The surprise run

On Tuesday morning I woke up early. An hour and a half early. Ugh. I didn't mean to, but I did. Needless to say, my sleep pattern is all screwed up right now. Anyhow, I figured that since I was already up that I might as well go for a run. It was actually nice out, as opposed to the three previous days of monsoon-like rain. I quietly gathered my gear without disturbing the sleeping husband, got dressed, and headed out the door.

I'd actually scrapped my run the night before as my husband had just returned from a 5-day bachelor party in Las Vegas. I wanted to spend the time with him. I missed him while he was gone! I had planned to run on Monday morning, but couldn't convince myself to go out in the pouring rain.

The run I had scrapped was a 5K recovery run. I have a habit of running these too hard, of going overboard and generally not listening to my cranky muscles and tendons. So I figured Tuesday morning was a good time to run that recovery run and actually mean it.

That run was a great run. I was in the zone, happy as a clam, had zero pain or crankiness, and actually followed my prescribed 7 min/km pace. I still get the warm fuzzies thinking about that run!

There were several small victories on this run: I didn't stop to walk at all (I never used to, but since coming back from injury, I've needed to) and the hills seemed easy (always my weak point). I felt so good at the end! It was really gratifying to realize that the training, hard work and hours that I'm putting into my running is actually starting to pay off.

It's added motivation to continue to follow my training plan and not to get sucked into doing too much too soon.

A great athlete and inspiration

In the lead-up to the Olympics, I posted about one of my favourite Olympians and athletes, Clara Hughes.

This post just popped up on my Facebook, thanks to the Olympics organizers. It puts the idea of achievement, success and medals into perspective. Sometimes winning isn't an athlete's most valued memory or achievement. It's worth a read.

http://sportatitsbest.com/2010/02/03/clara-hughes-part-2/

Looking back and looking forward

It's January 1st. Hubby and I are cuddled up on the couch, with the cat under the blanket, watching the Winter Classic on TV. I've been wanting to write this post for awhile now, so today seemed like a good day to do it.

2009 was a pretty good year for me. The highs include:

• my first race at the inaugural Winterman event in February, where I ran the 5K in -7C and snow.
• running the Ottawa MDS Nordion 10K in May. The crowds and race experience were incredible!
• Setting repeated PRs in the 5K throughout the year, finishing with 28:09 at the Cookie Run in November.
• Running over 750 KM in 2009, more than double my 2008 total.
• Getting married!

I capped off 2009 with the Running Room's Resolution Run last night. The temperature was -11C, but it had snowed most of the day, so the footing was pretty treacherous. There was no PR for me, but I had a lot of fun. Saw a guy wearing gold tights, while others wore Christmas lights or New Year's Eve party hats. I can't wait to try out the fancy new jacket I got for entering.

Now for looking forward. Well, 2010 promises to be equally great! Some of my goals for this year are:

• Finish the Ottawa Half Marathon (time goal to come later).
• Drink more water.
• Improve my 5K and 10K times.
• Run 1300 km.

Cheers! And Happy New Year!

RWOL Games - Motivation to the Max

Runners World Online (otherwise known as RWOL) is the place to go to if you have a question on anything and everything related to running. The beginners forum is welcoming, while the Letters vs. Opinions is entertaining. You can ask for advice on the most mudane running issue... from which brand of running skirt is better to the issue of skyrocketing race fees.

My favourite part of RWOL: the games. Yes, games.

I've taken part in two monthly challenges and am an active member of the Miles Game. Players are placed on teams and you log your mileage weekly. The team earns points on how our mileage ranks among the other teams for the week. Then the team earns bragging rights if we win the quarter. My team has yet to win... but they are a wonderful bunch of people. We support each other through the highs and lows. And they are incredibly patient with me, the ever-so-eager novice runner.

My favourite game is about to start as well, and that's the Winter Running Contest. We get points based on the weather/temperature and the length of time spent running. I played last year and it was a huge motivator to get out for a run during a blizzard, or -25C weather. The promise of bad weather got me excited for running, which sounds strange, I know. But this contest was one of the biggest reasons why I made it through my first winter of running.

Completely and utterly addicted

I'm an addict.

A running addict.

Phew! That feels good to get that off my chest. I've realized that I've hit the point where I don't want to go without running. I don't want to miss a workout and I'm loving every run. Yes, even the tough ones that I have to push through. I am so inspired by my re-found motivation after it disappeared in July.

I love it so much that I want to run longer and further each time I head out the door. I want to run more often. It's taking quite a bit of willpower to reign myself in! What's also encouraging is the fact that my speedwork is paying off. My perceived effort on my long runs is the same, but my average pace is 10 seconds faster per kilometre. My moderate perceived exertion is turning in much faster times, too!

I love running (yes, even in the winter!) and I love that my efforts are paying off. Now to just hold back a bit and not over-do it.

Favourite Running-Related Books

I mentioned in my last post that one of my favourite running books is Running for Mortals by John Bingham. It's a great introduction to running! He (and his co-author, Coach Jenny) write in a very approachable way. The programs they suggest are great for beginners (run/walk method) and they provide lots of motivation and advice. Much of what I learned from them formed the basis of my whole approach to running. It took me some time—and some injuries—to get there. But, I'd have to say that Bingham gives great, foundational advice for runners at all levels.

While I love his book, I find I'm at the point where I need a new running book. I'm looking for one with reliable training plans for 10Ks through to marathons, as well as training advice and ideas. I've taken quite a few out from the library, but haven't found any I like.

Suggestions?

Pre-wedding and pre-Army Run jitters

My wedding is coming up in 3 weeks. This means no slacking off in the eating or exercise departments. I tried on my dress this week and I can't gain weight. It fits like a glove!

Since I can't slack off on Weight Watchers and running, I've decided to set a goal for my 5K and a food-related reward. If I break 30:00, I get key lime pie. I finished my last serious race with training in 30:01 (on my Nike+) or 30:08 (chip time, no mat at the starting line). I really think I can do it this time. I've added in some modest speedwork and I've been realistic about my weekly mileage. I hope these decisions pay off on race day.

I'm excited and nervous for this race, as it's going to be a big field. All my 5Ks have been relatively small races of only a few hundred runners. The Army Run, however, is going to be big. REALLY BIG. They had a cap of 7,000 runners last year, a number that was split between the 5K and half-marathon distances. This year, the organizers removed the limit on the number of runners. The thing is, a 5K is a very attractive distance for a lot of people. It's very approachable to the average runner and people who are in shape, but aren't runners. It's a great introductory distance for new runners and big, publicized races tend to attract a lot of them. I expect a lot of jostling, a lot of newbies, people in the wrong starting position and walkers all over the place. It'll be a challenge, that's for sure.

But I'm still excited. There's nothing like the atmosphere of big races like the Army Run. The crowd support is amazing. It gives me the chills just thinking of it. And seeing that many people in one place to run is an inspiring sight.

Why I Run

A friend asked me recently: "Why do you run?" I had to really think long and hard about what my reasons were. Much of my answer is so intangible that the logical reasons are those that only a fellow runner would understand.

Needless to say, I'm still thinking about this question today, almost a week after she initially asked.

Here are some of my answers:

• I run because it makes me feel good inside, as though I am doing something that is benefitting my body and my overall health.
• I run because it gives me a reason to get off the couch so that I can enjoy the outdoors and the nice (and the not-so-nice) weather.
• I run because it empowers me. Once I finish a particularly good or difficult workout, I feel as though I can take on the world.
• I run so I can eat the blueberry tart at Starbucks without regret.
• I run so that I can be blessed with the occasional runner's high.
• I run today so that I can run faster tomorrow.
• I run because it gives me precious time to myself, which, in turn, keeps me sane. It gives me the quiet time to sort through my thoughts.
• I run so I can tune out the world around me, so I can forget my worries and stress and just focus on the next 10-50 feet of pavement in front of me instead.
• I run so that I can accomplish my goals of completing specific races or distances.

These thoughts are just an attempt at putting those feelings that running evokes into words. Remembering these ideas is essential on those days where you don't want to tie up the laces for a run.

Inspiration can go both ways

Last night I ran despite the crazy heat and humidity we're experiencing in Ottawa. I did my scheduled 3K.

As I ran, I noticed a lot of little girls out with their parents. Two tandem bicycles passed me on the path, with a little girl of maybe 5 or 6 riding on the back part of the bike. Each girl looked back at me with a very peculiar look on their face.
Then on the way home I saw a little girl walking with her Dad, again staring at me. Then I saw another little girl with her Dad as I did my cooldown, and I heard her Dad say, "Yes, that lady is going jogging." I wanted to correct him and say that I don't jog, I RUN!

The interest of these little girls in my running was strangely inspirational. Like it was almost strange for them to see a woman out alone exercising. Maybe it was the running skirt? Now everytime I'm out on a run I'm going to think about the looks the girls gave me and that hopefully I inspired them to start running someday, too.