't very exciting. It felt like it needed a face lift.
Fast forward to race-day. We all wake up at 5 a.m. Thankfully, we had laid our race kits out the night before, because I swear if we'd had to think this through the morning of, we would have ended up wearing each other's clothes.
By 6 a.m., we are fed (granola bars) and already heading to the C-train. It is cold outside, at 2C, and it feels colder than we expected (meanwhile, Ottawa's race weekend is enjoying at least 15C). After figuring out the fare payment method, we get the train and arrive, along with the many other racers. How exciting, we're wandering around our first non-hometown race! It's getting close to race-time for Ragnar, and he has to find his regiment buddies. With a send-off and final kiss, Ragnar goes one way and Allison and I head in to check our bags.What marvelous bag-check, there is no line-up for us!
The only thing I might mention at this point is that signs above ankle-reading height would have been nice.
So we wait a bit before braving the cold to get to the start-line. Somehow, Allison and I get in right behind the 50 minute pace-bunny. No matter, though, we'll figure ourselves out. Neither of us are really going for best time.
The gun goes off, and Allison and I move quickly over the starting line. The first two kilometers is pretty hard - the scenery is not very pretty, there are cars trying to make their way through, and I'm really not sure I'll be able to keep this pace up. Into the third kilometer, I'm getting used to the feeling of it. This area is looking a bit nicer, I'm warming up, and my legs are loosening up. By the end of that third kilometer, I've gotten rid of my throw-away sweater, and suddenly, there's a hill. Okay, it's not a huge hill, but it's more hill than I expected! I repeat to myself, "I love hills. I love hills. I love hills. Oh, who am I kidding?" I do actually love hills, but it depends on whether they're thinking kindly of me.
By the fifth kilometer, we're moving into some really nice, trendy areas. A little combination of Bank St. in Ottawa and Whyte Ave. in Edmonton. Allison asks if we want to stop for sushi. For a second, I consider it, but everyone's behind me, so let's keep going. At this point, I have had a stitch which passed, a shin ache that passed, and my knees haven't started yet, so why stop now?
Six and seven pass well, but by eight, my knees have suddenly realized that I wasn't joking, and start to ache a little. This time, the hill starts down, then up, back into the Olympic park. The end must be near, right? Oh no, there's two more kilometers to go. By then, I've seen the Saddledome, and it promises and beckons. The end has got to be around here somewhere.
Back and forth, we go, winding our way to the finish line. Allison and I are saving our breath, but hey, I think to myself, I'm feeling strong, I'm upright, and I can't believe we're already nearly there! The ninth kilometer is through the parking lot, and while I'm amusing myself with mentioning I'm passing the 41st marker in one hour, the joke is kinda getting old. Suddenly, there's a turn, with a big floating arch, so that's the end, right? Oh, I am to laugh!
With 500 meters to go, Allison jets off. I figure I'll get there when I get there by now, and give my knees, who haven't stopped complaining, a little break. As I pass over the timing strip that keeps you honest, I pick it up again. The end is so close! I really can see it! Then I see the time. 1:06:21, and there is no way I'm not beating my first 10k time. I pick up some speed, and make it over as the clock reads something like 1:06:33, and I'm done! Allison and I catch up with each other, congratulations are given on jobs very well done (her, the pacer; me, the amusing but sometimes irreverent side-kick), get our packs, and then go regroup, change, and wait for Ragnar. Pancakes are also devoured.
Three hours later, Ragnar came across the marathon finish line at 4:19:16 (according to my camera). A dash back to the hotel, shower, Starbucks, and leave for lunch. Ragnar was safely ensconced in the back seat with all the room he could get in the back of a four-door Honda Civic.
We are home now, and apart from my previous recounting of the tale, my impressions of Calgary and its running event are:
Calgary's downtown is beautiful. Seriously, Edmonton, WTF.
Starbucks apparently close at 6 p.m. on weekends in DT Calgary. WTF.
Calgary marathon is a fun event, but you go for the run and the Running Maniacs, not for the Expo.
Here ends my tale.
Oh, and lessons learned: when traveling to an event, check the weather expected, and then bring everything anyways. The end is never as near as you want it to be. Stay at a Westin, you can
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday Long Runs: Water
Yesterday was Mothers' Day, but I really needed to go out and do a run. I hadn't eaten a proper breakfast (whole wheat biscuits and coffee just don't cut it!), I had waited until the temperature was 20C, and I didn't take enough water. I took a gel with me (the new Mint Chocolate from GU is yummy!), but I really needed to be drinking more water along the way as the sun was beating down (if I'd been standing, it'd be nice) and a hot wind not helping.
Result: General dehydration, tiredness, mental stumbling. The fact that I didn't really rest after the run, but took off to St. Albert, then came home and got cooking, doesn't help.
Lesson: Take at least two waters on long runs. Run at 15C for best comfort. Eat a decent breakfast. Give yourself time to rest (aka, basic lessons I've learned before but sometimes have to relearn).
Weird things you see: I saw a car backing out of a driveway, and as I passed to look at the driver side, I saw this huge stuffed bear leaning out the window.
Result: General dehydration, tiredness, mental stumbling. The fact that I didn't really rest after the run, but took off to St. Albert, then came home and got cooking, doesn't help.
Lesson: Take at least two waters on long runs. Run at 15C for best comfort. Eat a decent breakfast. Give yourself time to rest (aka, basic lessons I've learned before but sometimes have to relearn).
Weird things you see: I saw a car backing out of a driveway, and as I passed to look at the driver side, I saw this huge stuffed bear leaning out the window.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
End of April
This month has been a running fiesta for a few reasons.
1. I found a running buddy at work! We go and do a 5k loop once or twice a week. She's fun to run with and very nice to chat with.
2. My boyfriend is back! Ragnar, in training for the Canadian Death Race, went out with me today. We did a nice 10k together.
3. I met people from Running Mania! A couple of people were in from Ottawa, so I went to a little meet-up and met up with four lovely women, Miss Smiles, Trixiee, Fishpants, and IronColl. It was a great night!
On the other hand, I've been missing so many long runs that I think my ambition to do a half marathon in June is shot. It doesn't help that Mother Nature has continued her weekly volley of snow days at us, usually right before the weekend. This week wasn't bad, because it melted by Saturday, but it would be really nice to plant my babies (plants) now.
In other news, I officially made it to 150lbs. For me, this is a big milestone, because while I knew theoretically it was possible, I never figured that I myself could get to that weight and stay there. I credit MyFitnessPal with helping me keep track of what I was eating, giving me a flexible infrastructure, and having a large database. It's not perfect, but as I try to continue to monitor my weight, it's a valuable tool. The other thing I love about this site is that it gives you the option of deciding if you want to lose weight, maintain weight, or gain it. The last, though not being my own concern, is a very important one to have as an option. Not everyone needs to lose it! And not everyone who needs to gain needs to do so because of an eating disorder (though the number of people is frighteningly too many, as in 'more than one').
Apropos of nothing, the national hockey season is winding down, and all the Canadian teams are out. I'm ready for the national football season to start!
I always start these blogs with something to say, and then it devolves into the basics, and I forget the neat, interesting commentaries I could make, like how I saw an Edmonton Public School Board sign advertising a music school... Oh well!
Edited to add: I really wish Canadian restaurants would post nutritional information online. There are a handful that do, but it's frustrating to go out with friends to some really nice place, try a 'signature dish' and not know the nutritional content. Before you say, "Yeah, but you look at the menu and take a guesstimation," remember that restaurants use lots of things that could vary the number of calories, like salt or fat. And no one wants to be the jerk who says, "I don't want to go there because I don't know what I'm eating, so let's go elsewhere."
1. I found a running buddy at work! We go and do a 5k loop once or twice a week. She's fun to run with and very nice to chat with.
2. My boyfriend is back! Ragnar, in training for the Canadian Death Race, went out with me today. We did a nice 10k together.
3. I met people from Running Mania! A couple of people were in from Ottawa, so I went to a little meet-up and met up with four lovely women, Miss Smiles, Trixiee, Fishpants, and IronColl. It was a great night!
On the other hand, I've been missing so many long runs that I think my ambition to do a half marathon in June is shot. It doesn't help that Mother Nature has continued her weekly volley of snow days at us, usually right before the weekend. This week wasn't bad, because it melted by Saturday, but it would be really nice to plant my babies (plants) now.
In other news, I officially made it to 150lbs. For me, this is a big milestone, because while I knew theoretically it was possible, I never figured that I myself could get to that weight and stay there. I credit MyFitnessPal with helping me keep track of what I was eating, giving me a flexible infrastructure, and having a large database. It's not perfect, but as I try to continue to monitor my weight, it's a valuable tool. The other thing I love about this site is that it gives you the option of deciding if you want to lose weight, maintain weight, or gain it. The last, though not being my own concern, is a very important one to have as an option. Not everyone needs to lose it! And not everyone who needs to gain needs to do so because of an eating disorder (though the number of people is frighteningly too many, as in 'more than one').
Apropos of nothing, the national hockey season is winding down, and all the Canadian teams are out. I'm ready for the national football season to start!
I always start these blogs with something to say, and then it devolves into the basics, and I forget the neat, interesting commentaries I could make, like how I saw an Edmonton Public School Board sign advertising a music school... Oh well!
Edited to add: I really wish Canadian restaurants would post nutritional information online. There are a handful that do, but it's frustrating to go out with friends to some really nice place, try a 'signature dish' and not know the nutritional content. Before you say, "Yeah, but you look at the menu and take a guesstimation," remember that restaurants use lots of things that could vary the number of calories, like salt or fat. And no one wants to be the jerk who says, "I don't want to go there because I don't know what I'm eating, so let's go elsewhere."
Friday, April 6, 2012
Swimming
Mother Nature has decided that she herself is funnier than Mel Brooks, and tried another April Fool's dump of snow yesterday. This time, I had planned ahead and come up with an alternative cardio regime: swimming!
I've never been the strongest swimmer, and frankly, I get nervous about having my head in water. I watch people glide along, calmly and without thrashing about, and envy their poise and lack of worry. But I have one person on my side, another non-swimming swimmer over at Running Mania. She has reassured me that no, just because 25 meters of freestyle makes me breathless does not mean I'm in worse shape than I thought.
Anyways, I went into the pool, wearing my new goggles (love them!) and old swim cap and my blue swimsuit, and did about 300 meters. Frankly, that's a lot more than I expected to be able to do. It helped that an older guy came into the pool and started those long, lazy strokes that make me feel like I've never been in water; finally I had something to compete against!
I also quickly found that backstroke is my best friend because then, I can breathe! I did a lot of backstroke yesterday. I also decided to try making it across two lengths with the power of my legs alone! And did it!
Today, my upper arms, right below the shoulder, are very sore. My back is quite stiff too, though I figure it could certainly feel worse.
As an all-body work-out and a new and novel one, swimming is definitely up there. I just need more practice!
I've never been the strongest swimmer, and frankly, I get nervous about having my head in water. I watch people glide along, calmly and without thrashing about, and envy their poise and lack of worry. But I have one person on my side, another non-swimming swimmer over at Running Mania. She has reassured me that no, just because 25 meters of freestyle makes me breathless does not mean I'm in worse shape than I thought.
Anyways, I went into the pool, wearing my new goggles (love them!) and old swim cap and my blue swimsuit, and did about 300 meters. Frankly, that's a lot more than I expected to be able to do. It helped that an older guy came into the pool and started those long, lazy strokes that make me feel like I've never been in water; finally I had something to compete against!
I also quickly found that backstroke is my best friend because then, I can breathe! I did a lot of backstroke yesterday. I also decided to try making it across two lengths with the power of my legs alone! And did it!
Today, my upper arms, right below the shoulder, are very sore. My back is quite stiff too, though I figure it could certainly feel worse.
As an all-body work-out and a new and novel one, swimming is definitely up there. I just need more practice!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Bring on the Sunshine
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.
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.
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.
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