Two Runs Thursday

This morning was my school Terry Fox Run!  It was fantastic to see everyone out for a 2k walk, or 4k run.  I have only done one easy run since the marathon on Sunday, so I was eager to get out and continue to loosen my leg muscles.  It was a perfect morning for a run (seems to be a trend lately--yay!) so we headed out on our way, running quite quickly.  High school students seem to take off in a hurry at the starting line :)  Some were ready for the run, and some obviously chose to run at the last minute, as they were decked out in jeans (one kid even had a leather jacket, and held a basketball the whole time!).  I am proud of my run, as I was the first female finisher in the 4k!

I am proud of my homeroom class as well.  They were asked to bring in a toonie each, but my class outdid themselves, and brought more than $3.00 each!  And, extra bonus proudness...the student that brought in a $40.00 donation!!  What a fantastic day of fundraising in the name of Terry Fox!

I rushed home in time to squeeze in a run with my friend M, as the two of us haven't run together in a while.  It was great to get out and run the neighbourhood with someone else that has a growing belly :)  It has been nice to enjoy a few short runs...I seem to have more spare time on my hands, which is a welcome change.  I will try to keep runs of more than 10 miles to weekends only for the next few months as a way of conserving energy throughout the week.

TGIF (tomorrow)!!

Onwards and Upwards

It is now 48 hours post-marathon, and I am starting to feel like my legs are normal(ish).  I will probably attempt an easy run tomorrow, so in the mean time, I will enjoy this couple of days with no runs to squeeze in :)

I am still just as hungry as I was when I crossed the finish line.  I just can't seem to feel full.  I forgot about that feeling, post-marathon.  This race was the first time I have ever actually heard my stomach growwllinng in the last couple of kilometers.  I was fuelling efficiently enough, but my stomach (and perhaps the baby?) wanted real food by the end of the race!  Bananas, cookies and dry bagels were certainly a disappointment at the finish line, but next to the gourmet meal I was dreaming of, nothing was going to stack up!  So here I sit at 10am, snacking on hummus and crackers, counting down until lunch time.

I think I am going to plan one more race before I settle for regular runs for the remainder of this pregnancy.  It is quite convenient that there aren't a lot of races in my area throughout the winter, so I won't jealous of people out at the starting line in February.  I am going to sign up for the Angus Glen Half Marathon in November.  One of my close friends (who is also pregnant) will be running in that race, so I am going to join her. 

I do have plans to go to the Goodlife Toronto Marathon to cheer all of the hard working runners on in October.  It was so amazing to have friends, family and complete strangers cheering for me on Sunday, the least I can do is join the sidelines and cheer for everyone that is doing it in a couple of weeks!  I have a friend who is running the marathon, so I hope to see her and offer her my (loud) support!

Happy (rainy) running, if you're out there today.  Before I go, I will share my favourite quote from the race on Sunday.  My husband told my eldest, Elliott that they had to quickly head to the next location to see Mama.  "But we've already cheered for her like, three times today!" 

Glad to see they've inherited my enthusiasm :)

The baby made me PB! yay! (It's long, but there are pictures)

After all of the pain and the Glory, me and my medal!

I kind of forgot about the pain.  Having had two children, I can say that the marathon is a wee bit like childbirth, in that during the hard work and pain of it all, you wonder things like, "how did I get myself into this?" or "When will it ever end?!" or "Why does my husband look so chipper, when I hurt sooo much?!"  I have thought these things during both child birth and the marathon.  Then it happens.  The baby is born, and all of that pain is forgotten.  Or...the finish line comes, the glory of that medal is around your neck, and all of that pain is forgotten.  I know there was pain out there today, but I can't describe it now.

So.  A lot happens in 26.2 miles.  I will try not to bore everyone with too much babbling on, but I can say that I am still in excited mode, so I may go on and on a tiny bit :)

The race started with a small Garmin-related catastrophe.  I had it all set up when the starting gun went off, but it took me about 4 minutes to reach the start mat, so my watch went into power-save mode by that point, and I hadn't noticed.  It took me almost an entire minute to fix things, (I was completely panic-stricken!) but I just mentally made note of that and kept running (of course).  The first mile or so was very crowded, and when I glanced down at my watch, it told me I was at a 4:40 pace.  "Huh?!"  I then realized that my beloved Garmin was now calculating my pace/KM?  How on earth did I do that?  Did I somehow press a wrong button in my panic?  I have no idea what my pace should be based on km.  I made a mental note to figure that out for future races, but considered myself screwed in the meantime.
Then, as if by magic, it went back to normal.  I can only assume someone else's Garmin in the crowd interfered with mine, as it did happen a couple of other times when I was in a crowd throughout the race.

By mile 2, things were looking good.  I had settled into a nice pace, the weather was just beautiful, and I was looking forward to seeing my boys at the 10k mark (I was wearing a long-sleeved shirt that I knew I would have to pass off).  They were stationed with bright posters and smiling faces.  It was so nice to see!  My husband was snapping photos just as I had put a GU chomp in my mouth, so some of the photos are rather unfortunate, but it's all part of the race experience, I suppose :)
I then heading out sans long-sleeved shirt toward the turn-around point.  I knew it would be all the way until the 30km mark that I would wait to see my boys, but that was ok.  BUT...to my complete surprise, as I approached the 14 (or 15?)km mark, I spotted a different familiar face!  It was my brother and his little one, Lyla!!  Of course I got a bit teary, knowing they had driven about 3 and a half hours just to get there!!  He ran along beside me with Lyla in the BOB for about half a kilometer, while I blabbed on about the race so far.  I still can't believe he went to all of that effort to come and cheer.  It really boosted me through the next 16kms until I saw everyone again.

Oh, so fresh looking at the 11k mark!

When it came to the 'dividing point', when the half-marathon/marathon split, I felt like it was a, "ok, this is it!" moment.  As we made the turn, I could feel it in the air around me.  Many of us were thinking the same thing.  "What have I done?!"  Then I looked up to see the 18km marker.  Wow.  That went by quickly.  Here's hoping the next 18km goes by just as fast!

It didn't.

But that is ok.  It was actually not bad at all.  Lots to look at, and I was feeling so great.  Sure, my legs have felt better, but what does one expect, running that far?!

As I passed by port-o-lets on occasion, (NOT at every water station, like they promised on their website, I might add) I was so impressed with myself.  I didn't have to stop at any of them!!  Perhaps it was my motivation to stay out of them, (yes, like the rest of the world, I find them quite disgusting) or maybe I was getting just that dehydrated?  Either way, it has been impossible for me to do a run of any real length lately without visiting a Tim Horton's, a corn field, or a secluded ditch, so I thought I would make note of that as one of the highlights of this particular race :)

Before I knew it, I approached the anticipated 30km mark.  My brother had met up with my husband and the boys, but they had more special spectators with them!!  Seriously, it was a party at the side of the road that included my favourite people!  But I couldn't stay :(  I had this darn race to run!!  My dear friend Lori, her cute son Keith and her husband Austin were there to cheer!  What a great surprise.  Thanks guys.  You really make me want to do this all again, just to feel so special.

Kind of scary look on my face, waving to my 'fans'

I thought all of that excitement was going to push me through the next 5km, no problems.  Unfortunately, I really started to feel it on the next little out-and-back the course had to offer.  I don't know if it was the fact that I could see so many people coming back from the 5km that I still had to run, but mentally it was tough.  I just had to break it down mile by mile, and focus on making it back to the 36km mark when I would see my family again.  It worked.  I slowed down a bit in this last stretch, but I still felt good, and I knew I had lots left to make it to the finish.

When I saw everyone again, I assured them that I was feeling great, and they were so positive and happy.  This meant so much to me.

Check out my brother on the right (jeans holding Lyla)!

The people that cheer at the side of the road in this last part of the race are amazing.  They know just what to say.  It is like they have all been through it and they know how it feels to be 5km from 'home free'.  Those 5km went by a lot slower for me than the first 5km, but that is expected.  With every km that passed, I was more and more excited.  I am going to do this thing.  Well under my B goal.  Woot Woot!!

Running through St. Lawrence Market was quite special.  All of the balloon banners, the people, the music!  What a great push to the end.

I could not believe how many people were lining Bay street as I rounded the corner.  In hindsight, I know I really wasn't running that fast, and that it was really just a lot of 'arm-pumping' on my part to feel like I was pushing it, but did it ever feel great.  Lots of "You go girl" shouts from the crowds.  I am quite sure that there will be lots of people with cracking voices tomorrow from all of the yelling they did today :)

The finish line came, and I almost cried when I saw the time displayed.  I did it!  The baby did it!!  I don't have to do it again for a long time!! yay!

Lori checking out my 'wares' in the finish area

The numbers...

time: 3:53:44 (gun time 3:57:23)
place: 997 (out of 2713)
category place: 48/175
gender place: 228/1031

All in all, super YAY!!  It was a fantastic day, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat, even with the pregnant belly.  Not ideal, sure, but it makes for a great story to share with the little one when they arrive!  If this baby doesn't become a runner, you can't say I didn't try!!

The Marathon is (gulp) tomorrow!

A quick post to talk goals, and to freak out one last time...

I just returned from picking up my race kit.  I am impressed with the way everything was so organized, and even more impressed that I got a shirt in the right size (this rarely seems to happen for me!).  As we drove along the Lakeshore on the way, I started to visualize myself running along there tomorrow.  No problem, right?!  I should still be nice and fresh at that point.  My husband is starting to visualize himself making it to all of the cheering points we have decided on, and frankly, I think my job will be easier, just running along!  He is the one that has to organize the boys into the BOB.  Hopefully they will cheer on all of the runners they see, and avoid any melt-downs!

I still haven't decided on an exact pace for tomorrow.  I would LOVE to run under 9 minute miles, but we'll see.

Ok, time for goals.  I will add that my time goals for this race have evolved over the last couple of months.  Before finding out about my growing belly, I would have been ambitious enough to post goals around the 3:20-3:30 mark.  No such luck anymore :)  I will revisit those goals someday again, but not at this point in my life!!  With that said, my goals are...

goal C--to finish upright and moving!

goal B--under 4 hours

goal A--under 3:45

I know that my A goal is ambitious, but that is why it is in the "A" spot.  I will be very proud to finish the race at any time.  I have been feeling my speed slow with each passing week of my training, but I do still feel strong.  I think that is the important thing.  Slow. Strong. Steady.  Yay!

I can't wait to write my next post, as it means I will be typing about the race in past tense!!

A Run Down Memory Lane

Lining up at the starting line more than 10 years ago

When I ran my very first marathon (in May of 2000) my goal was to finish the race.  My brother and I ran the race together.  Later in the race, when I was really feeling the pain, I told him to go ahead and I would see him at the finish line.  He insisted that we run together, and he stuck with me until we completed the race in 4:18.  I know Scott could have left me in the dust much sooner, but he didn't.  Our parents were so proud (and relieved, frankly) when we crossed the line.  It was mother's day, and our mom selflessly let us take big naps at the hotel while she and my dad saw the local sights after the race.  It was such a proud day.   I even remember calling the *guy* I had just started dating, to tell him about my big accomplishment.  Perhaps that is why he ended up marrying me?!

8 years ago, before heading to the start

That marathon was one of my first road races.  I guess Scott and I decided to go big for our first race!  After that race we ran a few other road races, but geared up for another marathon.  Our second marathon was 2 years later (Ottawa again).  We trained separately, and planned to run on our own.  We didn't really see each other after the starting line, and I knew he was well on his way to a great race.  This time I had a time goal of under 4 hours.  I made my goal (just--3:58:50) and Scott came in well under 3:30.  Of course our parents were there to cheer us on, and my dad was even sweet enough to bring warm clothing to the finish area so we wouldn't get a chill after the race.  Although I loved the feeling of finishing that race, I decided when it was all over that I would like to tone it back to half marathons (or shorter) for a while.  I thought I may do more marathons, but I was in no rush to get back out and train for another one anytime soon.
Well.  Eight years, a teaching degree, a husband, two children and one-on-the way later, the time has come, it seems!

A lot can happen in 10 years.  Some things don't change, though.  I am still wearing the Asics Nimbus, I still hate gels, and I still enjoy running with my brother Scott.  Although Scott can't make it to the race on Sunday, I have enjoyed running with him over the last few months, and I can't wait to run more races together after this baby comes along :)

On a side note...my tempo run was great the other night, and I am looking forward to an easy run tomorrow.  Then it will be off to the races, literally!

Stay tuned for race goals...

Is it too early in the week to freak out about the marathon?

This morning I realized that the week before the marathon should be one of little stress.  Unfortunately, I am feeling the opposite this week.  My oldest has started junior kindergarten officially, and today was his first bus ride.  Wow.  I know I have had my eyes open to him growing up, but I feel like a bundle of emotions when it comes to him taking this big leap.  WHEN did this happen?  HOW did my baby become a kid?  I can't look at a school bus without feeling tears well up in my eyes.  And trust me, as a teacher, I see a lot of busses these days!

My baby, in the brown hat.  FIRST bus ride!!

So.  Marathon.  Emotional Roller-coaster.  Laundry to do.  Hydration to think about.  Sleep patterns to maintain.  Lesson plans.  Fire drills.  Lunches to pack.  Noses to wipe.  The list could continue...

I have decided to focus on one or two things each day until the race.  Tonight, I would like to sit down and make a "game plan" for my favourite spectators on race day.  I know I will want to see my boys during the race (hopefully around the 37km mark, when I always seem to need a pick-me-up) so we must get organized!  My husband knows Toronto waaaay better than me, so I am hoping he can navigate the best route possible to spectate (is that a word?). 

I went out last night and bought some last-minute electrolytes (GU chomps, etc) for race day, and I think I have my race day hydration plan under control.  I am still deciding whether to wear my new running shoes for the race (they served me very well for my long run on Sunday).  Is a week worth of "taper-running" enough to 'break' them in?  We are talking about 26 miles here. 

My goal of being in bed by 10pm has been successful for the one night I have tried it, so here's hoping I can continue that trend through the week (heck, it would be nice to continue that forever...but I need to be realistic). 

I am hoping to head out for a tempo run tonight to remind my legs that running fast(ish) is ok for race day.  The weather is supposed to be nice on this final day of summer!  Enjoy it!!

The Belly that went for a Run

In a little over a week, I will be lining up at the start of the marathon.  I am already starting to feel nervous.  I am really excited to do this race, as I have been training for months and with the "baby on board" aspect of things, I think sooner is better than later to tuck this race under my (growing) belt.  Of course I wish I was even more prepared, (I haven't been doing track work in the last few weeks) but this is a time for me to roll with the punches and run this race to finish feeling my best, not neccessarilly striving for a personal best!  I guess it could be a PPB (pregnant personal best)?

I am hoping that this nice cool weather hangs around until next week, as I really feel I run best without too much heat (I know I am not alone)!  That said, I feel unprepared in the "outfit" department, as I haven't planned what to wear (sooo not like me).  I am desperate to find some nice maternity running wear, and I just can't seem to find any selection.  This being my third running pregnancy, one would assume I have aquired some items, but my selection consists of oversized race shirts and shorts that ride a little low.  Legend has it that Nike used to make maternity running wear, but I am yet to see it! 

I am not super-big in the belly at this point, but it is definitely too hard to hide anymore.  I suppose I will look like the woman who hydrated with beer during my marathon training ;)

Have a great weekend of running!  I am planning a nice taper-friendly long run with my brother Scott on Sunday, hopefully in a new pair of running shoes.  Finger's crossed I can find my beloved Nimbus in a size 6 this time!!

Friendship that lasts for miles and miles

Both yesterday and today I was able to run with a good running friend.  The two of us have been running together for more than three years now.  It is really amazing how time flies when you are having fun, putting in the miles!
When I moved to the little town I now call home, I had a seven-month-old baby, and lots of ambition to get back into consistent running shape.  I had been running with Elliott for months, but always seemed to have a reason not to get out on a regular basis (go figure, with the wee-one to distract me!).  I decided I needed a running group to motivate me.  So, one evening before heading out for a little family walk, I scribbled up some flyers that said something to this effect, "Mommy looking for other mommies to run with kiddies in buggies"  and I left the usual tabs with my email address.  I posted them on the mail boxes around my neighbourhood, and hoped for the best.
The next day, I received an email from M.  She told me a bit about herself, and her one-year-old boy, and after a couple of back-and-forths, we had a running date planned.  Our first run (it seems so crazy now to think back on the two of us with just one baby each!) was very chatty, and we seemed to connect as if we had been running together for years.  Although she was faster than me, I tried my best to keep up and not look too winded!
Within a week or two, we were running together almost every day.  We would run when the boys woke up from their naps, and sometimes the runs would end in a trip to the park, or a play date.  It is amazing how much I looked forward to that time in the day when I could chat with another mom, and get some exercise while doing it!
One baby turned into two for M, then for me, and soon we were out running with double BOBs (hers orange, mine blue) and a total of four boys.  Our oldest boys love playing together, and we have to be mindful to seat them so they can be *beside* each other on the run (this makes for easy 'passes' of toys). We have heard such encouraging words from passers by as we run down the streets, like, "wow, run some miles for me" or, "some day they'll push you!"
M and I have enjoyed relaxing yoga sessions and runner's bootcamps in the winter, and crazy long runs out in wind so cold and brutal that we had to run backwards.  We have used each other's houses for emergency pit-stops, (for ourselves and our kids) shared snacks when the kids are just sooo hungry or impatient out on some runs.  We have shared life experiences, advice, funny stories, and relentless rain storms.  Over the last month or so, with vacations and baby bumps (yep, she is having another baby too) our schedules haven't aligned as often as usual, and I have definitely felt it!  I am hoping we can fall into a routine of running together more often again, as it is just so much more fun to chat with such a great friend as we run along.
I should be adding a photo of M and myself out on a run, but I just can't seem to find one.  I guess we are just so busy grabbing toys and snacks for the boys, that we never seem to snap a pic!

So, here's to great running friends.  I know that I am a better runner because of M.  I am a better mom because of M.  This running thing we do is about so much more than pounding the miles into the ground.  Running with people we care about makes us so willing to come back for more :)

Ah, to be Young Again...

Today was the season's first practice for our school Cross-Country team.  With a turnout of 16 students, I was excited.  The students ran a 1km loop four times (some of them were lucky enough to run an extra couple of kms).  I ran the first loop, then watched with the other two coaches.  Some of the students were struggling a little, but many of them had not run over the summer break, so I can understand the fatigue.  I love their enthusiasm for the challenge of it all.

I love that they came out to run.  They chose to be part of this team, some of them because they were encouraged by their teachers, and others, just because they enjoy running in some way.  I truly feel (obviously) that this will build the "lifelong fitness" foundation for them, and that they enjoy this experience.  It is amazing to watch them grow as runners/athletes.  It is amazing to see them finish a race.  The pride is overwhelming sometimes.  Cheering each other on, watching for our team's singlets rounding the bends of the course.  It brings back all of the fond memories I have of running Cross-Country in high school.  The smell of autumn in the air, the feeling of pushing your body to the limits in a race.  It feels like yesterday, but, sadly it was more than 15 years ago.  (yikes, where does the time go?!)

On this "running in high school" note...

This year is the 30th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run.  I am helping to organize my school's efforts for an organized run this year, so that will be exciting.  I don't think I can think about Terry Fox for any length of time without getting tears in my eyes (or full-out crying, especially being pregnant!).  What an extraordinary athlete.

What an inspiration

When I was in University, I worked as a tour guide (best job ever) at a tiny attraction in my small town.  One day an RV pulled in, and an older couple got out, and I took them on a tour.  They were both wearing shirts promoting the Terry Fox run.  When I noticed their shirts, I mentioned having run the Terry Fox run with school for years, and how great it all was.  The woman said, "Well, we're Terry's mom and dad."  I think it is one of my favourite brushes with celebrity.  To raise a young man as dedicated and selfless as Terry Fox, you have to be great people.  I will never forget meeting them.

Imagine running a marathon every single day?  Not to mention a marathon with a prosthetic leg?  It is truly amazing how inspiring that is.  It is small potatoes to run a 5k route to raise money for his cause, don't you think?!

Everything Old is New Again

an oldie but a goodie!

As I posted earlier, my beloved ipod is but a sad memory to me...ruined by the inability to hold excess moisture.  Boo!  On daily runs, I never take my ipod along, and in races I never have a need for it.  But on those long runs...boy do I need music to keep me going!  Solo long runs, that is.  Yesterday as I prepared for my long run, (which would take place when my husband returned from work around 4pm) I realized I didn't have any music to take along with me.  I attempted to load music on to my blackberry, (I know it can't be hard, but I couldn't seem to get it to work) I remembered my old (ancient) ipod shuffle that is taking space in a drawer somewhere.  I dug it out, and plugged it into the computer, hoping for some sort of miracle.  I haven't attempted to use it in years.  I had about 20 minutes to load up some music, and pray for a charge.

Before heading out, I turned on the Garmin and was all set.  The weather was great for a long run.  The sun was out, and it was breezy.  Ok, a little windy in places, but not hard to deal with in general.  I have to admit, I wasn't really in the mood to mentally handle the distance all on my own.  Perhaps having a busy day with the boys made me a little sluggish?  It didn't take long before I felt the rhythm of the run and felt more positive.
My goal for the run was 9/9:30 miles.  I just LOVE the Garmin for this!!  I can't believe how much I love it.  Would it be weird to name our next born "Garmin"? I asked my husband, after returning home.  Kidding, sort of.   I decided I will always run tracking miles instead of kilometers.  There are sooo many less miles, it seems.  I know it's all mental, but 26 is waaaay less than 42, right?!

Fall is a great time for runs in the country...conveniently placed corn fields are perfect for pit-stops.  Hard to admit, yes, but when you have to go, you have to go, right?!

My route was a double-loop with an extra 4 miles added to the end.  I failed to realize, in my planning that I left the really hilly few miles for the end.  My pace was right on target for the entire run, except those 2 miles that were really "hill-intensive".  Woah, I felt like I was running on the spot.  I managed to salvage 10/mile for those two miles, and I am just fine with that!

By the time I returned to my neighbourhood, the sky was starting to darken.  People were out for after-dinner walks with their dogs.  I was starting to feel chilly from the wind (and pure lack of energy, perhaps?) so I was glad to be home.  I did it.  Another one to cross off the calendar.  I ran (ok, hobbled) upstairs to take part in some bath time fun with the boys.  When my oldest got out of the tub, I scooped out the toys, and poured some icy-cold water in the tub for myself.  Elliott was sure to give me some toys  (just in case you want to play!?) while I soaked to recover.

Today is a full-on rest day.  I am running with my school cross-country team tomorrow after school, so I want to demonstrate good form for the team :)

Happy Sunday.  I have no idea what's for dinner at my house...

Running for Two

Well...my first week back to school is complete (thank goodness!) and against all odds (the couch screaming my name as I drove home) I managed to get an 8km run in with the boys after school.  The week has been a busy one, with the boys starting new daycare, back-to-school mayhem, and a double ear infection for Milo thrown in for good measure (yeesh!).  It was so important to get out there and just run for the normalcy of it!

While I was running up a particularly hilly part of the route, I really started to feel the weight of the double buggy.  I know that a Friday afternoon isn't my most energetic time, but I just felt wiped!
I decided it is time to talk about the extra cargo I will be carrying around as I run over the next 6 months or so.  This mama is adding another little runner to the mix!  I am feeling good, and thrilled to be running, so I will continue to do so until the potty breaks start to take over, and I look silly shuffling along the streets. With my last pregnancy, I lasted until about 3 weeks before he was born.  Here's hoping I am that lucky this time :)  It is very interesting, running (especially in races) while pregnant.  I am not concerned about PBs, but I still want to do my best.  I may just have to break out some sort of "Baby on Board" sign to wear during the marathon ;)

I receive mixed reactions about running while expecting.  "Oh...are you still going to run?" or, "what are you going to do about that running thing?" are common questions.  I try to think of myself as rational, and I also try to stay aware of my limits.  My biggest challenge right now is keeping my calories up, but I am quite sure that is why dark chocolate was invented...

Happy weekend running...the cooler weather is still a novelty to me while I am out on the run :)

Oakville Half Marathon Race Report

Just as I was hoping, the weather this morning was perfect for a race.  Cool but calm.  Such a nice break after the heat we have had all summer.  I am glad that I chose to spend my last day of summer at the race.  It was a great way to wrap up all of the fun we had this summer before heading in to school tomorrow.  I haven't really accepted the fact that school is starting, but I know that seeing all of those bright young teenagers in the morning will make it all very real!

I woke up this morning (not to the alarm I set incorrectly--oops, 5:30pm won't work, will it? Can you tell I am out of practice?) and slowly got moving.  With my brother Scott here, I had granola on-hand.  I think he has had granola for breakfast every day since the beginning of time, so I wanted to be sure his pre-race breakfast was just right.  I decided to go ahead and have some too, which is perhaps not a good idea on race day, but sometimes I just like to live on the edge!  It was tasty, and it worked out just fine.

My garmin (read all about my surprise Garmin here) had charged nicely overnight, so I was excited to try it out!  It was a bonus, as I assumed Scott would run faster than me, so I didn't have to forfeit the Garmin info when I lost him after the first water station :)  My husband arrived home, gave us some quick directions to the race (no minute like the last minute for details!) and we headed out the door.
It was still dark out, so my Garmin tutorial in the car on the way ate up some battery power because I had to keep the back light on.  It was fully charged, so no problems!  I wish I had more time to program splits into it, as I didn't get a break down per mile, but I am just so psyched at seeing totals in general of my race pace, etc!

We got to the starting area with just the right amount of time to wait.  We cheered the 10k racers on as they zoomed past, then it was our turn.  I just love smallish races.  No real crowding, lots of friendly faces, a starting line that doesn't take 10 minutes to cross. ahhhhh, so relaxing.

Before long, the race began and we were on our way!  I pushed my start button, and plugged along (faster than my target pace, of course).  I was just so excited.  A beautiful day, a new gadget, people cheering!  It was so easy to look down at my current pace.  I don't think the Garmin made me a better runner today (no, I didn't PB) but it certainly made me more aware of my running/pace, especially near the end of the race, when I have a tendency to slow down.  I also love love loved being able to see the distance travelled at any given time.  I know most races have km markers, but I liked sneaking a peek whenever I felt like it!

I didn't spend the entire race staring at my watch, though.  The Oakville Half route wanders through some very fancy neighbourhoods, which is an awesome distraction for those first few miles.  The landscaping alone is something to stare at!  There were the usual cheering sections on each corner, but my favourite cheering squad was a woman and with her two little girls, who were in matching jammies and rubber boots.  Too cute!!  I wish I had a camera to snap photos of all of these things along the way, but I am not really into carrying lots with me in races, especially after the ipod incident of last week :((

I did lose my brother very early in the race, so the whole time I was hoping he was smashing a PB way up ahead of me.  He was, so yay!  By the 17km mark, I was pumped to get to that finish line.  I tried to speed it up a bit, but I feel like that energy surge (and Garmin will concur) was just a boost to keep me *on* pace, rather than ahead.  Fine by me.

Near the end, with less than a km to go, a woman on the sideline shouted, "your number 10 female!"  Wow, that was cool.  I felt like it was a good race, but only 9 other woman were ahead of me, so that makes for an even better race!!  I felt like I finished strong, and it started to rain lightly as I came across the mats.  Scott was there to meet me, and tell me about his PB.  Way to go, Scotty!

The numbers...
time:  1:40:30
dist.:   13.1 miles
avg. pace: 7:35/m

overall place: 95/535
gender place: 10/241
age group:   3/32

I will post some official race photos when they are available, but for now, I will include a photo of my littlest boy and myself, post-race.  He was in the mood for some serious cuddles, and I didn't want to argue with sitting on the couch relaxing!!

who doesn't enjoy a tim's after a run?

Happy "Back to School" tomorrow, for those that have to return!

Christmas came early!!

I arrived home late last night with my brother and the boys, so we could attempt to get some rest before this morning's race (which will get it's own posting later).  My loving and wonderful husband (who had to stay home this weekend due to work) had picked up both race kits in Oakville yesterday.  They were waiting for us on the kitchen table when we walked in the door.

He had written each of our names on our bags (how sweet!).  I assumed that this was because of a bib/chip mix-up from a race last year that was all my fault (long story).  We immediately started to look through our bags, (the shirts were way nicer this year, but unfortunately, they were all out of my size.  Oh, well.  Another size large for the pile!)  I love that the Oakville Half Marathon people put your name on the bib.  What a nice touch!
As I got to the bottom of my bag, I realized there was a little something extra at the bottom of my bag (I recognized the wrapping paper as our own).  It was a box, complete with a bow.  Could it be?  Is it what I think it is??!  Yes!!  It was a GARMIN!!!  Obviously, I was (am) ecstatic!  I really was surprised...thanks honey.

The extra added super-bonus was that my brother was here to help me figure out how to work it.  He has almost the same model, so he knew all of the ins and outs, and I plugged it in right away, and I went to bed even more excited about the race!

Aww. so pretty.

I now am the proud owner of a Garmin 405.  My husband deserves major kudos for researching all of the different models, and figuring out which one would suit me best.  It is obvious that I hinted around for a while, but I hadn't actually looked into which one I would want.  I didn't want a heart-rate monitor, but I wanted some of the cool functions/programs that my brother's has.  Voila! the Garmin 405 was the model for me :)  It does look quite big on my girlie wrist, but so, so worth it!!  I have only used it one time, and have only a small clue how to use some of the functions, but I really don't know how I have survived without it.  Listen to me, all in love with a watch.  But it's more than a watch!  Ok, enough already.

To recap...My husband rocks.  He is so supportive of me and this running thing.  He worked a night shift last night, only to rush home for 6am so my brother and I could head out the race.  He even looked chipper when we arrived home around 10:30am.  How does he do it?!  He deserves a medal!

Full race report to follow...

Autumn?!

I cannot believe how much the weather can change within one week.  I started the week with a long run that was sooo hot that I ruined my ipod due to excess-moisture (that's right, I sweat so much on my ipod that now it is completely useless).  The darn thing just starts up with a picture of "water" bubbles.  It is both disgusting and sad to me, but I will consider it a lesson learned.  Today, we woke to the sounds of a blustery wind against the house, and drizzle as we opened the garage door.  I dug out the boy's winter hats, as we were running early, and I wanted them to stay nice and toasty.  I know it wasn't "winter" cold out there, but it certainly was not warm.  It was about 12 C or 55 F, which does not include the drizzle and relentless wind!  I love the BOB, but when I push it into the wind, I might as well be pushing a parachute!

My bundled boys, ready to go!

I am hoping that somehow the weather of this week balances out before the race on Monday.  A nice sunny morning that is coolish would be lovely.  I have to admit, I liked wearing a bit more clothing today...I just like to ease into it gradually :)

I had to add the "bubble" (plastic screen) as the drizzle started :(

After our run, the boys and I packed up for Grandma's house.  We met uncle Scott and my sweet niece to go for a trip to the running shoe store.  Yay!  Unfortunately for me, the trip was a bit of a bust, as they didn't have my shoe in stock (ugh!!).  I had myself convinced that I really needed to get a new pair, but it will just have to wait.  I have been running in the Asics Nimbus for about 10 years now, and I think they are just part of me.  The Nimbus has changed over the years (some versions have been awesome, some have been duds, but they seem to be predictable, and quite cushy and cozy for my little feet).  I have only swayed from my beloved Nimbus two times, and both times, I ended up with injuries.  Coincidence?  Probably.  Will I be attempting a third time? No Way!!  My brother did manage to pick up a new pair (of Nimbus--yes, he is just as loyal as me!) so it wasn't a complete waste of time.  I also bought some jelly bellies, and two new water bottles (yahoo!).

While we were driving, we saw a car with a little bumper sticker that said "26.2".  "Oh, look!  Another runner!" I said.  I see people with personalized plates sometimes, bumper stickers, or even tattoos.  I think it is cool that people are showing off their passion.  I realized that I don't have anything like that.  I don't really even wear race shirts very often (yes, mostly because they can be very ill-fitting or awful colours).  As I sit here and blog away about this thing I do and love, I wonder how many people would guess that I am a runner if they didn't know that tidbit about me.  Sure, I guzzle water all day long, I rarely drink at parties because it isn't worth the pain on the run in the morning, I sometimes cringe in pain when I struggle down large sets of stairs after a long race, but those aren't tell-tale signs that I am a runner.  Most of my days are spent as an art teacher in a high school classroom.  My students are always shocked when I tell them I am a runner.
No, I am not planning a tattoo, or even a bumper sticker (both ideas freak me out equally).  I am happy just the way I am...somewhat anonymously living and working everyday with this little thing I do.

Happy weekend running!

Just going "Jogging"

Since I don't have much to say about today's run (as I did not run today--the pouring rain really discouraged me, and it was my first official day back at school, so I was exhausted as well).  I know, excuses are for wimps.  Today I will take the wimp card shamelessly, and see tomorrow as a new running day.
I have a race on Monday (yay!) morning, and as I will be using the last real day of summer getting up early for that race. I can balance out the wimp card at that point.  The race is the Oakville Half-Marathon.  It is a lovely race.  I ran it last year and really enjoyed it.  Not too big, great scenery, and good cheering sections.  My brother is coming up to run it as well, so it will be nice to have someone to run with, or someone to cheer me on at the finish if (and when) he finishes ahead of me :)


So...I thought I would take a moment to reflect on a conversation said brother and I had the other night.  At the end of the conversation I did say, "I need to write about that in my blog!" We were talking about the culture of running and runners, and just how serious we take ourselves sometimes.  I do feel like I dedicate a great deal of time and effort to running, and I am proud of that.  I work very hard at what I do.  Most people think I am crazy, and perhaps I am.  I do, however, try not to hold people hostage by talking about my dedication to running at length, because it may make me sound more crazy, and if they really want to know all of the details, they can read it here!!
There is a small exception to this sharing of details thing.  I have been asked this question many, many times over the years, "so, are you still into jogging?" or, "so you like going out for jogs?"  hmph.  Ok, I know that jog is a word that describes running, (sort of) i.e. "to run at a leisurely, slow pace" but I would hardly describe what I do as 'leisurely', or 'slow'.  Some days, yes, but never on purpose!  
When I worked at the Running Room many moons ago, where runners of every ability met for runs, never, once, did anyone that entered that store refer to what they were doing as 'jogging'.  It is just a word, I know.  But I am just saying, that I don't head out to the news stand to pick up a copy of "Jogger's World" or "Jogging Times".  
When people ask me about my jogging, I feel the need to step it up a notch and tell them a little about my "running".  


I don't think there are many people in this world that are joggers.  I have yet to see them, if they do exist. Whenever I see someone on the street, in a park, or at the track with running shoes on their feet, they are "runners".  They are out there dedicating themselves to something physical and mentally rewarding.  They aren't out for a 'little jaunt.'  They are working hard.  I commend anyone that laces up their running shoes and hits that pavement (or treadmill?).  


Happy Running.  Or leisurely jogging.  Whatever it is you want to call it, keep it up!

Elliott and Milo--"cool dudes"

p.s.  I am leaving you with a recent kiddie photo--I haven't added a photo in a bit, and photos just make the blog look so much prettier!