We arrived home from our lovely weekend away last night, with little energy for more than an evening watching the food network. It has become a bit of an obsession around our house lately. I have never been one for fancy food, so it surprises me that I am so into so many shows on this channel! I just love watching these chefs create little masterpieces on a plate, even though I don't really see myself eating half of it. I am not a seafood fan, and much of what is created on that channel involves scallops, fresh fish, etc. I guess I just love getting caught up in all of the fanciness of it. Especially when there is competition involved. Sign me up for an Iron Chef marathon any day! (watching, that is)...
So, as I lay on the couch with my feet up, I could not picture myself rising early to embark on a 32 kilometer (20 mile) run on a Monday morning. Unfortunately, promises are promises, and I did commit to my training plan. I forced the tv off at a reasonable hour, and headed to bed, trying to mentally prepare myself for the run. All of this mental preparation landed me some interesting dreams! I dreamt that I was late for a race, and was forced to run in a bathing suit and bare feet. hmph.
I filled my handheld with rain berry gatorade, and my pockets with Sharkies (out of GU chomps--bummer). I dug out my cell phone and ipod (yes, I carry too much while I run!!) and laced up my shoes. I planned to do a 10 mile loop twice. This way, I would pass by home in the middle for a pit stop and refill of the essentials. During the first loop, as I was running along, my favourite people in the whole world stopped to cheer me on. My husband was driving into town with the boys so they stopped when they saw me. Nothing warms a mother's heart more than seeing her boy's big smiles in the back seat of the car. "Milo run too?" said my little one, which melted my heart a bit. I knew they loved all of those runs I have forced them on! The next hour or so cruised along, no problems. At about mile 14, my ipod stopped working (?!) so not only was I sad not to have the music, but I was sad to carry the dead weight. It was heating up out there, and I was drinking through my liquids much faster than anticipated. My mile 19, (the final stretch!) I was taking teeny sips, hoping to make it last. I thought my shoes were going to melt to the road. The last stretch of the loop is quite sunny (relentless sun and no wind, really). I knew my parents were driving to our house for a visit, and I prayed that they would come along the road by chance to rescue me. Sure enough, my prayers were answered. With about a half of a mile to go, my other favourite people came along in their car. They pulled to the side of the road, and said, "hey, want a ride?!" I am sure they expected me to say, "no, I will meet you there!" but I was soooo not into proving my toughness at that point. I feel bad that their lovely leather seats now are sweat-infused (eeeewww).
If mom and dad can't save you from the big, bad sun, who can?!
It really was a hot day, and it caught me a tiny bit off-guard, but at least the run is now behind me. So I didn't make it the entire 32kms. I am fine with 31 for this week :)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Happy Friday
Just as I am getting used to the 'family runs' my husband and I have been enjoying with the boys, I am realizing that they will soon come to an end. This morning our run was nothing short of perfect. Sure, the boys fought a little over blankets (even though they each had their own) but the fact that they needed blankets was lovely. The temperature was cooland sunny at 7:30 when we left, and remained that way for the whole 7kms.
During the run, Elliott announced that he would like a cat and a dog (not happening) as pets. He is definitely his father's son when it comes to animals. Poor kid. His little bro's allergies to dogs will prevent him from the pet experience, but it makes me glad to know he will enjoy visiting the pets of our friends and relatives in years to come.
We are headed out of town for the weekend (sniff, sniff...one of the last summer weekends!) and I have packed my running things hoping I can squeeze in some running/sight seeing into the weekend. My long run will have to wait until Monday though, as I am not interested in running for a few hours in an unfamiliar place.
Here's to a great weekend of visiting with family, eating well, and (hopefully) lots of sunshine! Oh, and a hotel with a pool. Elliott keeps reminding me of this crucial detail :)
During the run, Elliott announced that he would like a cat and a dog (not happening) as pets. He is definitely his father's son when it comes to animals. Poor kid. His little bro's allergies to dogs will prevent him from the pet experience, but it makes me glad to know he will enjoy visiting the pets of our friends and relatives in years to come.
We are headed out of town for the weekend (sniff, sniff...one of the last summer weekends!) and I have packed my running things hoping I can squeeze in some running/sight seeing into the weekend. My long run will have to wait until Monday though, as I am not interested in running for a few hours in an unfamiliar place.
Here's to a great weekend of visiting with family, eating well, and (hopefully) lots of sunshine! Oh, and a hotel with a pool. Elliott keeps reminding me of this crucial detail :)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday Update Part Two
I felt like tonight's run deserved it's own post. It was 3k Time Trial night at the track! I run intervals on Tuesday nights at a local track with the Guelph Victors. They are a great (and talented!) group of runners, obviously in Guelph, that have a lot of fun and work really hard at the same time. They organize local races and really are a community staple in my eyes.
Every couple of months (when it's nice out) they hold a 3k time trial. I find it tricky to make it to all of them, with kids, a husband with a crazy schedule, etc. The last 3k time trial I made it to was April 13, so I was happy to be able to attend this evening's run. My husband decided to run the time trial too (yay!) so it became a family event. I packed the BOB full of snacks, toys and books for the boys, and told them to cheer everyone on as they ran by. We would see them from the track every 400 meters, so hopefully they wouldn't get lonely?! They did very well to wave and cheer, and Milo only cried a little near the end. It did make mommy try to run a bit faster, so it was all good. Milo was yelling, "Milo's running turn?" over and over by the time I finished. So cute. They just love that track (gush!).
The 3k was a good one. I feel like I ran strong the entire time. It wasn't my fastest, but I was happy with my 12:30 finish. My time in April was 11:58, but hey, what can you do?! I am not super-proud to have gobbled up another 30 seconds in the 7 1/2 times around that track, but my boys cheered me on like I was the number one finisher!
After we finished the time trial, we were to run 2 x 800m. My husband and I each took one of them, as we couldn't leave the munchkins unattended at the side of the track, and there was no way they were going to accept being shoved back into the BOB. He took the first 800, and I took the second. I feel like my break was a little long in between, so I lost some momentum. It felt hard to get up to pace. I finished that 800 in 3:06.
It was so nice to have the boys with us at the track. I love watching them run and cheer. Perhaps it is because I am secretly hoping it will tire them out so much that they will sleep that much better?! My other favourite thing is the pasta I am about to eat as a lovely little recovery dinner!
Every couple of months (when it's nice out) they hold a 3k time trial. I find it tricky to make it to all of them, with kids, a husband with a crazy schedule, etc. The last 3k time trial I made it to was April 13, so I was happy to be able to attend this evening's run. My husband decided to run the time trial too (yay!) so it became a family event. I packed the BOB full of snacks, toys and books for the boys, and told them to cheer everyone on as they ran by. We would see them from the track every 400 meters, so hopefully they wouldn't get lonely?! They did very well to wave and cheer, and Milo only cried a little near the end. It did make mommy try to run a bit faster, so it was all good. Milo was yelling, "Milo's running turn?" over and over by the time I finished. So cute. They just love that track (gush!).
The 3k was a good one. I feel like I ran strong the entire time. It wasn't my fastest, but I was happy with my 12:30 finish. My time in April was 11:58, but hey, what can you do?! I am not super-proud to have gobbled up another 30 seconds in the 7 1/2 times around that track, but my boys cheered me on like I was the number one finisher!
After we finished the time trial, we were to run 2 x 800m. My husband and I each took one of them, as we couldn't leave the munchkins unattended at the side of the track, and there was no way they were going to accept being shoved back into the BOB. He took the first 800, and I took the second. I feel like my break was a little long in between, so I lost some momentum. It felt hard to get up to pace. I finished that 800 in 3:06.
It was so nice to have the boys with us at the track. I love watching them run and cheer. Perhaps it is because I am secretly hoping it will tire them out so much that they will sleep that much better?! My other favourite thing is the pasta I am about to eat as a lovely little recovery dinner!
Tuesday update Part One
We finally feel like we are falling back into a routine here at home, after another couple of days away...just in time for dreaded September to creep into our lives again :(
We drove to my parent's house on Saturday night, hoping to wake up to some sunshine and time in their pool Sunday morning. It was nice waking up at Grandma and Grandpa's house, but there was no sunshine in sight. Just rain and wind. That was okay with me, though, as I had a long run in store, so less sun and heat always is a nice change in the summer time!
My brother came over, and we loaded up my husband with a backpack of gatorade, (yep, rain berry flavour) GU chomps, water, and jelly belly sport beans. He planned on biking along with us down the country roads of our long run. It was awesome to have him along, not just because he carried all of the supplements we would need, but for bonding time between him, my brother and me. We chatted about all things running (as my brother and I do often) and everything in between. My brother is a great person to run with, especially for good conversation. It also helps that he has a Garmin that keeps track of our distance, etc. so we know whether we are on-track (or not!).
We ran just over 16 miles in 2:02. We did have to add in a pit-stop when we got into "town" (about half way). I really felt the wind on the stretch home, but it was a nice cool run, so I have no complaints. It is too bad we weren't in much of a cooling off mood when we returned to my parent's house, because it isn't every day that I can just jump into a cool and refreshing swimming pool, but sometimes the planets just don't align like we want them to :)
I completely forgot to use my recovery socks after the run (I even remembered to pack them, which is hard for me!) but I wasn't any worse for wear. I took Monday as a day off anyway.
I only wish we had brought our camera for the long run (especially with an *assistant* on a bike with a backpack!) but we forgot. No photos of us plugging along in the wind. I should find some stock photos of my brother and I running together and add them soon.
We drove to my parent's house on Saturday night, hoping to wake up to some sunshine and time in their pool Sunday morning. It was nice waking up at Grandma and Grandpa's house, but there was no sunshine in sight. Just rain and wind. That was okay with me, though, as I had a long run in store, so less sun and heat always is a nice change in the summer time!
My brother came over, and we loaded up my husband with a backpack of gatorade, (yep, rain berry flavour) GU chomps, water, and jelly belly sport beans. He planned on biking along with us down the country roads of our long run. It was awesome to have him along, not just because he carried all of the supplements we would need, but for bonding time between him, my brother and me. We chatted about all things running (as my brother and I do often) and everything in between. My brother is a great person to run with, especially for good conversation. It also helps that he has a Garmin that keeps track of our distance, etc. so we know whether we are on-track (or not!).
We ran just over 16 miles in 2:02. We did have to add in a pit-stop when we got into "town" (about half way). I really felt the wind on the stretch home, but it was a nice cool run, so I have no complaints. It is too bad we weren't in much of a cooling off mood when we returned to my parent's house, because it isn't every day that I can just jump into a cool and refreshing swimming pool, but sometimes the planets just don't align like we want them to :)
I completely forgot to use my recovery socks after the run (I even remembered to pack them, which is hard for me!) but I wasn't any worse for wear. I took Monday as a day off anyway.
I only wish we had brought our camera for the long run (especially with an *assistant* on a bike with a backpack!) but we forgot. No photos of us plugging along in the wind. I should find some stock photos of my brother and I running together and add them soon.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Week's end wrap-up
It's Friday evening already...the week flew by in a flash. After Sunday's race (btw, I finished 3rd in my age group!) we packed up to go camping Monday, in Awenda Provincial Park.
The weather was beautiful for camping, and the boys were quite excited to be back on a campsite surrounded by nature. We were camping in July, and they have been eager to get back out there! Being able to take them to the beach, and cook giant marshmallows were highlights of the trip.
I wish I was coordinated enough to carry along a camera while running, as the trails in Awenda are so scenic. They are perfectly shaded, and only a tiny bit hilly, so running even in the middle of the day is pleasant! I don't often have the chance to enjoy running on trails, as it can be hard with the double buggy. Maybe someday I will do this regularly, as Rockwood, where I live, has some beautiful trails in the conservation area. For now we will just enjoy them for family nature walks!
While we were on our camping adventure, we went to visit some of my husband's family, as they live in the area. His uncle still, after all these years, can't get over some of the distances I *enjoy* running. He really thinks I have some marbles missing in my head.
It is hard to explain the joy of the challenge to people sometimes. It is hard to articulate the fact that I often drive down hilly roads near my house and think, "this would be a great run" to anyone that isn't into 'pain for fun'. Even I don't understand all of the science behind the 'runner's high' I know that I chase. I just know that when I am out on a race course and I am really pushing myself, I often think about how proud I am that I can work so hard at something. And, let's not forget the amazing feeling of crossing the finish line. Who isn't thinking about doing another race? The amount of times I have thought, "when is the next race?" while holding a banana, bottle of water, with a bagel tucked under my arm are too many to count.
I was supposed to (sign up and) run the Midsummer Night's Run this weekend in Toronto, but last week I decided against it. I was planning to do the 15km, but it just isn't going to fit into my training schedule. I have to do a 30km run on Sunday, and I just cannot do both in one weekend. I realize there is a 30km option in the Midsummer Night's run, but I would not be racing the distance, so I am opting to save myself the race fee. Besides, I would have to go to the race alone, run it alone, blah, blah, blah, so I think I will mark it on my calendar for next year, and keep my Around the Bay 30k memories for this year :)
Happy weekend running!
The weather was beautiful for camping, and the boys were quite excited to be back on a campsite surrounded by nature. We were camping in July, and they have been eager to get back out there! Being able to take them to the beach, and cook giant marshmallows were highlights of the trip.
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| The roasting of the giant marshmallows--the pic doesn't do the size justice! |
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| Elliott enjoying the marshmallow goo! |
I wish I was coordinated enough to carry along a camera while running, as the trails in Awenda are so scenic. They are perfectly shaded, and only a tiny bit hilly, so running even in the middle of the day is pleasant! I don't often have the chance to enjoy running on trails, as it can be hard with the double buggy. Maybe someday I will do this regularly, as Rockwood, where I live, has some beautiful trails in the conservation area. For now we will just enjoy them for family nature walks!
While we were on our camping adventure, we went to visit some of my husband's family, as they live in the area. His uncle still, after all these years, can't get over some of the distances I *enjoy* running. He really thinks I have some marbles missing in my head.
It is hard to explain the joy of the challenge to people sometimes. It is hard to articulate the fact that I often drive down hilly roads near my house and think, "this would be a great run" to anyone that isn't into 'pain for fun'. Even I don't understand all of the science behind the 'runner's high' I know that I chase. I just know that when I am out on a race course and I am really pushing myself, I often think about how proud I am that I can work so hard at something. And, let's not forget the amazing feeling of crossing the finish line. Who isn't thinking about doing another race? The amount of times I have thought, "when is the next race?" while holding a banana, bottle of water, with a bagel tucked under my arm are too many to count.
I was supposed to (sign up and) run the Midsummer Night's Run this weekend in Toronto, but last week I decided against it. I was planning to do the 15km, but it just isn't going to fit into my training schedule. I have to do a 30km run on Sunday, and I just cannot do both in one weekend. I realize there is a 30km option in the Midsummer Night's run, but I would not be racing the distance, so I am opting to save myself the race fee. Besides, I would have to go to the race alone, run it alone, blah, blah, blah, so I think I will mark it on my calendar for next year, and keep my Around the Bay 30k memories for this year :)
Happy weekend running!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Fergus Highland Games 10k Race Report
Just before getting into bed last night, I checked the weather report one last time. Thunderstorms. Ugh. I dreamt of puddles, soakers and hovering away from danger on the route. As I woke up this morning, no such thunder in sight. Yay! It was overcast, but race day seemed to be shaping into something that I could live with!!
It was humid, yes, but at least there were clouds covering the sun, so it wasn't a humid/sunny double whammy at least. We packed the boys into the car, and headed to Fergus (about 20 minutes away). Close to the race start there was a big play set (jackpot!) so the boys were entertained while we waited for the race to start. There were lots of other children playing, and lots of other dads entertaining them, as we moms seem to be the ones that are running (?). One dad made a joke about this too, which was funny.
At the race start, I saw some familiar faces, which is always nice. I like local races for this reason :) Before I knew it, the gun was going off, and I was settling into a nice comfortable pace. Kilometers 1-4 were right on target, and the scenery was fantastic. After a water station at kilometer 4, we headed to the left, and up a steep (ugh) hill. I usually like the challenge of a hill, but not while I am still trying to gulp back as much water as I can! I did spill more than I ingested, but that is normal for me. At kilometer 5, I checked my watch, to see that I had let myself slip a bit behind my target pace (woops). I had passed a couple of other runners, and I was feeling so good that I just assumed I was doing well :)
I accepted the fact that I was off-pace, and decided to enjoy the view. On overcast days the green in the trees and grass just looks so rich, and this course covered a lot of green areas in the countryside, so I couldn't help but take it all in. (No wonder I was off-pace!)
Before long, I was at kilometer 7...woah, where did those last few kilometers go? I decided it was time to start pushing it to the finish. I really don't like crossing the finish line with energy left to spare. I pushed past a couple of runners, and focused on the bagpipes I could hear blaring away in the distance. I could see it. The big, red words, "Finish Line" up ahead of me. Yay! Even more exciting, the handsome guy behind a double stroller with two of the cutest boys I have ever seen (if I do say so myself).
"Mama, are you finishing your run now," yelled Elliott. "You bet!" I said. I came across the line in 46:ish. Not a personal best, but they can't all be personal bests, can they?
We made our way to the post-race snack area, and I couldn't help but feel accomplished. Yes, I have run further in races. Yes, I have run faster. But I loved this race, and felt so good while I was out there. How can I not feel good about that?!
After returning home from the race, we began packing up for a camping trip we are embarking on beginning Monday. I have high hopes that the boys will enjoy themselves, and that the provincial park will have some nice running trails!
It was humid, yes, but at least there were clouds covering the sun, so it wasn't a humid/sunny double whammy at least. We packed the boys into the car, and headed to Fergus (about 20 minutes away). Close to the race start there was a big play set (jackpot!) so the boys were entertained while we waited for the race to start. There were lots of other children playing, and lots of other dads entertaining them, as we moms seem to be the ones that are running (?). One dad made a joke about this too, which was funny.
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| Race start--waiting for the "Ready, set, GO!" |
I accepted the fact that I was off-pace, and decided to enjoy the view. On overcast days the green in the trees and grass just looks so rich, and this course covered a lot of green areas in the countryside, so I couldn't help but take it all in. (No wonder I was off-pace!)
Before long, I was at kilometer 7...woah, where did those last few kilometers go? I decided it was time to start pushing it to the finish. I really don't like crossing the finish line with energy left to spare. I pushed past a couple of runners, and focused on the bagpipes I could hear blaring away in the distance. I could see it. The big, red words, "Finish Line" up ahead of me. Yay! Even more exciting, the handsome guy behind a double stroller with two of the cutest boys I have ever seen (if I do say so myself).
"Mama, are you finishing your run now," yelled Elliott. "You bet!" I said. I came across the line in 46:ish. Not a personal best, but they can't all be personal bests, can they?
We made our way to the post-race snack area, and I couldn't help but feel accomplished. Yes, I have run further in races. Yes, I have run faster. But I loved this race, and felt so good while I was out there. How can I not feel good about that?!
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| There I am (that little speck) running toward the finish |
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| My number one fan! |
Friday, August 13, 2010
Family Run!
This morning was a special morning. It isn't every day that my husband, myself, and the boys are all ready to go out for a run at the same time. Today it happened! We packed up some snacks, the boys, and laced up our shoes for a nice morning 7k run around the neighbourhood. The boys were still sporting their jammies (ok, we are lazy and don't get them dressed too early when we don't have anywhere we have to be) which was just fine in my eyes as we took advantage of the nice cool 20 degree weather. The boys especially enjoyed today's run, as it is garbage and recycling day, so they saw the trucks. Boys LOVE this!
I have to admit it was strange to have my husband with me as we ran along. We just chatted away as we made our way up the hills, down the streets and through the turns that make up the route. We both happened to wear green shirts, so we kind of looked like a team!
Many years ago, before we had the boys, we lived near a long set of trails that followed a river. I loved these trails for running, as they were scenic, and provided a great deal of shade in the summer months. More often than not, the husband would join me when I went for runs, but he would bike along beside me. It was awesome to have him there with me (especially because he always carried the camelbak full of water, so I literally had a hose of water at my disposal whenever I needed a drink!). Going out together as a family is a fun way to relive some of those memories. I am hoping that he will join me on some of my longer runs that are coming up (just him, his bike and the camelbak) as it would be nice to spend that time on the road chatting with him. I start to forget what it's like to just chat and hang out (even if I am running at the same time) with him!
Here's to a good start to the weekend...I am running in a 10k race on Sunday morning, with a forecast that doesn't look promising :( Hopefully it is a good race, regardless!
Happy Running
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| I balanced the camera on the recycle bin to snap a photo before we left |
I have to admit it was strange to have my husband with me as we ran along. We just chatted away as we made our way up the hills, down the streets and through the turns that make up the route. We both happened to wear green shirts, so we kind of looked like a team!
Many years ago, before we had the boys, we lived near a long set of trails that followed a river. I loved these trails for running, as they were scenic, and provided a great deal of shade in the summer months. More often than not, the husband would join me when I went for runs, but he would bike along beside me. It was awesome to have him there with me (especially because he always carried the camelbak full of water, so I literally had a hose of water at my disposal whenever I needed a drink!). Going out together as a family is a fun way to relive some of those memories. I am hoping that he will join me on some of my longer runs that are coming up (just him, his bike and the camelbak) as it would be nice to spend that time on the road chatting with him. I start to forget what it's like to just chat and hang out (even if I am running at the same time) with him!
Here's to a good start to the weekend...I am running in a 10k race on Sunday morning, with a forecast that doesn't look promising :( Hopefully it is a good race, regardless!
Happy Running
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