Sweet Cross Ride

haven’t blogged much these days, not too much to report…This week I have been kind of taking it easy thinking of getting ready for the Father’s Day Road Race. I have been babying a cold..thinking it might be allergies. Up to the track a couple of days this week for speed training, did a little bit of cross fit the other day and Tuesday night a run of 5k…other than that a pretty slow week….I am craving a nice long run.

Today I decided to take my cross bike out..Haven’t had it out for a long ride since I bought it, just around town a bit. As I started out, I thought ….not really sure I like the feel of this bike…sure not a mountain bike…I find it quick at the steering, just a different kind of ride…However by the time I rode to town and back…I was feeling it…pretty sweet ride. After I got use to it, wow she held the road, fast on the downhills …nice. It reminds me of my 10 speed I use to ride when I was a young girl, many years ago…On the way home, i realized I have fallen in love with my new Cross bike…can’t wait to jump on the saddle again

thinking of doing some yoga later and early night to bed….feeling that I might be winning the fight as far as this cold goes, crossing my fingers It will have it behind me come the run on Sunday

Until next time…keep sweating!

Workout:

•Type: Cycle
•Date: 06/17/2011
•Time: 09:43:44
•Total Time: 00:55:00.00
•Calories: 567
•Distance: 18.5 km
•Average Speed: 20.18 kmph

A week of Firsts

It’s been a great week ..enjoying all the amazing things life has to offer….Experiencing alot of Firsts.

#1..First for the season.. Off Kilter group ride was Sunday.. App 2 1/2 hours of awesome riding with the group..alot of single trails, laughs and exercise…can’t beat it. I hit a rock pretty hard coming though the last trail…broke my pedal..it’s gone..which leads me to the other first thing of the week.

#2 First time for clips on my bike…I’ve had these for over a year, however reluctant to put them on..nervous because of on technical trails, I don’t want to fall.. However now that my pedal is broken..guess it’s time..so they are installed..now I have to practise, they may need to be adjusted some..going to be trying it out again tonight.

#3..Speed work at the track..My friend has been wanting to get back into running but said he needed a push. I would rather do speed work in the evening, but it didn’t work for him..So landing at the track @ 6:00am which is about 20 minutes away, complete our workout and back home to get the children off to school..It was a great workout and I felt so much energy after we were done…At first I thought I totally crazy, up at 5:20 to go run, but I’m trying to turn over a new leaf..into bed early and up early…we are going to attempt to do this workout twice a week…We did four 400m runs with 15 push-ups in between each set…and will increase our distance each week…After our workout I took my shoes off and ran barefoot around the grass perimeter of the track..trying to get my form corrected…My friend felt great also and feels it will get him on the road again! I’m also thankful that he is going to the track because if I was going alone..I would just hit the snooze button and stay in bed! so it’s a win win!

#4 Chirunning…I have been reading about this lately, alot about posture…line up ears, shoulders, hips, ankles…straight as a broom they say, line up your pelvis so its straight, engage your core, landing with your feet under you …lean into it with your ankles and let gravity take its course…relax your muscles and connect mind with your body…

I have been trying this and tonight was the first long run in awhile…It felt great..slow, but great..I am still having a hard time leaning into it from the ankles. But if anything I feel relaxation is a great key to remember… trying not to let my muscle tense up, enjoy the run, the beauty around me and I found my run was so much better..when I finished my muscles weren’t tight, my legs felt great…best run in a long time…..It was awesome! I’m ready to go again

So I’m off tonight to practise again on my bike with my clips…Tomorrow back to the track at 6:00am…early to bed tonight

Enjoy all that exercise!!!!

Later!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 06/02/2011
•Time: 10:30:07
•Total Time: 1:24:00.00
•Calories: 975
•Distance: 13 km
•Average Pace: 6:27.51/km

Heavy Legs…Keep On, Keepin On

Last time I ran was last Wednesday and it was crazy brutal…Went out for 10k and had to keep stopping because my legs were so heavy, aching..couldn’t get them moving…It was more of a walk than a run..by the time I reached home I was frustrated, discouraged and not too happy…This was the second time within a week that my legs were in so much protest…I don’t feel it was from over-training because I have been pretty much still lately…I did a 35k ride on Monday, very cold but my legs felt good, an easy 5k Tuesday and then Wednesday i was greeted with this crazy run…

As I returned home I was so upset and my family knew just by the look on my face…stating to them…I think I need to take a break from running. They were surprised of this, and I hated to even voice it…It would be like dumping a great friend, one who has always been there when I have a bad day, the pavement always is a great place to bring a smile back on my face..It helps me keep my weight down, feel achievements within myself, makes me feel great to wear myself into the ground…just an awesome friend, how could I ever drop something that benefits me so much. However, I want to start training and if things don’t look up soon…I know it will just be a dream.

I had an appointment in Halifax on Thursday, an 11hr drive..my legs were not too happy..and today it being Saturday they are still aching.

I have doing my research and it indicated that if your circulation isn’t so good, to keep moving at least 30 min a day…so maybe i need to be moving more…instead of stopping…keep on keepin on…push push…it only makes sense..I stop, my legs will seize up…I want to be able to embrace this running experience until late in life..I feel it’s a great health benefit and the proof is in the research….so I’m not stopping…i’m pushing forward…

So i headed out for my run today…and it felt amazing…I find it crazy how my legs can feel heavy on one run and fabulous on the other..but I’ve started taking some baby aspirin, Omega 3, to name a few of my supplements…and hydrate hydrate hydrate..and following a good eating plan of more fruit and veggies.

These little challenges are just part of the game, I need to remind myself not to get discouraged but to keep going…as my young 13 year old voiced to me this week “Quitters don’t prosper”…I love to run and exercise and I plan to keep going…pushing towards my goal…If it kills me..I’ll die happy!

I have been asked “why do you exercise so much”…well now I have another answer..because my legs need the therapy…One more benefit…so many numerous reasons to keep going….

Keep the Challenge within you!!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 05/28/2011
•Time: 08:48:58
•Total Time: 00:44:00.00
•Calories: 511
•Distance: 7 km
•Average Pace: 6:16.96/km

Biking in Burrr weather

It was cold today...Everyone is wondering what is going on, It's May 23rd and feels like November...looking out the window I could almost feel the cold...but push push...if I want to build my strength up, sitting around is not going to achieve it. So out I went..I was thinking 40k but my route ended up to be 35.30..and I must say I was happy to get home. My feet were the worst, really cold and numb before I made it home..However I did it, got out, pushed myself and that part feels great. I will be happy when Mr Sun decides to show his face and not just tease us...The best is yet to come.

As I was riding up a hill, a huge camper trailor went by me, felt like within inches..however I sure he didn't want to go to the other side of the road because of being on a hill and he probably didn't want to slow down, because he needed his speed to make the hill...however, couldn't he have just honked ever so slightly...I don't know which would have made me jumped the most, but with my mountain bike at least I could have gone to the side shoulder...I was upset and thinking if he at the front of the campground getting ready to register, I'm pulling in and give him a piece of my mind...guess it's just as well he wasn't there...I would have made an complete arse of myself...but at it was upsetting...wanting to build my mileage and I know it will help my running but I must say I enjoy the woods much better. Oh well.. its all good...I'm sure it will happen again...ride and smile is the best we can do...all in all it felt good to be on two wheels and get the ride done...

I am going to sit down and look at my training and my eating...now that I've finished my 1/2 and had some recovery it's time to start training again...I need to commit...writing it down is the best way for me.

Move while you can...it's a blessing

A first time Barefoot Fun Run

Tuesday night fun run...Always enjoy the company and the exercise..the best of both worlds..But tonight was a first...And I love experiencing new things. Sara and I were the only runners tonight..As we were running we talked about my 1/2 marathon that I just completed and wearing my kilt..I explained to her how alot of people are now wearing kilts and also barefoot running..and how I would like to try it..."want to try it now?" she asked..well didn't take much to persuade me..off came our shoes and socks and our barefeet hit the pavement...I couldn't get over how much I like it...felt great, and it was alot of fun...We ran for 2.5k..which was a surprise to me...From the high school to almost HMS...pretty good distance and feeling great. Came home, my feet were burning a bit, took a soak. I can feel the workout in my calves...I really enjoyed this run and hope to get myself some minimal shoes for my long runs...I noticed the inside of my running shoes has a small whole, in just 2 1/2 months..it must be the rubbing...nevertheless I don't want to buy anymore runners for now....maybe fall.

Ab ripper completed for another night...

Loving the great things life has to offer!!

Cheers to barefoot running!!!

A 1/2 to remember

I forgot to turn off my garmin as I crossed the finish line...straight for water and pizza!

Mixed emotions upon arriving to the running event…Very excited that I finally get to run my first 1/2 which I thought at one point was not in the cards, and yet anxious..thinking what have I got myself into? As I headed to the start line, they indicated “runners in the front, walkers in the back”…so I stayed at the front…big mistake, should have proceeded to the middle of the pack…The gun went off and the elite runners in the front took off like scared rabbits, dragging my poor rear behind them….Holy Smokes, where is the fire!! Looking at my Garmin…I was way above my pace that I usually run…I need to back off if I expect to make it to the finish line….

I ran 11k without stopping, felt great…at the turn around point, thought me little legs need a short break .. its was a beautiful flat course, along the flooded banks of the river…So many things I enjoyed, the smell of the spuce trees as we ran along the wooded trail, the beauty of the water and the sun came out and was shining down on us…what an awesome day!

About 15k my itband started to whisper a little to me, so I slacked off..found I was pushing myself and yet had to stop and walk some, to give my leg a deserved break…It would have been nice to complete this run in 2:00 hrs….As I was running, the pacer bunny of 2:OO hours came up and passed me, trying to keep her pace…It was a bit beyond me at this point…At about 17 k another pacer came along…2:10…hmmm lets try this…I kept with him, at one point the wind came up and his bunny ears almost flew off his head, it made a nice laugh along the way…starting up a bit of a grade, I stopped…”come one, we’re almost there”…he said…”I’ll catch up”..at the top of the grade, he was ahead of me..looking back and waving his arms…telling me to come on…So I sprinted and caught up…at this point there was only about 2k to go..thinking what’s 2 k?..but after running 19..it was hard to keep pushing..but no stopping now….As I approached the chip mat…I ran acrossed it, only to realize it was for the full marathon! oops!..mistake number 2! proceeded to the 1/2 mat..thank god it recorded time….

This run was fantastic…I did find that the chip markings were the only thing not marked so well…A very elite runner came flying in for his full at 2:35! missing the marathon mat and proceeded to the 1/2 mat…I think he may have lost a minute or two…no big deal to me, but for a guy running so hard and doing such a fantastic job, I felt bad for him…however he came in first and did one heck of a job.

After the run, I found my pace bunny…gave him a nice hug and thanked him for pushing me through, explaining it was my first 1/2 and I really needed that push…

Decided to wear my kilt for this event to celebrate the run…It was fun and alot of people really took a shining to my kilt…

A Fantastic day and a awesome run, one that I will be remembering for a very long time…I love firsts…Another item to check off my bucket list

Running is so amazing!

finished time 2:10:09….Not the best, but I’ll take it….now I have something to work on

First Kilted Run —On Dehydrated Legs

App 1 week before my 1/2 marathon and I need to start thinking about my fluid intake. Not eating much for lunch, having only a coffee and a cup of water, heading out on the road depleted…will I ever learn? My legs were so heavy, I need to hydrate hydrate hydrate…my ipod was dead, I’d rather be listening to music than my heavy breathing!

Decided to try out my kilt..It was a new experience and great. I didn’t wear any spandex shorts underneath, thinking I don’t need them…I was ok until about 7 k…my lower legs were feeling alot better by this time, but my upper legs started to scream…A lesson to be learned…Alot of people use body glide, or as someone said to me “wear your spandex shorts”…but I feel that would take away for the kilted run…It was alot of fun and I will be wearing it again very soon.

Alot of runners are taking up barefoot running…I find this very interesting..I feel it’s brings us back to the way we were suppose to run…Running shoes are adjusting our natural stride, not keeping us light on our feet etc…Dealing with Itband I wonder if it would help…and the feeling of freedom would be an experience…been looking into running sandals…who knows. I was tempted to strip off my shoes and socks and go for it..but one experience at a time…

I wasn’t very happy with this time…i like to run a 10K no longer than 1 hour..but my legs just were in protest..I know one thing, my stamina needs work…once i get through my 1/2 marathon event on Mothers Day I hope start some speed work on flat terrain….I should be running faster….

Well running in the kilt was awesome…even though my legs were not very happy…It really doesn’t matter…as long as I’m moving forward, I embrace my running…

“Running is a mental sport…and we’re all insane!”

Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.

I have a lot to learn…pushing harder is one of them…until next time….I’ll shall remember

Smile and embrace it all!

First time 25k..Good Run On Good Friday..It’s Good!

http://First time I’ve ran this mileage, it was a slow run but a great challenge..I ran into another runner who has inspired me to take in some running events..It’s great seeing her on the road again, told her I registered last night for my first 1/2 marathon..gave each other a High Five…and continued on our way. Beautiful weather for a run, seeing alot out and about, cleaning their yards, golfing, walking, running etc…I love this time of the year! Feeling a bit hippy during this run, my hips started to really ache…I took my time because I didn’t want to mess things up for my up coming event that I’ve been trying to reach for 3 years now…Feel I’m ready. Looked at my Garmin when I hit 21k…It was 2:20…seeing that this run involved hills, stopping for minute to talk to my friend etc..If I can run my 1/2 in 2:20, I’ll be happy…it’s a flat run, just what I need.

Well it’s time to taper…no more long runs for two week…think i’ll concentrate on my upper body, abs and do some light biking….very excited to finally be registered for this run, no turning back now! Staying at a friends in the town where the event is, she laughs…I just don’t get it…run 21K? whatever! I just laugh…it’s amazing stuff and makes you feel so fantastic…I hope 21k is just the beginning.

See an athletic Therapist on Tuesday, she will be working on the issues I have with my itband…looking forward to it.

Keep putting one foot in front of the other, your body will follow!

Enjoy the sunshine!

23 k run... Ditched a deceiving road

23 k run... by addictedtorun at Garmin Connect - Details

Yesterday was a crazy day for me..After receiving the news about the death of my Aunt along with other pressures, I kinda had a mini melt down..I guess it’s allowed now and then..I just couldn’t help but feel the hurt for the people around me..friends and family hurt, I hurt..guess that’s the way its suppose to be..but life goes one for those left behind, we push forward…Precious memories stay with us. In saying all this I felt I really needed to hit the pavement but I didn’t because today I was to run long…thankful that a friend called me and encouraged me to attend yoga..after class I felt revitalized, at peace…Nothing like great friends and yoga combined..I was glad I pulled myself together and went to class…it tamed my monkey mind..It’s amazing!

So I went for my long run today..I was tired but knew I would feel better after I had accomplished the run..I decided to run waweig, thinking the road was flat.. I was wrong. Started out on the run, wow this is crazy..the road was a complete upward grade with curves…deceiving when you drive it in a car and not really taking much notice..put your running shoes to the challenge, you feel it..As I looked into the horizon all I could see were rolling hills…I need to get off this road before I kill my leg..So I took a left, ran across the Roix Road, then back along the highway..It was a hard run, but beautiful in places, crossing bridges with the beauty of the running water..Had a nice experience with three dogs running at me..Glad they listen as I hollered “go home!” ..Even with crazy dogs, it was nice to run in a different territory. As I finished my run..I thought that was a bit painful but it felt great! Nothing like a great run…It was a great challenge…

As I was running and feeling tight legs and itband… I thought “am I ever going to be able to obtain this challenge I’ve put on myself?”… will I get there?..I hope so because i have a deep desire to do it….Pushing forward.

Sometimes the moments that challenge us the most, define us

First long ride of the season...Nice to be on two wheels

30 K road ride by addictedtorun at Garmin Connect - Details

Decided to go for a ride after work...really missing my bike lately and it's time. The plan was to ride 21k. When I was almost to the new highway it started to rain pretty hard...but nevertheless I decided to continue on a bit further..was feeling 30k calling for me, so I rode to almost the Roix road in Waweig..My feet were cold and wet but all in all a very nice ride and it felt great to be on my bike. Feeling my knee a bit, after the ride it felt alot better..I must say I enjoy the woods alot better than road riding...the traffic was crazy!! Hope to run long on Friday..Thinking I will run the waweig road, nice and flat, might be wise at this point.

increasing a short run..

Untitled by addictedtorun at Garmin Connect - Details

Instead of running two short runs of 5k a week..I've decided to increase one a bit....Walked to the top of the hill...started Garmin and ran to almost to the Tuna Plant and back...Was able to run to the top of the tuna plant hill, stopped, walked a minute to catch my breath and headed home..Outside of knee started to burn a bit, but subsided on its own. Thinking to myself not to be too stubborn and screw up my itband again..feeling today I'm ready for the Fredericton 1/2..it's been 3 years I've been wanting to run that event..don't mess it up!. It was a Great run...Iced knee, Going to do Yoga later, and hope to finish off with some ab work.

Making Friends with the Bayside Road once again feels pretty good.. Next long run will be in St. Andrews..

First Time Garmin Use...Just for fun.

Untitled by addictedtorun at Garmin Connect - Details


Beautiful Day...Spent a very nice afternoon with Cathy and children...Block house, Picnic at Centennial Park, walking Sunbury Nature Trail...finished the day at Honeybeans...pulling the wagon and energized children...great day but beat! First day to try out my Garmin for fun to see how far we walked...tonight I have been playing around with Garmin Connect...I love my Garmin already and can see that it is going to be a great help to my fitness and goals...too bad it didn't run for me :)

The Bayside Challenge but Great Training

I haven’t blogged for awhile because this is the first long run I’ve completed since March 26th..Crazy! Having the flu really knock the life out of me, but bonus I got down to my goal weight, not recommended! I was ready for this run and couldn’t wait to get home from work to hit the pavement, however after I arrived home, had a bite to eat..the energy just vacated…but I knew if I didn’t run I wouldn’t be very happy with myself …so I pushed myself out the door. First time in ages since I’ve ran Route 127 …Decided to run to the new highway and back. looking out over St. Croix Island was beautiful…the sun shining on the water, I’ve always enjoyed this part of the run…Physio instructed me not to start out on a hill…so I walked the first hill, reaching the top i began my run..I was able to run to the new highway without stopping..I was very pleased with this..I can see that I am getting stronger. Coming back the hills were a challenge.. running this route will offer strength, but I need to respect the road because of the slopes and hills, I don’t want injury…Maybe I’ll try running this road every other week…we’ll see. Not sure if it’s because I’m running longer now, but I appear to be finding the rhythm of the run…its nice…just move your feet and the rest follows. legs were tight after this run! I think I might feel it tomorrow. Not the best time..but i’ll take it..Had some G2 and 1/2 a Clif bar during the run and I felt great when finishing..no upset stomach :)

I’ve increase one of my 5k runs to 7…just thinking I need to start running a bit more…

Feels great to move forward!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 04/08/2011
•Time: 10:42:55
•Total Time: 2:18:00.00
•Calories: 1604
•Distance: 21 km
•Average Pace: 6:34.3/km

No increase today..Mother Nature In a Foul Mood

Wanted to increase today…was planning on running 25k..Just didn’t make it. I’ve been running outside most of the winter, and this felt like the coldest weather I’ve ever ran in. I wasn’t prepared, I should have wore my vest over my jacket and also a warmer running shirt underneath, but thinking “Spring” who needs it…Big mistake.. The last run up front street was so windy and it was almost 6:30..I would have to run another hour to make it to 25k…Thought Nope..I’m saving that mileage for another day…I wore my new hydration belt, two bottles filled with Gatorade and took a Cliff Bar with me..Over all I felt good..but the wind kept taking my breath away, when I stopped I was instant cold…I’m anxious for warmer weather…It’s right around the corner. Came home had a nice hot soak…turned off the lights for an hour for Earth 2011..then yoga for 1/2 hour, hip openers…and finished off with ab ripper x…First time since November that I’ve completed this DVD…349 core/ab moves…I was able to complete app 325…it’s a fantastic workout.

This weeks workouts:

Today Saturday…15k, yoga, ab ripper X

Friday…Nil

Thursday..5K run and yoga class.

Wednesday.. Had a massage…my upper back has been bothering me some from all the data inputting at work…not only my back needed attention..my itband, hamstrings and calves very tight…I would love to be able to motivate myself to do yoga everyday….even if it’s only 1/2 hour.

Tuesday…First Fun Run of the season…6 people out…alot of fun..I enjoy the social time.

Monday…Nil.

My week doesn’t look very good

Keep going!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 03/26/2011
•Time: 13:53:38
•Total Time: 1:30
calories: 1205

Runner's Creed -- The Road to Peace

23K…hard run but worth it!

Another increase … 23k. First time I have ever made it to that distance…it was a beautiful day but a bit windy, March is upon us… The first part of the run was awesome…my legs felt great, coming into about 17k I started to feel it…the last part of the run was hard, but felt great to finish with another increase. My stomach was upset after running, I have read that your system needs to adjust to the distance..and I think I need to start eating a bit more…my energy supply became empty. Over all a good run. Decided to finish off the night with some yoga..It helped my stomach and my tight legs..

This week workouts:

haven’t been doing to much lately, bit of a slug but it’s starting to get nice and that increases the happy mood!

Today Saturday 23K and 1/2 hour of yoga

Friday…nil

Thursday…5K..great run…finished off the night with an awesome yoga class…feeling the stretches in my itband and glutes…Love yoga, just makes a person feel great

Wednesday ….nil

Tuesday 5K…good run finished off with a 7k bike ride..It was a beautiful day and I wanted to ride, but my running plan stated run…so I decided why not both..hitched up the bike on my rack and headed to town… Felt great to be on the bike

Monday …nil

It has been a crazy week with sick children and vehicles…next week I need to write it down and do it…sometimes that beautiful thing called life happens…It’s ok..tomorrows another day…just get back at it.

enjoy all those great things that make you feel good!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 03/19/2011
•Time: 13:20:36
•Total Time: 2:10:00.00
•Calories: 1679
•Distance: 23 km
•Average Pace: 5:38.98/km

Running 21K couldn’t feel better!

As I sat at my desk today my calves were aching some…joking to a co-worker “my legs are in protest already, knowing what I’m going to put them through when I get home”…when I arrived home, they were still feeling tight and aching…thinking, I’m never going to be able to run 21k feeling like this. I remembered what my physio told me months ago when I had my injury, “before you go on a run, you can heat the area”…so I put the heating pad to my calves and massaged them…they felt alot better. Before I hit the road I decided to take a bit of salt, a rare commodity in this house, I don’t cook with it, don’t use it on my food etc…periodically I’ve been having muscle spasms in my legs for the last couple of weeks, seeing the increased mileage and I don’t replenish the way I should, wouldn’t be surprised that i’m lacking some of the nutrients I need. Felt strange to put the salt in my hand and pop it into my mouth, see that I avoid it like the plaque. Took some Emergen-C..and out the door I went.

Not sure what worked, but something did…This run was amazing..I couldn’t get over how great my legs felt…As I was running, I thought ….sweet..this is what’s its all about! Some parts of the run it was cold, but over all it was great…running along the golf course, the snow looked beautiful, so clean and not touched….I am very hyped that I’m back up to my 1/2 marathon mileage after I had to stop for a bit..Feels so great!! I am very please with my time also…not that it’s about time at this point….scary because now I ran it under 2 hours…I’ll be expecting that of myself..

My weeks workouts:

Today Friday March 4….21K!!!

Thursday…completed 1 hour of P90X Arms & Shoulders…Feeling it some today..but I might increase my weights..30 min of the heavy weights, 30 min of the lighter weights.. I need to push myself a bit more.

Yoga Class for 1 1/2 hours…my legs felt like two blocks of wood..tight..Yoga is amazing, an important part of my training… I really need to be adding more yoga into my routine..

Wednesday..Ab Ripper & 5K.. Broke my golden rule of running back to back but I need to get 3 runs in a week..Legs tight again…I was thinking these short recovery runs are sometimes harder than the long runs. Came home and did some research on recovery runs…best thing I’ve read in a long time. ” A Fresh Prespective On Recovery Runs” Below:

“ In short, recovery runs do not enhance recovery. Nevertheless, recovery runs are almost universally practiced by top runners. That wouldn’t be the case if this type of workout weren’t beneficial. So what is the real benefit of recovery runs? The real benefit of recovery runs is that they increase your fitness–perhaps almost as much as longer, faster runs do–by challenging you to run in a pre-fatigued state (i.e. a state of lingering fatigue from previous training.)”

Tuesday: 5K run

Monday..Rest

Enjoy you’re pain, you’ve earned it!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 03/04/2011
•Time: 11:31:44
•Total Time: 1:51:00.00
•Calories: 1650
•Distance: 21 km
•Average Pace: 5:17.18/km

Great run to complete the week!

Feeling like a slug this week…haven’t been working out like I should, due to changing rooms around and things not complete yet..also the weather has been against me a bit…However no better way to finish the week but with an awesome run! Starting out this afternoon, the roads were slippery and snow packed, creating a less-than-ideal footing. I feel it makes the run a bit more interesting, more challenging, and probably increases some strength…because you’re digging in! My hips were a bit sore during part of this run, but eased up when I walked for a minute and then continued on the run….It felt great to get fresh air in my lungs, sun shining on my face and enjoying the beauty of the trees laden with the new fallen snow. Needing to build strength and endurance but it’s all good…I feel I’ve achieved alot in 2 1/2 months..& I have lots of time to build up…They say Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success….so patience it is!

Took a nice soak, did some physio and finished off with 1/2 hour of yoga…hip openers..My hips will thank me tomorrow.

Wednesday was the only other time I ran this week…5k and It was one of those “Wow” runs! my legs felt great…funny you just never know what to expect.

Yoga class Monday and Thursday….Really feeling the benefits in regards to my running!! Just what I need..

Hopefully this week I will get more strength training in…need to work my arms and also my legs.

Feels great to be increasing, I’m almost there!!

Enjoy your week!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 02/27/2011
•Time: 14:25:00
•Total Time: 1:45:00.00
•Calories: 1493
•Distance: 19.3 km
•Average Pace: 5:26.38/km

Marathon training

WK MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT SUN TOTAL


1 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 23K REST CROSS/ 5K 33K

2 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 24K REST CROSS/ 5K 34K

3 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 19K REST CROSS/ 5K 29K

4 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 26K REST CROSS/ 5K 36K

5 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 16K REST CROSS/ 5K 26K

6 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 28K REST CROSS/ 5K 38K

7 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 19K REST CROSS/ 5K 29K

8 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 31K REST CROSS/ 5K 41K

9 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 19K REST CROSS/ 5K 29K

10 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 34K REST CROSS/ 5K 44K

11 CROSS 5K CROSS CROSS 12K REST CROSS/ 22K

12 CROSS 5K REST REST 42K REST REST 47K

Heavy Legs…But Finished Strong

Fighting heavy legs all week…could be a number of things, I just need to pinpoint it. Back to eating more carbs, 1 carb a day was a bad idea…feeling more energy now. Going to start journalizing my eating, trying 40 carbs, 30, protein, 30 fats, more sleep, more fluid, multi vitamins, and supplements for my circulation..Questioning my strength training and if that could be it, but I truly believe I need to build up my legs so I am going to continue for now.

This morning when I woke up my legs felt a bit heavy, but as I started moving around they were fine. Felt great starting the run, until I reached approx 3k and they started getting heavy..thought there is no way I’m going to make 17k…I pushed through, walking when I needed..thinking wow what a weak run, but it’s all about strengthening myself…I need not get discouraged..it will take time.. As I was finishing my run, I looked at my watch it was 5:04…so I pushed to reach my destination in one minute…running as fast as my legs could carry me!! it was fun finishing so strong…(thank goodness it was on a flat!)…all in all a pretty good run..too bad the complete run wasn’t strong!

This week

Today 17K

Saturday …rest legs

Friday…rest legs

Thursday …Yoga class…my legs were tight and I felt those poses!! plank planks planks…awesome!!! great class

Wednesday….5k run…struggle..heavy legs..weak run..ish! P90X legs and back for an hour…awesome workout!

Tuesday…?

Monday…5k…heavy legs…Yoga Class..fun class!

I need to start recording this better…my mind is not serving me well!!

Great week…of what I can remember..lol….

Keep moving….push it…It feels great!!!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 02/20/2011
•Total Time: 1:25:00.00
•Calories: 1264
•Distance: 17 km
•Average Pace: 5:00/km

Hard & Smooth Sailing

-5 Celsius today..looking out the window and watching the wind. It was hard to push forward because I was dreading the cold. Vaselined up my toes, put on my Canadian flag running socks, adjusted my runners at the toes, making them a bit loose and a little tight at the top. Applied athletic cream to my leg, inhaled my puffer and out the door I went.

Pretty good run, almost to the end I could feel my legs getting tired. Running up a grade I could feel the muscles in my legs start to tighten, thinking to myself I’ll stop at the top..when I finished the hill and started to run on the straight away, I could feel my muscles relaxing…funny don’t think I’ve ever felt it to that extreme before..In retrospect, this run was Hard and yet smooth sailing…Hard hills, smooth sailing on the flats…I think I’m a flat road runner !! Need hill training but that will come later….Running Cornelia street was so icy, next time I think I’ll put my skates on my back to be prepared!

Feet felt great, breathing was great…legs a bit tight. I can see that I need more strength as I increase..maybe I can get a bit of yoga in tonight.

This week:

Friday today 15K

Thursday yoga class…really great class, great poses. I am able to do more each week based on healing well

Wednesday 5K…awesome run..felt strong, legs and breathing great..

Tuesday Legs and Back…Alot better this time, my strength is coming great. Didn’t bother me 1/2 as much..maybe next week I'll push a little harder

Monday- Yoga Class. All the stretching has really helped my running..Yoga is awesome!

Sunday 5K run with Cathy..upped her to 5K this time..she did fantastic!

Very happy with my week…eating more protein and feel it’s helping me with my strength. Seeing and feeling great improvement surgery wise…another 4 weeks or so, I should be ready to work my abs.

Keep moving!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 02/11/2011
•Time: 11:41:26
•Total Time: 1:34:00.00
•Calories: 1095
•Distance: 15 km
•Average Pace: 6:16.18/km

Fighting New Shoes

Today another increase…actually oops! went over my 10%…should have been 12k…ran 13.25. Legs felt pretty good today…not heavy and no Itband pain! Just fighting with my new shoes, first too tight, then too loose…stopping to adjust…grrr..ending up with a nice little blister on my heal, no biggie…just the benefits of running! ….Overall a good run.

This weeks workouts:

Friday..Today 13.25K

Thursday Plyometrics for one hour…great workout!

Wednesday Arms and Shoulders for one hour…increasing weights next workout.

Tuesday 5K run

Monday P90…for 1/2 hour…not a very good workout. Didn’t feel aggressive enough..So I’m going to stick with Legs and Back but not as many reps as they do on the Dvd until I gain more strength…

Started Phase one yesterday..One Carb a day! but it feels good to change things up a bit.

A great workout week…Felt Great! However looking at my week..I didn't do enough yoga....

Push it!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 02/04/2011
•Time: 12:33:41
•Total Time: 1:25:00.00
•Calories: 990
•Distance: 13.25 km
•Average Pace: 6:25.03/km

Age...Such A Humbling Thing!

So I went out for a short 5k tonight…it was snowing and the road was slick once again…My right quad is still sore..my weak leg :( As I was running I thought about my upcoming workout tomorrow…P90X legs and back..I don’t think my leg is ready for it….Summer is coming up and I don’t want a repeat of last summer, being injured with this stupid itband….I don’t know, sometimes I think it’s chronic? but I can’t accept it, I need my running. So tomorrow I will back off the P90X Dvd and complete Power 90 circuit instead…It’s not as brutal but it still keeps me moving…and physio physio….I really need to write it down on my calendar and start doing that before any other activity…

So age once again has me feeling humble…I need to listen to my body and back off just a bit.

It’s almost February!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 01/30/2011
•Time: 14:02:04
•Total Time: 00:30:00.00
•Calories: 388
•Distance: 5 km
•Average Pace: 6:00/km

Week @ a glance

Didn’t get out for my run until 5:00..by the time I was able to hit the road, my get up and go had got up and went…but they say if you can do it for 10mins you’ve got it licked because you should be in the zone. Another increase today…When I first started my right Quad was sore and talking to me…I started to think I wasn’t going to be able to run the distance I was planning. I have been reading about P90x and running and they say that you usually give up running for the most part until about the 3rd week or so…I can’t see that happening..I plan to use my running as the cardio part of the program. The only reason I am doing the routine is to build strength for my running and biking, not to mention I would like to tone..so it’s worth it…I need to keep focused.

Almost to the finish line my leg was feeling so much better, so I guess it was just sore from all the working out this week…It is hard to know sometimes whether to push through because it will loosen up or to stop before injury occurs…I need to watch that. New shoes on my feet…note to self..loosen them up for next run.

This weeks workouts

Today Friday 11 K run

Thursday Yoga Class 1 1/2 hours…great class, just what I needed.. to stretch out some sore muscles..always feels better after the a great stretch…This week I need to work on my handstand.

Wednesday P90X Arms and Shoulders & 1/2 hour yoga. Wasn’t sure if I should complete this workout based on how sore I was from Monday..However the first week is always the hardest, if i give up now, it will be like starting over again next week..so I pushed forward.

Tuesday 5K run…Treadmill run…30 minutes & Yoga with Mikayla 1/2 hour

Monday P90X Legs and Back…This was on crazy workout…Pull-ups, single leg wall squats and lunges ++++….thought I was going to drop to the flour…although I focused on not overdoing it..I couldn’t believe how sore I was two days after (still feeling it after 4 days!) …Had a hard time to straighten my left arm completely and getting off the chair was painful…Feeling my age! Was almost thinking this program might be to much for me…I know it will get easier as I get stronger.

Sunday 5K run outside.

Recently I watched an ironman…watching Chris McCormack cross that finish so full of energy, it truly put me in awww! over 9 hours in an event and he looked unbelievable…I have been reading some articles on him and he states, yoga 3 times a week….I truly believe Yoga is a building blog to keeping fit for activities I want to do…so I am going focus on yoga at least twice a week…YogaX is scheduled for tomorrow…that will make 3 times this week ….sweet!!

Well that is my week in a nutshell…I can see that my calendar is looking alot better than it did the first part of the month…I am pleased! Feeling alot better energy wise.

Happy Training!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 01/28/2011
•Time: 10:52:52
•Total Time: 1:08:00.00
•Calories: 880
•Distance: 11 km
•Average Pace: 6:10.75/km

Blizzard Running....Warrior or Idiot??

So I sat down this week and planned out my routine, including running, yoga, P90X, etc…today was penciled in as a 10k run..Looking out the window, the snow was coming down pretty hard…I just can’t find the motivation to hit the treadmill…I could have changed my run to tomorrow, but that felt like cheating….so out the door I went..Cleaning off the car I thought I must be out of my mind….

As I started my run, the roads were pretty snow packed and slick. Running along the waters edge at the point, the wind was blowing hard, the snow was drifted up over my runners and I could feel my eyelashes starting to ice-up..You are nuts girl! Maybe I should go 5k, nope..I didn’t drive to town on terrible roads to cop out now…maybe 7K?…well if I’m going 7K I might as well go another 3k….So 10 it is….It was a hard run, almost like trail running…instead of crushing concrete, I was crushing snowdrifts, but enjoyable overall, who would have thought running in a blizzard would be a nice experience! ..I’ve often thought a hypothermia run wouldn’t be for me, but after todays run..I’ve changed my mind….

Mother nature sure is amazing…when the sun is shining, offering its warmth and the the water is glistening, the beauty can take your breath away..…Then today..the fury..the water was brown from all the churning and crashing against the rocks..It’s really incredible when you think about it.

Someone said that running in the winter makes you feel like a warrior…pushing though all the wind and blinding snow…I thought…warrior or idiot??? Well I did it, actually enjoyed the challenge…and yes I’m sure I’ll probably do it again…idiot…maybe!

California Dreaming by Benny Benassi...fitting song for such a run!

Life is good….especially when you put one foot in front of the other…even in a blizzard

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 01/21/2011
•Time: 10:08:37
•Total Time: 1:00:00.00
•Calories: 558
•Distance: 10 km

Om Namah Shivaya Gurave

Beautiful!

Wake Up & Smell The Ashpalt

Wow I’m tired today…at work I could hardly push forward and it was a busy day with alot of vehicle issues..Thinking when I get home, I’m having a nap..Cold still hanging on some and it’s starting to wear the life out of me..but I’m not accepting it. nap never came, decided I better wake up and smell the asphalt.

looking at my calendar, it looks pretty pathetic for the month of January..Hardly any activity to speak of…However I have to remind myself that I run to stay healthy and I enjoy it, I’m not suppose to make it a chore..The week hasn’t been a complete write off.. I completed P90X yoga which took 1 1/2 hours, leaving me refreshed but dead on the floor…Also I used my Elliptical for 1/2 hour last night, offering a great core workout…February is almost upon us and hopefully it will be a better month..Tonight I hope to sit down and pencil in my monthly activity plan..

After I ran my last 8.5k I couldn’t get over how sore my quads were for about two days..The light came on, I didn’t run for a week and jump into it with a 8.5..stupid and stubborn…maybe i’ll learn, probably not, that’s the scary part! Tonight I really didn’t feel much like running but I knew if i didn’t go out I would regret it for the rest of the night…Sounds like some snow is upon us, who knows when my feet will hit the pavement again… When I ventured out, the snow was starting to come down and the temp was warmer…decided to go for a 5k, nice and easy, just enjoy the run…..Listening to Xavier Rudd as I was running…his lyrics made me smile.

Your heart knows where to go
But your mind can take it slow
It’s okay to rest your mind
Let your heart seek and find.

I reflected these lyrics into my running….If you follow your heart and not always listen to your tired mind, you will push forward…glad I listened to my heart and ran….Always feels great once I’ve made that first step.

Peace to you for now, we’ll share again….

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 01/18/2011
•Time: 09:09:00
•Total Time: 00:30:00.00
•Calories: 389
•Distance: 5 km
•Average Pace: 6:00/km

Crushing Concrete and Hopefully Crazy Cold

Been a week since my last run…man! Feeling pretty good today, cough has subsided alot…wondering if running will help or not…going to find out because I’m hitting the road.

Decided to play it by ear as I ran…As I was almost to my 5k destination I decided to increase…so I went 8.5K…Driving home I thought to myself..sometimes I wish the run didn’t have to stop, feels so great to run..If I could, I would keep going and going!

Can’t wait until I can do it again!

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 01/14/2011
•Time: 09:14:17
•Total Time: 00:55:00.00
•Distance: 8.5 km

Therapeutic Yoga

I've had a brutal cold for over a week and lost 3 days of work..leaving me wiped out...Today was the first Yoga class...I hesitated to go, but feeling my cold was on the way out the door, it should be ok to attend...

I've been doing yoga at home with my Dvd's...I have been hesitant to do the planks and any cobra/upward dog because of pulling...Actually I really surprised myself tonight in class, I was able to do the planks, upward dog...very gingerly...I didn't not attempt the wheel...Overall felt really good and I can see that the breathing and the calming affects of yoga has really helped my cold and rejuvenated me...

I love yoga. It has become a important part to my health and wellness regime. Tune in, chill out, shape up all at the same time...A state of eternal bliss.

Running For My Life

I’ve only ran once this week and I really needed that pavement…It was cold, it would have been so easy to curl up on the couch with a blanket and vegg..push push push.

Today I ran a new route and another increase…It was a great run…Last couple of days I have been thinking about all the exercise and running and where it has brought me.. Some people question me and my running and I inturn question myself….why I run and what does it really mean…When the time comes in my life that I look back, will it really matter how many miles I ran? or will I look at my life and say..I wish I ran that mileage I so wanted to hit. I guess its depends upon what a person wants, and at this point I want more mileage..Will it matter later in life, who knows…but it keeps me healthy, offers serenity, I love the challenge and the pleasure of wiping myself out..I really enjoyed the run tonight….and thought Yes this is why I do it!!! It felt awesome. When will I stop??…Hopefully not until the date of expiration.

Don’t fear the next step….Just take it….

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 01/07/2011
•Time: 10:55:07
•Total Time: 00:45:00.00
•Calories: 525
•Distance: 7.08 km
•Average Pace: 6:21.36/km

Running in New Fallen Snow

-2 Celsius today and a bit windy…The new fallen snow was hanging off the trees and everything looked so fresh…I was thinking of only going 3k today because I have so much to do…started out on the run..music problem again!!! ish…running up the Algonquin hill I could hear my breathing…holy smokes you’d think I was running a marathon..Running by the Algonquin a couple stopped me and asked that I take their picture…so I took app 10 different shots of them beside the trees and in front the algonquin, we talked about how beautiful the snow was, shared a smile and off I went….

As I arrived at my 3k destination, I felt great.. so what the heck I’m going for 5…looking out over the bay, the mountains in the distance covered with the snow it was really pretty…I’m not much of a winter runner but I must say I do appreciate the beauty…Leg felt great!!! Wednesday next run…plan to increase.

Enjoy your day

Workout:

•Type: Run
•Date: 01/03/2011
•Time: 05:22:31
•Total Time: 00:30:00.00
•Calories: 389
•Distance: 5 km
•Average Pace: 6:00/km

Riding on January 2nd…Sweet!!!

Arms are a little sore from yesterdays workout, not bad…just a little indication that I did a workout.

Plus 5 today with a drizzle in the air…The roads were clear, couldn’t resist getting out on my bike..Thought I would try out my new shoe covers to see how my feet made out today…They were a little cold when I arrived in town, only because I got my shoes wet when I walked through snow to retrieve my bike from storage…A lesson learnt…Started out on my ride..something is not feeling right..Noticed I forgot to wear my riding shorts..too lazy to turn back now..my butt will have to suffer!

Stopped by at a friends for a visit…she presented me with a gift..some goodies and a nice new light for my bike with extra wattage..indicating she has one also…”you shouldn’t have, but i’m glad you did!” Lets winter night ride :)

The ride home was great…not the least bit cold…January 2nd riding…can’t beat it!!

Workout:

•Type: Cycle
•Date: 01/02/2011
•Time: 08:08:50
•Total Time: 00:00:00.00
•Distance: 17 km

P90X Shoulder and Arms

Decided to try P90X shoulders and arms…It was a really nice day, thinking I should go for a bike ride, but P90X won.

I wasn’t sure how i would do, some of the dvd’s are killer workouts. Decided on 5lb weights (whimpy). 20 reps of 15 different exercises, 10 sets of shoulders, biceps & triceps…The one I struggled with was the side tri-rises..I could only do 15….I find it difficult. Felt great to complete the dvd, I will be adding it to my routine because I definitely need arm work.