Back on track - AND new skinny jeans to boot!

Well about a month ago, I was in the midst of this nasty cold and boy did it linger. It has really only been just over a week since I have started getting back into the swing of things again.

It is a little disappointing since I was really starting to run faster, improving my speed and feeling good about running when I got waylaid by that nasty cold. BUT...with that being behind me now, I am determined to finish well - I am not as fast nor do I have the same endurance I did over a month ago but it's slowly starting to build up again.

My girlfriend and I went to Kits on Sunday for our long run - managed to just avoid the rain which was great and while it seemed a bit harder while we were running, afterwards I felt great.

I try to explain to people why I am doing this and how running makes me feel and it is hard to describe; yes, it can be hard and some days I need a little encouragement to go but ...when I  do - I feel like I can take on the world! Nothing can beat that. Plus...I got to do some shopping in Seattle a couple of weeks ago and I treated myself to a beautiful pair of new pants-in one size down!!! Wahoo.

For the next weeks my goal is consistency - I know I can do this distance but I want to do it the best that I can! Who knows what else will happen?? ;)

Back to training

I haven't run for the past 2 weeks because I went on vacation with my family to Disneyland (Anaheim) & a cruise. We ate out for breakfast, lunch & dinner and no running, so I feel like I gained about 10 pounds, but to my surprise when I got home to weigh myself there was no change. Whew, I thought. However, all that lack of running I feel like I lost some muscle mass. Today, we ran almost 17 km and it felt great! The weather was cloudy and cool; perfect weather for running (in my opinion). My legs feel like mush right now, which tells me my muscles are building up again. 

2 years ago I never would have seen myself as a runner. I always thought if I started doing any form of exercise, that I would need to keep it up so why start? Today I realize how important my running is to my overall health. Although, I haven't quite reached the level of commitment to healthy living that I would run during my vacation. Taking small steps. That's my goal. 

Support from running friends

One of our running buddies ran the BMO Half on Sunday, so we thought it would be nice to run towards downtown Vancouver at the finish line to cheer for our friend, Kashmir. I love seeing the volunteers so dedicated to making the event successful, the runners giving it their all, the bystanders cheering on strangers and the children who think the event was geared for their enjoyment. Energy was palpable and it made me excited to think of our upcoming Scotiabank Vancouver Half. Only one and a half months to go.

These girls in the picture are my running partners and I am so thankful to have them in my life. Without their dedication to running, I would not be so motivated to run. It is these girls that push me to go further. They're also very supportive of my fundraising that when I asked if they would be part of my Children's Wish Running team, they did not hesitate to join and even donate to my cause.

One advice I have to anyone wishing to start running is to find reliable & motivated running partners. You're guaranteed a successful training!

Unexpected break in training

Blech - I hate being sick. I had managed to make it all winter/spring so far without getting the dreadful, lingering cold that it seems everyone else had. I thought I was in the clear; I was watching my diet, exercising and I felt good - really good - until last Wednesday morning.

I was very pumped after finishing my longer run last weekend (10Km) because I ran it in just over an hour (1h 2m) which was faster by about 3 minutes than my previous 10 Km time. While for some that might be a little slow, this was a big improvement to me and it is exciting to see the training starting to pay off. So I was extra disappointed with getting sick because I have been worried it will slow my training down. Sigh. Not much to do except let the body rest.

I had a small mini run for about 25 minutes on Monday and it was quite difficult - I can't figure out if I should rest 100 % until I feel better or do some more mini runs and just try things a little slower until I can work up to the same level I was before? Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on that? I don't want to completely lose all the gain in my training while I recuperate. I might try another shorter run tonight and  just take it day-by-day!

Hope everyone else has managed to avoid this nasty cold going around.