I'm behind in writing about my marathon clinic. I want to have a reminder of my training to look back on. Training is half the fun of doing the marathon. Its like being pregnant. Waiting and preparing for the special day, scared but yet excited. Ok well having a baby is way better and you get a baby at the end, in the marathon you just get sore muscles and feet, oh an bragging rights I guess. Not everyone can run a marathon but lots of people can have a baby. Enough! Im constantly comparing running a marathon to having a baby. I even wrote an article on it and it was published in The Running Room magazine, but I have to stop doing that.
Running can also be compared to our christian faith walk in so many ways. I'll never stop doing that! I was thinking about that a few weeks ago when I really didnt want to go to the marathon clinic. It was so dark and cold and they were doing a 13K tempo run. It was hard enough doing a 10K tempo, I didnt know if I could do 13. It was also a crappy week at home. I have "20-something" kids and it can get pretty scary sometimes and I start doubting and worrying. Well I forced myself to go to the clinic and was so glad I did. I was feeling really down and after the clinic I felt so great.
I ran 13k at a quick steady tempo, wasnt last and finished strong. But the best part was where the extra 3 kilometers took us. We ran to the Pickering waterfront and we could hear the waves get louder and louder as we got closer. The waves were huge and looked so dark and eerie but yet mysterious and amazing. Snow was lightly falling so you could see a little sparkle here and there. Its how I had always pictured the waves when Jesus walked on water. The disciples being amazed yet scared. How eerie that must have looked. Then I thought about how powerful God is and that He could make those mightly waves stop just by saying so. I felt so comforted. God always speaks to me when I am feeling down. He was showing me in such an amazing way that though my life may seem out of control and scary like those waves He is in control.
Then just as I was thinking that a Hillsong song came on my MP3 player (yes I snuck my little buddy with this time) . The song started "I have never walked on water..." seriously it did! What a God moment. Some would say coincidence but I know its not. The chorus goes: "You are my freedom, Jesus you're the reason, Im kneeling again at your throne, where would I be without you, here in my life, here in my life." I was singing that outloud the rest of the week, sometimes without realizing I was singing it outloud.
Anyways I was talking about how I compare running to my faith walk . That week I was thinking that on our faith walk, sometimes we are called to do something we really dont feel like doing, but when we do it anyway because we know God wants us to, we are always blessed. I find that with running too. Some nights I REALLY dont want to go but I am always blessed when I do. I also thought its like my Dad never wanting to miss church because he said that might be the day when its one of those life changing messages so he didnt want to miss it. Runnings like that too.
Running for Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health
Friday, March 9, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The First shall be Last & the Last shall be First
At Marathon Clinic last week's 10K tempo run I didnt come in dead last! When I got home I announced to my family "Second Last!" They gave me a huge cheer, well it was a cheer, I'll take it. I was starting to feel better about my running.
This week the leader announced we were doing 1 kilometer repeats. I was a little apprehensive but thought maybe I'd be better at this because in school I was always one of the top three in the short distance races.
Two leaders ran with a group of about 10 of us a couple kilometers to the 1K route. We ran the route slow and then we were supposed to do it fast and then repeat that 3 times. Our fast laps were supposed to get faster every time. I was the only one without a watch. They all wear these huge watches that cover half their forearm that shows all their stats. I've never been that technical about my running. I know my best race times and thats about it. One of the leaders said he'd keep track of my times. Gee thanks. I'm sure he's going to announce my times loudly for everyone to hear.
We did the first slow lap together chatting and laughing. Meanwhile Im trying to memorize the route so I dont get lost. Then came the first fast lap. No more talking it was serious, hardcore running now. I was the one hacking and coughing but keeping up, until the last stretch. I was dead last, again. The leader told me my time was 4:20 I think, I didnt know if that was good or not. I just know I was last.
My second fast lap was supposed to be faster but it wasnt. I thought I was going to die.
For our last fast lap the leader announced we were doing something different and switching things up. He said we were going to do things backwards. So that means you will be first and he pointed at me. My heart dropped. I mean I knew everyone knew I was last but this was embarrasing. He didnt even know my name. "And whats your name?" Cyndie, yeah thats me, Cyndie the tortoise. He said the next person would start 10 seconds after me ( that was Ed) and then 10 seconds after that another person would go. So the person who was usually first went last. The idea was that by the end we would all be in a line racing each other. Healthy, fun competition he said. Yeah fun for who Mr Jumbo Tron Watch? He said if your not used to being chased you'll feel what its like to be chased and vice versa.
So he gave me the signal to start. I started out fast, no one in front of me. Running free right up front, everyone chasing ME for once and ....I wanted to cry. I felt like running down the wrong road on purpose. I felt so embarrased and I wanted to stop right there and give up. I knew that any minute everyone would catch up to me and I'd be last again, except this time it would be even more humilating. I felt myself slowing down. Ok stop being a suck I chastised myself. Besides it felt kind of good being in front. Maybe I could just enjoy being first for a little while.
Earlier the leader had told us that what he does to push himself in a race is he concentrates on looking at an object and doesnt think about anything else. He blocks out his pain and just concentrates on that object. Well thats exactly what they taught us to do in Lamaze class and I''ve given birth to 4 babies! Hey I can do this!
The breathing hurt so bad but I concentrated on the next street sign. Then I realized I was halfway done the route and no one had caught up to me yet. I was giving it my all and trying to stay first for as long as I could. I could hear Ed breathing behind me. He caught up to me just towards the end. Ed was the only one who beat me! The leader said that was my fastest time and said it sure feels different being up front doesnt it? It sure did! When Im last I feel heavy and slow. It just shows how being first pumps you up.
I learned two things this week at Marathon Clinic. First of all we have to see ourselves as winners and feel like a winner and we have to believe in ourselves that we can do it. And second of all I need to do more kegel exercises.
This week the leader announced we were doing 1 kilometer repeats. I was a little apprehensive but thought maybe I'd be better at this because in school I was always one of the top three in the short distance races.
Two leaders ran with a group of about 10 of us a couple kilometers to the 1K route. We ran the route slow and then we were supposed to do it fast and then repeat that 3 times. Our fast laps were supposed to get faster every time. I was the only one without a watch. They all wear these huge watches that cover half their forearm that shows all their stats. I've never been that technical about my running. I know my best race times and thats about it. One of the leaders said he'd keep track of my times. Gee thanks. I'm sure he's going to announce my times loudly for everyone to hear.
We did the first slow lap together chatting and laughing. Meanwhile Im trying to memorize the route so I dont get lost. Then came the first fast lap. No more talking it was serious, hardcore running now. I was the one hacking and coughing but keeping up, until the last stretch. I was dead last, again. The leader told me my time was 4:20 I think, I didnt know if that was good or not. I just know I was last.
My second fast lap was supposed to be faster but it wasnt. I thought I was going to die.
For our last fast lap the leader announced we were doing something different and switching things up. He said we were going to do things backwards. So that means you will be first and he pointed at me. My heart dropped. I mean I knew everyone knew I was last but this was embarrasing. He didnt even know my name. "And whats your name?" Cyndie, yeah thats me, Cyndie the tortoise. He said the next person would start 10 seconds after me ( that was Ed) and then 10 seconds after that another person would go. So the person who was usually first went last. The idea was that by the end we would all be in a line racing each other. Healthy, fun competition he said. Yeah fun for who Mr Jumbo Tron Watch? He said if your not used to being chased you'll feel what its like to be chased and vice versa.
So he gave me the signal to start. I started out fast, no one in front of me. Running free right up front, everyone chasing ME for once and ....I wanted to cry. I felt like running down the wrong road on purpose. I felt so embarrased and I wanted to stop right there and give up. I knew that any minute everyone would catch up to me and I'd be last again, except this time it would be even more humilating. I felt myself slowing down. Ok stop being a suck I chastised myself. Besides it felt kind of good being in front. Maybe I could just enjoy being first for a little while.
Earlier the leader had told us that what he does to push himself in a race is he concentrates on looking at an object and doesnt think about anything else. He blocks out his pain and just concentrates on that object. Well thats exactly what they taught us to do in Lamaze class and I''ve given birth to 4 babies! Hey I can do this!
The breathing hurt so bad but I concentrated on the next street sign. Then I realized I was halfway done the route and no one had caught up to me yet. I was giving it my all and trying to stay first for as long as I could. I could hear Ed breathing behind me. He caught up to me just towards the end. Ed was the only one who beat me! The leader said that was my fastest time and said it sure feels different being up front doesnt it? It sure did! When Im last I feel heavy and slow. It just shows how being first pumps you up.
I learned two things this week at Marathon Clinic. First of all we have to see ourselves as winners and feel like a winner and we have to believe in ourselves that we can do it. And second of all I need to do more kegel exercises.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Puk On!
Last Saturday we went to my brother-in-law Mike's mother's funeral. Marie Haan lived a long, full life, raised 4 kids and was 97 years old. Her children talked about the dutch sayings she often used. One of them was "Puk On!" It means - tough it out and get going, you can do it, persevere, etc. Well this week at marathon clinic I had to tell myself to Puk On! several times.
I brought my head light this time like everyone else but still didnt look as cool. Maybe it was because I wore a cap with a fleece headband over top and then the headlight on top of that. Not cool I know. I even saw a girl in a car laughing at me as I walked in the store. I dont care, I rather have warm ears. I had forgotten my contacts and it was raining so thats why I had to wear a cap but I thought it was too cold for just a cap.
Before we headed out for another 10K tempo run the leader told us to MAKE SURE we did the first few kilometers as a warm-up. This is very important he said. Yeah yeah, I thought it was more important not to be last and proceeded to run way too fast at the beginning.
I pulled it off at first. I was sticking with the group. I was one of them. Then someone passed me, then another and another. Even these two tiny little ladies who I could probably stick in my back pocket and took tiny, baby steps passed me. How could they be faster than me? I was over dressed again and was so warm that I had to take my jacket off and in doing so got it all tangled up in my water bottle belt. Then the wind started. It got so windy I side stepped a couple of times. Thats when I realized I was last. Dead last. I almost felt like giving up. But I thought of Mike's mom and told myself to Puk On! I Pukked On running by myself in the dark up a long hill with the wind howling. I think I probably could have walked faster. I could see Ed ahead of me and it looked like he felt bad for me but the leader (Garth) told him to go ahead and he circled back to run with me.
Garth said I was doing great and he said it like he actually meant it. It helped. He talked alot which helped me get through those last kilometers. We werent that far behind the others but then we got stopped by a red light. Now I was dead dead last. He said he never worried about time but runs because he loves running. Although he did mention that he's done Boston AND now does ultramarathons, 100 kilometers! I dont know if I love running that much! He asked me about my goals and found out he's also turning 50 this year. It turned out to be a great run, even if I was dead last. I still got high fives from some of the front runners when I came in and Garth said I did great.
It doesnt feet great to be last and I've never felt so slow as I do with this group but I think I'll stick with it. These tempo runs are definately pushing me and can only improve my speed. I just have to Puk On!
I brought my head light this time like everyone else but still didnt look as cool. Maybe it was because I wore a cap with a fleece headband over top and then the headlight on top of that. Not cool I know. I even saw a girl in a car laughing at me as I walked in the store. I dont care, I rather have warm ears. I had forgotten my contacts and it was raining so thats why I had to wear a cap but I thought it was too cold for just a cap.
Before we headed out for another 10K tempo run the leader told us to MAKE SURE we did the first few kilometers as a warm-up. This is very important he said. Yeah yeah, I thought it was more important not to be last and proceeded to run way too fast at the beginning.
I pulled it off at first. I was sticking with the group. I was one of them. Then someone passed me, then another and another. Even these two tiny little ladies who I could probably stick in my back pocket and took tiny, baby steps passed me. How could they be faster than me? I was over dressed again and was so warm that I had to take my jacket off and in doing so got it all tangled up in my water bottle belt. Then the wind started. It got so windy I side stepped a couple of times. Thats when I realized I was last. Dead last. I almost felt like giving up. But I thought of Mike's mom and told myself to Puk On! I Pukked On running by myself in the dark up a long hill with the wind howling. I think I probably could have walked faster. I could see Ed ahead of me and it looked like he felt bad for me but the leader (Garth) told him to go ahead and he circled back to run with me.
Garth said I was doing great and he said it like he actually meant it. It helped. He talked alot which helped me get through those last kilometers. We werent that far behind the others but then we got stopped by a red light. Now I was dead dead last. He said he never worried about time but runs because he loves running. Although he did mention that he's done Boston AND now does ultramarathons, 100 kilometers! I dont know if I love running that much! He asked me about my goals and found out he's also turning 50 this year. It turned out to be a great run, even if I was dead last. I still got high fives from some of the front runners when I came in and Garth said I did great.
It doesnt feet great to be last and I've never felt so slow as I do with this group but I think I'll stick with it. These tempo runs are definately pushing me and can only improve my speed. I just have to Puk On!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Marathon Clinic Newbie
This May I am turning 50, yuck, and my goal is to run a full marathon in May and beat my 40th birthday marathon time.
For my 40th I joined a Running Room marathon clinic with a friend. It was great! We both "finished upright and smiling". (A famous and much used RR saying).
This year I've decided to join a Running Free store marathon clinic because first of all its free, (the Running Room is $70) and my brother in law Ed was joining. Perfect!
I went for the first time last night and noticed there is quite a difference from the Running Room people and the Running Free people.
First of all at the RR there are all different shapes and sizes of people and all different styles of running clothes and not so good for running clothes. Not so at RF. The second I walked in the door I realized these runners are hard core! Not one 'beginner looking' person in the room and nothing but top of the line running clothes and everyone had a headlight on their head. Ed had told me I should get a head light but I had never seen anyone run with a headlight before. The manager kindly gave me a small flashlight to carry and showed me the route on a huge map. Very nice but he might as well of stuck a Newbie sign on my forehead.
Everyone knew Ed. Hi Ed, hi Ed, hi Ed. I only knew Ed, but thats OK. An oppurtunity to meet new people right.
For the first night we were doing a 10K tempo run. I thought no problem, I run 10K everyweek. At the RR I was always in the middle of the pack. Not so at RF. I like to start off slow to warm up. No such luck. They took off and it was full speed, well at least full speed for me. One of the leaders ran with us slower people. I was worried that we were last but noticed there were 2 stragglers behind us. Great I thought but the leader told us they were "taking it easy" because they had run 2 marathons in the last 2 weeks. Seriously...what did I get myself into??!! Ed stayed with me, "the newbie". I told him he could run ahead but he said it was fine and wanted to take it easy too, sure Ed. Poor guy, stuck with the Newbie.
Even though we were second last I thought we were doing a pretty good pace. Thats until the leader said 'These first 5K are a warm up and then the last 5K you can give it all you've got" I whispered to Ed, I AM giving it all I've got already, I dont got anymore! This was about at kilometer number #4.
Running with other people did make the kilometers go faster. Im used to running by myself most of the time. Runners love talking about running and the races they've done but I found these RF hardcore veterans would ask me what races I'd done and before I'd finished they proceeded to list all their races. One guy listed his marathons and then said AND 2 Ironmans. I said I've done a sprint triathlon??.....yeah he didnt hear me.
Towards the end of the 10K I could see the RF store off in the distance. I decided to sprint the end to show I wasnt exhausted (I was) but unfortunately the store was a lot farther off than I thought it was. But I couldnt stop of course and look like an idiot so I pushed it until I got to the store. When we got there everyone was just finishing their stretching and eating the snacks already.
I stretched for abit and then went in the store. I could feel my face was bright red and all blothcy from sprinting at the end. What a Newbie face. I went to get some food but everyone was starting to sit down for the talk. Oh well, I didnt want any food anyway. The 2 leaders talked about nutrition and had a Q n A time. It was good but the whole time I was sweating profusely and peeling my layers off. Everyone else looked as cool as they did at the start....eating their bananas. I was starving!
I dont know if I fit in with these hardcore athletes. They all know their stats and talk about tempo runs and hill work and PRs bla bla bla and their fancy shmancy running clothes and high tech pants that are supposed to make you run 0.005 seconds faster. I just like to run because I love it. I listen to my music and take in my surroundings and dont worry about my time and my stats. Then again.... my husband has a headlight I could borrow. And if Im last I can only get better. Who am I kidding. I cant wait till next week!
For my 40th I joined a Running Room marathon clinic with a friend. It was great! We both "finished upright and smiling". (A famous and much used RR saying).
This year I've decided to join a Running Free store marathon clinic because first of all its free, (the Running Room is $70) and my brother in law Ed was joining. Perfect!
I went for the first time last night and noticed there is quite a difference from the Running Room people and the Running Free people.
First of all at the RR there are all different shapes and sizes of people and all different styles of running clothes and not so good for running clothes. Not so at RF. The second I walked in the door I realized these runners are hard core! Not one 'beginner looking' person in the room and nothing but top of the line running clothes and everyone had a headlight on their head. Ed had told me I should get a head light but I had never seen anyone run with a headlight before. The manager kindly gave me a small flashlight to carry and showed me the route on a huge map. Very nice but he might as well of stuck a Newbie sign on my forehead.
Everyone knew Ed. Hi Ed, hi Ed, hi Ed. I only knew Ed, but thats OK. An oppurtunity to meet new people right.
For the first night we were doing a 10K tempo run. I thought no problem, I run 10K everyweek. At the RR I was always in the middle of the pack. Not so at RF. I like to start off slow to warm up. No such luck. They took off and it was full speed, well at least full speed for me. One of the leaders ran with us slower people. I was worried that we were last but noticed there were 2 stragglers behind us. Great I thought but the leader told us they were "taking it easy" because they had run 2 marathons in the last 2 weeks. Seriously...what did I get myself into??!! Ed stayed with me, "the newbie". I told him he could run ahead but he said it was fine and wanted to take it easy too, sure Ed. Poor guy, stuck with the Newbie.
Even though we were second last I thought we were doing a pretty good pace. Thats until the leader said 'These first 5K are a warm up and then the last 5K you can give it all you've got" I whispered to Ed, I AM giving it all I've got already, I dont got anymore! This was about at kilometer number #4.
Running with other people did make the kilometers go faster. Im used to running by myself most of the time. Runners love talking about running and the races they've done but I found these RF hardcore veterans would ask me what races I'd done and before I'd finished they proceeded to list all their races. One guy listed his marathons and then said AND 2 Ironmans. I said I've done a sprint triathlon??.....yeah he didnt hear me.
Towards the end of the 10K I could see the RF store off in the distance. I decided to sprint the end to show I wasnt exhausted (I was) but unfortunately the store was a lot farther off than I thought it was. But I couldnt stop of course and look like an idiot so I pushed it until I got to the store. When we got there everyone was just finishing their stretching and eating the snacks already.
I stretched for abit and then went in the store. I could feel my face was bright red and all blothcy from sprinting at the end. What a Newbie face. I went to get some food but everyone was starting to sit down for the talk. Oh well, I didnt want any food anyway. The 2 leaders talked about nutrition and had a Q n A time. It was good but the whole time I was sweating profusely and peeling my layers off. Everyone else looked as cool as they did at the start....eating their bananas. I was starving!
I dont know if I fit in with these hardcore athletes. They all know their stats and talk about tempo runs and hill work and PRs bla bla bla and their fancy shmancy running clothes and high tech pants that are supposed to make you run 0.005 seconds faster. I just like to run because I love it. I listen to my music and take in my surroundings and dont worry about my time and my stats. Then again.... my husband has a headlight I could borrow. And if Im last I can only get better. Who am I kidding. I cant wait till next week!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
My New Motto
My new motto for the last couple days has been "I'm going for a run and nothing is going to stop me!" Not darkness, rain, snow, a hungry family, a messy house, laundry, stinky running clothes, Christmas shopping, etc. Nothing is stopping me. Once I let a little doubt creep in...I dont go. So Im being tough.
Last night it was dark, raining hard and it was already 6 o'clock with no supper started. But whats my motto? "Im going running and nothing is going to stop me!" I told my son to start supper.
I shut everything out of my mind except running and put on my running clothes. I was ready to head out the door when my daughter called. She needed a ride home from work. My baby was standing in the rain and needed a ride. What could I do? This is not stopping me, just delaying me abit. I will not give in. My daughter was glad for the ride but not very encouraging about running in the rain. She said I was crazy. Not stopping me. As soon as I got home I was out the door.
I started running and was wondering myself if I was crazy. My face hurt at first because the rain was pelting it so hard. As my body adjusted to the weather the rain actually started to feel good on my face. Listening to "Switchfoot" (0ne of my favourite bands) as I ran made me feel so happy. The Christmas lights in the rain were so beautiful! What a great night for a run! I thanked Jesus for my health, daughters, sons, rain, Christmas lights and a great motto.
Last night it was dark, raining hard and it was already 6 o'clock with no supper started. But whats my motto? "Im going running and nothing is going to stop me!" I told my son to start supper.
I shut everything out of my mind except running and put on my running clothes. I was ready to head out the door when my daughter called. She needed a ride home from work. My baby was standing in the rain and needed a ride. What could I do? This is not stopping me, just delaying me abit. I will not give in. My daughter was glad for the ride but not very encouraging about running in the rain. She said I was crazy. Not stopping me. As soon as I got home I was out the door.
I started running and was wondering myself if I was crazy. My face hurt at first because the rain was pelting it so hard. As my body adjusted to the weather the rain actually started to feel good on my face. Listening to "Switchfoot" (0ne of my favourite bands) as I ran made me feel so happy. The Christmas lights in the rain were so beautiful! What a great night for a run! I thanked Jesus for my health, daughters, sons, rain, Christmas lights and a great motto.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Great Morning Feeling
I finally gave in and renewed my gym membership. It feels great to be back at the gym. Its my escape out of my small house with 6 adults. I like running outside better than on the treadmill but its great for the winter. The gym is filled with people too but when I step up on the treadmill and put my earphones on Im in my own little world, in my own little space and I block everything else out. Just me and my music and running. This morning I was listening to a singer named "Lights". It was very inspiring. "I just want to run to you, and break off the chains and throw them away." It felt great and very freeing. I thought of how I need to focus on Jesus and give Him all my chains and He throws them away and makes my burdens light. When I was finished at the gym I stepped outside and it was beautiful, snowy and mild outside. It felt great to be alive. It felt great going to work this morning showered and coffee in hand and done my workout.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
God Is Bigger
Last week was a sad week. News of the death of a 21 year old daughter of friends and her unborn child, and a week before a death of a friend's only sibling who died days after getting married....plus some hard family issues.... it was just a very sad odd week because I had to fit birthdays in between it all and all I had on my mind was sadness. I didnt exercise or run all week. I had life to deal with.
Sunday morning was Mother's Day and I really didnt feel like celebrating it. What I really needed to do was go for a run. I got new running shoes for Mother's day and my birthday so I was determined that I was going to go for a run before church and put my mind at rest and just enjoy my gift and some time to myself.
I borrowed my daughter's Ipod and it had some beautiful praise music on it. There was a strong wind blowing as I ran and it reminded me of a song that had been on my mind all last week. "Consuming Fire" and one line is "come in like a rushing wind." I suddenly felt such love and praise for God. I just had this sense that God is bigger than all our problems and sadness. Im thankful for God and running.
Sunday morning was Mother's Day and I really didnt feel like celebrating it. What I really needed to do was go for a run. I got new running shoes for Mother's day and my birthday so I was determined that I was going to go for a run before church and put my mind at rest and just enjoy my gift and some time to myself.
I borrowed my daughter's Ipod and it had some beautiful praise music on it. There was a strong wind blowing as I ran and it reminded me of a song that had been on my mind all last week. "Consuming Fire" and one line is "come in like a rushing wind." I suddenly felt such love and praise for God. I just had this sense that God is bigger than all our problems and sadness. Im thankful for God and running.
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