"All it Takes is All You Got"- Marc Davis

5.63@ 7'34
http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_CA/plus/#//dashboard/

Today was a very lovely run. I really enjoyed it and am back in the training phase where I am actually running for fun right now. I realized this after talking to a friend of mine about how I don't really consider myself to be in shape and she said sarcastically, "Oh no, you just run 5K for fun". I had put it out of my mind until today when I found myself singing along with my music. In that moment I realized that I was having fun.

I'm still focused on my pace time but it's remained below 7'45 and when I checked it initially it was below 7'20 which was cheering and motivational. I did a bit of my run on the rail trail today. It's a decent place to go. Asphalt surface and there's sufficient nature. Last time I went along there I came across a garter snake.

I also came across an older woman all bundled up who stopped me and asked if I was cold. Which of course, I wasn't. It was perfect weather for me to run in. I am hoping for similar conditions on April 15.  The big race day! Speaking of- I'm still not at my fundraising goal- You can sponsor me at: http://www.giving.runningroom.com/hm/index.php

Take the Bad With the Good

4.08 K @ 7'23

This is a picture from an old blog, so cut off half a kilometre, I finished at about Anson. As you can see I improved on my time about 20 seconds. Such relief. I appreciated this run ever so much more because of the crappy one that I had yesterday. It was my favourite running weather out there. 2 degrees and sunny. Much more appropriate for March.

I was getting myself pumped up for the Olympics and was watching Usain Bolt videos. I remember watching him run the 100m at the last 2008 Olympics and being in awe of his speed. Just looking at those legs and how they propel him and how he doesn't only win races but dominates. I do find it amazing what the body can do. Here's one of the videos I watched. Just imagine being able to do that, and all the work that goes into it. What a person must be made of to be that committed. I can barely force myself out to run a mere 4K.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u18_-87Pb6U

Race day is only 20 days away! Here's my pledge page, I'm only at 30% of my goal. Come on folks! I know you have it in you:

https://www.runningroom.com/dashboard/donations/index.php?raceId=7510&eventId=23519&memberId=UTFWaAZhVTJUMAEwATc%3D&item=8&guest=1

Our Greatest Glory is Not in Never Falling, but in Rising Every Time We Fall. -Confucius

5 K @ 8'01 (ACK)

There it is again...an 8. I must admit, this worries me. With a race 3 weeks away I feel like I should be posting the best pace times I've ever had. This is not happening. It is frustrating. This felt like the 3rd worst run I'd ever been on. The first being an uphill that I'd done that was so hard that I cried, the second was my low blood pressure run that made me throw up. This one I only FELT like crying. I was so frustrated and disappointed. I am my own worst critic though, I've also had a pancreatic attack the past two days. I'm hoping that's the reason for my sluggishness. Realistically I know this is in all likelihood the reason.

In the middle of my run I laughed at something that happened yesterday. I took my friend's 6 year old daughter shopping for a birthday outfit. I was helping her get off the escalator and lifted her arm up. The one holding an ice cream cone. Hilariously, the cone fell on the top of her head. Poor kid, it was hilarious.

Use Your Eyes, Use Your Ears, Then Use Your Feet

3.02@ 7'25

Yesterday was a busy day filled with errand running for me. I actually got a sunburn from being outside for the duration of my erranding. Thus, I write my blog today. I'm sure people were anxiously awaiting it. I was pleased with my run. It was really hot out, gave me a hint of summer and something to dread. I'll have to take up running at night again.

Speaking of night time runs, when I went out Monday night I noticed something alarming. It's long been a personal pet peeve of mine but I would like to call your attention to it now since it is the season for more pedestrians to be hitting the road. Please, PLEASE be conscious of us runners (cyclists) out there. I'm not saying that we all follow the rules all the time. Monday night however; I wore a white t-shirt and headband with a reflective bit out to the front, conscious that I would be running in the dark. I was also running on the sidewalk facing traffic. When I was crossing the street over the Linc's on ramp a car didn't even slow down when I was running towards it. As a pedestrian I have the right of way. I don't care that you are bigger. You slow down to allow me to cross at the proper spot. In this same spot earlier a saw a driver start down the on ramp and realize that they did not in fact want to continue down it, so they BACKED UP in an ON RAMP. Guys, seriously, I like that you read my blog. I don't want less readers. Don't be an idiot. I most often have trouble when I am running past the exit of parking lots. Just be aware. Don't forget your shoulder checks in intersections. I am careful to make eye contact with drivers before I cross in front of them, but sometimes I can't and like I said not everyone is like me. Even though you may be in a fit of jealousy of my inspiring physique bumbling down the sidewalk, please don't run me down in your vehicle.

I really like this video: you've probably seen it as it was on the news.
http://youtu.be/ebtGRvP3ILg

Gotta Cut Me Some Slack

5.24 @ 7'51

I did a timed run today. I've noticed that I often run slower on them. I do them to build up my endurance. I was really disappointed in myself when I was looking at my pace times, they were at or above 8. I thought I was done with that pace time. I hadn't seen it in a few runs. Being my own coach I decided as a result of my slowness I was gonna take a route where I knew I'd have to do an uphill because I was disappointed with myself.

I finished the uphill, then headed down an unlit path and hit another uphill and I decide to really go for it on the hill. Suddenly I felt looser and my run a bit better. This is when I realized how stressed out and tight I'd been feeling. My best pace time was when I was sick and on cold meds. I was so loose on that run and it felt fantastic.

I also noticed that I was tighter in the upper body. I think that's because I was carrying my phone and my iPod. I may need to invest in a fanny pack so I don't have to carry them or clothes with pockets to carry my electronics.

When I was running uphill  and getting down on myself I was thinking about my friend's mom who posted yesterday that she had run 2K and how impressed I was with her. by this point I was on Kilometre 3 of my own jaunt. I had to remind myself that what I am doing impresses people to, that it's ok to celebrate successes. I need to remind myself that the standards I set for myself far exceed the expectations of those in my life and that I need to just take it easy and loosen up. It's difficult but sometimes I can do it, like tonight. I also need to remember that my 3rd K is always my slowest. During that time, I should remember my new favourite picture and maybe it will help me loosen up.



Makes me smile, every time.

"The Great Thing About Athletics is That it's Like Poker...

 sometimes you know what's in your hand and it may be a load of rubbish, but you've got to keep up the front".
--Sebastian Coe

3K @ 7'44
Today's run was adequate. I am not overly impressed with my pace time for that distance. Today's weather was absolutely gorgeous and I was expecting a really quick run. I guess I couldn't really expect much running the day after St Patrick's day. I was pretty tight and didn't loosen up and was having one of those days where I feel so slow and plodding and I was reminding myself that I AM a runner.

I am a runner...I was really getting down on myself , everything just felt off. Then in an odd coincidence, I bumped into a co-worker and she said "Oh, do you run around here?" I AM A RUNNER HUZZAH! This happened a mere 400 metres until the end of my run. Hope everyone enjoyed their St Patty's day.

Zen, or High...?

5K @ 7'20

I am quite pleased with today's run. and to think I almost didn't go. I was all dressed and ready to go, literally said, "no" aloud to myself and still turned down the hall and headed out. I'm still sick. I think all the meds formed some magical potion and took me out of my head as I ran. I decided to let my body do what it would while I was out there. When I noticed a consistent pace time under 7'30 I'd push myself a little more to maintain that speed. I am glad that I went out there but I still feel terrible. I think I am going to crawl back into bed for a bit before work. 

"Any Day I Am Too Busy to Run is a Day That I Am Too Busy- John Bryant

4 K @ 7'30

Today's run was pretty decent. It was the first time in a long time I was concerned with my pace time. My first and 4th K had the same pace time. I am always glad for consistency in my pace time. I'm not sure why, I think it relates to my aforementioned fear of running fast and to far and getting tired a distance away from my end point and having to stop. Realistically, if I could run when Dank was at his worst in BC and I was malnourished then I could keep running. So, this concern is somewhat irrational. What's a girl to do though eh?

I have to credit my ending pace time with the rain that began to fall. As much as I hate the rain it may be my greatest motivator. Those drops started to fall and I sped right up. I knew I would be a little farther from where I started when I finished cuz I took a little detour. I often will get slightly lost in unknown neighbourhoods where streets head north instead of south like I am hoping.

I still have my cold. It got worse today. Sleep and fluids.

A Little Postponed

5.07@ 7'43

My schedule has been all confused this week. Both my work and running schedule. I think this is why I got sick. I woke up yesterday with the first cold that I've had in 2 months. That's a long time for me. I definitely caught it at work. I noticed that I was sleeping a lot so I think I'd been fighting it then finally got sick. I think exercising has helped to boost my immune system. The commitment to my exercise regime has wavered.

Even though I was sick today, a commercial motivated me to run. I think it's a Tylenol commercial. The women is sick but doesn't let it stop her from getting out there. So weird the effect that marketing has on me.  I also thought about this stupid blog and that running 3 times a week isn't really that much and I should really just do it, even if I was sick.

In order to reward myself for actually getting out there today, even though it was beautiful weather and it really shouldn't have been an issue, I ran my favourite route. I got a nice energy boost from my run that lasted through an all you can eat sushi dinner.

I found this online today and found it quite amusing:

"Real Athletes Run, Others Just Play Games"

5K @ 7'40

Today was warm, warm, warm. Made me think about running in the summer. I am not looking forward to it at all. In Kelowna I really enjoyed running in the summer. It was hot there and dry. I got to run by orchards misting their apples and would get perfect respite from the beating sun. I wouldn't even notice the heat and people thought I was crazy to be out there in 35 degree heat. It didn't faze me.

 In southern Ontario it's the humidity that gets me. The moisture in the air is so oppressive. Running is meant to be freeing for me. I can feel the air clinging to my skin. I must admit I am far more committed to evening runs in the summer. I enjoy heading out when the air cools that 2 or 3 degrees. I like passing other runners out there, the familiar smile and nod that unites you briefly to a stranger.

My run was ok today. I confess that I like telling people that I do 5k. It sounds impressive to non-runners. Not so much to actual runners, especially when I tell them my pace time. It was also a windy run and I ran back with the wind to my back on purpose. I initially started heading north noticed how windy it was and changed direction. Lazy, yes but; I was pressed for time today. I'm keepin' at 'er though and those reading my blog now includes several other countries. It's always interesting to see where my readers are from. Thanks again, all.

“Success isn't how far you got...

but the distance you traveled from where you started.”

3.01 @ 7'42

Today's run falls firmly into the category of "at least I did it". I had a great weekend away skiing and spent hours on the slopes. Definitely that is one advantage that I've noticed with my ongoing commitment to fitness. I was able to stay out there hours and hours without getting tired. I did, however; get sore. It was also very cold out today we're talking real Canadian winter and it was -15 with the windchill. I learned from the past though and knew that my legs would feel better once I started running and I had such a good time in the cold yesterday skiing that I knew it would be a nice day to head out. Plus, I couldn't resist the sun.

I knew I wasn't going that quickly but I was glad that my training schedule only called for a 3K. I bundled up really well and it turned out that I didn't even need gloves so I shoved my iPod into it as in cold weather it has the tendency of shutting down. It was a fairly decent run, I was just happy to be under 8 with my sore muscles. 

Short One

2 K @ 7'07

Both a short run and a short blog. I've incorporated my Nike+ training into my running schedule. Thus, A shorter run at a higher pace. Nice to have a short run after my 5K yesterday and heading into the weekend. I'm heading to Blue Mountain for a ski weekend after work. We went last year and I had an amazing time. I've been looking forward to it for a year now. I fit my run into going to my friends to pick up something so, even though I was crunched for time I'm glad I still managed to fit it in. Not the ideal run week but I still managed to get out 3 times.

Socks To Be You

5 K @ 7'40

Today's run was really good. My first 5 K and it was under 40 minutes. I'm pleased with that. My last 2 race times were over 40 for a 5K. I think if I keep it up I may be able to do it in 35. My real goal would to be able to do it in half an hour.

All right, onto my FAVOURITE running gear. Socks. I realize shoes are probably more important but my socks are my favourite. The give me the greatest comfort. I absolutely HATE wet feet. My socks of choice are double layer so I don't get blisters and they absorb an awful lot of moisture. After my last race the inside of my shoes weren't wet, but my friend wouldn't believe me and wouldn't touch the inside of my shoe. I get them at Running Room. They're the Wrightsock - DLX Double Layer. Here's a picture and a link: 

http://www.shop.runningroom.com/product_info.php?cPath=273_271&products_id=3678&languages_id=1