I usually have a break from training in December. There is extra shopping and tasks to do for Christmas and I find it hard to fit running in. So I just give myself a break and try to run whenever I can and just enjoy it. The problem with that is I eat alot more at Christmas. There is a constant, glorious flow of chocolate and Bailey's Irish Cream which I just cant resist. I'm not proud of this but my daughter and I show each other our Christmas food baby bellies. Well I need to give birth to this baby!
I usually put on 10 lbs which is an annual event I need to put a stop to. By the time January comes I'm ready to get serious about running and working out again. This January I had a hard time getting started.
Maybe it was because I didn't have a huge goal to work towards like last years turning 50. I needed a new goal to get myself pumped up and excited about.
Then I had a great idea. I had a friend who had talked about doing a 5K. I wrote out a walk-to-run schedule for her and told her I would do the race with her at the end of the training. What a great idea ! I'm so awesome! I got all excited about whipping my friend's butt into shape but turns out she didn't want her butt whipped. Oh well, guess its just me and my ole butt for 2013. I picked some races for the year and told myself I was excited.
The day I was supposed to get back at it was really windy and cold. I had just come home from a bunch of frustrating errands and felt very frazzled. I knew I had to run or I would feel even worse. I had to get this year into gear. I just decided to go and not think about it. I put my running clothes on as fast as I could like I was in a hurry. I looked rather silly but I didn't think about the weather or how long I was going to go. I just pushed myself out the door as quick as I could.
It was cold at first but as always I had a great run. Whats so great about running is that you have this quiet time to really think about things. I was thinking about my ho hum start to my 2013 goals and I think my problem was that I needed it to be big and amazing to be worthwhile. But maybe it didn't need to be so big?
Maybe....... its just enough that I started.
Maybe...... if I just took the first step in my goals, God would take care of the rest and turn it into something big and amazing!
Maybe...... when I feel God nudging me to do something I should just do it quickly before I talk myself out of it and just push myself out the door.
You always end up having a good run. Wow running is so deep!
Running for Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The Crazy Running Lady Has Marathon Fever
Well I didn't qualify for Boston in fact I only shaved off 4 minutes but boy did I work hard for those 4 minutes! Four months of training, speed work, tempo runs and fartleks for 4 minutes! I guess I have to train 10 more months to shave off the next 10 minutes. Yikes!
The last 10 K were so hard! I had to really concentrate just to keep a descent pace and not stop. I tried to concentrate on the lyrics of my music to distract me from the pain but the last kilometer felt like it lasted an eternity!
I was pretty much on track the first 30K but couldnt keep it up for the last 10. I ran out of steam. I just could not go any faster. Maybe if I had stayed with the 3:55 bunny from the start I would have been more consistent. I couldnt find my bunny and the race was starting so I just followed the bunny that was closest to me and that was the 3:45 bunny. I was too excited and went out too fast. Which is advise I tell everyone else NOT to do.
I had said that if I didnt qualify for Boston I would be done with marathons. Marathon training is so time consuming! But I've kind of got marathon fever. My husband said: "No you dont!" I figure if I can keep up the 20K long runs on the weekends then I'll just have to build up my mileage a couple months before the marathon. Im looking at doing my next one in the spring. My brother-in-law inspires me because he never gives up. He says he'll never give up trying to qualify for Boston as long as he's running. It may take us till we're 65 but someday we"ll qualify!
This marathon was tough but it had its great moments too. One was at the 30ish K mark. I was having a hard time. I was feeling very slow and discouraged when my marathon theme song came on my MP3 player. "Here In My Life" by Hillsongs. As the song started my spirit started to lift, I started to get that feeling. That feeling that Jesus is with me and running right alongside me. But when I get that feeling I raise my hands worshipping while Im runninng. Its kind of embarrasing but I cant help it. Its happened running in my neighbourhood before but it cant happen here. Not at the marathon. Especially since there are alot of runners going the opposite direction and they will all see me. But the music is starting to build...the drummer is going wild....oh no...its happening! She sings - "You are my freedom, Jesus you're the reason".....nooo not here! Its too late. It happened. My hands are reaching to the sky, my eyes are fixed on Him and the tears are falling, my speed is building faster and faster... and I am soaring! I feel total joy, freedom and strength. I dont notice the other runners but Im flying and I dont really care.
I didnt qualify but I've got something better. Marathon fever!
The last 10 K were so hard! I had to really concentrate just to keep a descent pace and not stop. I tried to concentrate on the lyrics of my music to distract me from the pain but the last kilometer felt like it lasted an eternity!
I was pretty much on track the first 30K but couldnt keep it up for the last 10. I ran out of steam. I just could not go any faster. Maybe if I had stayed with the 3:55 bunny from the start I would have been more consistent. I couldnt find my bunny and the race was starting so I just followed the bunny that was closest to me and that was the 3:45 bunny. I was too excited and went out too fast. Which is advise I tell everyone else NOT to do.
I had said that if I didnt qualify for Boston I would be done with marathons. Marathon training is so time consuming! But I've kind of got marathon fever. My husband said: "No you dont!" I figure if I can keep up the 20K long runs on the weekends then I'll just have to build up my mileage a couple months before the marathon. Im looking at doing my next one in the spring. My brother-in-law inspires me because he never gives up. He says he'll never give up trying to qualify for Boston as long as he's running. It may take us till we're 65 but someday we"ll qualify!
This marathon was tough but it had its great moments too. One was at the 30ish K mark. I was having a hard time. I was feeling very slow and discouraged when my marathon theme song came on my MP3 player. "Here In My Life" by Hillsongs. As the song started my spirit started to lift, I started to get that feeling. That feeling that Jesus is with me and running right alongside me. But when I get that feeling I raise my hands worshipping while Im runninng. Its kind of embarrasing but I cant help it. Its happened running in my neighbourhood before but it cant happen here. Not at the marathon. Especially since there are alot of runners going the opposite direction and they will all see me. But the music is starting to build...the drummer is going wild....oh no...its happening! She sings - "You are my freedom, Jesus you're the reason".....nooo not here! Its too late. It happened. My hands are reaching to the sky, my eyes are fixed on Him and the tears are falling, my speed is building faster and faster... and I am soaring! I feel total joy, freedom and strength. I dont notice the other runners but Im flying and I dont really care.
I didnt qualify but I've got something better. Marathon fever!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Unthinkable?!
3 days, 19 hours and 4 minutes till the marathon! Im excited and I feel ready besides some annoying shin splints but no major problems. Two Saturdays ago the tapering began. My long run was 25K and I did speed work all that week. This Saturday my long run was 12 K. Tuesday I did weight training and 1/2 hr bike, today I did a fast 6K and tommorrow I will probably do a fast 10K and then that will be it till the marathon. Yikes!
Last week I was reading a book called "Unthinkable" by Scott Rigsby, the first double amputee to finish the Hawian Ironman Triathlon. It has been very inspiring and has really helped me to get mentally ready and pumped for the race. If I think qualifying for Boston is "Unthinkable" what about a double amputee doing an Ironman!? Its crazy the obstacles that he had to overcome. He had no money, no bike, didnt know how to swim, was overweight and his father said it was ridiculous and didnt speak to him, oh yeah and he didnt have any legs! It makes running a marathon look like a cake walk.
He said the hardest part of a triathlon for him is the biking portion. First of all he didn't have a bike so he had to borrow one. It was 4 sizes too small so he just had his legs made shorter. The 100 K Hawian Ironman bike portion is known to be especially hard because of the extreme wind and heat. But strangely during the race Scott didnt feel hot. He couldnt understand it and even said outloud, "Why am I not hot?" Then he heard not in an audible voice but God saying to him - because you are under the shadow of my love and said he could actually see wings. He says to the reader I know you are probably thinking I was hullicinating from the heat but I knew it was real and I felt such peace. He ran into a lot of hurdles during the race but God carried him through to the end. To be named an Ironman every participant no matter how many legs you have must finish within 17 hours. Scott finished just before midnight in 16 hrs and 42 mins. He is an Ironman.
When I was reading about his "God experience" it reminded me of my experience in the Ottawa marathon. I also remember thinking Why do I feel so good? I've never felt that good during a long run before and I went over all the reasons in my head why I felt so good; training with the Running Free Ironmen? my Lance Armstrong waffers? my Lululemon socks that have a secret 'Run Fast' message in them? I had my family there? Maybe its just simply because I was under the shadow of his love. On His wings I can sore like an eagle.
Im ready!....I think.
Last week I was reading a book called "Unthinkable" by Scott Rigsby, the first double amputee to finish the Hawian Ironman Triathlon. It has been very inspiring and has really helped me to get mentally ready and pumped for the race. If I think qualifying for Boston is "Unthinkable" what about a double amputee doing an Ironman!? Its crazy the obstacles that he had to overcome. He had no money, no bike, didnt know how to swim, was overweight and his father said it was ridiculous and didnt speak to him, oh yeah and he didnt have any legs! It makes running a marathon look like a cake walk.
He said the hardest part of a triathlon for him is the biking portion. First of all he didn't have a bike so he had to borrow one. It was 4 sizes too small so he just had his legs made shorter. The 100 K Hawian Ironman bike portion is known to be especially hard because of the extreme wind and heat. But strangely during the race Scott didnt feel hot. He couldnt understand it and even said outloud, "Why am I not hot?" Then he heard not in an audible voice but God saying to him - because you are under the shadow of my love and said he could actually see wings. He says to the reader I know you are probably thinking I was hullicinating from the heat but I knew it was real and I felt such peace. He ran into a lot of hurdles during the race but God carried him through to the end. To be named an Ironman every participant no matter how many legs you have must finish within 17 hours. Scott finished just before midnight in 16 hrs and 42 mins. He is an Ironman.
When I was reading about his "God experience" it reminded me of my experience in the Ottawa marathon. I also remember thinking Why do I feel so good? I've never felt that good during a long run before and I went over all the reasons in my head why I felt so good; training with the Running Free Ironmen? my Lance Armstrong waffers? my Lululemon socks that have a secret 'Run Fast' message in them? I had my family there? Maybe its just simply because I was under the shadow of his love. On His wings I can sore like an eagle.
Im ready!....I think.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Is It Really Worth It?!
One more 30+K run to do before the marathon! Im so happy! Those 30+ runs are not my favourite. I have to run my 10k loop 3 times and then add more kilometers every week. Two weeks ago I had to do 32K, last week 34 and then this Saturday 36.
Last week I was 10K into my run when it started to pour. I was soaked all the way down to my socks! But there was no way that I was going to stop. I was done one lap and I wasnt going to start all over again! So I kept running in the pouring rain. People were looking at me like I was nuts. Am I nuts? Is this really worth it?
A woman I was speaking to a few weeks ago was asking me about my running. I love to talk about my running which I dont do unless people ask me first. Some people are annoyed by runners. Imagine that?! So when someone starts asking questions Im excited. But one question she asked me got me thinking for a long time later. She said "Don't you miss out on alot?"
What would I miss out on? I was taken back by the question so I gave some lame answer. I just didnt get the question. I mean it only takes me an hour to go for a 10K run. Thats the same time as a TV show. So what? Im missing a TV show. Maybe she just never has time to exercise and there are always better things to do in her mind than run. Maybe she thinks it takes time away with friends and family. Maybe she thinks I could be using my time more wisely like volunteering. I dont know. This question bugged me for awhile. Am I missing out on more important things?
Then something else happened that really bugged me. A good friend of mine, not yet 50 years old had a stroke. I was shocked and couldnt understand it. She is in good shape. She watches her diet and loves to workout. She is so active how could this happen? Whats the point. Maybe she was missing out on things too by going to the gym.
So I pondered long and hard about this, while running of course. And this is what I came up with.
Important Things That I Would Miss Out On If I Didn't Run:
Last week I was 10K into my run when it started to pour. I was soaked all the way down to my socks! But there was no way that I was going to stop. I was done one lap and I wasnt going to start all over again! So I kept running in the pouring rain. People were looking at me like I was nuts. Am I nuts? Is this really worth it?
A woman I was speaking to a few weeks ago was asking me about my running. I love to talk about my running which I dont do unless people ask me first. Some people are annoyed by runners. Imagine that?! So when someone starts asking questions Im excited. But one question she asked me got me thinking for a long time later. She said "Don't you miss out on alot?"
What would I miss out on? I was taken back by the question so I gave some lame answer. I just didnt get the question. I mean it only takes me an hour to go for a 10K run. Thats the same time as a TV show. So what? Im missing a TV show. Maybe she just never has time to exercise and there are always better things to do in her mind than run. Maybe she thinks it takes time away with friends and family. Maybe she thinks I could be using my time more wisely like volunteering. I dont know. This question bugged me for awhile. Am I missing out on more important things?
Then something else happened that really bugged me. A good friend of mine, not yet 50 years old had a stroke. I was shocked and couldnt understand it. She is in good shape. She watches her diet and loves to workout. She is so active how could this happen? Whats the point. Maybe she was missing out on things too by going to the gym.
So I pondered long and hard about this, while running of course. And this is what I came up with.
Important Things That I Would Miss Out On If I Didn't Run:
- Feeling of Peace
- Stress Relief
- Prayer / Jesus Time
- Quiet time to actually listen to music and be inspired by the lyrics
- Feeling free
- Pure joy
- Sense of accomplishment
- Feeling of confidence & pride in myself
- Feeling of strength & beauty
- Appreciation for God's creation
- Enjoying the outdoors
- A connection to my community
- Setting and acheiving goals
- Improved relationships because of all of the above
- Pondering on life and family and how I can make a difference in the world and all that stuff
- Talks with Dan the Beer can collecting Man
- Being an example to my children
- A fun healthy hobby with my hubby
- Improved mental, spiritual and physical health
- I could go on & on
Friday, August 24, 2012
The Super Duper Hotel Treadmill
Last week Don and I went to a Blues Festival for the weekend which we've been doing for the past 3 years. We usually stay in a hotel one night and at my brother's one night. We were going to skip staying in a hotel this year but at the last minute we decided to go for it. Friday afternoon I got a hotel deal email and by the time I got home from work Don had it booked. It was spontaneous and exciting except when would I do my long run?? I was scheduled to do a 22K Saturday. Oh well I'll figure that out later.
We love hotel gyms. They are so sparkly and new. We walked in the great smelling gym and it was like a candy store. I didnt know what to try first. I went on a couple machines but got very frustrated. I didnt know how to work them and some of them looked like transformers that would chew me up. I decided to stick with my tried and true treadmill. But these were oh so amazing treadmills! Treadmills bascially all work the same so I was excited. They were massive with all the bells and whistles, a huge dashboard and TV and there were so many lined up in front of a wall mirror.
I usually dont like working out in front of a mirror. When I used to go to group classes I would purposely stay outside of the mirror view. Simply because it was shocking to see how much taller I was than everyone else and my King Kong arms would be flinging every where. I preferred to imagine myself fitting in with everyone else.
Anyways this treadmill was amazing! I climbed up onto it and felt like I was up on a stage. It wasnt hard to figure out so I started running and relunctanly watched myself in the mirror. I kind of looked cool. My hair was hanging in my face and I looked tough. My King Kong arms looked tanned and musclely. Look at me go, Im a running machine!
In my gym at home I usually work up to speed 6 / 6.5 and put it up to 7 a few times for a couple minute fartleks. Its amazing how your environment and a little competition can make you run faster! A few ladies around my age came in the gym with their fancy Lululemon (although I was wearing Lululemon but I only have one) and my speed went up some more. The treadmills were filling up with more richy hotel people (although I was staying at the hotel but mine was a deal) and up went my speed again. I stayed at speed 7 the whole time and did some 8/9 fartleks. What a great workout!
So I switched my scheduled runs around a bit. I did a 5K tempo on Saturday at the hotel and then did my 22K long run Monday night after work. It was tough and a little crazy but I had to get it in and it felt so good to git r done. See I can be spontaneous AND stick to a schedule! With a little help from an awesome transformer mega hotel treadmill that turned me into a running machine!
We love hotel gyms. They are so sparkly and new. We walked in the great smelling gym and it was like a candy store. I didnt know what to try first. I went on a couple machines but got very frustrated. I didnt know how to work them and some of them looked like transformers that would chew me up. I decided to stick with my tried and true treadmill. But these were oh so amazing treadmills! Treadmills bascially all work the same so I was excited. They were massive with all the bells and whistles, a huge dashboard and TV and there were so many lined up in front of a wall mirror.
I usually dont like working out in front of a mirror. When I used to go to group classes I would purposely stay outside of the mirror view. Simply because it was shocking to see how much taller I was than everyone else and my King Kong arms would be flinging every where. I preferred to imagine myself fitting in with everyone else.
Anyways this treadmill was amazing! I climbed up onto it and felt like I was up on a stage. It wasnt hard to figure out so I started running and relunctanly watched myself in the mirror. I kind of looked cool. My hair was hanging in my face and I looked tough. My King Kong arms looked tanned and musclely. Look at me go, Im a running machine!
In my gym at home I usually work up to speed 6 / 6.5 and put it up to 7 a few times for a couple minute fartleks. Its amazing how your environment and a little competition can make you run faster! A few ladies around my age came in the gym with their fancy Lululemon (although I was wearing Lululemon but I only have one) and my speed went up some more. The treadmills were filling up with more richy hotel people (although I was staying at the hotel but mine was a deal) and up went my speed again. I stayed at speed 7 the whole time and did some 8/9 fartleks. What a great workout!
So I switched my scheduled runs around a bit. I did a 5K tempo on Saturday at the hotel and then did my 22K long run Monday night after work. It was tough and a little crazy but I had to get it in and it felt so good to git r done. See I can be spontaneous AND stick to a schedule! With a little help from an awesome transformer mega hotel treadmill that turned me into a running machine!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Hubby Helps Me With Speed Work
Last week I did my first speed training session. I dragged my hubby Don with cuz its just too hard to do speed work by yourself. He does 10K runs with me but doesnt love it. He's a mountain biker and wants to get back into racing so thats why he agreed to go with me. I didnt really give him too much detail about what he was getting into. I knew he would complain at first but then get really into it cuz he's very competitive and thats exactly how it went.
We are supposed to do 1K slow and then 1K fast and then repeat 3 times. We drove to a local highschool and did 2 laps instead which is 800 meters I think, close enough. It was super hot and humid and when we did our first 2 fast laps Don said, this is retarded but by the last 2 fast laps he was getting into it. It was really hard to do 2 laps fast. I wanted to stop so bad but I imagined being at the marathon clinic during speed training. There was no way I was stopping then, I would get way too far behind. So I imagined big scary, fast Ironmen coming behind me.
When we were done Don raved about what a good workout it was which made me very happy knowing I would have someone to train with. It was a great feeling when we were done and high fived each other, although we didnt make a slap sound because we were too sweaty and slimy. There were sprinklers going at the highschool so we ran through them and cooled off but what a sight we were!
Yesterday we did our second speed training session. I actually brought my watch with this time. Im just new to this caring about time thing. My first 2 laps I did in 3 min 40 sec, 2nd was 3:47 and the third was 3:42. You are supposed to do each one faster but I dont know how you are supposed to do that?! I guess if you have one of those fancy shmancy Garmins you know your pace at all times.
Speed work hurts so much but it feels so great when you are done. The Olympics is definately giving me inspiration! When it hurts so bad I just have an imaginary commentary going on in my head. "And Cyndie A. is picking up the pace in the last 100 meters. You can sure tell she has been training hard. Look at her go!" And then the crowd cheers.
It also helps that Don runs with me and frustratingly talks about how fast I am. But I know it wont be long before he is beating me. Which is alright because then it will be a challenge to chase him...and Im sure he wont mind that at all.
We are supposed to do 1K slow and then 1K fast and then repeat 3 times. We drove to a local highschool and did 2 laps instead which is 800 meters I think, close enough. It was super hot and humid and when we did our first 2 fast laps Don said, this is retarded but by the last 2 fast laps he was getting into it. It was really hard to do 2 laps fast. I wanted to stop so bad but I imagined being at the marathon clinic during speed training. There was no way I was stopping then, I would get way too far behind. So I imagined big scary, fast Ironmen coming behind me.
When we were done Don raved about what a good workout it was which made me very happy knowing I would have someone to train with. It was a great feeling when we were done and high fived each other, although we didnt make a slap sound because we were too sweaty and slimy. There were sprinklers going at the highschool so we ran through them and cooled off but what a sight we were!
Yesterday we did our second speed training session. I actually brought my watch with this time. Im just new to this caring about time thing. My first 2 laps I did in 3 min 40 sec, 2nd was 3:47 and the third was 3:42. You are supposed to do each one faster but I dont know how you are supposed to do that?! I guess if you have one of those fancy shmancy Garmins you know your pace at all times.
Speed work hurts so much but it feels so great when you are done. The Olympics is definately giving me inspiration! When it hurts so bad I just have an imaginary commentary going on in my head. "And Cyndie A. is picking up the pace in the last 100 meters. You can sure tell she has been training hard. Look at her go!" And then the crowd cheers.
It also helps that Don runs with me and frustratingly talks about how fast I am. But I know it wont be long before he is beating me. Which is alright because then it will be a challenge to chase him...and Im sure he wont mind that at all.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Im Going For It!
When I was doing the marathon I had a secret unspoken goal. I didnt want to tell anyone because it was enough just to think about it and it just seemed too far out of reach. I wanted to get a PR and beat 4:32 but secretly I was hoping for somewhere around 4:20 and I told myself if I did that I would try to qualify for the Boston Marathon. There...I just said it out loud. Well my time was 4:14 and I was so excited but was not ready to go for it yet.
Then last week I did a 1/4 marathon and got 55:13 and won first place in my age class! This made it easier to figure out if Boston was doable. If I did 55 minutes four times my marathon time would be approx 3:40 Wow! My qualifying time is to get under 4 hours. I would never be able to keep that pace up for 42K though. But... I would have 4 extra minutes per quarter and still qualify. Im starting to think this is maybe possibly possible that just maybe I can qualify for Boston???
Im going for it!
(Several moments later.........)
I just registered for the Scotiabank Waterfront Toronto Marathon October 14 and Im scared to death! I'm doing another marathon...am I nuts. Im going to chase a BQ! No thats not Dairy Queen but a Boston Qualifier.
Im going for it! There's no time like the present to chase your dreams. Whats the worst that can happen? I dont qualify....dont finish....waste registration money.....drive my husband nuts and he leaves me......at least I get will get another cool race shirt.
I will have to train by myself this time though. The marathon clinics have started up over a month ago. I wont have the embarrasment of being last running with the Ironmen from the Running Free store pushing me to go faster. I found out later that my marathon clinic leader Matt had the fastest Canadian Boston Marathon time! I didnt realize who I was running with! He was very encouraging and I learned alot from him.
My Boston Ready Plan:
Monday - 10K Tempo Run
Tuesday - Gym/Weights and Speed Work - 1k slow / 1K fast 3 or 4 times
Wednesday - Gym - 1/2 hr Bike & 1/2 hr Weights
Thursday - Easy 10K
Friday - Off
Saturday - Long Run
Sunday - Off
Woohoo! Just hope my 50 year old legs hold out.
Then last week I did a 1/4 marathon and got 55:13 and won first place in my age class! This made it easier to figure out if Boston was doable. If I did 55 minutes four times my marathon time would be approx 3:40 Wow! My qualifying time is to get under 4 hours. I would never be able to keep that pace up for 42K though. But... I would have 4 extra minutes per quarter and still qualify. Im starting to think this is maybe possibly possible that just maybe I can qualify for Boston???
Im going for it!
(Several moments later.........)
I just registered for the Scotiabank Waterfront Toronto Marathon October 14 and Im scared to death! I'm doing another marathon...am I nuts. Im going to chase a BQ! No thats not Dairy Queen but a Boston Qualifier.
Im going for it! There's no time like the present to chase your dreams. Whats the worst that can happen? I dont qualify....dont finish....waste registration money.....drive my husband nuts and he leaves me......at least I get will get another cool race shirt.
I will have to train by myself this time though. The marathon clinics have started up over a month ago. I wont have the embarrasment of being last running with the Ironmen from the Running Free store pushing me to go faster. I found out later that my marathon clinic leader Matt had the fastest Canadian Boston Marathon time! I didnt realize who I was running with! He was very encouraging and I learned alot from him.
My Boston Ready Plan:
Monday - 10K Tempo Run
Tuesday - Gym/Weights and Speed Work - 1k slow / 1K fast 3 or 4 times
Wednesday - Gym - 1/2 hr Bike & 1/2 hr Weights
Thursday - Easy 10K
Friday - Off
Saturday - Long Run
Sunday - Off
Woohoo! Just hope my 50 year old legs hold out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)