Volunteering 2012

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Harry's 8km Spring Run Off - Race Recap

On Sunday I participated in the Spring Run Off - supporting research into Prostate Cancer.


 This was my first competitive run in an 8km, so no matter what time I did, it would be a personal best. That being said, I wanted to maintain my pace throughout, with limited walk breaks. It was a perfect start to spring, the sun was shining and there was a nice breeze in the air. It was the first time, that I haven't needed to use the potties excessively before the race, I don't know if it has been the change in diet, or that I have been training regularly for the marathon, I had found peace with myself. (No upset tummy!! Yay!!!)

The race started at 10:00, and after a warm up walk around the seawall, and the Steve Nash fitness instructor led us in a quick stretching exercises. Then we were off, I crossed the start line two minutes after the start. The first 2 kms were hard, and I felt really heavy and took a while for me to find my groove. I found that I wore too many layers, and was incredibly hot, I didn't bring my bottle, due to the short distance, however after 3kms I was feeling very dehydrated and was wishing that the water station was closer.

I found a lady who was running around my speed and used her to pace me for the last 5 kms.  At the half way mark, I quickly grabbed some water, and took my first walk break through the water station. Then I quickly caught up with my pacing buddy and tried to maintain an even speed. When I hit the 6 km mark, I was at 42 minutes. My hopes for finishing under an hour seemed a little out of reach! I put on my Ipod and kept plugging away with the music motivating me, and my pacer running a bit faster, I gave it my all in the next 2 kms. I ran across the line in 56:35:48 which I was very happy with.

I will definitely do this race again next year, it was very well organized and all the volunteers seemed happy to be there, and the course was peaceful and scenic. (Made me realize how much I love living in Vancouver)

I stretched a lot after the race, something that I neglect to do after many of my races, and walked back around the Seawall for a cool down. I got home and stretched some more, and ran a tennis ball along my IT band, as I couldn't face the foam roller. I went for a recovery run yesterday, with my friend Winnie, and my legs felt good. I'm excited about the half marathon in a few weeks time on the Sunshine Coast, I am happy with the way my training is going for my ultimate goal of the Fargo Marathon come May 21!!!

(On a side note, I also participated in Shake Your Shamrock Virtual Run, however I was too late to submit my times. I added the the 8kms to the 5km's that I ran on Friday night, and walked on Sunday (around the sea wall) for a total of 13kms, in approximately 1:30. )

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Harry Sping Run Off 8km

I had a really good run today, and can pretty much confirm that Marathon training is going well. I managed to run almost the whole way without stopping (except through the water station), and maintain my speed well. I beat my goal time, which I am really happy about. Naturally it wasn't the fastest time, but I am happy and will take it :). Tomorrow I will do a race recap, and also and update on the St.Pattys virtual run.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Three Things Thursday

It has been a while since I have done this, so here are some Three Things Thursday - Confession Edition:

1. I have an unhealthy obsession with chocolate

We brought 2 bags of Ghirardelli Chocolate when we were in San Francisco, and after the marathon, I think the bag was demolished within 2 weeks of getting back. My obsession is getting so bad that there are chocolate wrappers in the bedroom, and distributed around the house, I often forget that I have brought chocolate, and will get excited when I find it. I am slowly trying to wean myself off it, and will be giving it up for Lent, along with Coffee, oh Lordy, it will be an interesting 40 days!

2: I'm Super Excited and Freaked Out About the Fargo Marathon

It will be my 3rd Marathon, and will be super disappointed if I don't get a PB in it. I am aiming for a sub 5 hour marathon, and to date, I have trained more for this then my first two marathons. I don't want to be too far behind the BF once he finishes, because I think that he will be able to do a quicker time then me. I don't want to embarrass myself in front of the BF's family, it will be my first time meeting this lot, and I want to make a good impression!


3: My Seeds are Starting to Grow

I have been becoming so domesticated (even though I haven't finished unpacking completely yet) that I am excited about the smallest things. I am so excited about having fresh veggies this Summer, and the fact that they are growing, makes me a very happy person. Yay for fresh food!


That concludes my 3 things Thursday!

Tell me a secret!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

ABC's

I thought that I would follow what everyone else is doing before I write my February Re-Cap, because I enjoyed reading everyone else's so much, so here it is my ABC's:

Age: Late 20's
Bed size: Queen
Chore you hate: Washing dishes, and cleaning the bathroom
Dogs: I claimed partnership with my Brother when he brought a pure bred Labrador. I really want a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever:


 (Photo from http://dog-breeds.findthebest.com/compare/111-158/Nova-Scotia-Duck-Tolling-Retriever-vs-Welsh-Springer-Spaniel)

Essential start of your day: I'd like to say breakfast, but that would be a lie, I think it is hitting that snooze button at least 3 times!
Fav colour: Pink
Gold or silver: White Gold
Height: 172 cm's I think. That is what I claimed on my Drivers License, it is probably more like 168cms
Instruments I play: Piano. I got up to Grade 8, before I begged my parents to let me quit. (They would probably say that I had been begging to quit the first day I started). I have also dabbled in Guitar, Violin, and the Spoons.
Job title:  Administrator
Kids: Nope - not for a few years
Live: Vancouver, BC
Mom’s name: Mum
Nicknames: Neeks, Moni-q, Possum and one which only my dad can call me, and I won't reveal
Overnight hospital stays: None, although I have spent a few hours on several occasions, in the Emergency Ward with some of my University Friends.
Pet peeve: People invading my personal space, especially on Public Transport
Quote from a movie:"Nobody puts baby in the corner" Dirty Dancing

(Photo from http://sar7an.wordpress.com)
P.S I totally envision my garden to produce products like this!

Right or left handed: I'm a lefty, we are rare
Siblings: 3 Brothers and 1 sister - all older
Time you wake up: 7:00, but I snooze for 10-15 mins (a habit that I desperately need to get out of!)
Underwear: Of course
Veggie you dislike: I tend to like all veggies, although Brussels Sprouts, even when they were wrapped in Bacon, I couldn't convince myself to eat them!
 (Photo from http://ivfcproduce.blogspot.com/2010/12/brussels-sprouts-brusselsprouts-brouts.html)
Who knew that this is how Brussels Spouts are grown. I learnt something tonight!



What makes you run late: I like to be a few minutes early, so I rarely run too late. If I am late, it is usually because of traffic, or a problem with the public transport.
X-rays you have had done: Teeth and foot
Yummy food you make: I hope that it tastes yummy, I like making Spaghetti Bolognese, Beef Stroganoff  or Risotto, the last two have yet to made since being here in Canada.
Zoo, favorite animal: Orangutans (how could you not love them)

(Photo from http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/04/neworangutans-1/)


So there you have it, my ABC's.