"Believe that you can run farther or faster.

 Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself." - John Bingham

10 K @ 8'25

With that pace I knocked off 5 minutes from my time last week. I'm not assigning much meaning to it though, as I like to work out a nice average. Last week I really reserved a lot of energy for the end of the run being unsure of whether or not I could even make 10K. I knew I could so this week I had a much more even pace.

I enjoyed my run I went along the escarpment. At one set of lights  I waited for the light to change there was another runner across from me. The traffic light changed but the pedestrian crossing hadn't and I thought perhaps that there was an advanced green or something so I waited. I hadn't noticed the button at the pedestrian crossing and finally the other lady and I both shrugged at each other and crossed regardless. Later on, during my return I passed the same women and gave a smile and raised my arms in victory she laughed and did the same. It's those moments when I truly enjoy running when in a moment you form a kinship with a complete stranger.

This week was much warmer for my run as I went at midday due to scheduling. IE a coffee date with my RM this evening (it's our 10 year anniversary). I normally don't have a hydration problem as as avid water drinker. When I lived in BC and people came over I could offer them water and milk to drink if I hadn't been expecting them. Today however, I could feel my lips drying out as I ran. As someone with diabetes, I clearly have to count my carbs and feel it's a waste to drink juice. When I got home today though as soon as I walked in that door I walked immediately to the fridge and reached for some Oceanspray cran-raspberry cocktail. It's made with Splenda and ony 40 calories per serving. It was actually a treat for me! I savoured every sip. Then downed a bottle of water. As I sipped at my juice it got me thinking of all the beverage options out there. Thus, I begin the beverage series in my blog.

I used to HATE sugar alternatives and refused to use them. Then I was diagnosed with diabetes and didn't really have much choice. I love me my water but sometimes I need a little something with flavour. Thus, I have embarked on a flavour tour of sugarless beverages. I do not drink pop. So those were easily ruled out. I used to despise Crystal Light, but when you don't have any other choice you learn to like them. The problem with them is the powdery flavour. Certain kinds are better than others. My favourite is the lemon lime. Nestea Zero is TERRIBLE I had it right after I was diagnosed and heartily disliked it. More recently I've tried it again becoming more accustomed to the sugar free scene. It is still TERRIBLE. I've also tried the MIO. It's bad. I may as well just dump a Splenda into my water. Plus, I find it ridiculously expensive. Crystal Light is overpriced in my mind too but I haven't found anything else as good. I find that the G20 series by Gatorade is good. It is not 0 calorie though.

 

On an unrelated note I share this video with you as I find it amazing what the human body is capable of (like my legs hauling 225 pound of me for 10 Kilometres), it's called the beauty of movement and the Olympics reminded me how gorgeous athleticism is and I friggin' LOVE Parkour.

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.