Is this supposed to happen?

A day after the race, and I'm thinking about my next run and my next race.  Does this mean I'm a runner? LOL

So a few weeks ago, I mentioned a potential announcement/surprise.  Nope, not pregnant, not engaged, not a major lottery winner. :D

Let me start at the beginning. While stretching after our last long run leading up to yesterday's race in the community center, 3 of us were talking about the race.  One of the newer guys to join became the best salesperson I've yet to come across... better than any used car salesmen! 

Not exactly sure how the conversation changed, but I came to learn that 3 of the group had already registered for the Mississauga Full Marathon. Where have I been? One is doing it as it's her birthday along with the "salesman" and the "speedy" one of our group.  By the end of the 10 minute long conversation, he had us almost convinced that we should register and run it too!  I went home, and spoke to Jay about it, but I also told him that I was putting it out of my mind until I completed the 30k. That was my one and only goal at the time. Once that goal was accomplished, then we'll talk about it.  I did spill my secret to one other person. ;)

So, it's the day after my race, we've since talked about it; during the car ride home from the race yesterday. The thoughts are running through my mind.  Remember in my race report I mentioned that towards the end of the race, I caught up to 3 runners -- the "birthday girl" and the "salesman" and another (will have to think of a nickname for him). As we ran down the finishing chute, salesman says "you've come this far, why wouldn't you register for the full?"

Training plans that I've been looking at usually go up to about 32k for full marathon training. This marathon is 40 sleeps away.  My ultimate dream goal (yes, it's "the ultimate dream goal", because I didn't even conceive the idea that I'd run a half, let alone a 30k) when I started running was to complete a marathon at 32... the same age my dad ran his.  I'll be 32 in August, so yes, I'd be a few months early... 

Following is what is swirling in my mind -- there's a lot.

Pros

• Mississauga Marathon is May 10th, Mother's Day!  How cool would it be to run my first marathon on Mother's Day, with my son there
• Yesterday's 30k was not run for time, not full-out exertion, so recovery time hopefully shouldn't be too long. I only swore going down the stairs once today, hopefully tomorrow won't be too much worse.
• Registration fees go up April 1st.  I'd like to beat the $10 price hike if I'm going to do this.
• Local race, can drive to/from the race on the same day
• FLAT!!!!  It's a net downhill. After yesterday's monster hill around the 25k mark, and hilly final 10k, I'm happy with a flatter downhill race :)
• 2 of the group members running their first full, another running the half (right Marlene?)
• A fall marathon is not ideal and would be too much for me.  Nike HM in San Fran October 18th. Running Scotiabank at the end of Sept and hilly San Fran 3 weeks later scares me.  We will be booking flights fairly soon, as well as a house for the week, vacation time already booked from work, I want to be healthy to get the necklace from the firemen get to and finish this race.  
• With Toronto Waterfront Marathon the same day as Nike, and Niagara Falls International the week after, obviously neither of these are an option.
• I accomplished 30k, do I really have/want to wait until next spring to try a full?
• I don't know of any other full marathons between May and Sept, and with the summer humidity, not sure I'd want to run one in the middle of summer.  Traveling a distance for one is not an option, as I'm already traveling later in the year.
• Obviously this would be another huge milestone; I'd go into this race with the same mentality as yesterday's race.  Go out, have fun, no expectations, no time goal, just finish.  After yesterday, I know that I have the mental capability and strength to do this.
• Didn't register for Nike Full because all of the other girls signed up for the half, traveling home within a few days following, and a very hilly course
• Checked the website, if I really really feel like I'm not ready, I can change this to another distance on race day, I can't do that with Nike
• Did I mention this route would be flat?

Cons

• Timing... currently registered for the Sporting Life 10k on May 3rd (another extremely fun downhill race... I'd run this for fun no problem).  Following weekend would be the full. May 31st, I'm already registered for the inaugural TO Women's Half.  Even if all these races are done just to finish, is it too much?  
• Is 3 weeks enough time after my first full to do a half?  
• Of course I'd want to finish the marathon injury free... but What If? Will I be ok having to miss the half that I I had already registered for prior to this crazy idea, and is already sold out if I'm not recovered or injured, or anything else that might come up in between?

I can't think of any other cons... honestly. I know this might seem like an easy decision given the lopsided list, but I am so SO happy to be 6 months with no injuries and feeling great. I want to keep it that way!

I was kinda hoping that this would be more of an announcement after having made a decision, but I'm really stuck -- so right now I'm begging for your thoughts, expertise, and opinions (be honest). The three from the run yesterday seem to have confidence in me, Jay says I should just register already -- why wouldn't I. Also chatted with an old co-worker today while talking about my race who is also a runner; he said to go for it. Yikes! What do you all say? Am I delusional? Great guess Arcane! :)

**A few things; it's NOT peer-pressure to hang with the cool kids.  I'm considering it because it's something I want to consider.  And, there's absolutely no rush to try my first marathon, but, well, you know... (see above).

30K Around the Bay Race report -- coming up from behind!

It's done! I did it!

We got to Hamilton yesterday afternoon, hit the expo to get our kits, checked into the hotel, then went to get some dinner.  We called it a night at about 10:30pm, which really didn't make a difference as I barely slept.  The pull-out couch mattress wasn't very forgiving with the springs.  Our alarm clock and phone rang simultaneously; time to get the day started.

Wait, I heard something.  Went to the window, it was raining.  I've come this far, trained through a long, cold winter; rain wasn't going to stop me today.  But I had to do my part in convincing others to get out of their jeans and into their running gear.  Mission accomplished, all 9 of us are dressed, jam-packed in a mini-van on our way to the race.

Inside for some shelter, ran into Marlene, a few other friends, and finally got to meet Sarah!

By the time we headed outside, the rain had let up... a bit.  Funny thing is that Steal My Sunshine by Len came onto my iPod just as the sky opened up, and decided to pour.

Thanks to all of you who gave me your input into running with someone else.  Here's what I did. Yesterday, I talked to the person in question, she asked me if I had prepared lots of stories to tell he during the race to make the time go by.  I told her that it was important that we each run our own race, and that while I don't mind starting out with her, we need to not have any commitments or obligations.  She seemed ok with it, and I was relieved to just get that out there.

So, that's what we did, and it was working really well!  She was kicking butt today, and we were at a comfortable pace.  Oh, and the rain? Still coming down.  It didn't take long for our shoes to be full and heavy.

I was surprised how many people were out there supporting the runners, and thanks to the amazing volunteers for being out there on a very wet day.  As I ran past an older guy on the street at roughly 4k, he yelled out to me "You're NUTS!" I laughed, shrugged my shoulders, high-fived, and thanked him for being there.

4 kids, Superman, 3 police officers... those that I high-fived along the way.  I stuck with my main objective -- have fun. 

Running over the grate wasn't as bad as I expected; I thought the bridge was a lot higher, I just eased up my pace a bit in hopes of not slipping.

At 16k, my running partner was starting to struggle.  She was having a hard time with the heaviness of her shoes, and urged me to go on.  I did.  

This was my race, I was feeling great, I didn't feel guilty at all -- this was my moment.  So I carried on.  Up to this point, the biggest challenge was the rain; the route was flat.  The route is a triangle... when we turned onto the last long stretch the rain had pretty much stopped.  Yes, that's good news, however, it's also when the wind picked up and the hills started.  I caught up to one of the guys from my group who was having a hard time walking in a straight line, let alone run... I stayed with him for a few minutes, he also encouraged me to keep going. He's quite a bit taller than I am, so he said that he'd stay motivated by keeping me in his sights.

About 2k later, I caught up with my first clinic instructor!  She had moved away shortly after our goal race following the half marathon clinic -- but she emailed us last week to let us know she was running the race and had looked up our names on the confirmation list.  I asked her if I could run with her... she told me that she had done some curling yesterday and was paying dearly for it, so she told me to go on.  I thanked her -- as it was, after all, her and the running group that got me to the race today.

Then came THE hill.  After a few rolling hills, we turned a corner, and when looking to your left over the water, you see the other runners heading up a monster of a hill. Oh Sh!t!  There was no way I was going to run up that hill...  I run up about a quarter of the way, walked the rest.

Homestretch.  Out of nowhere I see a black hat, a blue hat and a green hat... 3 members of my group who I certainly didn't expect to catch up to! Wtf!  I called out to them as they were about 10 strides ahead of me.  They all turned to see who was calling them, and I think they were just as shocked to see me! :)  The 4 of us stuck together till the end!

We got to a ramp that led us into Copps Coliseum, where our finish line was -- with all the wind and rain, can't help but think that this was much better for friends/family waiting for the runners!  I was so overwhelmed with emotion and happiness -- I forgot to raise my hands, forgot to look for me on the big screen, and had no clue where any of the photographers were.  Oh well.

Finished in 3:24:04 -- I had sorta set myself a loose goal of 3:45:00, as I wasn't really sure what to expect considering I've been heart rate training for the last few months.  That, and 6 months ago, I was in an air cast...  I thought about that often while out there today.

How I'm still awake to post this? Not sure, quite possibly still the endorphins! :)

So, today was my longest run ever, I accomplished the 30k race I wanted so badly to do last year but couldn't, and finished off the month of March with 194km/120miles. Highest monthly mileage yet!

Love the race shirt, and we actually to keep the timing chip -- it's a special commemorative chip to mark their 115th anniversary, so that's pretty cool!

Once we finally got home after going back to the hotel, showering, and a late lunch with the group, I figured this was as good a time as any.  Hard to tell in the pic, but I had my very first ice bath.  Now that I'm not running in sub-freezing temperatures, an ice-bath is much more tolerable, so I decided to be brave... Yikes that was cold!

Alright, that's it for me tonight... here's to hoping this post makes any sort of sense :)

San Fran, here I come!

Thanks to AKA Alice for providing me a link to a searchable database of names, and for making my year! Oh, and all my running gals love you too! :)

I'm going to San Francisco!!! As you can tell, yes, I registered for the half -- not the full. I would rather have my first marathon be a little more flat, and perhaps somewhere I won't have to sit on a plane for 5+ hours  in the days following. 

Met the running group last night for coffee, and of course we were talking about this trip. One lady's husband had scoped out houses for us to rent out for an entire week, making a week-long vacation out of it. Much cheaper than a hotel room, and we can all pretty much stay together.  How much trouble can 8 women get into in San Fran? ;)  I'm now officially doing a happy dance... 205 more sleeps!!

Bib number for Sunday's race is 3589.  Look like a good number?  I'm sure the high still won't have worn off by that point. 

I have a question for you all.  One of the running group wants to run with me for the entire 30k. I'm going into this race as it being a 'fun run'.  No expectations, no pressure, milestone and PR regardless, I just want to finish; I have no care/concern about time. If I have to help them pick up the pylons as I pass them, I will. LOL I've never done a race planning to run with someone... I have no problems telling her to go ahead of me if I feel like I'm dragging her down, but don't want any hurt feelings if I feel like I want to go faster. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Not sure I'll have much to post between now and the race, so keep your fingers crossed for me! They're calling for 11℃/51℉, 90% of rain, 35km/hr winds.  Part of the race is on a bridge, metal grate; you look down, you see water.  I hate those things, and purposely walk around grates like that one sidewalks.  LOL With it raining, I'm sure it'll also be a bit slippery...  Let's hope the weather forecasters are wrong, or that it doesn't amount to much.  Have a great weekend, and good luck to all those racing this weekend, I know there's a bunch of us out there!

Wait! Slow down!

Seems like a few bloggers have been getting their butts kicked at work with being busy, long hours, etc.  Me included; but it's all good. I'm thankful for a job in this economy, happy to be able to work at home, for an excellent boss, being part of an amazing team of people, doing something I enjoy.  But this week, I've been doing something completely new, involving a lot of learning, and long days.  

So with that said, I just happened to look at my calendar and realized it's Wednesday!  Sunday is a mere 4 days away!  I went on my last longish run; before the race... 6k this morning... not as early as Marlene though. :)  Funny that 6k is now considered a 'short run' 

Tomorrow and friday are non-running days, a short run on saturday to loosen up the legs before hitting the hotel! Bring it on! :)

Still no official results from Nike's San Fran race, it said on or around the 25th we'd get an email confirmation... impatiently awaiting.

I can't help it!

ok, where do I start... at this time next week, I'll be about 2 hours into my 30k race! This week will go by fast, I'm sure, especially since I have lots of packing to do.  Today and yesterday each had a 6k run, yesterday a hilly one, today pretty flat, both which seemed so short compared to the 20k, 24k and 27k runs that usually fill my Sunday mornings.  We were done breakfast by 9:30!  

Thanks to RunningLaur for putting together the Hooray Spring Six Miler, which I chose to use my 6k run. With a week to go before my actual race, I definitely took it easy, staying in zone 2. It's been a chilly start to spring, but I'll take it!

For some of you on facebook, you may have already read my status update.  I'm trying so so hard not to plan too far ahead. Not to get overly excited, but I just can't help it.

I mentioned a few months back that the ladies of the running group and I signed up for the lottery of Nike's Half Marathon in San Francisco. We tried last year, and didn't get in.  Well, I swear I read somewhere that everyone's credit cards would be charged, and those not selected would be credited the amount, so when the close of registration hit on Thursday, and I saw that my credit card was charged yesterday, I didn't get excited.  This morning 3 of the ladies of the group came running to me announcing we got in... I hate being the bearer of bad news, but I let them know about the cards being pre-charged... everyone.  I swear I read that somewhere, and one of the other girls had read the same thing somewhere!  So, we all agreed not to get our hopes up.

After our run, I got out my iPhone, pulled up the bookmarked page of the race, and brought up the FAQ's, which states the following:

WHAT IS THE RANDOM DRAWING PROCEDURE?
Participants must visit NikeMarathon.com for a link and submit their registration online prior to March 18th, 2009 at 11:59pm PDT to qualify for the random drawing. Only one registration will be allowed per person and duplicate registrations will be removed prior to the random drawing. Names will be drawn by a randomized and automatic computer program, and only runners selected for the 2009 Nike Women’s Marathon will have their credit card charged for the race registration fee. Once credit card payment has been verified, accepted participants will be notified via email at the end of March. Note: If your credit card is not authorized, you will not be selected! Participants not selected by the random computer drawing will also receive an email in late March with this notification.

IF I'M READING THIS RIGHT, AND I'VE READ IT ABOUT A THOUSAND TIMES... WE'RE IN?!?!?!!!! I've never been to San Francisco!  Oh! And for those of you who don't know, I ♥ firemen; Jay is not convinced I'll return home after the race. :)  Guess it's time to get some serious hill training in! So, until I get an actual confirmation and see my name on the list, I will try to keep my excitement controlled.  I will try.

5 to go

yesterday was one of those days where there just not enough hours. Terron has been on Spring Break all week, so I've done my best to keep him busy/entertained while I'm teaching... he was super good.  I had a pretty full teaching schedule, not enough time before work to run, session ran longer than expected, so no time during my lunch hour, and Jay wouldn't be home in the evening...

Terron has been wanting to show me these trails that we "apparently" have in our neighborhood. Since we're moving at the end of the month, and my running routes will have to change yet again, I used my motherly conniving multitasking trickery interest, and asked if he'd join me on my run to show me the trails while he rode his bike. Sold!

Started out easy to warm up, we got to his school, I followed behind the school where he took me onto a trail, heart rate was cooperating a lot more than the previous days' run.  We followed this trail back to a road I often run (NOT the same as "MCM Mama's streetwalking"), circled through some side streets, other pathways, leading back to the muddy trail and back home. He turned back at one point and said "Hey mom, you're pretty fast" Now do you see why I love this kid so much?? I wonder if it's just the innocence of a child or he was sucking up to me for something; I assure you I was not fast, but after some thought, perhaps it's because 'i ran' the 5k, rather than stopping to catch my breath.  He was thrilled to have shown me something new, I was happy to have seen something new with him, and glad to have gotten my run done. It was nice to see the world through his eyes. (Wednesday was also a busy day, and I squeezed in my run while he was in karate class).

So with 9 sleeps to go before the 30k, and only 5 shortish runs to go... it's getting close!  We've decided to get a hotel room for the night before the race.  Not sure who I'm rooming with as yet; I'm being fought over, bounced back and forth between 2 rooms, both which will have 2 other girls. Could be worse, I could be unwanted! LOL  

This will be my first time not leaving from home before a race, and to add to the confusion, I will be getting serious about packing this weekend and next week, I hope I don't mistakenly pack something I need!  I'll create a checklist of things I need (HRM, ipod, race confirmation, fuel belt, running clothes, fuel, bottles, shoes, socks, hair elastics, sunglasses -- hoping for a sunny day!) but any other tips that you guys can pass on for a race while away from home?

Good luck to anyone racing this weekend, I will be completing my 6k tomorrow for RunningLaur's Hooray Spring Six K virtual race... good luck to all the racers this weekend-- virtual or real! :D

my sole competition

I've come to recognize that I'm not a very competitive person when it comes to running and races. I'm becoming less concerned with pace, more focused on how I'm feeling and my body; heart rate training has really changed my focus, I think.

With the 30k coming up, I've thought a lot about the difference of "running the 30k" and "racing the 30k".  Btw, I plan on running the 30k..

My thinking soon became -- Why should I care so much, what am I trying to prove? To who?

My mom certainly never thought I'd be a runner. 

My dad? He might be silently proud, in his own way; doing something he did... but it's so silent that I'll never know. 

My son? Quite the opposite... he's already very proud of me, and even told his friends when I ran the HM, which I had posted about here last year.  I still gush and think about that conversation every time I'm near a certain route; which I was tonight.

Sure, it's nice to prove the nay-sayers wrong, those that never thought you could or would, do all of you have some "doubters?"

But wait! I've already beat my main competition! I've accomplished a lot more than the girl that did nothing in her spare time; the one that took life for granted, and didn't seem to be really passionate about anything. I've challenged myself more than that other person, pushed by body far beyond what I thought was possible... she never would have; she would have given up a long time ago.  Clearly, she never felt these highs and lows -- the feeling of crossing any finish line or an injury forcing you to stop doing the one thing that you want to do so badly.  

I've kicked the "old-me's" @$$!  The old-me sucked! Too bad the old-me needed brain surgery to figure this all out! :P

This is more of a victory to me than hitting a certain pace or time; but that's just me.

back where it should be...

weather has been amazing since Saturday... after a long winter, I knew it wouldn't be long before I'd get the urge. No, not that urge...

I got my road bike back out on the road :) Terron is enjoying Spring Break, and he asked me if I'd take him out for a ride... hell ya! So after work, I found the pump, pumped up all the tires, gathered our helmets, and we were off.

It would have been nice to add some speed, but it was nice being out there with him.   Truth be told, I'm still a bit nervous being clipped in, on a busy side street nearing heavy traffic time, having to pay attention to not only myself, but my son. With my race being less than 2 weeks away, no need for more stitches like what happened last year.

ART session was good last night, a bit of mild tightness in my ITB, he got right in there, and am feeling great today.  Went out for a 'lunchtime quickie' -- 5k, average heart rate 159, max  169.  So wonderful to be outside with no jacket, no gloves, no toque... finally.

massage and a movie!

sounds like a pretty good date right?  Well, this post isn't going that way... sorry.

After mentioning a few times in my posts about the H2O massage, there seems to be some interest, so I thought I'd explain further.  

The gym I joined in December has one of these beds; I quickly asked for my free-trial.  It feels like there's a little gremlin in there or something with water hoses, running them up and down the backs of your legs, back and neck.  I came out from the first session feeling nice and relaxed. In response to your question Marci, yes, it's extra; each session is $10, lasts 15 minutes, unlimited monthly is $20.  You chose the amount of pressure, the speed at which it goes up and down, and you can target only your back, or only your legs, or full body.  

The amount of pain that we put our bodies through, it's nice to have this available, and with the gym accessible to me 24/7/365 I don't have to worry about making an appointment.  I'm not sure that this is better than an actual massage, and certainly the human touch isn't there, but even my sister-in-law charges $75/hr, so $20 for unlimited use is much more affordable.  The other downside is that you lay on your back... so my quads don't necessarily get as much benefit, but I can tell you that my hamstrings, calves, lower back, shoulders and neck are thankful. Yesterday I fell asleep during the 15 minute massage after my 21k run.

Click here if you want to check out the website, but here's a glimpse of the benefits they list:

• Total relaxation
• Reduces stress & nervous tension
• Invaluable relief from pain
• Joint stiffness
• Arthritic & rheumatic Conditions
• relief from muscle spasms
• Reduces Fatigue
• Aids in correcting insomnia
• Deep muscle stimulation
• Enhanced recovery from pain
• Detoxification of the body
• Improves General Health
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces heart rate
• Improves skin tone
• Reduces tension, headaches

So there you have it... that's what I'm talking about when I mention the H2O massages.

Now onto the movie!  Today I received in the mail my copy of Running For My Father from Stuart!  Kind of ironic as in my own personal life I'm sorta running from my father... Thanks again for sharing your copy, I'm looking forward to watching this, and will post my review!

Haven't gone for an A.R.T. treatment in a while, and now that I'm within 2 weeks of my 30k race (GAH!) I made an appointment for tonight.  Just want to get a bit of tightness worked out before race day, nothing concerning.  

Hope you're all having a great start to the week!

what goes down must climb back up!

If only all weekends could be so good!

The forecast calls for above freezing temperatures and nothing but sunshine, and the forecasters were finally right! :)

I headed out for a 7k run yesterday morning ahead of a busy day.  I overdressed, and as a result, had a hard time keeping my heart rate down.  I also ended up with my feet shackled, while running, which could have been disastrous.  I was running close to the curb, but failed to see a full circle of thick wire... somehow both feet managed inside, and suddenly my feet weren't moving very far.  Luckily I escaped injury, but I couldn't help but laugh at the situation afterwards.  

We headed downtown to pick up a rack for my road bike for the new house so that I can keep it neatly stored, and we headed down for a nice walk on the boardwalk at the beaches.  I hate to admit it, but it was my first time down there even though I've lived in this city for a number of years.  It was nice to see so many people out enjoying the weather!  Even the ice cream truck was there; I've waited all winter for an ice cream from the truck!

The taper is on! We planned for a 20k route this morning with the group... incorporating some good hills for race day preparation.  I forgot the GPS add-on for my Polar, but I know we did just under 21k for the day.

For about the first 7k it was a lot of downhill running, through a golf course and by a conservation area, but the rest of the route was a fairly steady incline through the residential streets.  Average heart rate was much better today at 157, max at 174... during one of the steeper inclines.  I feel great!

On my way home, I stopped off at the gym for an H2O massage... I fell asleep during the short 15 minutes I lay there.  

Once Jay got home this afternoon, he asked me to throw around the football outside to help him get ready for his upcoming season, it's been about 5 months since he's thrown the ball around and being the quarterback, he wants to start getting back in the mode (little known fact, I played women's football a few years ago, but don't play anymore, even though the team keeps begging me to come back every year.  I used to have knee issues... the constant start/stop and awkward turns, etc. were very hard on my knees; yet running 21k doesn't bother them at all... hmmm.). Too nice out to sit indoors; we had some good laughs.

Now I'm ready to chill out for the rest of the day, and am looking forward to a very sound sleep tonight.

I may have a pretty big announcement in the coming weeks.  No, I'm not pregnant, no I'm not getting married... stay tuned.