2012 recap...in photos!

Well, 2012 is coming to an end. In a matter of hours, it will be a brand new year, and in a lot of ways, I am happy about that!

It was a busy year...I became an aunt two more times, with two nephews born in January...

Papa's twin bro's baby

My bro and his baby

Papa and I ran the Disney Half marathon together:

...followed by my Goofy full marathon the very next day, and some Disney fun that (we hope) the kids will remember for years to come!

I trained my butt off with Nicole Stevenson while blogging for iRun (a definite highlight of the year). I managed to muster up the courage to return to work when Olly turned one...which made me realize my house would probably never be clean again :(
That wasn't completely true, but close to it!

Me and Olly after a long run together while training for Boston

My family endured the overwhelming shock of my dad's heart attack, and subsequent surgery...so hard, but he is doing very well these days!


We traveled to Boston for the hottest (almost) PW (personal worst) marathon!  But it was so worth it.  I had a major sunburn, but the medal will hang on my wall forever!

I ran a PB at the Goodlife marathon a couple of weeks later...

Check out that giant medal!

Then another PB when I won the CHOK Bridge race!

Summer took us on a road trip to the maritimes, and before I knew it, it was time to return to school in September :(

Olly and Papa at the Shediac Lobster

We survived the long haul from September until December...without too many bumps and bruises...(only one trip to the ER isn't all that bad, eh?)

All of that Halloween candy must have kept our immune systems up (?)

I feel so lucky to have amazing friends and family in my life.  I thank my parents for being the most awesome couple, having raised three great kids (if I do say so) who love and care for each other and their families.
Here's to 2013...resolutions to come!!

Chaos is our family name!

Another Birthday letter...for Milo

Milo.

When you were born four years ago, it was very evident that you had your own way of doing things. Being born footling breech was a great way to make an entrance, kid.

You are my cuddly one.  Cuddly yet so strong, and independent. You have always been determined to do just as your big brother is doing...whether we're ready for it or not. You have taught me so much about myself as a parent, and as a person. I know more compassion. I know now that selfless acts are very common for little kids. I know more about the emergency room. I know more about determination.
When you started smiling as a baby, you really never stopped.  You are always such a ray of sunshine with your quirky hairdo, and crazy sense of style. Although it frustrates me at times, your need to wear jammies for most occasions really does entertain me (thank goodness your cuteness helps pull the outfits together).

You are a good little brother, but also a great big brother to Olly. You're generous and kind to him, and his smile when he sees you is very evident of the brotherly love the two of you share.

You are the reason the phrase, "big things come in small packages" is one of my favorites.

Happy Birthday, 4-year-old!

I love you with all my heart, Milo.

Mama

Fast and Light

You know that feeling when you just have an amazing run?  Ya, me too.

That's what I want to write about today.  I was out for some speed work with my friend M.  We were over half an hour into the run, and about half-way through the hell fun that amounts to speed work.  That feeling of watching every second roll by on my watch gave way to the feeling of being fast and light.  "Fast and Light" was how Nicole Stevenson (yep, a Canadian superstar marathon runner) told me to envision myself during speed work.  If you're looking to shave some time off your run (of any length) I recommend thinking those two words over and over again to yourself.  It really helps me!

I haven't checked my Garmin since the run to see just how fast each rep was, but I don't think I need to. I will take it as a good confidence booster, if nothing else.  It just feels good to return from a run like that, when everything seems to be working out.  I sure hope I feel like that on my next race day :)

This is such a busy time of year, December.  We have yet to celebrate another kiddo's birthday, and all of the family Christmases that come along.  I know I have said this before on this blog, but running at this time of year becomes even more important to me than other, less busy times.  That calm of running along (at 5:30am most days) in the peace and quiet, with the light of the moon and stars overhead is worth carving out the time to do.  As an extra bonus, lots of people in my town seem to leave their Christmas lights on overnight (or they turn on early) so it is extra-festive.
...perhaps I should start belting out a few Christmas songs as sort of a 'drive-by' approach to carolling?  Nah, I can only imagine the howling dogs and unhappy neighbours.  Running is more my thing than singing ever will be.  Ask my kids.  They like it better when mama doesn't sing.

Happy Running...get out there and enjoy this cold and festive weather!

Milo, posing by my tree of running medals

A birthday letter to my Elliott

Happy Birthday Elliott.

It is such a treat to see your smiling face when you wake up in the morning.  From the moment your eyes open, you are a ray of sunshine.  Your excitement and enthusiasm for everything you do is amazing.  I love listening to you talk about your ideas, your creative spirit shining through.

I am proud of you.  You are strong and sensitive.  You are a wonderful and caring big brother to your two lucky siblings.  They look up to you.  You think of their needs and share (mostly) with them.  You are a wanderer, and I love that (most of the time).  Your free spirit and curiousity lead to some amazing artworks, stories, and ideas, that I just love seeing and hearing about.

When you woke up this morning, so excited to finally be a six-year-old, I couldn't believe how quickly the last six years have gone by.  It feels like just yesterday, that I was holding you in my arms, brand new, with all the hope in the world that you would turn into just the sort of kid that you have become. 

You are one of a kind, Elliott.  I love you so very much.

Mama

My New Running Friend

It has been four months. I know.

Yeesh.  Time flies when you're not blogging about it, I suppose!

I was going to write a post about how I haven't been blogging, but we all know I haven't, so I am just going to move on.  There really isn't a reason, so that's that.

About a month ago, my wonderful husband surprised me with a present.  Yippee! 

Then I saw what it was.

It was one of those foam rollers that I have heard of people using to cause themselves all kinds of hurt.  Why on earth would anyone willingly do this?  Not to mention that the thing was a HUGE FOAM ROLLER, and it now had found a home in a house with my three boys, who would take a matter of moments to figure out how it could be used as a toy that would end up hurting someone at some point!

I suggested that it wasn't anything I was interested in using.  I tucked it away in a closet, hoping for the opportunity to return it in exchange for something really useful, like new running socks.

Then.  Just last week.  Something happened.

I felt a twinge of pain in my right IT band.  Not a familiar pain for this runner.  Hmmmm.

After consulting Dr. Google, all roads seemed to lead to raves about this dang foam roller and how it would do everything for me as a runner, falling just short of making me the next Paula Radcliffe.

So.  I tried it. 

Yowza, that's some pain!  But good pain.  "Productive Pain" is what I call it now.

Meet my good friend, Raoul.




Raoul the Roller and Me, after this morning's 5 miles

 It is so, so hard for me to admit I am wrong about something...especially to my husband.  But in this case honey, you were right.  I might even let you try it out some day!

First Lady

 Yesterday was my fourth time running the CHOK YMCA Bridge Race.  We (my brother and I) go back to this race every year, because it is a great 10km distance, well-organized, and it's geographic location doesn't hurt either (it is very close to my parent's house, for a home-soil sort of feeling) and I still love that I get to run in two different countries in one race!!


Usually we park at the finish line, and take the shuttle (school bus) to the starting line over on the US side of the border.  This year, as it was calling for rainy/windy/cool weather, we decided to drive one car (mine) to the starting line, and leave one at the finish, in order to go pick up the other car afterwards.  I am not going to lie...squeezing in a tiny bit of cross-border shopping was also on my agenda, but that should go without saying for those of you that know me!

It was so nice to stay cozy in the warm car while we waited for the race to start.  We even drove to a Tim Horton's for a bathroom break and avoided "Scotty's Potty's" altogether.  Soon enough, it was time to head to the starting line with everyone else. 

This is one of those races that is Chip-timed, but without timing mats at the starting area.  So, placement at the front of the pack is important for those of us chasing a PB...



With literally zero warning, the blow horn went off, and we all started scrambling in the forward direction.  The course was changed this year (more about that later) so we were headed toward the bridge fairly early on in the race (let the big climb begin!).  For possible PB purposes, and the fact that my legs were feeling quite fresh that morning, I went out faster than I normally would, and decided to just force myself to hang on to my pace for dear life.  It seemed to work, even during the long climb up that bridge.  By the 2km marker, specators were shouting, "first lady runner!".  Really?  me?  Uh-oh.  Perhaps I am going to burn out a bit sooner than I had hoped?

I took a sip of water at the water station, and still felt quite good, so I kept my speed up.  I passed a few more people, and kept going (quickly).  The course normally follows roadways, but this year with the changes they made, it followed a lot more paved trails.  This is always a welcome improvement if you ask me!

I knew, however, that the course changes made the km markers a bit wrong though.  At the 5km marker, my garmin read a very different story.  It was almost 1/2km longer than 5km at that point!  Oops.  I just hoped the entire race wasn't going to be too long (no such luck...).

Every time I passed specators, they shouted, "first lady"!  I have to say, I know why they call Mrs. President "First Lady"--it makes you feel special!!


Even though they look distracted,
they were very excited about the trophy!



I told myself to try to remember that feeling of working so hard to be in first place.  Even if I didn't end up winning the race in the end, I would never forget that amazing feeling of being the "first lady".

By the 8km marker I was feeling my will-power take over the common sense my body usually uses to slow down a bit.  I just wanted to finish out this race, and feel the glory of at least a top 3 spot.  I knew there was another female runner behind me, but I was too afraid to look back to be sure.  I just plugged on, trying to remember to breath, while still keeping my pace.

As I rounded the bend to see my favourite word, "FINISH" on the big red sign, the crowd was cheering, and I was feeling even more proud.  Looking up to see them holding the tape across the finish line confirmed it...I was going to win this thing!  Yippee!!!!

**This is the first time I actually thought I might throw-up when I crossed the line.  Luckily I didn't--that sure doesn't make for good photos!!

The race ended up being about 250m-300m too long.  Shame.  It will probably be fixed for next year, finger's crossed!!

The numbers...

Overall Place: 17/614

Gender Place: 1/358

Age Group Place: 1/120

Chip time: 43:49*

*my garmin read a different story: 43:26





Accepting my trophy, and, who knew? they give CASH too!!



Check out some of the names on this trophy!
...my name will be on the SAME trophy as some of Canada's finest runners!!
How cool is that!?!?

Happy Running!  I have to say I am enjoying the "post-10km-race" feeling--so much less fatigued than the "post-marathon" feeling!



Randoms from the Road

So many thoughts go through my head while I am out there, plugging away the miles. I have decided to compile a 'list' of random thoughts I thunk during a recent long run...

- lots of runners are out in prime garage sale-ing time periods. Early morning, running through neighborhoods, perfect time to browse? Not so much. No money, not in the mood to stop, also not in the mood to carry home the antique rocking chair on my back, no matter how great the deal is.

- through a rough calculation, I have RACED 242kms since my youngest baby was born. Not bad for 14 months! - there are so many things that my kids won't know of, that were such a big deal when I was a kid. Technology aside (although it should be mentioned that my family had a 'party line' until I was in kindergarten) things like watermelon with seeds, rolling around the backseat of the car with no seatbelt, and peanut butter and honey sandwiches at school to name a few...

- my husband is the cutest guy ever. I have been embarrassed lately about some of the attention I have got from people I work with and relatives, for running in Boston. "I'm not the only mom out there that runs marathons," I said. "yeah, but you're the hottest!" he said. Aw. He sure does know how to make a girl feel special. Even if it isn't entirely true ;)

- I really have to get my hands on some more Rainberry flavored Gatorade. The green powerade I had with me was so icky. My brother passed along a recipe for homemade Gatorade that also sounded appealing... - hills are a brutal version of hell. I think if (and when) I arrive in hell, I will have to run up a hundred mile hill, into the wind (let's not forget the inevitable heat involved too).

- the smell of bacon and eggs breakfast is so decadent. Especially "camping" breakfast, where the smell of the campfire is added in. Mmmmm. (I run past a conservation area during long runs...and it is definitely camping season!)

- I am so ready for summer holidays to start. I miss hanging out with my boys all day.

Scatter in some thoughts about how much further I have to go, and how hot the day is becoming, and you have the higlights of my long run!

Happy running!

p.s.  Do you ever feel like this:

All about Mom!!

It's mother's day!! The day when I get to sleep in, enjoy breakfast in bed, handicrafts made by my children and soak up all of the "best mom in the world" attention! Yay!
Unfortunately my boys didn't really remember any of that this morning, and with Papa at work, there wasn't anyone here to supervise the toast-making and breakfast tray-carrying. No worries, though. I am having a lovely day filled with quality time with my boys. I even got to help my oldest craft a "bug house" for all of the disgusting insects he finds around the yard. They're his pets, you see.

 More than a decade ago, when I ran my very first marathon, it was mother's day. My brother and I ran the Ottawa marathon, and back then it was held during the tulip festival on Mother's day. (you can read a bit more about that race and my 21 year-old self HERE) My parents volunteered to make the long trek to Ottawa to see if we could finish us run the race. I don't think any of us really had real idea about how we would be feeling after the race! We had never even been spectators at a race before.

The morning of the race, we headed to the starting line, and mom was there to take our photos, and grab all of our extra gear before the gun went off. She was there with dad, smiling and waving along the route (probably questioning our sanity a little bit, but never out loud). She was there at the halfway point, cheering and telling us that we looked great. It was so great to have her and my dad there, as loving, familiar faces, making us feel proud of ourselves.

 When we finally finished the race (and man, I thought it would never end!) I will never forget the look on my mom's face as we came around the bend to the finish line. Huge relief mixed with pride. I know she was proud of us. She was proud of both Scott and I for running such a great distance. She was proud that we had perserverence. She was proud of my brother, for not leaving his little sister out on the course when the going got a bit tough.

 They had brought some warm clothes for us. They managed to get our tired bodies back to the hotel. Once there, my brother and I flopped down on our beds. My mom helped us untie our shoes, and tucked us in to bed. I remember both of us saying "Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!" but feeling a tad guilty that she spent her day essentially taking care of two of her children instead of us showering her with love and gifts and pampering.

 Obviously, we didn't feel too guilty about the whole thing, as we headed back to Ottawa to do it all again 2 years later on Mother's day (again) for our second marathon. Mom was there again, cheering for us, waiting with Gatorade and being her general-all-around-loving-her-children self.

 Every Mother's day, I always do reflect on those 2 selfless Mother's days. Thank you, mom, for knowing how to encourage us in everything we do. I have felt nothing but love and support from you, every day of my 33 years. Thank you for being the best Grandma my boys could dream of, and the best friend a girl could ask for. I love that we can spend time together, or chat on the phone and the minutes (and hours!) pass in a flash because I am having such a good time. I love how cute you are, and your strength and caring personality. I love you, Mom, so very much!!

Grandma and our boys

Happy Running, especially those Mommies out there!!

Sunday Morning Run + Medal!!

It was a top-secret mission this morning. Barely anyone knew, as I signed up very last-minute. After a disappointing, yet totally unavoidable race time in Boston, I really wanted to race for the time goal I had in mind in Boston.

 So, after checking (and re-checking)the weather a million times, I signed up and hoped for the best! Race day was today. I felt no pressure, and I walked to the starting line with a good attitude.

 The race was AMAZING!! I knew I would enjoy it, as the Goodlife Half is one of my all-time faves as well. I will add more about the race later, but for now I will share my excitement about my finishing time: 3:31:42!!

 My new favorite letters are: PB and BQ

That's my boys, running to catch me while cheering!  Love it!

 Yay!!

When it rains, it snows

From the heat of Boston to the freezing snow/wind/rain?!  Seriously?!

Mother nature and I have some serious issues this week.  I am still at bit mad at her for the heat of Boston, only to feel utter disappointment at the weather she has thrown my way (I take this as a personal attack) in the last couple of days.
My kids (who LOVE snow) are even a tad fed-up.  Elliott said, "But, Mama, it is spring time.  What happened to the sunshine?"  You said it, kid.
It might be a blessing that I was reverse-tapering after race day, so I wasn't too concerned about mileage this week (add in birthday celebrations too!).  I did, however, assume I would be back up to normal, fun runs at my leisure by yesterday.  It is hard to get geared up to face the slushy, windy elements without a big race (or training log in real time with the trainer) to motivate me :(
Today is a new day.  The ground seems to be drying off, and I will plug away in my long pants and possibly mittens.

Come on, Mother Nature!!  Be on my side again, will ya?!  My peeling sunburn is even more pitiful under piles of layers...

Boston Recap (it's a long one!)

I am happy to report that I did not melt in Boston!

Physically, I did not melt, but my hopes at finishing in a specific amount of time melted.  But that is ok!  I floated along the course on the spectator's cheers, and it was all such an amazing experience, just as everyone promised me it would be.

The weekend was so great.  We arrived in Boston early enough on Saturday morning, that we headed to the expo before the crowds were overwhelming.  I picked up my race kit (and some extra goodies, like a jacket) and walked around, taking it all in.

Yay!  I'm here!

It's a really heavy race kit! Yipee!

After a few gatorade, powerbar, etc. samples, we had enough, and decided to make our way back toward the hotel, as our room was ready!  We stayed at the gorgeous Lenox Hotel (right at the finish line).  The hotel staff was amazing.  Very helpful and almost as pumped about the race as we were!
We walked out of the subway, and almost immediately ran into some of my running friends from Guelph!  Of course I forgot to snap a photo, but we starting talking about the weather predictions for Monday's race. They had just driven the course, and said there were already warning signs about heat in a few locations (especially heartbreak hill).  Hmmmm.  Of course, I shrugged much of this off.  As if it's going to be that hot!

The finish line area was closed off for the couple of days prior to the race, so it was awesome to be able to walk around, snap photos and just hang out in that "running buzz".  It truly is like a Running Convention or something!

The finish line!  I didn't realize how much I would want to lay down on it after the actual race ;)

Papa, making some friends...

Officer O'Neil (not kidding on his name)!

After some quality time hanging out in Boston, Monday morning finally came.  I had slept quite well (again, lovely hotel!) so I felt refreshed and optimistic that the run was going to be a good one.  I did dress for warmer weather, (sports bra and shorts only) and I slathered on the sunscreen.
I waited in line (a LONG line) for the shuttle school bus to the start line.  I chatted away with a woman from Halifax the entire way.  She ended up being my "pre-race friend".  I never learned her first name, but I hope she did well in the race!

Before long, it was time to head to the start corrals.  It was a long, hot walk.  In full sun.  I think that was the point that I realized that it was indeed going to be a scorcher!  I could feel that hot sun sizzling on my neck and shoulders, and I knew my time goal of 3:30 or less was all but out the window.  I should have taken one last pit-stop before beginning the race, but I shrugged it off as nerves, as I just wanted to get going!  (something I would later regret, as I waited SEVEN minutes in line at a port-loo!!)

I had a few tears as I crossed the official start line, but I reminded myself to pull it together, as it was going to be a long day, so crying continually would just make it longer.

I decided to go out slower than my goal pace.  Play it safe.  As it would turn out, "slower than goal pace" still turned slower as the hours progressed, and the sun warmed up even more!

Ah, well.

The course was unbelievable.  There was not one inch of that course that did not have spectators cheering. I may have been a bit sore that evening, but there were thousands of people with sore throats from all the screaming and cheering.  I still can't believe it.

Because of the heat, there were so many kind and generous spectators with sprinklers, buckets of water, make-shift gatorade stations, coolers full of ice, popsicles, towels soaked in ice water, and pure energy!  It was continuous.  Crazy.

Papa met me just before "Heartbreak Hill" (more on that in a moment).  I was so happy to see him!  I had been scanning the crowds for him for about 5km when I finally heard his voice.  I swerved over to him through the crowd, and decided to take a minute or two to catch up with him, and even eat a banana he had brought.  He refilled my bottle with gatorade (ice cold, unlike the gross, warm stuff I had been carrying) while I teared up a bit at how thoughtful he was.  Then, sadly, I had lingered enough, so it was time to get on with it.

Don't let that fresh face fool ya...I was HOT!

The green sponge in my top was SO necessary!

I continued on for a bit, then all of a sudden, people were holding signs, screaming, "You made it up heartbreak hill!!".  Really?

That was Heartbreak Hill?


I don't know what I was expecting, but I certainly thought it wasn't too bad.  "It's all downhill from here!!" they were shouting.

Yay!!

So I sped up a bit.

That speed did wear off, but those last 10 miles were much easier to handle than the first.  Go figure.

Before long, I was so close to the "Citgo" sign (the famous 25 mile mark) that I felt like I could touch it.  The crowds were wild with energy.  The buildings in downtown Boston were creating the shade I had craved all day.  There was a breeze. Or was that my speed causing wind in my hair?

I came to the finish line a pleased runner.  I had finished!  I was upright!  I was sunburned!

It wasn't my goal time anymore.  That had looonnngg passed me by.  But, there will be other, faster marathons in my future.  I had fun being part of "the hot one".

Well-deserved Bling, I say!

It took a good 48 hours for my tummy to recover...
But normal food is all good now, so I am ready to get out for some recovery running!!

Yay!

Happy Running

Spectator Signs at Races...

Race day is just around the corner!  I cannot believe it.  I think I am ready.  Logistically, not quite (I haven't started packing) mentally, almost, and physically...well...I am as ready as I will ever be!

Picturing myself running the Boston marathon has been on my mind lots over the last few years days, and it got me to thinking about all of the fun ways to pass the time while out there soaking up the 26.2.

Here are some of the items that occupy my mind (in no particular order)...

- Math.  I always have some sort of technical failure on my wrist--usually my own fault.  This forces me to attempt to figure out split times, etc. in my head.  It really only helps me to pass the time, as my math skills are not my strong point (which might be why I still haven't figured out that "26.2" is actually very far)!

- Reading other runner's t-shirts.  I love it when people wear shirts that say interesting things.  Places they've been, slogans, etc.  If only more runners had shirts that resembled personalized licence plates--that could keep my mind occupied for a lot longer!

- Eavesdropping on other runner's conversations.  Just Kidding. (actually, not kidding--people talk about some funny things out there--but of course I try not to laugh or look in any way like I am following along with what they're saying.  That would be rude.)


- Taking in the scenery.  I love getting caught up in seeing the sights of a race.  Fancy houses, "window shopping" etc.  Passes the time very well.

- Singing the same few lines of the song I have stuck in my head that day.  (Inside voice only)

- Spectator signs!!  (more about this below).  Total highlight of any race.

- Regretting signing up for a race.  Usually this happens at some point.  "Why do I keep doing this?!" inevitably goes through my mind, and I never learn my lesson always go back for more!

- Sharing small talk with other runners around me.  I was in a race recently, however, where I passed a man dressed as Elvis.  Whenever spectators would say, "Go Elvis!" or something similarly encouraging, he would say, "Thank you, thank you very much".  After about a kilometre of this, I decided that I had to speed up to get away from him (even if it killed me) because I couldn't take any more of his Elvis impression!

- In races that I am not familiar with the route, as the last portion of the race is near, I think a continual loop of, "Is that the finish line?" and, "Where on earth is the finish line?"

- In races that I am familiar with the route, as the last portion of the race is near, I think a continual loop of, "I swear the finish line is just around the corner" and, "did they move the finish line?"

Upon crossing that finish line in Boston, I know I will get a teeny bit weepy, as one does when they win a race complete a race.  I am so excited for those butterflies at the starting line, for the scenery, the other runners, (soooo many other runners) and the triumph of crossing the finish.

This post is going to get quite a bit longer, as I am leaving you with some of my favourite slogans from spectator signs at races/marathons (some from my memory, some from my friend the internet):

“Look over your shoulder--you are beating all those people”

“Don’t worry, your WAY in front of my husband”

“26.2?  I thought it was 2.62!”

“Pain is temporary, but internet race results last FOREVER!”

“It’s not sweat, it’s liquid AWESOME!”

“I trained for 6 months to hold this sign”

“Because 26.3 miles would be CRAZY!”

“Waking up early and making this sign is hard too!” “You all are really good at exercising”

“Hurry Up!  We’re tired of standing here.”

"Actually, you're NOT almost there!"

"Where are you all going?"

"You're not slow. You're just enjoying the course."

"Stop reading this and keep running!"

"It'll feel better when it stops hurting."

“No one made you do this”

Some of the signs I have seen can be a bit inappropriate, but funny nonetheless.  I excluded all of the "That's what she said" types of signs that seem to be popular these days...although one that I thought was quite funny was, "If it was easy, it would be called your MOM!" yeesh.

I would like to add that my FAVOURITE signs are the ones from kids to their parents.  I of course, get teary-eyed at those :)

Happy running!

5 more sleeps!!

More at iRun

...more blogging about my little Oliver turning ONE!  Over at iRun.ca

Read it: HERE

Happy Running!

One Year

I can't believe that one year ago today, I was holding a brand-new baby.  Technically, yesterday was Oliver's first birthday, but he was born late at night, so he just made the 'cut' for March 26th.

A year ago today, running was the furthest thing from my mind. I don't think I spent much time away from this little (sort of...he was 8lbs8oz) tiny person.  We stared at him, and his little bald head for much of the day, watching him sleep in our arms.  A year passes by so quickly, but within it, so much happens.  This helpless little being we held a year ago is now a mobile, chattering (babyspeak that only a mother understands) and growing every day.  We have a joke in our house that Oliver will soon be the same size as his big brother Milo--only a handful of pounds seperate them in size!

1 day old, our little Olly

A year ago I knew that I would make plans to race in the months following his birth.  I did.  Although I didn't achieve any Personal Bests in the past year, I have run some races to be proud of, for sure.

To recap:

Avery's Bravery 5km was five weeks after Olly was born.  It was perfect motivation to get out there running within a couple of weeks of his birth.  26:45(ish)

The Watford 5-Miler was next, in May.  It was a windy run (my least favourite) but I managed to finish feeling strong.  It was nice to have Oliver waiting (and cheering?) at the finish line.  39:57

Next up, in June was the Bridge Race 10km.  I love this race, and this was my third year running it.  Starting in the US and finishing in Canada is fun.  (Climbing up and over that bridge can be a challenge, but worth it!)  47:29

On a very hot June evening, I ran the Angus Glen 5-Miler.  Not my finest race.  Actually, a little hot and miserable.  The race shirts and swag bags are always so great at their races though :)  39:26

Speaking of hot...next up was the St. Clair River Run 10km.  I thought I would beat my Bridge Race 10km time from June because this is a flat course.  No such luck!  47:39

...On to another favourite race, the Oakville Half in September.  I had a terrible head cold, so I spent a large part of the race with sweaty fever/chills.  Oof.  1:43:01

In an attempt to redeem my poor race day in Oakville, I signed up for the Angus Glen Half in November.  It just wasn't my day.  At least the race shirts were top-notch, of course.  1:47:56

My two favourite races from the last year, hands down, were the Disney Races in January.  The half marathon with my husband was so special.  Nothing says "I love you" like getting to the starting line for 5:30am together.  Maybe we should try traditional date nights like other couples?!  1:56:xx
The Disney marathon (the very next morning!) was so great.  It was relaxed and fun, with a new running friend, Kiska.  We laughed and chatted the entire 4:05:xx

On Sunday, I rounded out Oliver's first year with the Around the Bay 30km.  It was part training run, part race.  I ran into (not literally) some very inspirational runners at the starting line (running as part of the Team In Training group) that had such great spirit and enthusiasm for the whole thing, that it kept me going for a lot of the race.  Thanks, Cory and Robin!  They weren't only running the race, they also had raised thousands of dollars for Leukemia Research.  Wow!  2:24:02

The highlight of my year, of course, has been training for Boston.  In less than three weeks, I will be traveling to Boston to line up with my 25,000 closest running friends.  It has been such a thrill to imagine myself there, and it is approaching quickly!  I can't wait!

My big boy Olly at one year old (with Papa)!

Happy Birthday Oliver.  Mama can't wait to see you at the starting line of a race some day :)
**As of today, he has started taking real steps, so he is well on his way to running!**

One. Month. Left.

Yikes!

In just one month I will be relaxing after the Boston Marathon.  I will be loaded with tidbits I will want to write about and share on my blog, no doubt.

Just one month standing between me and the big day.  It is so exciting to be so close, but also to know that I still have some time to panic and run more train.

I compiled a list of the things I am wishing and hoping for in the next month.  Read them HERE on iRun.ca

I am sad that March break is coming to an end, but even more sad that my maternity leave of 14 months will soon come to an end as well.  We went to a Maple Syrup festival today, and the boys loved running around in the warm, spring air.  Here's hoping this weather will stay until next week's Bay Race!

The boys.  Oliver never gets in these photos as he is always strapped to my back!

Happy Running!

Notes to my 21-year-old self

It seems like everyday gets even busier around here, especially as I gear up for heading back to work in (gulp) less than 3 weeks.

I have been pondering the time I enjoyed as a youngster, as a full-time student (ah, those were the days)...

Check out my post about all of this at iRun :) HERE

how big they get in just 11 months!

All aboard the "cross-train"!

I've been thinking a lot about "cross-training" lately.  Mainly, due to the training schedule I am following, made by a super-fast runner, (she must know what she is talking about) Nicole Stevenson (google her, she is really fast!).  She has "core work/cross training" added into my schedule every week.

At first, I thought this was going to be a huge problem for me.  I am a runner, because that is what I like to do.  I like getting out there to run every day.  If I wanted to bike or swim, I would be a cyclist or swimmer, wouldn't I?  Also, it is winter.  I don't have a membership to a gym or pool.  Hmmm.  Oh, and I don't know how to swim either.  Small details.  Oh, and I don't have  a good bike.  Hmm.

Yoga I can do.  Yoga I enjoy.  Lots.  As it turns out, my three-year-old loves yoga also.  He has the Sunrise Salutation down.  So cute.  I couldn't help but think, "is this yoga enough?"  I usually cheat in a run on the same day as yoga as well, to make myself feel a bit more 'cardio-exhurted'.

Then.  It hit me.  There was something else I could add!

Enter: Runner's Bootcamp!!

A couple of years ago, when I was in some good running shape, I had joined this weekly workout session in the winter, and really enjoyed the pain workouts.  I went to a school gym, and with about 25 other people, endured an hour and 15 minutes of torture, lead by David Brooks (a passionate Guelph runner who founded Road Race Results).  The workout is designed specifically for runners, so the entire time I am feeling like I just want to cry and crawl back to my car, I tell myself that these moves are going to make me a better runner.  Think burpees, shuttle runs, holding a plank for more than 2 minutes, (try it.) lots of crunches, stability work, etc, etc.
I am hoping that by making my core stronger, and working out in an anaerobic way, I will have more "pop" in the last couple of kilometres toward any finish line I come to.  Here's hoping...

Failing all of that, I do sweat lots, so that has to count for something?!

The bonus, is that I can add some of the 'moves' I have learned into my regular yoga routine :)

For now, this works as "cross-training".  Perhaps in the spring I will attempt some sort of other 'sport'.  Don't hold your breath, though.  I'm not.

**I am getting a wee bit of exercise these days by taking the boys out to the toboggan hill--lugging those snowboards, toboggans, etc. up the hill for a couple of hours must work some extra muscles, right?!**

Milo, post tobogganing

Happy Running! Or Cross-training!

Detective Running!

My long run on Sunday was quite slushy.  I was splashed by a few cars (I am sure it wasn't on purpose, but it doesn't make it feel any less wet and yucky, when one side of your body is covered in cold slushy splatter).  When I managed to get home, I looked down to take off my shoes.  I was horrified to see this:

note the reddish stuff on both shoes

Now, I know I watch too much CSI.  But I was honestly shocked and horrified that I had somehow run through some sort of crime scene without even noticing!  My husband took one look at the evidence shoes, and informed me it was obviously ketchup.  Bless his heart, he even did a little "sniff" test.

So.  I ran on a ketchup packet (perhaps from a late-night craving someone gave in to to?).  It made a goopy mess of my shoes.  I have been running in snow for the last 2 days, in an attempt to clean them up a bit.

Years from now, I may tell the story differently, for some pizazz.  "Then, I ran through some sort of bloody crime scene!"

...but only if the hubs isn't around to burst my bubble.

Happy Running!

New Posts! Sorta.

My last post was on boxing day?!  Yeesh.


I have obviously been spending too much time writing blog posts at iRun.ca...

http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/a-few-of-my-favourite-things/

http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/does-it-snow-in-boston/

http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/new-year-still-running/

I promise to write some real posts here soon :)  I will add a photo of my sweet new nephew, though!

Milo and myself catching up with my brother's new baby, Emmett

Happy Running!