Tuesday, June 28, 2011

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 :)

Sunday, June 26, 2011

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.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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 :)

Monday, June 20, 2011

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

Sunday, June 19, 2011

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!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Papa and his boys at Inverhuron Provincial Park

Yesterday was my husband's birthday.  He is of course, a spring chicken, so turning another year older doesn't bother him in the least. Especially on a day when we woke up to find that ALL THREE of our children had slept so well through the night, and even slept in!  Even little Oliver slept for a NINE hour stretch!  Unheard of!

After some card/gift opening in the morning, the two older boys were off to daycare for the day, so we decided to take a nice run on the gorgeous day.  As we ran, I told him he should definitely buy a lottery ticket on his birthday (there has to be some sort of luck involved when they draw numbers on your birthday, no?).  The lottery is so silly.  I occasionally decide we should buy a ticket, but rarely ever even check the numbers, as I know we aren't the people that would win.  I know I have said it here before, and I know it is super-cheesy, but we really have already won.  Three beautiful children, loving families and friends, the list goes on and on.  But, it is fun to think about being lucky people with millions of dollars too!

I convinced him to celebrate his birthday dinner at Chuck E. Cheese's.  I knew the boys would love it, and I have never been there before :)  I know this goes without saying, but the food wasn't that great.  The fun atmosphere was perfect for the kids to enjoy, and it was fun to watch him playing games with the boys like he was a kid again too ;)

Now on to Father's day...

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

...and more track!

When I arrived at the track tonight I noticed the mats layed out at the starting line.  Hm.  I think I should sign up for email updates as to what the workout will be?!  So.  The mats indicate a time trial.  Am I ready for a time trial?  No.  But the silver lining is that I will have a good benchmark as to how much I improve (hopefully) over the summer.

As I walked over to the start line (at the 200m line) I started to ponder my time goal for the 3km I was about to run.  I thought 13 minutes or less would be pure gold at this point.  Here goes!

(I was without Garmin tonight, and the results aren't posted online yet, so I really only have the final number).

Although I tried really hard in the last hundred meters (picture some severe arm pumping and heavy panting on my part) I came in at 13:03.  Yes, so close to my goal!  Definitely some room for improvement, which I like.

I followed the time trial with two 400m's.  It was a beautiful evening.  The sun wasn't too hot, and there was a bit of a breeze.

I wish I had brought my camera with me today, as I went to the African Lion Safari with my son's JK class.  How cute is it to see a bus load of little ones going crazy over baboons climbing on people's cars?!  It was priceless.  I am exhausted now though, after all of that fresh air and track running.

Happy Running :)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Return of Track Time

This evening I ran fast.  Well, relatively fast.  I went to the track for the first time since last fall.  I was anxious about getting out there, standing waiting to start, nervous that I wouldn't be able to finish.  More nervous than in a race!

The workout was 5x1000, plus 3x200m at the end.  I knew that 4x1000 with the 3x200m would be more realistic for me.  When we started out, I felt like I could fall into a comfortable pace to finish out the 1000 meters...I was just hoping I would be able to hold the same pace in subsequent 1000 meter sets!

Here are the numbers...(not too bad for my first time back)

1000m: 4:16
1000m: 4:18
1000m: 4:17
1000m: 4:16

The 3x200m at the end were more about keeping good form, so I didn't pay attention to my times, but I did try to hang on to some faster runners in the group, so I probably will feel it in the morning ;)

It was a hot evening, but not too brutal (nothing that pouring some water on my neck wouldn't remedy).  It was nice to see some familiar faces, and it was really nice knowing at the end of it that I can only improve on the shape I am in (hopefully?!).

I am looking forward to an easy run in the morning--I think my legs are going to need some loosening up!

Happy Running :)

Monday, June 6, 2011

Bridge Race 10K

There aren't too many races that start in one country and end in another.  Yesterday I ran in one that does, and it is one of my favourites!

I knew when I was due with Oliver at the end of March I would (probably) have enough time to be ready for a 10km race by June, but I had to be realistic and know that I wouldn't beat my PB of 43:36 on this course last June.  In the last 2 weeks since the 8km race in Watford I have been trying to up the lengths of my runs a bit so the 10k wouldn't kill me.  I managed to get out for one 10k run last week, but the rest of my runs have been 5 miles(ish).  With the kids in-tow for lots of them, so hopefully that plus regular race-day mentality would get me through the 10k race, no-problem!?

My brother picked me up race day morning at 6:15.  The race starts on the American side of the border, so we take a shuttle bus over for the race start at 8am.  Prior to leaving, I had to sort things out for my husband...I was leaving Oliver behind for this race so he would need a couple of bottles, etc.  My husband is amazing, and my parents were there to help with the other two boys as well (thanks, guys!!).

Last year the shuttle busses were late due to short supply, so this year, we were very happy see LOTS of yellow school busses at the park waiting for us.  We had no problems getting a seat on one of the busses, and off we went to the border.  Where we waited.  And waited.  And waited.  The US customs are very good at taking their sweet time.  All I could do was look at my watch and see the time tick by...cutting into possible time I would need at the porta potties!  Last year the race start was delayed, and we assumed this would happen again this year.  I looked down on the bus and noticed the dude beside me had chosen no footwear for this race. I understand the whole 'barefoot running' thing.  I really do.  But they invented minimal shoes/vibram soles so you don't have to endure possible cuts/scrapes on your feet in the name of pure running form!  Ah, well.  Perhaps I just don't understand the purity of it all.

Finally we were on our way after showing our passports.  Off to the starting line we went. er, the porta potties, then the start.  While waiting in line for the porta potty, I noticed barefoot running dude waiting also.  Then it hit me.  He would be stepping into that porta potty--sans foot protection.  Ew. I have to admit, I was grossed out by the thought of that.

On our way over to the start, I threw out a little idea to my brother that maybe I wanted to try a 'warm-up' run.  I have never been a fan of the warm-up run (ok, I have never tried it).  I have always joked that the first kilometer is my warm-up, and the last kilometer is my cool-down...Hilarious, I know.  But, with my new obsession focus on keeping a steady pace throughout races, I thought a warm-up run might help me to stay grounded when the gun goes off.  He agreed, and we went for a short run around the block.

Not long after we returned, we wiggled our way into the pack (there were no timing mats at the start line, so everyone was clammering to be at the actual start line).  The gun went off, and away we went.  Scott went ahead and I tried to keep myself from going out to quickly.  I set my Garmin for 7:45/mile.  This was 15 seconds/mile faster than the pace from my last race (the 8k) but I thought I would just jump two-feet first into this pace in a race just to see if I could hold it.

The weather was lovely.  I knew it could get a bit hot on the bridge, (so little shade up there!) but there was a breeze (which later did feel like wind, I admit it).  My 7:45/mile pace seemed easy and I really was enjoying myself.  I tried to capture the easy-breezy feeling of that pace early on, so I could remind myself that I could handle it later in the race.

There is a bit of a climb (ok, a big climb) to get to the top of the Bluewater Bridge.  There is only one other way to get across the border (swimming) so, climb we all do, over that bridge.

Bluewater Bridge--look at how far UP we had to run!
I passed a few people on the bridge, and although I was getting thirsty and hot, it was totally manageable.  Coming down the other side (yay, I was back in Canada!) was quick due to the downhill.  There were customs workers standing around drinking their Tim Horton's coffee cheering.  Nice.

At the 8k mark, I checked my watch.  My time was 37:22--not bad, as less than 2 weeks ago I ran an 8k race in 39:58 (and that race didn't have a big bridge-climb!).  I was still feeling strong (and right on-pace) so I held on until the finish.  I will admit that the last 500 meters were tough.  I really pumped my arms to get there without slowing.  It is really amazing how great it feels to cross the finish line, isn't it?!  My brother was in the finisher's area, having already finished his banana when I met up with him.

Here are the numbers...

Chip time: 47:29
Avg. Pace: 7:42min/mile
Women: 18/356 
Age: 7/113 (31-40)
Overall: 95/623 finishers

I had this fear of my time being 50 minutes+.  I am so happy that I have been able to work myself back within 5 minutes of my pre-pregnancy/baby 10km time.  This race has definitely motivated me to keep working for my next 10k race, 10 mile race, half-marathon, etc. etc.!

Happy Running :)