New

I hadn't realized that it'd been almost a month since I'd last written anything. A few things have changed...or pretty much everything. I'm an entire year older and had a PERFECT 30th. My friends and family made me feel so special. I attended a friend of mine's BBQ and she bought me a cute little mini cake. My best friend created a scavenger hunt for me, then a surprise party. I did dinner with the fam at the restaurant that my brother is chef at and then drinks another night to round out the week. I was incredibly excited about my 30th, I started counting down as soon as I turned 29 and it's already been a pretty big year.

I also bought my first ever car. I did this because I required it for my new job! I started it a couple of weeks ago. I did not get the one where I was narrowed down to 2 for and received some really positive feedback for them. I actually got the job with my organization. It was really the position that I was most excited for. It's covering a mat leave for someone and is a great learning experience.

I always thought that if I had my own car then I would be more active. The sad reality is that this is true. What's sad about this is that if I really wanted to be active I would just do it regardless. I am happy that I'm hitting the gym a bit more. I still largely only do cardio. I'm on a real string though. Friday morning before work (I KNOW RIGHT! BEFORE WORK) I went swimming. Saturday I did some stairs, 759 to be exact. Sunday I did a cycle then today I did some rowing.

I liked swimming before work. I was just ill-prepared for it. The whole wet hair thing didn't go well for me. I knew that I would be going out Friday night and not have time to fit any activity in so I went in the AM. Saturday was slightly rainy so once it had paused I went to do some stairs near my house. I did 3 sets. My legs still hurt today. The going up got my heart pumping but the going down hurt my knees. Just like running downhill. The bracing is tough on the body. I went for a pretty easy ride yesterday. I was supposed to go with my brother but fate worked against us and he missed his bus and refused to ride his bike up the escarpment to meet me (I don't know what his issue was riding uphill to ride a bike with me, geeze! :) ) The rowing went well and I'm already feeling it in my arms, 2 hours later.

I am really enjoying the diversity of my activity. This is as a result of booking my Yukon trip. My brother and I have registered for a multi event 5 day excursion. Mountain biking, canoeing, hiking and a train ride into Alaska. It's a summer solstice trip and will take place at the end of June. It's going to be an amazing experience and I want to be able to enjoy it without the fear of death. So my new 'training' schedule is simply trying to replicate those activities. It's a bit different than training for a race but it's all activity at the end of the day and that's what is important.

You want me to do something...

tell me I can't do it.- Maya Angelou

This title doesn't really ring true for me. Others may find it relateable. I put it out there for you externally motivated folks.

I've been keepin' active this week. Monday night I went and played racquetball after work. Did a little solo session. I found myself smiling as I whacked away. I think I'm getting better. Or, I wasn't exhausted and actually felt like moving. I had planned on attending my first ever "latin funk" class (aka zumba the Y just doesn't own the rights to the name) but I'd read the schedule incorrectly and there was no class to be had. I figured I would do that and it'd be better than nothing and I enjoyed it.

On Tuesday I had a job interview over my lunch and I actually cried during it. I realized partway through the interview that I was in a serious interview for a grown up job that I really wanted. I normally LOVE interviews. The way I look at it is that the position is mine for the taking or else they wouldn't be interviewing me. Anyways, when this realization donned on me I got incredibly stressed plus I talked about a client who'd committed suicide. So the stress, excitement, passion and sadness I was feeling started leaking out of my eyes and I started crying. I got back to work knowing that I bombed what, to date- was the greatest employment opportunity in my life and feeling pretty downcast. I valued the experience though. They called an hour later to tell me that I had a second interview! It's a good thing it was a voicemail or else I would have started crying all over again. This time, I had to do a 10 minute presentation for them. Well this was Tues and they wanted to see me Thurs. I did some juggling and arranged it to do the interview over my lunch. That night, instead of working on my powerpoint and feeling emotionally taxed, I decided that I would go to do some yoga and rowing. Tuesday nights at the Burlington Y are my favourite. It was a decent class and i was happy to have something else to focus on other than job interviews. Rowing was all right. I did intervals on there so it was good for getting the ole heart rate up before Yoga.

I worked Wednesday and when I logged in to my work e-mail there was a message waiting for me about an interview for a couple of positions. Yup, another interview. Also on Thursday. 2 interviews, 3 positions. I normally go out with my best friend on Wednesday and cancelled in order to work on the powerpoint. I knew there was no way Tuesday that I would get anything done and so went to the gym instead. This left only the one night to work on a 10 minute presentation on a topic that I had very little knowledge of. It took a few hours but I completed it. This left no time to fit a theoretical run in (I thought maybe, just mayyyyyyyyyyybe I'd feel like going for one in this cool weather. I was wrong)

Last night I looked it up and  confirmed my suspicions. It takes 10 minutes less to ride my bike to work. that is what I did. hopped on my bike this morning and rode to work. I work down the escarpment so it's not a bad ride. I just have to remember that my morning smoothie doesn't cut it for breakfast in this situation. I went to the interviews and made it through tear free. They both went really well. I appreciated getting to talk to some people about other programs at my current job. The presentation went well, or I think so... I found out that I am competing against one other person for the position. I am top two out of the 40 applicants which alone made me feel good. Whatever happens happens. I'm feeling much better now that this is over. I only have one more interview next week.

I am pretty content that I am able to squeeze in activity here and there. Including after the interview when I made a mad dash back to work so I got a 15 minute run in today as well (wearing a back pack in so business casual attire)

Weekly Round-Up

I wasn't so active last week. I was exhausted on Thursday and wasn't sure what was going on then Friday I was under the weather with whatever mystery malady I have. I'm still not up to par. I had a couple of job interviews this week as well. One I am interested in, the other not so much. I also went on a boat cruise Monday night through the Pheasant Plucker and its sister restaurants. It was really fun! The band was great and did fantastic covers of songs from my late highschool early university days. We were on the Hamilton Harbour Queen and it tooled around the bay. The weather was perfect. I also got my bike tuned up and two new wheels I went to the New Hope Bike Co-op. I Highly recommend them. the work thatI had done only cost $55. They were done quickly but I wasn't able to pick it up for a week because of other commitments. I'm hoping to get to a clinic when they offer one.

I've just been pretty busy and wasn't making time for the gym. Today though I was meeting friends downtown for brunch at The Augusta House. I went yesterday and had the eggs benny and it was fantastic and it's my only weekend off all summer so I decided I may as well head back down there again. This time I had the banana french toast. Equally as wonderful and a large serving. I rode my bike down. It was perfect weather. I quibbled about whether or not I wanted to attempt riding home. I would take the rail trail so it would have been a gradual elevation as opposed to riding up the jolly cut which is pretty steep. I wussed out though and ended up busing home. Like I said, I'm still not up to par so I wasn't sure how I'd feel and just pictured myself getting worse and being stuck half way home and forcing myself to either get up the hill or head back down and needing a ride home. One day I will though! One day.

A friend of mine told me about the Glowing Green Smoothie. I'm not a medical professional by any means and frankly, it sounded disgusting. I made up a batch one day out of boredom and because I happened to have all of the ingredients. It was gross, not disgusting. I did learn that you could change up the recipe though and began exploring other fruits and vegetables to trow in. Carrot papaya didn't go so well. There was also just a batch I threw random fruit into. I did find this recipe for a peach ginger number that was delish. I used the 'green' base from the glowing green and the fruit base from this and it was great. To keep the carbohydrates down, for my diabetes I left out the honey. It's the perfect time of year to pick up our Ontario Peaches.

I talked to my dietitian about smoothies and she's not a huge fan as they don't often provide enough protein and psychologically your body gets full from chewing. So, a piece of bread and pb is just as beneficial as a smoothie. Additionally, she recommended not messing around with costly protein powders and said that powdered milk adds the same protein and is more affordable. Overall, she is not supportive of smoothies. She said they're better than juices though because they at least have fibre in them. What IS great about smoothies is that I can make up a batch for the week and just pour them the night before and bring them along in the morning as I am NOT AT ALL a morning person I find them very convenient because some mornings I don't even have the will to chew. If you're someone who needs to get your bowels moving with a morning coffee and are trying to cut back, the green smoothies seem to do the job too. I don't drink coffee, nor do I have issue with morning movement, but definitely noticed the difference.

Anyways, that's about all. Lots of links for you to peruse. Have a great week!

"Strive for Progress, Not Perfection"

Today is one of those blogs that is about not blogging, offering up excuses for not running or training for a tri. I got a job, number one. YAY! I am working relief in a drop in for homeless people and 3 months later, I still love it. Although my scheduled shifts are sporadic the hours are typically the same. I am finding that this is actually quite helpful- knowing that on any given day I can work out at 4:30 pm, the latest. That being said, the job is very demanding. Physically not so much but I am emotionally sucked dry by my clients. These are for realsies people without a home or poor housing, dealing with some very intense issues. Yes, I still genuinely love it.
For the month after the tri I was focused on finding a job. This task, for anyone who has done it, is awful. Networking, applying, interviews, waiting...waiting...WAITING...takes its toll. I am very appreciative that I have since found something but it's kind of a dark period in time and you really get down on yourself and running just wasn't going to happen.

Photo care of Maureen Rich, I believe.
 

At the end of May I joined a team after my best friend worked VERY hard at convincing me. Another new activity for my books- ROWING! I wasn't too keen on it at first or throughout the duration of the practices. I took solace in the fact that we were all newbies, except for my aforementioned friend. I just really HATED lugging that boat in and out of the water and it seemed like every time that we did we received different directions and we never really did master it. We had our regatta this past weekend and it was incredibly fun. It totally made my mind up for me to continue doing it next year. I was with a great bunch of women and met a whole crew of new friends. I'd actually properly trained and would get on the rowing machine an extra two times a week. My roommate from university and very good friend used to row and gave me a few pointers one night after a yoga class that I really benefited from. So, at least I was heading to the gym a bit because of that. I just realized typing that that when I participate in an activity with a goal date I am pretty committed to training for it.

Photo care of Caren Funnell

My brother's also joined the gym that I go to and we try to "play" racquetball once a week. We've done 3 sessions thus far. We're actually improving but we don't know the rules. Basically, we jog around the court and whack at a ball. I'm better at directing it but he's better at actually hitting it. I like the activity. We need a coach though.

Lastly, my newest endeavour is a planning a mountain biking excursion in Yukon. I thought I had my brother sold on it if we went next summer to celebrate our average 30th birthdays he'll be in his 29th year, me in my 31st). I specifically wanted to get there during the summer solstice and stumbled across a mountain biking trip. I was talking to him at our weekly match today and he's hesitant to go. The summer solstice trip is an intermediate biking trip through the mountains of the territory. I was nervous about it too and started reading up on mountain biking and apparently the muscles, since they are larger are easier to train and develop. So yes, my ass will probably hurt (I've already looked into padded shorts) but I feel like this is yet another crazy adventure that I can train for. I think my brother's pride is getting in the way. Having trained for- and come in last- for several events I don't have that issue anymore. I just figure that I will do the same as always. Research, practice, hit the gym, buy the equipment, talk to professionals and be as prepared as I can be then take up the rear as always. I figure they can't let me die out there and I've got almost a year to train, which is more than I'd ever done before. I am impressed that baby brother admitted to me that this would be a life changing decision for him. I hadn't thought about that but he's right. We're both considerably overweight. He's a smoker. I think that not having ever trained for anything has him concerned. He even mentioned consulting our GP; which made me laugh because she knows all about my previous races and was super keen on me participating. So, little brother- I know you're reading this, I say just dive in and go for it. I know you have it in you. If I can do it, you definitely can as well. Genetically, you're better built for it than I am.




Overall, with taking up rowing this summer I have been reminded that once you start doing one activity you tend to take up more. I've swam a couple times, been to a couple yoga classes and started cycling more places. So, as my brother said, yes it is a lifestyle commitment but it tends to come naturally. You even take care of what you eat because you don't want to waste all that energy that you just expended on something deep fried. Or on the flipside- you 'guy-et' and allow yourself that piece of chocolate cake with less torment, knowing you just sweated up a storm.

 

Photo care of Caren Funnell
 

Tri Time

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.

"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.

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.

“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...

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

“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.

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.