Chilly Half Marathon Training: Day 2

This morning it was speed work and weights.  I was at the gym bright and early.  I hate the treadmill, but for speed work I can tolerate it.  I did the following:

5 minutes warm-up
10 rounds of 1 minute at my long run pace
                    45 seconds at my 5k pace
                    15 seconds at a full sprint
5 minutes cool down

I then did leg weights.  It's been since July that I've lifted weights.  I know I'm going to feel it tomorrow on my run. 

It felt good to be back in the gym and pushing myself like that.  I was tired and I was dripping because I ran inside, but I felt great!

 

This morning I got to go watch James narrate as his school's Remembrance Day assembly.  He did a great job! He was so excited to be the only 4th grader to get asked to do this.  It was a nice assembly and all the kids did a great job!

I then got to spend the rest of the day sitting at a desk figuring out coaching assignments for the next session of Swim Academy.  Whew...that's tough!

Tomorrow will be Day 3 and River and I are out for a 4 mile run.  Thursday morning I'm back in the gym for some cross training and weights and Friday is my long run.  Once I get in the swing of things, it won't be so hard for me to get out the door.

Day 2 is done!

Monster Dash 5k

Tonight we were in Toronto for the Monster Dash.  It was our first time running the race and we are so glad we decided to do it!  It was an awesome race!

Yesterday we finished James' costume.  He is going as a Cyberman for Halloween and wanted to run the race in the costume.  It turned out pretty good.

I went as a butterfly fairy.

He was so excited to run this race.  His costume turned out better than I thought it would.  He did find out that Cybermen don't really sit.

Before the race we had to check out the finish line and get the last minute goofiness out.

We got to run the race in the dark so we brought our headlamps.  They really helped since part of the race was through the woods.  I thought he would have walked more since his costume was really cumbersome, but he was a trooper and ran almost the entire time!  He did walk to drink some water at the halfway point, but other than that he ran the whole time!  He was so excited when he finished the race.

After the race it was time to party!  Mike and I got to enjoy a really good vanilla porter from Mill Street Brewery.  It was a nice winter beer.  James enjoyed pizza, fruit, and juice.

Then it was time to dance.  And what dance does a Cyberman do?  The Robot of course!

 

 

 

 

He had a great time dancing!  And to top the night off, he won Best Costume for 17 and under!  He got a nice little prize pack that had 2 books, some ear buds, and 2 tickets to the Hockey Hall of Fame. 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a great night and we hope to be able to do this race again next year!



Day 49: Stryker Dundas Cactus 5k Race

Today we all ran a 5k race.  Mike ran with James so I could see where I was with my time since I have upped my training.  It was a great race!

The race was at a park in Dundas.   It was a nice little park and while this morning was warmer than it has been, it was still a nice morning to run.  Here are a few pictures of us before the run.

The 10k started off the morning.  Some of those runners were speedy.  They were finishing their first loop as we were starting our race.  The course was mostly flat.  I was happy about that.  I know I've been training hills, but I still like a flat course.  There was one hill towards the end of the race, but it wasn't so bad.

I ran a best time of 31:59.  I was really happy with that time.  It's a best time by about 30 seconds.  I thought that it would take James and Mike around 43 minutes, but I was wrong.  I crossed the finish line, got some water, looked up and they were coming into the park.  They crossed the finish line in 38:15.  It was a best time for James by at least 5 minutes.

James was so excited about his time and the fact that he ran almost the whole race.  He asked if he could get a massage and while we were waiting in line, I went to go check the official times.  I looked at his time and saw that he got 3rd in his age group.  Here he is after I told him.

He was so proud of himself as were we.  He got his massage and then we had to get some after race pictures.

VRPro always puts on great races and this one was no exception.  Looking forward to running my next race that they sponsor.

Days 26-28: Track Meets, Cross Training and Long Run

Wow it's been a busy 3 days!  I moved my rest day from Saturday to Friday as James had a mini meet to end his week at track and field camp.  I went to watch him compete.  He chose to do the long jump, high jump, 100 meter dash and he was on a relay.  He did well in all those events for doing them for the first time.

Here he is long jumping.

His 100 meter dash was next.  He came in 4th.  Here he is crossing the finish  line.

He did high jump, but his form still isn't quite there.  They did teach them the flop, but most of the younger kids just ran at the bar and jumped.  He was taking off of one foot though.  He said he really likes high jump.

The relay was at the end and everyone ran it.  They had divided the kids up into 4 countries and they were competing for their assigned countries all meet.  James was on the Russian team.  They ended up coming in 2nd in the relay.  Here he is passing the baton to the next runner.

He had a great time and says he wants to go back again next year.  The camp staff did a wonderful job teaching them about track and field.  We'll be signing him up for a week next summer!

Yesterday was my cross training day.  I got up early and took River for a 3.5 mile walk before I went to the gym.  It was a gorgeous morning and we really enjoyed our walk. 

Once I got to the gym, I got on the recumbent bike and did that for 35 minutes.  It didn't feel super good and it was a "just get through it" workout.  I didn't feel horrible, but I just wasn't that into it yesterday.  Then I did upper body weights.  Next week I'll be increasing the weight on a few exercises and I'm very close to increasing on a few more.  The weights felt good.

Today was my long run.  When the dogs got me up to feed them, I got ready to head out for an 8 mile run.  8 miles is the longest I've run ever.  When I was doing some training last spring, I went for an 8 mile run and twisted my knee.  That was on trails and I don't know how I did it.  So it's been awhile since I've run this far.

The route I take is very hilly which I need to do.  It's a beautiful route through the country.  There is no one out on the roads yet.  It is always peaceful.  I love running by farmer's fields and watching the cows as I run by.  I also run by River's daycare and I can hear all the dogs barking at me as I go by as the doors to the runs were open.

Today was the day I tried the Honey Stingers as I ran.  I know I have to keep my energy up and I have to have fuel for my body to draw on when I run these longer runs.  I can't do the gels because the texture makes me gag.  Someone told me to try these.  They are like fruit snacks so I can chew them.  I ate 6 of them every 40 minutes on the run.  I really liked them and I did notice a difference after eating them.  I just need to keep using them to find what will work for my on race day and what flavors I like. 

So today, I ran for 40 minutes then walked a few minutes to get the stingers and some Gatorade in me.  Then I ran for another 40 minutes and did the same thing.  I felt really good on my run and only had to walk the 2 times so eat and drink.  I just can't do that while running.  I've tried and it is never successful.  I'll keep trying though.

Like I said before this route is really hilly.  There are low rolling his and long steep ones.  I ran up every one of them!  There is even an intersection that no matter what direction you are going, you will be going up hill both ways.  That was towards the end of my run and it was not fun.  I was cursing it in my head as I was running.  But once I got up both of those hills, it was downhill and flat the rest of the way home.

I love running in the early mornings and in this cooler weather.  I just wish I could have taken River with me.  She's a great running partner and she just loves to run.  8 miles is just too long for her.  The most I'll let her run with me is a 10k.  That's pretty much her limit.

Tomorrow I'm switching things around.  I'm doing speed work and weights and Wednesday, James and I are running a virtual 5k race.  He's excited to see how his running has improved and the fact that the race is Harry Potter themed.  Our race bibs were emailed to us last week and they look cool.  It will be a good time.

Now I'm off to cross stitch the rest of the day.  Enjoy your Sunday!

Day 25: Another Beautiful Day!

I know it's July and this should be fall weather, but I'm loving running in this stuff!  It was about 48 degrees when I got up this morning.  It made for another great morning of running.

Today was supposed to be a 5 mile run, but last night I found out that James was getting dropped off at our house at 6:15 so I had to cut my run short.  I ended up doing a 5k.  I took River with me though.  We both really enjoyed the run as it was another sunrise run.  There is just something about watching the sun come up as you are running.  It's just amazing.  I love the quiet and the calm of that time of day.  No one is up.  There aren't many cars.  Nature is out and the air smells so clean.  It's probably my favorite time of day to run.

The 5k route we take starts with and uphill and ends with an uphill.  At the start it's a nice slow uphill, but at the end it's a short steeper one.  We live in just the right spot that it is uphill both ways to get to our house.

Tomorrow is James' last day of track and field camp.  They are having a little mini-meet and he's very excited.  He's decided to do the long jump, high jump, 100 meter dash, and a relay.  He wasn't sure if anyone could come watch him, but I told him this morning I was coming and he was really excited.  I'm taking my camera so there will be lots of pictures.  He has really enjoyed this camp.  It's been good for him to step out of his comfort zone and do this.  He likes running and this was a way for him to see the other events and to learn how to do them.  He's come home every day excited and happy and that's what counts.

So tomorrow I'm up really early again to hit the gym for a cross training day and weights.  Saturday is my rest day and I'm kind of looking forward to it.  I won't get to sleep any later, because River will still need her morning walk, but it will be an easy walk with my coffee in tow.

I'm off to start the rest of my day!  It's going to be a day at home so hopefully I can get some stuff done.

Day 22: I've Got Some Catching Up To Do!

Yikes!!!!!  Last week just slipped away from me.  My parents were up here visiting and we
going everyday.  I didn't train like I should have, but I did do a lot of walking.  We all had a good time.

Saturday I ran the Warrior Dash for the 3rd year in a row.  I really enjoy running this race.  It breaks up the road races and I can just have a good time.  They switched the course up from the past 2 years.  We started out "running" up one of the ski hills and then it just seemed to be all uphill from there.  Yeah, I train hills, but not ski hills so I didn't do much running up them.

There was also a lot more climbing and ropes this year.  I did have to go around 2 of the obstacles due to the fact that once you got over them, there was at least a 6 foot drop.  I did not want to hurt my ankle while training for this half marathon. 

Here are a few pictures from the race.

This morning I got up and took River on my run.  Today was a short run so we did almost 2.5 miles.  It felt really good.  It was one of those runs that I felt like I could run forever.  Tomorrow is a 5 mile run so I hope that it feels the same as today.  Since it's cooler, I'll take River tomorrow too.  I'll be up and out the door by 5:30 since I have to get James to camp and I'm working at the office all day.  River will like running that early and she gets to go to daycare afterwards.

Off to finish my day!  Enjoy yours!

Days 12-14: Ran the Dirty Dash!

Friday I had planned to run, but I overslept and my stomach was still not up to 100%.  I took River for her walk and got  shower.  James had a piano competition that Mike and I took him to.  He was very excited, but also very nervous.  He played really well, but for that session we didn't get to find out how he placed.  There were announcing it today.  He cleans up well though.

 

 

Saturday was a rest day and I was at a swim meet all day.  I left very early and got home for dinner.  I was beat by the time I got home.

 

Today was the Dirty Dash.  This race is always one of my favorite races of the summer.  It's my 3rd year running it and every year I love playing in the mud!  I was concerned how I would do since I haven't run in a week.  I took it out nice and easy and just didn't push it.  The first 2k was nice and felt good.  At the first river crossing there was a bottle-neck and things slowed way down.  I knew that was coming and every year it's hard to get my momentum back.  I did the 2nd river crossing and was starting to feel the lack of running all week.  Then the muddy hill caused me to slip, but I still got up it.  The mud pit was deep and thick.  It was so much fun trying to get through it!  I was covered!

 

I did start out nice and clean though.

 

 

 

After crawling through the mud and was still smiling and just a little less clean.

 

 



My time was okay, but I don't do this one for time, I do this one for the mud!  Next weekend I run the Warrior Dash so I'll get all muddy again!

Tomorrow I'm back on my training schedule so after the morning swim practice, I'm stopping by the gym for a 2 mile run on the treadmill and weights.  I'll be getting up early most mornings next week since mom and dad will be here.  I still have to get my runs in!

It's been awhile!

October and November caught me and got away from me.  Wow were they busy months.  Let's see if I can upate on my training and racing.

At the end of October I did the Zombie Race in Milton.  It was a great race, but of course it was raining and a bit chilly.  The mud made it more fun though.  It was mostly trails and I loved it!

 

Here is James and I after the race.  He was a bit disappointed that he couldn't run it with me.  In a few years he will be old enough.

 



November started and so did the swim meets.  My kids have been swimming okay.  There is still some technical stuff to fix, but we are making progress towards that.  My training was up and down.

I went to Indiana to surprise my mom for her birthday and brought back the newest member our our family. 

River is a Treeing Walker Coonhound mix.  She is very high energy and gets along great with Anya and Mulder.

We've had her for just over a week and James said it feels like we've had her all our lives.  She is on a great schedule to get lots of exercise.  Monday and Thursday I take her to the dog park.  Tuesday and Friday we walk to daycare when James is with us and then we go for a run.  Wednesday she goes to Doggy Daycare.  Saturday and Sunday we go to the dog park or hike.  I get all three of them out for walks at least 2 other times a day as well. 

Here she is at daycare playing with some of her friends.

When I got back from Indiana I ran the Hanukkah Hustle in Hamilton.  I ran this race last year and had a good time, so I was back for a second year.  I did pretty good for my training being hit and miss.

After the race we took all three dogs hiking.  They had a ball and the weather was awesome!

I ran a bit last week and took River for her first run with me.  We ran just under 3 miles and she had me moving!  She really does love to run.

Saturday James and I ran the Hamilton Santa 5k.  We had to dress in Santa suits to run.  It was a lot of fun and James ran a best time of 44:09!

 

Mike and James will be running the Santa 5k in Burlington on Mike's birthday.  James had such a good time he wants to do it again!

So that brings us to this morning.  I was going to walk all three dogs to daycare with James, but it was just too cold out for Mulder.  He wears a coat, but still gets really cold, so I just took River.  It's 1.63 miles to daycare and then we went for a 4 mile run.  She just keeps going!  There was no way she was letting me slow down or walk at any point.  She just loves to run!  I won't be able to run with her on Friday as I'm at a swim meet, but Saturday afternoon she and I will go for another run when I get home from practice.

My next goal race is the Robbie Burns 8k at the end of January.  I'd like to be around 50 minutes or faster.  I think I can do it, if I stick to my training schedule.  I have to start doing weights again next week to build up my strength again.  I'll be able to see where I'm at on January 1st when I run the Resolution Run. 

Right now I have to get so much stuff done that I feel like I'm already behind!  Off to enjoy the rest of my day!  Have a wonderful one yourself!