OK, so machines need charging. Now I remember.
Went to the track today to meet with Sandra and Mary and run for an hour. Well, I was late, so 45mins. Got down there and was all proud and explaining how I could keep us at pace using this machine here....oh, no I can't. I didn't charge it yet. Oops.
So, felt slow and short, but I ran today, and it was fun to chat and laugh with the girls as we went. About ten laps? Not the 5kms I was meant to do today, but I took a skate break right after my next quick weeding stop. It felt so good to rip around the park in my dirty coveralls, feeling like I was playing hooky from my own job. I really had fun. I played. Suprised myself, getting up onto a ledge. I gots the power now. haha. Fun day.
Going back outside.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
12kmSunday
Looked out the window and the sunshine I'd seen coming in a minute ago was a trick, there was a black cloud coming over and rain in the forecast. I thought I'd get out there and beat it. I didn't feel like making 12, I felt I could do a fiver, but off I went anyway, with one bottle of water, a bottle of boost, and some tissues in my water belt.
I've been looking forward to running my favorite route along the tracks out to the end of town, and then back along the waterfront with my Nike+ to tell me the distance. I set out to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. I'm loving the eighties tunes I added on here.
Hell Yes-Beck. Hell yes.
I stopped for a walk at 2kms, a sip of water, a sip of boost. I had to wait out more traffic than usual at the crossings, but I felt like my pace has really improved.
Every Planet We reach is Dead-Gorillaz
I'm Not Sorry-Duane Peters Gunfight
Boogie Van- Fu Manchu
God's Got It- Old Crow Medecine Show
The rain met me at 3kms, light at first, but by the time I was reaching WalMart, I couldn't see for the water running down into my eyes. I had to pull out my superhero. My broadsword sliced into the the heavy, angry precipitation, smashing the raindrops into a thousand shattered pieces so that I could make my way through. A furious battle, and wiping the wet and blood from my eyes, I prevailed, and came out the other side, where the clouds retreated as mist, fragmented and weakened by my onslaught. At 4kms I had another walk, just past my hidden forest oasis.
More Light-J.Mascis & The Fog
TV Set-The Cramps
Children's Story-Slick Rick
Kentucky Moon- The Kinks
The battle was over, the run just beginning. I rocked down to the water and along my secret forest boardwalk. All the skunk cabbage is coming up, and my bird army was with me this day: captain redwing blackbirds, executioner towhees, and kamikaze chickadees, standing at attention in the trees, running drills, all ready for more action.
Holiday-The Kinks
Crowning of the Poor-Ian Brown
Burn One Down-Ben Harper
Ojo Rojo-Fu Manchu
As I got to the airpark, a flock of dark knight crows had it out with a band of gypsy ninja starlings that I was caught in the middle of, but it all worked itself out and I was pleasantly distracted right through until my machine told me I only had 4kms to go from the 17th St bridge. Started getting a little pain in my left hip, but it didn't last past the old mill.
House of Pain-Van Halen
Sweet Sixteen-Canned Heat
Betty Davis Eyes-Irene Cara
I got honks on 5th St that made me feel a thousand feet high, as I'd been struggling up that little incline since 11th, feeling done. I also got the break in traffic to run across the road without having to descend the dirty stairs to the underworld of that bridge, and it felt good to rip across that main street.
Ladies-Mantronix
Vanity Kills-Ian Brown
Vampires in the Disco-K-Rec and Estea El, yo.
Source Tags and Codes-And You Will Know Us By The Trail of the Dead
The hill at 10kms didn't even phase me, I rocked right up it with a quickness, I feel strong today and was barely winded at the top end of that street that has to be 1st. Followed the ridge back through the awesome old house district, grabbing at low hanging blossoms, looking out over the river below when I got the chance to. Then back along the tracks for the last 400m to the dog park for my walking cool down. I came home and even did half of my physio, which I haven't been doing for the past month or so. That felt even better, and I know I need to get back on top of that.
SO
24 runs left before my big race day. 20 more until the Times Colonist 10K in Vic.
It's coming so fast! And it feels good to feel this strong and ready. As much as I was grumpy that my run would steal my energy for skating later today, I know I'm in the best shape of my life and my muscles will answer on time to every call. My ollies are gonna be higher this year, and I'm going to stomp some new old tricks I've forgotten. I'm feeling better than I did at 17.
I'm mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, here, now, and in every moment, alive. Whatever this is, it is rad to feel this good...
I've been looking forward to running my favorite route along the tracks out to the end of town, and then back along the waterfront with my Nike+ to tell me the distance. I set out to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. I'm loving the eighties tunes I added on here.
Hell Yes-Beck. Hell yes.
I stopped for a walk at 2kms, a sip of water, a sip of boost. I had to wait out more traffic than usual at the crossings, but I felt like my pace has really improved.
Every Planet We reach is Dead-Gorillaz
I'm Not Sorry-Duane Peters Gunfight
Boogie Van- Fu Manchu
God's Got It- Old Crow Medecine Show
The rain met me at 3kms, light at first, but by the time I was reaching WalMart, I couldn't see for the water running down into my eyes. I had to pull out my superhero. My broadsword sliced into the the heavy, angry precipitation, smashing the raindrops into a thousand shattered pieces so that I could make my way through. A furious battle, and wiping the wet and blood from my eyes, I prevailed, and came out the other side, where the clouds retreated as mist, fragmented and weakened by my onslaught. At 4kms I had another walk, just past my hidden forest oasis.
More Light-J.Mascis & The Fog
TV Set-The Cramps
Children's Story-Slick Rick
Kentucky Moon- The Kinks
The battle was over, the run just beginning. I rocked down to the water and along my secret forest boardwalk. All the skunk cabbage is coming up, and my bird army was with me this day: captain redwing blackbirds, executioner towhees, and kamikaze chickadees, standing at attention in the trees, running drills, all ready for more action.
Holiday-The Kinks
Crowning of the Poor-Ian Brown
Burn One Down-Ben Harper
Ojo Rojo-Fu Manchu
As I got to the airpark, a flock of dark knight crows had it out with a band of gypsy ninja starlings that I was caught in the middle of, but it all worked itself out and I was pleasantly distracted right through until my machine told me I only had 4kms to go from the 17th St bridge. Started getting a little pain in my left hip, but it didn't last past the old mill.
House of Pain-Van Halen
Sweet Sixteen-Canned Heat
Betty Davis Eyes-Irene Cara
I got honks on 5th St that made me feel a thousand feet high, as I'd been struggling up that little incline since 11th, feeling done. I also got the break in traffic to run across the road without having to descend the dirty stairs to the underworld of that bridge, and it felt good to rip across that main street.
Ladies-Mantronix
Vanity Kills-Ian Brown
Vampires in the Disco-K-Rec and Estea El, yo.
Source Tags and Codes-And You Will Know Us By The Trail of the Dead
The hill at 10kms didn't even phase me, I rocked right up it with a quickness, I feel strong today and was barely winded at the top end of that street that has to be 1st. Followed the ridge back through the awesome old house district, grabbing at low hanging blossoms, looking out over the river below when I got the chance to. Then back along the tracks for the last 400m to the dog park for my walking cool down. I came home and even did half of my physio, which I haven't been doing for the past month or so. That felt even better, and I know I need to get back on top of that.
SO
24 runs left before my big race day. 20 more until the Times Colonist 10K in Vic.
It's coming so fast! And it feels good to feel this strong and ready. As much as I was grumpy that my run would steal my energy for skating later today, I know I'm in the best shape of my life and my muscles will answer on time to every call. My ollies are gonna be higher this year, and I'm going to stomp some new old tricks I've forgotten. I'm feeling better than I did at 17.
I'm mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, here, now, and in every moment, alive. Whatever this is, it is rad to feel this good...
Saturday, March 27, 2010
6steady
I can't even spell right now, in too much of a rush. It was an easy run, almost didnt go, its super windy out. It was nice, though, bit of a different route and a hill. Have to shower and get to work, first shift back at the youth centre! Its finally opening back up, skatepark and all! Yeah!
It felt long, each km took too long to arrive, but for my last km I slowed down and sang along to rock me mama, cos what a rad song.
It felt long, each km took too long to arrive, but for my last km I slowed down and sang along to rock me mama, cos what a rad song.
Friday, March 26, 2010
a lovely challenge
So I was up in Comox mowing for some new people and staring at the ocean every time I turned around. I decided that when I was done, I was going to run my steady 7km around Goosespit...park? Is it a park? It looks like some naval base or something. It's a beautiful sunny day with a nice breeze and clouds being puffy all over the sky. It is SO rad an idea...in theory.
I got down there and started changing out of my hard as fuck Garden Hoe coveralls, and the breeze felt a little more windy down here in the sun. Whatever, I got into the passenger seat and put on my clean socks and running shoes, sorted out my ipod decided to hide my keys under my mower in the back. No pockets.
I set out for it on the road. My left foot had a gimp in the top of it, when I tried to push off on my toes. It messed me up, so I twice stopped my timer(or thought I had) and took off my shoe and massaged and twisted my poor foot, trying to get it to snap back to where it must belong. No dice. I kept going, just with a bit of a funny step. I figured it would go away as I warmed up, and it did.
The road ended, or there was a gate into the base that I couldn't go through. So I went onto the beach...oh yeah; the beach here is rocks. It is so hard to run on rocks! Sand is one thing, that is slow. I only know this now because now I have tried to run in both sand, and pea gravel, as well as big, loose rocks. In my mind it was going to be so beautiful. I didn't exactly picture myself doing any Baywatch-style running on the beach, I am not delusional about how I run, but this...I didn't picture this at all. Which is funny because I have been here a bunch before. I just saw it in my mind differently since I've never run here, along this "beach".
So, I was taking really slow-mo steps, and every third step felt like I was sinking and my ankle was turning, turning, oh! Saved! I decided that this was going to be a strength building run. I was not going to turn my ankle here. I was going to train to...I was nervous about even thinking it. I don't want to jinx my summer...I'm afraid to write it, but...well, I was going to train my ankles not to roll this skate season. I was going to use this crappy, difficult--challenging surface to my advantage.
I was running into the wind, and it was really windy. I just kept my eyes on the ground, wary of taking a bad step. I slowed my already usually slow pace, dug in my feet with each step and tried to enjoy the feeling of this hard work. I looked out on the waves a little...in my mind I had pictured my head up, and looking over the water alot more, but this crazy surface demanded my attention at every step. 2kms, it told me, and I'd found sort of a happy higher ground, running along a sandy, pebbly ridge up a ways from the water.
There was a log sticking straight out from the beach, pointing at Courtenay across the water, and when I came around it, the whole beach was sand and seagrass from there on. A big blue crested heron rose up from under the sand dunes that fell sharply down into the calm tropical blue water. I was around the point. I stopped my timer, took out my earphones and just stood for awhile in the sun, out of the wind, watching the heron circle me, trying to decide whether to stick around.
That was really hard, and I was only at 2.85kms. I turned back and ran along, closer to the water, just above the wetline, in the pea gravel stuff. I started pushing myself a little on the way back. I was rising to this challenge today. I was running into the wind again...how the fuck is this possible? and no fkn fair! were the initial thoughts, but then I really felt the wind and it seemed to be circling me, my own tornado I was creating, and that was a cool idea, so I was happy. My nose was really sniffly, and after making sure I was truly alone out here, I tried a farmer blow- another first for me! And a last as well...the wind...yeah, it didn't go so well..well, I thought it had...for probably half a km, and then my face felt really cold? Oh man, I can't even believe I wrote that...should I delete?////Nope. Its funny...now.
So. Ew. And Then...back to the main road eventually...it got so hard on the rocks, I was grunting, feeling a little stumbly wobbly, the ankle rollers were deep and I had to go with them and let myself move slowly over and down, then pick the foot up bodily and move it forward with the rest of me without overextending it and putting too much weight on and hurting it. Getting pretty grumpy, at this point, too. Hungry. Thirsty. The after work run.
I ran the last 2.5 at the same pace as I went on the so called beach, I think...I haven't plugged in the machine to look yet. All the way to the bottom of the hill, then back, past my truck to the pull-in lot on the marshy inside bay and back. Resting now. So tired. Proud.
Played on the beach as I cooled down, to stretch my legs some more, pickin up sticks and tapping them on the different sized rocks, throwing only the prettiest rocks into the waves, trying to skip smoothed old oyster shells, letting my hair blow all over the place and cover my face in the wind...feeling very lucky to live here.
Now I'm ravenous! I finished my shower and felt like I couldn't stop myself from eating. I kept on putting crackers and cheese into my mouth like I was on auto pilot! Chicken in the oven...hungry robot girl out.
Man this Ipod Machine makes it hard to get my set list out, if I rewind too far, the whole thing gets dropped. Here's what I remember hearing:
There was some eighties songs in ther at the end, too..
Grammatical Gumshoe K-Rec and Estea El
Sigur Ros Svefn G Englar
CCR Fortunate Son
Ween The Grobe
Beck Black Tambourine
Coheed and Cambria Blood Red Summer
Coheed and Cambria Junesong P
And You Will Know Us By The Trail of the Dead something
DEvo secret agent man
Kinks something good
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
You lose, hills!
I win!
Well, it took me all day to get motivated to go following my last couple of sicky runs. I finally just started feeling like a lazy cunt, sitten on my bed eating cookies and watching nothing flash on the TV. I sort of arranged that on purpose, and I'm glad it took effect the way it did. By six, I was out the door.
Helen Wheels- Wings
I wasn't as cold as I thought I'd be, excuse #1 not to do this today. I'm too cold. I started out quick, remembering Paula writing about cadence, and thinking about little celery stalk legs bending at the knee. This song kept a good step pace.
Hearshot K-Coheed and Cambria
This came on almost at Lake Trail School, I was heading to my hill. Tonight was to be 8x400m hills...no wonder I was trying to get out of it! EIGHT HILLS, are you fucking kidding me?! My arm is still sore from being talked into a tetanus shot yesterday by my doctor. Yes, I dig in the dirt, but, really? Tetanus? That hasnt been around for years! I protested as I was slyly led into the vaccination room...
Paid In Full-Erik B and Rakim
This was funny, came on just at the end of the field by the bike shop, and you should have heard me trying to sing along....panting a line out here and there. Good girl! Trying to go fast!
Bananas and Blow-Ween
First hill, watching the crest, looking over at the sun bright above the hilltop...wishing I was somewhere warm, feeling sweat thick on my cheek-first swipe.
Harry Rag-The Kinks
Running down hill one, and starting back up #2, I don't really get this song. Is he talking about joints? I was still trying to run too fast, panting and starting to get cramps, remembering to concentrate on breathing out, relaxing...
Snakedriver-Jesus and Mary Chain
Yay! Old school music, J&MC always make me think of Tara G and her Buick...odd memories of grade ten and our dress up neighborhood outings to take photographs of each other in tutus.
Chanbara-At The Drive In
I remember running uphill to this one, trying to sing along, settling for air punching to some of the beats...I was flagging, foot dragging.
Hardcore Hip Hop-Mantronix
Yep, this did make me smile and I also thought people were honking at me!
Obsession-NofknClue
Yeah...how did this get on here? Oh well, quick enough beat to make steps to.
All The Girls-J Mascis and The Fog
Microphone Mayhem-K-Rec andEstea El
Running downhill to this, I was getting into a zone, just keeping track of how many times have I gone up now? My eyes were watering and I wasn't sure whether maybe I was actually crying?
Visiting the Bad Again-SNFU
Yes, uphill, punching out on the beats.
Faye-Stesasonic
Oh Faye, poor gal...remembering bad choices, running downhill, so glad to go downhill. I wore my waterbelt tonight expecting a possible 12k run. The water tasted bad so I was making a fountain out of my lips, kind of getting it all over me, but its fun to do.
MyGoodGal-Old Crow Medecine Show
Uphill, awe.
Love Is A Battlefield-Pat Benatar
Downhill...Yeah! It is! Pat....so glad this is on here.
No Words-Wings
I don't really remember getting here, my last hill, but I was charging it! I was so stoked I had made it! I was racing a girl on a bike on the other side of the road, and I kept up so close, and then she lost me near the sign, zoomed ahead like she'd been fucking with me the whole time!
I actually took out my earphone to hear the sound of my palm slapping the fish habitat signpost on the top of the hill, but I am so short that I only smacked my fingers on it on my "big jump". Ow. haha. Two super big high kicks, and a couple of little ones, some karate chops and fuck you, hill's! And I was on my way back home.
Marathon man-Ian Brown
Yeah! I love songs about running, this one I could sing along to, going downhill is pretty easy, but things were hurting...chafing under my right armpit-only the right-? My arms were numb from elbow to shoulder, just the skin, but I could feel that, and my stupid tetANUS shot! I could barely lift my left arm for Rocky-type celebratory cheers to me, it was like a soggy old celery stalk up there! And my little tumy cramp.
Excuse Me Mr-Ben Harper
By the bike shop again, WAAAY TOOO LOUD!!! whatever happened to the levels here nearly made me deaf...I turned it down and looked at the mileage, holy shit! 9.32! Good girl!
Bullfrog Blues-Canned Heat
Shut it off at 11.02
1hr:13min at a pace of 6.40min/km
Walked it off from the Appletree market to the house, feeling really good, but wobbly in the legs, I weaved across the sidewalk a few times just not really paying attention...yep I'm glad I went.
I got two catcalls! I appreciate those.
I'm feeling much better!
Well, it took me all day to get motivated to go following my last couple of sicky runs. I finally just started feeling like a lazy cunt, sitten on my bed eating cookies and watching nothing flash on the TV. I sort of arranged that on purpose, and I'm glad it took effect the way it did. By six, I was out the door.
Helen Wheels- Wings
I wasn't as cold as I thought I'd be, excuse #1 not to do this today. I'm too cold. I started out quick, remembering Paula writing about cadence, and thinking about little celery stalk legs bending at the knee. This song kept a good step pace.
Hearshot K-Coheed and Cambria
This came on almost at Lake Trail School, I was heading to my hill. Tonight was to be 8x400m hills...no wonder I was trying to get out of it! EIGHT HILLS, are you fucking kidding me?! My arm is still sore from being talked into a tetanus shot yesterday by my doctor. Yes, I dig in the dirt, but, really? Tetanus? That hasnt been around for years! I protested as I was slyly led into the vaccination room...
Paid In Full-Erik B and Rakim
This was funny, came on just at the end of the field by the bike shop, and you should have heard me trying to sing along....panting a line out here and there. Good girl! Trying to go fast!
Bananas and Blow-Ween
First hill, watching the crest, looking over at the sun bright above the hilltop...wishing I was somewhere warm, feeling sweat thick on my cheek-first swipe.
Harry Rag-The Kinks
Running down hill one, and starting back up #2, I don't really get this song. Is he talking about joints? I was still trying to run too fast, panting and starting to get cramps, remembering to concentrate on breathing out, relaxing...
Snakedriver-Jesus and Mary Chain
Yay! Old school music, J&MC always make me think of Tara G and her Buick...odd memories of grade ten and our dress up neighborhood outings to take photographs of each other in tutus.
Chanbara-At The Drive In
I remember running uphill to this one, trying to sing along, settling for air punching to some of the beats...I was flagging, foot dragging.
Hardcore Hip Hop-Mantronix
Yep, this did make me smile and I also thought people were honking at me!
Obsession-NofknClue
Yeah...how did this get on here? Oh well, quick enough beat to make steps to.
All The Girls-J Mascis and The Fog
Microphone Mayhem-K-Rec andEstea El
Running downhill to this, I was getting into a zone, just keeping track of how many times have I gone up now? My eyes were watering and I wasn't sure whether maybe I was actually crying?
Visiting the Bad Again-SNFU
Yes, uphill, punching out on the beats.
Faye-Stesasonic
Oh Faye, poor gal...remembering bad choices, running downhill, so glad to go downhill. I wore my waterbelt tonight expecting a possible 12k run. The water tasted bad so I was making a fountain out of my lips, kind of getting it all over me, but its fun to do.
MyGoodGal-Old Crow Medecine Show
Uphill, awe.
Love Is A Battlefield-Pat Benatar
Downhill...Yeah! It is! Pat....so glad this is on here.
No Words-Wings
I don't really remember getting here, my last hill, but I was charging it! I was so stoked I had made it! I was racing a girl on a bike on the other side of the road, and I kept up so close, and then she lost me near the sign, zoomed ahead like she'd been fucking with me the whole time!
I actually took out my earphone to hear the sound of my palm slapping the fish habitat signpost on the top of the hill, but I am so short that I only smacked my fingers on it on my "big jump". Ow. haha. Two super big high kicks, and a couple of little ones, some karate chops and fuck you, hill's! And I was on my way back home.
Marathon man-Ian Brown
Yeah! I love songs about running, this one I could sing along to, going downhill is pretty easy, but things were hurting...chafing under my right armpit-only the right-? My arms were numb from elbow to shoulder, just the skin, but I could feel that, and my stupid tetANUS shot! I could barely lift my left arm for Rocky-type celebratory cheers to me, it was like a soggy old celery stalk up there! And my little tumy cramp.
Excuse Me Mr-Ben Harper
By the bike shop again, WAAAY TOOO LOUD!!! whatever happened to the levels here nearly made me deaf...I turned it down and looked at the mileage, holy shit! 9.32! Good girl!
Bullfrog Blues-Canned Heat
Shut it off at 11.02
1hr:13min at a pace of 6.40min/km
Walked it off from the Appletree market to the house, feeling really good, but wobbly in the legs, I weaved across the sidewalk a few times just not really paying attention...yep I'm glad I went.
I got two catcalls! I appreciate those.
I'm feeling much better!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
ugh
"fuck that was awful, why do I do this?", were my exact words upon walking through the door when I ended my run. Burping coffee and cough syrup, coughing and sniffling AGAIN, I thought the sick would be gone by today. I walked for a minute twice in the first three kms, just totally struggling, and then quit trying to be a champ at all, slowing down to a walk run shuffle grunt step for the last km. Just finish, I told myself. It was supposed to be a tempo run, but I couldn't do it. My face red and sweating buckets, I do feel a little proud now as I'm stretching it out and my distance is done for the day, but that one sucked big balls.
5.03km in 32.51 at a pace of 6:31/min.
5.03km in 32.51 at a pace of 6:31/min.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Fuck the Man! (and bronchitis)
I couldn't wait this sickness out any longer. When the sun came out this morning, I had to go, just for a little bit. It made my lungs ache down at the bottom, and getting air through my throat wasn't easy, but it's done. Heaving and grunting, sniffling and coughing, I am on track. 29 runs to go til race day. 5.02kms in 33.51mins at a pace of 6.40min/km. Whoa.
Hey, I never showed you how I stuck it to the man with this Nike contraption! Check this out:
This is the wrong foot for the demo, but here are my $49.99 Winners Asics. I am lucky to have pretty normal feet.
Take out the sole, and just like the $149.99 Nike's...
...there's the little orange Nike+ sensor. Oh, hello, how did you get in there without me having to spend any more money than I already have? I'll tell you, but I won't take the credit, it was Michael's idea.
I took a pencil, and traced the shape of the sensor. Then I took an Xacto knife, and dug it out, in little strips. Then Michael took a dremel machine, and routed out the perfect little spot for it, smoothing out all the rubber bits I'd left shaggy. No water coming through the bottom, no change in support or feel of the shoe.
Super Pro!
Hey, I never showed you how I stuck it to the man with this Nike contraption! Check this out:
This is the wrong foot for the demo, but here are my $49.99 Winners Asics. I am lucky to have pretty normal feet.
Take out the sole, and just like the $149.99 Nike's...
...there's the little orange Nike+ sensor. Oh, hello, how did you get in there without me having to spend any more money than I already have? I'll tell you, but I won't take the credit, it was Michael's idea.
I took a pencil, and traced the shape of the sensor. Then I took an Xacto knife, and dug it out, in little strips. Then Michael took a dremel machine, and routed out the perfect little spot for it, smoothing out all the rubber bits I'd left shaggy. No water coming through the bottom, no change in support or feel of the shoe.Super Pro!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
bronchitis is bad for running
I haven't run since Tuesday. I felt it then, just an ache in the middle of my neck, allergies, or maybe city smog, I figured. Spent Tuesday and Wednesday hard at work, making a garden for my bro in east van proper. Weds night was torture. Fire in my neck, and running eyes and nose and head pressure so that my eyes watered constantly. Began trying to drug it out on Thursday morning with two workdays left. I got the bargain cold an flu meds, they did nothing...or very little. I was heaving an panting and coughing through work, my chest felt like it had been crushed. At least the sun was full on, so that made me happy. Definitely not running, though. My chest still feels a bit sore and hard to manage, but maybe tomorrow will be better. I want to keep on schedule, keep up the pace that has made it possible for me to run such crazy distances. But I must be good to myself, and breathing is important. Maybe instead of my 16k tomorrow, I'll just do a little one.
Loving the Nike machine. I keep staring at my little chart of runs I've done online, and want to add to it and get to the next level...now it is a game again.
It seems I was super excited when I first started this running thing, just to see how far I'd get at all, then the thrill wore off a little, and it got hard, and a little monotonous. Running in new places was rad, I want to do more of that, it definitely put a spark back into it. Now I've got this bundle of fun that will let me map out the places I've run, and follow other peoples routes if I'm at a loss, how fun!
I can't believe I'm excited to go for a run. This life is weird.
Loving the Nike machine. I keep staring at my little chart of runs I've done online, and want to add to it and get to the next level...now it is a game again.
It seems I was super excited when I first started this running thing, just to see how far I'd get at all, then the thrill wore off a little, and it got hard, and a little monotonous. Running in new places was rad, I want to do more of that, it definitely put a spark back into it. Now I've got this bundle of fun that will let me map out the places I've run, and follow other peoples routes if I'm at a loss, how fun!
I can't believe I'm excited to go for a run. This life is weird.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
fastest yet
Urg. The day after a rest day is always so hard!
The insides of my thighs were achy before I set out. When I get back from the Da Vinci exhibit later, I'll know which muscles those are. I set my ipod to play Ween's White Pepper album.
Walked up to Renfrew swinging my arms and taking big steps, trying to loosen my butt and thigh muscles...ohhh, so stiff. No toque, just a bandanner. Its pretty warm out there despite the big raindrops!
Set off for 5K. Started slow and noticed the damage the crows are doing to the lawns, eating up all the chafer beetle larvae, turfing whole front yards to mud and clods. The rad part is all the methods people are using to deter the crows. Aluminum pie plates on strings, plastic bags or cloth on stakes, plastic sheeting set down with stones, just covering the whole thing, just a lot of shiny and moving things on strings or sticks. All but a handful of yards down Adanac are so decorated right now.
Turned down Nanaimo, running fast to cross the street. What a feeling, to speed up like that and hear the wind rush past my ears. hahaha! New! The cramp in my belly started up again just before Hastings. I have gotten this for my past two or three runs and am working on a relaxation method to ease it. It feels to me as though I hold in my tummy when I'm running. I am usually aware of my posture and most of the time, this is a good practice for standing up straight. I find that when the cramp hits, I am very aware that I am still holding in my tum, and purposely try to relax it, make my belly more round and loose. It is fun to try and push it out, but too much work, just let it hang...hahaha...the shit I write...
Down Nanaimo past T's house, I hollered a couple times at her balcony, but had to keep running.
When I turned up Trinity is when I started struggling, three long slight inclines led me back home. I was having a hard time keeping my breathing even, but it was a good fight. I felt proud after conquering the Trinity, Kaslo, and Renfrew slopes.
When my little voice told me I had 400 meters, I was at the bottom of the gully, and sprinted along the flat to my alley. The last song of the album, and my favorite was playing as I finished, and lasted long enough for me to walk up and down the hill a couple of times to ch-ch-chill down to.
When it told me my pace, I was a little disappointed, I thought I had run faster. I kept telling myself to go faster, I want to get this Tempo run pace. But it is my best yet, and considering the hills, I did good. SO sweaty today. Feels good.
5.05K in 32mins18 at a pace of 6:23min/km. My best pace yet per km. Yay.
The insides of my thighs were achy before I set out. When I get back from the Da Vinci exhibit later, I'll know which muscles those are. I set my ipod to play Ween's White Pepper album.
Walked up to Renfrew swinging my arms and taking big steps, trying to loosen my butt and thigh muscles...ohhh, so stiff. No toque, just a bandanner. Its pretty warm out there despite the big raindrops!
Set off for 5K. Started slow and noticed the damage the crows are doing to the lawns, eating up all the chafer beetle larvae, turfing whole front yards to mud and clods. The rad part is all the methods people are using to deter the crows. Aluminum pie plates on strings, plastic bags or cloth on stakes, plastic sheeting set down with stones, just covering the whole thing, just a lot of shiny and moving things on strings or sticks. All but a handful of yards down Adanac are so decorated right now.
Turned down Nanaimo, running fast to cross the street. What a feeling, to speed up like that and hear the wind rush past my ears. hahaha! New! The cramp in my belly started up again just before Hastings. I have gotten this for my past two or three runs and am working on a relaxation method to ease it. It feels to me as though I hold in my tummy when I'm running. I am usually aware of my posture and most of the time, this is a good practice for standing up straight. I find that when the cramp hits, I am very aware that I am still holding in my tum, and purposely try to relax it, make my belly more round and loose. It is fun to try and push it out, but too much work, just let it hang...hahaha...the shit I write...
Down Nanaimo past T's house, I hollered a couple times at her balcony, but had to keep running.
When I turned up Trinity is when I started struggling, three long slight inclines led me back home. I was having a hard time keeping my breathing even, but it was a good fight. I felt proud after conquering the Trinity, Kaslo, and Renfrew slopes.
When my little voice told me I had 400 meters, I was at the bottom of the gully, and sprinted along the flat to my alley. The last song of the album, and my favorite was playing as I finished, and lasted long enough for me to walk up and down the hill a couple of times to ch-ch-chill down to.
When it told me my pace, I was a little disappointed, I thought I had run faster. I kept telling myself to go faster, I want to get this Tempo run pace. But it is my best yet, and considering the hills, I did good. SO sweaty today. Feels good.
5.05K in 32mins18 at a pace of 6:23min/km. My best pace yet per km. Yay.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
I can do it!
Can't believe I made it! and then some.
This is it, my 16 kilometre run day. Longest EVER!
Started up Beatty from Cambie, or where Catie goes to gymnastics.
The first 2K were a piece of cake, down Cambie, through gastown, up Water St, Cordova, to Georgia to the start of the Stanley Park seawall. I got really off course trying to decide whether to stay on the seawall in Coal Harbor, or stick to the road. I ended up going on a squiggly route back and forth between the two. There were some really fast runners burning past me on that seawall. The Big Business album finished playing around here, and I set the thing on shuffle for the rest.
I got a pain in my back, in the bad spot, at the Rowing Club, like the feeling of a bruise. Tender. I slowed down, and just continued to put one foot in front of the other. I was suprised when I hit the 6K mark right before the point where Paula and I ran to last week for our 2km calibration run. It made me smile to think of her doing her happy dance while she ran along this stretch. The mountains are beautiful across the water, softly white tipped, but the cold had come back. I had to put my warm up hoody back on for awhile, and everything looked grey white mist...
I was feeling really good as I came around the lighthouse point, and along the north side of the park, looking forward at the lions gate bridge and thinking about the prospect point hill. It was going to come right on schedule, at 10K, like it will be during the race. I was feeling good. I karate chopped a seagull that flew too close and when my ipod told me I was half way, I did two big high kicks and more hi-ya chops. I was going to do this thing! My knees were still good, just a little creaky, but nothing to slow me down. Haha, from my shuffle step walk run...
At 9K, I left the seawall, and went to run along the road where it started to rise away from the water. I plodded along, not really thinking about anything. Its funny how when these runs are difficult or long, my brain shuts off. My mind won't wander, its just-concentrate on your form and your step, and look forward, whats up ahead? Look at these people passing me-just in the moment. The hill is not as I imagined it. It is not a wall of asphalt trying to break me down, just a winding, slight, friendly slope with lots of trees and forest to appreciate on the way. I used all the techniques I've learned, though, chest pushing a door open, kick out behind like road runner, focus on the top of the hill, head up, eyes forward, little steps, push off from the ball of the foot...it ended up feeling like a good foot stretch!
I was really happy to get up on top of that bridge that crosses the highway at the gates of the bridge. I air fived the lions, and shouted "eye of the muthafuckin' taiga!" as my machine told me I hit 10K right on track at the lookout. I was smiling as I stripped off the layers and looked out over the water at the grizzly grey north shore, and started back down the hill around the west side of the park. OK, that hill is really long, and was not kind on the knees, no matter how I slowed.
I got the bottom and started getting a little nervous, I was nearly done, I had to shave some of the distance off of this run, get back to Yaletown to meet Bethany in time, so I took an inside trail, looking to deek through the woods to Nelson or Davie and pin it over the hill. I started to feel a distinct chafing under my armpits, and up between my thighs, but up there...um, anyways... If I can stand yet another conformity, I might have to get some more technical gear for my real runs b/c it could get worse on a hotter day. I was running with my arms out like little wings, trying to avoid the chafe. Man, I was a salt lick!
I found myself veering away from the water, back towards Coal Harbor, so I ducked into the trees, off of the path, and had to charge though gardens and lawns, trying to find a way out of the park, I was getting frustrated when I got to the golf greens and still couldn't see a way out! I had to pee and started to feel cramps in my tummy, my body saying, "Emma, seriously, it's bathroom time, yo!" I started complaining out loud, an getting a little nervous. I actually was thinking about how I would possibly play down crapping my pants in my blog to make it not as gross as it was about to be. Luckily, and suddenly, it went away. I finally found a muddy path behind the tea house, through a rhodo garden, and out into an alley. One km left, it told me, then 400 metres.
At 300 metres, I got a crazy pain in my foot as I dodged a car backing up to block the whole alley and the driver just staring at me out his window like a dummy. I thought about sliding over the hood, or jumping up and three stomping over it, but between how tired my knees were, and my owie foot, and my meek nature, my mind was made up for me. But it made me mad enough to palm slap the hood and hard stare the guy. My right foot felt broken! I was limpy, and walked for a bit, rolling it around, trying to crack it back or something. It eventually worked with 100 metres to go!
I finished 16 kms at Cardero, just at the bottom of the hill. 16.03kms in 1:53 at an averaged pace of 7:04kms/min....I think that is right on track with my race goal at this point. Amazing!
I walked up the hill, and then started a timed run down from just before Bute at Pendrell to Pacific at Davie. 15.42mins, and another 1.94 but nice and slow, traffic light waiting, street crossing and recrossing 8.08 pace.
I did the same system as last week's run, walking for around a minute every time the announcer told me it was an even number. I wore my water belt, with all three bottles this week. Two water and one boost. I couldn't find any goo last night when I remembered I needed some. Instead I just got regular boost, and I think I liked it better, but it hasn't the same content. Those goo things are high carbohydrate and electrolyte. The boost is all protein...whatever, it was sugar, and it helped.
I amazed that my knees didn't do their crazy grinding...I was worried I would snap them this time. And really inspired to get it on. Once I accomplish this goal, I have a bunch more impossible ideas that a lot of people tell me are "really hard to get into", or , "take a lot of money to get done", or plain old, "you'll never be able to do that", just lined up and ready to execute.
Fuck them!
Ain't that right, my people?
This is it, my 16 kilometre run day. Longest EVER!
Started up Beatty from Cambie, or where Catie goes to gymnastics.
The first 2K were a piece of cake, down Cambie, through gastown, up Water St, Cordova, to Georgia to the start of the Stanley Park seawall. I got really off course trying to decide whether to stay on the seawall in Coal Harbor, or stick to the road. I ended up going on a squiggly route back and forth between the two. There were some really fast runners burning past me on that seawall. The Big Business album finished playing around here, and I set the thing on shuffle for the rest.
I got a pain in my back, in the bad spot, at the Rowing Club, like the feeling of a bruise. Tender. I slowed down, and just continued to put one foot in front of the other. I was suprised when I hit the 6K mark right before the point where Paula and I ran to last week for our 2km calibration run. It made me smile to think of her doing her happy dance while she ran along this stretch. The mountains are beautiful across the water, softly white tipped, but the cold had come back. I had to put my warm up hoody back on for awhile, and everything looked grey white mist...
I was feeling really good as I came around the lighthouse point, and along the north side of the park, looking forward at the lions gate bridge and thinking about the prospect point hill. It was going to come right on schedule, at 10K, like it will be during the race. I was feeling good. I karate chopped a seagull that flew too close and when my ipod told me I was half way, I did two big high kicks and more hi-ya chops. I was going to do this thing! My knees were still good, just a little creaky, but nothing to slow me down. Haha, from my shuffle step walk run...
At 9K, I left the seawall, and went to run along the road where it started to rise away from the water. I plodded along, not really thinking about anything. Its funny how when these runs are difficult or long, my brain shuts off. My mind won't wander, its just-concentrate on your form and your step, and look forward, whats up ahead? Look at these people passing me-just in the moment. The hill is not as I imagined it. It is not a wall of asphalt trying to break me down, just a winding, slight, friendly slope with lots of trees and forest to appreciate on the way. I used all the techniques I've learned, though, chest pushing a door open, kick out behind like road runner, focus on the top of the hill, head up, eyes forward, little steps, push off from the ball of the foot...it ended up feeling like a good foot stretch!
I was really happy to get up on top of that bridge that crosses the highway at the gates of the bridge. I air fived the lions, and shouted "eye of the muthafuckin' taiga!" as my machine told me I hit 10K right on track at the lookout. I was smiling as I stripped off the layers and looked out over the water at the grizzly grey north shore, and started back down the hill around the west side of the park. OK, that hill is really long, and was not kind on the knees, no matter how I slowed.
I got the bottom and started getting a little nervous, I was nearly done, I had to shave some of the distance off of this run, get back to Yaletown to meet Bethany in time, so I took an inside trail, looking to deek through the woods to Nelson or Davie and pin it over the hill. I started to feel a distinct chafing under my armpits, and up between my thighs, but up there...um, anyways... If I can stand yet another conformity, I might have to get some more technical gear for my real runs b/c it could get worse on a hotter day. I was running with my arms out like little wings, trying to avoid the chafe. Man, I was a salt lick!
I found myself veering away from the water, back towards Coal Harbor, so I ducked into the trees, off of the path, and had to charge though gardens and lawns, trying to find a way out of the park, I was getting frustrated when I got to the golf greens and still couldn't see a way out! I had to pee and started to feel cramps in my tummy, my body saying, "Emma, seriously, it's bathroom time, yo!" I started complaining out loud, an getting a little nervous. I actually was thinking about how I would possibly play down crapping my pants in my blog to make it not as gross as it was about to be. Luckily, and suddenly, it went away. I finally found a muddy path behind the tea house, through a rhodo garden, and out into an alley. One km left, it told me, then 400 metres.
At 300 metres, I got a crazy pain in my foot as I dodged a car backing up to block the whole alley and the driver just staring at me out his window like a dummy. I thought about sliding over the hood, or jumping up and three stomping over it, but between how tired my knees were, and my owie foot, and my meek nature, my mind was made up for me. But it made me mad enough to palm slap the hood and hard stare the guy. My right foot felt broken! I was limpy, and walked for a bit, rolling it around, trying to crack it back or something. It eventually worked with 100 metres to go!
I finished 16 kms at Cardero, just at the bottom of the hill. 16.03kms in 1:53 at an averaged pace of 7:04kms/min....I think that is right on track with my race goal at this point. Amazing!
I walked up the hill, and then started a timed run down from just before Bute at Pendrell to Pacific at Davie. 15.42mins, and another 1.94 but nice and slow, traffic light waiting, street crossing and recrossing 8.08 pace.
I did the same system as last week's run, walking for around a minute every time the announcer told me it was an even number. I wore my water belt, with all three bottles this week. Two water and one boost. I couldn't find any goo last night when I remembered I needed some. Instead I just got regular boost, and I think I liked it better, but it hasn't the same content. Those goo things are high carbohydrate and electrolyte. The boost is all protein...whatever, it was sugar, and it helped.
I amazed that my knees didn't do their crazy grinding...I was worried I would snap them this time. And really inspired to get it on. Once I accomplish this goal, I have a bunch more impossible ideas that a lot of people tell me are "really hard to get into", or , "take a lot of money to get done", or plain old, "you'll never be able to do that", just lined up and ready to execute.
Fuck them!
Ain't that right, my people?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
nerves
I am planning my run tomorrow along the BMO route.
16kms. I am excited about running most of the track.
I still think I won't make it, every time I set out on these long runs.
And right now, as I'm looking at the map, is one of those moments.
yeesh...
16kms. I am excited about running most of the track.
I still think I won't make it, every time I set out on these long runs.
And right now, as I'm looking at the map, is one of those moments.
yeesh...
East Van Supreme
Hanging with my niece and nephew today, getting set to help my bro with his yard. Two cups of coffee and a nice drive with one eye on the sky and I'm ready for my run. Bethany suggested a route that she thought would be six kms, I wanted another slow and steady to get ready for tomorrow.
Still floating on good feelings from good visits and all the support from friends in this mission I'm on, I think, "only six"...Only six! hahaha, look how far I've come! Rad.
I started up Adanac and decided to go easy on myself and warm up walk to the top of the hill, and begin after Renfrew.
Oh no! I just erased my set list! It was so good!
...bummer...I know it started with the Kinks, and that got me to the High School at Lakewood.
I was feeling stoked to be running in a new area again, and going slow. And then J.Mascis Waistin' was on and I ran down Lakewood, over a little lump of a rock sculpture, which was fun, so I used some more rocks along the sidewalk as stepping stones, and felt really glad to be running and looking forward to my long run tomorrow. I get to -haha, can't believe I'm going to say this!- TRAIN, along the actual race route. 16kms. double you, oh, double you. fuck yeah.
So, there's a big empty memory area in the middle of the run, where all the scenery took over as I got down Lakewood to Wall St, and started back along it. I know Fu Manchu was on as I got to the bottom of the hill, 'cos I was singin along to Godzilla! OK, a) I had no idea there were so many really nice places there along the waterfront, and b) I want to live in one of them! The view of the mountains was nice, as well as the whole inlet, and a holler back at Stanley Park, where I'll be tomorrow morning.
I charged across a park, from one corner to the other, straight up a steep hill to My Rhyme. I thought a dog was about to charge me 'cos I was trying to sing along. I was winded at the top, but kept on, feeling good. That was Slocan and Firehose, and the Rev played me on to the skatepark at Hastings. I thought I saw a new sculpture as I ran up to the Italian gardens there...from a distance it loo
ked like some kind of mud stacked up to form totem poles. I was totally interested, but as I ran up to them, I was disappointed to find these burlap wrapped cypress trees...of course. I'm a geek.At 400 metres to go, Stetsasonic was being awesome, " We do sit ups, push ups and run the track, but you run like a snail if you smoke the crack!" I love it when my music talks about running! Haha!
I got a green light at Renfrew and ran past those guys at the entrance to Hastings park like they were standing still....
6.05kms in 40'43'' at 6:44/km what a pro.
Friday, March 12, 2010
6 easy
Had a big brek today and got homework done at the library. Watched the rain drive down for hours and whiled away my day emailing and planning field trips. Nice new libraries are pleasant to hang out in. Old men in comfy chairs and hats reading today's newspaper.Finished my homework and perfectly timed the rain had stopped, an I was ready to run...looking forward to it alot. I realised that I missed it so much after only two days away. It makes me feel vital afterwards.
I got excited about the Nicomekl trails, so there I went. I figured I could do at least 6kms. More if I was feelin' it, or had more to explore. It was a perfect day for running, there were some big ugly great heavy clouds, just sitting on top of some rime swept blue. My left ankle was weird for two kms...didn't push off well and hurt, but just clered off after that, which made me happy. The damage I did to my poor knees has me freaked out a little. Bruises came up around the sore spots on Tuesday night....just...gross. They feel alright now, it's, my head messing with me a little about the creaky-ness. Nice run. Happy girl after. 6.5km in under 47mins at a pace of I don't know what since I didn't stop my timer as I walked to stretch out, and stretched my calves and quads and hamstrings, then went, "oh, lets see how I did..." I'll get the hang of this thing!
one hundred blocks
Woke up hungry with the girls. Made coffee and saw them to the lobby in my Red Lion robe. Off on another adventure together! Went back up, tailored my coffee, and tried to find something on the TV to wake up to. 6:30am Seattle. Coffee ended up tasting like dirty water, no matter how much sugar I put in it. Fuck it. Back to sleep.Made the most of the quiet no company in the room and finally got up for the shower I'd been dreaming of. Clean hair, nice smell, I went and put on my favorite tee, even though it's a little...um, worn from yesterday...travel light, right? It's my lucky T! 11:40, time to roll out.
Brought woolly socks, woolly cardigan, toque, and hoody. Course the sun is fkn blazing! I get my bearings and get walking. Can you believe I drew my own map of the area in my sketchy and left that in my truck? Yep. I did that.
So it turns out that the girls' shuttle ride couldn't have been more than 30 seconds, we are across the street from the airport entrance. I throw my board down and get pushing, I see a Denny's brek in my future. But my left butt is having none of it, and crimp cramps right up. Yes, today is a walking day for me, cos I hate to admit it but I overdid my running this weekend.
I am a peer pressure wuss and really had the best intentions of getting ahead so as not to get behind. But now I know, those rest days are for my knees especially. They swolled up Monday night as I stood and enjoyed the Beatnuts (When I say BEAT!, you say NUTS!, which I had a hard time shouting back, but it made me laugh).
Right, so pushing does me in...I'm punching myself in the butt for the next two blocks trying to loosen that up. I settled into the booth for a brek-sam with coffee. I'm staring, waiting for the puzzle picture to emerge from the table and "oo-ooh child" comes on...perfect. 12:50
Decided to go for a walking tour, fuck the bus, I'm going to walk the 100 blocks to my destination.
I remembered why city transit was a good idea once I'd walked 100 blocks and realised there was still 100 left to go. I wasn't going to have any feet left for skatin'!
3:16 Skatebarn West. The park was major, and it was girls skate free day. Thank grace, b/c my incredible 35 minute session ruined what was left of my knees. So fun. Smooth and fast!
3:45 Train time! Got lost on burning heels, doubling back through creepy underpasses, hemmed in by freeways, river, and railroads. Frustrating! I had wanted to get to the mall and check out some cheap gear, but I ran out of time. The train was an hour late but the ride was worth it. Crossed the border and rode along the White Rock shore...new perspective...AND THEN! went over the rickety train bridge under the sky train bridge in New West! I have loved that crazy little bridge for years!
Walk Day! Skate Day! Train Day!
Monday, March 8, 2010
fast6
Went to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D! My first 3D movie! It was beautiful.
After that, we decided to do our run. It is a rest day, but we are going to be travelling on Wednesday, so we've jumped this week forward by one training day.
Plus I felt really good this morning! Amazing, I thought, when I rolled out of bed. Not thirsty, not owie, not achy...it was a rad discovery.
I wasn't going to go fast, but I was following the speedy three. Paula, Bel, and Carrie pulled ahead in the first km. I fell into what felt like a little bit of a challenging pace, where I could still see them, and was sort of sometimes trying to close the gap. Turned out to be a hilly run, and we went around the bottom of four cul-de-sacs. My knee only hurt a little afterwards, and the run itself was okay, I actually felt like I wasn't going fast enough sometimes, just because my breathing was easy.
My biceps hurt a little from holding on to the nano, I had no pockets today and I've definitely learned my lesson about putting it down my sports bra...I know...obvious to everyone but me. I'm getting a holster...I'm sure I'll forget for a few more runs though...I never go to those tech places!
It was sunny!
6kms in 39mins atr a pace of 6.3--probably my fastest ever!
After that, we decided to do our run. It is a rest day, but we are going to be travelling on Wednesday, so we've jumped this week forward by one training day.
Plus I felt really good this morning! Amazing, I thought, when I rolled out of bed. Not thirsty, not owie, not achy...it was a rad discovery.
I wasn't going to go fast, but I was following the speedy three. Paula, Bel, and Carrie pulled ahead in the first km. I fell into what felt like a little bit of a challenging pace, where I could still see them, and was sort of sometimes trying to close the gap. Turned out to be a hilly run, and we went around the bottom of four cul-de-sacs. My knee only hurt a little afterwards, and the run itself was okay, I actually felt like I wasn't going fast enough sometimes, just because my breathing was easy.
My biceps hurt a little from holding on to the nano, I had no pockets today and I've definitely learned my lesson about putting it down my sports bra...I know...obvious to everyone but me. I'm getting a holster...I'm sure I'll forget for a few more runs though...I never go to those tech places!
It was sunny!
6kms in 39mins atr a pace of 6.3--probably my fastest ever!
turbo terry Sunday
14.35km in 1hr41mins at a pace of 7.03
Every time I set out for my long run, I am pretty sure I won't finish it. It sounds like too much for 'lil old me. But wow it feels rad when it's done. Today I gave myself a victory lap around the block in Fort Langley, where I went to run. The dishwasher smoking on his break on the back steps, a posse of waiters, and some dudes in toques drinking on a patio on the riverfront, all got to hear about the fact that, fuck yes, that was me who just ran 14 kilometres! In the rain. Smiling.
I had all kinds of help for this one. The Johnson's lent me their Ipod nano walkman, and Michael filled it with goodness. Paula got me the Nike runpod, with a girl in it who kept me on track by telling me when I passed each km. Every second km, I stopped for a one minute walk, and starting at four kms, I had a sip of water and a taste of the energy goo I decided to try today, then tucked them both back into my supersale water belt I got at Courtenay's version of a Sports Junkie's 2nd hand store. I also wore special running socks Michael set me up with and my feet weren't stumpy just now when I got up for some more water to drink, which is rad, since usually I am gimped after laying down.
It's a really nice packed gravel trail, the Fort to Fort Trail in Ft. Langley. Starts on the river right downtown, then twists and turns through some woods, along a fairly quiet road and- my favorite- through a set of green, pretty, roly-poly hills with ancient orchard appple trees and marshy ponds just before Derby Reach.
The achy knee started creeping in at 7k, just a little ache that came and went, only on the left. By ten, when I stopped to walk, it took a lot of talking to myself to get running again, slow at first then the ache would fade away as I went...weird, but that was that. I was going super slow, just so I'd make the distance. WHICH I DID!
Every time I set out for my long run, I am pretty sure I won't finish it. It sounds like too much for 'lil old me. But wow it feels rad when it's done. Today I gave myself a victory lap around the block in Fort Langley, where I went to run. The dishwasher smoking on his break on the back steps, a posse of waiters, and some dudes in toques drinking on a patio on the riverfront, all got to hear about the fact that, fuck yes, that was me who just ran 14 kilometres! In the rain. Smiling.
I had all kinds of help for this one. The Johnson's lent me their Ipod nano walkman, and Michael filled it with goodness. Paula got me the Nike runpod, with a girl in it who kept me on track by telling me when I passed each km. Every second km, I stopped for a one minute walk, and starting at four kms, I had a sip of water and a taste of the energy goo I decided to try today, then tucked them both back into my supersale water belt I got at Courtenay's version of a Sports Junkie's 2nd hand store. I also wore special running socks Michael set me up with and my feet weren't stumpy just now when I got up for some more water to drink, which is rad, since usually I am gimped after laying down.
It's a really nice packed gravel trail, the Fort to Fort Trail in Ft. Langley. Starts on the river right downtown, then twists and turns through some woods, along a fairly quiet road and- my favorite- through a set of green, pretty, roly-poly hills with ancient orchard appple trees and marshy ponds just before Derby Reach.
The achy knee started creeping in at 7k, just a little ache that came and went, only on the left. By ten, when I stopped to walk, it took a lot of talking to myself to get running again, slow at first then the ache would fade away as I went...weird, but that was that. I was going super slow, just so I'd make the distance. WHICH I DID!
sea wall
It is fun to run in new places!
Today Paula and I went for our 4 steady on the seawall. She got me a rad device to help me track my running stuff, and Im so excited to see my progress laid out from here on in.
...course now I have to learn to use it properly. Set it to calibrate my stride length on the 2k mark, since it is marked on the wall...I think there was one step I forgot...oh, yeah, to turn it on!
I'll get it.
It is so warm in the city! The sun was out and I was hot, not even that cold arm skin thing! It was nice to have so much scenery. So many different people who wouldn't even look up, nevermind a hello! haha. The city looks beautiful in the sun with all its blossoms out.
I watched Paula zoom ahead of me until she was just the white dot across the curve of the wall and water. I warned her I go slow, but she was sweet and stopped and waited at the halfway and we sat on the seawall with our legs hanging down, daring the water to splash at us...did I mention it was HOT? The way back was just as good, but I am not used to having to weave so much. Again P waited at the end, playing on some driftwood, then we ran back to the van.
That little charge turned out to be the only part that recorded on my new device.
I'll get it.
Today Paula and I went for our 4 steady on the seawall. She got me a rad device to help me track my running stuff, and Im so excited to see my progress laid out from here on in.
...course now I have to learn to use it properly. Set it to calibrate my stride length on the 2k mark, since it is marked on the wall...I think there was one step I forgot...oh, yeah, to turn it on!
I'll get it.
It is so warm in the city! The sun was out and I was hot, not even that cold arm skin thing! It was nice to have so much scenery. So many different people who wouldn't even look up, nevermind a hello! haha. The city looks beautiful in the sun with all its blossoms out.
I watched Paula zoom ahead of me until she was just the white dot across the curve of the wall and water. I warned her I go slow, but she was sweet and stopped and waited at the halfway and we sat on the seawall with our legs hanging down, daring the water to splash at us...did I mention it was HOT? The way back was just as good, but I am not used to having to weave so much. Again P waited at the end, playing on some driftwood, then we ran back to the van.
That little charge turned out to be the only part that recorded on my new device.
I'll get it.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
more hils!
I was really sore and lazy and I didn't want to go! I didn't get out the door until 6:45, when there turned out to be something to do after. It was time for 4hills. Daunting.
I went back to the same hill as last time. It was dark, but there are streetlights up it. First time up was no problem, leading me to get all pumped about how rad I was doing. Second time up was...not so fun. But I did not stop. Not even for a little walk, just...cross the street and down again for more. Third time up was harder, I was pushing myself and panting like an old dog...gross. But I didn't stop, and then the last hill, when you keep telling yourself it's the last hill....easy.
It felt really good to finish this, and to have not stopped. I told the hill that I was Sarah Connor an it was Terminated when I was done. Then I ran home to punk rock all the way.
6.52 @42mins.
I went back to the same hill as last time. It was dark, but there are streetlights up it. First time up was no problem, leading me to get all pumped about how rad I was doing. Second time up was...not so fun. But I did not stop. Not even for a little walk, just...cross the street and down again for more. Third time up was harder, I was pushing myself and panting like an old dog...gross. But I didn't stop, and then the last hill, when you keep telling yourself it's the last hill....easy.
It felt really good to finish this, and to have not stopped. I told the hill that I was Sarah Connor an it was Terminated when I was done. Then I ran home to punk rock all the way.
6.52 @42mins.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
country run
Weds I went for a steady run out on Macaulay Rd.
It was nice to run on a county road, with forests and fields and ditches and creeks and marshes all around. The sounds were lovely. Across a field at one point, there was a chorus of frogs croaking. I'd forgotten how much I love that sound, it's been a long time since I heard it.
There was half a deer decomposing in the ditch at one point, then the other half further along...that was gross, and rad. And the field that I ran into to turn around just kept going and I wanted to run its perimeter, except I could see myself turning my ankle in some rodent's front door, and then no one would know where I went...6.4kms.
I'm getting back onto the proper schedule. Today is my 4x hills, then I'm on track again.
Had to take Tuesday off for the new treatment to settle in and heal and do its thing.
Feeling good!
It was nice to run on a county road, with forests and fields and ditches and creeks and marshes all around. The sounds were lovely. Across a field at one point, there was a chorus of frogs croaking. I'd forgotten how much I love that sound, it's been a long time since I heard it.
There was half a deer decomposing in the ditch at one point, then the other half further along...that was gross, and rad. And the field that I ran into to turn around just kept going and I wanted to run its perimeter, except I could see myself turning my ankle in some rodent's front door, and then no one would know where I went...6.4kms.
I'm getting back onto the proper schedule. Today is my 4x hills, then I'm on track again.
Had to take Tuesday off for the new treatment to settle in and heal and do its thing.
Feeling good!
Monday, March 1, 2010
leap of faith
Well, I did it.
In spite of my achy back trying to shut down my program, here, I just went ahead and did it anyway. I am now registered for both the Times Colonist 10K in Victoria on April 25th, and then the BMO 21.1 in Vancouver on May 2nd. I'm halfway through my training and I've had to miss a number of my run days over the last two weeks since my hip is doing its thing, but I'm really optimistic that I'm going to find a way to overcome whatever is going on there.
I'm trying something new to complement the two years of hard work of strengthening my core and back muscles Ive spent to try and get rid of this persistent and occasionally crippling problem...it's going to work out just fine.
I'm young and determined not to have to use that cane just yet...maybe I'll even be able to use it as kindling at this summer's campfire!
In spite of my achy back trying to shut down my program, here, I just went ahead and did it anyway. I am now registered for both the Times Colonist 10K in Victoria on April 25th, and then the BMO 21.1 in Vancouver on May 2nd. I'm halfway through my training and I've had to miss a number of my run days over the last two weeks since my hip is doing its thing, but I'm really optimistic that I'm going to find a way to overcome whatever is going on there.
I'm trying something new to complement the two years of hard work of strengthening my core and back muscles Ive spent to try and get rid of this persistent and occasionally crippling problem...it's going to work out just fine.
I'm young and determined not to have to use that cane just yet...maybe I'll even be able to use it as kindling at this summer's campfire!
first hill run
ok! I didnt think Id be able to do this. Its a long first hill, with a flat and then a second steep short hill. Three times I rocked up this bitch and back!
It felt great when I got up the last hill for the last lap. I was panting(out loud), "hunh, hunh, hunh, ohhhhh, hunh hunh, ugh". I shouted out a battle cry when I last reached the sign on the right in the picture, crossed the street and gave the hill the both handed finger as I started back down. I feel I conquered something today.
Its such a big deal to me that I did it, that as soon as I'd stretched, I jumped in my truck to go back and take my photo.
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