My First Official Race Report! Island Girl - Toronto

WE DID IT!!

I have a great story to share about my first 5k race. And some pictures too!

We flew to Toronto on Friday night, and walked around our old neighbourhood. Stopped at Alexandros for take-out Greek food, and did about a 5k walk up Yonge Street and back down Bay Street about 11pm local time.

On Saturday morning we were up and on our way up the subway line to Queens Park at Bloor Street to pick up our race kits. Excitement was building as we checked out our loot bags and got our personalized race bibs:

For those of you that don't know, that's the shy friend who I convinced to take on this task with me.

We spent the rest of Saturday (de) hydrating and walking the city. My best estimate of our walk from Queen's Park to Yonge Street and then all the way down to Queens Quay puts it at about a 10km day. We did head to bed relatively early to prepare for our big day on Sunday.

We were up bright and early to catch the 7:30am ferry to Centre Island:

Poor Todd is taking the picture, so you can't see him!

There was a lot of spirit on the ferry, and teams dressed for the half marathon relay (or who were doing the half marathon together). We enjoyed the ride over and got off the boat ready to take on this challenge.

After getting situated with our running gear on, we were given lai's and our timing chips. I considered sending the timing chip on someone else's leg, but figured that was probably an illegal tactic at an official race.

Once we were ready it was time to join the crowd in the starting chute to do the ten minute warm-up routine:

The warm-up was a lot of fun, and went by pretty quickly. Almost too quickly. I'm sure there was a look of terror on my face as we waited for the 2 minute countdown to the start to end.

At this point, I was scoping out what individual I could surely beat to avoid last place in this race. There had to be one....

Before I could figure it out the gun went and it was time to run. My favorite picture is at the beginning of the race. We look like runners in this photo:

Granted we are running at the tail end of this thing, but nonetheless you can't dispute the fact that we look like we know what we are doing.

The first minute of the race was fast as everyone took off to prove to the spectators that they were all real athletes. I went a little faster than my usual slow pace and after about 90 seconds thought I should assess the situation to see how much I could slow down. When I turned my head to count the people behind me, it was a rude awakening to see that there was NO ONE there. Needless to say, I kept on running faster than my usual slow pace.

The race starts over a bridge that connects to the road on the island. So you run up one side of the bridge and down the other, around a pretty fountain and then away down the road. About three minutes in several ladies started to walk, and I finally got to move up from last place. I passed about five people during that first kilometer, and then started in on my steady pace for about three minutes.

After passing the 1k sign, Pretty Vegas came on and I picked up my speed again. I passed about four more people (including Michelle) and continued on my merry way. The first two kilometers of this race were the fastest kilometers I have ever run. 7:13 on the 1st and 7:37 on the second.

I made it to the 2.5k mark and the water station before goofing up. On most race reports I have read, the volunteers at the water station pass you a glass of water that you drink and toss as you continue running. I took my water and drank it, went to toss it and the next volunteer said "No, no - you have to put it in the garbage can over there."

So I had to backtrack about ten feet and cross the road to put my glass in the garbage.

I went back and continued on, and next thing I knew the guy was yelling at my again and Michelle was laughing at me. Apparently this was where you were supposed to turn around. So you were supposed to take the water, drink it while you made the turning loop, and then toss it in the garbage.

I'm pretty sure I lost at least a minute at the water station just screwing up where I was supposed to be going.

After that point, Michelle and I ran together for a few minutes, passing by several people who were quite a piece behind us. It was comforting to know that other people run as slow as I do, too!

We FINALLY reached the 3k mark and I was pretty sure I was never going to see 5k. My legs were sore, my ankles hurt, and I was thirsty from breathing through my mouth. That was all partly due to my lack of training for the last four weeks, due to my injury. Fortunately the ibuprofen and the physio had helped enough to dull the extreme pain that I had in the beginning.

Michelle and I played cat and mouse through the fourth kilometer and then came up with a plan of attack for the end of the race. We were going to pace ourselves and take our good old time during the first half of the last kilometer, and then when we reached the fountain we would pull out all the stops and look mighty fine crossing the finish line.

So we jogged along for what seemed like forever, passing Chelsea Beach, finally took the left turn and headed for the fountain. This time the fountain seemed more annoying than pretty, since it was an obstacle that I had to run AROUND in order to get to the finish line. We had our finish line music all set, and I chose Holding Out for a Hero for the end of my race.

We started up the bridge and as we came over the top and down the other side, the cheering started from the spectators and half marathoners who were waiting to start their races. We started around the turn towards the finish line and the crowd was really supportive:

We kept pulling for the finish line, and together we crossed the finish line with a chip time of 41:20. This was a personal record for both of us!!! (Yes, it was our first time officially running 5k).

And great news! Michelle and I tied for first place in the Atlantic Canadian division of the race.

After we walked off the course, we were given medals and trophies:

These great awards were provide by our husbands. There were many envious women on the Toronto Islands after that race, let me tell you!

And the glamour shot:

All in all, it was a great event and we were really proud of ourselves for accomplishing out goal. As soon as she was done, Michelle suggested that we should definitely do the Run for Wine in Wolfville in November. Guess the full 5k didn't scare her away from running!

What happened to me - I disappeared!

So you are all probably thinking I have fallen off the face of the earth. And to an extent I have, although I have been fighting to keep this running thing going.

Three weeks ago yesterday I developed a lot of pain in my legs after running. I thought they were shin splints and took a full week off to give my legs time to heal. I went out two more times without any issues, but the third time I went out after 8 minutes of running I had to stop - the pain was too bad.

I walked home and took another 5 days off. By this time, I was starting to get antsy. The big 5k race day was two and a half weeks away and I had not run MUCH in the last two weeks, AND I couldn't seem to shake this pain. I ran Thursday and Saturday, both days doing a VERY slow run and still experiencing pain.

Sunday was the worst. The pain had settled in my legs and my feet, and my arches were incredibly sore. On Monday I went to the doctor. She thought I might have plantar fasciitis, and definitely an issue with my leg, so she sent me to physiotherapy.

I started physio yesterday with a great lady. She spent 90 minutes with me, assessing where I was having pain and the type of pain I was having. Then she told me that the sore legs and feet are not the issue. They are the resulting symptoms but not the issue. The issue was sometime else, likely a back issue. So she spent some time assessing my running shoes and if they were doing their job (which she felt they were), and then took me to the gym and put me on the treadmill to assess my gait.

Bingo- she quickly found the problem. Apparently Wanda can't walk correctly. Or run, for that matter. My left stride is shorter than my right stride, my right side (including my arm) swing more than my left, and as a result I have a weird pelvic twist that requires my left calf to overcompensate and is likely the reason for the significant pain in my left leg and foot.

I blame my years marching in a pipe band, pushing a drum with my left leg while swinging my right arm. Who would have thought??? And I might never have known that I walk weird, if I hadn't started running.

That was the easy part. Then she taught me some exercises to do to work on balancing out my body and my pelvis. And she taught me how to walk better, and not twist my pelvis in this funny way.

So between now and Monday I am to do these exercises and practice walking correctly. If I get comfortable with the correct walk posture then I can advance to a faster walk, and only if I'm good can I move to a slow run.

My legs still hurt too much to run anyway. She did electrical therapy of some sort and that REALLY helped my arches, they feel much better. My legs are still quite sore though.

Now that I am home and able to practice this correct walking form, I am having trouble remembering what I am supposed to do, because let's face it, it feels really awkward to me. So last night I was googling walking form to figure out what I am supposed to do. I found some articles on Chi Walking and Chi Running and they seem to refer to the pelvis and what it is supposed to be doing, so I think I will use that site to help me figure this out.

So what about the big race? (not to be last....)

Well, it is ten days from today. I have yet to run 5k - the closest I have achieved is 4.25 km.  I am not allowed to run till I perfect this form.  And I have run only 4 times in the past three weeks. My goal to not be last is seeming harder and harder to achieve.

I have added pressure because I convinced my best friend to take up running and do this with me. Imagine if we arrive in Toronto and while she takes off at the starting line with her best run, I walk. She might kill me.

A lady I work with ran the Boston Marathon in 2010, and told me not to worry about it. She was not able to run or train for the entire month before Boston due to an injury. And yet she was able to run the marathon without any trouble, her body remembering what it was supposed to do.

That is encouraging - but to be frank she is in much better physical condition than me...obviously since she qualified for Boston and I am just trying to run my first 5k.

What's my plan? I am going to go with the flow. It's my usual approach anyway.

Finished of the Couch to 5k Program

So, one day last week I went out and did the last day of the C25k program from Cool Running. Had a great run and between my warm-up walk, my 30 minutes of running and my cool down walk I managed to cover the full 5k.

I AM A COUCH TO 5K GRADUATE!!

I've got a bit of work to do before the 5k race, but that's okay. I've got some time.

The first problem though is the 'hurt' I did to my legs on Wednesday night last week. Got on the treadmill (it must have been raining out or dark, I can't remember which) and after ten minutes of running I had to stop because my legs hurt so badly. I'm not sure what I hurt, but I definitely did something to my lower leg on the inner part. Both legs are sore, but the left WAY more than the right.

I waited it out till Friday and they just ached all day at work, so Friday night I started icing the sore spots two or three times a day. The icing is helping and there is definitely improvement, but they are still sore by times.

I golfed eighteen holes today, and apparently riding along in the golf cart didn't help because they are very sore tonight. I am about to pop a few Advil and start the icing process again. If they are settled down tomorrow then I MIGHT try going for a walk to assess if I can maybe start running again Wednesday, which is a full week off!!

This isn't good for the 5k training! But this too shall pass....

The 5k Wine Run

That's right - I have found another run to consider. It's in Wolfville the first week of November at the Muir Murray Estate Winery and provides water AND wine during the run.

Now, I know it will be chilly in November, but if I can have a glass of wine every 2.5k how cold and cranky could I possibly be?

I think you need to seriously consider doing this fun run with me. How fast could the expected pace be? We're gonna drink wine every 2.5k (and afterwards!). And....you have eleven weeks to train, plenty of time to do the Couch to 5k program. And...you could have the pleasure of being at a run with Michelle and I (supposing I can convince her that her health depends on her participating in this fun run (after all, wine is good for your heart, right?)

I did week 9 day 1 last night, 30 minutes of straight running. Had to use the treadmill because Todd was out with friends and I didn't want to leave the kids. My legs were sore afterwards but are surprisingly fine today AFTER I got moving a bit. The first 10 minutes weren't so pretty.

I made it 4.5k in my 30 minutes of running plus 12 minutes of walking.

Think about the wine run!!

Lessons Learned from Running (and NOT running)...Take Two

Last night I finished week 8 of the couch to 5k program. This week I move in to week 9 and will graduate from the program a week from today.

The last two weeks have not been without their challenges. This has caused me to spend some time thinking about this running business, and whether I really want to do it. Eight weeks in, and here's what I have discovered.

Running is hard! When you have to run for a long period of time (aka 28 minutes like this week, or 25 minutes like last week) it is really hard to do it.

WHY?

Well, when I have been doing these last six runs, I have realized some things about myself. First off, my muscles don't generally hurt THAT much when I am out running. I did have some unusual calf muscle pain last week, but I think that was because I actually pushed myself to cover some distance (as opposed to nearly running in place which is sometimes what it feels like when I am running).

Second, breathing isn't really ALL that difficult, unless it is hot and humid. Or if I am pushing myself a bit too hard.

I have learned something big about running. 

Your ability to run is not dependent on your physical ability or your lung capacity. Running success isn't impacted by the brand of running shoes you are wearing, or even how quickly you can cover your target distance for the outing.

Running is a mind game. Plain and simple.

And maybe you achieve the elusive 'runner's high' when you overcome your mental limitations, block out your thoughts and allow yourself to achieve a successful run. The 'Just Do It' of running. Whether it's a beginner's run....like the lady I ran past last night who 'was just trying to get through ten minutes of running' (trust me honey...I've been there and if Wayne saw either of us he would have opened the truck door to put us out of our misery). But is it misery???  

Or a slightly more experienced runner attempting her very first 5k, thrilled at the starting line to be one of the group and realizing when the starting gun blasts and the others all take off and leave her behind that she isn't as experienced as she thought...but then overcoming that mental wrench and cheering the significance of her accomplishment as she crosses the finish line after running FIVE ENTIRE KILOMETERS.  

On Saturday I went out to run day 3 and after 3 and a half minutes of running I called it quits because my legs hurt. I started again a few minutes later and managed to run another minute before my legs hurt again. Four minutes of walking and then I decide I have to do this so I start to run again. Three minutes later and I can't breathe properly and give it up again. After walking for about 8 minutes I try again and manage to run about five minutes. I gave up when some sciatic nerve pain kicked in and I walked the rest of the way back to the trailer. Feeling pretty miserable about myself. Questioning why I am even trying to do this. And if I really CAN do it.

After enjoying some beach time and some family time, I returned home last night thinking I should try it again. I turned up beer with the neighbours because I knew I had to try this again (I know that's hard to believe!). And I walked out the door and started day 3 over again.  For the first 15 minutes of walking and running, I almost turned my brain into a chant machine. If I wasn't singing the song on my ipod, I was repeating: "I CAN DO THIS". And then, after 15 minutes of running, you can't stop because you are past the point of no return.

I can't stop now...that would waste all of the good effort that I just put into the first 15 minutes of running.

Even the slight hill in front of the Magnolia didn't slow me down. Shake It came on for the last three of my 28 running minutes and I hit my stride, full on with long legs extended. I can cover a lot of ground when I do that! And then it hit me...the feeling that I REALLY can do this, that I really can do anything....the elusive runners' high.

Well, until the three minutes of sprinting ended and then I had a near death experience. *LOL* ...but that only lasted for about 25 seconds.

And then as I walked through my cool down, I lavished in the feeling of accomplishment and knew that this whole running thing is a mind game. And I am going to keep on trying to win.

And another race idea....

Hello....in spite of the pouring rain last night I made a special visit to the treadmill in my basement to complete Week 8 Day 2 of the C25k program. I knew if I moved some junk around and cleared my way past basketballs and the mini-hoop net I would find a treadmill in that room somewhere. ;-)

I spent two hours Wednesday night making a special playlist for myself at the beat per minute rate that I figured out is somewhat comfortable but also challenging for me to run to. I am still striving to get to 5k so I need all the help I can get.  I headed to the basement last night with my new playlist loaded on my ipod and off I went.

Here's my new playlist:
 Warm-up walk (7 minutes):
     One Week - the Barenaked Ladies
     Pink Cadillac - Natalie Cole

 Running Music (28 minutes):
     Jump (for my love) - the Pointer Sisters (135 bpm)

Two minutes in and my calves started to hurt for the first time in weeks. What's with that???

     Beat It - Michael Jackson (135 bpm)
     Pretty Vegas - INXS (136 bpm)
     Rio - Duran Duran (142 bpm)
     That's Not My Name - the Ting Tings (146 bpm for 5 whole minutes. Youch)

This is about the time the sweat was rolling over my lip and likely splashing the floor.

     Thunderstruck - ACDC (128 bpm)
     Shake It - Metro Station (150 bpm for the last 3 minutes)

I was pretty sure I might die before that last song ended. Of course, Abby was standing beside me watching every gasp for breath that I made.

And then the cool-down walk to U2's Beautiful Day.

I managed to cover 4.5km during my 40 minutes of exercise. That was very exciting! There is hope that I might manage to do 5k yet!!

Tomorrow is w8d3 and then next week is my final week of the Couch to 5k program. Can you believe I am almost there? I can't. It's not that long ago that I couldn't run for 90 seconds at a time, let alone a half hour.

I found out this week that there is a race in my hometown on Labour Day (September 5th). The Jimmy Hawboldt / Fred Lays Sr. Memorial Road Race offers a 1 mile course and a 5 mile course. So I think I might enter it with the kids and do the 1 mile race (cause there's no way I am running 5 miles by then!!). They also have kids races in the park and stuff, but I know Noah and Abby can outrun me so they can come with me in the 1 miler. My first race, and doing it with my kids! Wish me luck!
    

Back from Vacation and BIG NEWS!!

Hey there everyone! After a two week vacation at the beach, I've got some tales to tell and then I've got some big news to share.

We hauled the trailer to Gulf Shore Campground two weeks ago today, July 25th. It was a beautiful day and after getting situated we swam in the Northumberland Strait for a few hours. The water was warm and I couldn't believe my two week beach vacation had finally arrived.

If I had known then that it was going to rain for 11 of the 14 days I would be at the beach, I would have swam MUCH longer.

That week at Gulf Shore was warm, even with the rain. I completed week 6 of the C25k program on the road along the Gulf Shore, mostly cursing the hills but occasionally the heat as well. It was very hilly along the way there, and even smiling at Anne Murray as she drove by me one morning wasn't enough to cheer me up about how HARD it was to run on that road.

We had a great week at Gulf Shore, dining and visiting with the Porters and then with Michelle and Wayne, too. The Richards (complete with Mama Richard and Emmy from Quebec) also visited at Gulf Shore, and joined us in the wait for the sun to shine. At this point in time I was wondering how much rain you could get on your beach vacation - it couldn't last forever, could it?

On Sunday the 31st we moved along the North Shore to Brule Point, at Sunset Watch Campground. It was a nice day and in all the excitement about the sun I forgot sunscreen so I managed to get a sunburn. First thing Monday morning Todd was out of bed for his walk. He was back in no time, swiping at bugs, out of breath and warning me about the crazy Brule morning mosquitoes. He ended up running most of the time he was gone, and seriously recommended avoiding running up the road and past the field.

So I went back to sleep and at 8:15 decided I would go into Tatamagouche to run. I didn't map out a route beforehand, so I kind of went by feel. The sidewalks are awesome in Tatamagouche, and I had a good run.  I struggled twice on hills and had to walk for about a minute each time, but otherwise felt better about running in Tatamagouche than on the Gulf Shore Road.

This was the last day of sunshine for MANY days. Wednesday was very overcast with intermittent rain, but I went into town and measured my route BEFORE I ran it. Did well with the 25 minute run, but still had those two 60 second walks in the middle.

On Friday, the morning dawned bright and if not warm, then at least not cold enough to require the heat be turned on in the trailer. This was Michelle's day to return to running after her Gulf Shore injury. We drove to the Mennonite Bakery and set off for our respective runs. The shy friend is FAST...I couldn't keep up to her! The run along the Brule Shore Road wasn't as easy as in Tatamagouche, the pavement is falling apart in spots and it would have been very easy to turn an ankle. Anyway, we finished up and went to the Bakery for more sticky cinnamon buns and home made bread and coffee. Yum.

Friday afternoon turned out to be sunny but cold due to a strong northerly wind along the shore. Thanks to the Porters, we got the heads up about seeing the Northern Lights over PEI and ran out from the 45's tournament to see them. That was really neat.

Saturday was beautiful, the morning dawned with blue skies and seals playing in the bay, jumping like dolphins and then lounging on the rocks. That was really cool!

The hottest and nicest beach day of my two week beach vacation was Sunday, the day we had to pack up and move the trailer home. Some things in life just aren't fair.

Today I started week 8 of the program and ran 28 minutes straight, covering 2 miles (3.2km) during that time.  I had to run on the treadmill for the first time, since it was raining so hard today. But I must look on the bright side...I am all set for my birthday 5k. It's September 25th and takes place on the Toronto Islands. And my shy friend Michelle is coming to run it with me! The 'Island Girl' Marathon Weekend is for Women Only, and is a Caribbean themed race. Of course, the supportive husbands, Todd and Wayne will be there to cheer us on.

http://www.islandgirlrunning.com/gallery.html

So I've got to get my act in gear and get some better distance in on these runs. Distance training starts two weeks from today after I finish the C25k program!

Happy Monday everyone!

I FEEL GOOD!

Seriously - this is week 6 of the C25k program and today was day 3. After the warm-up walk I ran for 25 minutes to a fun mix of 80's music. It is my first day of vacation today, so I left home at 8:00 before it was too hot and had an amazing run.

I've been struggling with my pace and my breathing this week. I've been trying to increase my pace a bit, but I have found breathing hard this week due to the humidity and some mild asthma that I have that only surfaces when the humidity is really high. Thursday's run was a struggle, I had to focus so hard on my breathing and at one point I had to stop and walk for a minute to catch my breath.

Today though, it was a breeze. My muscles were in agreement with this run, my breathing came easy, and I kept a good pace throughout the whole run. I even picked up the pace at the end for the last 3 minutes, and for the last minute I ran full out.

Saw Natasha and Rodney Hawco out in their yard, and I even waved at them but I don't think they recognized me. I think Rodney shyly wondered who the heck I was but wasn't really sure. That's okay - I have a new cover for when I'm running so people passing me won't know who I am for a few weeks. There have been a LOT of second glances in the last couple of days.

I have to admit, I was very proud of myself at the end of the 25 minutes. Honestly, I wasn't sure I would be able to do this. Admittedly I am as stubborn as a mule and when I put my mind to something usually have great success at it. But I have never been able to run any more than maybe 200 meters without feeling like I was ready for a heart attack. It was hard to believe that I could start this program and somehow a few weeks later everything would be ready for me to run for 20 or 25 minutes without stopping. And yet, here I am, six weeks later and just done of a 25 minute run that went really well.

I LOVE having this period of 30 or 40 minutes a few times a week that is mine.  I listen to my music, bop along and have fun, the kind of thing that we likely did as kids and teenagers and took for granted. Now I finish my "ME" time and come home feeling great and like I escaped the world for awhile.

If you are looking for some sort of exercise program that doesn't take a big commitment, try this. Thirty minutes three times a week...you just might be surprised at what you can do!

The dreaded day 3 of week 5 is done! 20 minutes straight of running!

And I am still alive to tell the tale. We were at the cottage yesterday, and after a late night of card playing with Lee and Gerard it was a late morning getting started. (Don't ask Gerard who won!) It was COLD at the shore and there was a lot of wind coming off the water.

Lee and Gerard have a spectacular view in the landing - here's what it looks like:

Well - their view is slightly to the right of this picture, but you get the idea. So I spent two hours deliberating about whether it was too cold to run outside and if I really wanted to brave the hills of Pictou Landing for this 20 minutes straight of running. Then I decided there was no better time than the present, so I started to get ready. Of course, I've never really run in cold weather so I wasn't really sure what to wear. I decided on my regular dri-fit clothes with a sweatshirt over top (since I hadn't brought a jacket). I was pretty sure I might be cold, but off I went with Noah for company.

We decided to turn right at the main road instead of doing the big loop like we did last weekend. This turned out to be a good idea, because I was pretty sure we were running along a relatively flat surface.

After the 5 minute warm-up walk and about 3 minutes of running, I was too hot and had to get my sweater off (while still running because heaven help me I can't stop!). Noah was playfully walking along beside me without exerting much effort. *sigh*

I decided to try a few intervals of running faster, to see how it impacted my run. So I did four intervals of running fast (even Noah had to run to keep up with me!) and then decided I should keep at my regular pace. I had a lot of minutes left to go, you know!

Surprisingly, before I knew it, the lady came on and said "Day 3 you are halfway through."  WOW - that was fast. We turned around and started back.

Suddenly, I realized the error of my ways. That long 'flat' stretch is actually a hill, and now I have to run back up it for the last ten minutes of my run. Oh oh. This was definitely not part of my plan.

Meanwhile, Noah is still playfully walking along beside me.

"Wanna do another fast run, Mom?"

"No."

In my head: can't you see the mountain I have to run up in order to get back to the cottage? Why can't I be more aware of hills when I am running down them? Why do you only notice them when they are in front of you and you are running?

We carry on and before I know it, there are 7 minutes left. This was the hard part.

Seven more, focus, seven more, it will be over before you know it.

Six more, you can do it, one foot in front of the other, keep going.

Meanwhile, a parade of cars passes and I am sure that the drivers think I look like I'm insane...there is clearly no enjoyment in this process.

Five more minutes. This isn't so bad. I can do this. Four more (reminiscent of Jane Fonda - maybe I should wear leg warmers next time!). Hey, I'm almost done!

"Noah, let's run faster!"

So we pick up the pace for the last minute and then I am done. Yippee! I'm pretty sure my legs might collapse under me before I ever finish the five minute walk back to the cottage...but eventually I get there. (Mr. Energy ran ahead of me of course).

Needless to say, I was pretty proud of myself that I finished the run. This 20 minute run looms ahead of you for the entire first five weeks, because it is wayyyyy longer than the 90 second, 3 minute, 5 minute, or 8 minute intervals you may have run.

But, I was ready for it. Breathing wasn't a problem, just the soreness in my legs but that wasn't really too bad either. Certainly after I finished, the soreness passed and I was fine the rest of the day.

I am on an off day today but will be back to the running tomorrow or Monday. Week 6! I get two more days of intervals and then at the end of week 6 the long run is for 25 minutes. From there on, the runs are 25 minutes or longer, building up each week until the end of week 9 when you are at 30 minutes.

We measured the distance afterwards, and during my 20 minute run I covered 2.5km. Not bad for my first time!

I am reading a new book on my kindle. It's The Biggest Loser coach Jillian Michaels' "Mastering Your Metabolism". I'm only a quarter of the way into it but it is very interesting. She is focusing on how all of the chemicals on and in our food, and the environmental pollutants we are exposed to, impact the hormones and androgens of our endocrine system. I think she is going to be a proponent of the Eat Clean plan. If so, I may try that, AFTER vacation. LOL!

Nerves and accomplishments!

Hey there - I'm here with my week 5 update. First off, Michelle found us a new set of podcasts that feature more modern music. I put week 5 on my ipod and off I went today for my day 2 run:

Warm up walk 5 minutes
Run 8 minutes
Walk 8 minutes
Run 8 minutes
Walk 5 minutes

I set off to an upbeat version of Rihanna's Umbrella and walked up the hill getting ready for my longest run yet. When Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" came on it was time to run and off I went.

A lady pulled into a driveway and was about to back out but then decided to wait until I was past. I giggled as she was watching me and told her she could have backed out 4 times before I ever got near her. The music switched into "Shake it" and I boogied my way through. Another song came on that I didn't know and finished up the 8 minute run without much trouble. 

I have to say I was pretty surprised at how far I had run during the eight minutes. When I started this program 4 weeks ago I "thought" I had been running a fair amount during my outing but I learned the hard way in week 2 that running for 90 seconds was challenging! And now, here I am, running all the way from the top of Lacy Anne Avenue to nearly the corner of Boyd and Wilson Road without stopping. I just checked on mapmyrun.com and that's about 1km during the 8 minutes of running.

The recovery walk of 5 minutes was plenty of time to catch my breath and get ready to do another 8 minute run. I learned something new tonight...when you run longer you sweat more. And you can feel it dripping...in places you would rather not feel it.

My second run started to 'Girlfriend' by Avril Lavigne and to be honest I felt like I needed a little attitude. Another nice driver let me pass (while likely thinking I would never get by her). This run was not without a few aches and pains but with 3 minutes left to go I knew I couldn't quit. So I kept on running into Survivor by Destiny's Child. Before I knew it there was only a minute left and I pumped it through the last minute to finish strong.

Carli came on and said "week 2 you can stop running now" and Wanda said "Thank F**k." (sorry mom)This was also about 1km of running during the 8 minutes.

If you want a more upbeat podcast, try Carli's podcasts at http://runningintoshape.com/5k-training-downloads/

So...that's 2km of running tonight. On Friday I have to run 20 minutes straight. And yes, I'm nervous about that. I might clear 2.5 to 3km during that time. Apparently I am going to have to work on covering more distance if I'm going to get to run 5k anytime in the near future.

"They" say to run slow to conserve your energy so you are able to get through the runs. I am thinking that I will continue to run slow Friday since I have to run for 20 minutes. But then next week when I start running 25 minutes regularly I might start doing some intervals of faster running to try to cover off a little more distance during my run.

I will be the only woman running in this race who looks like she's running and acts like she's running, but really takes longer to finish the 5k than the walkers in front of her. What race? Stay tuned...I have something picked out but I am trying to get all of the ducks lined up to make it work.

Hills aren't as bad as they look

Ask me: almost every time I had to run today it was on an uphill incline. We spent the night last night at Todd's Mom and Dad's cottage, and even though it was a late night getting to bed I got up and ready to go out and do my run. It was an overcast morning with the promise of rain, which prompted me to get out the door as quickly as I could.

Lee was going out to walk the loop with her neighbour Anne-Marie, and Noah wanted to run with me so off we went. Noah is eleven and very fit, and ran circles around me pretty much the entire duration of the outing.

I did the 5 minute warm up walk, and then added about 2 extra minutes of walking on to get me to the stop sign and the top of the first hill before I started running. Then off we went. I had 3 minutes of running, 90 seconds of walking, and 5 minutes of running. The entire duration of this running was up one very very long stretch of hill. Good thing I didn't drive the loop first, because I might never have left the cottage.

A truck drove past me just as I was finishing my 8 minutes of running, and I thought to myself, "If that was Wayne, he would open the passenger door and put me out of my misery."

Eventually I got to walk 2 and a half minutes, and that was mostly down the really big 'Well Hill'. Then the running began again. I wasn't sure how much stamina I had left. I ran for about 1.5 minutes down hill and then bam...another hill to run up.

"We should run faster Mom...you are good at this, we can cruise fast from here to the cottage."

"Noah, I am going fast. Can't you tell?"

"Oh, well yeah Mom. I just thought, you know." More running in circles around me here. "That we could really run."

Shit Noah, what do you think I've been doing for the last twenty minutes?

Funny thing is, Noah is a really sweet kid and in no way means any disrespect. He just figures we can run really fast and set a world record for getting back to the cottage.

I finished that segment and got to walk for 90 seconds down a hill. Just as I reach the bottom and get ready to start up another hill, it's time to run my last 5 minute run.

Run might be a strong description. I was using running motions, and was moving forward, but I think it might have looked more like I was using the stair climber than running. Fortunately I hit another downhill part and felt that I deserved the treat of running down a hill after all of the uphill running today. Before long, my run was over and I was in the cool down walk part.

Of course, Noah was still circling around me from side to side wanting to run again.

It was nice to have Noah out with me, but talking during the running is just not possible for me, and so at one point in the uphill climb I had to tell him that "now is not the time for a big conversation."

Running in the salt air was nice, even if it did rain on me a bit. And I have to say that I am amazed at the endurance and stamina I am developing. Three weeks ago I couldn't run more than 90 seconds at a time, let alone do any of it on a hill. Never mind a long stretch of hills.

After a nice breakfast at the cottage Todd and I went to do some shopping and then visited Michelle & Wayne (and Britt and Brad). Then we came to the trailer for a quiet night of rest and relaxation, without kids.

Since it's a little damp, we decided to turn the heat on.

Not a good idea. After a run-in with some smoke and a funny smell, we determined that somehow...somewhere...something....was in our heating system. Naturally Chris the firefighter was here LAST weekend, not this weekend. Todd brilliantly thought to grab the fire extinguisher as we ran out the trailer door. I have to give him credit. I was just going to let the whole thing go.

I did however think to turn the furnace off as I ran out the door. Then the smoke died down and we decided we had to LOOK for the 'thing' that had clearly taken up residence somewhere in our RV heating system.

There is no better way to become familiar with your trailer than to simply just start dismantling things.

After inspecting the floor vents and removing the furnace access under the fridge, Todd ventured outside and removed the outer panel. Sure enough - he found the creature who met an untimely death beside our furnace. Apparently lady bugs like dead mice, because there were lots of those too. And other untoward crap that I didn't want to hear about and had no intention of seeing.

I stayed safely on the couch with my feet elevated, facebook chatting with Brittney and Wayne about the whole expedition Todd was on.

My brave man got the whole mess cleaned up and even sprayed some air freshener in there. We are not going to turn the heat on again tonight though. Just to be safe. We'll give it a few days to air out.

If you need to know anything about accessing your trailer furnace, call Todd. He hires out cheap in the summer.

W3D2

Hum.........I am thinking that day 2 in any of the 9 weeks is the pivotal point. Day 1 is new and exciting and day 3 is "getting it done" so you can move on to another challenge. Day 2 you already know what to expect (and how painful it will be) and the only thing you need to look forward to is one more day of the same.

Good news is I got through Week 3 Day 2. Laura (the nice woman on the podcast) told me that I had to get through it even if I want to stop. It is "very important". I wonder if I stopped halfway through would she know. I admit I am a little worried about that.

Day 3 on Saturday - there goes any plan on sleeping in.

The Scoop on Running Without Music

The truth is, man invented portable music for a reason. And we should respect that and use it to our advantage. Not to put ourselves in danger from potential traffic or unheard dogs. But running without music is long and painful.

How do I know this when I listen to podcasts while I run? Because the battery on my ipod went dead exactly halfway through my run today. So I had to 'guesstimate' 2.5 minutes of walking, 3 minutes of running, 90 seconds of walking and 5 minutes of running.

I'm not really sure if I did more running or less running than Monday's run. But it was only my ability to focus on a point and say "Yup, I am running at least to the turn and that should be 5 minutes" that kept my legs moving until what could be said to approximate the distance I ran Monday night. After I got going on that last 5 minute run I had the realization that if I ran faster I could be put out of my misery a lot sooner. So I ran faster.

Good thing Wayne didn't drive by.

When I am listening to good music, I focus on the music and my breathing and not so much on the "one foot in front of the other" stuff. Although I still have to focus on that so I don't fall on my face. But music makes running a much more enjoyable and refreshing event. You get a sort of mental freedom from whatever is eating at you and you can just enjoy the physical exertion and the mental block.

My advice for the day: keep your ipod charged.

Introducing the "shy friend"

Yes Yes - the illusive shy friend has arrived and am feeling ready to contribute. Simply because I am now in w3d1 and feel that I am committed to the process. Before this time I did not want to contribute in case I dropped out of the regime and would have to admit my failure.

Let me start at the beginning...........

My good friend Wanda four weeks ago decided that we (meaning her and I) were going to run a 5K before she was forty. Already having met that milestone myself (turning 40 not running a five K - Let us all be clear about my limitations) I really paid little attention to her. However as she began her journey I quickly realized that I would be participating regardless if I was willing or not. For those that know Wanda they recognize my challenge because Wanda is a bit competitive (cough cough)....okay a lot competitive. So seeing as I am going to have to run this 5K with her I better bite the bullet and train.

So here I am at w3d1 and feeling really quite proud of my accomplishments. I have never jogged in my life. In fact every time Wayne and I pass a jogger he says "open the door and put them out of their misery" and I have to say I am tempted. :-)

I am actually looking forward to w3d2.

A guy I work with has also started the regime (along with his wife) and is enjoying it as well. So I am thinking that I am not only responsible for improving my own health but am contributing to others as well.

I will have to say I am not looking forward to week 4 when I am expected to run 5 minutes.

Special thank to Laura the nice woman on my podcast who tells me what a great job I am doing and forces me to go that one step further even though my thighs are screaming in pain. I suspect by week 6 I may be tempted to say something nasty to her.

M

Sixteen Minutes of Running! I bet you are just as amazed as me!!!

Hello there! Back after my Canada Day hiatus of camping at the trailer, taking in the Canada Day activities in Westville, visiting Melmerby Beach, and chilling at the trailer with friends.

My travel advice from this weekend: if you have never been to Melmerby Beach, take the time because it is worth the trip. we visit Melmerby almost every weekend from July 1st to Labour Day (except when we are camping at the OTHER beach, near Brule and this year the Gulf Shore as well.

http://www.nsls.ns.ca/melmerby-beach

So I finished week 3 of the C25k program on Sunday on the hilly roads of Lansdowne with Michelle running along near me finishing up week 2. It was a beautiful hot morning and even the black flies stayed out of the sun and left us alone.

I got home from the trailer this afternoon and decided I would do my first week 4 run tonight because I have to get my teeth cleaned early tomorrow morning and tomorrow night Todd and I are off to Halifax to see that great Aussie band INXS in concert, apparently with JD Fortune (although I'm not 100% sure of that). We are going with Barb and David and expect to have a great evening. 

So, off I went to start week 4.  I have to admit, this run was more than a little daunting because of the increased running time. After a 5 minute warm-up, it's a 3 minute run, 90 second walk, 5 minute run, 2 and a half minute walk, 3 minute run, 90 second walk, 5 minute run, 5 minute cool down walk.

To sum that up, that's 16 minutes of running in 21 and a half minutes. Two weeks ago running 90 seconds was a challenge. Boy did I have to put my mind aside for this one.

It went great! The first 3 minute run was fine because I had done that one last week. I barely had time to prepare and it was off for the 5 minute run. it went by pretty quickly and then I had a good walk to recover. The next 3 minute run was solid and then came the last 5 minute run. Naturally it was up that little hill between Alderney and the Magnolia. I passed some friends walking and tried to look impressive as I continued on. LOL! Anyway, I finished it up and did me walk home.

This really is a neat program. I have walked before for exercise and done aerobic routines but have never really felt like I was actually 'getting in shape'. Doing this I am noticing muscles in my legs that appear to be getting a little toned and my summer clothes are a little loose which is an added bonus.

I switched up from the NHS podcast today and used Sue's week 4 Michael Jackson podcast. So that was fun, to run to music I recognized. Once I'm done of the C25k and able to run 30 minutes, I will be switching back to my great 80's mix which will be fun.

If you are interested or participating in the program, here is another website I have stumbled across that has some interesting resources.
http://shrinkingjeans.net/2009/01/couch-to-5k/

And don't miss Ingi's blog link on the side here....she is a 40-something Mom in Australia who is doing the Couch to 5k program while raising her kids and blogging about it along the way.

Have a great week everyone, and be sure to get your exercise too!

3 Minute Intervals and still alive to tell the tale....

I ran after work tonight in a beautiful 25 degree evening. Did my warm up walk and got ready for week 3. Week 3 consists of a 90 second run, 90 second walk, 3 minute run, 3 minute walk, repeat.

The first 90 second run was up a little hill but as I crested the top it was easier on the other side and I made it. Then I spent the next 90 seconds thinking that 3 minutes was going to be a really long time. Before I knew it, my new friend the nice British lady told me to run...and off I went. Just when I was thinking that I might never hear from her again, she finally came on and told me to walk. I got a 3 minute walk to recover and I have to tell you at this point I'm thinking I should turn around because I'm not even at the corner of Alderney and Heather Lane and I am halfway done of today's run. Anyway, I turn down Alderney for a change in scenery and do my walk. I was more than ready when the nice lady told me to run again, and the 90 seconds went past in no time.

During the 90 second walk my feet were getting a little sore, but before I knew it the nice lady told me that "there is no feeling like finishing a challenge and a run is no different. I want you to finish this run. I don't want you to stop. Run through the pain and you will be so glad you did."

Before I had a chance to recover from the thought that this was going to hurt, she told me to run already. Off I went, still on Alderney. It seemed like I didn't have to focus as much on my breathing today, it seemed to come a little more naturally. The Brit cuts in and I start to get excited but then she says "you are 2 minutes in, you only have 1 more minute to go." Hmmm,  I think I am feeling pretty good so I pick up the pace a little and finish that 3 minutes strong. 

"Don't stop moving now, you need to finish your 3 minute brisk walk." Clearly, the nice British lady cannot see from England that I am exactly halfway around the loop from home, only at Wilson Road, and this is most definitely going to require more than 3 minutes of walking.

So I switched over to my 80's playlist and bopped my way along all the way to the corner of Tyler and White Road. And then a really good song came on and I really felt the need to run again.  I knew I probably shouldn't, but oh well. So I took off and ran from that corner to the bottom of Lacy Anne. Enjoyed a slow saunter back up the hill and did my stretches.

So 'I Feel Good' after doing the 3 minute intervals and then running extra afterwards. Todd and Rod Porter are now influencing me into a cold beer to celebrate, so I must go!

WOW!!! Today was totally amazing!

I felt like I needed a picture to show how I feel after today's run so I did a quick search on google and this is what I found:

I didn't even know there was a national running day - must be in another country, not Canada. Of course, it's not like I've been totally tuned in to running stuff and would know, even if there was a national running day.

So today's run...I was really late getting going. I was tired this morning and it was raining so I just hung out with the kids. I was still deciding whether to move on to week 3 day 1 after Wednesday evening's rather disappointing struggle around the loop. I decided to stick with week 2 day 3 for one more time, because I really didn't think I was ready for week 3 or that I would be able to do the two 3-minute running intervals that are required. (Seeing as how Wednesday night nearly killed me). I saw this picture on google and it reminded me how I felt on Wednesday night).

Once I decided to do w2d3 again, I had to decide which shoes to wear: the new ones that really hurt my feet Wednesday night or my old ones that hurt my feet a little bit everytime I run in them. Eventually I decided it was time to go, so I got my gear on, put on my new sneakers and headed out the door.

I went my normal route today and by some stroke of luck almost all of my running intervals were on either a flat surface or a little bit of a downhill. I felt great through the first five 90-second running intervals! My legs weren't sore, my feet didn't hurt (too much- just a little discomfort under my arch but waaayyyy better then Wednesday night), and it didn't rain too much on me.

My sixth and last running interval was on the uphill stretch between Alderney Drive and The Magnolia. That one was a bit tougher and my legs started to get a little sore, but I made it to the end and bounced my way through a brisk cool-down walk to home.

I actually felt like I could have run another 90 second interval. This is the first time I have gone out and not faced sore muscles throughout the running effort. I am feeling pretty proud of myself - partly for sticking with this and mostly for doing something that is really good for me and makes me feel awesome! I am starting to see how this running thing can be addictive!!

Before I started the first running interval, I had decided that since I was repeating w2d3 I would run at my comfortable pace from the start and see if I would get worn out and have to start turtle running the rest. I think this may have helped with the muscle aches I was getting because it just felt comfortable the whole time. I really didn't have to turtle run, except maybe a little on the very last stretch up that little hill on Highway 2.

I know there are some other people with milestones in the couch to 5k program. A certain good friend (who is a little shy) completed week 1 day 3 today!

I found a website this week that has some great tips for stretching and injury prevention, and has a good beginners' running forum too. I have been following the C25k group and there are lots of other people also doing this program. It's at http://www.runnersworld.com/.

I hope you have managed to make some time for yourself and get out the door to exercise!

New Shoes!

Today was the big day! I went to the Running Room and tried on many pairs of sneakers, and after deliberating for quite some time between these and my standard choice of New Balance, I went with these beauties:

They are the Saucony Progrid Omni 9 Ladies in gigantuous size. ;-)  It was my lucky day, because they were on sale!

I was so excited to try my new sneakers I could hardly wait to get home. I ran into the house, got changed, did a few stretches from Runners World.com, strapped on my new sneakers and went out the door.

I was back one minute later because I had forgotten my sunglasses.

Anyway, off I went and started my loop in reverse tonight so I wouldn't have to finish with the big hill on White Road. The first couple of rounds of running went okay and then the sore feet kicked in. I really struggled with the third run and afterwards my feet were really sore. I seriously considered quitting at Andrew & Janah's because my feet hurt so bad. But I really wanted to finish week 2 day 3. So I kept going. By Janet's I had finished the six runs and the cool down and decided that I would stop there and beg a drive from her or call Todd to come and get me. But no one was home at the Trainor house!!! The nerve!!

So I kept on going. By the time I got home I think my feet had long since passed sore and were just numb.  I came inside, did some recovery stretches and then ate my supper. It's an hour later and I'm still eating. LOL.

I don't know what to make of the shoe situation. Now I don't know whether the struggling performance out there was from the new shoes, the reverse direction, or that I just plain sucked tonight.

I've got to figure it out before Saturday, because I need to decide whether to move on to week 3 day 1 or to do a repeat of week 2 day 3.

Anyone with any experience on new shoes have any thoughts? I went to the Running Room to get the right shoes and avoid this. I'm really disappointed at the moment.

On the brighter side, do you know how much you can eat when you are running and manage to not gain any weight????? This is crazy!! I love it!

I Was Too Excited To Wait For Tomorrow!!!

So today was supposed to be a second day off for me and I was supposed to head out tomorrow morning. But I was feeling good today, the weather was cooperating and I decided I should 'just do it'. Mostly just in case I don't want to drag my butt out of bed tomorrow morning. And since you all know me well enough by now, you now that chances were slim that I would be awake and keen to 'just do it' at 6am.

Today I did the same NHS podcast that I did Saturday, which included six 90-second runs separated by 2 minute brisk walks. I slowed everything down tonight. I am usually a fast walker, and when I have been running up until now I have been running, for the most part. But since my inner thighs were so sore after Saturday's outing I thought I would give the slow jog business a try and see if that helped my thighs to adjust to more running time during my outing. I noticed that the 90 seconds didn't seem nearly as LONG as it did Saturday. My inner thighs still got sore after the third round of running, but it wasn't until after the 5th round that they were really sore. After the 6th round I had to walk past my neighbours with the phrase 'if I stop, I won't make it home'.

My pace was slower tonight than any other outing, I think that was because of my slow jogging and slower walking. But do you know what I noticed when I was stretching afterwards??

I think I am developing muscles in the tops of my legs. Weird.

I know I'm not the only person with little aches and pains from exercising. Have you gotten out or done something yet this week? A colleague who did the 10k at the Johnny Miles yesterday (we'll call him Mark...since that's his name...*giggle*) told me that lots of people walk the 5k's at these races. So if you want a challenge but aren't up for running, why not walk a 5k? I think my first 5k will be a walk/run combination - but it's better than sitting on the couch dreaming about it and never doing anything.

Tomorrow is shoe shopping day!

And we booked our trip today. Jamaica - here we come, mon.

Gotta go - post run snack time, round 2!

It's Official, I am W2D1 of Couch to 5k

OK - so this morning I woke up at 8am and was excited to roll out the door and try running to this podcast thing for the couch to 5k (C25k for short). If you want to know about the C25k program, here's the link:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I switched from the 'Sue's podcast' for week 2 to the NHS podcast for week 2. This was mostly because Sue's podcast had music like Ludacris and Kanye West and was a little outside of my musical taste. So I started the NHS podcast at my front door and off I went. I had decided to try week 2 day 1 (w2d1 for short) to see how I made out with it and assess if that's about where I'm at in this running thing.

So my outing went a little like this. First, I find it hard to know if I should wear a sweater or not with the unseasonable weather we have been having. So I wore one and set off on my 'brisk 5 minute warm-up walk' as the nice lady with the British accent told me. After this warm up this outing required 90 second runs followed by a 2 minute walk, and repeated several times. Just near the top of Tyler street the nice lady gave me a few tips on my running stride and gave me the 3 second countdown to run. The music content wasn't any kind of music I know, but it was a nice pop type and worked fine for me. So I started my first 90 second run. Do you know how long 90 seconds is???? LONG. I was wishing she would give me a time update (you know, like "15 seconds left"). Anyway, at some point which seemed to me more like two minutes than 90 seconds I stopped running. About 10 seconds later the nice lady said to stop running. I walked the 2 minutes and the nice lady said 'start running'. This time I managed the whole 90 seconds but I was definitely ready to stop running. During the 2 minute walk I had to get rid of my sweater so I dropped it on Janet's trailer so I wouldn't have to carry it the rest of the way.

'Start running!' Oh dear God, are you kidding me? Is it really time already? So as I'm running this 90 second stint I'm thinking maybe week 2 is a little advanced for me. I make it through and start my 2 minute walk. During this time the nice lady says "I know you are getting tired, but you are in the home stretch now". Oh - well this is good news, there must only be one 90 second run left.

When I start running this time, it's clear I am getting tired because during the first three stints I was actually running. In this fourth stint what I am doing can be loosely classified as a run but is probably more accurately described as a slow jog. Finally she says 'stop walking' and I am overjoyed that I have finished. During this next little walk, my muscles were so sore in my legs that I had to stop and sit down in front of the mailboxes on Wilson Road to do that yoga pose to stretch the muscles on my inner thighs. Then my butt was dirty so I imagine I looked great during my walk down the main drag of Highway 2, but at least those muscles weren't as sore anymore.

Before long my nice lady friend told me to start running and I was surprised but thought that this must be the last go around. So I ran the 90 seconds at my slow jogging crawl and enjoyed the two minute walk afterwards. And again...start running...BUT THIS IS THE LAST TIME. Thank God! Seriously, I'm not sure what kind of hell I have signed up for. I finish up the 90 seconds and do my '5 minute brisk cool down walk'. Then I am in front of the Hawco's house pushing myself up that last final hill so I play "Walk This Way" for the remaining walk home. I didn't get the exact time of my outing, but I think it was approximately 4.5km in approximately 37 minutes. I'm not really sure though.

I ran 9 minutes in total, if you can believe it. And my legs aren't actually sore anymore (although they may be tomorrow!)

So I am sticking with week 2 next outing and hopefully it will all seem a little easier. I am going out running shoe shopping this week. And I have learned a couple of more lessons:

1) Eat some little thing before you go out. When I don't eat I get this rush to my head when I first stop running and I feel like I might pass out. As long as I eat some little thing, this doesn't happen.

2) Mouth Open Bugs In. Mouth Closed Bugs Out. ;-)

If you are interested in the NHS podcasts, here is the link to the sponsoring site, but I downloaded them for free from the itunes store.

http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx

I Stink at Technology Stuff!

But, after almost a whole evening of wasted time in front of the computer, I have figured out this ipod. For three weeks I couldn't get the songs to play in the order I wanted them to. Then tonight I tried to load the NHS Couch to 5k podcast for week 2 and I couldn't play it.

After spending some quality time with google, I have figured out how to FIND the podcast on my new ipod shuffle AND....how to find my play list and put it in the order I want. I am so excited I feel like I should go running now!!!!

Since it's 10:13pm and I hate the thought of a late night run in with a bear or a pothole, I guess I'll wait until the morning.

I signed up for something!!

This works perfectly for me, for my first official round of public exercise. It's the 20 Minute Challenge, is being held on Wednesday, July 20th and is sponsored by The Running Room. There is a location in Bedford just around the corner from where I work. It's a commitment to 20 minutes of exercise, and you can walk or run, your choice. Registration is free, and you get a free hat for participating.

They encourage you to bring friends and family, so if any one wants to join me.....here's the link:

http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=6280

Lessons I Learned This Week

Hey there! Miss me? It has been a busy week, but I have still managed to get out and exercise and I'm hoping you have too. Even with the rain, I didn't let it keep me in. I happen to know the rain didn't stop of few of my friends from pushing themselves out the door to exercise, either!!

So, in honour of myself tonight I thought I would share a few important lessons I have learned so far about this 'learning to run' business. If you have also learned things about running, feel free to share any other lessons you have learned, so maybe I don't have to learn those ones the hard way.

THINGS I LEARNED TODAY:

1. No matter how busy you are, do NOT wait four days in between attempts at exercising. Reverse is a gear you don't want to use when trying to learn to run.

2. Even if it might seem like a good idea, going for a walk/run session two hours AFTER a massage is not a good idea. Apparently having your muscles all relaxed and stuff when you start exercising means many more aches and pains along the way.

After three weeks of exercising I haven't really had muscle pains or aches while out on the loop. Can't say that for tonight. Ouch.

3. Apparently experiencing swelling and aching of your fingers while running is quite normal. Even redness on your fingers and wrists is common. Other people are unable to make a fist while running. This doesn't mean you are going to take the big one while attempting to improve your health and fitness level out in the neighbourhood. It means you are normal, and even 'elite' runners experience this.

THINGS I HAVE LEARNED THIS WEEK:

4. Exercise makes you hungry! But you get hungry for healthier food for some reason. Instead of snacking on chips and Todd's amazing popcorn, I am snacking on blueberries and carrots.

5. Exercise actually does affect your weight, even when you are still partaking of 'not so good' choices from time to time. So after three weeks of this, I have lost 7 pounds. And the extra roll that was developing at my waist seems to be going away. Thank God.

6. Although initially exercise gives you a little more energy, when you push yourself to do more it can actually make you tired. Apparently this is not uncommon. It may mean you need to eat more to give your body more energy (and let's be clear, I never have a problem eating more).

7. It's hard to find a good music mix for this walking / running program. Remember I said in my first post that music is everything for me when it comes to exercise? I go to the beat and it can speed me up or it can slow me down.

What I am starting to find now is that this running of a couple of telephone poles and then walking is getting difficult to assess. The program that I have been loosely following is calling for more running and less walking and I am having a hard time assessing how much I am really doing. So...now that I am inching toward being ready to start a more formal program, I am jumping into the 'Couch to 5k' program. And after some research online, I have located a series of podcasts I think I can live with to get me through the rest of this training.

For those of you who don't know, a podcast is a big music file that has songs loaded on to it and indicators that tell you when to start to run and (maybe more importantly) when to stop running so that you are sure you are running for the amount of time you are supposed to, in order to get better at this running thing. You put the file on your ipod and away you go.

So after much searching, I have said a big NO to the techno podcasts and the hiphop podcast, and I have skipped past the Christian podcast (not that I don't like church music...anyone who knows me knows I actually enjoy hymns...but that's not my idea of running music). I have finally settled on Sue's hip-hop and 80's music mix Couch to 5k Podcasts.

http://www.kissmyblackass.org/podcasts/couch-to-5k/

That's the link for them, if you are also looking to try your luck at this training for a 5k routine. I can't wait for Michael Jackson week!!!

Next up I have to figure out where I am in this Couch to 5k program. I think I am past week one but I'm not sure if I am a solid week 3 yet. I am going to have to spend some time to figure that out, but I will let you know on the weekend what week I'm at.

I ran a LOT yesterday!

OK -well a lot for me might not be as much as 'a lot' for you. BUT, I ran about 40% of the time from Janet Trainor's house down Boyd, across Wilson, down Alderney, along Highway 2 (if you can imagine - I hope to God no one I know saw me as I'm sure it wasn't pretty) and all the way to Curly's. And then I somehow made it home. The 'attempting running' portion of my route is 1.76km. So if I ran the 40% that I think I ran, that would be about 0.70km. Doesn't sound like much, but it was a very intense workout for me, because I only was out for about 35 minutes, so that was a lot of running in between my 5-7 minute warmup and my 5-7 minute cooldown.

And did you know it was 30 degrees yesterday??? I found out the hard way, as I was sweating my butt off along that road trip. I forgot my sunglasses and didn't have any water. I think I might need a water bottle belt thingy. That would make it all better, if I'm going to keep this up when it gets warm.

Let me just say that mornings aren't easy. I guess I've got to either go out this evening or force my sorry self out of bed tomorrow morning. The being out on the loop isn't bad, it's the getting to the door that seems to be difficult.

I've had a suggestion to organize a group 5km event for my first official 5km and all my friends who would also like to do 5km (whether running, walking, biking, pushing the stroller, etc). I'm thinking about it. Are you free on October 1st?

Greetings and Audience Info

Do you know what else is really neat from week 1 of blogging? According to the stats from this blog, the pages have been viewed from the USA, Sweden (hello Erika!), Germany (hello!) and Russia. What I haven't said in my blog is that I live in Enfield, Nova Scotia (Canada). Just in case you would like to know where these beautiful pictures are from. ;-)

Reflections on Week One of Exercise

So, here it is, the end of my first full week of exercise (again). What's different this time? Why do I think I will keep with it? Do I feel any better? Should I keep at it or call it quits? (keep in mind I am asking this question the night before I need to pull my butt out of bed at approximately 5:45am to do the Tuesday morning portion of this activity - and if you don't remember how much I like mornings, see last week's posts).

OK- let's answer some of these questions.

1) What's different this time?

The threat of having to appear in a bathing suit on a beach in front of people I know. Sort of. Enough to know I don't want to be this size when I do it. The challenge of doing something that requires some kind of physical endurance in my big birthday year is also motivating for me.

2) Why do I think I will keep with it?

Because it's about more than that. I need to take better care of my health for myself and my kids. I know a man who passed away on Saturday at 50 from a sudden and unexpected massive heart attack. I don't know if exercise and eating better will help, but I am game to try it. Within reason.

3) Do I feel any better?

I do actually. On the days I have exercised I seem to have more energy and be happier than usual. And I think I have more energy on the non-exercising days too.

4) Should I keep at it or call it quits?

Hmmmmmmmmm....even with the impending dread of dragging myself out of bed tomorrow, I definitely need to keep at it.

Plan for this week: 30 minutes Tuesday and Thursday, trying to run more telephone poles each time. On Saturday, an 8 km trek is called for to build endurance. That one is going to be tough to fit in, but I will see what I can do.

What are you going to do?

New this week: I am really going to focus on improving my diet. Not just at lunchtime, but for the other meals in the day too. Todd has graciously offered to make me a healthy breakfast. ;-) I am also considering the need for a pedometer. And a new playlist for my ipod.

Don't forget - if you are starting this exercise and fitness thing too, I think you can post on my blog with me. I need to figure out how to do that from a technological perspective, but I should have that figured out by July so start thinking about your ideas and let me know!

Saturday's Outing

I was still at the park on Saturday and woke up with enough energy to walk out the door with my rainjacket and peer in Michelle's window to see if she would join me on my 'big' outing for the week. Sure enough, she was determined to come with me.

We headed off in the reverse direction of yesterday's walk. For those who are familiar with the park, this means walking up the very long and steep hill that is the road out of the park. I didn't know it is exactly 1 kilometer from the trailer to the main road via the steep hill. It has also been so long since I walked up that hill that I forgot what an expedition it is (the last time I walked up it was about three winters ago on a day of coasting when we drank beer while walking up the hill and then coasted all the way down. Ironically I did that with Michelle too). About halfway up the hill my legs started to burn, and by three-quarters of the way I suggested to Michelle that we should pretend we were dancing and then it would seem like fun. You can guess her response to that suggestion.

When we cleared the top pond and started around it and out to the road, suddenly walking seemed very easy, seeing as how we were now on relatively flat terrain.

When we got to the main road, we turned right and walked approximately 2 kilometers to the Lairg Road. I was cold and my ears hurt - June 4th and I was wishing for earmuffs.  I'm not sure I would have gone all the way to the Lairg Road but I didn't want to appear to be a less than totally fit person while walking with Michelle. ;-) Once we turned around, I suggested we be brave and start running for a telephone pole's distance. First we had to establish some ground rules:

a) no laughing
b) if you hear a car stop running immediately and pretend you were walking all along
c) no stories out of school
d) if the other person drops to the ground, flag down the first car, tell them they were hit by lightning and call 911 right away.

So off we went for our first telephone pole. A car came so we had to stop about 3/4 of the way along. A telephone pole break of walking and then we ran again, even making up that extra 1/4 telephone pole. Then we had to just walk a few minutes because it was uphill and I think there is a law against running uphill when you start to run. After two more telephone poles we started to think this running thing isn't as hard as you might think. A total of seven telephone poles running, offset by walking and assessing the odd noise that seemed to jump out behind us by the lake and then we were at the entrance road. It was a quick walk in as it is downhill most of the way, and we had to build speed for that last steep uphill trek. It is amazing how energetic you can feel at the end of a 6km walk/run. I danced most of the way downhill while Michelle rolled her eyes at me and watched to make sure no one could see her walking with this lunatic.

We arrived at the camp in good condition and had coffee with Mum while trying to recover our wits. After the coffee and cold water, I measured the distance on this one and it was 6km in length, took about 1 hour 10 minutes. And don't forget the steep uphill part should count as triple time.

Believe it or not, I used the push mower to mow the grass around the trailer Saturday afternoon, with help from Michelle, Wayne and Todd. It became a group effort by the end of it. I never exert that much energy in one day.

Next post: Reflections on Week One of Exercise

The trail through LORDA Park

It's raining again...at 7am this morning, so  went back to sleep and got up at 8:30 instead to go for my walk/run. Since I am at the trailer, I walked over to say good morning to Mum and then left for my exploration. First I warmed up by walking the trails by the river, it was pretty and wet, and I likely looked like a lunatic hoofing it along to the beat of my ipod to all the fishermen at the park.

It was pretty along by the river:

After I warmed up down by the river, which likely was about 1km or so of walking, I hitched a ride up to the main road with my dad who dropped me off with these words of fatherly advice: "Be Careful". As I am about to hop out of the truck I pause for a minute and say, "Umm, what am I being careful of? Bears, coyotes, crazy people?"

"Oh, he says - crazy drivers." LOL

So I ran one telephone pole and walked one telephone pole past the lake and to the other driveway. Here's a picture of the lake and John and Crystal's new house way in the distance:

When I made it the 1km along the main road running and walking 50/50, I turned into the driveway and started back in through the woods. It was a pretty day, and the territory is pretty hilly through there. Up a hill, down a hill, up a hill, then the big hill down. After about 2 more km I get within sight of 'home', the trailer (with Michelle and Wayne's trailer beside us).

Since I still had some energy left, I decided to go all the way down the big hill, around the big loop and take the tough hill back to the trailer. My pact was pretty quick as I danced along to Pink feeling like I had a lot of attitude, walking through the country ready to outrun any beast I saw. LOL. Then, just as I hit the big hill to the trailer, a new song came on:

Love in an Elevator

I had to laugh because an elevator would have been useful! Even an escalator at this point. Anyway, I made it to the top and finished up my outing. I'm not sure how far it was, but it took about 40 minutes. Still here tomorrow so I'll have to figure out what kind of route I can do for this long walk/ with more running that needs to be done tomorrow.

Have you been out yet?