6km on a Wednesday.

Well -- went 6k today -- which isn't bad.

I'm still not in "steady running" form (as it, I can't run without breaks) - but I'm getting more consistent, and the steady running will come.

It was a relatively nice day. Pretty dry, only a little cold, with only a few icy patches on the sidewalks. I'm really looking forward to spring when it'll be MUCH more enjoyable to be outside again -- right now I just find myself doing the countdown to when I can get warm.

Tomorrow there's supposed to be a big snow/ice storm. I'm thinking of moving my workout (a scheduled 3km) inside for tomorrow to the elliptical, with some weights.

I've come to the conclusion that I need to start lifting weights in order to balance out my muscle groups a little. My quads are strong, my ass is tight --- but the inside of my thighs is, well, FAT. Any tips of working this area would be appreciated.

Otherwise -- must start doing crunches again too -- am tired of this belly squishyness.

Week 2 - 1st Run.

I don't even know how far I went this morning -- somewhere around 4km I think.

The weather was a nice -4C -- but we were dumped on with about 4 inches of powdery, fluffy snow last night - which really isn't the best to run in. It was pretty slippery underneath, so I was trying to be careful - and luckily didn't slide much once I got out of my own driveway, but running in unplowed snow with a slippery, slushy bases is like running in sand. IT WAS HARD.

My calves were driving me nuts by the end, and I was running late this morning anyways - so I cut home pretty quickly.

Overall though -- I can feel myself sliding back into shape. I'm probably at about the same level now as I was at by May of last year --- which really isn't too bad at all. It makes me pretty optimistic about the potentials for the Spring when there's no snow on the ground (and it's more enjoyable to be outside), as well as events like the Ottawa Half-Marathon.

If Ottawa doesn't get run this year (still debating on that one -- cost is a concern of mine, also waiting to hear from Erik about it) -- then I'd sort of like to spend some time improving my 5k times and speed - and also losing a few lbs. As all my running buddies will know - it's hard to actively lose weight while marathon training, because the focus is basically just on surviving....

But that's just what I've been thinking about --- good run today though. despite the snow.

Sunday Running - ~7.5km

Well -- the first 4 km of this morning's run were what I like to call a "failed run" - because they just weren't happening.

NO wait, that's wrong, the first kilometer and a half were fine, then I ran into my friend Toby (who I haven't seen in months, and is running his first half at the Chilly Half next week), so I stopped and chatted with him - which was probably my first downfall.

I forgot how long it takes me to warm up --- about 4km or so. That's a solid 20 minutes worth of running (on a good day!) before I'm even really feeling it. I forgot about that, until this morning. So I ran, and walked, and jogged, and ran, and walked, and walked.... Then finally I got my pace - right before I hit Spring Hill (in High Park - for those who don't know - it's giant!). Well, I couldn't very well RUN up the hill - it was far too icy at the bottom - so I hiked briskly to the top, paying homage to the bum that was perked up tremendously by last year's running.

After that I ran -- and it was wonderful, and magical, and all that great stuff. Honestly, it felt great, and I could have definately kept going once I got home, but I was afraid of pushing too hard into injury territory. So I stopped, and stretched.

A funny thing happened on my run this morning -- the bottom pads of my left foot went totally numb while I was running. Mind you - I'm not complaining, it wasn't painful, and sort of surreal to be striking on what felt like a pillow (but was really my poor, numb, skin). A quick Google search reveals it might have been anything from lacing my shoes too tightly to a tendon injury to a benign tumour. I'm not worried about it - if it keeps happening I'll see someone about it, but until then.

Otherwise -- it wasn't a bad run, I'm going to put in an extra short run this week just to hopefully get myself more used to running shorter distances.

Training for a Race I'm not Sure I'm going to Run.

So Erik (my long-distance Friend, and remote-Running Buddy) contacted me last week inquiring about Half-Marathon races I'd been looking at. He hasn't done a half yet, and has been persuaded (by me, of course) to try to work towards the NYC marathon as well -- So getting some long-distance race experience is always a good idea.

So I mentioned the few I'm considering (Ottawa, Montreal, Scotia...) and googled a few other races around the late May/early June timeframe. Discussion lead to a conclusion that the Ottawa race might be the best location/timeframe... For him anyways.

Me -- I'm out of shape, and getting back into it this week. I'm on schedule for Spring Training -- but to get in shape for the Ottawa Half (May 27) I'd have to ramp up my LSD (Long-Slow Distance, or Sunday) runs pretty quickly.

Erik hasn't decided what he wants to do yet -- that's fine. But it puts me in a position that I have to start training YESTERDAY if I'm going to do a half this Spring.

So tomorrow I have a 7km run planned. It's going to be a stretch (I have 5k on the Spring Training schedule - but I need to push it to get it done) -- but the route is through some of my favourite parts of the neighbourhood, so it should be okay. We'll see, might have to walk up a hill or two.

I'm nervous though, I really hope this run goes well tomorrow. It doesn't have to be fast, it just has to be good.


Otherwise -- I've decided there are two plans for the 2007 season.
Plan A --- Sporting Life 10k (May 4), Ottawa Half (May 27), NYC (or any other Fall race)
Plan B --- Sporting Life 10k (May 4), Summer Duathlon (I'd like to start doing multi-sport races), Half in early September (either Scotia Waterfront, or Montreal International), NYC or Toronto Marathon.

That's it. I'll post tomorrow after my long run.

*Fingers Crossed for Sunshine!*

Running in a Snowstorm Makes Me feel Hardcore.

Okay -- so it's not really a snowstorm -- more of a heavy snowfall with HUGE (like 1") snowflakes.

It was actually good snow to run in, heavy packing snow makes for good grip on the sidewalk. But it was a bit of a harder run because I was so focused on watching out for the odd slippery patch underneath all that snow.

Short run today. 2.7km --- but I have a day off tomorrow, and cross-training on Saturday, so my poor legs are DEFINATELY looking forward to the rest!

Must go -- going to get ready and head off to the library for the morning.

The Snot Machine.

2nd Run out -- had 5km (3mi) on the schedule today, but because I'm indecisive and impulsive I changed my planned route at the last minute and ended up doing about 6km.

It wasn't the best run, though the first 5k were alright (I think I walked the last one). It's also cooler out than yesterday (-5 this morning), which meant I got cold faster.

I forgot what the cold + exercise does to me.... it turns me into a giant producer of all things phlegmy. I guess in some ways it's good --- I mean, it's a sign the bad stuff is leaving the body isn't it? I have to admit though - I'm one of those runners who spits. It's rediculously un-ladylike, and I really don't care.

I've been trying to identify my problem areas this week. I know there's my left hip (IT band injury from last year that *knock wood* hasn't surfaced yet), but there's also the issue of my running form (which was atrocious last year) --- and the hamstring/hip issues that arise from that. So I'm trying to be more focused on keeping my back straighter.

This brings me to my next dilemma (which is, indeed, linked) --- I need a new running bra. Something that has so much "support" in it that there is NO movement, or drag down on my shoulders. The weight of my breasts is a small issue during the day normally -- but when I'm running it becomes a HUGE issue - silly gravity. The only problem is cost (because the good ones are expensive) -- and finding one that does the job without chafing/rubbing/just generally being annoying.

So that's it. 5 (6?) km today, another 2.5 on the schedule for tomorrow --- and then some sweet, glorious rest & cross-training until Sunday :)

I forgot what muscle fatigue felt like until this morning --- I'm trying to forget what it feels like again.

R-R-R-R-R-R-Racing Season!

...is around the corner that is.

Registered for the Sporting Life 10k today, and submitted my application for the NYC Marathon Lottery.

I don't think I'm going to do many of the smaller races this year -- simply because at $50 a pop I can't afford it.

So my plan as of now is to PB at Sporting Life on May 6 (note the confidence), then some summer training (maybe a fun race like the Mud Run again in there, or a small-town Triathelon) -- and IF I get accepted to NYC then I'll run the Scotia Half in September, and if not then I'll do either the Toronto or the Scotia full Marathon.

...but I REALLY want NYC.

Must go to bed -- have 5k on the schedule for tomorrow morning.

Day 1 -- 2.5 km.

So today was my first day out.

I'm planning to finish the Spring Training portion of my program in time for the Sporting Life 10k in May - I'd like to achieve a PB 10k time at that race.

I'm already a week behind the schedule, but I think I'll be able to catch up pretty quick. Today was a beautiful day so I went out for my first prescribed run --- a quick little 2.5 km

I missed running in mild weather. It's 4 degrees (celcius) out there today, which is IDEAL. I got some new long-sleeved running shirts last weekend which are awesome (if only I can find a decent running bra) -- so I donned my new stuff and went out in a flash of stylish atheleticsm.

Today's run was good. I've discovered that it's my stamina that needs improvement, but that will come ------ I also am rediscovering again that lengthening my strides just FEELS better, even if it tires me out faster. I'm thinking about the possibilities of retraining myself to run faster with longer strides for the shorter distances, because it honestly feels most comfortable, but I'm also afraid to mess with the controlled shorter stride that I KNOW will get me through those longer runs.

Otherwise -- it wasn't a special run, just the first one out after two lazy winter months!

It happened so fast, but so slow all at the same time.

Welcome to the 2007 Training Blog.

February 20 ---- I'm starting a little bit late this year. Ideally for marathon training I would have gone hardcore through the winter, but really -- running outdoors in -30 degree weather is just an all around BAD idea, so I didn't.

It makes my job a little bit harder this year --- I have to recover last year's base as well as push through training for 2007. Though last year I ran the Toronto Half after just spent 2 weeks with Tonsilitis, including a brief hospital visit ----- I think I can manage to get back to decent base without issue.

So a brief background:
* I started running last March with Running Room's "Learn to Run" program ---- I liked the social aspect, and getting out and being one of those running people, so I kept doing it.

* Before finishing the LTR program I ran the Sporting Life 10k (the LTR program finishes with a 5k race --- I was eager), in a finishing time of 66 minutes.

* I moved on from LTR to a 10k clinic which I didn't finish because of scheduling issues, the same thing happened with the Half-Marathon clinic I tried to join in December.

* Last August I ran a 5k race in 33 minutes --- the heat was rediculous and having just spent the day at Canada's Wonderland I learned that eating Funnel Cake 40 minutes before a race is basically just an all around BAD idea.

* In October 2006 I ran the Toronto Half-Marathon. I was in poor health and poorly trained (having just spent 2 weeks incredibly ill) --- but I decided to suck it up and run anyways. I was originally trained to complete in 2 hours 20 minutes --- but ended up coming in with a 2:40:00 finishing time. The race distance taught me alot about mental hurdles -- as the uphill last 5k of that race was BY FAR the hardest part, I think it took me 40 minutes to run that 5k alone because I was on track for a 2:25 finish before the climb started.


So this year taking the lessons I learned last year I'm planning my training schedule for Marathon year.

My goal is the NYC Marathon in November --- I REALLY want to run NYC. But it also means taking my chances with the lottery, so we'll see what happens with that. *Fingers Crossed*. I'm also looking for another Half to do in late May/Early June. Ottawa is a distinct possibility, but we'll see.

My finishing Goal for the Marathon is between 4:15:00 and 4:30:00 --- I think this is pretty realistic in terms of my own speed and ability.


Otherwise -- For training I think I'll be closely following Hal Higdon's combination of Spring Training & Marathon Training. I need a light Spring schedule to get used to running again --- and I like his helpful little notes when you get into marathon training :P I'll probably tweak the programs a little as I get more into it, but for now that's my plan.