I need a nap!

Why is it, that by boxing day evening I feel the holiday 'hangover', whether I over-indulged or not?!

I am wiped out.  Acting as a super-lego/playmobil/random toy assembly expert for two straight days, as well as a chocolate-confiscator, dinner-maker, referee, cleaner-upper, and general hug-and-kisser is tiring.  All whilst getting some running time in...phew!  No wonder the couch is calling my name?!

Santa's cookie plate(s)

Running on Christmas day is kind of a treat.  I haven't actually run on Christmas day in a few years, but I am glad I had the chance this year.  I overdressed (it was so nice and mild--sorry to those of you that had wished for a white Christmas!) but other than that, the traffic was light, and the air just felt calm.  I went out for an easy 10k, and when I returned home, I realized that I had run a tad faster than I intended.  Perhaps I was eager to get back into my jammies to enjoy the Christmas laziness around the house?!

Super-thrilled with their measuring tapes!  Santa knows his stuff.

This morning I went out for 12 miles, and although it was windy, it was mild again (no, I didn't learn my lesson--I overdressed once again).  It was nice to take a break both yesterday and today, to take in the fresh air, and know I am still on-track for the crazy race weekend that is less than 2 weeks away!

Happy Holiday Running!

p.s.  Not to make Christmas all about STUFF, but I thought I would mention...Santa brought me some lovely new running gear, including a nice warm running jacket!  Also, our boys were thrilled that the big guy was generous to them too.  They also couldn't believe he actually ate most of the cookies we left out for him :)

Gifts (and kiddies) under the tree

The stockings are hung...

Wow...only 2 more sleeps until Christmas day.  It is so crazy how Christmas evolves when there are kiddies involved.  Back in the old days, when it was just my husband, me, and our dog, things were so different.  So laid back.  We even had a stocking for Lola the dog.  Yeesh.  Our mantle wouldn't have enough space for her anymore, as it is overrun with human stockings!

Obviously, the white skate belongs to Mama :)

The house is abuzz with Christmas excitement.  The boys can't wait to get those milk and cookies out for Santa, and I can't wait until they are in dream land with those sugar plums dancing in their heads!  (Then the wrapping and preparing really begins--can I get it all done without the assistance of something yummy and alcoholic to drink?!)  I sure hope so, as a hangover on Christmas morning would hurt!

On a related note, I still have to run and train throughout the holidays.  It is actually quite nice to get out there (especially in the pretty snow) but it is also nice to snuggle up with the boys in our jammies.  A training plan is a training plan, though, so it looks like I will be out there, plugging away, even on Christmas!  I have a super-star runner telling me what to do for training now...did I mention this?  The lovely people at Adidas have set me up with Nicole Stevenson, who has created a training plan for me, in hopes of preparing me for Boston.  I love having a plan, and I love that she knows what she is doing!

...but I also have to love running on Christmas!!

Happy Holiday Running!

What's up next?

Did I get gobbled up by iRun?  It seems as though lately, I have!
I know, shabby links to posts I am making over at iRun are kind of lame, but really, it is because I have been busy, three kids, running lots, blah blah, excuse, blah.

I have been out on the roads prepping like a mad woman for the race(s) of a lifetime! And, no, I don't mean Boston!  In just two and a half weeks I will be toeing the line at Disney's Half Marathon in Florida.  Then, as if that wasn't exciting enough, I will be getting up the next morning (ok, the middle of the night, but more about that later) to line up for the Disney Marathon!!  Yes!  I am doing the Goofy Challenge!!

They call runners that do both the Half Marathon and the Full Marathon, "Goofy Challengers"  You get an extra medal AND t-shirt!  Am I nuts?!

Years ago when I first heard this existed, I thought it would be so great to try.  Then I found out that the race always occurs in the first half of January.  Boo!  I am a teacher.  How am I going to get time off to head down to Florida when I have just started back at school after the two-week Christmas break?! ugh.  I know, I could fly down for the weekend, but I have small children.  I don't normally think of myself as 'parent of the year', but going to Disney for two days (2 days in which I wouldn't really be able to walk, what with all the racing involved) only would not go over well in my family.
So.  Long story short: When I figured out that I would be on a maternity leave this January, I decided it would be my (last) chance to use my January freedom!  Yay!

I signed up last spring.  The races seemed sooo far away.  Plenty of time to train, right?!

Then, I woke up and it was December.  Yep, the month right before January.  Race month.  Yikes!  I have been running, of course, but I needed ample time to panic too.  Throw in the big news about Boston, and you have a mama that has been (smartly) training away, hoping to stay in tip-top shape!

I plan to have a great time running at Disney.  I plan to take lots of photos.  I plan to watch my kids have a blast (and hopefully fit in some outlet shopping?!)!

I will post more on the count down to Disney--but first I need to get ready for Christmas!

Happy Running!

and...if you want to read my current iRun post, it is HERE

'Tis the Season to be...Running!

Check out my new post HERE at iRun.ca

Rest Day

Check out my posting over at iRun...

http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/rest-day/

More iRun Monday...

Here's today's post over at iRun.  I feel like I have multiple personalities sometimes!

http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/a-running-field-trip/

awww

Well, I have always thought of myself as a runner.  But, when my four-year-old does a drawing of me, "look, see, you're in your running shoes, and those are buildings that you run past."  I really know I am a runner.

Mama the Runner

Yes, that is a 'ponytail' in my hair too.

I love the fact that he drew such a huge smile on my face---oh, and the 'Jazz Hands'.  Of course I run like that!!

Happy Running

I feel so Alive!!

This morning the temperature was about -4 when I left the house.  It was a frosty morning, and I was a teeny bit scared to leave, as this morning was one of the first runs that started under 0 this season.  As I turned the corner about a minute into the run, I was caught by this feeling I don't feel too often on cold runs...the cool air felt so great on my face, I was invigorated!  You know how it feels good sometimes to just splash cool water on your face?  That is how this run felt!

The feeling lasted throughout the run.  I was dressed perfectly (this doesn't happen all that often--usually there is some form of over/under dressing involved) and the sun was shining.  The sun was actually reflecting off the rooftops and cars, where the frost had formed overnight.  The cool air felt so nice and great.  I have said before the winter running is easier for me than those hot, hot summer runs, but today I remembered why.  On those summer runs, I sometimes feel like a hot, sweaty mess.  Hard to catch my breath, feeling like I was going to melt to the road.  When running in the cold, I feel so calm, and cool.  I feel like my form is better, as I am more 'toned'. **I know that in reality, I am not more 'toned'--I am just more 'clenched'!

I am writing about this awesome cool-weather running experience, so I can come back and read this when I am too scared to go out when the temperatures really start to drop!

Happy Running--Hope you get out and enjoy this wonderful cool day, whether it is for a run, or a quick dash to the car for work!

more iRun

Check out my new blog post at iRun.ca:

http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/my-running-nemesis-the-wind/

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Race Memorabilia!

This year I got to thinking about all of those medals I have kicking around from various races.  I just love races that give out medals to finishers.  It is such a nice way to remember the race (medals are small, portable, always fit, unlike some race t-shirts!).  Every finisher receives one, so we all feel special walking around wearing them after the race, feeling like we won!

So many of us throw them into a drawer, shoe box, etc. where they sit until (in my case) the kids drag them out and wear them around.  This is really cute, but it doesn't happen that often.  I don't need to see my medals displayed every day, but I started thinking about how to display them to feel a bit proud of my accomplishments...

So today, my medals went from this:

pile of medals in a basket

...to this:

New, smaller ribbons attached!

...and finally, to this!

Oh, Christmas tree!

I decided to use them as Christmas tree ornaments!  Move over, "Baby's First Christmas," and make way for "Mama's Half-Marathon" and some others.  I can now add any new medals I run for over the course of the year, to my tree at the end of the year.  I can reflect on the races and places as I sit and look at the tree, all lit up.  I have always loved sitting with a nice cup of tea around the Christmas tree, looking at the wonderful glow of the lights.  Now I can see familiar shiny souvenirs that I worked so hard for throughout the rest of the year!

A few aren't on the tree.  I have all three of my marathon medals (with race bibs) in shadow boxes (2 are in a hallway, and one is in Oliver's room, as he ran that race with me!) so they are not part of the Christmas ornament collection.  I am excited to have these new ornaments out of a little basket, and out as decor for the holidays!

I know it is too early for Christmas decorations.  I haven't decorated any of the rest of the house yet.  I was just too excited about my new idea, and I actually bought this little Christmas tree just yesterday (of course it's fake--they don't grow pewter-coloured!).

Happy Running!

BIG, EXCITING, AWESOME news!!

Not all runners want to run Boston, but I would be lying if I told you I was one of those runners that didn't need want that experience.  It was one of those things that I always just thought I would do (along with my brother Scott--my marathon running partner).  I failed to realize over 10 years ago as I ran my first marathon that Boston would become even more crazy popular, and that it would become harder and harder to compete for a spot!

When things were getting more crazy with hoopla on the Boston-front about 2 years ago, I decided that it might just be time to buckle-down and check off that dream on my to-do list.  I trained and trained, and planned and planned.

The bottom line is that in the midst of some great training, I found out I was going to have baby #3...so my training had to 'slow' a teeny bit, and therefore my time (of course I still ran the marathon) was a bit too slow to get me into Boston (also, I would have had to run Boston 2 weeks after giving birth to the baby, so all-in-all not good!)

Then, this fall, as I was reading iRun magazine I read about a contest they had, in which the winners would get to go to Boston this spring!

...Guess who was chosen?!

Oh, ya!!

Go to iRun.ca to read about it (and see a kind of not flattering pic of me--I had to send one in, and although we have thousands of photos on our computer, there are, like, 5 of me, and 4 are out of focus.).

I will also be blogging over on iRun, which is super exciting too!!

so, go now!  Check out www.iRun.ca!

**I posted my first post there...http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/the-journey-begins/

Angus Glen Half Marathon Race Report

In spite of my worries about wardrobe choice for this race, I had a great time, and was dressed (almost) perfectly!

This race takes place about an hour from my house, so I have to factor the drive into planning.  The race started at 10am, though, so it felt like I had lots of time before leaving the house at 8am to pick up my friend M (setting the clocks back by an hour also made it seem like I had loads of time that morning!).  True to form, my children did not care about the time change, and woke up early.  What could have been a quite manageable 6:30am wake up time turned into a painful 5:30am wake up.  Boo!  I remember the good ol' days when setting the clocks back by an hour actually amounted to extra sleep.  Not now.  Ah, well.  I had the chance to fold some laundry and get things settled for Grandma, who would watch the kids while I was at the race.
Grandma even made oatmeal that morning.  Why is it that no matter how old we get, nothing really beats our mom's cooking?

When M and I arrived at the race, we got out of the car to some lovely sunshine.  I opted for a short-sleeved shirt, capris, and a very lightweight jacket for the run.  The weather man promised lots of wind, so I thought the jacket would be smart on this course that was basically a run down country roads (oh, so little shelter!).  The only hat I had brought was a fleece-lined toque, which I thought would be way to warm, so I decided to leave it in the car, and just wear my sunglasses.

*with the wind, my hair was all over the place (yes, ponytails really do nothing) so that was quite annoying.  Also, when I was running directly into the wind (which felt like the entire time) it was a bit cold on my head.  Lesson learned.  Bring emergency back-up hat in the car to all races.


M registered for the race waaaaay in advanced, so she got a locker in the swanky golf course locker room.  She was generous enough to let me stash my crap essentials in it while we raced. Yay!

We waited around the clubhouse (nice and warm) for the race to start.  There were lots of runners milling about.  We had lots of time to fasten our chips (this race always uses those ankle bracelet ones--which I hate as I always end up with some sort of blister from it) and drink some water.  We headed to the lovely clean washrooms one last time, then headed to the starting line.

Before long, the gun went off, and we started out, chatting a bit.  Nice and relaxed.  After a bit, I started to feel antsy, and M and I separated.  We were in a nice sheltered neighbourhood at that point, and I passed a bunch of people and felt generally like a rock star that was going to win the race (ha!).

After about the 3rd mile, we were out on the country roads of Markham, where we would stay for the remainder of the race.  That is when the wind and hills started. boo!
I felt great, and my pace was about 8:00/mile (give or take).  I settled in around the same small crowd, and was quite happy there.

By mile 8, I was feeling those hills!  The wind wasn't giving us any breaks, and the hills just felt longer and longer.  They weren't any worse than the beginning, I was just feeling all whiny and sad that my time wasn't going to be special!

I plugged on, and hoped for a miracle.  No miracles, just hard work involved in running, I have learned.  There was a nice big downhill (yes, followed by an immediate up-hill, but whatever) that I used to relax a bit in the last 2 miles.  I had forgotten to bring along any gummies, gels, etc. which I was missing.  The water/gatorade stations were well-set up and not too far apart, so I managed.  I have to give kudos to the people at the water stations.  They didn't fill the cups too full, which was awesome!  Especially on a day that wasn't too hot.  I hate spilling so much down my face and arms due to a cup full to the brim!

The race ends back at the club house, where there were lots of spectators, and bananas/water waiting.  I didn't have anything left for a 'power-surge' at the end, but I am assuming I had left it all out on one of those rolling country hills.

The medals were lovely, and the goody-bags were great.  Nice long-sleeved tech shirt too.

I met up with M and we headed in to the yummy buffet lunch.  All kinds of fresh sandwiches, salads, drinks. mmmmm.  We sat out on the patio to eat.  How often can you sit on a patio at a golf course in November?!  That's right, it was great!

We trekked back to the car, and I secretly hoped my leg muscles wouldn't cease up.  My legs were fine and so was Grandma after watching my boys for the major part of the day!  Fun times all around!

Here are the numbers...

Time: 147:56

Overall Place: 129/546

Gender: 24/260

Age Group: 3/26

Tonight is the first night of Tempo Tuesdays in Guelph, so I am excited to get out there again! 

Happy Running

Yet another 'Race Eve'...

Here it is again, the night before a half-marathon.  This time, however, I am not fighting a yucky head cold, so all is looking up!  It is also a night which most of us love in these parts; the night that we move our clocks back by an hour.  Ahh, an hour extra of sleep for me.  Er, wait a minute.  I have 3 little boys that probably didn't get the memo, and therefore will be up at their usual time.  Hmph.  At least I shouldn't have to rush to the starting line! (Which, incidentally, I had to do last time I ran a race at this venue)

I am running the Angus Glen Half Marathon.  It will be the first race my great running friend M and I have run together in quite a while.  It should be fun all around!
The only issue I am having (of course, the night before) is what to wear...
The race starts at 10:00am (which will actually be like 11:00am).  The weather says Sunny, but with wind (but south wind).  I am a chronic over-dresser.  I try really hard to be smart and sensible, but something in me decides at the last minute to grab that unnecessary extra layer at the last minute that I almost always regret.  I get so afraid of the cold.  I know, I live in big bad cold Canada, and I should suck it up and take the chill like the rest of em'.  I just don't know how to say no to that extra long sleeved coolmax shirt, or that fleece-lined toque.  It is a problem that I am going to attempt to work through this winter (while my cheeks freeze, I am certain).

Grandma is here to watch my boys while I am at the race, so they will be having fun building forts and living it up until I return.  I love having Grandma here!

Grandma and her boys

Here's hoping I will be sensible and get to bed early tonight!

My First Pet

As I ran along the country road on my long run this morning, (a terrific, gorgeous day!!) I happened to look down in the gravel a few times to notice a few cute fuzzy caterpillars.  It brought back one of my proudest moments from childhood, along with one of the saddest.

Although I grew up on a farm, I was never really into 'icky' stuff, like bugs, worms, or toads (did everyone else believe that touching toads would give you warts, or was this just me?!).  One fine fall day when I was 5 years old (or so) I found a black and orange caterpillar out in the yard, and decided it was just the cutest thing ever.  I carefully picked it up with a stick/leave contraption, (one still needs to use caution when handling even the cutest fuzzy things in nature) and decided it was going to be my new pet.  Sure, we had a dog, but this pet was going to be my very own.

I proudly took my new little pet inside to house to show my mom.  I was proud because I had caught the little cutie, and I was also proud because this caterpillar was going to be my new friend, not gross at all.  "Look at what I found!" I said to my mom.
"Oh, what a nice stick," she said.
"No, the caterpillar!" I said, as I scanned my stick for my little friend.  Then, I realized the tragedy.  The caterpillar wasn't there.  I shamefully looked down at the floor.  I picked up my foot.  There it was.  A squished, little cute fuzzy caterpillar.

That was that.  No more pet.

So, as I ran along today, I looked down more and more, as not to destroy the caterpillar/butterfly population further than my 5-year-old self had done all those years ago.

So...step lightly out on those country roads, running friends!

*my almost 5-year-old has taken to 'adopting' pets as well.  One evening this summer, while out for a walk, he decided to befriend an Inch Worm.  He desperately wanted to bring him home as a new pet.  I told him, "no, he has to go back to the rock to be with his Mama and Papa."  To which he replied, smartly, "Nope, he is a grown-up inch worm, so no one is waiting for him at home."
hmph.  Somehow I got him to release the little green inch worm, but I did take his photo before we left:

Friends for life

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon--Spectator Report

As of yesterday, as I went for a wet and windy run, I was thinking it would take a miracle to get me to the race to cheer this morning!  At first, it was just going to be me heading into the city to cheer.  Then, I decided I would bring along the baby (he needs to learn to be a good spectator at a young age?).

By the time I woke up this morning, I decided that it should be a whole-family affair!  My costume had a matching piece for my husband, so why not drag  bring him along?  The boys are good at cheering, and they are accustomed to it.  It wasn't pouring rain--it was actually kind of sunny (at 7:00am) so we decided to do it!

In looking for costume bits and pieces (of course leaving this until the morning of the event is smart!) the boys discovered some of their old halloween costumes and wanted to dress up a little.  Oh, my, I think they're going to dress up too!!!

So, we drove away from the house, signs made, to our spot at the side of the Lakeshore.

It was cold.  Windy.  Cold.  And Early.

Here's a tip.  If you are going to dress up in silly halloween costumes for races, don't think, even for one minute, that the elite runners are going to look up, much less notice your catchy signs.  We were planted at about the 10km mark, and we were early enough to watch the lead men go by.  They are so focused on the race, that they didn't notice us:

The whole family, dressed-up!

Really, how could they not stop and take a look at everything that was going on!? I know, "records to break", "prize money", "first place", blah blah blah.

After not long, the runners started coming in big packs and we were in spectator heaven.  Er, not so heavenly when you are trying to scan the crowd for friends, but nice nonetheless.

We spotted a few friends, which was awesome.  It is so inspiring to see people dedicating themselves to a race like that.  Any length of race is great to watch.

Then your hands start to get numb from holding a sign in the wind :(

Our boys were Nemo.  They were supposed to be holding a sign that said "Just keep Swimming or Running" but they kind of ran around the whole time.  At least they were warm.  People loved the 2 little fishies though.

My husband and I dressed as Dorothy and the Scarecrow and held a sign that said, "Your Not in Kansas Anymore! Go Runners!"  Lots of people laughed, which was exactly what we were hoping for!

One guy thought I was "Wendy" from Wendy's.  Hmm.

All in all, a fun, inspiring day.  Especially my friend Cheri, who ran her very first half marathon in 2:02!!  I am so proud of her for doing such an amazing job.  I think it was even her first big race.  Wow, inspiring!! I wish I had a picture of her, but she buzzed past us so quickly that I just wasn't fast enough!


Happy Running, or warming up if you were out there in a dress and Ruby slippers like me ;)

Giving Thanks

So much to be thankful for.  Where do I begin?  I am going to write a list of the "micro" and the "macro" (in no particular order)...

- My three beautiful children have been sleeping in until almost 7am all week.  This is a big deal around here.  We had a long 2 years of mornings that began by 5:30am, so this "sleeping in" streak (however long it may last?) has been very welcome!

- Cuddles with the boys.  Yep, all three of them + me in a chair--sort of chaotic but worth the coziness!

All of my boys

- Our reverse-osmosis water tap.  I am a fan of tap water, and I drink so much water throughout the day.  Unfortunately the water in my town is seriously hard, so we have to use a water softener etc. to have 'normal' water. That tap of perfect drinking water gets a lot of use in our house!

- Skype.  A good friend lives a looong ways away, and I chatted with her via Skype this morning.  It was so nice to chat face-to-face (in spite of the crying baby I was shushing).  I remember going to Disney World as a kid, and in Epcot centre, seeing a display with a 'scene from the future' of someone talking via video.  It was sooo crazy.  Would Jetson's style phones ever really happen?  Yes, Yes!

- I know I have mentioned it here before, but my husband deserves some sort of award for his patience (with me and the boys!)  If it weren't for him, we would not be able to do many of the things we do as a family, and I certainly wouldn't be able to keep the running schedule I do!

- I am so thankful that I have the parents that I do.  Mentioning the word, "Grandma" around our house sends our kids into hysterics with excitement.  She is always ready to play with the kids, and I couldn't ask for a better person to chat to on the phone.  My dad is one of those guys that just knows how everything works, and how to fix/build/repair anything.  Our basement would still be just a skeleton of framing if it weren't for my dad, teaching my husband and I all of the ins and outs of drywall, tiling, electrical, etc.  I am so thankful for my parents and everything they do to help us and make us feel so lucky to have them in our lives!

- The Sun.  I swear I am not a fair-weather runner, but some days seeing that bright sun in the sky motivates me to get out there!  Even when I resent the sun's blazing heat in the summer, I still love it.  We have had some lovely days this past week, and I am trying to enjoy as much it as much as I can!

- The Jolly Jumper.  No, Oliver doesn't spend his entire day in the thing, but he loves to jump away while I unload the dishwasher, prep dinner, or tidy up.  If only I could come up with some way to keep the big brothers away from him in that thing.

My little jumper

Those are just a few of the things I am thankful for this year.  My am thankful to have such an amazing family around me every day.  I am thankful to have such great friends in my life.  That's what it is all about, right?

Happy Running!

You snooze, You lose.

Or, you don't even get a chance to start :(

I put off registering for a race (the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon) for no real reason.  Over a month ago, when I was initially planning on registering, I sat down and registered for 2 other races at the same time.  I thought it seemed a bit excessive to register for THREE races in one sitting, so the Scotiabank took a back burner.  It didn't occur to me that it might sell out until I went online the other day to find that it had!! :( Really?!

So, I will still go to the Toronto race as a spectator, but sadly I won't be lining up to race.  I was eager to redeem my half marathon after the Oakville Half/Sinus Woes of last weekend.  Ah, well. 

I am now going to sign up for the Angus Glen Half Marathon on November 6th.  My good friend/running buddy M will be running it too, so it will be nice to have company, and the loot bags/race shirts at Angus Glen are usually top-notch, so perhaps things will work out in my favour this time.

Soooo, getting my spectator's game on will be fun!  I had such a blast at the Goodlife Toronto Marathon last year cheering on my friend Vanessa (and anyone else that passed by).  Being October, a costume is definitely a must, so I should start planning now.
I will have to top last year...

I also held a sign that said "Lookin' Grape!"

Happy Running!

Oakville Half Race Report

The good...

I have the most wonderful children in the world.  After a few hard nights leading up to the race, the night before proved to be amazing for sleep.  Even my little Oliver gave me a break and slept very well.  The only sleep I missed out on was due to my own coughing and congestion.

My husband was home from work in plenty of time for me to leave for the race.  With him working nights before a race, it is always a bit of a gamble as to whether he is home on time.  Overtime always strikes when I have plans!

The weather was perfect.

I didn't get lost on my drive there.

When the race started, the adrenaline made me forget about my head cold and I felt like a normal person running.  I also tried to be super-conscious of my pace and didn't go out too fast.  (unfortunately, I found out later that "not too fast" may have been a bit faster than I should have done in my sick state--boo)

This course is one of my faces.  Lovely homes and neighbourhoods, lots of trees, flat, flat, flat.

As I ran along, I dreamed in my head about all of the possibilities of items I would buy later at Lululemon, which gave 15% off to racers at their Oakville location. yeee!


The Bad...

The line-ups for the port-potties where very long, and super stinky.  I haven't had a sense of smell in days, with exception of those stinky toilets.  Yick.

By the 10 mile marker, I started to ache.  My nose had started to run again, my face and ears were aching.  Even my teeth hurt.  I think the fact that I passed the parking lot where I had left my car at that point made it seem worse.  "I could just run off course and curl up in my car for a nap," crossed my mind more than once.

The last 5 miles were "character-building".  I watched my splits slow down, and people passed me.  Emotionally hard to take, but physically inevitable.  I just wanted to finish, grab my medal and banana and go home!


The Ugly...

The official race photos!  Nothing is more attractive in a photo than the pained mouth-breathing I displayed!


All in all, not my worst race.  I wish I had been feeling better to enjoy it a bit more.  It really is one of my favourite half marathons, as the organization, the people, and the scenery are fantastic.

Here are the numbers.  Not a PB, or even a course PB, but worth getting out there for sure...

overall: 140/715

gender: 29/321

age group: 6/50

chip time: 143:01

On a separate note...A year ago yesterday I ran the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.  I can't believe it has been a year already.  I have framed my medal and race bib and they are on display in Oliver's room, as he "ran" it with me :)




Happy Running

Twas the night before Race day...

My littlest sweetheart

I can't believe in just two short days my little man Oliver is going to be 6 months old.  Time flies when you're feeding/changing/loving little ones!  Oh, and having fun at the same time.

Tomorrow is my first half marathon since having the little guy, and if I must be honest, I pictured it all going down much different than it looks like it is going to tomorrow.  To start, said 6 month old is fighting an awful cold.  All week he has been up hundreds  several times throughout the night, and it is killing me slowly.  I would dream of more than an hour of sleep in a row if I could keep my eyes closed long enough.  Yes, yes, I have the best husband in the world, who is loving and supportive and always pacing the floor with me and the little one if need be, but he has been on night shift all week, so boo!  This causes my usual chipper self to suffer, I assure you.

If that wasn't enough to stress me out about this race, today (surprise, surprise) I was hit with the same cold bug.  Now I know why Oliver has been so miserable :(

Of course I have to run the race anyway. I just hope it doesn't end with me at the sidelines worrying about getting my timing chip back to the nice people at sportsats due to a DNF!

They say if you are sick, to drink lots of fluids.  They say if you are running a race you should drink lots of fluids.  They say if you are breastfeeding a baby you should drink lots of fluids.  I figure I should just tap an IV and settle in for the night!?

If I pull off this race tomorrow I will be so happy.  If I pull off this race tomorrow without the assistance of drugs I will be my own personal hero (kidding, really).

I am proud of myself though (insert sounds of my own horn tooting here) for racing my sixth race in the six months since having the baby.  I know that I am still building my running back into the running I want it to be, but hearing the gun go off tomorrow (perhaps that gun sound will help un-block the fuzzy ringing in my ears from this cold?) will help me to feel that I am on my way.

Elliott and Milo

Happy Running/Racing!

Back to School-year's Resolutions...

For me, September is really the start of a new year.  It is a time when everything is new.  School bags are fresh and clean looking, pencils are plentiful and everyone cares about being on-time and organized (at least for the time-being).  It is a time of starting new.  I just love that feeling of optimism that comes along with it!

With that said, it is time for me to create some resolutions...
Back in January I was pregnant, and there was a lot of snow on the ground, and I just really didn't feel like the goals I would create for myself would work for the entire year.  I was right.

My (running) goals for this shiny new school year are as follows:

- Continue getting out to Race.  Nothing is more motivating than a race in the not-so-distant future!  As the weather grows colder it will be more challenging to find races close to home, but even if I average one every month or so, it should be enough to motivate me.

- Get out to group tempo/track workouts regularly.  I love running with other faster runners.  It makes me push myself.  Since having this third baby it is easier to find excuses not to go.  I know they're just excuses though, so I have to just get in the car and go!

- Run a faster marathon, dammit.  I think this is the year that I would like to push my marathon time down. The above steps will help me to accomplish that.

- Run more with my boys.  This is definitely a strategy that makes me stronger as a runner.  It also allows me to spend some time with the boys (hopefully) displaying the fun of having a healthy active lifestyle ;)

- Get back into yoga.  So relaxing and so worth it.  I know I can make the time for it.

other goals? yes, please!

- Be a good friend.  Pick up the phone and call friends more.  Write letters, (I used to be sooo good at this!) make dates, etc.  I have such wonderful friends in my life, and ya, ya, we're all busy, but making time is the only way I am ever going to have the time for people that are important to me!

- Make really good meals.  Summer is the perfect time to slack off and depend on the bbq...I need to get back into the planning meals routine.  We are so much happier when we eat good meals!

- Of course, last but certainly not least, hang out with my husband lots.  As much as possible, at least!

That's it for my big September goals post!  Below is a photo of me at the halfway point of my second marathon back in 2002.  I envy all of the time I had to procrastinate back then!

Ottawa Marathon 2002 (I am the one in blue of course)

Happy Running!

First Day!

Happy First day of school to all the education-types, young and old!

I was so content this morning, not rushing off to teaching land.  I was so happy to take my Elliott to his first day of senior kindergarten (the big time).  Last year I was a bundle of nerves taking him to the big school as a little three-year-old, but this year, I expected nothing less than coolness from him.  He delivered.

And it is a good thing he did so well on his first day, as his day wasn't over when school finished.  After a quick dinner, (the boys actually had to bring their plates into the car to finish on the way) we headed into the University of Guelph for Elliott's first night of junior track!  I know, I know, you must be thinking I am crazy to have my four year old doing drills and laps.  It really isn't like that, of course.  Fun is the name of the game, and tiring out kids with energy is the marvellous reward!

He ran around and really looked like he was having a great time.  Milo ran around too, although not officially on the roster.

I felt proud to be focusing on running for someone other than myself for a change.  Hopefully he will enjoy being coached by some of the fastest runners in Canada (Literally) with the Speed River crowd!

Elliott all studious looking :)

Happy Running!

oh, summer...please stick around for a while longer!

Last night I felt like I was so speedy, running along in the fresh, cooler air that blew through the area yesterday.  I don't really think I was running much faster.  It was just the relief from the blazing sun and sweat of my usual runs.
Don't get me wrong...I LOVE summer.  These last couple of weeks of summer vacation are always filled with anxiety, even this year, when I am not actually returning to work.  I will be sad not to spend the days wishing I had a swimming pool, running through neighbourhood sprinklers on hot runs, seeing the sweaty heads of my kids when they take off their bike helmets.  Oh, summer, why are you filled with such fun times?
Some of the observations I made last night while out running included...

- running at dusk involves way more bugs.  keep mouth closed when possible.

- if you want to avoid feeling sad that you don't currently have a dog, avoid evening runs, when the entire town brings out their pups for a walk.  It will make you miss your dog waaay more!

- if you want to avoid feeling sad/nostalgic about your younger/non-kid life, when you and your hubs could take said dog for a long stroll all alone without bed times to worry about, avoid those evening runs! (in our house, the evening walk with the kids happens around 6pm when the sun is still way up in the sky!)

- If you live in a small town like I do, that has a conservation area in the middle of it, go out for an evening run just to enjoy the awesome smell of campfire in the air.  Nothing smells more like summer than a campfire!

- Avoid stopping to talk to every person you run by that you know--it really can slow down your productivity (again, this might be a symptom of living in a small town)!

I even stopped to take a photo of the beautiful sky while I was out!  (It is so rare that I have my phone with me, so I took the opportunity)

ahh, summertime :)

Happy Running!

Photo Monday!

Elliott and Milo at the beach

At long last, I have photos to share...

This means, of course, that I am now enjoying my beautiful new computer :)  Here are some highlights of this summer, as captured at a few races, and throughout some of the other adventures we have been up to.

Enjoy!

My brother Scott and I at a very sweaty finish line: the Angus  Glen 5 Miler

St. Clair River Run--Catching the breeze off the water

The boys just can't resist a nap on road trips

Proud big brother

It was his idea to wear his helmet in the tree :)

Little Olly and me, after a run



happy running!

Pushing It

As I ran solo this morning, I got caught up in thinking about just how easy it is to run all by myself, without the little ones in-tow.  Leaving the house is so quick, not to mention how much pep I seem to have in my step when not pushing the double buggy!

As I ran along, I thought about all of the aspects of pushing the wee ones.  Here is a list of things to consider when "pushing it" with kids along for the ride...

1. Plan pint-sized snacks.  This usually starts at the grocery store for me.  I buy snacks that I know will pack easily for the boys.  Also, I keep said snacks hidden away so they are a "treat" on the run.  Dry cereal, raisins, grapes, apple slices, etc. are always good.  I make a baggie for each boy with a variety of items.  I also keep granola bars and raisins in the buggy at all times for emergency situations. (by emergency, I mean "situation that requires mommy to bribe the kid with food").
2. Drinks are essential as well.  Really the best bet is water.  If you give them juice, they guzzle it back then require a pit-stop (I have endured many of these!) and who needs that much sugar, anyway!
3. Keeping conversation with the kids is a good way to keep yourself from overdoing it.  Sometimes singing songs for them can get to be a little much though, and people will stare.
4. One of my son's first sentences was, "Go, Mama Go!" which he chanted on one of the big hills on our route.  It is so nice to hear those words from the little ones :)
5. Choosing footwear for tag-alongs under the age of 2 is tricky.  Shoes that they can kick off are a poor choice.  I have added many an extra mile due to back-tracking to find lost footwear.  Same goes for hats, mitts, etc.  Kids like to drop things just to see it fall, I swear.  I started leaving their shoes in the basket below until they were getting out.
6. Those "weather shield" things are a great idea.  I use inexpensive plastic ones that have small holes for breathability.  No matter how much you spend on them, they always get all gross after a while, so it is nice not to spend a lot of money on them, in my opinion.  Having one really helps block wind and rain, thus keeping the kiddies happy.
7. Making a fun trip to the park at the end of the run is a good way to bribe motivate the kids to behave throughout those last couple of miles.
8. Use the safety strap, at least on hills!  I have visions of the buggy getting away from me if I were to trip or fall.  Better safe than sorry, especially when going down steep hills!
9. Don't forget that the running buggy is a great place to carry your own personal items like a water bottle, cell phone, etc.  One of the pluses of pushing all of that weight!
10. Getting out with the kids for a run is sometimes a perfect way to clear everyone's head.  When we are having a rough day around our house, sometimes a good run out in the buggy is just the fresh air and break my kids need.  And if it doesn't make them happier, at least I am out in the fresh air, where their whining and screaming doesn't bother me as much ;)

file photo: Elliott and Milo ready for a run

I love that my running is so normal to my boys.  Even my little guy Oliver seems to enjoy his time in the buggy.  I am eager for the days when my oldest can bike along beside us while we run.  (and even more eager for the day when they can run with me!)

happy running, with or without the little ones!

p.s.  My brother's dog always jumps in the basket under his running buggy to go along for the ride...talk about bringing the whole family along!

Where have I been?!

Wow, summer sure gets the best of me and writing posts!  My motivation to post has been killed a bit by the fact that my computer is dying a slow death and no longer has space to allow me to download photos.  Boo!

I have been out enjoying the summer air (okay, sometimes stifling hot muggy air) with runs that include at least part of my family most of the time.  Those combinations include me + Oliver, me + Elliott and Milo, me + Husband + all three kids, etc. etc.  So many combos to choose from!  It is nice that we can all go out together.  The boys love having their parents "race".  This morning on our run, Elliott asked if he could switch to have Mama push him, as he wanted to "win".  Smart kid.

I have also been enjoying adding the 'long run' back into my weeks.  For now, the long run totals 10 miles, (a year ago I ran 10 miles a few times every week, sigh) and I have been loving it.  I even took music along with me this week (!).  I have been listening to the same music while running for years now.  Occasionally I add a new song or two, but for the most part, the music remains constant.  I don't really listen to music that is up beat or peppy while running--I am more about nostalgic tunes that are predictable.  I wonder what that says about me?  Perhaps that is why it is best that I only ever listen to music on long runs?!  I would probably slow down otherwise.

In other news...

My little Oliver is now 4 months old!  How does time fly to quickly?  He is rolling around, loving his brother's attention and making me smile with every little coo and goo he makes :)

Happy Running!

St. Clair River Run Race Report

I know my last post was about a race too...summer is a busy time in these parts.  I have been enjoying lots of running (with and without the boys) and general getting wet in pools and splashpads over the last couple of weeks, and clearly I have been having so much fun I forgot that I like to write about it :)

On the weekend I ran in an excellent race, the St. Clair River Run , in Port Lambton ON.  They had a 10k and a 5k option, so my brother and I ran the 10k and my husband ran the 5k.  The three boys stayed home with Grandma (yipee!).

We have been experiencing quite the heat wave around here lately, so running a race in the midst of it all can be challenging.  Luckily, the race started at 8am (I think they should aim for 7:30am next year) and the race followed a parkway located directly beside the St. Clair River (hence the name, duh) so there was a nice cool breeze off the water the entire time.  The sun is relentless, however, so they also had the fire trucks on hand to "spray" runners as we ran past.

This race was very close in proximity to my parent's house, so we headed there on Friday night with the boys.  After driving most of the 2 hour drive, I realized that I had forgotten my beloved Garmin at home (some profanity may have been used upon that realization) grrrr.  It is so funny, as a year ago, I didn't even own a Garmin, and now I just love it so much.  At least my wrist wouldn't get sweaty?

As we arrived at the race, and started to get ready, my husband realized he forgot his socks.  He wins.  Running a race without socks is harder to handle than knowing your pace.  Ick.  I know what you're thinking...we were very ill-prepared it seems.  Remember that we have three kids ages 4 and under.  At least all of them are fed and clothed most of the time.  All the rest is gravy :)

We boarded the school bus shuttle to our starting lines, and headed out.  My husband got off the bus at the 5k stop, and Scott and I headed on to the 10k start.  I had to go to the bathroom really bad by the time we got there, and they only had an on-site washroom with three stalls in the park.  Next year I think they should add some port-a-loos, as the line-up (on the women's side) was loooong.

With only a moment to spare, I dashed from the washroom to the start line, and we were off.  My brother settled in ahead of me, and for most of the race I could see him (we were basically running in a straight line).  My pace felt very comfortable, but I have no idea what it was!  Splits, schmits!  They had kilometers marked, so it was nice to see them often.  At about the 3k mark, my shoe lace loosened.  Really?  I have never had that happen before.  I don't "double knot."  I read an article in Runner's World a couple of years ago, about the proper way to tie shoe laces. "If you do it right, you don't need to double knot".  I had been doing it wrong for years, so I retrained my brain to tie them this other way (the "proper" way) and this is what I get?!  Ah, well.  I stopped, re-tied the stinking shoelace, and tried to catch up to the three people that passed me.  I managed to speed up, and fell back into place.

At about kilometer 6, the OTHER lace came undone.  Are you kidding me?!

Everyone I have talked to since has recommended the double-knot, especially for race day.  I may consider it for next time.

In the last couple of kilometers, the crowds picked up, and it was nice to see the finish line off in the distance.
My husband and my brother were there to cheer me through the finish line, which is always nice.  Great post-race food (they even had food and refreshments for spectators!) but sadly this year they didn't do medals (last year they did).  boo!

Here are the stats...

23/159

4/33 age group

5/95 females

47:39 gun time

I will add photos when my computer decides to cooperate :)

Here's to another hot week of running!

Angus Glen 5-Miler Race Report

Last night was the Angus Glen Canada day 5-miler .  I thought the distance was perfect, and I haven't run an evening race in a long time.  Also, the venue is nice with a post-race dinner and terrific race kits/goody bags.  My brother also signed up, so we planned to go together with our spouses and kiddies.

Yesterday also happened to be the staff luncheon at my school (I wanted to attend even though I am currently on maternity leave!).  I figured I had lots of time to get home from the luncheon, meet up with my brother, load up and get to the race (which was located on the opposite side of Toronto).

Longer luncheon than expected.  Loading 4 kids/4 adults into 2 cars.  Emergency stop for gas.  Long weekend traffic. Hmmmm.

Sometimes the race begins well before we even get to the starting line.  We had *exactly* enough time to get to the race, assuming there was no traffic.  As we got on the highway, we were slowed to a breeezy 40km/hour.  Not a good sign.  We still had to pick up our race kits and get changed (yes, we weren't even in our race gear yet!).  Luckily for me, I have the most calm and cool husband ever, and he was behind the wheel, assuring me that everything would be ok as we drove, bumper to bumper with the rest of Toronto.

I hardly could believe it when we finally were getting off the highway at our exit.  It looked like we might just make it to the starting line.  Thank goodness for tinted windows, as I changed completely into my running gear...even applying a brand new bandaid to my poor heel blister.  Race kit pick up was supposed to end half an hour before the race start, but they were still there at 5:50pm when I arrived to grab it.  I ran back out to the parking lot to drop off the race kits and meet up with my bro, who was changing.  We ran into the club house to grab our chips (those horrible ankle-strap ones--ick) and navigate our way to the starting line.
This race had wave starts, as the course takes place entirely on cart paths, and they don't need runners cramped for space, running all willy-nilly on the golf course.  We assumed we would start in the first wave.  But, as the count down of less than 2 minutes until wave one started, both Scott and I decided a quick potty break was more important than being in the first wave.  We ran back into the club house to use the facilities.  **wow, what a great decision!  I really had to go, and my post-pregnancy bladder would not have made it!**

So, 3 minutes later we were off with wave 2.  I was still a bit rushed, and had forgotten to reset my Garmin.  It was all messed up, but at least I could tell my pace, and my mile splits.

I ran the Angus Glen 10-miler a little over two years ago.  By far, it was the worst race I have ever run.  I felt slow, and out of shape during the entire race.  It was the best thing that ever happened to me, as I vowed to work harder as a runner after that race, and I really haven't looked back.  Well, last night I realized that perhaps some of that feeling of being slow/out of shape may have had to do with the course.  It is a golf course, so the entire race is rolling hills, with a few really steep ones added into the mix.  It is also difficult to gage which direction one is running, as it twists and turns continuously.  Last night I just felt like I couldn't stay on top of my pace.  Perhaps the lack of mental preparation for the race (literally having 10 minutes from highway to race start) made me feel "off".  I definitely felt happy to finished the darn thing, that is for sure.

Here are the numbers...

30/228 finishers

8/148 females

1/37 age group (yay! I won my age group!)

39:26 (7:54/mile pace)

After the race, we enjoyed a nice bbq dinner, and I collected my prize ($25 running room gift card and a golf hat).  Thank you so much to my sister-in-law Chrissy and my wonderful husband for chasing after entertaining all the kiddies while Scott and I were out on the course running!

Our drive home was so much more calm (3 boys sleeping in the back didn't hurt) than the drive there.  

When will I learn not to leave the commute to the race to the last minute?  A couple of years ago a friend and I were so late for a race (there was a slow snow plow in our way) that when I ran to grab our race kits while she parked the car, I mixed them up and we ended up running 'as each other'.  oops.

How patriotic and cute are they?!

Happy Canada Day!  

p.s.  My brother did very well.  He was fully out of my sight by the halfway point!  He finished 15th overall!

Onwards and Upwards

Sometimes one wishes to be something they are not.  Most of us have done this at least once in our lives.  The, "I wish I was..." taller, shorter, smarter, funnier, richer, etc., etc.  I have definitely wished to be something I wasn't at various points in my life.  Tonight, I was wishing I was faster.  It was track night.

I was kind of tired when I arrived at the track, but I assumed I would shake it off during my warm up run of a few laps.  I ran with my friend M at 6:00 this morning, (8km) so my fatigue could be due to it being my first "double" since the baby.  We were set to run 5 laps, 4 laps, 3 laps, 2 laps then 1 lap.  By the end of the 2k (5 lap) I was spent.  How could I possibly do any more?  Why are my shoes full of lead?  Ugh.  I was keeping a pace of 6:25/mile.  I was in the back of the pack.  Mentally it was hard to take.  I had *speed envy*.

I got through it, and my final lap was strong.  I did want to lie down on the track as soon as I finished though.  I plugged through a cool down run and drove home.

During the drive I reflected on all of those feelings of envy I had at the track.  I wasn't envious of the other runners passing me by, leaving me behind with nothing but a slower time.  I was envious of the runner I used to be when I would go out to the track or races.  I was faster.  It didn't seem so hard to stay closer to the front of the pack.
But, that was then, and this is now.  I have to remember that I am the runner I am today.  I am building my strength and endurance from this point forward, and every race and workout is something I am working toward as the runner I am now.  I must stop thinking about getting *back* into shape, and start thinking about working on becoming a stronger athlete.

I am a runner and a mom.  In a lot of ways, being a mom has made me more focused and faster.  I have a four year old that asks, "how was your run?" when I walk in the house in my running shoes.  My 2 year old asked me this morning, "did you put on your bandaid and your running shoes?" (I had a blister)  I will probably still have moments that I wish I was faster (especially nearing the end of races when I can see people that have already finished, eating their bagel, wearing their medals, resting!) but I am going to resolve to be the best version of who I am now.

My three turkeys

Happy Running :)

weekend recap

What a great weekend!  I love it when my husband doesn't have to work on the weekend (it only happens one out of every three).  We enjoyed some family time, which was nice.

Friday nights, our oldest plays baseball.  The uniforms came in last week, and their shirts were HUGE to say the very least.  I guess there was some sort of mix-up, which ended in a team of four-year-olds wearing shirts that look like moo-moos.  Priceless, really.  Because I can't leave well enough alone, I spent the better part of Friday altering Elliott's shirt into a size that is fit for a pint-sized player.  He didn't care either way.  I did manage to fit in a 7km run on Friday afternoon, but it was uneventful, as runs go.

Saturday morning was race day!  Not for me, for my husband.  He ran the Meredith Hagen Inspiration Run in Campbellville.  It was the first annual, and the story behind the race is touching.  Meredith Hagen was a triathlete that lived in the area, and very sadly lost her life in a cycling accident just over a year ago.  Read more HERE .

My husband ran the 5km trail route.  Here he is just past the start line...

my "sports photographer" skills need work!

While he was out running his legs off in the trails, the boys (all three of them) and I went exploring Mountsberg Conservation Area, where the race was held.  We looked at owls, falcons, and eagles and the boys complained that they were hungry for hot dogs (it was 10am?!).  I made a big mistake (I should know better at this point in my life) by forgetting to pack snacks for the hungry toddlers!

Before long, we headed back to the start/finish area.  Imagine my pride, when the finish line announcer said, "here comes a speedy male finisher!"  She was talking about my husband.  Aw.

Here he comes!

It was a great race.  The weather was lovely, and everything was well organized.  Because of the trails, and the slightly longer distance (It actually measures 5.6km) it certainly isn't a course for those looking for a PB, but it isn't all about the PB some days!

Ok...back to my running.  Ha ha.

Sunday morning, I headed out for a long(ish) run.  I add the (ish) because I plan to work my way up to longer runs in the future, but for now, these runs are plenty for me.  Again, the weather was just perfect.  Slight breeze, some clouds, and a temp of about 14C.  I ran down some country roads, up some huge character-building hills, and enjoyed the peace and quiet that only a Sunday morning run can bring to this mama.  I ran 8 miles at 8:50/mile pace.  It was nice to arrive home to my boys, who were happy to see me (I think?!)

Milo (I mean, Superman) and Oliver

I can't believe the weekend is over.  Time flies when you're running fast, I guess.

From Track to Trail...

Tonight instead of meeting at the track, our group met at the Guelph Arboretum.  The track was being used for something more important else.  I don't normally run cross-country, as it would make for a bumpy ride in the running buggy for the boys!

We were set up for 5x1000 (with approx 400m cool-down in between).  3-2-1-go!  It was nice and refreshing to start out on a trail instead of rounding the corners of a track.  It was a little harder to settle into a pace at first, but I wore my Garmin to check-in on my pace from time-to-time, so I was okay.

Unfortunately, in the second round, I felt a little pebble (which felt like a big rock) made it's way into the heel of my shoe.  By the time that lap was done I had some fresh blister blood on my new shoe.  boo!

I pulled up my sock and we were ready for round 3.  I had to suck it up because I really wanted to keep control of those intervals.

Here is the run down...

4:39, 4:18, 4:17, 4:16, 4:24

It was a great night at the track, er, trail.  I think I may just head back there from time to time for runs, as the shade and change of venue was quite nice.  Next time I will try to wear taller socks so those nasty pebbles don't cause me trouble.

As an added bonus, when I arrive home, I was surprised to see that my husband already had 2 of our 3 boys in bed!  What an amazing guy.  

Happy Running :)

Today was New Shoes day!  I bought a new pair of runners a couple of weeks ago, because they had my size and they were on sale.  I didn't think I needed new shoes yet, but I bought them knowing that day was going to come soon enough.  Well, today was that day.  I guess knowing they were there in the closet waiting for me was motivation to put them on :)  I also tried out a new running shirt--which Oliver spit up all over immediately before we left.  I just wiped it off and wore it anyway.  Yep.  That is what being a mom is about.  Being gross and smelly before stepping out the door.

With some serious spring in my step, little Oliver and I headed out this afternoon.  He was fast asleep before I hit the end of my driveway, so I decided to make my run a bit longer to let him enjoy a longer nap (the new cushy shoes probably made me do it).  Today's weather was perfect for a run.  Even mid-afternoon when I was out there was bearable with the nice breeze.  I ran a very hilly 6 miles in 53 minutes.  It won't be long before I can get out for some good early morning 10 milers.  In due time I suppose I will be ready!

Happy Running

My dad doesn't run. He gets his Cardio by Farming

I don't mean to brag, but I have the best dad in the world.  I know, it was pure luck really.  I thought I would share some of my favourite things about my dad, Joe.  He isn't big on the internet, so I am not sure that he will read this blog post, but I would like to share anyway...

Dad making his yummy waffles at a Pancake Tuesday party

My dad is an "early bird gets the worm" sort of guy.  When we were kids he NEVER let us sleep in.  I would like to say I am a morning person because of it (unfortunately I am not--except on race days!).  When booking appointments for the dentist, we were always the ones with the FIRST appointment of the day.  He was smart, as we never had to wait.  But as a kid I thought it was sucky because I was usually done at the dentist before school even started, so I didn't get to miss class.

My dad is the handiest person I have ever met.  If he doesn't already know how to fix/install/renovate/build something already, he will be able to figure it out.  Because he is so handy by nature, he has taught my siblings and I to try our best at being handy too.  I have tried tackling many things on my own because of his encouragement over the years (some successful, some not as successful)!

My dad has an incredible amount of patience.  He was so calm and cool when I got my beginner's and was learning to drive.  He was even more calm when I backed into a car on the first day I had my full licence.  I am sure he was mad, but he made sure I learned from the accident.  He and my mom never made a big deal out of it, and that meant a lot to me.

I love you, Dad!  I hope that you have spent the day listening to the "Sunday Morning Classics," (country  tunes on a local station) and looking at classic cars at the local father's day car show!