The sun is back and I am so excited now about the run.
Healthy fear and some apprehension. But so stoked.
I can't believe I'm doing this. Of all things.
Also I am looking forward to riding my skateboard again, it's been too long, but I am not going to bruise my knees just yet, I've worked too hard.
There's no run today, it feels weird.
I want to run.
That is so odd.
I want to do one long run before the race to rmind my mind that I am capable of this.
But I'm good.
Sun is on my side.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
doubter
Six Kms, again, a struggle.
I am a sweatshop!
I can't stop coughing!
My poor neighbor poked his head around the hedge to see if I was gonna be okay!
Coughs catching in my throat that makes it sound like I'll puke. I am shiny all over...it's kind of sexy, like I'm in a music video, but then again I can't see my face...so that's good thing.
T-shirt pulled up on top of my head to soak up some of the wetness on my face. I must look like a ragged nun! Ha! Red faced and angry looking! Okay, I'm scaring myself, let's get to the point...
I am crapping my pants about Sunday's run. Since I got this damned chest cold, it feels like my training hasn't been taking. I've done nearly every run the guide has told me to do, but I haven't felt great about them since I've been hacking the demons out of my chest cavity...oh there goes another drop of sweat rolling down my back.
Why am I naysaying! This sucks, I am scared!
I know I can do this, but all the voices in my head are telling me ... don't, you can't.
I guess they never met the part of me that loves it when people tell me I can't do something. They don't know that I like to prove them wrong.
Huh? It just started pouring rain! I did it again! I beat you, rain! I got to run in pure, sweet sunshine! In shorts. I left the jacket at home. Oh wow, it's really coming down. Ha! It's a torrent! I just went out and stood in it, in just wellies and a coat over my sport bra and shorts! Haha! Like thunder on the tin roof, hail is bouncing off of everywhere. That is awesome. I am smiling again.
Well, saint me and call me Thomas!
It's a sign from Above! Ye gods! They want me to run! Hooray! Thanks, guys, I really needed that! Now onto the other shit I keep forgetting to mention.
OK, first: I broke down and got another gigantic chocolate bar. For the past week and a half, I tried to cut chocolate right out. Because I seriously use it as a meal replacement. I do, it's sad. I've been busting my arse, and getting an almost all over lovely tone, I thought that if I'm going to look as lean as I will ever look, well, then it's now or never, right? Yeah, well. I can't make it.
I can't do this without you, Chocolate! You and me, to the finish line and beyond...
Next: I got a pair of shorts. This doesn't sound weird to most of you, but shorts and me only very recently started getting along. I have a tough time meeting shorts I can get along with. Jeans, too, and for the same reason. I have thighs. Not bad thighs, but strong thighs, and when I exercise, it's right there where I get my muscles, but lose no, um, roundness. I remember being twelve and wishing that one day, my thighs wouldn't rest upon one another at the top of my legs, but that's advertising doing its thing, right there. My mum assured me that thighs like those that do not meet at the top are a sign of poor health. She had a name for it, but basically, if your thighs aren't squishing together at the crotch up there, you can't have babies, she said, your body won't work properly, you would be underweight. And that was that. I want to be healthy. But these thighs keep me from being able to get shorts that do not squeeze my legs out of the southern hem, or roll up right to the middle of me, and that is such a gross feeling... And a lot of jeans and pants that are my size at the waist, don't pull up far past my knees. On the plus side, it deters me from shopping. I have never really worn shorts, except to swim in. So when I have to shop, like now, since I am beginning to overheat in my calf length, black, ultra- comfortable yoga stretchies, I am in hell.
Last year I rewarded myself for working so hard physically that my body turned into a something out of a fitness magazine, and got my first pair of short shorts. I tried a run in my boom-boom's, but started to chafe in the thigh zone, and I can't handle that shit. I must have tried on fifteen pairs of shorts at the sport mart, finding only one pair only slightly bearable. I hate shopping, I hate getting all sweaty and messy looking under those ridiculously flourescent changeroom lights. I hate never just being one size and knowing it, I have to take two of each size in each brand to find out which one I am in their world. I hate only being allowed to take five items in at a time, and having to leap out from the change-room in a pair of hideous tighties that I just cannot get my head around ever wearing in public, to grab the other items that I am praying just one of will work for me!
SO I found a pair of shorts. I do not love them, but my thighs are not chafing. The first time I caught a glimpse myself in them, returning from a run and stretching in front of the door mirror, I ran out and bought tanning minutes, feeling sorry for these poor, pale, french bread looking thighs. So I am going to get a little fake tan on this morning, in hopes that I might scarcely resemble some kind of fitness machine on race day. Haha! Just a little vanity?
Okay, my neighborhood has returned from its visit to the tropics, time for me to get some work done.
I am a sweatshop!
I can't stop coughing!
My poor neighbor poked his head around the hedge to see if I was gonna be okay!
Coughs catching in my throat that makes it sound like I'll puke. I am shiny all over...it's kind of sexy, like I'm in a music video, but then again I can't see my face...so that's good thing.
T-shirt pulled up on top of my head to soak up some of the wetness on my face. I must look like a ragged nun! Ha! Red faced and angry looking! Okay, I'm scaring myself, let's get to the point...
I am crapping my pants about Sunday's run. Since I got this damned chest cold, it feels like my training hasn't been taking. I've done nearly every run the guide has told me to do, but I haven't felt great about them since I've been hacking the demons out of my chest cavity...oh there goes another drop of sweat rolling down my back.
Why am I naysaying! This sucks, I am scared!
I know I can do this, but all the voices in my head are telling me ... don't, you can't.
I guess they never met the part of me that loves it when people tell me I can't do something. They don't know that I like to prove them wrong.
Huh? It just started pouring rain! I did it again! I beat you, rain! I got to run in pure, sweet sunshine! In shorts. I left the jacket at home. Oh wow, it's really coming down. Ha! It's a torrent! I just went out and stood in it, in just wellies and a coat over my sport bra and shorts! Haha! Like thunder on the tin roof, hail is bouncing off of everywhere. That is awesome. I am smiling again.
Well, saint me and call me Thomas!
It's a sign from Above! Ye gods! They want me to run! Hooray! Thanks, guys, I really needed that! Now onto the other shit I keep forgetting to mention.
OK, first: I broke down and got another gigantic chocolate bar. For the past week and a half, I tried to cut chocolate right out. Because I seriously use it as a meal replacement. I do, it's sad. I've been busting my arse, and getting an almost all over lovely tone, I thought that if I'm going to look as lean as I will ever look, well, then it's now or never, right? Yeah, well. I can't make it.
I can't do this without you, Chocolate! You and me, to the finish line and beyond...
Next: I got a pair of shorts. This doesn't sound weird to most of you, but shorts and me only very recently started getting along. I have a tough time meeting shorts I can get along with. Jeans, too, and for the same reason. I have thighs. Not bad thighs, but strong thighs, and when I exercise, it's right there where I get my muscles, but lose no, um, roundness. I remember being twelve and wishing that one day, my thighs wouldn't rest upon one another at the top of my legs, but that's advertising doing its thing, right there. My mum assured me that thighs like those that do not meet at the top are a sign of poor health. She had a name for it, but basically, if your thighs aren't squishing together at the crotch up there, you can't have babies, she said, your body won't work properly, you would be underweight. And that was that. I want to be healthy. But these thighs keep me from being able to get shorts that do not squeeze my legs out of the southern hem, or roll up right to the middle of me, and that is such a gross feeling... And a lot of jeans and pants that are my size at the waist, don't pull up far past my knees. On the plus side, it deters me from shopping. I have never really worn shorts, except to swim in. So when I have to shop, like now, since I am beginning to overheat in my calf length, black, ultra- comfortable yoga stretchies, I am in hell.
Last year I rewarded myself for working so hard physically that my body turned into a something out of a fitness magazine, and got my first pair of short shorts. I tried a run in my boom-boom's, but started to chafe in the thigh zone, and I can't handle that shit. I must have tried on fifteen pairs of shorts at the sport mart, finding only one pair only slightly bearable. I hate shopping, I hate getting all sweaty and messy looking under those ridiculously flourescent changeroom lights. I hate never just being one size and knowing it, I have to take two of each size in each brand to find out which one I am in their world. I hate only being allowed to take five items in at a time, and having to leap out from the change-room in a pair of hideous tighties that I just cannot get my head around ever wearing in public, to grab the other items that I am praying just one of will work for me!
SO I found a pair of shorts. I do not love them, but my thighs are not chafing. The first time I caught a glimpse myself in them, returning from a run and stretching in front of the door mirror, I ran out and bought tanning minutes, feeling sorry for these poor, pale, french bread looking thighs. So I am going to get a little fake tan on this morning, in hopes that I might scarcely resemble some kind of fitness machine on race day. Haha! Just a little vanity?
Okay, my neighborhood has returned from its visit to the tropics, time for me to get some work done.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
6k
Today I'm feeling a little disappointed. It feels like a week ago that I ran the TC10K.
As I've been processing that race, and remembering more, I get more disappointed with my run that day. And today's felt too hard, too. I'm not going to expand on it. I'm just noting it, and moving on.
When I set out this morning, I was happy to be on a run. It is full on spring, and has just stopped raining and everything smells so good, the firs, and the flowers, and looking down on the river on 1st I felt glad to live here. I ran along the river, all around Lewis Park, and home.
My left knee started hurting at only 3k, it went away at 4, and then my low back started feeling that weird bruised feeling. Unfortunate side note: as I was laying around after work yesterday, my back locked up twice as I tried to sit up, and I had to use the old fashioned roll over and up. Bummer.
Coughing still, that is annoying. I have to remind myself that I'm not even supposed to able to do this, if I were to listen to those Dr.'s. I have to be gentle, and just be satisfied with making the distance, which seems to be more difficult to feel good about when running in something that is called a 'race'.
I am not racing anything! I am accomplishing something!
Wait, it isn't called a race, it is a marathon. Named after a greek who ran 26 odd miles to warn his townspeople of danger approaching- the only proper reason to ever run, really.
Then he dropped dead.
And that is why I will go halfway. And stop there.
I can do this. I have to keep telling myself that.
I am doing this. I'm ready. My body is ready. I've trained for this.
But, man! My head is freaking out about it!
Go to work, now- and quit thinking!
Well, that makes me feel better already, I finished my run just in time to miss a downpour!
Monday, April 26, 2010
postrace1
Well, it is the day after my first race. That feels like it's farther away than yesterday.
So much excitement, and probably the driving, and getting up three hours earlier than normal, had me crashed out at 7pm. Like a baby. Suuuch a good sleep!
Woke up to find a note on my coffee grinds container from Luke, "Sorry, used up your coffee, here's some money, LoveBug on me." What he (still) doesn't get is that I don't get up without the coffee. I go back to bed. I'm okay with this dependence. It could be much worse(and has). Lucky for him, there was enough left in the bottom grooves of the container thing to make a nice little pot, mmm.
Rest day!
Had to go mow a lawn that got rained out on Friday, and get some ground ready to sod for tomorrow. Worked until I felt my back get weak, then went and wrote a stupid exam. So glad that course is over with! Like anyone needs to know how to write an essay outside of academia! Useless!
Anyway, just in time, unloaded the truck, the rain began. Read my emails.
Hows this for rad! A girl in New York City, who also hates to run, found me out, and now we are in it together! Except that she, all hail, is training for a full freakin' deal, the whole 26.2M show!
Good lady, I salute you!
Check her out at hatestorun@blogger.com
Now the wind is blowing through the gap in the window, like the tide's coming in through a blowhole...the sound has changed from a farty noise, to a sound like blowing through a bottle top. Ah, my sinking house... and I'm thinking about getting my jimjams on, and remember I have to get food at some point, my Sunday grocery mission got kyboshed. I do not want to go out there!
But I will.
Nice little 6k tomorrow, my ankles and I are going to enjoy my last week of little runs!
Holy crap there goes the carport tin roof again, like a thunder clap.
My poor old house is coming apart at the seams!
Check out the wisteria outside that is partly to blame for the carport roof removal! It's blooming before its leaves have come out! Lovely!
So much excitement, and probably the driving, and getting up three hours earlier than normal, had me crashed out at 7pm. Like a baby. Suuuch a good sleep!
Woke up to find a note on my coffee grinds container from Luke, "Sorry, used up your coffee, here's some money, LoveBug on me." What he (still) doesn't get is that I don't get up without the coffee. I go back to bed. I'm okay with this dependence. It could be much worse(and has). Lucky for him, there was enough left in the bottom grooves of the container thing to make a nice little pot, mmm.
Rest day!
Had to go mow a lawn that got rained out on Friday, and get some ground ready to sod for tomorrow. Worked until I felt my back get weak, then went and wrote a stupid exam. So glad that course is over with! Like anyone needs to know how to write an essay outside of academia! Useless!
Anyway, just in time, unloaded the truck, the rain began. Read my emails.
Hows this for rad! A girl in New York City, who also hates to run, found me out, and now we are in it together! Except that she, all hail, is training for a full freakin' deal, the whole 26.2M show!
Good lady, I salute you!
Check her out at hatestorun@blogger.com
Now the wind is blowing through the gap in the window, like the tide's coming in through a blowhole...the sound has changed from a farty noise, to a sound like blowing through a bottle top. Ah, my sinking house... and I'm thinking about getting my jimjams on, and remember I have to get food at some point, my Sunday grocery mission got kyboshed. I do not want to go out there!
But I will.
Nice little 6k tomorrow, my ankles and I are going to enjoy my last week of little runs!
Holy crap there goes the carport tin roof again, like a thunder clap.
My poor old house is coming apart at the seams!
Check out the wisteria outside that is partly to blame for the carport roof removal! It's blooming before its leaves have come out! Lovely!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
TC10K
I got there 40 minutes early, peed in a porta potty, and sat on the curb between the 50 and 60 minute balloons, and watched the crowd thicken from empty street, to jam packed. I stood up with 5 minutes to spare, as the crowd cheered and surged forward. What is going on? Is this the start? I restarted my Nike+ since I hit it by accident, putting the sport band onto my upper arm. I wore a throwaway jacket, I'll miss you, jacket! I told it as I tossed it next to a tree and the cheering crowd started walking forward for real. Came over the crest of a little rise and got my first look at the mass in front of me. The avenue was a river of blue shirts, and there were a few hundred meters to walk to the start line. Trying not to think about all the people, I put my headphones on, and started shaking out my knees and ankles like everyone else that looked like they knew what they were doing there.
Finally I got to the timer pads, start line, and had trouble getting going, there were so many people! Just watching feet in front of me, hoping it would spread itself out, the were a lot of really slow runners to pass, that didn't seem right, it was annoying to stop and go, and deek and dodge. I'm laughing at myself, now, at how frustrated I got, since I AM a slow runner, I'm sure people had to pass me, too. I tried to just go gently on my ankles and knees, and go with the flow, and it worked out pretty well. It did hurt a couple times when I had to pull up and stop or dodge quickly, though. It was funny that at the beginning, everyone would cheer the musicians on the sidelines, but by the time we got to about 6k, no one was yay-ing anymore! haha!
It was rad to be able to see the fastest runners on the way back along the part of the course that loops along the ocean, as I was spacing out to the view. Everyone ahead of me started cheering, so I'm looking around, and whoosh! Right past me! Olympic runners in a tight pack of seven or eight wiry little men, FLYING! This race this year is a Boston Marathon qualifier, serious business if running is your job. I think that could have been my favorite part, my front row spot to the olympics right there...
The view was so good, I just looked out there at the ocean and mountains, used the left hand sidewalk, and breathed. Turns out that my ipod is calibrated about a fifty metres short of a km, which added up by the end. I walked three times? Four? Don't remember. I don't have much of a recollection of the whole thing, I was very present, enjoying the moment, the views, the different runners and watchers. I didn't take my usual mind notes. I saw a knight in the walking crew, as well as two gingerbread men, way ahead of me, they were moving fast! The last kilometre I danced. With my hands. And the finish line is a total blur.
It was overwhelming. It opened out, and I felt exposed to the crowd outside the barricades. I wanted to hide. There were so many people on the sidelines cheering! I turned my music up so that I wouldn't cry, and debated putting my long sleeved shirt back on, and before I knew it, I was running over the finish pad, looking up at the clock, 1:10...not too fuckin' bad for a girl who hates to run!
If some one took my picture, then I didn't see it, and I just kept on trucking through the gates out to the empty Saturday morning streets.
Feet up, bags packed, I even took a cool bath like the pdf. Paula sent me suggested, that was tough. My toe was all bloody! I didn't feel that! Haha!
Check out time now.
One down.
I did it.
Yay, me!
Just looked up my results: 5131st!
1:03:28 was my time.
Finally I got to the timer pads, start line, and had trouble getting going, there were so many people! Just watching feet in front of me, hoping it would spread itself out, the were a lot of really slow runners to pass, that didn't seem right, it was annoying to stop and go, and deek and dodge. I'm laughing at myself, now, at how frustrated I got, since I AM a slow runner, I'm sure people had to pass me, too. I tried to just go gently on my ankles and knees, and go with the flow, and it worked out pretty well. It did hurt a couple times when I had to pull up and stop or dodge quickly, though. It was funny that at the beginning, everyone would cheer the musicians on the sidelines, but by the time we got to about 6k, no one was yay-ing anymore! haha!
It was rad to be able to see the fastest runners on the way back along the part of the course that loops along the ocean, as I was spacing out to the view. Everyone ahead of me started cheering, so I'm looking around, and whoosh! Right past me! Olympic runners in a tight pack of seven or eight wiry little men, FLYING! This race this year is a Boston Marathon qualifier, serious business if running is your job. I think that could have been my favorite part, my front row spot to the olympics right there...
The view was so good, I just looked out there at the ocean and mountains, used the left hand sidewalk, and breathed. Turns out that my ipod is calibrated about a fifty metres short of a km, which added up by the end. I walked three times? Four? Don't remember. I don't have much of a recollection of the whole thing, I was very present, enjoying the moment, the views, the different runners and watchers. I didn't take my usual mind notes. I saw a knight in the walking crew, as well as two gingerbread men, way ahead of me, they were moving fast! The last kilometre I danced. With my hands. And the finish line is a total blur.
It was overwhelming. It opened out, and I felt exposed to the crowd outside the barricades. I wanted to hide. There were so many people on the sidelines cheering! I turned my music up so that I wouldn't cry, and debated putting my long sleeved shirt back on, and before I knew it, I was running over the finish pad, looking up at the clock, 1:10...not too fuckin' bad for a girl who hates to run!
If some one took my picture, then I didn't see it, and I just kept on trucking through the gates out to the empty Saturday morning streets.
Feet up, bags packed, I even took a cool bath like the pdf. Paula sent me suggested, that was tough. My toe was all bloody! I didn't feel that! Haha!
Check out time now.
One down.
I did it.
Yay, me!
Just looked up my results: 5131st!
1:03:28 was my time.
nerves
Well, here goes!I love firsts! Its 6:50, I've been up for over an hour, and I've been ready for awhile, just about to leave every two minutes. Its cold out there, 6 dgrees and windy!
I ate a bit of brek, drank down my two cups, I can feel the caffeine now, it wants me to move! I'm going to set out walking over to Southgate, down Douglas in a few minutes, to the start place, try and find my pace group in amongst the thousands of people. So glad I have my ipod to distract me from that...the numbers alone make me nervy.
I guess there's nothing left to do but run this little thing. A warm up for the big thing next week!
Ha!
Never thought I'd be here!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Victoria
Drove down through rain and sunshine. Circled around, finding the starting area, and the finish line, although I was lost most of the time in between. Went to the Harbor Towers to pick up my race package. I was the wandering person, but I actually knew more than most- like my number! 9231, bitches!
There are numbers 1 through 14000! I asked the guy in line behind me at 9000-10000 if that meant there were 14 thousand people in the race, kind of floored to learn I was going to be in the middle of a crush of bodies, and he thinks there are! I am nervous for that kind of crowd, what the fuck! How is my a.m. cab even going to get near!!
So that's a little scary. Have to set out early.
I got my room organized, and am sad to see my standby Travel Inn is shut. They used to give me a twin bed in a windowless room for $40. There are 50 more Travel Inns, so no problem, they just aren't the score that it was. Laid out my stuff for the morning, and made a plan to go get stuff, shop a little.
I always forget that I don't like shopping. I thought the bib with my number on it would be a sticker! I need safety pins! And cream, for my a.m. coffee. I figured I could score some pins off of clothes in the mall, and squeamishly went around from store to shitty store, hating being in the mall. All the tags were on plastic strings, no pins, I was getting frustrated. As I came out of the Guess st
ore some dude asked me if I was alone, if a pretty lady like me wanted company, to go for drinks? What! Haha, I was as polite yet firm as I could be, I think he meant it in a nice not pervy way, but that is really weird to me!
Treated myself to dinner out, nice big bowl of pasta. I'm happy to be on my little solo mission, glad to be on the way back to the hotel. I've been terrible with the picture taking!
I decided in the end to just buy my two cups of coffee and ice them, since there's a microwave in the room. Much better than running around in the morning. Put on some hand lotion in the mall that stank so much! Two hand washes and it was still there...
I'm excited. Nervous. I hope the morning goes well. Set my alarm now, Im trying really hard to not do anything differently. My right arm hurts from weedwhacking, and now my knees and ankles are sore from walking. Took a good relaxing bath, icing my knees, might get some more ice for the ankles, why not?
All the leaves are out here in full. It's beautiful, but there's a cold wind I'm going to hate in the morning. OK, bedtime for me!
There are numbers 1 through 14000! I asked the guy in line behind me at 9000-10000 if that meant there were 14 thousand people in the race, kind of floored to learn I was going to be in the middle of a crush of bodies, and he thinks there are! I am nervous for that kind of crowd, what the fuck! How is my a.m. cab even going to get near!!
So that's a little scary. Have to set out early.
I got my room organized, and am sad to see my standby Travel Inn is shut. They used to give me a twin bed in a windowless room for $40. There are 50 more Travel Inns, so no problem, they just aren't the score that it was. Laid out my stuff for the morning, and made a plan to go get stuff, shop a little.
I always forget that I don't like shopping. I thought the bib with my number on it would be a sticker! I need safety pins! And cream, for my a.m. coffee. I figured I could score some pins off of clothes in the mall, and squeamishly went around from store to shitty store, hating being in the mall. All the tags were on plastic strings, no pins, I was getting frustrated. As I came out of the Guess st
ore some dude asked me if I was alone, if a pretty lady like me wanted company, to go for drinks? What! Haha, I was as polite yet firm as I could be, I think he meant it in a nice not pervy way, but that is really weird to me!Treated myself to dinner out, nice big bowl of pasta. I'm happy to be on my little solo mission, glad to be on the way back to the hotel. I've been terrible with the picture taking!
I decided in the end to just buy my two cups of coffee and ice them, since there's a microwave in the room. Much better than running around in the morning. Put on some hand lotion in the mall that stank so much! Two hand washes and it was still there...
I'm excited. Nervous. I hope the morning goes well. Set my alarm now, Im trying really hard to not do anything differently. My right arm hurts from weedwhacking, and now my knees and ankles are sore from walking. Took a good relaxing bath, icing my knees, might get some more ice for the ankles, why not?
All the leaves are out here in full. It's beautiful, but there's a cold wind I'm going to hate in the morning. OK, bedtime for me!
get ready
So I'm packing for my trip to Victoria to do my first ever race!
I get butterflies thinking about it, and I'm trying to remember everything I'll need.
I'm making up a big batch of hash browns because they are my favorite thing to eat right now, and I'll take them along in a couple of containers. I also made up a big container of crackers, with a little ball of peanut butter and another of pate wrapped in tin foil. Some people can't do the liver sausage, but I'm a giant fan. I've got dried fruit in little baggies, cos I love dried fruit right now, and my water bottles are full of home home-style tap-water, my favorite water anywhere.
My clothes are mostly in the dryer, and I've got a pile of clothes ready. Paula's run club gave me a great idea, too: throwaway clothes! I guess it is common for people to start with warm up clothes on, and shed them as they go, but what I didn't know is that it is expected, and those clothes are given to charities. So I'm taking the black windbreaker I've been trying to give away, but is too big for everybody I know. It's perfect! I completely didn't think about how cold it is going to be at that time of day. I have to start running at 8am! Ha! This is going to be interesting!
I can't decide whether to get my run done now, before I leave, or to run the route when I get to Vic. When I get there, I still have to get my room, and my race package sorted, and I wouldn't mind doing some shopping...
So I guess I'm doing my run while my clothes are drying! Now!
I get butterflies thinking about it, and I'm trying to remember everything I'll need.
I'm making up a big batch of hash browns because they are my favorite thing to eat right now, and I'll take them along in a couple of containers. I also made up a big container of crackers, with a little ball of peanut butter and another of pate wrapped in tin foil. Some people can't do the liver sausage, but I'm a giant fan. I've got dried fruit in little baggies, cos I love dried fruit right now, and my water bottles are full of home home-style tap-water, my favorite water anywhere.
My clothes are mostly in the dryer, and I've got a pile of clothes ready. Paula's run club gave me a great idea, too: throwaway clothes! I guess it is common for people to start with warm up clothes on, and shed them as they go, but what I didn't know is that it is expected, and those clothes are given to charities. So I'm taking the black windbreaker I've been trying to give away, but is too big for everybody I know. It's perfect! I completely didn't think about how cold it is going to be at that time of day. I have to start running at 8am! Ha! This is going to be interesting!
I can't decide whether to get my run done now, before I leave, or to run the route when I get to Vic. When I get there, I still have to get my room, and my race package sorted, and I wouldn't mind doing some shopping...
So I guess I'm doing my run while my clothes are drying! Now!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
anotha level
I'm green in my Nike+ world!
I've logged 250kms on that thing.
Too bad I didn't start sooner, but this is a fun change!
I've got to head out and mow like a crazy mower gone wild on the loose now, but here's a summary of today,
8kms in 55:21mins at a pace of 6:54.
So beautiful out! I did all- most all of my physio, I was about to lie, I missed two exercises.
Then walked down to the riverfront to start there. So sunny, not one cloud, except for the mess those loser snowbirds were making, it bums me out to see those jets in the sky, what a shameful waste. Lost the music but it was good, I went slow, and easy. My ankles hurt so much at the beginning, it took until 3kms for that to go away, but nothing else popped up to irritate me too much, some underarms chafeage, I have to get some Glide. My KY is causing nasty itches...haha, turns out it is some fancy kind of 'heat' stuff, but when it heats up it just makes me want to tear my arm off! Not meant for this purpose I guess.
Eagles! Seven of them overhead, and one youngster in a tree. And yes I did shout a hello eagle to each of them.
I've logged 250kms on that thing.
Too bad I didn't start sooner, but this is a fun change!
I've got to head out and mow like a crazy mower gone wild on the loose now, but here's a summary of today,
8kms in 55:21mins at a pace of 6:54.
So beautiful out! I did all- most all of my physio, I was about to lie, I missed two exercises.
Then walked down to the riverfront to start there. So sunny, not one cloud, except for the mess those loser snowbirds were making, it bums me out to see those jets in the sky, what a shameful waste. Lost the music but it was good, I went slow, and easy. My ankles hurt so much at the beginning, it took until 3kms for that to go away, but nothing else popped up to irritate me too much, some underarms chafeage, I have to get some Glide. My KY is causing nasty itches...haha, turns out it is some fancy kind of 'heat' stuff, but when it heats up it just makes me want to tear my arm off! Not meant for this purpose I guess.
Eagles! Seven of them overhead, and one youngster in a tree. And yes I did shout a hello eagle to each of them.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
interval challenge!
Whoa! Today was a hard run, but another speed record.
My poor ankles...looking forward to the 'rest' next week of short, easy runs before the epic 21.5 day.
I ran 13.13 km in 1:18with a pace of 5'59"/km, this is a fuckin' crazytrain pace for Emma's stubby little legs!
I set my machine to miles and rode the bmx to the track, in hopes to make it easier on the ankles. Run easy one mile, fast step to the next. I got frustrated fuckin around with the ipod, trying to get to my Devo song that makes good time for me, and jut let it play a Duane Peters Gunfight song. It was murder! I had to stop halfway through the mile for a coughing-don't puke!-breathing session. It was hard, and it turns out that I ran that km in 4:27, which is just too fast for me, even for practice, training, whatever this is, I'm definitely learning. The next fast mile I used The Rev's Big Red Rocket song, that might have been a little too easy, the next I used Coheed & Cambria's In Keeping Secrets, that was okay, too, and then I finally stopped and read the instructions for the ipod/nike+/ powersong setting, the how-to, and got to finish off my fast steppin' to Devo's Girl U Want, which I am really starting to get into!
Don't get me wrong, now...when I say it was easy, that only means I didn't retch on that stretch. It doesn't mean I wasn't gritting my teeth and running with my eyes squeezed shut, coughing this stupid hollow chest cough that is still rattling my lungs, talking to myself out loud, grunting, groaning, panting, heaving, and cursing everything in creation! I totally was, but it was just doable.
Now to get rid of the salty cheeks!
Oh! Booyah!
I got my race number this morning for the TC10K this weekend!
First thing I did when I got up. I am number 9231!
First race package coming my way!!
I can't wait!
My poor ankles...looking forward to the 'rest' next week of short, easy runs before the epic 21.5 day.
I ran 13.13 km in 1:18with a pace of 5'59"/km, this is a fuckin' crazytrain pace for Emma's stubby little legs!
I set my machine to miles and rode the bmx to the track, in hopes to make it easier on the ankles. Run easy one mile, fast step to the next. I got frustrated fuckin around with the ipod, trying to get to my Devo song that makes good time for me, and jut let it play a Duane Peters Gunfight song. It was murder! I had to stop halfway through the mile for a coughing-don't puke!-breathing session. It was hard, and it turns out that I ran that km in 4:27, which is just too fast for me, even for practice, training, whatever this is, I'm definitely learning. The next fast mile I used The Rev's Big Red Rocket song, that might have been a little too easy, the next I used Coheed & Cambria's In Keeping Secrets, that was okay, too, and then I finally stopped and read the instructions for the ipod/nike+/ powersong setting, the how-to, and got to finish off my fast steppin' to Devo's Girl U Want, which I am really starting to get into!
Don't get me wrong, now...when I say it was easy, that only means I didn't retch on that stretch. It doesn't mean I wasn't gritting my teeth and running with my eyes squeezed shut, coughing this stupid hollow chest cough that is still rattling my lungs, talking to myself out loud, grunting, groaning, panting, heaving, and cursing everything in creation! I totally was, but it was just doable.
Now to get rid of the salty cheeks!
Oh! Booyah!
I got my race number this morning for the TC10K this weekend!
First thing I did when I got up. I am number 9231!
First race package coming my way!!
I can't wait!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
my shorty 6
Yeah!
I was looking forward to this feeling of, "oh, is that all?"
I found it today. I ran along the tracks to the connector and back. I was trying to really motor, but the path is so gravelly, and big rocks kept turning under my feet. It made it a frustrating run, even though I was kicking ass, I wanted to kick ass harder! My ankles were getting all turned under and in and out, every time I hit a rolling rock. My leg would get jolted. I gave in as little as I could, to the fact that this would have to just be a little easier than I wanted to make it today.
Breathing wasn't the best, but I wasn't coughing so much. And I didn't really lose my breath until km4. It felt good. New sports bra. Motored the last stretch to the house, really lost my breath in time for stopping, then coughed up a lung as I stretched out my calves and quads on the front steps of the house! Only a little pin in the knee...ankles still as sore as yesterday.
6km in 37:27 at a pace of 6:13
I was looking forward to this feeling of, "oh, is that all?"
I found it today. I ran along the tracks to the connector and back. I was trying to really motor, but the path is so gravelly, and big rocks kept turning under my feet. It made it a frustrating run, even though I was kicking ass, I wanted to kick ass harder! My ankles were getting all turned under and in and out, every time I hit a rolling rock. My leg would get jolted. I gave in as little as I could, to the fact that this would have to just be a little easier than I wanted to make it today.
Breathing wasn't the best, but I wasn't coughing so much. And I didn't really lose my breath until km4. It felt good. New sports bra. Motored the last stretch to the house, really lost my breath in time for stopping, then coughed up a lung as I stretched out my calves and quads on the front steps of the house! Only a little pin in the knee...ankles still as sore as yesterday.
6km in 37:27 at a pace of 6:13
Sunday, April 18, 2010
20K: a milestone!
I cried through the last kilometre.
haha! I wanted to start with that. I thought I'd leave it out later since overall, my groundbreaking run was such a success.
Such a great start! I joked to Paula last night that I was going to chase the train, but didn't think about it again until I got to the station in time for the train to be pulling out! It was rad!
I ran behind it, it picked up quick...I let it win, since I was just starting my longest run ever, I didn't want to use up all my go power. I watched it disappear into the future ahead of me, where I would be soon. The tracks are greening up, turning into a lovely corridor to run in.
Great music today. Wish I could make a playlist for my race day of my favorites...I have a hate on for itunes right now.
My ankles were good today, I got them warmed up running errands, I guess. It was beautiful, running down to the waterfront, I could see fishing boats coming and going from Comox harbor across the bay. The boardwalk park is turning into a whole different world with all the leaves out now. I was smiling alot, I was really excited to get my last long practice run over with, and everything was awesome everywhere I looked. New birds, happy people all saying hi back to me, sweet dogs, eagles, the sun, new leaves on the trees, hiding all those bare arms, everything that flowers in bloom now, the warm breeze, the river flowing out, that moment when the plane touches down on the airstrip, everything was amazing up until the bottom of the incline up to fifth street. I was singing along alot, loud as I could. Fuck 'em.
Something started to hurt right after I saw the loon hanging out with those two ravens in the back eddy under the Old House, I can't remember what now, was it my back? I just remember the struggle starting there. It went away for awhile, though, it wasn't bad.
Rocked straight through town, danced over the bridge and out Condensory. I was doing a lot of dancing today, mostly with my hands. High kicks at halfway, out in the fields, onto my shady path...oh, yeah, at 12, I felt like I was going a little too easy on myself, I sped up and BAM! my left knee got a jab in it. Nothing too terrible, but persistent. Oh my poor little knees, the damage I've done them. I have to be sympathetic to their little aches and random swelling ups, since they do so very rarely, and only on one occasion during this whole training regiment. Not bad at all!
My feet were starting to complain as I turned the corner to head back towards town. I remember thinking about less bounce. By Headquarters Road, I was starting to whimper. I had a nice long walk just before Lewis park, with four or five km to go, I was thinking I had it made.
Both my Kenny Loggins songs came on, I'm All Right, and Footloose! They saved me for another km. I did some launching off the barriers, like runners' wallrides, and skipped for a minute just to switch it up, and started for a lap around Lewis, along the river path, under the bridge, and around Simms Park, too. By the time I got to the bridge, my knee was shouting at me, "no more!", feeling bruisy and swollen.
But I felt so close! I kept on, and was getting a limp on before I heard 3km left. I decided to just walk for awhile, walked over the bridge, and up fifth, started running halfway up the hill...well, it was a lot more like a really pathetic shuffle, a rolling fast walk kind of thing...my knee and feet were in terrible pain. I got to the dog park at my house, I was starting to cry, but so close! I'm not sure if it was from the pain or the almost finished feeling of exhilaration...I think it was the pain. I criss-crossed the park, whimpering and ow-ing out loud. I cried through the whole last 400meters as the voice on my Nike+ counted it off.
Now I am ready for a nap, and am going to ice my knees, watch movies, and eat everything in my cupboards that I don't have to cook.
haha! I wanted to start with that. I thought I'd leave it out later since overall, my groundbreaking run was such a success.
Such a great start! I joked to Paula last night that I was going to chase the train, but didn't think about it again until I got to the station in time for the train to be pulling out! It was rad!
I ran behind it, it picked up quick...I let it win, since I was just starting my longest run ever, I didn't want to use up all my go power. I watched it disappear into the future ahead of me, where I would be soon. The tracks are greening up, turning into a lovely corridor to run in.
Great music today. Wish I could make a playlist for my race day of my favorites...I have a hate on for itunes right now.
My ankles were good today, I got them warmed up running errands, I guess. It was beautiful, running down to the waterfront, I could see fishing boats coming and going from Comox harbor across the bay. The boardwalk park is turning into a whole different world with all the leaves out now. I was smiling alot, I was really excited to get my last long practice run over with, and everything was awesome everywhere I looked. New birds, happy people all saying hi back to me, sweet dogs, eagles, the sun, new leaves on the trees, hiding all those bare arms, everything that flowers in bloom now, the warm breeze, the river flowing out, that moment when the plane touches down on the airstrip, everything was amazing up until the bottom of the incline up to fifth street. I was singing along alot, loud as I could. Fuck 'em.
Something started to hurt right after I saw the loon hanging out with those two ravens in the back eddy under the Old House, I can't remember what now, was it my back? I just remember the struggle starting there. It went away for awhile, though, it wasn't bad.
Rocked straight through town, danced over the bridge and out Condensory. I was doing a lot of dancing today, mostly with my hands. High kicks at halfway, out in the fields, onto my shady path...oh, yeah, at 12, I felt like I was going a little too easy on myself, I sped up and BAM! my left knee got a jab in it. Nothing too terrible, but persistent. Oh my poor little knees, the damage I've done them. I have to be sympathetic to their little aches and random swelling ups, since they do so very rarely, and only on one occasion during this whole training regiment. Not bad at all!
My feet were starting to complain as I turned the corner to head back towards town. I remember thinking about less bounce. By Headquarters Road, I was starting to whimper. I had a nice long walk just before Lewis park, with four or five km to go, I was thinking I had it made.
Both my Kenny Loggins songs came on, I'm All Right, and Footloose! They saved me for another km. I did some launching off the barriers, like runners' wallrides, and skipped for a minute just to switch it up, and started for a lap around Lewis, along the river path, under the bridge, and around Simms Park, too. By the time I got to the bridge, my knee was shouting at me, "no more!", feeling bruisy and swollen.
But I felt so close! I kept on, and was getting a limp on before I heard 3km left. I decided to just walk for awhile, walked over the bridge, and up fifth, started running halfway up the hill...well, it was a lot more like a really pathetic shuffle, a rolling fast walk kind of thing...my knee and feet were in terrible pain. I got to the dog park at my house, I was starting to cry, but so close! I'm not sure if it was from the pain or the almost finished feeling of exhilaration...I think it was the pain. I criss-crossed the park, whimpering and ow-ing out loud. I cried through the whole last 400meters as the voice on my Nike+ counted it off.
Now I am ready for a nap, and am going to ice my knees, watch movies, and eat everything in my cupboards that I don't have to cook.
yikes!
Today is historic, limit breaking, 20km run day, a new distance to breach!
And I'm ready to go NOW!
And I forgot to wash my laundry! So it's in there, and my two cups are wearing off, and the big bad clouds are rolling over the mountains like curtains closing on the sunny sky, and I'm sitting here imagining myself halfway down Condensory where I should be right now.
I want this done and behind me!
I'm scared of it, but...I can do it...I'm pretty sure.
Just. Ready now!
OK, one hour later: laundry's done, get set ....what! Ipod dead! I charged it last night!...it has been playing all night...? ugh....
And I'm ready to go NOW!
And I forgot to wash my laundry! So it's in there, and my two cups are wearing off, and the big bad clouds are rolling over the mountains like curtains closing on the sunny sky, and I'm sitting here imagining myself halfway down Condensory where I should be right now.
I want this done and behind me!
I'm scared of it, but...I can do it...I'm pretty sure.
Just. Ready now!
OK, one hour later: laundry's done, get set ....what! Ipod dead! I charged it last night!...it has been playing all night...? ugh....
Saturday, April 17, 2010
something new
SO I keep trying on new things in running, here. This is all new, and there are a million ways to do this, isn't that exciting? Today's try-on was, a "wake up and run". Before anything else, roll out of bed, struggling sleepily into stretchy things that catch on toes and elbows with eyes mostly shut, and out the door, all groggy, and probably with pillow lines all over my face, blinking away sleep and dreams...why are morning dreams always so far out?
It's sprinkling rain, BUT IT'S WARM OUT! Yeehaw!!! Spring! Yeah! Finally! So I'm doing little shinny kicks, and tapping my heels together, happy to finally see the blossoms out, the flourescent buds of the leaves on the branches that have been bare for far too long.
But , ohhh, there is that persistent pain in my right ankle that feels like a splinter of plastic found its way into the joint, and my lungs still rattle on every breath in that isn't quite deep enough to nourish the blood that needs refreshing. Whatever, it is a lovely morning, and I know that both of these piece of shit pain in the asses will pass by kilometre three. Wouldn't take back a minute of my skateboarding time to trade out this ancient ankle sprain legacy, but I am planning on keeping both feet out from under the wheels from now on; land those tricks, its the chickening out that's done this. And, anyway, all this running has eliminated the old cankles that came with the sprains and never seemed to go away...I really, truly have ankles again, pointy little corners! Whee!
I took off from the tracks at the big ball field I have never really taken a look at, and decide to take a few loops on the grass. I am struggling at this point.. lungs! I stopped at 2.5 to try and hack it out, it felt horrible, and I am noting this for the next time that smoking somehow looks like a good idea. This morning was disgusting! It hurt! I coughed until tears were squeezing out of my eyes...and for nothing, really. I just have to wait until it is done with me. That is what I get.
So, last night I didn't eat dinner. I watched art history docs, and sort of kind of worked on a research essay that seems to be physically painful for me to finish. Didn't sleep until three a.m. Then woke and thought this "wake'n'run" would be a good idea. OK, noted- it isn't my style.
The rest of the run dragged. I was so looking forward to 'my shortie' run of the week.
Oh, well.
20 tomorrow...eek!
Eat well today, sleep soundlytonight, and brek and coffee up before I go.
No more first thing runs for me!
It's sprinkling rain, BUT IT'S WARM OUT! Yeehaw!!! Spring! Yeah! Finally! So I'm doing little shinny kicks, and tapping my heels together, happy to finally see the blossoms out, the flourescent buds of the leaves on the branches that have been bare for far too long.
But , ohhh, there is that persistent pain in my right ankle that feels like a splinter of plastic found its way into the joint, and my lungs still rattle on every breath in that isn't quite deep enough to nourish the blood that needs refreshing. Whatever, it is a lovely morning, and I know that both of these piece of shit pain in the asses will pass by kilometre three. Wouldn't take back a minute of my skateboarding time to trade out this ancient ankle sprain legacy, but I am planning on keeping both feet out from under the wheels from now on; land those tricks, its the chickening out that's done this. And, anyway, all this running has eliminated the old cankles that came with the sprains and never seemed to go away...I really, truly have ankles again, pointy little corners! Whee!
I took off from the tracks at the big ball field I have never really taken a look at, and decide to take a few loops on the grass. I am struggling at this point.. lungs! I stopped at 2.5 to try and hack it out, it felt horrible, and I am noting this for the next time that smoking somehow looks like a good idea. This morning was disgusting! It hurt! I coughed until tears were squeezing out of my eyes...and for nothing, really. I just have to wait until it is done with me. That is what I get.
So, last night I didn't eat dinner. I watched art history docs, and sort of kind of worked on a research essay that seems to be physically painful for me to finish. Didn't sleep until three a.m. Then woke and thought this "wake'n'run" would be a good idea. OK, noted- it isn't my style.
The rest of the run dragged. I was so looking forward to 'my shortie' run of the week.
Oh, well.
20 tomorrow...eek!
Eat well today, sleep soundlytonight, and brek and coffee up before I go.
No more first thing runs for me!
Friday, April 16, 2010
steady8
Today was a perfect run day.
I was stressing out about all these money issues I have today, school needs tuition, debts need paying, truck needs fixing, two work days lost to car trouble.
I ran along the tracks and the music, the scenery, the effort, all took my mind off of it, reminded me I had some good things to be thankful for as well.
I went slow. I'm coughing most of the way. Shannon thinks it's the three month quitters cough. Been three months since smoking, and I do remember that.
So there's that, rattling around in my chest. It will go away.
My right ankle is stiff now, it wasn't before I went for my run. My left shin is also hurting now. I'm at the library 'cos something is wrong with the internet at home.
Now I have to walk back to the house on these busted sticks and do my physio.
Getting excited about next weekend's TC10K. My first real race!
I'm almost there!
I was stressing out about all these money issues I have today, school needs tuition, debts need paying, truck needs fixing, two work days lost to car trouble.
I ran along the tracks and the music, the scenery, the effort, all took my mind off of it, reminded me I had some good things to be thankful for as well.
I went slow. I'm coughing most of the way. Shannon thinks it's the three month quitters cough. Been three months since smoking, and I do remember that.
So there's that, rattling around in my chest. It will go away.
My right ankle is stiff now, it wasn't before I went for my run. My left shin is also hurting now. I'm at the library 'cos something is wrong with the internet at home.
Now I have to walk back to the house on these busted sticks and do my physio.
Getting excited about next weekend's TC10K. My first real race!
I'm almost there!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
woohoo!
12k in splits. So fast!
Even with all this gross shit rolling around my chest, I managed to get through my three 1.6km speed drills today! I warmed up 2.4kms at my usual comfy pace, then rocked along for 1.6 to Devo, Girl You Want, which kept me on target at 5.20min/km. Then another regular 2.4, then 1.6, then one more set. It was hard! I took short steps when I had to go fast, too, just to keep my heels hitting ground with every beat. I just left it on the Devo live album, rewound it and put it on repeat for my quick miles.
I went to the track, to try and be nice to my ankles. After the first few laps, the one right one that keeps getting all clunkered up went smooth, and then all that was left was this gnarly, crunchy stiff neck I've got. I can barely look to my left today! I don't know whats up with that, but I don't like not being able to turn my head. Hot tub time! Massage! Heat pad! Oh, that I can do. Here I come.
Woo!
Even with all this gross shit rolling around my chest, I managed to get through my three 1.6km speed drills today! I warmed up 2.4kms at my usual comfy pace, then rocked along for 1.6 to Devo, Girl You Want, which kept me on target at 5.20min/km. Then another regular 2.4, then 1.6, then one more set. It was hard! I took short steps when I had to go fast, too, just to keep my heels hitting ground with every beat. I just left it on the Devo live album, rewound it and put it on repeat for my quick miles.
I went to the track, to try and be nice to my ankles. After the first few laps, the one right one that keeps getting all clunkered up went smooth, and then all that was left was this gnarly, crunchy stiff neck I've got. I can barely look to my left today! I don't know whats up with that, but I don't like not being able to turn my head. Hot tub time! Massage! Heat pad! Oh, that I can do. Here I come.
Woo!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
an ogre
That's what I felt like today, on my run.
Big, heavy, horrifyingly scary looking...and old.
The first km felt quick and painful, I was enjoying the sunshine, I wore shorts!
My ankles hurt so that I almost limped a little, favoring my right. Ow! That sucked, and I couldn't get my mind off of it until the roundabout, up Cumberland Rd. I decided to go up to Arden Rd, and across, down my hill trials hill, Lake Trail Rd., back home. I died going up Cumberland to Arden. I felt thirsty, I've already worked four hours in the sun today, pulling up a beauty of a giant yucca to bring home to my yard, weeding, pulling parsnips that have gotten massive, over-wintering in my garden, and planting garlic. I'm tired.
I couldn't go any further when it told me halfway, I paused the machine and stood on the road, doubled over, hands on my knees, panting like a dog. Moaning. I got a nasty cramp, early on, its been bugging me for days, now, from under my ribs, straight up to my collarbone on the left side, it feels like I can't take a deep enough breath when it shows up, like I pulled a muscle around my ribs. Sucks. Stuck with me the rest of the run. Pretty sure it's a dehydration thing, it takes me a while every season to get back into the habit of drinking enough.
Standing there in the shade, halfway along Arden Rd, I saw a jogger coming my way from behind me. I set off, again, mainly to avoid the embarrassment of being overtaken and left in the dust of some uber runner...I'm not out to set any records, but I hate competition! I turned down my hill and the easy part I was looking forward to never came, since the cramp wouldn't let me breathe, I was groaning past the bike shop when the tiny 20yr old blonde girl trotted past me, without even a 'hey!"
Bitch. I hated that she didn't say hi. I don't mind being passed, I expect it. I sort of keep my antennae out when I notice someone is behind me, but her nasty, tight little face, the way she didn't acknowledge me, and her serious fast pace, made me feel as though I wasn't trying. My feet felt leaden, I felt like I was carrying some creature on my back, I just felt huge!
Anyways, I cut into the school field, just so that I wouldn't have to watch her tiny behind fade into the distance ahead of me. The field was nice and shady and there's a great big old cherry tree in bloom on the far side. I went to skip a song as I loped over the grass, and the machine told me my pace was 10:24...well, I gave up there. I walked for awhile, just left the ipod timing my stroll under the pretty. I was now officially over this run. I hated it today. Stupid running. I can't even keep a seven minute pace! I am so slow! This is so hard! It is so hot! I am so fucking thirsty! Yeah, all the loud voices in my head being bitchy all at once. I told them to fuck off quietly, from somewhere inside I couldn't pinpoint, and set out running again. Run home, just get home.
It was hard the whole way today. The pains in my ankles and torso today were loud. The naysayers moved back into my consciousness from wherever they've been hiding and heckled and told me to quit. My feet! Is it the new shoes? Too bad this run sucked, because what a lovely day out there...shame I didn't get out of myself.
Monday, April 12, 2010
reflecting
30 years ago today, Terry Fox set out to run across Canada on one leg, to raise money and awareness for cancer research. He ran about 20 miles a day! He ran for seven or eight hours a day! That's a full marathon, every day! That guy is the balls!
May he rest in peace.
I can't touch the champ, but I am thinking of doing some fundraising, if I manage to continue running through to the fall 25K. That will be the furthest I have ever run!
Balls!
I am soaking into my rest day. Watching a movie, laying around, drawing. Worked a short day, got some food ready for the busy week ahead. I'm still tripping over the idea that I can run so far now. It feels a little unreal.
I couldn't run a full kilometre without stopping when I started out on this bizarre mission. So not like me to decide to run. I used to see people all kitted out in their geeky looking, ultratight, aerodynamic running gear and wonder what they were running for? The only time I would run it would have to be away from danger, or to save my board from traffic or puddles when it got away from me. Nothing could get me running. How could it be fun?
And here I am, one of 'them', enjoying my runs, once I get into them, once they are over 2kms...it's so weird. What a weird thing to do. I might rock the boom-boom shorts, but I refuse to buy into the tighties.
I started because I was bored over the winter. Because I'd been sitting around a lot on my off days, and was feeling idle. I'd pretty much been just working, making enough to get by on, there hadn't been anything of interest for me to get into for months...just hibernating through the dreaded cold season.
I feel I'm on the home stretch, now. Just three more weeks of serious regimented running, training...training, ha! It's been fifteen weeks of running. A major commitment, for me.
Incredible, considering how blithely I committed. It was an afterthought. I had no idea what I was getting into when I agreed to run this half marathon with Paula. I had believed it was only 13kms, and at that time, that was a longshot kind of goal for me to work up to!
And now I'm here. Two weeks away from running a 10K, three weeks away from 21K!
I have not become a super athelete, I am not fast or hard bodied, even after all of this work. I still clump around after a long run, on stiff-old-lady ankles and hips, but that goes away. It has not made all of my troubles go away. But it has stregthened my will, so I have accomplished something.
I have done something I never thought I would do. Not even on my list of things to do.
I didn't consider running a possibility after all of the damage I've done to myself. It was just a decision I made, and action carried it through. I am doing this now.
What will come next?
May he rest in peace.
I can't touch the champ, but I am thinking of doing some fundraising, if I manage to continue running through to the fall 25K. That will be the furthest I have ever run!
Balls!
I am soaking into my rest day. Watching a movie, laying around, drawing. Worked a short day, got some food ready for the busy week ahead. I'm still tripping over the idea that I can run so far now. It feels a little unreal.
I couldn't run a full kilometre without stopping when I started out on this bizarre mission. So not like me to decide to run. I used to see people all kitted out in their geeky looking, ultratight, aerodynamic running gear and wonder what they were running for? The only time I would run it would have to be away from danger, or to save my board from traffic or puddles when it got away from me. Nothing could get me running. How could it be fun?
And here I am, one of 'them', enjoying my runs, once I get into them, once they are over 2kms...it's so weird. What a weird thing to do. I might rock the boom-boom shorts, but I refuse to buy into the tighties.
I started because I was bored over the winter. Because I'd been sitting around a lot on my off days, and was feeling idle. I'd pretty much been just working, making enough to get by on, there hadn't been anything of interest for me to get into for months...just hibernating through the dreaded cold season.
I feel I'm on the home stretch, now. Just three more weeks of serious regimented running, training...training, ha! It's been fifteen weeks of running. A major commitment, for me.
Incredible, considering how blithely I committed. It was an afterthought. I had no idea what I was getting into when I agreed to run this half marathon with Paula. I had believed it was only 13kms, and at that time, that was a longshot kind of goal for me to work up to!
And now I'm here. Two weeks away from running a 10K, three weeks away from 21K!
I have not become a super athelete, I am not fast or hard bodied, even after all of this work. I still clump around after a long run, on stiff-old-lady ankles and hips, but that goes away. It has not made all of my troubles go away. But it has stregthened my will, so I have accomplished something.
I have done something I never thought I would do. Not even on my list of things to do.
I didn't consider running a possibility after all of the damage I've done to myself. It was just a decision I made, and action carried it through. I am doing this now.
What will come next?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
18K sunday
18kms in 2hrs:3mins at a pace of 6:50
I was nervous, again, when I set out. I didn't need to bring my long sleeved shirt today, the sun was out and it was nice. I put a bandanna on my head, though, to avoid sunstroke. Tearing the cupboards apart, searching for sunscreen which Luke assured me that I wouldn't need, since it wasn't that far...which made me grumpy since it's not the first time he's said that this is no big deal, and to me it just is. Set out for the tracks, to
Cold Lampin' With Flavor-PE
Minglewood Blues- Old Crow Medicine Show
Alcohol- The Kinks
California Crossing- Fu Manchu
Here Come the People in Grey- The Kinks
I started applying the KY at 2kms. The little rash I got under my right arm yesterday was already starting to sting again. On it goes.
Last Living Souls- Gorillaz
Slow- The Rev
Shadow of a Man- Bedouin Soundclash
All of those songs played during the first four kms along the tracks. I noticed that there was no shade, the sun was straight above me. Just before turning off the tracks onto Fraser, I tried a new thing. Gummy sharks from Shoppers. They were on sale and claim to be energy boosters. I figured that for a dollar, I'll give them a whirl.
How Near, How Far-...Trail of the Dead
Down through the woods, along the boardwalk, felt like I was stepping quickly.
Opium For Days- Duane Peters Gunfight
Whip It- Devo
Be Stiff-Devo
Got to the airpark and realised it had stopped feeling difficult for a little while there, after eating one of those gummies. I'm going back to get the rest after this!
Muswell Hilbilly- The Kinks
White Wedding- Idol
Alabama- Neil Young
....windows down in Alabama... today was a windows down kind of day. I was at the 17th St bridge when this was on, and the next song started my ascent to 5th...I hate that little hill. I took little steps, trying to make it feel easier.
Come Back Jones- The Kinks
Covert War on RnR- DP Gunfight
Over the green bridge, to the park. I remember seeing a guy in full fleece: a red fleece shirt, and green fleece pants that looked like long johns, tucked into work boots, riding a mountain bike. He stopped on the bridge to let me pass...he must have been sweating under there!
Snakedriver- Jesus and Mary Chain
Pacific Theme- Broken Social Scene
Nazarene- Beck
I was on Headquarters by now, and my arms were stinging alot, I had kept applying the KY every walk stop, every 2k. Out of nowhere, though, my right arm started itching fiercely! There was a lot of sweat running down the inside, but the itch was all over! I couldn't leave it alone, I was scratching and rubbing it all over, I wanted to tear it off, and it didn't stop itching until I got to Dove Creek Rd. That was weird. My back felt bruisy again all along HQ's, but went away with the itch.
Bad Reputation- The Rev
Hands Up- Big Business
Exactly Where I'm At- Ween
I crossed the foot bridge off the side of the one way bridge, and there was red danger tape that had been broken, tied all the way along it, across the thing, as though to block access. I figured that right now, I would welcome falling into the river below, so whatever.
Its Like That- K-Rec and Estea El
Don't Ride That Horse- Old Crow
Grammatical Gumshoe- K-Rec & Estea El
El Manana- Gorillaz
This set took me up Piercy to Condensory Rd. I really like the farmlands around here, it's nice to run out among the fields. A pack of road bikers hummed past quietly, and I could see kids doing running drills along Condensory Rd. Weird, 'cos that's a busy and a fast driven road. Bad idea, and a bit of a bummer since they were running my side of the road in packs, and fast. I remembered there was a horse path that ran alongside about half of the distance to the bridge that I'd noticed last time, but not taken since I didn't know where it led. Now I did, so I got a really nice run in the shade of the woods there.
In The Year 2525- Ian Brown
Secret Agent Man- Devo
Death Or Glory- The Clashn
I love this Clash song, and I needed a pick up at this point. I was feeling the heat of the sun, feeling a little burnt on my cheeks, and the road just kept unwinding ahead of me, even though I knew logically that I was on the last three km leg. There was no shade, and I was hurtin'!
198d- At The Drive In
In Your Wildest Dreams- The Rev
I don't even remember these songs playing! I do remember deciding to go fast, step quickly, simply because I could feel that it was time to get the heck out of the sun. I needed to end this run.
Footloose- Yo Kenny Loggins
Perfect timing! I am falling in love with Kenny! Feathered mullet, dirty not-quite-a-beard face and all, I am blowing him kisses in my mind, as he gives my feet little wings to get up that hill-to-home that is only evil when I have already run 17kms and it is the 18th.
Touch From Your Lust- Ben Harper
Saw me through to home, where I burst in, groaning and whimpering. Suffered through it today. But it only really hurt on the last three. Only, now my ankles and feet feel torn up...it will pass.
And, dude, I am SO brown!
So, pretty fuckin' awesome today!
I was nervous, again, when I set out. I didn't need to bring my long sleeved shirt today, the sun was out and it was nice. I put a bandanna on my head, though, to avoid sunstroke. Tearing the cupboards apart, searching for sunscreen which Luke assured me that I wouldn't need, since it wasn't that far...which made me grumpy since it's not the first time he's said that this is no big deal, and to me it just is. Set out for the tracks, to
Cold Lampin' With Flavor-PE
Minglewood Blues- Old Crow Medicine Show
Alcohol- The Kinks
California Crossing- Fu Manchu
Here Come the People in Grey- The Kinks
I started applying the KY at 2kms. The little rash I got under my right arm yesterday was already starting to sting again. On it goes.
Last Living Souls- Gorillaz
Slow- The Rev
Shadow of a Man- Bedouin Soundclash
All of those songs played during the first four kms along the tracks. I noticed that there was no shade, the sun was straight above me. Just before turning off the tracks onto Fraser, I tried a new thing. Gummy sharks from Shoppers. They were on sale and claim to be energy boosters. I figured that for a dollar, I'll give them a whirl.
How Near, How Far-...Trail of the Dead
Down through the woods, along the boardwalk, felt like I was stepping quickly.
Opium For Days- Duane Peters Gunfight
Whip It- Devo
Be Stiff-Devo
Got to the airpark and realised it had stopped feeling difficult for a little while there, after eating one of those gummies. I'm going back to get the rest after this!
Muswell Hilbilly- The Kinks
White Wedding- Idol
Alabama- Neil Young
....windows down in Alabama... today was a windows down kind of day. I was at the 17th St bridge when this was on, and the next song started my ascent to 5th...I hate that little hill. I took little steps, trying to make it feel easier.
Come Back Jones- The Kinks
Covert War on RnR- DP Gunfight
Over the green bridge, to the park. I remember seeing a guy in full fleece: a red fleece shirt, and green fleece pants that looked like long johns, tucked into work boots, riding a mountain bike. He stopped on the bridge to let me pass...he must have been sweating under there!
Snakedriver- Jesus and Mary Chain
Pacific Theme- Broken Social Scene
Nazarene- Beck
I was on Headquarters by now, and my arms were stinging alot, I had kept applying the KY every walk stop, every 2k. Out of nowhere, though, my right arm started itching fiercely! There was a lot of sweat running down the inside, but the itch was all over! I couldn't leave it alone, I was scratching and rubbing it all over, I wanted to tear it off, and it didn't stop itching until I got to Dove Creek Rd. That was weird. My back felt bruisy again all along HQ's, but went away with the itch.
Bad Reputation- The Rev
Hands Up- Big Business
Exactly Where I'm At- Ween
I crossed the foot bridge off the side of the one way bridge, and there was red danger tape that had been broken, tied all the way along it, across the thing, as though to block access. I figured that right now, I would welcome falling into the river below, so whatever.
Its Like That- K-Rec and Estea El
Don't Ride That Horse- Old Crow
Grammatical Gumshoe- K-Rec & Estea El
El Manana- Gorillaz
This set took me up Piercy to Condensory Rd. I really like the farmlands around here, it's nice to run out among the fields. A pack of road bikers hummed past quietly, and I could see kids doing running drills along Condensory Rd. Weird, 'cos that's a busy and a fast driven road. Bad idea, and a bit of a bummer since they were running my side of the road in packs, and fast. I remembered there was a horse path that ran alongside about half of the distance to the bridge that I'd noticed last time, but not taken since I didn't know where it led. Now I did, so I got a really nice run in the shade of the woods there.
In The Year 2525- Ian Brown
Secret Agent Man- Devo
Death Or Glory- The Clashn
I love this Clash song, and I needed a pick up at this point. I was feeling the heat of the sun, feeling a little burnt on my cheeks, and the road just kept unwinding ahead of me, even though I knew logically that I was on the last three km leg. There was no shade, and I was hurtin'!
198d- At The Drive In
In Your Wildest Dreams- The Rev
I don't even remember these songs playing! I do remember deciding to go fast, step quickly, simply because I could feel that it was time to get the heck out of the sun. I needed to end this run.
Footloose- Yo Kenny Loggins
Perfect timing! I am falling in love with Kenny! Feathered mullet, dirty not-quite-a-beard face and all, I am blowing him kisses in my mind, as he gives my feet little wings to get up that hill-to-home that is only evil when I have already run 17kms and it is the 18th.
Touch From Your Lust- Ben Harper
Saw me through to home, where I burst in, groaning and whimpering. Suffered through it today. But it only really hurt on the last three. Only, now my ankles and feet feel torn up...it will pass.
And, dude, I am SO brown!
So, pretty fuckin' awesome today!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
saturday sunshine!
Such a nice day for a run. Set out from Thrifty's to We Belong, couldn't decide where to go.
Went down, through town, to the waterfront for a loop around the airpark, all oldies today, Born To Run, Bette Davis Eyes, Love Is A Battlefield, The Kid Is Hot Tonight, so rad.
It was supposed to be a slow steady, I ran it faster. I was impatient and wanted to get on with weeding my garden and making salsa fresca for my al pastorrrrrr tacos for later. It seemed to take forever, although the sunshine was really nice. At the airpark I watched the eagles dive bombing one another for the lock and drop, I guess it's mating time for them, it's pretty wild to see them fall like that, from so high up in the sky to just above the river, swooping out and away from one another to opposite sides of the bay where the gulls pester them equally and they make wide gliding circles without flapping their wings at all. Today I wanted to be one of them.
Oh, the chafing! I'm learning that the warmer it is getting, the more underarm chafeage I'm suffering. I kind of thought that only came with distance, but its the heat/sweat/tanktop hem combo. Sucks! I'm going to have to always carry my KY from now on, I guess.
I looked up the info for the TC10K last night...it's coming up fast. I'm nervous and excited. It starts at 8am! I haven't gotten up that early in awhile, nevermind getting out for a run! I'll have to get up earlier, make time for my two cups before it starts.
I'll get my number online on Weds the 21st....hope it's a lucky one! Ah, fuck it, luck has had absolutely nothing to do with this, I've been busting my ass! I'll settle for an odd number.
Incidentally, I figure I have run 300kms at this point.
Bring on week 15 of training, only three more!
Went down, through town, to the waterfront for a loop around the airpark, all oldies today, Born To Run, Bette Davis Eyes, Love Is A Battlefield, The Kid Is Hot Tonight, so rad.
It was supposed to be a slow steady, I ran it faster. I was impatient and wanted to get on with weeding my garden and making salsa fresca for my al pastorrrrrr tacos for later. It seemed to take forever, although the sunshine was really nice. At the airpark I watched the eagles dive bombing one another for the lock and drop, I guess it's mating time for them, it's pretty wild to see them fall like that, from so high up in the sky to just above the river, swooping out and away from one another to opposite sides of the bay where the gulls pester them equally and they make wide gliding circles without flapping their wings at all. Today I wanted to be one of them.
Oh, the chafing! I'm learning that the warmer it is getting, the more underarm chafeage I'm suffering. I kind of thought that only came with distance, but its the heat/sweat/tanktop hem combo. Sucks! I'm going to have to always carry my KY from now on, I guess.
I looked up the info for the TC10K last night...it's coming up fast. I'm nervous and excited. It starts at 8am! I haven't gotten up that early in awhile, nevermind getting out for a run! I'll have to get up earlier, make time for my two cups before it starts.
I'll get my number online on Weds the 21st....hope it's a lucky one! Ah, fuck it, luck has had absolutely nothing to do with this, I've been busting my ass! I'll settle for an odd number.
Incidentally, I figure I have run 300kms at this point.
Bring on week 15 of training, only three more!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
another run
So I ran the 2- 1.6km fast paced speed trials today. It was hard! But the sun was shining on my cheeks, and I took little tiny quick steps, and I'm pretty sure my 1.6's were closer to 1.25's, but I don't care b/c I did them both, plus 6 more kms, and Tiger Woods told me congrats, that was my fastest mile so far...apparently I ran the first km at 4.27! What! That was supposed to be a slow warming up lap!
I think the sun really does make all the difference in the world to me. If it is rainy and grey, I wilt.
I am getting tired...really tired of running every day. All of this training is taking a strange toll on my headcase...I feel like I'm going a little crazy. I haven't been sleeping enough, haven't been able to fall asleep. The quickening of springtime is part of it, that's not new. My head goes, though, after I run...my mind spins out a bit. I think the extreme distances, like over 5, every day, is getting to be a bit much for me. Maybe I am not eating well enough? Can one not live on chocolate? What about really good chocolate?
In any case, another long and productive day at work, my fingers are all of them pricked from pulling out blackberry bushes in the sunshine for six hours, until the sun faded behind the rainclouds again...and I am so happy to finally be showered and clear of dirt and sweat, and sitting/laying down for a movie. So tired.
I think the sun really does make all the difference in the world to me. If it is rainy and grey, I wilt.
I am getting tired...really tired of running every day. All of this training is taking a strange toll on my headcase...I feel like I'm going a little crazy. I haven't been sleeping enough, haven't been able to fall asleep. The quickening of springtime is part of it, that's not new. My head goes, though, after I run...my mind spins out a bit. I think the extreme distances, like over 5, every day, is getting to be a bit much for me. Maybe I am not eating well enough? Can one not live on chocolate? What about really good chocolate?
In any case, another long and productive day at work, my fingers are all of them pricked from pulling out blackberry bushes in the sunshine for six hours, until the sun faded behind the rainclouds again...and I am so happy to finally be showered and clear of dirt and sweat, and sitting/laying down for a movie. So tired.
damnd machines!
haha!
I really need a positive, good feeling run right now!
I nearly defeated myself with all of this speed training hoodoo in my head. I nearly didn't go on my run today. It took me until 9pm to get out the fuckin door. And the motivation that got me moving?
I wanted to clock more distance on my Nike+ machine! I've set a goal, and if I don't hit it, I will feel disappointed.
I wore my Helly on top of my adidas hoody, the rain was really coming down. I decided to do my Thursday's 8km steady run instead of the speed run...lots of reasons for that right now...I'm tired, I'm not going to get into it tonight.
It rained...it poured, and then the wind nearly blew me down...I ran into wind the whole way back from WalMart. Straight out, across town, straight back. Forgot there was a storm warning.
Kind of felt like a part of the earth, being one with the waves of the rain, blown across the pavement in shining stars in the headlights of what little traffic there was to keep me company. But once my face went numb and sensitive, it wasn't really a good feeling anymore. My shoes were squishy, and my pants were soaked and pulling themselves down somehow on my thighs.
I was stoked to be finished, and really done. I think I pulled out the little jack, the machine that attaches to the ipod, or, I don't know what I did, but the info is gone. Bummer.
Try again tomorrow.
At least I had a good stretching session rocking out loud to the Gits.
I really need a positive, good feeling run right now!
I nearly defeated myself with all of this speed training hoodoo in my head. I nearly didn't go on my run today. It took me until 9pm to get out the fuckin door. And the motivation that got me moving?
I wanted to clock more distance on my Nike+ machine! I've set a goal, and if I don't hit it, I will feel disappointed.
I wore my Helly on top of my adidas hoody, the rain was really coming down. I decided to do my Thursday's 8km steady run instead of the speed run...lots of reasons for that right now...I'm tired, I'm not going to get into it tonight.
It rained...it poured, and then the wind nearly blew me down...I ran into wind the whole way back from WalMart. Straight out, across town, straight back. Forgot there was a storm warning.
Kind of felt like a part of the earth, being one with the waves of the rain, blown across the pavement in shining stars in the headlights of what little traffic there was to keep me company. But once my face went numb and sensitive, it wasn't really a good feeling anymore. My shoes were squishy, and my pants were soaked and pulling themselves down somehow on my thighs.
I was stoked to be finished, and really done. I think I pulled out the little jack, the machine that attaches to the ipod, or, I don't know what I did, but the info is gone. Bummer.
Try again tomorrow.
At least I had a good stretching session rocking out loud to the Gits.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I didn't set out to become a runner, to gauge my time, or to improve my mile.
Shit, I didn't set out to run 20...I thought it was 13, and that Ive already made...so all of this is amazing. And if I think I need new goals at this point, that's great, whatever, but it's still all about:
Holy Shit I Am Doing This!
...and I have to do it my way.
So, I will do my best with speed training, and I'm sure I will have some awesome, difficult moments that I will let you in on and we can laugh at me together. But I'm not going to get down on my 'time'. Because every damn moment of this trip is momentous and incredible and stupendous and new.
Shit, I didn't set out to run 20...I thought it was 13, and that Ive already made...so all of this is amazing. And if I think I need new goals at this point, that's great, whatever, but it's still all about:
Holy Shit I Am Doing This!
...and I have to do it my way.
So, I will do my best with speed training, and I'm sure I will have some awesome, difficult moments that I will let you in on and we can laugh at me together. But I'm not going to get down on my 'time'. Because every damn moment of this trip is momentous and incredible and stupendous and new.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
6k fast!
Ohhhh, ow.
That was sort of unpleasant. I decided in a rush of energy today, that it would be pretty rad to finish the big race in a timeframe. I've been training off of the Running Room's training manual for finishing the race in 2hrs:15min. I read yesterday about the actual pace numbers. Apparently, to finish the race in that time, my pace has to average out at 6:29mins/km, with walking breaks factored in....that's a steady running pace of 6:09/km....My best days have been averaging out to 6:40...hmm, maybe I should try not to care about it after all...then at least it will all still feel good.
We'll have to see how this week goes. It is speed week!
Tonight I tried to stay under the 6:36 'tempo' pace, and, except for a rough start (my velcro ipod band sticking to my sleeve, and then pulling the cord out of the jack, and trying to get that all back together without stopping...! I do know how to pause it...I am just very impatient.), I managed to keep it under. I set the backlight to 'always on', and rigged the sportband I got around my wrist so I could see it...all very uncomfortable and awkward...but I was constantly looking! At first I was over trying, 5:47! Yeah! Then, very shortly, nooo, too much! After awhile, I managed to quit looking at it every ten seconds. Between 2 and 4kms, every time I looked down, it seemed to read 6:19, nice! This was the easiest pace to keep to, a comfortable run.
After four, I lost something besides the daylight. I guess the lactic acid buildup came crashing in. I read about this, but I don't really know how to deal with it. I was sort of delerious...lightheaded, but my muscles were tired, everything felt heavy, like I was moving through water...awful. I kept telling myself, just keep up the pace. Soon it told me 1km left, then 400 meters, then 300 meters...and then the battery died...hehehe...nothing to do with me! I guess leaving the light on zaps it!
And yes, I was relieved, and yes, I stopped there. I'd been circling my house since it told me 1km...and I was cooked. So thats that one...tomorrow scary speed day..
I'm supposed to run intervals(my new big tech word) of 1.6kms and keep a pace of 5:24! haha, we'll see how that goes!
Tune in tomorrow to find out...what will the little runner girl be puking out?
That was sort of unpleasant. I decided in a rush of energy today, that it would be pretty rad to finish the big race in a timeframe. I've been training off of the Running Room's training manual for finishing the race in 2hrs:15min. I read yesterday about the actual pace numbers. Apparently, to finish the race in that time, my pace has to average out at 6:29mins/km, with walking breaks factored in....that's a steady running pace of 6:09/km....My best days have been averaging out to 6:40...hmm, maybe I should try not to care about it after all...then at least it will all still feel good.
We'll have to see how this week goes. It is speed week!
Tonight I tried to stay under the 6:36 'tempo' pace, and, except for a rough start (my velcro ipod band sticking to my sleeve, and then pulling the cord out of the jack, and trying to get that all back together without stopping...! I do know how to pause it...I am just very impatient.), I managed to keep it under. I set the backlight to 'always on', and rigged the sportband I got around my wrist so I could see it...all very uncomfortable and awkward...but I was constantly looking! At first I was over trying, 5:47! Yeah! Then, very shortly, nooo, too much! After awhile, I managed to quit looking at it every ten seconds. Between 2 and 4kms, every time I looked down, it seemed to read 6:19, nice! This was the easiest pace to keep to, a comfortable run.
After four, I lost something besides the daylight. I guess the lactic acid buildup came crashing in. I read about this, but I don't really know how to deal with it. I was sort of delerious...lightheaded, but my muscles were tired, everything felt heavy, like I was moving through water...awful. I kept telling myself, just keep up the pace. Soon it told me 1km left, then 400 meters, then 300 meters...and then the battery died...hehehe...nothing to do with me! I guess leaving the light on zaps it!
And yes, I was relieved, and yes, I stopped there. I'd been circling my house since it told me 1km...and I was cooked. So thats that one...tomorrow scary speed day..
I'm supposed to run intervals(my new big tech word) of 1.6kms and keep a pace of 5:24! haha, we'll see how that goes!
Tune in tomorrow to find out...what will the little runner girl be puking out?
Sunday, April 4, 2010
18kSunday
I think I am going to have to find some suede to make a superhero costume for race day. I feel like I've conquered a few worlds, here. Yeah, bad knees? pshaw. Oh, hip gimped forever? you fuck off. Too much abuse for my spine to handle? take that! High kick to the chin!
I'm winning.
Against all the naysayers and doctors with supposed good intentions?
I persevere.
Someone asked a question the other day: "What is your most valued possession related to skateboarding?" I don't know if it's all from that, but what came to mind was my determination.
I got that for sure. Where else did it come from?
I am a little grumpy right now...I left my ipod on pause too long, and the set is gone...I doubt I'll remember it, I'm feeling so dumb right now. I have to remember this and plan accordingly for after the race. We are starting to plan the day, in our excitement.
I have to remember that I will need a few minutes of alone/stretch/head adjusting time before too much socializing, then a quick shower and then food put in front of me with very little effort. I'm thinking that right now I could mow through a whole Denny's hash skillet, and probably some chicken strips, too.
I am so proud of myself! I did this today! I was so nervous when I left here. In my head: I can't do this! I planned a new route. Well, my train tracks route after a new line. I headed out of town, from my house, straight down the ridge: 3rd, 2nd, 1st to Condensory, and over the bridge and out. I could still barely breathe from not relaxing about the distance at 2km. Two eagles crossed right over me as I ran out along this long straight stretch to Piercy. Took a right on Piercy and headed back towards town, over the one way bridge. 'We Belong', from the 80's was on here, it gave me goosebumps, made me cry, I've always dug that song, but when it ended I felt unfinished business. Emerged from out of the farmlands to Headquarters, into downtown Courtenay. Then over the green bridge, and onto my familiar riverpath, going the opposite direction than usual, towards Royston on the water, and home along the tracks. It looks like I totally sped up once I got to familiar ground, although it didn't feel that way at 8-10k in.
My old shoes felt tight after rocking my new spacious runners yesterday. My right big toe, now black from when I smunched it at the Skatebarn weeks ago still hurts, but I stopped noticing that shortly. The first six went easy, but I felt like I could use some more music on my ipod now, I'll have to download P*s ten and one mixes! I walked every second km, like usual. At eight I felt the chafing start, but, oh, I came prepared. I wish I hadn't waited so long, I was on the main street through town...it had to be done, but I was embarrassed to whip out my KY...hahaha, it's what I've got on hand! and it worked perfectly. I took off my long sleeve shirt, poured a little onto my palm and wiped it under both armpits. Shazam! I felt no more discomfort from that for the whole run.
At 12k I had a moment of weakness....started thinking I might not make it, thought seriously about doubling back...decided to just go forward slowly as planned. My feet were sore, ankles crunchy, knees didn't want to get moving again after the walking minute break...hard. PE came on, 'Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos' gave me strength. Shuffled it out, at a much faster pace than I imagined at the time. Came to the end of the waterfront in a daze, grunted and groaned my way up up up the hill to the tracks on Fraser Rd., and then clocked some really fast kms for the last 4 home, which surprised me to see, since it felt really foot draggingly, and rock trippingly slow.
I do remember my favorite song from this set. It came on as I was about to cry, grinding my way up the little Fraser hill, and I will share it so you can all laugh with me:
Kenny Loggins, I'm Alright, from the Caddyshack soundtrack! Yeah! I know!
I fuckin did it, though!
18.05km in 2:06:28 at an averaged pace of 7mins/km
I'm winning.
Against all the naysayers and doctors with supposed good intentions?
I persevere.
Someone asked a question the other day: "What is your most valued possession related to skateboarding?" I don't know if it's all from that, but what came to mind was my determination.
I got that for sure. Where else did it come from?
I am a little grumpy right now...I left my ipod on pause too long, and the set is gone...I doubt I'll remember it, I'm feeling so dumb right now. I have to remember this and plan accordingly for after the race. We are starting to plan the day, in our excitement.
I have to remember that I will need a few minutes of alone/stretch/head adjusting time before too much socializing, then a quick shower and then food put in front of me with very little effort. I'm thinking that right now I could mow through a whole Denny's hash skillet, and probably some chicken strips, too.
I am so proud of myself! I did this today! I was so nervous when I left here. In my head: I can't do this! I planned a new route. Well, my train tracks route after a new line. I headed out of town, from my house, straight down the ridge: 3rd, 2nd, 1st to Condensory, and over the bridge and out. I could still barely breathe from not relaxing about the distance at 2km. Two eagles crossed right over me as I ran out along this long straight stretch to Piercy. Took a right on Piercy and headed back towards town, over the one way bridge. 'We Belong', from the 80's was on here, it gave me goosebumps, made me cry, I've always dug that song, but when it ended I felt unfinished business. Emerged from out of the farmlands to Headquarters, into downtown Courtenay. Then over the green bridge, and onto my familiar riverpath, going the opposite direction than usual, towards Royston on the water, and home along the tracks. It looks like I totally sped up once I got to familiar ground, although it didn't feel that way at 8-10k in.
My old shoes felt tight after rocking my new spacious runners yesterday. My right big toe, now black from when I smunched it at the Skatebarn weeks ago still hurts, but I stopped noticing that shortly. The first six went easy, but I felt like I could use some more music on my ipod now, I'll have to download P*s ten and one mixes! I walked every second km, like usual. At eight I felt the chafing start, but, oh, I came prepared. I wish I hadn't waited so long, I was on the main street through town...it had to be done, but I was embarrassed to whip out my KY...hahaha, it's what I've got on hand! and it worked perfectly. I took off my long sleeve shirt, poured a little onto my palm and wiped it under both armpits. Shazam! I felt no more discomfort from that for the whole run.
At 12k I had a moment of weakness....started thinking I might not make it, thought seriously about doubling back...decided to just go forward slowly as planned. My feet were sore, ankles crunchy, knees didn't want to get moving again after the walking minute break...hard. PE came on, 'Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos' gave me strength. Shuffled it out, at a much faster pace than I imagined at the time. Came to the end of the waterfront in a daze, grunted and groaned my way up up up the hill to the tracks on Fraser Rd., and then clocked some really fast kms for the last 4 home, which surprised me to see, since it felt really foot draggingly, and rock trippingly slow.
I do remember my favorite song from this set. It came on as I was about to cry, grinding my way up the little Fraser hill, and I will share it so you can all laugh with me:
Kenny Loggins, I'm Alright, from the Caddyshack soundtrack! Yeah! I know!
I fuckin did it, though!
18.05km in 2:06:28 at an averaged pace of 7mins/km
Saturday, April 3, 2010
hear that train?
Yeah, I didn't!
It showed up from behind a corner when I was almost at WalMart, I've never been so close to there when it comes. From out behind the trees comes the blinding light that always makes me a little nervous, even when I'm further away and there are ways off the tracks. I knew there was one path, right past the WalMart building, that bypassed the sumpy, soggy, deadfall...but where was it?
I speed up, it still doesn't show itself. The train crosses the end street, on the far side of my forest swimmin' hole, still no path, no room to hide, even. Now I'm booking it, not even thinking about how dumb it was to start my run at one, knowing the train comes at 1:30, not thinking about anything except how close the train is, it's crossing the oasis, and there is still no path off these tracks. Scanning the sides and stepping so fast! The tracks were littered with debris from the gnarly windstorm yesterday, branches everywhere, and little prickly fir tree fingers wrapping around my ankles. Twice I thought I saw a break in the brush coming, but there it wasn't.
Finally, I really see it up ahead. The train is sounding its horn, nearly buckling my knees with the noise of it, over my music. I've never run so fast. And towards danger! haha...
Finally I deek off the tracks, through the trees, up the ravine on the other side...I'm coughing, nearly puking, and it hasn't passed...no way...I'm such a chickenshit...and there it goes. Close call, but really not as close as I thought it was going to be...
My new shoes were kind. I ran them loose, to break in the bendy, and even though I bought a half size larger than my normal shoe size, my toes bumped the front just a little. They feel stiff. I wonder if that was why the run felt so hard? Oh, no,- checked my pace, it was faster than I needed it to be for the whole thing, 7.63kms. It looks like I finally gave out on the last km, my pace went from an average of 6.20 down to 7.17! I should stay slow...
Anyways, hard run, beat the weather again, even got quite a few sunbeams on my shoulders!
Dogsitting today!
It showed up from behind a corner when I was almost at WalMart, I've never been so close to there when it comes. From out behind the trees comes the blinding light that always makes me a little nervous, even when I'm further away and there are ways off the tracks. I knew there was one path, right past the WalMart building, that bypassed the sumpy, soggy, deadfall...but where was it?
I speed up, it still doesn't show itself. The train crosses the end street, on the far side of my forest swimmin' hole, still no path, no room to hide, even. Now I'm booking it, not even thinking about how dumb it was to start my run at one, knowing the train comes at 1:30, not thinking about anything except how close the train is, it's crossing the oasis, and there is still no path off these tracks. Scanning the sides and stepping so fast! The tracks were littered with debris from the gnarly windstorm yesterday, branches everywhere, and little prickly fir tree fingers wrapping around my ankles. Twice I thought I saw a break in the brush coming, but there it wasn't.
Finally, I really see it up ahead. The train is sounding its horn, nearly buckling my knees with the noise of it, over my music. I've never run so fast. And towards danger! haha...
Finally I deek off the tracks, through the trees, up the ravine on the other side...I'm coughing, nearly puking, and it hasn't passed...no way...I'm such a chickenshit...and there it goes. Close call, but really not as close as I thought it was going to be...
My new shoes were kind. I ran them loose, to break in the bendy, and even though I bought a half size larger than my normal shoe size, my toes bumped the front just a little. They feel stiff. I wonder if that was why the run felt so hard? Oh, no,- checked my pace, it was faster than I needed it to be for the whole thing, 7.63kms. It looks like I finally gave out on the last km, my pace went from an average of 6.20 down to 7.17! I should stay slow...
Anyways, hard run, beat the weather again, even got quite a few sunbeams on my shoulders!
Dogsitting today!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
9hills&newshoes!
Finished work with a sore back, got ready to go for my last hill run.
I went to try and find another sports bra today, and came home with new sneaks! They were on sale at Winners, and they are super sweet New Balance runners with squared toes so I won't trip on them like I sometimes do my pointy ones. Ohhhh, so nice. I am currently working to dig out the Nike+ hole in the sole and am going to give them a whirl tomorrow at the track for a shorty to get them broken in before the massive 18k on Sunday.
Nine hills tonight. I was actually pretty excited to do this...so weird...it is the last night of hill training. Next comes speed training, and I am not hyped on that idea. Sounds hard.
Hills weren't hard, I've done these successfully for weeks now, and so I know I can do it. I used little rocks to mark how many times I went up. It was so windy before I left, but I was warmed up by the top of hill #1. I lined up my pebbles in a row at the bottom, as I finished each hill. Then turned back to head back up. Even hills one side, odd hills the other.
It got hard on number eight...well, on seven, my back felt funny. On eight my foot got gimpy, and it stayed gimpy until I quit my run at 12kms at the Appletree market. I didn't go as fast as I was supposed to...I still don't care about the speed...I am just proud of myself for doing it every time I go run .
New shoes! Soft and cushy and new with different support, narrower in the arch...I hope its different good.
I even did my physio at the end, good girl! I had to...my back isn't too happy after a full day of weeding.
Oh, finally my chicken's ready! I have eaten everything else!
PS: The rain and wind started blowing on the window after I was finished! Ha!
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