Making the Best of Cycling

I did just over 10 on my cycle today. I realized as I was riding along that chances are that bike measures distance in miles and that I would have to look into that. I kind of took it easy riding today. I still need to do a cyclefit at some point owing from last week. If I cycle on a recumbent stationary bike I can read. That is what I did today, at the end of each chapter I just did a little bit of speed work. I am  reading the 2nd book in the series that Game of Thrones is based on. It's incredibly good and I highly recommend it. So, not much to report on today's venture. Although, I don't understand why my gym is so busy.

"Running is a mental sport...and we're all insane!"

3.02K @ 7'27
AND
375 m swim

In the handy dandy triathlon for beginners book that I am reading, appropriately titled The Slow, Fat Triathlete (http://www.amazon.com/Slow-Fat-Triathlete-Athletic-Dreams/dp/1569244677), when you train by doing more than one sport you are "brick training". It gets you used to doing things with an already tired body.

In real life, my "brick training" is because I've been lazy all week and have some catch up to do. I still owe a spin class. I just didn't want to get up at 8 AM to get to one today. Please keep in mind that I do work until midnight. Don't judge me too harshly. So I headed off to my friendly YMCA. Before going I was very indecisive about this whole doing 2 sports thing. Finally I sucked it up thinking, it's ONLY a 3 K and a pretty short swim. Plus, I'd had a conversation with my friend and said that I thought once I got my license that I would get to the gym more because it was such a hassle taking the bus there. I don't want to be a liar.

There's a park behind the Y and I considered doing my run there then going in for a swim. Then- are you ready for this?- I decided it would just be easier to run on the treadmill and get into the pool. That's right folks. I USED A TREADMILL. I was reminded of the reasons that I so despise them when a great song came on and it was somewhat difficult to dance/run. I did manage to practice what I preach though and put aside my self consciousness and mouthed along to my songs and busted out some great arm dancing without abandon. I did like that I could set my desired pace and go for it. Sometimes I bumped into the bar that controlled the tv and changed the channels inadvertently. I wasn't watching tv though so I didn't care. I'm sure if anyone could have seen the screen they would have wondered why I watched Dora while I worked out. All in all it was a good run.

After the run with the ensuing jelly legs, I wobbled my way down to the pool. There was an aquafit session occurring (shout out to my homies, LOVE aquafit!). I was there to do the much less fun and  more intense laps though. There were 4 of us sharing one lane. The other women had goggles and swim caps. They were serious swimmers. Oh maaaaaaaaaaaan. Why couldn't the human buoy be back? I did pretty well though. Having them in the same lane and the class in session made the water a little more tricky to swim in. I also got a good lesson in being tired and still working out. Those arm dance moves I mentioned earlier? They were a mistake, I felt like I should have conserved that energy. i think having the other legit swimmers there was also a bit motivating because I didn't want them catching up to me.

I was fine though. I lost track of how many lengths I done because I just enjoy swimming so much that I wasn't really keeping track. I know that I did at LEAST 14 but I think I did more. In the book I also read about Master's swims and their deceptive name. You don't need to be a super swimmer to participate and I see that one of the Y's in town offers them on a lunch hour so I may brave one of those to get a good workout. Again, the most difficult part of me is getting to a class the first time. I think like most people I am terrified that everyone there is going to be better than me. That's rarely been my experience and when I am the worst, there was no pointing and laughing. I survived. I like getting instruction because it pushes me that little bit extra and I always learn something new. All in all, I think I did pretty well today, at least I enjoyed myself.

Wet Snow is Worse Than Rain.

5.7K @ 7'47

Today's run was interesting. I guess the only thing worse than running in the rain is running in wet snow. It kind of slaps you in the face. I was doing a timed run so I knew I would be out there for 44 minutes. I knew it would be an impressive feat if I actually got my butt out there, and I did. So, be impressed. Haha, just teasing.

I don't have any actual schedule that I'm following as of right now while trying to train for the tri. I do throw in the occasional timed run so that I can keep up my distance because following my tri I want to start training for a 10 k. Slowly but surely my distance is inching up. I find that I don't exactly run my fastest when I am doing a timed run because I know that I am going to be out there for the same amount of time no matter how fast I run.

It was also interesting having my clothes plastered to me as a result of the rain/snow mix that I slogged my way through today. It added weight to my legs. My arms were also tired after this run. I didn't think to wear gloves and my hands were shoved in my jacket sleeves so firmly stayed in a 90 degree position for the entire run, which they are not used to.

Also, having come to realize how motivational music is to me during my work outs, I do not know what I was thinking when I made up the play list for today's run. It was very slow jam-y. I'll really have to make a better one up.

All in all today was just a get out there and do it run and I accomplished that so I am pleased.

"Life is an echo. What you send out- you get back."

Just a quick update. I did my swim distance today. I thought it would take me roughly 20 minutes. It took me roughly 13. Haha, definitely underestimated myself there. I got to the gym and there were lessons happening but there's always one lane dedicated to laps. There was one other man in there. Just floating. Not actually swimming. One lane and there was a buoy in it. i just swam around the dude. At least he wasn't moving around too much. Part of the way through the swim he stopped me and asked how I moved so silently through the water without splashing and complimented me on my consideration. I am not sure that it was a good thing that I wasn't splashing around. Oh, he also told me that I don't leave a wake. Swimmers splash around a lot don't they? I guess I should have been pushing myself harder. Holy smokes though! I used to swim all the time and I have no idea how I did it. I only did 15 lengths and this whole body workout thing is exhausting. My God, did I ever love it. Makes up for the stupid cycle.

I just keep imagining how tired I am after each the run, cycle and swim separately and imagine what it's going to be like stringing them all together. So my benchmarks are: Run 20 min, Cycle 50 min, and swim 13 min- that one I am not certain on cuz I can't see without my glasses, plus that was not an open water swim so I am gonna say 15ish. All in all, I am forecasting that it will take me an hour and a half to finish this thing factoring in being tired and the weather. I've got quite a bit of time to train.

No Thank You

Today I did a 10 K cycle in 50 minutes and 25 seconds on a stationary bike. I wasn't too keen on this aspect of training for a triathlon. My butt really hurt. It did give me a nice energy boost for work though. It also offered me an opportunity to remind me how important the music I listen to is to my exercising. Certain songs really get me moving. Some make me want to start clapping overhead. I'd look ridiculous doing that at the gym, but I kind of wondered what would happen...I also listened to a Russell Brand comedy routine- "Scandalous" it still makes me chuckle so I laughed throughout the workout which was also nice, considering how loooooooooooooong the workout was. I feel like I need to improve on my cycling the most because I dislike it so much so I want to spend as little time as possible doing it. I'd also like to point out the pace time that I had would have been slower than the dude who ran and won the 5K race that I went to.

"Running is real and relatively simple

…but it ain't easy." --Mark Will-Weber

2.5 K @ 7'39

I had to laugh when I was looking for a quote for the title and came across this one after today's run. I have been incredibly stressed out about a driving test that I had today. Ever since I was 16, as in the DAY OF, I have pretty much had my beginners license. I am 28.5. I am not a huge fan of driving and never really needed my license. Looking for work though, I hit a roadblock and actually need my G2 for a job so I finally sucked it up and decided to get it. Because there was a lot counting on it and I've gotten it at such a high financial cost (driving lessons twice, previous attempts...) I was determined to get it this time. AAAAAAAAAAAAAand I was really REALLY nervous throughout the entire process. I did it though! got my license today. This is another situation where I was the only one getting in my way and let nerves take over, so that was key today, not letting my nerves get the best of me. Prior to the road test I got together is a couple of fantastic friends and the world's cutest toddler (or, if you're in the industry, "tod") to keep my nerves in check. I also consumed copious amounts of McDonalds. Did you know that happy meals come with yogurt now? Back to the test- I did well. Only a few minor errors. I think I held my breath the entire time. Regardless, that's over with and the next test isn't for another year and I love highway driving so I will be fine on the next one.

Relief after the test!

When am I getting to the exercise bit you're thinking, I know...but it was a huge deal for me. SO to celebrate, I thought I'm gonna just go for a quick run. 2.5 K. This week I want to set the benchmarks for my training for the tri by doing the distances for the race. The run is only 2.5 k but I imagine I am going to be on quite rubbery legs for it. It took 19 and a half minutes (hm, I just looked at that time and had figured it'd take me longer, that's good). I was powering out there and 100m into my run thinking about how my wrist kinda hurt and wondering if I'd been clenching the wheel that hard or had injured it at work when I felt my toe catch (toe pick!). Why do falls always feel like they're happening in slow motion? I actually thought it was just gonna be a little stumble and I'd recover, nope. Flat out. Scraped up palms and elbow. Blood and everything! right on a corner of a busy intersection. Blarg. I sat up, dusted myself off and continued to run. It did sting, but I knew the endorphins would kick in and the pain would go away. Who needs running anyways?! I have my license now! haha kidding.

The worst of my scrapes. At least I was sober when it happened.

When I got home and examined the damage it was  nothing a little soap, water and polysporin won't fix. I hate band aids though. Goes back to my swimming days when I'd be swimming away and one would get caught in my fingers. I know right, you want to barf a little reading that...That's how I feel looking at them. Even boxes of them. Anyways, I'm wiping blood off of my computer as I type this cuz I don't want to put anything over it. I should call in sick to work, tell them I've incurred a running injury.

Race Day

The start/finish line.

Today was the big day. I'd trained 3 months for this. I feel pretty good about my run. I didn't bring my Nike+ and it wasn't a race with chip timing so I can't give you an exact result. I was really disappointed about this. I know I ran hard and pushed myself and I'm happy. It's the end of my 5K races.

The weather was not ideal but it was not hot (and not hailing/snowing as it apparently was last year). The rain stopped by the end of the race and was never too intense. At the 4K mark there was a big looooong (.5K) uphill but I refused to walk up it. I was slow but I was not walking. It left me quite breathless. The last half kilometre was easy after that and I am certain that I crossed the finish line smiling. The route definitely had potential to be beautiful if it had have been sunny. The cherry blossoms were out in full bloom. I crossed over several bridges and there was all kinds of wildlife surrounding me. High Park is quite lovely.

Approaching the finish line.

The first place guy finished it in like, 17 and a half minutes, I know he passed me in the loop when I had completed 1.5 k and he had completed 3.5K. I love seeing those first runners, they're so amazing. The trouble with the fact that there was no chip timing is that I don't know the exact time I got started and when you start in a pack like that it takes a bit to hit your stride. I was also at the back of the pack. So, I crossed the finish line in 41 minutes and a few seconds but I know that I finished in 40 minutes at the most. That last uphill was definitely a killer. I improved my position in the 2nd half of the race over 4 people. Yes, I counted, and yes, they were all adults. I find this comforting, it's kind of the whole slow and steady wins the race, thing. Regardless, this was my fastest race to date.

As for the event itself, it's the smallest I've participated in. There wasn't enough signage and we (my mom came with me as a supporter) had a lot of difficulty finding the start line. There were no medals and the race kit was modest but I did get a really great aluminum water bottle. I could have requested a certificate of participation but the MC said they'd be great for kids, so really, I'd feel a bit ridiculous. I do have my race bib and a few pictures though, so that's enough. The absolute best thing about this race that I didn't get at the other two I'd been in was the volunteers. I really liked that they were posted every half K and they were all provided with clappers, horns and other such delightful noisemakers and they sure used them. The encouragement was awesome! It made me smile every time I ran by them. For a small race they even had a boisterous crowd at the end celebrating the finishes.

Crossing the finish line, it looks like I am walking, let me assure you I am not.

I'm not sure that I would participate in this event again but I had a good day. Thanks to all who contributed and my mom for coming out and taking pictures.. Next up: The Try-a-Try in August.

What What!!

5.01 K @ 7'22

I'll allow you to compute the above...get your calculator if you need it...how long did it take me to do that run? UNDER THIRTY SEVEN MINUTES! Yes, indeed. I think I am probably most proud of this run of any I've done in the past 3 months. It's really set me up well for Sunday. I am not expecting to have another run this fast. This was a hill run, and for part of it I was wearing a backpack.

Part of the glamour of not driving is that I must squeeze many activities into one trip. So I did my hill run and left 1.5 K for running to my friend's place. I was going directly to work after the visit so it meant I'd have to bring my stuff with me. So I made a quick pit stop and grabbed my bag before the stretch to her place. It was my first time running with a backpack and yes, I felt like an idiot. I feel like an idiot a lot of the time though so really, I didn't care. I know I've talked about letting go of what other people think of you when you're running.

Whenever I see someone out there I always just think good for them. In fact, I saw what I believed to be a father and son out running tonight. I was so struck by it that I actually shared that I had seen them with my brother. They were true runners. Long beautiful strides and they were completely in sync. It's really amazing to me to watch "real" runners out there, they make it look so easy. Normally, I have a twinge of jealousy ever wondering if I'll get there, but today watching the pair I just appreciated the athleticism and the work that they had to have put in to get there. A few minutes after that I saw another woman running, similar to what I know I look like. Like every step is actually work, short stride, iPod in hand; and I felt a strange kinship toward her and smiled at the thought that I felt connected to anyone who in any form was an athlete.

"Even if You're on the Right Track...

you'll get run over if you just sit there". - Will Rogers
5K @ 7'33

All right, for once I am going to say how happy I was with my pace time. So happy, in fact, I teared up a little. With just 2 runs left before race date I was pretty much ecstatic to run it in under 38 minutes. I had decided on a goal for my race which is a time of 38 minutes and 45 seconds. That means a pace of 7'45. If I manage to keep a pretty decent pace on my next 5K I may bump it down a touch. I wasn't expecting such a speedy run today, I must admit.

I have had a bit of a cold this week and an ear ache. My second one this year, as in, during 2012. I'd never really had them before. I just kept my headband firmly in place over my ear and today wasn't too windy so it doesn't seem worse for wear.  The weather was perfect. Gorgeous sunny day, not too warm. Looking ahead to Sunday it's supposed to be warm, but rainy. Of course! Mother nature, you sure know how to mess with me.

In other news, the set up of the blog is gonna change a bit next week as I'm gonna be cutting back on my running because I have to pick up cycling and swimming as well in order to train for a try a tri at the beginning of August. After Sunday I will have completed three 5 K races so it's time to shake it up a bit. I will be swimming 375m, biking (yuck!) 10 k and then running a mere 2.5 k. I say mere now not having swum or biked prior to running. I am kind of excited about this and have no idea how to train for the event the race site is fantastic though, and had tonnes of tips and literally goes through the race form registration to crossing the finish line.

In addition- does anyone use resistance bands to train? I picked up a few and like using them but they only come with 6 exercises.

I Kinda Liked That.

3.02@ 7'14

Today I stayed in bed because I could hear the wind blowing outside and I didn't want to get up and run in the wind. I puttered around dilly dallying hoping that the wind would calm down a bit before I ran. Hey, I'm a recreational runner, I don't like adverse weather conditions. I do make a deal with myself on windy days though, I run into the wind for my first half then let it blow me back. It was very windy. There is an upside to that as I don't sweat as much running into the wind, which was good today because I've misplace my beloved headband.  My ear buds kept getting blown out of my ears and as you can see, my pace time was way below normal; in part because I tend to run 3 K's faster, I love those days, a 3 feels like so much less of a chore and I also credit mother nature for the other part.

I realized that I talk about pace time a lot but for my non-runner readers I'm not sure if you know what I am talking about. When I say that I have done 3.02 K @ 7'14 it means that I have done 3 K at a pace of 7'14 the pace means how long it takes me to do 1k so in this case it took me 7 minutes and 14 seconds on average per K. If you look on the map, 1 k is about the distance that I ran on Mohawk.

"Other People May Not Have High Expectations of Me...

but I have high expectations for myself." -- Shannon Miller
5.54@ 7'47

Happy Easter, everybody!

On this Good Friday I ran my least favourite route which is North up Upper Ottawa. The way back is mostly a slight incline and as much as I enjoy running uphill I don't enjoy running up slope. As I've discussed, I often contemplate my blog while I run. Today I was at a bit of a loss. Perfect weather, running a normal route, mediocre pace time...but, it is Good Friday and I started thinking about sacrifice.

What do I sacrifice to run? I really came up with nothing. As I went along I came up with time, money and walking. With running you risk injury, as I've experienced. So I sacrificed walking for a few weeks and still occasionally experience pain from that. Money- I need shoes and I do invest in some proper running clothes. As for time? I give up about two hours a week to run. If I were to weigh all of these sacrifices they still outweigh the positive that I get from running.

The pain is insignificant, and had I been more assertive in pursuing proper diagnosis and seeing a Dr who would have been better able to understand the injury I would have recovered sooner. So to my readers: go to your GP, ER and walk in clinic Drs do not have a specialized enough knowledge to diagnosis. There- that sacrifice has now benefited tens of readers. The sacrifice of cash is outweighed by the physical and mental benefits of running. My blood pressure and sugars are lower when I run, those are immediate results that I can measure as soon as I get home. There are multiple other benefits, my agility has improved and I walk into far less things, I can run to catch buses faster and over greater distance and not be out of breath when I get on, and my weight hasn't significantly increased even though I eat like garbage (yes, it's not the best for my Diabetes but something I am going to start to work on this month since my exercise schedule has reached a level I am content with). I invest about $200 a year in clothes for running. Largely due to shoes. This year I've run 30 times. This means I have paid $6.67 per run. In 3 months. Technically this year I have paid a grand total of $15 for a headband. So, I have paid 50 cents per run this year. Doing this math actually made me feel pretty good about running. Before the end of the year I may have to invest in new shoes, really, that's the priciest piece of equipment.  Lastly, running also gives me two hours to myself where my mind can wander and I can have a bit of peace. I often find myself focused on running or the music I'm listening to, my mind is clear. This is something I can never achieve at any other time. Meditation is NOT my thing. What I realized is that running is not a sacrifice. I gain so much more from it that I had ever expected.

I enjoyed my mini reflection today while I ran and what I've accomplished in 3 months. I've dropped my pace time by about 30 seconds and my average distance has increased by a kilometre. That's pretty darn good if I do say so myself!

I also want to take the opportunity to thank  my Dad, Mandy, Sarah and Crystal for their support and donation to me for my race. There's currently a foodbank shortage so I know the money will go far to feed hundreds with the Daily Bread Foodbank. Even greater I want to thank those who read and respond to my blog. It offers me great motivation to continue.

Just Did It.

3.63 @ 7'25

I ran on a track today so no map. It'd pretty much be me drawing a repeated 400 m oval. Track running is also my 2nd least favourite form of running. For many of the same reasons as a treadmill. I feel like I don't go anywhere. At least I'm outside if I'm on a track. It was a beautiful day for a run. Slightly windy, also an issue I dislike whilst track running. Half of each round is against wind. The track near my house is near a high school so I have to shed any self consciousness and run knowing that there could be possibly hundreds of pair of eyes watching me run. In addition, an elementary school gym class joined me on the track.

Why was I on a track if I dislike it? Today's run called for sprints. So it was 3 K plus 6 100m sprints. They felt pretty good. I was really focused on doing the entire 100 m as fast as I could, it's so easy to cut it short when you're out there on your own. I liked being able to run across the finish line at full speed. It allowed for some visualization for race day. Sounds cheesy but it's supposed to work.

As nice as the weather was today I definitely did not want to get out there. I have a rule that I'm not sure I've discussed which is the 10 minute rule if I REALLY REALLY don't want to get out there I tell myself to do just 10 minutes and if I still REALLY don't want to do it then I can call it quits. I think I've only quit once.

There's a glitch on my Nike+ and after almost every run Tiger Woods comes on and tells me that I ran 250 k, makes me feel like an ultra marathoner.

"You Have a Choice...

You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face." -Gatorade

5 K @ 7'35

Today was ideal for a run. I know I am not looking forward to the summer heat but today was amazing. In part, I'm sure, because I also enjoyed myself on the run. I try to check my pace after the end of every song and today I had forgotten to do that. I was just out there enjoying myself. I felt really good after doing the hill run yesterday.

I have five more runs until race day and my excitement is mounting. This is technically the first run that I've actually properly trained for. The first one I didn't run the entire month beforehand and the second I  trained one week prior. I think I may have also had developed diabetes by that point. Both times I wanted to run it in less than 40 minutes and failed to do so. So I'm trying to choose a reasonable time now. I could set the same one, but I think I could easily do that. There's no way I could do it in under 35 I may just do under 39. That means about a 7'45 pace time, which is what I've been trying to keep it under of late.

Here's a great video that I found kind of amazing and inspired me with regards to determination. It's a Canada-US individual tug of war.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsPIzRsUtlE

A Weather First

4K @ 7'30

My run today was a hill run. My hill runs entail repeatedly running up and down across a highway overpass. I did try running up the escarpment and ended up crying. So maybe I will get to that again one day. The instructions on the running program I'm using says to run hard on the uphills and take it easy on the downhills. I am quite pleased with my 7'30 pace time and it felt really good. As I have written before, I really enjoy uphill runs. I like the fact that there is immediate gratification once you get over the crest of the hill and go flat or, even better, head downhill.

I obviously am a couple days behind in running as I was scheduled to do this on Friday. I woke up to a very very grey day and the sound of rain. Drats! Rain, my natural running enemy. I do not enjoy it. I often find myself uncomfortable. So, I waited until I couldn't hear anymore raindrops. Then, I hustled it out of the house. It rained a bit while I was out there but my unhappiness was neutralized by my enjoyment of running the hill. In my last half kilometre home it began to hail. Which was a first for me.

Exactly one fortnight until race day!
Sponsor me at: https://www.runningroom.com/dashboard/donations/index.php?raceId=7510&eventId=23519&memberId=UzMCPFQzUzQGYgQ1BzE%3D&item=8&guest=1
I'm only 15 dollars away from my goal!