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...
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
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.
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!
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 theshuttle 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.
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".
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
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! |
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)! |
I waited in line (a LONG line) for the
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
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
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 fewyears 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 Inever 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 theywin 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):
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 :)
Picturing myself running the Boston marathon has been on my mind lots over the last few
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
- 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
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!!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
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!
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!
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!**
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!**
Friday, March 16, 2012
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!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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
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! |
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