Tri training is starting up again. I took a couple of weeks off from training after the race I have a cold and I always wait a week after a race until I start training again. so I waited the week, then was sick a week. I went to a baby shower today for a ling-time friend. Like, almost 25 year long- time friend. It was a really lovely afternoon. Then, I come home and read outside for a while. The weather is finally warming up here in southern Ontario.
I'm giving you the background because I was most definitely not in the mood to get out there today. BUT I DID. After aimlessly wandering in my hallway for a bit I figured I may as well put on my runners and head out. I was going to wait until this evening but Game of Thrones is on and I didn't want to be going out at 10. This is basically a pointless post. I went and did 3 miles in 48 minutes. At my last race I realized that my nike+ was a quarter of a K off in it's calculations. For every K it was telling me, it was actually less. Which sucks. Because now I don't know my actual speed, I guess I can just aim to go faster.
Today's run was actually quite pleasant. I recently did a stress test and got to see how exercise does affect your blood pressure immediately. So, I tried to push myself a little harder than I normally would. I still had some gas in the tank at the end. It was quite a nice run. I was sweating, breathing moderately heavily and soaking in the sunshine.
I often find on days like today when I'm forcing myself to get out there I just make up my mind and go, the more I dawdle the less likely I am to actually go. So, I didn't even hit the bathroom today before I left and I was very thankful that there's a McDonald's a km from my house. It worked out well for me. And on that note, I will end. Lesson of the day: pee before you flee.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
"All Runners are Equal, Their Times are Just Different"
About a week and a half ago I did the Mercedes Oakville 10k. It was by far the most fun running race that I've done. The race followed a week after the Boston Marathon Bombing. There was evidence of support being offered throughout the racers, there were special bibs, t-shirts and armbands. Of course I was also thinking about the victims of the events. When I heard about what had happened I couldn't stop thinking about those racers that did not get to finish the race. It's the best part. You're so tired but crossing the finish line knowing that you've accomplished something is amazing.
I've not previously done this race so I am not sure if the event is always so fun but I really enjoyed the atmosphere. At the end of the race you are entered to win the lease of a Mercedes for a year. The site informed participants that there was no parking available on site so we were to take a shuttle from the Bronte Go station to Appleby College. I showed up an hour early but still had to wait for 2 buses before I could get on one. This is my only complaint. I think they underestimated the number of people who would be utilizing the shuttle. I was nervous as the race was to begin at 8 and I got on the shuttle at 7:45 and had yet to pick up my race kit.
When I arrived on site, we had wonderful weather and everything was incredibly organized. Like all races there were people everywhere but it was well controlled. The announcers were great and funny. I went to the tent to grab my race kit and they couldn't find me because I'd registered by inverting my name. A fact I hadn't realized until I had gotten home and looked at a picture of my race bib. Even at the end of the race when the person congratulated 'Stanek' for finishing the race it didn't dawn on me. The bag check was also really well organized. They took a part of my bib, tied it to my bag and they were all organized by number.
Instead of a moment of silence for the victims in Boston they played Sweet Caroline. At the start line they had people with signs marking where you should be based on your estimated finish time. Normally, they just tell the fast people to be in the front. I liked this better because I find that there's always so much shuffling and congestion. The announcer described each category in terms that he defined them. The first being the people who had run a 5K warm up and were running laps back and forth, the next were vegans, the following were people who enjoyed potato chips and exercised so that they could indulge, and lastly the group I was in was described as the people who someone recommended that they give it a try and were likely to be hungover.
At the kilometre markers they had quotes posted. One was pain is only temporary, I think that was the 3rd K. At 8, it was 'I'm beginning to doubt the pain is temporary sign earlier'. At 9 it was only 1 more K until you can win a car. It was a good route, not too hilly. I was surprised at the number of the people in the community who came out to watch. Running along the main street some of the stores had staff in front cheering people on. There was one store that had a group of women in front cheering people on with horns and signs. One read 'run faster I just farted and another that said, 'you're kind of a big deal'. Which was a nice reminder that not many people participate in 10Ks. It came at a good time as I was quite tired. I was EXHAUSTED, actually.
As I completed the race people who had already finished were walking out of the finishing gates, not realizing there were people still finishing. I heard the announcers ask people to be aware that there were still people finishing the race and they wanted everyone to have a good experience finishing. I thought that was really nice. I got a medal for completing and they're the best! I love getting them.
I highly recommend this race as they also have a tot trot and junior jog. It was really a family affair with lots of prizes too. I did not win the car, but really have a wonderful experience.
I've not previously done this race so I am not sure if the event is always so fun but I really enjoyed the atmosphere. At the end of the race you are entered to win the lease of a Mercedes for a year. The site informed participants that there was no parking available on site so we were to take a shuttle from the Bronte Go station to Appleby College. I showed up an hour early but still had to wait for 2 buses before I could get on one. This is my only complaint. I think they underestimated the number of people who would be utilizing the shuttle. I was nervous as the race was to begin at 8 and I got on the shuttle at 7:45 and had yet to pick up my race kit.
When I arrived on site, we had wonderful weather and everything was incredibly organized. Like all races there were people everywhere but it was well controlled. The announcers were great and funny. I went to the tent to grab my race kit and they couldn't find me because I'd registered by inverting my name. A fact I hadn't realized until I had gotten home and looked at a picture of my race bib. Even at the end of the race when the person congratulated 'Stanek' for finishing the race it didn't dawn on me. The bag check was also really well organized. They took a part of my bib, tied it to my bag and they were all organized by number.
Instead of a moment of silence for the victims in Boston they played Sweet Caroline. At the start line they had people with signs marking where you should be based on your estimated finish time. Normally, they just tell the fast people to be in the front. I liked this better because I find that there's always so much shuffling and congestion. The announcer described each category in terms that he defined them. The first being the people who had run a 5K warm up and were running laps back and forth, the next were vegans, the following were people who enjoyed potato chips and exercised so that they could indulge, and lastly the group I was in was described as the people who someone recommended that they give it a try and were likely to be hungover.
At the kilometre markers they had quotes posted. One was pain is only temporary, I think that was the 3rd K. At 8, it was 'I'm beginning to doubt the pain is temporary sign earlier'. At 9 it was only 1 more K until you can win a car. It was a good route, not too hilly. I was surprised at the number of the people in the community who came out to watch. Running along the main street some of the stores had staff in front cheering people on. There was one store that had a group of women in front cheering people on with horns and signs. One read 'run faster I just farted and another that said, 'you're kind of a big deal'. Which was a nice reminder that not many people participate in 10Ks. It came at a good time as I was quite tired. I was EXHAUSTED, actually.
As I completed the race people who had already finished were walking out of the finishing gates, not realizing there were people still finishing. I heard the announcers ask people to be aware that there were still people finishing the race and they wanted everyone to have a good experience finishing. I thought that was really nice. I got a medal for completing and they're the best! I love getting them.
I highly recommend this race as they also have a tot trot and junior jog. It was really a family affair with lots of prizes too. I did not win the car, but really have a wonderful experience.
Monday, April 8, 2013
My Doctor Will Be Happy
6.5K @ 8'03
Surprise Song: The Time of Times by Badly Drawn Boy
Takin' Me Home Song: Black Betty by Ram Jam
The Time of Times surprised me because I would never have though to put it on my running play list. When I headed out on my run today, I decided that I would just put my iPod on shuffle. When this song came on it made me feel light and bouncy and it put a spring into my step.
The reason that my doctor would be happy is that I went to the gym to do yoga and hit upon a slow driver plus a lack of parking thus, was only a few minutes early for the class. Monday nights are a particularly busy class. As I entered the room I noticed it was pretty full. I don't particularly enjoy this instructor so when I saw how full it was I decided that instead of worming my way into a spot and overcrowding an already crowded space that I would go for a run instead.
As you may recall, my doctor told me that yoga was not real exercise. Running, by his account, is. I am feeling particularly motivated these day as my race is less than 2 weeks away. I bumped into someone last week who asked how my running was and when I told her it was pretty much non existent and that my race was quickly approaching a mixture of concern and surprise crossed her face. That kind of guilted me into action.
So, regardless of the rainy weather I knew I committed to getting out there again. It wasn't too rainy and the 4 degree weather is pleasant to run in keeping me cool. At one point it started to rain quite heavily but it was a brief rainfall. I felt pretty good on my way home. I AM concerned about race day as the first half was tiresome. Ah well, I'll survive. Once that is done then I will begin training for my tri again. I'll be happy to shake things up a bit.
Surprise Song: The Time of Times by Badly Drawn Boy
Takin' Me Home Song: Black Betty by Ram Jam
The Time of Times surprised me because I would never have though to put it on my running play list. When I headed out on my run today, I decided that I would just put my iPod on shuffle. When this song came on it made me feel light and bouncy and it put a spring into my step.
The reason that my doctor would be happy is that I went to the gym to do yoga and hit upon a slow driver plus a lack of parking thus, was only a few minutes early for the class. Monday nights are a particularly busy class. As I entered the room I noticed it was pretty full. I don't particularly enjoy this instructor so when I saw how full it was I decided that instead of worming my way into a spot and overcrowding an already crowded space that I would go for a run instead.
As you may recall, my doctor told me that yoga was not real exercise. Running, by his account, is. I am feeling particularly motivated these day as my race is less than 2 weeks away. I bumped into someone last week who asked how my running was and when I told her it was pretty much non existent and that my race was quickly approaching a mixture of concern and surprise crossed her face. That kind of guilted me into action.
So, regardless of the rainy weather I knew I committed to getting out there again. It wasn't too rainy and the 4 degree weather is pleasant to run in keeping me cool. At one point it started to rain quite heavily but it was a brief rainfall. I felt pretty good on my way home. I AM concerned about race day as the first half was tiresome. Ah well, I'll survive. Once that is done then I will begin training for my tri again. I'll be happy to shake things up a bit.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
“Human beings are...
made up of flesh and blood, and a miracle fiber called courage.” -George Patton
8 K @ 8'05
go.nike.com/06k2n1k3
Happy St Patrick's Day! Hope everyone has an enjoyable day. I WISH that I was out running right now in the snow globe world that is outside. I'm just not sure I'd quite manage as I've been celebrating. I am still the reigning Caps Champion.
I ran earlier this evening though. I really, really, REALLY did not want to. REALLLLLLLLLY. I did it though (pause for accolades)....
I could have easily let myself off the hook as I'd already run 4 times this week. Plus, it was -5 but felt like -10 out there. AND, I was just having a plain ole crappy day. I did it though. All 5 miles. My body was achy, I was emotionally exhausted and it took me 2 hours to motivate myself but I did it.
I was so angry and miserable out there and thought to myself that I should really re-evaluate my relationship with running (yes, those exact words). Like a relationship with a person, I felt that it was no longer making me happy, the spark just wasn't there anymore. Why was this? What was I getting from this? If I didn't run, what would I do instead? I decided I would just focus on running and save my existential crisis for later. I cursed a lot and just did the one foot in front of the other thing.
Running did require extra focus today as there was a skiff of snow hiding frozen puddles that made the route particularly slippery. I trudged along wishing that someone had have talked me out of this venture today. I hit my last mile and I don't know what it was but I felt myself pick up the pace and felt overall lighter. I knew that this 5 miles was better than my last. I did finish the run smiling.
I guess I'll stick with this stupid hobby. At least for one more day...tomorrow IS a rest day after all...
8 K @ 8'05
go.nike.com/06k2n1k3
Happy St Patrick's Day! Hope everyone has an enjoyable day. I WISH that I was out running right now in the snow globe world that is outside. I'm just not sure I'd quite manage as I've been celebrating. I am still the reigning Caps Champion.
I ran earlier this evening though. I really, really, REALLY did not want to. REALLLLLLLLLY. I did it though (pause for accolades)....
I could have easily let myself off the hook as I'd already run 4 times this week. Plus, it was -5 but felt like -10 out there. AND, I was just having a plain ole crappy day. I did it though. All 5 miles. My body was achy, I was emotionally exhausted and it took me 2 hours to motivate myself but I did it.
I was so angry and miserable out there and thought to myself that I should really re-evaluate my relationship with running (yes, those exact words). Like a relationship with a person, I felt that it was no longer making me happy, the spark just wasn't there anymore. Why was this? What was I getting from this? If I didn't run, what would I do instead? I decided I would just focus on running and save my existential crisis for later. I cursed a lot and just did the one foot in front of the other thing.
Running did require extra focus today as there was a skiff of snow hiding frozen puddles that made the route particularly slippery. I trudged along wishing that someone had have talked me out of this venture today. I hit my last mile and I don't know what it was but I felt myself pick up the pace and felt overall lighter. I knew that this 5 miles was better than my last. I did finish the run smiling.
I guess I'll stick with this stupid hobby. At least for one more day...tomorrow IS a rest day after all...
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Sunny with a Chance of a Terrible Run
8K @ 8'15
go.nike.com/1lj3vsv
I was not feeling well this morning after a terrible sleep, got up, heard that an appointment was cancelled and went back to be. When I finally got out of bed at 1 this afternoon I dawdled debating whether or not I run.
I know that if I can easily be de-railed when I am on a training schedule. That was my biggest argument with myself and the clincher in the matter. So I went out also keeping in mind that yesterday was a rest day so I should be feeling fresh out there today. The wind picked up as I was out there and unfortunately I had to run into it for the last mile and a half.
I even took a break. I never take breaks. I know that these terrible runs make the good ones all the better so I just kept reminding myself of that. Plus, tomorrow is only 4 miles and today was 5, so my next run will already be better.
Read a bit about a Soldier On participant:
http://www.globalnews.ca/Health/canadian+soldier+dominic+larocque+on+fast+track+to+2014+paralympics/6442766791/story.html
go.nike.com/1lj3vsv
I was not feeling well this morning after a terrible sleep, got up, heard that an appointment was cancelled and went back to be. When I finally got out of bed at 1 this afternoon I dawdled debating whether or not I run.
I know that if I can easily be de-railed when I am on a training schedule. That was my biggest argument with myself and the clincher in the matter. So I went out also keeping in mind that yesterday was a rest day so I should be feeling fresh out there today. The wind picked up as I was out there and unfortunately I had to run into it for the last mile and a half.
I even took a break. I never take breaks. I know that these terrible runs make the good ones all the better so I just kept reminding myself of that. Plus, tomorrow is only 4 miles and today was 5, so my next run will already be better.
Read a bit about a Soldier On participant:
http://www.globalnews.ca/Health/canadian+soldier+dominic+larocque+on+fast+track+to+2014+paralympics/6442766791/story.html
Monday, March 11, 2013
“Mental will is
a muscle that needs exercise, just like the muscles of the body.” -Lynn Jennings
4.8K @ 7'36
http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/activity/running/detail/2113090614?external_share_id=b6ed1e4f-d802-4fe3-95f7-a5fc7633c1a8&fb_action_ids=10100477670527457&fb_action_types=nikeapp%3Arun&fb_source=timeline_og&action_object_map=%7B%2210100477670527457%22%3A623474887678093%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210100477670527457%22%3A%22nikeapp%3Arun%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D
This particular quote is oh, so appropriate for today. The weather conditions tonight were less than ideal for me after not having run for the better part of 3 months (with the exception of my resolution run).
So, I am supposed to be running another 10K race in a couple months. I have not, as of yet, registered for the race. I will get around to it. I have planned to train according to that date. It's a pretty intense schedule of running 6 days a week. Some things have changed since I last wrote. I am currently 'between jobs'. I got sick of being underemployed as a cleaner and picked up a contract job working on a research project. I could have kept the cleaning as a security measure knowing the contract was ending at the end of February but decided it was time to cut the safety net and start my career. So if anyone knows of anyone looking for a stellar social worker direct them my way. With this new found free time I hope to log more training time.
I also met with a specialist last week who is an internist regarding my pancreas and all the stuff going on inside me, which is a lot... Not much to report on that front I have been referred for a CT to take a look at the little fella and see if he's shrivelled up, falling apart, and so forth. I was referred from my nurse at the diabetes clinic (who I incidentally bumped into tonight at the gym...more on that...). I check in there on a monthly basis pretty much. Last week I met with the dietitian who asked how much activity I do and I told her yoga 3 times a week, she said, "wow". I didn't think it was that impressive but I appreciated the awe, regardless. Two days later I'm with the specialist. He asks me the same thing and he says, "no, I mean real exercise" I was quite indignant and told him that an hour of yoga burns 247 calories. (I have to concede, spinning burns 7-800 but that wasn't the point!) I also asked him if he'd done yoga, when he said no I said "well, there you go" when really I wanted to tell him to shut his trap. I'd already called another doctor stupid (which I'm not sure he appreciated) at that point so figured I would take it easy on the guy.
He also told me that once you start exercising you don't want to stop. I was also tempted to tell him that I had trained for 10K and stopped running immediately after race day and trained for the tri in the summer and still didn't feel compelled to continue exercising beyond the minimal yoga that I'd kept up. I dont' have anything against the guy but, don't lie to me about how "addicting" exercise is. Yes, I enjoy it. But I would still rather not go for a 40 minute run in the rain regardless of how many times I've done it.
So tonight, I went to a yoga class with a couple of my friends and I happened to bump into my nurse who referred me (see, I told you I'd get back to it) and I told her about the appt and that he said yoga wasn't real exercise. As I bid her adieu I told her I was going to "exercise" and she told me she would tell him that she saw me "exercising". I appreciated it. I hope she does. I'm also going to print off articles about the health benefits of yoga for him for my next appt. I strongly believe that yoga is for everyone and a great way to ease into exercise for the inactive. Frick.
Back to the run for the day. I had been waiting for it to stop raining before I went for a run. It rained all day. After yoga I had to suck it up and head out. Full disclosure- it was laundry day- Thus, I had to run in a damp sports bra. It made me want to run even less. I hate rain, I hate March, uncomfortable bra, first run back. The odds were against me enjoying the event.
I rain in the rain with my new contacts, I liked the fact that I didn't have drops impeding my view, there's nothing I could do about the fact that it was march but the 6 degrees made for the perfect running temperature. I didn't even notice the bra. I figure that since I swam in it for the tri and didn't notice it that I would actually be ok after all, it was just an excuse.
First run back- I am not sure about others but I always find them difficult. It's always most difficult to just get out there. I did run the first 2km with a stitch, I chose music that would really distract me and I chose well tonight. Even though I haven't been out I have learned a lot about my body and how I feel running. I knew at kilometre 3 that that's where I was just because I felt good and finally in a groove at that point. The last 2 were really good, actually. I was REALLY tired by the end and it was definitely a struggle picking up the pace in the last 400 but I felt good knowing that I had worked hard.
I was exhausted when I heard that my pace was 7'36. It really made it worth the effort for me. I am always happy with anything sub 7'45 so that pace time was fantastic! I'd made a point of not checking it through the run knowing I just wanted to finish as I didn't expect too much from myself.
Just an update on my last post. I did get my coat from the race and it looks great and fits me. I had forgotten that I had it and should have given it a go tonight.
Here's a link to some fantastic sports GIFs
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jpmoore/the-funniest-sports-gifs-of-2012
I super enjoy Usain Bolt, the coach who can't make a heart and the worst pitch of all time.
Namaste.
4.8K @ 7'36
http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/activity/running/detail/2113090614?external_share_id=b6ed1e4f-d802-4fe3-95f7-a5fc7633c1a8&fb_action_ids=10100477670527457&fb_action_types=nikeapp%3Arun&fb_source=timeline_og&action_object_map=%7B%2210100477670527457%22%3A623474887678093%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210100477670527457%22%3A%22nikeapp%3Arun%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D
This particular quote is oh, so appropriate for today. The weather conditions tonight were less than ideal for me after not having run for the better part of 3 months (with the exception of my resolution run).
So, I am supposed to be running another 10K race in a couple months. I have not, as of yet, registered for the race. I will get around to it. I have planned to train according to that date. It's a pretty intense schedule of running 6 days a week. Some things have changed since I last wrote. I am currently 'between jobs'. I got sick of being underemployed as a cleaner and picked up a contract job working on a research project. I could have kept the cleaning as a security measure knowing the contract was ending at the end of February but decided it was time to cut the safety net and start my career. So if anyone knows of anyone looking for a stellar social worker direct them my way. With this new found free time I hope to log more training time.
I also met with a specialist last week who is an internist regarding my pancreas and all the stuff going on inside me, which is a lot... Not much to report on that front I have been referred for a CT to take a look at the little fella and see if he's shrivelled up, falling apart, and so forth. I was referred from my nurse at the diabetes clinic (who I incidentally bumped into tonight at the gym...more on that...). I check in there on a monthly basis pretty much. Last week I met with the dietitian who asked how much activity I do and I told her yoga 3 times a week, she said, "wow". I didn't think it was that impressive but I appreciated the awe, regardless. Two days later I'm with the specialist. He asks me the same thing and he says, "no, I mean real exercise" I was quite indignant and told him that an hour of yoga burns 247 calories. (I have to concede, spinning burns 7-800 but that wasn't the point!) I also asked him if he'd done yoga, when he said no I said "well, there you go" when really I wanted to tell him to shut his trap. I'd already called another doctor stupid (which I'm not sure he appreciated) at that point so figured I would take it easy on the guy.
He also told me that once you start exercising you don't want to stop. I was also tempted to tell him that I had trained for 10K and stopped running immediately after race day and trained for the tri in the summer and still didn't feel compelled to continue exercising beyond the minimal yoga that I'd kept up. I dont' have anything against the guy but, don't lie to me about how "addicting" exercise is. Yes, I enjoy it. But I would still rather not go for a 40 minute run in the rain regardless of how many times I've done it.
So tonight, I went to a yoga class with a couple of my friends and I happened to bump into my nurse who referred me (see, I told you I'd get back to it) and I told her about the appt and that he said yoga wasn't real exercise. As I bid her adieu I told her I was going to "exercise" and she told me she would tell him that she saw me "exercising". I appreciated it. I hope she does. I'm also going to print off articles about the health benefits of yoga for him for my next appt. I strongly believe that yoga is for everyone and a great way to ease into exercise for the inactive. Frick.
Back to the run for the day. I had been waiting for it to stop raining before I went for a run. It rained all day. After yoga I had to suck it up and head out. Full disclosure- it was laundry day- Thus, I had to run in a damp sports bra. It made me want to run even less. I hate rain, I hate March, uncomfortable bra, first run back. The odds were against me enjoying the event.
I rain in the rain with my new contacts, I liked the fact that I didn't have drops impeding my view, there's nothing I could do about the fact that it was march but the 6 degrees made for the perfect running temperature. I didn't even notice the bra. I figure that since I swam in it for the tri and didn't notice it that I would actually be ok after all, it was just an excuse.
First run back- I am not sure about others but I always find them difficult. It's always most difficult to just get out there. I did run the first 2km with a stitch, I chose music that would really distract me and I chose well tonight. Even though I haven't been out I have learned a lot about my body and how I feel running. I knew at kilometre 3 that that's where I was just because I felt good and finally in a groove at that point. The last 2 were really good, actually. I was REALLY tired by the end and it was definitely a struggle picking up the pace in the last 400 but I felt good knowing that I had worked hard.
I was exhausted when I heard that my pace was 7'36. It really made it worth the effort for me. I am always happy with anything sub 7'45 so that pace time was fantastic! I'd made a point of not checking it through the run knowing I just wanted to finish as I didn't expect too much from myself.
Just an update on my last post. I did get my coat from the race and it looks great and fits me. I had forgotten that I had it and should have given it a go tonight.
Here's a link to some fantastic sports GIFs
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jpmoore/the-funniest-sports-gifs-of-2012
I super enjoy Usain Bolt, the coach who can't make a heart and the worst pitch of all time.
Namaste.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Resolution Run
Today was race day! Wait, what? I last posted a month ago? Yup, that would be correct. Today's race was a bit different. I was alone for one, no spectators. I ran in Kitchener. It was my first winter race. Let me tell you, only real runners participate in a winter 10K run.
I was checking the information on the run and I noticed that they hadn't listed a same day race kit pick-up time. I panicked and called the store and they told me that they would bring the leftovers for us. This race gives a coat, so I wanted my coat but I did not want to drive from Hamilton to Waterloo Region twice in two days so I resolved to just take my chance. If they didn't have a coat that fit me, I'd take one regardless and at least SOMEONE would get a nice coat out of it.
Last night I got everything together that I would need today. I planned on hitting the hay early then Notting Hill was on (my favourite movie ending ever) so of course I had to watch it through. Then, because it was based in England and I was watching it on NYE I remembered that the 2012 Big Fat Quiz of the year would have occurred. So, against my better judgement I youtubed that because I LOVE them. I reassured myself that I would just see if it was there, then I would go to bed and, sure enough it had been uploaded. Well, I told myself, I would just fall asleep to it. Fuck that! It was hilarious. So, I watched it in it's entirety. 2 AM rolled around and I knew I HAD to go to bed as I had a 7:45 wake up planned.
I slept incredibly well and woke up feeling refreshed. I ate my traditional peanut butter on toast and banana and headed out, thankful that I'd prepared everything the night before. I got to the site and when I went to pick up my kit they did not have my coat but told me they'd order one for me. I thought that was nice.
I went out to the car and waited for the race to start as it was 9:45 and it didn't start until 10:30, as per the event website. I figured that I would listen to the Game of Thrones Audiobook that I'd uploaded to my iPod for a bit. Then I noticed a crowd of people come out and head to the entrance of the parking lot, which I assumed to be the start line. I found this rather curious. I started to gather my things, at 10 I headed over to see what was going on, if they were doing a warm up or whatever. Oh nope, not the case. The race was starting at 10. I was about 200m away and heard a great cheer and watched the pack take off. I started flat out sprinting towards them to catch up.
I had 4 people behind me, walking. God bless the walkers, I thought. They ensure that I would not finish last. The race was being run in 4 laps of 2.5k. it went uphill, flat, uphill, flat, uphill, loooooong downhill. I finished the first lap knowing that I was definitely in the last 5 when I heard the walkers behind me say, ok that was our warm up lap, let's start running. Fuck, I thought. Fuck. There is a good chance that I am going to finish this last. In the past month I hadn't run and I'd decided to focus more on yoga. While I've done yoga everyday for 5 weeks, Yoga is not cardio. It is definitely not 10 kilometres of cardio with a freakin' brutal cold (which I've had since boxing day- mind you, a cold is not pancreatitus, so better than my last tenner). I know a few people started late because I saw then when I finished my first lap, they must have seen the 10:30 start time as well.
I just told myself to keep on going and that I could always quit, there was no medal to be had and I was guaranteed my coat. I kept on though. One man gave me a thumbs up on a hill as he passed on my second lap, I liked that, vowing that if I was ever fast enough to pass others, I'd do the same. I'm not confidant that this situation will ever arise.
As I started on the first uphill in the third lap, a weird thing happened. the insides of my knees started to cramp. This has NEVER happened before. EVER. It was so strange. It was painful. I don't know if it happened because there were so many uphills or because it was cold, or a combination of both, but it was the STRANGEST thing ever. I figured I'd just keep going. If it was a cramp it would go away, when I hit the flat and the 2nd uphill it was gone. Then on my third lap after the long uphill a man told me to keep it up and that I'd crushed that uphill. I'm not gonna lie, I got a little choked up at that point. I love running uphill and I know he was just being nice but I was also debating at the point if I should call it quits after 3 laps. I'd noticed that I had not seen the last 2 walkers after I finished 5 K so I assumed that they'd dropped out.
NO! I decided. I would continue. When I finished my third lap the guy was telling people their times and it was an hour 10 minutes at that point. My goal was to run it in 90 minutes. This race was not chip timed and having started the run a little later than the others with only 2.5K left to go I knew with certainty that I would be able to run the last lap in 20 minutes. I always felt good during the last 2 kilometres. And I did! I finished in 90 minutes. This means that I knocked 2 minutes off my previous time. A new personal best! As I ran that last lap, there were no volunteers out stationed in their spots. I figured he, someone has to finish last and at least I finished. Unlike those walking drop outs. There was no one to cheer me on at the finish line and it kind of sucked as they'd even packed up the pylons but I was surprisingly ok with it all.
The day was gorgeous, perfect for a run. I love my winter running and I felt SO good in that last lap. I'm always happy to finish 10, it's far. Not many people run it on a regular basis (including me, apparently). I just listened to my Game of Thrones audiobook and enjoyed the day, even pushed myself a bit and I felt it a very rewarding race.
I was checking the information on the run and I noticed that they hadn't listed a same day race kit pick-up time. I panicked and called the store and they told me that they would bring the leftovers for us. This race gives a coat, so I wanted my coat but I did not want to drive from Hamilton to Waterloo Region twice in two days so I resolved to just take my chance. If they didn't have a coat that fit me, I'd take one regardless and at least SOMEONE would get a nice coat out of it.
Last night I got everything together that I would need today. I planned on hitting the hay early then Notting Hill was on (my favourite movie ending ever) so of course I had to watch it through. Then, because it was based in England and I was watching it on NYE I remembered that the 2012 Big Fat Quiz of the year would have occurred. So, against my better judgement I youtubed that because I LOVE them. I reassured myself that I would just see if it was there, then I would go to bed and, sure enough it had been uploaded. Well, I told myself, I would just fall asleep to it. Fuck that! It was hilarious. So, I watched it in it's entirety. 2 AM rolled around and I knew I HAD to go to bed as I had a 7:45 wake up planned.
I slept incredibly well and woke up feeling refreshed. I ate my traditional peanut butter on toast and banana and headed out, thankful that I'd prepared everything the night before. I got to the site and when I went to pick up my kit they did not have my coat but told me they'd order one for me. I thought that was nice.
I went out to the car and waited for the race to start as it was 9:45 and it didn't start until 10:30, as per the event website. I figured that I would listen to the Game of Thrones Audiobook that I'd uploaded to my iPod for a bit. Then I noticed a crowd of people come out and head to the entrance of the parking lot, which I assumed to be the start line. I found this rather curious. I started to gather my things, at 10 I headed over to see what was going on, if they were doing a warm up or whatever. Oh nope, not the case. The race was starting at 10. I was about 200m away and heard a great cheer and watched the pack take off. I started flat out sprinting towards them to catch up.
I had 4 people behind me, walking. God bless the walkers, I thought. They ensure that I would not finish last. The race was being run in 4 laps of 2.5k. it went uphill, flat, uphill, flat, uphill, loooooong downhill. I finished the first lap knowing that I was definitely in the last 5 when I heard the walkers behind me say, ok that was our warm up lap, let's start running. Fuck, I thought. Fuck. There is a good chance that I am going to finish this last. In the past month I hadn't run and I'd decided to focus more on yoga. While I've done yoga everyday for 5 weeks, Yoga is not cardio. It is definitely not 10 kilometres of cardio with a freakin' brutal cold (which I've had since boxing day- mind you, a cold is not pancreatitus, so better than my last tenner). I know a few people started late because I saw then when I finished my first lap, they must have seen the 10:30 start time as well.
I just told myself to keep on going and that I could always quit, there was no medal to be had and I was guaranteed my coat. I kept on though. One man gave me a thumbs up on a hill as he passed on my second lap, I liked that, vowing that if I was ever fast enough to pass others, I'd do the same. I'm not confidant that this situation will ever arise.
As I started on the first uphill in the third lap, a weird thing happened. the insides of my knees started to cramp. This has NEVER happened before. EVER. It was so strange. It was painful. I don't know if it happened because there were so many uphills or because it was cold, or a combination of both, but it was the STRANGEST thing ever. I figured I'd just keep going. If it was a cramp it would go away, when I hit the flat and the 2nd uphill it was gone. Then on my third lap after the long uphill a man told me to keep it up and that I'd crushed that uphill. I'm not gonna lie, I got a little choked up at that point. I love running uphill and I know he was just being nice but I was also debating at the point if I should call it quits after 3 laps. I'd noticed that I had not seen the last 2 walkers after I finished 5 K so I assumed that they'd dropped out.
NO! I decided. I would continue. When I finished my third lap the guy was telling people their times and it was an hour 10 minutes at that point. My goal was to run it in 90 minutes. This race was not chip timed and having started the run a little later than the others with only 2.5K left to go I knew with certainty that I would be able to run the last lap in 20 minutes. I always felt good during the last 2 kilometres. And I did! I finished in 90 minutes. This means that I knocked 2 minutes off my previous time. A new personal best! As I ran that last lap, there were no volunteers out stationed in their spots. I figured he, someone has to finish last and at least I finished. Unlike those walking drop outs. There was no one to cheer me on at the finish line and it kind of sucked as they'd even packed up the pylons but I was surprisingly ok with it all.
The day was gorgeous, perfect for a run. I love my winter running and I felt SO good in that last lap. I'm always happy to finish 10, it's far. Not many people run it on a regular basis (including me, apparently). I just listened to my Game of Thrones audiobook and enjoyed the day, even pushed myself a bit and I felt it a very rewarding race.
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