iPod woes!

I love listening to music and definitely rocking out in the car (even though my 2.5 year old tells me to stop).

 

When I used to workout at a gym, I'd have my iPod on during cardio all the time. I wouldn't rock out, but I found that it would help distract me from looking at the time ticking by on the treadmill, ellipitcal or bike.

 

When I started running I didn't use my old school iPod Nano because I ran with my buddy and we chatted to pass the time instead.

 

Once I stopped running with her, I used the Nano once or twice but ran into issues with headphones. They kept falling out. Then at some point the set that came with my phone broke and stopped working (I don't use them with my phone at all).

 

I headed out and got myself a new pair of YurBuds,

 

 

brought them home to my fully charged iPod and was ready to go.

 

Lo and behold, the iPod wasn't charged. Hmmm. I was pretty sure I'd plugged it in, charged it and hadn't used it.

 

So I plugged it back into the computer, charged it up again so it was ready to take out on my next run (I went music-less again for that current run).

 

The next time I went to grab the iPod (knowing it was charged), nothing happened. It didn't turn on and wouldn't respond to the reset.

 

I accepted the truth. It was time for my iPod to rest in peace.

 

Luckily, I had points on my credit card. I used some points to get myself a little iPod shuffle.

It came this weekend, so I spent some time setting up iTunes again and adjusting my playlist.

 

Yesterday, I came across jog.fm and have myself set for 6:15/km. I can't wait to get out for another run tonight.

I missed out on my big run on the weekend, because my 8km turned into a horrible 5k, instead. I just couldn't continue.

I'll be doing the 8km tonight instead!

Do you listen to music when running?

What's your favourite running song?

If you're having a crappy run do you cut it short or complete what you planned?

 



Noo! Stay away injuries!

Friday I was supposed to do a 5 km run with some strength training.

 

Instead, I sat on the couch with an ice pack.

Thursday, I took my oldest son to the circus. Between sitting on the bleachers and having him hoisted up on my legs so that he could see over top of the giant man in front of us (he wasn't giant, just felt like it), I ended up with a very sore knee when I woke up on Friday morning.

 

I have history with knee pain.

 

I used to play fast pitch softball (now I'm in the beer leagues, much nicer). I used to play catcher. This has wreaked havoc on my knee. I can't sit crossed-legged on the floor (tough for a Kindergarten teacher or mom to avoid) without some pain on my left knee. However, the pain from the circus was more of an overuse pain instead of a sharp pain.

 

Surprisingly, it feel fine when I run. There's no pain at all. Sometimes, after I run it's a little sore, but nothing like it was on Friday.

 

Happily, the pain went away on Saturday and my knee feels like it normally does. Slightly pain when it's tightly bent, but other than that. Nothing!!
 

I'm paranoid of getting injured. I refuse to go to the doctor to get my knee checked because I'm afraid that she's going to tell me more needs to be done and that I might even require surgery in the future. I've already dealt with a bad case of shin splints, but luckily they've stayed away.

 

I'm not sure if it had anything to do with stretching/icing or not, but, I don't want to run into anything in the future so from now on, stretching everyday!

 

Anyone have an awesome stretching routine they want to share??

Running Community

Despite losing weight and getting healthier, one of the other big benefits is the running community both online and in person.

 

Last night, I went for my run, a nice easy 5K (love how 5K is 'nice and easy' now). On the way, I passed a few other runners. I always worry, "are they going to laugh at my pace" or "do they think I'm just an imitation runner" (whatever that is). Or are they analyzing my posture/gait, etc.

 

These things go through my head, but as we're getting closer and closer, all they do is wave, say hello or give me a little smile.

No chuckling, laughing, staring, gawking, etc.

Races are awesome.



Everyone cheers for each other. I cheer for those people that pass me and try to encourage those I pass (few and far between) and congratulate each other at the end of the race! It's so much fun.

I've also found an amazing online group called Running Bloggers where I picked up tips, read reviews of races and products and just cheer or commiserate with other runners who blog.




I haven't branched out to running groups yet because with the two boys, getting out at a scheduled time is tricky and once I go back to work, once I get them from daycare, that's my time with them. I'll hit the gym or run outside after work and then pick them up. A running group is great, but at this point, not really feasible.

All in all, it's great to feel a part of something that used to seem so scary to me.

Thanks to those of you that read my blog and comment! I love it!



Motivation? What's that?

Today, I feel like this:

 



 

I have 5km on the plan tonight, which isn't much (a little over 30 minutes) but I know getting out the door is going to be the hardest part. My littlest was up at 5:30 this morning so I'm pretty tired.

 

I need to start pushing myself a little harder right now. In a couple weeks we're going to two different cottages and I know that running workouts aren't going to happen much.

 

I'm hoping that I'm just going through a little blah time and that I'll be able to get out of this funk soon!

 

Ever been in a funk?? What gets you out of it?

Slightly off course!

So with everything that happened last week, I was just in no mood for training. I couldn't bring myself to get out and run. Plus the heat didn't help at all.

 

I did get out for my race, which I did really well with, but other than that I haven't run.

 

That means my training plan for the 15K, has been off (ok, more like slightly ignored). I've done the rest days (yay!) and some cross training (mostly walking) but other than that I haven't done anything.

 

Thomas, a favourite in our house!

 

Tomorrow, back on track!

 

Tomorrow is a strength and stretch day. I'm also going to take the boys to the park so there'll be some walking in there as well.

 

Here's how the rest of the week's training plays out:

 

Monday: Strength and Stretch

Tuesday: 5km Run

Wednesday: 45 min cross (possibly softball)

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 5km run and strength

Saturday: 50 minutes cross training (walk or 30 Day Shred)

Sunday: 6.5 km run

 

I'm hoping to post my training schedule each Monday to keep me more motivated. Because once it's on the Internet it's true and has to stay true, right?

 

What are your training plans for the week??

Eaton Downtown Dash - 5K

To start off the recap, this was supposed to be a 10K, but I switched it to the 5K a couple days before the race. It was just going to be too much. I'm seriously glad I did or I might still be running it now!

The temperature was 29 degrees Celsius and with the humidity it felt like 40 degrees Celsius.

 

Bib and medal!

 

The race takes place a couple cities over from the one I live in so I had some idea of where it was however (and this is one of the flaws) there was no route map provided, therefore, I had no clue where the start line was and just happened to drive upon it as we were looking for somewhere to park.

 

We were promised lots of parking and there was sufficient but it was in local businesses that were either closed for the day or allowed the racers to park there. We ended up having to walk about 7 or 8 minutes to the start line. The boys got distracted by a park so I walked up alone.

 

What goes on while I run

 

Of course, I was drinking water all day long, considering the heat and not wanting to pass out while running, which meant a trip to the port-a-potties. There were 6 port-a-potties and at least 4 times that amount of people waiting in line for them. Kinda sucked, but at least I went early enough before start time that I had enough time to make it back to the start line.

 

We all lined up, the gun went off and before we even turned the first corner, I felt something hit my foot and almost take me out. Turns out a lovely stroller jogger hit my feet and I almost went right down onto my face. Lovely. I was so pissed, but caught myself and continued on.

 

My splits weren't fantastic. I flew out again at 5:56 for the first kilometer and they continued to go downhill from there. My goal was to stay below 6:30 each kilometer but it didn't happen. I slowly started to creep up and I capped it with a 7:04.

 

My littlest supporter!

 

There was only one water station at a little before 2.5 km and they had water, Gatorade and wet sponges. I took some water, had a sip and dumped the rest on my head. I grabbed a sponge too, but should have held onto it until later in the race. I could have used a second water station a little further in but there were also a few residents who were stuck in their houses while we ran who had taken out the garden hoses and spray bottles. I'm forever grateful for these people!

 

I had to walk a couple times, but it was short amounts and it was just to get my breathe back. If I tried to take a deep breath while running, it hurt and pretty much felt like my lungs were blocked off.

 

The crappiest part was when the 10K runners started passing us. I knew it was inevitable but it still sucked. I was over half way at least, which was my goal. If some of them passed me before I would have cried.

 

My chip time (which I use as my time) was 32:07, which gives me a new 5K PR down from 33:20.

 

At the end of the race, there was a spray tent, water, ice cream, pizza, massages, etc. We hung around until the first few 10K people came in and then decided to head home.

 

Mmmm...definitely needed after the race!

 

Overall, it was a great race and I'll probably do it again next year. Hopefully it won't be as hot, but you never know!


Clearly, the free Shreddies were more important than smiling for the picture!

I'm a featured blogger!

Yesterday, I posted about my crazy idea to switch my 10k at the Niagara Falls International Marathon to the Half.

 

Well, about a little bit ago, they sent out an email asking for bloggers that are running any distance at the race to send in their blog addresses which are added onto their site to share their journey.

I jumped at the chance and emailed my in.

 

I was checking out my Facebook feed and seeing what was happening while both boys were napping (yay!) and it turns out my blog was chosen and is now on their site here!

 

There are some other blogs listed and I haven't gotten a full chance to read through them yet, but who knows! Maybe I'll get to meet my first running-blogger-friend while we're there! Wouldn't that be neat!? (I'm coming off to strong...slow it down!).

 

In other news, I've just won two fantastic giveaways! I won Lunatik Athletic Compression Socks from Running Happily Ever After and some FrogFuel from Cerissa B. Fit

 

 

I'm on a roll and loving it!

 

I'm hoping to use the compression socks at the Half Marathon (and after) to match a new lightweight running jacket I just got (it'll be October, in Canada, bound to be chilly).

 

 

Lastly, I made my friend, Lisa's, blog roll on her blog whiskybaker. She's is one of those fantastic people that I constantly ask about running and she even talked me into running my 15K I'm training for in August, the Midsummer Night Run!

 

Well, that's all for now! Have a great day and a great run!

What have I done!?

Yesterday, I made the decision to change my entry in the Niagara Falls International Marathon from a 10K to a Half Marathon!

 

Hold me!

 

I've been reading about half marathons and how it's becoming a popular distance and how people that haven't really run much are able to complete a half after following training plans.

 

I figure, I run at least 3 times a week and have been working at it since January.

 

I can do it!

 

I emailed the organizer yesterday and changed my registration to a half marathon.

 

I figured this would be the one to do for a couple reasons.

 

1. It's kind of the culmination of the racing season for me and the last big race nearby. What better way to end my first 'running' year.

 

2. The boys aren't coming with us therefore my husband can find something to keep himself occupied for however long it will take me without having to worry about keeping the boys busy as well.

 

3. It just feels right after I'll have done the gradual build up of distances. Plus it's a flat course with a downhill at the end.

 

The funniest part is that once I go back to work in September, I'll have more time to train. I think that's the opposite for most people. For many other people, work gets in the way but for me, the boys will be in daycare and I finish school at 3:30 so I have plenty of time to run before I need to pick them up. I'll hopefully join a gym too so I can get some indoor running in if necessary due to cold weather and rain as well as some strength training.

 

So now, it's time to get focused on better nutrition and get all these things figured out before I bust my butt into my half in October!

 



When other things are more important

Last week, I was worrying about not being ready for my 10K on Thursday.

 

On Friday, I didn't get out to do my 8K run that I had planned, nor did I get out Sunday to do my 6.5K.

 

Something much more important happened.

 

On Friday morning, I got a phone call from my Dad letting me know that my 92 year old Granny had passed away peacefully in her sleep. She'd lived a full, happy life, and left behind her 4 kids, 7 grandkids and 3 great-grandchildren (which she managed to see at the beginning of June). She fell asleep with her pearls on being ever the classy lady she was.  

Granny with Andrew back in October

 

Friday night was spent with my family at my parents' house. Although I don't have a role in the decision making, I thought just being around family and helping out wherever needed was best. In this case, it was getting dinner. Simple, but necessary.

 

We didn't get home until 9ish, which meant there was no 8K for me (another day I wished I had a treadmill).

 

Sunday, we spent the day at home and then went to my parents again to let my nephew spend the afternoon with my boys and collect pictures so my husband can put together a slide show of Granny's life for her memorial service on Wednesday.

 

I, honestly, feel more unprepared for the race, but I'm going to stick with the 10K I originally registered for.

 

My Granny was a lovely lady.

 

I know she'd be telling me to do what I had planned to do and do it the best I can.

 

For me, as much as I love running and training, there are more important things sometimes and clearly, for me, I made the better decision this weekend.

 



The Panic begins to set in!

A week today, I run my next race.

 

It's a 10K.

 

I'm panicking.

 

Definitely pushing the panic button!

 

 Like, constantly thinking about it, doubting myself, wondering what I got myself into, reassuring myself, then wondering if I can switch my registration, then saying 'no, that's silly', I can do this and then the whole process starts all over again.

 

I have to admit, I didn't really have these feelings with my first 5K but I think it's because I had a buddy with me. I knew I was prepared, that I would finish it and that I'd have a great friend helping me through if I needed it.

 

Even my second 5K. I was nervous because of the giant hill, but I knew I could run the 5K and that I would be alright.

 

This one is completely different.

 

Since the weekend, I've been panicking and the number 10 has been staring me in the face!

 

It's everywhere!

 

I ran 6.5 km on Saturday evening. I barely made it through them. Granted, the first part was downhill and the second was uphill almost the entire way, it definitely didn't help my confidence even though the race is a completely flat course.

 

I haven't run an entire 10K before. The most I've gotten is 7K (to this point). Tomorrow I have 8 km on my training plan so we'll see how that goes.

 

My biggest fear?

 

Coming last.

 

I know someone has to be last, but I don't want it to be me.

 

I honestly think I'd cry if I was last.

 

I could always pull a Tonya Harding and ensure I'm not last I guess (just joking!)

 

Any ideas on how to stop me from panicking??

 

 

 



I think in kilometers not miles

I hate numbers and measurements. I'm not a numbers person.

 

For example, we've been house hunting for about a year and a half now and when we look at houses online my husband can instantly picture the house in his mind and where everything is and how big the rooms are. I, on the other hand, cannot.

 

I'm a very visual person. If I need to compare the length of something, I use an 'in-my-head' ruler or meter stick. It's horrible and it takes forever to compare measurements of items let alone get the right measurement (i.e. centimetres or inches).

 

Running is a whole different ball game!

 

 

Being in Canada, I use kilometers on a daily basis, just like I use Celsius instead of Fahrenheit.

 

All the plans that I find online are based in miles. Run 2 miles, 4 miles, etc. I head to trusty Google, type in 4 miles and it gives me the measurement in kilometres and I know how long to run.

 

What really gets me is the races that are measured in kilometres anyway?

 

Why weren't they created in miles?

 

I even converted my Garmin.

 

 

With my first run out with my Garmin I couldn't understand why it was taking so long to get one kilometer down. My running buddy and I had come home after one of our C25K runs and logged onto MapMyRun and determined that we had surely surpassed more than one kilometer. Well, it turns out my watch was set for miles. I quickly changed that one over.

 

The races definitely get me. I'm constantly on the lookout for the kilometer markers because what I think should be a kilometer is apparently a lot shorter than what a kilometer really is.

 

Want to know the scariest part of this whole thing?

 

I'm a teacher!

 

Thankfully, I teach Kindergarten and not high school! My poor students would be totally lost, just like me!

So many races, so little time!

How do you decide which races to participate in?

 

I've found that there are so many races on any given weekend that it's almost like a sensory overload for me!!

 

I've chosen all my races for this year and it is roughly once a month.

 

I've chosen them based on distance I'd be running, distance from home and timing of the run.

 

I wanted to choose runs that I figured would still be fun but weren't too much work for my husband considering he has the two boys to look after and I do like having them at my races. Knowing I get to see them at the end of the race is very motivating!

 

However, as they get older I'll be able to get to races that are further away. Especially when they become teenagers (*gasp*) and can stay home alone.

 

I also have my bucket list to consider. I want to run a race in every province/territory in Canada which ties nicely into our goal of taking the boys on trips during the summer to see the different provinces/territories. If I could time these perfectly I could reach both goals!

I've spent lots of time reading other blogs and reading race recaps. It's definitely opening my eyes as to what I should look for when I register and participate in a race. So far, two out of the three races have been really good so I must have picked some good ones!!

How do you pick your races?
 Do you plan other trips around races?
Do you stay close to home or adventure out?
Do you stick to the tried and true ones or do you branch out? How many races do you run a year?

Training plans are HARD!!

Last week, I mentioned how I was starting my official training plan for my 15 K.

 

I'm using the Hal Hidgon training plan but man is it hard!!

 

He even states that it's alright to move days around in order to accommodate life, which is definitely something I've needed to do.

 

I've had to adjust according to softball on Wednesday, Thursday's are rest days because my legs are a mess after the short 'sprints' and I need to figure out what I can count as cross training because I need to do it during nap time!

 

I literally printed out two calendars (July & August), sat down with a pencil (and a big eraser!) and Hal's plan and put it all on the calendar.

 

 

I think this is how I'm going to do all my training plans from now on.

 

Pencil, coloured pens, calendar and ERASER!

 

I've thought about using a white board calendar and marker as well but I have nowhere to put it right now.

 

Is there anyone else who is still a fan of paper and pencil (or coloured pens?) as opposed to everything digital?

 

How do you keep track of your training plans? How well do you stick to them?

Operation Nutrition

This is my biggest issue.

 

I've lost 35 lbs since I started running, but I'm stuck at 157lbs.

I know it's my eating, but I just can't get my mindset to switch.

 

However, I've determined that in order to get past this plateau at 157lbs, I need to change my eating.

I'm going to start with dinners. There's no more eating out unless we're going with friends or having dinner with family, which is often take-out. Even if we do go out or to BBQs, my choices are going to be a whole lot different.

I'm going to try to focus on clean eating and avoiding processed, boxed and frozen foods and get more wholesome foods that are better for me.

I'm hoping that if I do well with the dinners, everything else will fall into place. At least, my boys will be eating healthier dinners.

After the summer, I know that I will easily fall back into great eating. Once I get back to work, there's a whole lot less snacking, lunches are better because instead of just picking something out of the fridge, I have to plan it.

This year is different too, because I'd rather spend my lunch getting work done so that I can get to the gym or run, get it done with and go pick the boys up from daycare and then have the rest of the night with them.

I'm hoping that this will help with the remainder of my weight-loss and help with my running goals! I need my mind to switch over to using food as fuel as opposed to worrying about everything tasting good even though it's horrible for me.

Cross your fingers for me!!