Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Trying to Implement A Training Plan for Nike Womens Marathon
Now that I know what it feels like to run in a marathon, I know what I need to do to ensure that I am prepared for my next race, The Nike Women's Marathon in October. I have a little over 100 days to prepared for it and want to utilize my time as much as I can. I was so disappointed with the way that I felt after the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, so I want to shake things up a bit, and do a better time. I am still trying to find the right program that will suit me, something with speed and strength training, but Smart Coach says that I don't have enough time to do the plan right in the short amount of time. I am currently looking through books so that I can make a training plan that will suit me goals and my desire to run a lot faster then the last marathon. I have read a lot of negative feedback about the Nike Womens Marathon, and would like to know if anyone has an opinion on this. I am sure that I am going to have (being fully prepared this time) a lot of fun, and I am going to give it my all, maybe the organizers have changed the way the course works this year to make it satisfying for both the Half and Full Marathon runners!! Anyway, I love reading comments, so make sure to drop by to say hi!!!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Seattle Rock N Roll Marathon Report
It has been almost a week since I completed, perhaps one of the most mentally challenging things that I have ever been through. I almost didn't make it, but because I had some awesome cheer people (sorry MJ for not hi - fiving you at the end of the race) I eventually made it, in a time that seemed so well disappointing. Might as well start from the beginning:
The Expo:
This was by far, one of the best expo's that I have been to. It surpasses both the Vancouver Marathon & also the Disney 1/2 Marathon Expo. There was plenty to do and see, lots of samples and lots of talks and demonstrations. I was lucky enough to get the chance to walk around with Winnie and MJ (who didn't complain the whole trip whilst chauffeuring Winnie & I around. Thanks MJ you're the best!! So after we picked up our race packets we posed with the souvenir shirts:
I know awesome photo right. So then we continued walking around until we found a huge line up at the Sony tent. We looked to see who it was and it was Meb:
So we waited in line for a while and decided to get our photo taken.
So after dill dallying around at the expo for a little over 3 hours, we met up with our other Team in Training runner, Ali, Juneko & Veronica (and eventually Summer) and headed off to find some lunch. We found a place with "the best Gyros on the Earth" (no lie that is what the signage said), and had a bite to eat. After lunch, we all headed off to do our own thing, and get prepared for the inspiration dinner. The inspiration dinner was amazing and wasn't short of inspiring everyone who attended. There were great speakers and great food, lots of pasta to fill up on. We then headed off to Veronica's room for the T-Shirt decorating part of the evening, and to get final instructions for the race. There was lots of nervous and exited energy in the room, and then after the meeting we all said good night and headed off to our motel, in anticipation for race day.
RACE DAY:
Because I wasn't staying with the team, MJ & Winnie were kind enough to get up at 4:30am with me, so that they could drop me off at the start line. Well what I thought was the start line was about a 1.5 mile hike to the start line, but after walking around in what felt like circles, I finally found the crowd and the start line for the race. I thought that it was a little ironic that the start line was near the Ambulance Headquarters. After walking around by myself for a bit, I bumped into Bonnie, a former TNTer and a mentor for the Summer team with Winnie and I. We hung out for a bit, and decided to go line up for the "Honey Bucket" i.e. Port a Potties. Whilst looking for a good bathroom area, we ran into the entire team. Talk about a happy discovery!! We chatted for a good hour before we all had to go to our corals for the start of the race. We were all in different starting areas, so we said our good byes, wished each other luck and we were all on our way.
At 7:00am the gun went and off went the elite. It was about 20minutes before my corral got to the start line, but I was lucky enough to run into a former BC TNTer and we talked a bit while waiting to go. And off we went. I ran the first mile fairly quickly, and was impressed with how good I was feeling. The first band was playing "I come from a land down under" which I thought was a pretty good omen. I was feeling really good, and was eager to get to Mile 7 as this would be where Winnie and MJ would be standing waiting to cheer me on. Mile 7 seemed like forever to get there, but I finally did and seeing them on the sideline cheered me up a bit, as my Ipod music wasn't inspiring me, and the bands on the course, weren't really inspiring me either. The first out and back where the marathoners and the half marathoners split was running across the bridge over Lake Washington. It was about at this point that my foot started to ache. I had had problems with my foot for a while, so stopped training for a few weeks, and iced it constantly. It was really starting to bug me. After running up and back across the bridge we headed into the first tunnel. I thought I was going to faint. It was so incredibly hot, and the tunnel seemed to go forever. In the tunnel they had a DJ playing techno music, so along with feeling faint, the thumping music, just made me feel worse. At KM 20 I felt like I had had enough. My foot was killing me, I was depressed because if I was in a half marathon I would only have a little over a KM to go, and I started to talk negatively to myself, convincing myself that I couldn't do it. Then at mile 13 I saw this:
Winnie and MJ were at Mile 13 to cheer me on. I was so incredibly happy to see them!!! I ran over to them and I think I said to them "I'm in so much pain" and they said you can do it, MJ gave me a kiss on my cheek, Winnie waved her cowbell at me and I was off again. And ran I did. For another few miles, before we hit yet another tunnel. I manage to come across Ali as I was entering the tunnel and she was exiting it, we cheered for each other, and off we went in our very different directions. It was about at this point where I thought I can do it, but it is going to take an incredibly long time. I wasn't in a good place and found the lack of signage very distracting. I kept on thinking how far am I from the finish. I did what I thought was the last out and back and was about to give up again. The heat was starting to get to me, I was way over my anticipated 5 hour finish time, and was getting disappointed in myself, and sad that I was making Winnie and MJ waiting around too long for me to finish. I was about to head back into the Tunnel and another to my surprise I found this:
They had made their way again to see me. It was so awesome, that I started to tear up a bit. I could see that I only had 7 km's to go, and this was going to be the hardest 7 km's that I have ever run! I was lucky enough to come across a lot of TNT coaches, who would walk/run with you for about 6km's until you hit the 26mile mark. I had some good conversations with them, as I was then at the point, where I was walking because my body was unable to muster up any strength to run any more. Argh and then there it was a last out and back. I am not going to lie, it was horrible, and I was so angry at this point, that I swore never to do another marathon in my life! It was so incredibly hot, the drink stations were closing up, and well made me feel bad, and very uninspired. I was lucky enough to chat with a lovely TNT coach whose name I don't remember and he made 3 km's go by very quickly. I was at the last corner, where I got wings on my feet. And I was off. At the bottom of the hill was Veronica, who was cheering me on. I gave here a quick hug, and almost burst into tears, I was so sore at this point, that I just wanted it to be over. Then around the corner, and I could finally see the finish line. There weren't many people there, but that was ok. I saw Winnie and MJ and some girl across from them holding here hand out for a hi-5. Which I gave here with a big grin. I was told after the race that MJ wanted a Hi-5 but he was too late with putting his hand out. I am so sorry about that. Then I finally finished the dreading finish line. It took a little over 6 and a half hours. Way out of what time I thought that I would be finishing in.
Everyone was saying that it was a great effort, because I was injured, but at the same time I was disappointed. Maybe if I had of trained a different way, I may have been able to complete it in a quicker time.
Now that I have had a week to rest my legs, which have no soreness in them at all after two days, I have to think of a game plan for the next marathon. I swore off marathons while I was out there, but it is a great accomplishment, and I am determined to do more. MJ has even said he wants to do the Fargo Marathon next year when he goes home, which I think will be fun to run in. My next event is the Nike Women's Marathon which I am running in with Winnie. I hope that she gets better soon, so that we can start training together. So I start training next week. All I know is that I have lots of Hill work to do. I wasn't prepared for the Hills in Seattle, so I will be better prepared for the hills in San Fran...
Thanks Winnie, MJ, Ali, Juneko, Summer, Cynthia, Vanessa, Veronica, Bonnie, and Coach Ray & TNT for inspiring me during the race day, and throughout the weekend of the Rock n Roll!! You guys Rock, and made me achieve a dream that I thought was impossible!!!
The Expo:
This was by far, one of the best expo's that I have been to. It surpasses both the Vancouver Marathon & also the Disney 1/2 Marathon Expo. There was plenty to do and see, lots of samples and lots of talks and demonstrations. I was lucky enough to get the chance to walk around with Winnie and MJ (who didn't complain the whole trip whilst chauffeuring Winnie & I around. Thanks MJ you're the best!! So after we picked up our race packets we posed with the souvenir shirts:
I know awesome photo right. So then we continued walking around until we found a huge line up at the Sony tent. We looked to see who it was and it was Meb:
So we waited in line for a while and decided to get our photo taken.
So after dill dallying around at the expo for a little over 3 hours, we met up with our other Team in Training runner, Ali, Juneko & Veronica (and eventually Summer) and headed off to find some lunch. We found a place with "the best Gyros on the Earth" (no lie that is what the signage said), and had a bite to eat. After lunch, we all headed off to do our own thing, and get prepared for the inspiration dinner. The inspiration dinner was amazing and wasn't short of inspiring everyone who attended. There were great speakers and great food, lots of pasta to fill up on. We then headed off to Veronica's room for the T-Shirt decorating part of the evening, and to get final instructions for the race. There was lots of nervous and exited energy in the room, and then after the meeting we all said good night and headed off to our motel, in anticipation for race day.
RACE DAY:
Because I wasn't staying with the team, MJ & Winnie were kind enough to get up at 4:30am with me, so that they could drop me off at the start line. Well what I thought was the start line was about a 1.5 mile hike to the start line, but after walking around in what felt like circles, I finally found the crowd and the start line for the race. I thought that it was a little ironic that the start line was near the Ambulance Headquarters. After walking around by myself for a bit, I bumped into Bonnie, a former TNTer and a mentor for the Summer team with Winnie and I. We hung out for a bit, and decided to go line up for the "Honey Bucket" i.e. Port a Potties. Whilst looking for a good bathroom area, we ran into the entire team. Talk about a happy discovery!! We chatted for a good hour before we all had to go to our corals for the start of the race. We were all in different starting areas, so we said our good byes, wished each other luck and we were all on our way.
At 7:00am the gun went and off went the elite. It was about 20minutes before my corral got to the start line, but I was lucky enough to run into a former BC TNTer and we talked a bit while waiting to go. And off we went. I ran the first mile fairly quickly, and was impressed with how good I was feeling. The first band was playing "I come from a land down under" which I thought was a pretty good omen. I was feeling really good, and was eager to get to Mile 7 as this would be where Winnie and MJ would be standing waiting to cheer me on. Mile 7 seemed like forever to get there, but I finally did and seeing them on the sideline cheered me up a bit, as my Ipod music wasn't inspiring me, and the bands on the course, weren't really inspiring me either. The first out and back where the marathoners and the half marathoners split was running across the bridge over Lake Washington. It was about at this point that my foot started to ache. I had had problems with my foot for a while, so stopped training for a few weeks, and iced it constantly. It was really starting to bug me. After running up and back across the bridge we headed into the first tunnel. I thought I was going to faint. It was so incredibly hot, and the tunnel seemed to go forever. In the tunnel they had a DJ playing techno music, so along with feeling faint, the thumping music, just made me feel worse. At KM 20 I felt like I had had enough. My foot was killing me, I was depressed because if I was in a half marathon I would only have a little over a KM to go, and I started to talk negatively to myself, convincing myself that I couldn't do it. Then at mile 13 I saw this:
Winnie and MJ were at Mile 13 to cheer me on. I was so incredibly happy to see them!!! I ran over to them and I think I said to them "I'm in so much pain" and they said you can do it, MJ gave me a kiss on my cheek, Winnie waved her cowbell at me and I was off again. And ran I did. For another few miles, before we hit yet another tunnel. I manage to come across Ali as I was entering the tunnel and she was exiting it, we cheered for each other, and off we went in our very different directions. It was about at this point where I thought I can do it, but it is going to take an incredibly long time. I wasn't in a good place and found the lack of signage very distracting. I kept on thinking how far am I from the finish. I did what I thought was the last out and back and was about to give up again. The heat was starting to get to me, I was way over my anticipated 5 hour finish time, and was getting disappointed in myself, and sad that I was making Winnie and MJ waiting around too long for me to finish. I was about to head back into the Tunnel and another to my surprise I found this:
They had made their way again to see me. It was so awesome, that I started to tear up a bit. I could see that I only had 7 km's to go, and this was going to be the hardest 7 km's that I have ever run! I was lucky enough to come across a lot of TNT coaches, who would walk/run with you for about 6km's until you hit the 26mile mark. I had some good conversations with them, as I was then at the point, where I was walking because my body was unable to muster up any strength to run any more. Argh and then there it was a last out and back. I am not going to lie, it was horrible, and I was so angry at this point, that I swore never to do another marathon in my life! It was so incredibly hot, the drink stations were closing up, and well made me feel bad, and very uninspired. I was lucky enough to chat with a lovely TNT coach whose name I don't remember and he made 3 km's go by very quickly. I was at the last corner, where I got wings on my feet. And I was off. At the bottom of the hill was Veronica, who was cheering me on. I gave here a quick hug, and almost burst into tears, I was so sore at this point, that I just wanted it to be over. Then around the corner, and I could finally see the finish line. There weren't many people there, but that was ok. I saw Winnie and MJ and some girl across from them holding here hand out for a hi-5. Which I gave here with a big grin. I was told after the race that MJ wanted a Hi-5 but he was too late with putting his hand out. I am so sorry about that. Then I finally finished the dreading finish line. It took a little over 6 and a half hours. Way out of what time I thought that I would be finishing in.
Everyone was saying that it was a great effort, because I was injured, but at the same time I was disappointed. Maybe if I had of trained a different way, I may have been able to complete it in a quicker time.
Now that I have had a week to rest my legs, which have no soreness in them at all after two days, I have to think of a game plan for the next marathon. I swore off marathons while I was out there, but it is a great accomplishment, and I am determined to do more. MJ has even said he wants to do the Fargo Marathon next year when he goes home, which I think will be fun to run in. My next event is the Nike Women's Marathon which I am running in with Winnie. I hope that she gets better soon, so that we can start training together. So I start training next week. All I know is that I have lots of Hill work to do. I wasn't prepared for the Hills in Seattle, so I will be better prepared for the hills in San Fran...
Thanks Winnie, MJ, Ali, Juneko, Summer, Cynthia, Vanessa, Veronica, Bonnie, and Coach Ray & TNT for inspiring me during the race day, and throughout the weekend of the Rock n Roll!! You guys Rock, and made me achieve a dream that I thought was impossible!!!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Goals for the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
In two weeks time I would have finished the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon (I hope). It is a scary thought. It has come around way too quickly for my liking, and now that I am injured, I am a little disappointed that I might not do as well as I expected. So I thought that now would be as good as time as ever, to write down my goals for the marathon.
Goal 1:
Not to finish last. (is that a bit insensitive?). That has always been my biggest fear when entering races, to end up last or being told that I am running too slow and that I won't be able to finish the race. I know the sense of reaching the finish line would be good enough, but not coming in last would be great! =) I have finished last in a swimming race before. It was the individual medley, and I was literally 2 laps behind the second last person. I had a standing ovation, and to me it felt like they were pitying me, I know that I should of been proud to complete it at all, but instead I was embarrassed (maybe I have grown up since then)......so hey if I finish last so be it, at least I tried my best!!!!
To enjoy the festivities with my Team in Training mentees and group!! I am really excited about the Team Pasta Party and the Victory Dinner. It will close this chapter of Team in Training for me (until I compete in a Triathlon for them next year), a experience that I have really enjoyed.
Goal 5
Goal 1:
To finish the marathon: I know that this seems pretty obvious, but now that I have an injured foot, the thought of running let alone completing a marathon, seems pretty far fetched. I really hope that my foot heals quickly, so that I can take part in it. I go for a long run tomorrow with the team, and if I am able to complete it then, I will continue on with my quest to run the full, if not, I will walk the full and change my corral.
Goal 2:To have fun and remain positive throughout the race: Having bands every mile, I think will contribute to how I feel throughout the race. I also want to feel the runners high, of completing something that I thought would not be possible (well for me anyway). I know that once I complete this marathon, I will have the faith that I can do anything. My friend suggested that I run through the pain and visualize each mile and how to tackle each mile. I can't think of anything past mile 13, but I know on the race day I will have a different point of view, and the adrenaline from being in a race, will make me incredibly happy =)
Goal 3Goal 3
To enjoy my time away! I am really excited about where we are staying (The BF, W & I), and I am hoping that it will provide the much anticipated relaxation that I desperately need. I need to recharge my emotional batteries, and think that the time away will help. I will be spending time with ones that I enjoy being around (a few of the many whose company I enjoy) and it is a chance not to think about "work".
Goal 4To enjoy the festivities with my Team in Training mentees and group!! I am really excited about the Team Pasta Party and the Victory Dinner. It will close this chapter of Team in Training for me (until I compete in a Triathlon for them next year), a experience that I have really enjoyed.
Goal 5
Shopping! I can't wait to go shopping after the Expo - thank god that we have a chauffeur to take us to any place that we want!!!
These are my goals, I can't wait to write my race review and go through the goals that I achieved :)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Three Things Thursday - Summer Plan Edition
I have been quiet lazy with my 3 things that I am greatful for each Thursday - is it bad that I feel like I have run out of things that I am greatful for? I know that I have a lot to thank for but sometimes it is hard to think of them, and write them down - so here goes a different way of doing it. This is the 3 things that I will plan to do during Summer!
Spend Time in The Great Outdoors!!
I plan on taking lots of Bike rides and hikes this year (perhaps throw in a little camping here and there), it is the same plan as last year, but hey life got in the way and I didn't achieve many hikes or any bike rides at all! This means that I get to spend more time with my adorable BF and we can actually take time out over the weekend to enjoy each other's company. He was lovely enough to buy me a Bike for my birthday yesterday, which I am so happy about, and now I am even more eager to get out and ride, and well drag him along with me. (I love you baby =D) I also have my first marathon coming up, which I am going to kick ass in (I won't do an overly impressive time, but as long as I finish I will be happy!!) in only 4 weeks time, I am over the freaking out, and into the excitement phase. I am looking forward to laying out my race outfit in the next couple of days and take it on training runs to make sure that everything is comfortable. The coach thinks that I am ready for this challenge, and said that there aren't many hills. I nicely pointed out to him, that the majority of the course is hills, and one with a huge elevation gain.
Take more photos
Last year I received a pretty awesome camera (thanks MJ =D) and I didn't use it as much as I wanted to. This year I plan to take more photo walks and see what I manage to come up with. I will even learn how to use different camera's and learn how to zoom properly. I may even finish up the photo album that I have been making for my father for the past year - it is a long overdue photo journal documenting my time in Canada as my dad doesn't have access to the internet to see my photos.
Scuba Diving
I brought an introductory Scuba Diving pass for myself at a discount price. Pretty keen to try this at least once =)
Oh and plan my trip to San Francisco for the Nike Womens Marathon. I like to plan a lot in advance so that everything runs to schedule. It may take me just about all summer to do it!!
Have a happy Thursday =)
Spend Time in The Great Outdoors!!
I plan on taking lots of Bike rides and hikes this year (perhaps throw in a little camping here and there), it is the same plan as last year, but hey life got in the way and I didn't achieve many hikes or any bike rides at all! This means that I get to spend more time with my adorable BF and we can actually take time out over the weekend to enjoy each other's company. He was lovely enough to buy me a Bike for my birthday yesterday, which I am so happy about, and now I am even more eager to get out and ride, and well drag him along with me. (I love you baby =D) I also have my first marathon coming up, which I am going to kick ass in (I won't do an overly impressive time, but as long as I finish I will be happy!!) in only 4 weeks time, I am over the freaking out, and into the excitement phase. I am looking forward to laying out my race outfit in the next couple of days and take it on training runs to make sure that everything is comfortable. The coach thinks that I am ready for this challenge, and said that there aren't many hills. I nicely pointed out to him, that the majority of the course is hills, and one with a huge elevation gain.
Take more photos
Last year I received a pretty awesome camera (thanks MJ =D) and I didn't use it as much as I wanted to. This year I plan to take more photo walks and see what I manage to come up with. I will even learn how to use different camera's and learn how to zoom properly. I may even finish up the photo album that I have been making for my father for the past year - it is a long overdue photo journal documenting my time in Canada as my dad doesn't have access to the internet to see my photos.
Scuba Diving
I brought an introductory Scuba Diving pass for myself at a discount price. Pretty keen to try this at least once =)
Oh and plan my trip to San Francisco for the Nike Womens Marathon. I like to plan a lot in advance so that everything runs to schedule. It may take me just about all summer to do it!!
Have a happy Thursday =)
Sunday, May 23, 2010
No Title
Every now and then I run out of things to write about. I think that I sometimes live a very boring and uninteresting life - it is me, this is who I am. I haven't done much training since the Sun Run. I ran 26 km's last Sunday (it was meant to be 32kms, but I got lost and the coach had to come pick me up). I only ran 10km's today. I think that I have somewhat lost my mojo, something that I will need to get back, very quickly. I only have 32 day's left until I tackle my first marathon, something which now I am both excited and petrified about. I know that I react differently on race days. I have more energy and want to prove to others that I can do this. I need to prove to myself that I can do this in training runs. I am not sure why, but I always want to quit when I am on the training runs, even though I know that it will benefit me in the long run. Instead of running the 18kms with the full marathon runners, I opted for the 10km's instead. Why do I do this to myself - I know that I will regret it later on, but what can I do right? Tomorrow I start with a different attitude. I can do this, and I will do this! I am going to kick ass at the gym tomorrow, and then spend a relaxing day with the housemates - I am almost a year older, and I new a new attitude for my entry into my late 20's, something which I am excited about - another year older, another year wiser right? I am going to train harder and eat better (kind of hard at the moment with only have a temporary kitchen at the moment).
So that is the end of my un-motivational story - I hope that I find my grove really soon!!!
So that is the end of my un-motivational story - I hope that I find my grove really soon!!!
Monday, May 10, 2010
2010 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon & Sun Run Race Report
So it has been a while since I have updated my blog. I have been a busy little bee, and now that things are finally starting to settle down a bit, now is as good as time as ever to start writing again.
May 2nd marked the 2010 BMO Half Marathon. I was excited with anticipation leading up to the event with the hopes of getting a PB time. In the days leading up to the event, unfortunate series of events started taking place, (especially after having a fantastic Friday on the 23rd of April W & I got into the Nike Womens Marathon via lottery), the week that followed was pretty crap. I litterally had the worst week at work ever, nothing was going right, my bosses were being particularly unfriendly and on Friday (before the race) I had a mild panic attack. All the pressure had built up and it was too much for my body to handle. W handled it like a pro - keeping me constantly occupied by taking me to her co-workers farewell parties and art gallery extravaganza, and then when I went home to the BF, he looked after me well and let me crumble into a little heap of misery bawling my eyes out, he cooked me some comfort food and we watched the tube, until I had calmed down enough to go to sleep. Saturday (day before the race) was a mediocre day. I worked at the expo and walked 5 miles on the treadmill, I was a little overwhelmed by the crowd and then fought my way through to head back home in preparation for the yummy pasta party with W, F & the BF. Had a good night and a good feed. On race morning, it was the same as any race morning had my 2 bananas and drank some more fluids and looked out the window - it was gloomy to say the least. I had never run a half marathon in the rain before, and I am not going to lie, a little bit of rain is good, but when it starts pelting down and hurting, thats when I no longer the running in the rain. I met up with W & B before the race for some pre-race gossip and to line up for the port-o-potties one last time. And then we were off (I am the slower of the 3 of us and soon i was running by myself), we left 10 minutes after the gun but that didn't worry me. I quickly caught up with the stragglers from the start and was trying to find my grove. I know that it is going to be a bad run, when my body feels like exploding, and I struggle for breath after the 1st KM. It wasn't until KM 10 that I could breath properly and that's when I ran into T & L who are pretty much the most awesome people to run into when faced with the giant hill that is Prospect Point. I was determined this year to run up it completely - no stopping for the first time. I got up half way and then my legs felt like lead and stumbled to a walk. I walked the remainder of the hill, a little disappointed with my efforts, to say the least. And then it was all downhill from there (literally) a almost 2 km downhill stretch hurt my legs but I was able to power on until the finish (I did sneak in some walk breaks here and there), and finally crossed the finish line in 2 hours 44 minutes. It is not my best time, and is not my worst time, I was happy to finish, and am more determined then ever to train hills for next year attempt.
SUN RUN
My legs healed fairly quickly from the half marathon experience, I have no doubt that my Zensah compressions sleeves, helped alleviate any of the pain that I was having. I went for a training run with the BF on Wednesday and had to stop running after 1.4km's my legs felt like lead, and thought I should take it easy. I wanted a PB time in this race, and was confident of doing it, that was until I came down with a head cold on Saturday. We ate dinner (pasta party again) with the BF at Lombardos which was pretty much awesome, I can not wait to eat there again. (My BF & I have decided when one of us gets a new job we will celebrate there). Still fighting off the cold on Sunday we woke to the most beautiful day outside. We arrive at the race 40 minutes prior to starting and found our starting area. We ran into T & L and chatted with them for about an hour for our corral to leave. Once we got started I knew that I was going to do a pretty good time for me. That was until around the 4th KM and some guy decided to shove my in my back with both his arms and yell move - even though there was ample space around me to pass. I was a bit dazed by being pushed but continued to run with the BF, but it put me a little off my game. At km 7 and after running for 40 minutes, I needed to slow down to a walk to take a breather to rest my left knee and clear my head the I encouraged my BF to continue to run and off he went. I kept myself entertained for the remainder of the run, by pace stalking other runners until I had enough and went out on my own. The last KM was a full sprint for me, I knew I was beating my old time and wanted to get it down as much as possible, then the bottle neck before the turn to the finish line came up and it was a scramble to get into the best position. I found that no one was running down the right had side of the track so I was off, going past as many people as I could in the last 500 meters. And it felt pretty awesome. I did the 10km in 1hr 13min exactly. I was hoping for a faster time, but was pretty stoked with it for the shape that I was in. I probably won't run in this race again, there are too many people who seem to like to invade my personal space.
After the race we went out for post race food with my housemate C & her friend S, it was awesome. Later in the afternoon I felt like I had been hit by a truck and was falling pretty fast. The cold had taken full effect, and I feel so lethargic. I am hoping that I don't get glandular fever again. I have been told it is not likely to happen twice, but a Dr. told me that it is always in your body, and can strike you when you are stressed. So fingers crossed it is just the common cold.
I really want to get back into training as soon as possible. I only have 7 weeks before the marathon, which I am slightly worried about. I want to do well, and not have W & the BF waiting hours on end for me to finish. I want to start my training again on Wednesday, to make sure that I am rid of my cold.
May 2nd marked the 2010 BMO Half Marathon. I was excited with anticipation leading up to the event with the hopes of getting a PB time. In the days leading up to the event, unfortunate series of events started taking place, (especially after having a fantastic Friday on the 23rd of April W & I got into the Nike Womens Marathon via lottery), the week that followed was pretty crap. I litterally had the worst week at work ever, nothing was going right, my bosses were being particularly unfriendly and on Friday (before the race) I had a mild panic attack. All the pressure had built up and it was too much for my body to handle. W handled it like a pro - keeping me constantly occupied by taking me to her co-workers farewell parties and art gallery extravaganza, and then when I went home to the BF, he looked after me well and let me crumble into a little heap of misery bawling my eyes out, he cooked me some comfort food and we watched the tube, until I had calmed down enough to go to sleep. Saturday (day before the race) was a mediocre day. I worked at the expo and walked 5 miles on the treadmill, I was a little overwhelmed by the crowd and then fought my way through to head back home in preparation for the yummy pasta party with W, F & the BF. Had a good night and a good feed. On race morning, it was the same as any race morning had my 2 bananas and drank some more fluids and looked out the window - it was gloomy to say the least. I had never run a half marathon in the rain before, and I am not going to lie, a little bit of rain is good, but when it starts pelting down and hurting, thats when I no longer the running in the rain. I met up with W & B before the race for some pre-race gossip and to line up for the port-o-potties one last time. And then we were off (I am the slower of the 3 of us and soon i was running by myself), we left 10 minutes after the gun but that didn't worry me. I quickly caught up with the stragglers from the start and was trying to find my grove. I know that it is going to be a bad run, when my body feels like exploding, and I struggle for breath after the 1st KM. It wasn't until KM 10 that I could breath properly and that's when I ran into T & L who are pretty much the most awesome people to run into when faced with the giant hill that is Prospect Point. I was determined this year to run up it completely - no stopping for the first time. I got up half way and then my legs felt like lead and stumbled to a walk. I walked the remainder of the hill, a little disappointed with my efforts, to say the least. And then it was all downhill from there (literally) a almost 2 km downhill stretch hurt my legs but I was able to power on until the finish (I did sneak in some walk breaks here and there), and finally crossed the finish line in 2 hours 44 minutes. It is not my best time, and is not my worst time, I was happy to finish, and am more determined then ever to train hills for next year attempt.
SUN RUN
My legs healed fairly quickly from the half marathon experience, I have no doubt that my Zensah compressions sleeves, helped alleviate any of the pain that I was having. I went for a training run with the BF on Wednesday and had to stop running after 1.4km's my legs felt like lead, and thought I should take it easy. I wanted a PB time in this race, and was confident of doing it, that was until I came down with a head cold on Saturday. We ate dinner (pasta party again) with the BF at Lombardos which was pretty much awesome, I can not wait to eat there again. (My BF & I have decided when one of us gets a new job we will celebrate there). Still fighting off the cold on Sunday we woke to the most beautiful day outside. We arrive at the race 40 minutes prior to starting and found our starting area. We ran into T & L and chatted with them for about an hour for our corral to leave. Once we got started I knew that I was going to do a pretty good time for me. That was until around the 4th KM and some guy decided to shove my in my back with both his arms and yell move - even though there was ample space around me to pass. I was a bit dazed by being pushed but continued to run with the BF, but it put me a little off my game. At km 7 and after running for 40 minutes, I needed to slow down to a walk to take a breather to rest my left knee and clear my head the I encouraged my BF to continue to run and off he went. I kept myself entertained for the remainder of the run, by pace stalking other runners until I had enough and went out on my own. The last KM was a full sprint for me, I knew I was beating my old time and wanted to get it down as much as possible, then the bottle neck before the turn to the finish line came up and it was a scramble to get into the best position. I found that no one was running down the right had side of the track so I was off, going past as many people as I could in the last 500 meters. And it felt pretty awesome. I did the 10km in 1hr 13min exactly. I was hoping for a faster time, but was pretty stoked with it for the shape that I was in. I probably won't run in this race again, there are too many people who seem to like to invade my personal space.
After the race we went out for post race food with my housemate C & her friend S, it was awesome. Later in the afternoon I felt like I had been hit by a truck and was falling pretty fast. The cold had taken full effect, and I feel so lethargic. I am hoping that I don't get glandular fever again. I have been told it is not likely to happen twice, but a Dr. told me that it is always in your body, and can strike you when you are stressed. So fingers crossed it is just the common cold.
I really want to get back into training as soon as possible. I only have 7 weeks before the marathon, which I am slightly worried about. I want to do well, and not have W & the BF waiting hours on end for me to finish. I want to start my training again on Wednesday, to make sure that I am rid of my cold.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Three Things Thursday
Ok, so it is that time of the week again where I state the three things that I am greatful for.
1. Stubborness
I am happy been stubborn and I am greatful that I am this way. Just a little over 9 years ago my mole on my arm started bleeding. I went to the doctors and they said that there was nothing wrong with it - I made them take the mole out and it ended up being melanoma. I had to go back in and had 2 more surgeries to remove more skin around the mole. If I had not have stood my ground it would be a completely different story being told today, I would most likely be 6 feet under. I was the youngest diagnosed in the skin cancer clinic that I went to. I was 19 years old. I am overly cautious now with my body, and when I don't feel well, I try to eliminate the cause for my illness, and if I can't figure it out I will see a doctor. I know that I am now at a higher chance of getting cancer again, so I have to be extra cautious now.
2. My Parents
My parents brought be back from the brink of destruction. When I was living by myself and going to uni, I had a pretty horrible housemate and she blamed me for many things, among them her bulimia and also being drugged when she went out (I was not a party goer, but I was meant to look after her or so her parents said!!) After my housemate moved out, I started finding comfort in food, and before I knew it, I was obese, and was slowly eating myself to death - chocolate & deep fried foods were my best friends. My parents came and picked me up and I moved back home with them, and mum and dad put me on a diet, slowly I began to lose weight and regaining self confidence. I still have about 20 pounds to lose to get to my idea weight, and sometimes I do slip back into my old ways, but they are becoming less these days.
3. Music
I started playing the piano soon after I learned how to read by myself for the first time. I find that music has a calming effect over me. I wish that I had of stayed playing the piano, but when studying for finals at school it was hard to keep up and concentrate on both. When i was younger I dreamed of writing my own music and performing it for others, these days I am rediscovering the joys of singing and listening to music again. One day I will write a song, not in the next few years, but eventually when I get my immediate goals settled!!
Hope that you enjoyed this edition of three things Thursday!!
It is getting very close to the BMO Vancouver half. I will be working at the expo on the Saturday and running/walking on a treadmill for an hour, to show that anyone can get exercise when they want to :)
1. Stubborness
I am happy been stubborn and I am greatful that I am this way. Just a little over 9 years ago my mole on my arm started bleeding. I went to the doctors and they said that there was nothing wrong with it - I made them take the mole out and it ended up being melanoma. I had to go back in and had 2 more surgeries to remove more skin around the mole. If I had not have stood my ground it would be a completely different story being told today, I would most likely be 6 feet under. I was the youngest diagnosed in the skin cancer clinic that I went to. I was 19 years old. I am overly cautious now with my body, and when I don't feel well, I try to eliminate the cause for my illness, and if I can't figure it out I will see a doctor. I know that I am now at a higher chance of getting cancer again, so I have to be extra cautious now.
2. My Parents
My parents brought be back from the brink of destruction. When I was living by myself and going to uni, I had a pretty horrible housemate and she blamed me for many things, among them her bulimia and also being drugged when she went out (I was not a party goer, but I was meant to look after her or so her parents said!!) After my housemate moved out, I started finding comfort in food, and before I knew it, I was obese, and was slowly eating myself to death - chocolate & deep fried foods were my best friends. My parents came and picked me up and I moved back home with them, and mum and dad put me on a diet, slowly I began to lose weight and regaining self confidence. I still have about 20 pounds to lose to get to my idea weight, and sometimes I do slip back into my old ways, but they are becoming less these days.
3. Music
I started playing the piano soon after I learned how to read by myself for the first time. I find that music has a calming effect over me. I wish that I had of stayed playing the piano, but when studying for finals at school it was hard to keep up and concentrate on both. When i was younger I dreamed of writing my own music and performing it for others, these days I am rediscovering the joys of singing and listening to music again. One day I will write a song, not in the next few years, but eventually when I get my immediate goals settled!!
Hope that you enjoyed this edition of three things Thursday!!
It is getting very close to the BMO Vancouver half. I will be working at the expo on the Saturday and running/walking on a treadmill for an hour, to show that anyone can get exercise when they want to :)
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