I ran in Abbotsford's Run for Water yesterday. It was a 10k run, which is nothing new to me, with a start and finish at the beautiful Mill Lake.
I had a tough time getting started. With my legs still bothering me, the warmest day I've experienced in my running career so far, and noone I knew running with me, I felt defeated before kilometer 1. Fortunately, just as I was starting to question if I would be able to run another race (this being my second one ever), I heard someone call my name. There, running beside me, was Linda who had been one of my Team Leaders from the Sun Run training clinic I had completed.
As it turned out, this was her very first race/running event without her good friend who usually ran with her. She had been contemplating staying home, and I had been contemplating walking. I can not convey the emotional relief I felt when she said "You know what? I'm sticking with you today". We decided to motivate each other. She stuck by me the entire run, and I could not be more thankful. She kept me going and says I kept her going too.
As we were discussing motivation and the importance of going at your own pace, etc. a gentleman came from behind us and hared a little wisdom. He had overheard our conversation and said " You know some great advice someone told me once when I was starting out? This is your run. Noone elses. It belongs to you. However you run it is great and that's how it is supposed to be run".
Even though I have run a top distance of 17.3 kilometers so far for my training, I still found it a challenge to complete a 10K. Maybe it was the heat. Perhaps it was the route. I believe it was all mental. I had myself mentally prepared to run 10 kilometers and that was it. I think, for me, there's something to that. I had no more of a challenge running 17(.3!)k for a training run and I think it's because that is what I knew I had to do. I was mentally prepared to run 16K that day and that was all tehre was to it. As hard as I may try, I can't argue with my own mind. My body may try though.
My run buddy kept a smile on my face, kept me distracted with conversation, and kept me on task with pace and energy conservation. What a blessing she was to me. We agreed we were meant to meet that day and our purpose was to support each other. Support each other we did.
For 10 kilometers.
My usual supporters were at the finish line; My husband greeted me with a huge smile, wave and camera in hand as I ran by. My baby girl was sitting happily on the grass, thrilled to see "Momma" back in her world.
Another first for me happened yesterday... a medal! All finishers got a medal. I wore mine proudly ALL DAY LONG :-) It was an emotional finish because I was handed a medal, I had such a struggle at the start, I had been given a wonderful friend to help me through, and I was questioning if I would be able to run a Half Marathon (it still seems daunting to me). I was overcome with emotion.
I was happy to run for such a good cause, bringing clean drinking water to those that need it most. I was also happy to realize that I was running for me. I was not running for time (I never do - and this seems odd to a lot of runners I talk with), I was not running to impress others, I was not running against anyone else.
I was running for ME. Because, after all, this was my run. Noone elses. This run belonged to me.
Follow our Joe Runners as the average runner transforms from average runner to Half-Marathon finisher, at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k on Sunday, June 22nd, 2014. For more details on the event visit http://www.vancouverhalf.com
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
One giant leap forward, many tiny steps in pain...
This week I ran farther than I ever have before. 17.3 kilometers (giant leap forward). I have also been experiencing something I never have before. Shin splints (many tiny steps in pain).
My training for the Sun Run this past April had proved challenging but painless for me. With the many lurking potential "dangers" of running I'd been warned about, I considered myself one of the lucky ones not to have encountered any of them. Then my first experience with blisters hit. These were not like any blisters I had experienced in my life. These were painful, made running uncomfortable, and rendered me shoeless for the better part of a rainy few weeks. After switching running shoe insoles, investing in new running socks and some heavy applications of Body Glide to my feet I was ready to, well, hit the ground running. Perhaps with a little satisfaction that I had overcome a "real" runner problem.
Enter the pain of shin splints. They started off relatively tolerable, and I figured I maybe just hadn't stretched properly before a run. Steadily, the pain increased along with the distance. I actually had no idea what I was experiencing until I started describing the pain and sensations to people. The overwhleming response was "Oh, that's shin splints - you've never had those?!?". Eager to know how to rid myself of the discomfort, I consulted with my most knowledgeable, dependable source: Google. The more I read, the worse I felt. The most frequent advice was to rest up, stop running, slow down, choose other cross-training activities.... basically everything that would impede my continued training and progression.
I find myself in excrutiating pain at times, walking strangely around the house (especially going up and down the stairs) and spending a lot more time crawling around with my 7.5 month old rather than walking. I have been able to find some relief with elevation, icing, ibuprofen, and stretching thought all these remedies only offer temporary comfort. I have been given some stengthening exercises, stretches, and muscle activation techniques to try before my runs. When I began my 17.3 kilometer (yes, I must include the .3 as it also adds some sense of satisfaction or pride) run this week, I was nearly in tears for the first 25 to 30 minutes or so. My legs were betraying me. I was mentally cursing my shins and how they could do this to me when I was so close to my Half Marathon goal. I realized I could not lift my foot or my toes off the ground on my right side. The muscles simply wouldn't work. I started to panic and think maybe I had done permanent damage to myself. I kept trying and it kept hurting, and resisting. I pushed through and felt my foot flop down with each step as I ran. Eventually, without my noticing, the muscles loosened up and I regained some motion in my foot. I continued to run and finished strong - 17.3 kilometers from home.
My wonderfully supportive husband was to meet me at a predetermined destination to ensure I had travelled my required 16k. I made sure he clocked the distance (using the odometer in the car) from our driveway and took my exact same route. I knew where the 10k distance was, so we guessed where the end point might be and an approximate time and agreed to make cell phone contact when I was nearing one or the other. When I arrived, I felt it likely wasn't far enough so I kept going and we stayed in phone contact as I kept running, until he passed me. He was to stop and pull over when the odometer hit 16k (it was around 14.8 when he passed me). I was excited to be so close to the end and ready to celebrate my victory of travelling so far! Wouldn't you know it, at the exact moment my husband was turning around in a parking lot to get back to where I could see him, I passed him, and my cell phone died. Completely. And this is how my 16k run became 17.3. I really have no concept of distance but at that point decided I had to have hit the mark and had somehow missed my husband. I kept running until I found a place to use a telephone. So, I dutifully stretched outside the Home Depot until my Knight in Shining Pontiac Sunfire came rolling by to rescue me.
The upside? I'm now pretty confident I will be able to complete my 18 kilometer run that is coming up in the next couple weeks.
I continue to struggle with the horror that is shin splints and try to wish them away on a daily basis. Cardio-wise, I could keep running. Mentally, I've got it all there. I was actually ENJOYING running. It was finally starting to be everything I had dreamed and felt it would be for me - until the pain set in. Now, I struggle through the beginning until my legs hit a sort of wall of numbness and I can continue without thinking of how sore I am with every laboured step. That is not how I want to run. I want the enjoyment back. I want to start off feeling great!
I am participating in the 10k event for the Run for Water in Abbotsford this weekend. It will be my second official race and I can only hope my legs allow my mind to take over. My body may try to tell me to give up, but my mind wont let me. My mind is strong... my heart and passion keep it that way.
My training for the Sun Run this past April had proved challenging but painless for me. With the many lurking potential "dangers" of running I'd been warned about, I considered myself one of the lucky ones not to have encountered any of them. Then my first experience with blisters hit. These were not like any blisters I had experienced in my life. These were painful, made running uncomfortable, and rendered me shoeless for the better part of a rainy few weeks. After switching running shoe insoles, investing in new running socks and some heavy applications of Body Glide to my feet I was ready to, well, hit the ground running. Perhaps with a little satisfaction that I had overcome a "real" runner problem.
Enter the pain of shin splints. They started off relatively tolerable, and I figured I maybe just hadn't stretched properly before a run. Steadily, the pain increased along with the distance. I actually had no idea what I was experiencing until I started describing the pain and sensations to people. The overwhleming response was "Oh, that's shin splints - you've never had those?!?". Eager to know how to rid myself of the discomfort, I consulted with my most knowledgeable, dependable source: Google. The more I read, the worse I felt. The most frequent advice was to rest up, stop running, slow down, choose other cross-training activities.... basically everything that would impede my continued training and progression.
I find myself in excrutiating pain at times, walking strangely around the house (especially going up and down the stairs) and spending a lot more time crawling around with my 7.5 month old rather than walking. I have been able to find some relief with elevation, icing, ibuprofen, and stretching thought all these remedies only offer temporary comfort. I have been given some stengthening exercises, stretches, and muscle activation techniques to try before my runs. When I began my 17.3 kilometer (yes, I must include the .3 as it also adds some sense of satisfaction or pride) run this week, I was nearly in tears for the first 25 to 30 minutes or so. My legs were betraying me. I was mentally cursing my shins and how they could do this to me when I was so close to my Half Marathon goal. I realized I could not lift my foot or my toes off the ground on my right side. The muscles simply wouldn't work. I started to panic and think maybe I had done permanent damage to myself. I kept trying and it kept hurting, and resisting. I pushed through and felt my foot flop down with each step as I ran. Eventually, without my noticing, the muscles loosened up and I regained some motion in my foot. I continued to run and finished strong - 17.3 kilometers from home.
My wonderfully supportive husband was to meet me at a predetermined destination to ensure I had travelled my required 16k. I made sure he clocked the distance (using the odometer in the car) from our driveway and took my exact same route. I knew where the 10k distance was, so we guessed where the end point might be and an approximate time and agreed to make cell phone contact when I was nearing one or the other. When I arrived, I felt it likely wasn't far enough so I kept going and we stayed in phone contact as I kept running, until he passed me. He was to stop and pull over when the odometer hit 16k (it was around 14.8 when he passed me). I was excited to be so close to the end and ready to celebrate my victory of travelling so far! Wouldn't you know it, at the exact moment my husband was turning around in a parking lot to get back to where I could see him, I passed him, and my cell phone died. Completely. And this is how my 16k run became 17.3. I really have no concept of distance but at that point decided I had to have hit the mark and had somehow missed my husband. I kept running until I found a place to use a telephone. So, I dutifully stretched outside the Home Depot until my Knight in Shining Pontiac Sunfire came rolling by to rescue me.
The upside? I'm now pretty confident I will be able to complete my 18 kilometer run that is coming up in the next couple weeks.
I continue to struggle with the horror that is shin splints and try to wish them away on a daily basis. Cardio-wise, I could keep running. Mentally, I've got it all there. I was actually ENJOYING running. It was finally starting to be everything I had dreamed and felt it would be for me - until the pain set in. Now, I struggle through the beginning until my legs hit a sort of wall of numbness and I can continue without thinking of how sore I am with every laboured step. That is not how I want to run. I want the enjoyment back. I want to start off feeling great!
I am participating in the 10k event for the Run for Water in Abbotsford this weekend. It will be my second official race and I can only hope my legs allow my mind to take over. My body may try to tell me to give up, but my mind wont let me. My mind is strong... my heart and passion keep it that way.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Hills are Alive... and They're Out to Get Me!
I've been hill training this week, trying to convert my treadmill-spoiled body into one that's ready for the great outdoors. Yes, I know the half marathon course is rated as a "downhill" experience. But I have to get this body ready to contend with wind, rain, and a few bumps in the road.
I'll admit it, the hills I'm running along aren't as steep as the one in the picture. But I do live in a rather hilly town, and I've taken on more than my share of inclines this week.
My big goal is to tackle "the 56 street hill". It connects the low lying levels of town with the high bluff area. It's a steep incline that climbs mercilessly over about one mile.
The top of the hill is a pretty little intersection. If I keep running, I end up in Point Roberts - the quaint US peninsula where I can try and huff and puff my way past US Customs and into another country. (Hmmm... must see if there's room in my pocket for a passport.) If I hang a right I end up in beautiful Diefenbaker Park, where there's a small forested area to practice my trail running.
In all likelihood, however, I'm spent and will be wanting nothing more than to run back DOWN the hill and hide from my running shoes. If I opt to retreat, I'll have the option of lying down in the local cemetery to catch my breath. Very convenient.
If the run is particularly terrible, there may even be a grave I can roll myself into if I feel I can no longer continue my training. It would certainly be a good place to hide from my active 3 year old, should I really feel the need for a long nap.
Speaking of my 3 year old, he's a good motivator for those days when I don't feel like lacing up and hitting the road. The alternative, you see, is to chase HIM around. I often wonder which is one burns more calories...
Monday, May 23, 2011
Emotional Journey
The same day I received the exciting news that I had been selected as a "Joe Runner", I was devastated to learn that my canine companion of over 14 years had terminal cancer. Two short weeks later, I have already had to say good-bye to my wonderful furry friend, and have quickly realized that this blog will have to account for more than the mileage on my running shoes.
Training for a half marathon can be an emotional journey at the best of times. Training for THIS half marathon is becoming a lifeline I did not expect when I committed to the challenge back in January.
In the midst of planning a wedding for September, I am now also mourning my sweet puppy dog. Lacing up my running shoes and hitting the road is providing me the time and space I need to make sense of the frenzy of emotions within my head.
Yesterday, I ran the distance... a leisurely 21km in two and a half hours. I did not pay any attention to my pace or speed, I simply tried to stay in the moment. When my thoughts wandered to how much my feet hurt, I focused on leading with my hips, keeping my shoulders relaxed, and looking forward rather than down. When my thoughts became overwhelmed with grief, I allowed my tears to flow but focused on my breathing and staying present. Eventually, a wave of healthy nostalgia allowed me to recognize a sense of peace within and smile at those I passed along the sea wall... especially those with doggies :)
My pup Baxter came into my life at a time when I didn't even own a pair of running shoes. He showered me with unconditional love every moment of his life and supported my journey towards wellness through his unequivocal zest for life. Now he leaves me with the equally unconditional love of my human life partner, and soon-to-be husband, and inspires me to share his passion for life and everything it may bring.
I'm choosing to see every run as an opportunity for reflection. Those 40, 60, or 150 minutes are mine alone to enjoy and, when extenuating life circumstances may threaten to derail my training, I hope to embrace the challenge. This journey can only lead towards peace of mind.
Training for a half marathon can be an emotional journey at the best of times. Training for THIS half marathon is becoming a lifeline I did not expect when I committed to the challenge back in January.
In the midst of planning a wedding for September, I am now also mourning my sweet puppy dog. Lacing up my running shoes and hitting the road is providing me the time and space I need to make sense of the frenzy of emotions within my head.
Yesterday, I ran the distance... a leisurely 21km in two and a half hours. I did not pay any attention to my pace or speed, I simply tried to stay in the moment. When my thoughts wandered to how much my feet hurt, I focused on leading with my hips, keeping my shoulders relaxed, and looking forward rather than down. When my thoughts became overwhelmed with grief, I allowed my tears to flow but focused on my breathing and staying present. Eventually, a wave of healthy nostalgia allowed me to recognize a sense of peace within and smile at those I passed along the sea wall... especially those with doggies :)
My pup Baxter came into my life at a time when I didn't even own a pair of running shoes. He showered me with unconditional love every moment of his life and supported my journey towards wellness through his unequivocal zest for life. Now he leaves me with the equally unconditional love of my human life partner, and soon-to-be husband, and inspires me to share his passion for life and everything it may bring.
I'm choosing to see every run as an opportunity for reflection. Those 40, 60, or 150 minutes are mine alone to enjoy and, when extenuating life circumstances may threaten to derail my training, I hope to embrace the challenge. This journey can only lead towards peace of mind.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
A wife. A new Mom. A great cook. And now a RUNNER.
And so begins my journey as a runner. And a blogger. Until recently, I had never done either. I am excited to share these new adventures with those that choose to follow along!
I applied to be a "Joe Runner" because I am incredibly new to the sport of running. I have never been a runner. I am a new Mommy to a beautiful 7 1/2 month old baby girl. I was married just over a year ago to an amazing man. I enjoy a nice, quiet family life. When asked to describe myself, words like runner, athlete or sports enthusiast don't come to mind. I am by no means a natural runner. It is a challenge for me every time I get out there.
A few months back I joined an InTraining running clinic for the 2011 Vancouver Sun Run. I joined to get in shape, kick start a healthy lifestyle, and prove to myself that I could do it. I have always wanted to be a runner. I have admired, for years, those that tie up their laces and hit the road (or trail, track, beach or path...). Every time a runner passed me by I would picture myself out there. I would let my mind drift. I could see myself running races. I could feel the sense of accomplishment when crossing a finish line. It all felt very real. It felt attainable. I went home after my first training run with the fear I would never experience those feelings for real. I remember saying to my husband there was no way I could ever picture myself running a 10k distance. Ever.
Well, I did. On April 17th of this year, I crossed the finish line of the Sun Run. My personal goal was not to hit a certain time, it was simply to run the entire race. And I did. Start to finish. It was one of the BEST feelings of my entire life. One of my group leaders had mentioned the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon to me and said he thought it was a great one to start with if I wanted to continue running. I signed up and have been training on my own since completing the Sun Run.
Running is still difficult for me. I struggle daily with motivation, as I have been on my own for this one, without a group to hold me accountable. Nevertheless, I have been getting out there and following my program no matter what excuses I may be tempted to use. Once I get going, I enjoy being out there. I look forward to that feeling. I find that looking forward is the key. I look forward to my next finish line and that keeps me going. I look to my future and take pride in a new love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle that I can be proud to share with my daughter as she grows up.
As part of this journey, I am helping to fundraise for a cause close to my heart: Special Olympics British Columbia.
I am incredibly grateful to Asics/Forerunners and the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon for allowing me this amazing opportunity.
Once again, I'm looking forward... I look forward to more blogging, and more running. Because I AM A RUNNER :-)
I applied to be a "Joe Runner" because I am incredibly new to the sport of running. I have never been a runner. I am a new Mommy to a beautiful 7 1/2 month old baby girl. I was married just over a year ago to an amazing man. I enjoy a nice, quiet family life. When asked to describe myself, words like runner, athlete or sports enthusiast don't come to mind. I am by no means a natural runner. It is a challenge for me every time I get out there.
A few months back I joined an InTraining running clinic for the 2011 Vancouver Sun Run. I joined to get in shape, kick start a healthy lifestyle, and prove to myself that I could do it. I have always wanted to be a runner. I have admired, for years, those that tie up their laces and hit the road (or trail, track, beach or path...). Every time a runner passed me by I would picture myself out there. I would let my mind drift. I could see myself running races. I could feel the sense of accomplishment when crossing a finish line. It all felt very real. It felt attainable. I went home after my first training run with the fear I would never experience those feelings for real. I remember saying to my husband there was no way I could ever picture myself running a 10k distance. Ever.
Well, I did. On April 17th of this year, I crossed the finish line of the Sun Run. My personal goal was not to hit a certain time, it was simply to run the entire race. And I did. Start to finish. It was one of the BEST feelings of my entire life. One of my group leaders had mentioned the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon to me and said he thought it was a great one to start with if I wanted to continue running. I signed up and have been training on my own since completing the Sun Run.
Running is still difficult for me. I struggle daily with motivation, as I have been on my own for this one, without a group to hold me accountable. Nevertheless, I have been getting out there and following my program no matter what excuses I may be tempted to use. Once I get going, I enjoy being out there. I look forward to that feeling. I find that looking forward is the key. I look forward to my next finish line and that keeps me going. I look to my future and take pride in a new love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle that I can be proud to share with my daughter as she grows up.
As part of this journey, I am helping to fundraise for a cause close to my heart: Special Olympics British Columbia.
I am incredibly grateful to Asics/Forerunners and the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon for allowing me this amazing opportunity.
Once again, I'm looking forward... I look forward to more blogging, and more running. Because I AM A RUNNER :-)
Friday, May 20, 2011
Welcome to the first installment of my Joe Runner blog. This is, in fact, my first experience with blogging so I hope I'll be able to share some interesting observations about my half marathon journey with you.
I believe I was selected as a Joe Runner because while running does not come naturally or easy for me, I stick with it and look for reasons to continue when I want to stop. I suspect I'm not alone in these sentiments. Seven years ago I was an avid smoker and wouldn't run to catch a bus. In 2005 I quit smoking, bought a good pair of running shoes, and registered for my first race (the Sun Run), which occurred 8 days later on my 31st birthday. Since then I've completed about a dozen 5-10km races, a try-a-tri, and one half marathon, currently training for my second Half.
I once heard a phrase: "There are things you love doing, and things you love having done." Until recently, running across a finish line was something I loved "having done" but I didn't particularly enjoy the kilometers leading up to it. In recent months, I've surprised myself to notice that I actually smile during my training runs! It may have taken me awhile to get here, but I think I'm finally acquiring a taste for this.
I believe I was selected as a Joe Runner because while running does not come naturally or easy for me, I stick with it and look for reasons to continue when I want to stop. I suspect I'm not alone in these sentiments. Seven years ago I was an avid smoker and wouldn't run to catch a bus. In 2005 I quit smoking, bought a good pair of running shoes, and registered for my first race (the Sun Run), which occurred 8 days later on my 31st birthday. Since then I've completed about a dozen 5-10km races, a try-a-tri, and one half marathon, currently training for my second Half.
I once heard a phrase: "There are things you love doing, and things you love having done." Until recently, running across a finish line was something I loved "having done" but I didn't particularly enjoy the kilometers leading up to it. In recent months, I've surprised myself to notice that I actually smile during my training runs! It may have taken me awhile to get here, but I think I'm finally acquiring a taste for this.
21.1 Kilometers. On 2 Feet. For 1 Big Reason.
Why Was I Chosen?
I signed up to be a Joe Runner to help raise awareness about adoption and BC's Waiting children. This is my first half marathon, and I needed a very good reason to get me motivated! I found that in the Adoptive Families Association of BC and Team Adopt.
I'm running in honour of the hundreds of children - from babies to teens who are waiting for a family.
I'm honoured to be running the Scotia Bank Half, and I'm thankful for this opportunity to share my training, motivation, and adventures.
So far I've gained a new appreciation for the miracle of lycra, a serious desire for a pedicure, and a belief that even this almost-30 mommy can give back in a good way.
It's 36 days until the run! Have you found your motivation yet?
I signed up to be a Joe Runner to help raise awareness about adoption and BC's Waiting children. This is my first half marathon, and I needed a very good reason to get me motivated! I found that in the Adoptive Families Association of BC and Team Adopt.
I'm running in honour of the hundreds of children - from babies to teens who are waiting for a family.
I'm honoured to be running the Scotia Bank Half, and I'm thankful for this opportunity to share my training, motivation, and adventures.
So far I've gained a new appreciation for the miracle of lycra, a serious desire for a pedicure, and a belief that even this almost-30 mommy can give back in a good way.
It's 36 days until the run! Have you found your motivation yet?
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