I ran last night after my teacher training so I was pretty tired. Here's the route:
I couldn't finish the whole thing though and turned back a block or two past Macdonald, so it was probably closer to 8 miles. I suddenly had some major knee pain because my right IT band got super tight. The week before it was the left side that was bothering me... shoot. I sure hope 2 weeks is long enough for them both to loosen up.
The run started out great. I got chills down my spine going over the Burrard bridge and seeing the Vancouver Marathon banners. Not too long until I'll be running over that bridge with only a mile or so to go to the finish line! Very exciting. Running around False Creek was great. This is such a beautiful city. I feel so fortunate to live here and be able to enjoy it as much as I do. There were so many people on the seawall. It was very invigorating to see so many active people enjoying the beautiful evening. The sunset was fantastic and I stopped at Kits beach to watch it dip below the horizon. Very lovely.
I didn't run at all last week. It took nearly all week to recover from the 24-miler and then my teacher training started. I likely won't run this week at all either and hopefully that will be enough time for my IT bands to loosen up. So close!!!
Showing posts with label run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label run. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
3 more weeks!
We are marathon-ready. We had our last long run yesterday and we made it to the end feeling that if there were people lining the streets cheering and a finish line a couple miles away, we'd be able to make it. We ran about 24 miles and it took 4 hours.
Because of a commitment in the early afternoon, we started early - 6:40am. Met the group at the Y and continued on. Here's a map.
My knees were really sore at the end - tight IT bands. Took 4 gels, 2 advils, 20 oz gatorade and 30 oz of water and although I was very tired at the end, I could have gone farther. My legs are sore today - mostly my quads. Lower back area feels bruised. Not sure if it's from my water belt or what. Nicole as the same thing. Strange.
Next week is a super short 10-12 mile run and the following week is only 7-9. We're tapering now before the race. It's very exciting to think that we've made it all this way. 6 months of training! 6 months of getting up and running ridiculous distances on Sunday mornings when everyone else is sleeping peacefully...
I went to my first yin yoga class on Saturday and I think that style could be very beneficial for sports like running. We only did about a dozen postures, but they were all held for up to 5 minutes so the stretch is very deep.
Signed up for a 200hr yoga teacher training course. It's two 10-day sessions, 10 hours each day. The first session starts at the end of this week and the second session is in October in Ucluelet.
Because of a commitment in the early afternoon, we started early - 6:40am. Met the group at the Y and continued on. Here's a map.
My knees were really sore at the end - tight IT bands. Took 4 gels, 2 advils, 20 oz gatorade and 30 oz of water and although I was very tired at the end, I could have gone farther. My legs are sore today - mostly my quads. Lower back area feels bruised. Not sure if it's from my water belt or what. Nicole as the same thing. Strange.
Next week is a super short 10-12 mile run and the following week is only 7-9. We're tapering now before the race. It's very exciting to think that we've made it all this way. 6 months of training! 6 months of getting up and running ridiculous distances on Sunday mornings when everyone else is sleeping peacefully...
I went to my first yin yoga class on Saturday and I think that style could be very beneficial for sports like running. We only did about a dozen postures, but they were all held for up to 5 minutes so the stretch is very deep.
Signed up for a 200hr yoga teacher training course. It's two 10-day sessions, 10 hours each day. The first session starts at the end of this week and the second session is in October in Ucluelet.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
4 weeks to go!
Today we ran just over 13 miles and it took 2hrs 15min. When I woke up I could hear the rain and as I was getting ready it was COLD! I nearly wore my long fleecy running pants but instead opted for capris. As we were leaving downtown we could see a few patches of blue sky and as the run went on it got nicer and nicer out - it was a beautiful morning! We ran through Kits and Shaughnessy and out to Kerrisdale - so many nice houses to look at. :)
It was a hilly run, but the Dunbar hill (from 41st to 16th) didn't kill me this time as it did when we ran it a month or so ago. I felt pretty good, but as usual was tired at the end. I took 2 gels, about 40 minutes apart. That seems to be what works best for me. As we were coming back into downtown and only a few blocks from the Y it started to rain. Perfect timing! Had a wonderful hot shower at the Y and then out for a cheap $4.50 breakfast - the best kind! Here is a map of our route...
Next week is our longest run and the last big one before the race. I've got some preparing to do this week. I want to get out for a few good runs and I am going to eat well and drink lots of water and really try to mentally prepare for a good 4 hours straight of running. Yikes!
It was a hilly run, but the Dunbar hill (from 41st to 16th) didn't kill me this time as it did when we ran it a month or so ago. I felt pretty good, but as usual was tired at the end. I took 2 gels, about 40 minutes apart. That seems to be what works best for me. As we were coming back into downtown and only a few blocks from the Y it started to rain. Perfect timing! Had a wonderful hot shower at the Y and then out for a cheap $4.50 breakfast - the best kind! Here is a map of our route...
Next week is our longest run and the last big one before the race. I've got some preparing to do this week. I want to get out for a few good runs and I am going to eat well and drink lots of water and really try to mentally prepare for a good 4 hours straight of running. Yikes!
Monday, March 31, 2008
So long March, thanks for all the fish
End of the month already. How time flies! This has been a very busy month. The Easter weekend was jam packed with fun. Spent Tuesday preparing for another mini holiday and took off early Wednesday for the island again. Spent 2 nights in Ucluelet and it was wonderful. Yoga in the mornings looking out at the ocean where whales were spouting and a run along the Wild Pacific Trail. Delicious food, good books and lots of relaxing.
Went surfing on Thursday and had a blast. It was my second attempt and I was able to stand up several times. I never thought I'd like surfing but I really can't wait to go again. And again and again. I'm really looking forward to trying in Hawaii. It was mighty chilly on the beach for our lesson but once in the water I warmed right up. There was snow on the beach and it hailed while we were out in the water. Crazy weather! We had a few hailstorms mixed with sun, cloud a bit of rain...
Friday we went to Tofino to the Long Beach Lodge for a wedding and it was amazing. One of the best weddings I've been to from the location right down to the tiny details. Definitely one to remember. Our room was spectacular - king size bed, huge soaker tub and an amazing view looking out to the beach and ocean. The weather cleared right up and we had beautiful blue skies for the last two days.
Drove up to the ferry terminal and right onto the ferry to get home. I was dropped off at Nicole's and we headed out for the longest run we've done so far. Here is a map of the route we took:
It was so long! The weather was beautiful though and I felt fine until we were leaving Stanley Park. I started getting really tired and sore - mostly my feet. It was such a relief to reach Science World and start heading for home. We walked the last mile to cool down. The map shows 22.5 miles but I think I may have cut some corners when creating it because I'm pretty sure it was closer to 24. We basically ran a marathon which is only 2.2 miles farther. Yikes! I took 5 gels, about 40min apart. We were so hungry by the end... that's what happens when you run from 4-9pm and miss dinner. Thankfully our wonderful husbands had made pizza and when we walked in the front door it had just come out of the oven and smelled so good!!
All in all it was a very long day and I collapsed into bed after a hot bath with a Marathon bubble bar from Lush. Mmm, cinnamon and mint. Very soothing for tired muscles. I feel ok today, tired but not too bad. My legs are very tired but I don't think the stiffness has quite set in yet. I can still walk down stairs and my knees feel fine - they didn't hurt at all during the run. Next week is a short run (12-14 miles) and then we've got one more long one (22-26 miles). Two weeks of very short runs (10 miles, then 7 miles) and then it's the race!
Went surfing on Thursday and had a blast. It was my second attempt and I was able to stand up several times. I never thought I'd like surfing but I really can't wait to go again. And again and again. I'm really looking forward to trying in Hawaii. It was mighty chilly on the beach for our lesson but once in the water I warmed right up. There was snow on the beach and it hailed while we were out in the water. Crazy weather! We had a few hailstorms mixed with sun, cloud a bit of rain...
Friday we went to Tofino to the Long Beach Lodge for a wedding and it was amazing. One of the best weddings I've been to from the location right down to the tiny details. Definitely one to remember. Our room was spectacular - king size bed, huge soaker tub and an amazing view looking out to the beach and ocean. The weather cleared right up and we had beautiful blue skies for the last two days.
Drove up to the ferry terminal and right onto the ferry to get home. I was dropped off at Nicole's and we headed out for the longest run we've done so far. Here is a map of the route we took:
It was so long! The weather was beautiful though and I felt fine until we were leaving Stanley Park. I started getting really tired and sore - mostly my feet. It was such a relief to reach Science World and start heading for home. We walked the last mile to cool down. The map shows 22.5 miles but I think I may have cut some corners when creating it because I'm pretty sure it was closer to 24. We basically ran a marathon which is only 2.2 miles farther. Yikes! I took 5 gels, about 40min apart. We were so hungry by the end... that's what happens when you run from 4-9pm and miss dinner. Thankfully our wonderful husbands had made pizza and when we walked in the front door it had just come out of the oven and smelled so good!!
All in all it was a very long day and I collapsed into bed after a hot bath with a Marathon bubble bar from Lush. Mmm, cinnamon and mint. Very soothing for tired muscles. I feel ok today, tired but not too bad. My legs are very tired but I don't think the stiffness has quite set in yet. I can still walk down stairs and my knees feel fine - they didn't hurt at all during the run. Next week is a short run (12-14 miles) and then we've got one more long one (22-26 miles). Two weeks of very short runs (10 miles, then 7 miles) and then it's the race!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Super weekend
A busy weekend and already it's nearly Wednesday! Had a cold last week but it didn't last long. Ran on Wednesday for 30 minutes with a stuffy heady, felt fine by Friday. Ran with Nicole around Stanley Park on Friday morning. We ran about 8 miles (1hr 20min) and it felt good.
Trying to cycle more now that the weather is getting better. Took my bike out of hibernation Saturday morning and cycled over to the farmer's market at Adanac and Victoria. Took the 10th Ave bike route and it took about 30 minutes. Coming home I took the Adanac bike route and then hooked up to the 7th Ave route. That took about 40 minutes... I think it might have been a bit longer that way and I was also pretty loaded down with goodies. So nice to have such nice routes to ride along.
The Vancouver cherry blossom festival is coming up and I came across this event. Can't wait!
Ran 13 miles on my own on Sunday. I ran the route out along the seawall to Spanish Banks, up to UBC and home along 16th Ave. I took 2 gels and not sure if it was the run on Friday, the bikeride the day before or maybe it was just an off day but I was pretty tired.
Using the goodies from the farmer's market I made a big Easter dinner. Made a double-crust apple pie first - it was so satisfying. We were given some lamb quite a while ago so I defrosted it the day before and roasted it with new potatoes, garlic, rosemary and dijon mustard and served it with mint pesto. It was so delicious! First time cooking lamb. We also had a salad with winter greens and roasted beets. Sauteed some mixed mushrooms with butter, garlic and sage to have on the side and also steamed some baby carrots - so sweet!
Monday morning woke up early and headed up to Whistler with Nicole to ski. I rented some awesome powder skis and with nearly a foot of new snow in the previous 24 hours they were so much fun. It was an amazing day. Cloud, sun, snow, wind... I love the new Symphony chair - takes you right up to the ridge we hiked doing the Musical Bumps a few years ago. We skied all day. My legs were so tired! You get good value for your tickets now that it is light out so long. We finally went in for food at the Roundhouse at 3:30 because we were starving and decided to download off the mountain to avoid the icy lower half of the mountain (so spoiled with the powder and awesome conditions at the top) and because we were so exhausted. See more photos here.
Spent all day today getting ready for our little mini holiday to Tofino and Ucluelet. Made a bunch of food to bring along for the first half of our trip in Ucluelet. We're going surfing on Thursday. I'm excited. Last time surfing was so fun. I think it'll be colder this time... Last week was the whale festival and I'm hoping to see some migrating gray whales while were there... I'll hopefully get a couple runs in and when we get home Nicole and I are going to do our longest run yet - 23 miles. Yikes! Then only 5 more weeks until the race!
Trying to cycle more now that the weather is getting better. Took my bike out of hibernation Saturday morning and cycled over to the farmer's market at Adanac and Victoria. Took the 10th Ave bike route and it took about 30 minutes. Coming home I took the Adanac bike route and then hooked up to the 7th Ave route. That took about 40 minutes... I think it might have been a bit longer that way and I was also pretty loaded down with goodies. So nice to have such nice routes to ride along.
The Vancouver cherry blossom festival is coming up and I came across this event. Can't wait!
Ran 13 miles on my own on Sunday. I ran the route out along the seawall to Spanish Banks, up to UBC and home along 16th Ave. I took 2 gels and not sure if it was the run on Friday, the bikeride the day before or maybe it was just an off day but I was pretty tired.
Using the goodies from the farmer's market I made a big Easter dinner. Made a double-crust apple pie first - it was so satisfying. We were given some lamb quite a while ago so I defrosted it the day before and roasted it with new potatoes, garlic, rosemary and dijon mustard and served it with mint pesto. It was so delicious! First time cooking lamb. We also had a salad with winter greens and roasted beets. Sauteed some mixed mushrooms with butter, garlic and sage to have on the side and also steamed some baby carrots - so sweet!
Monday morning woke up early and headed up to Whistler with Nicole to ski. I rented some awesome powder skis and with nearly a foot of new snow in the previous 24 hours they were so much fun. It was an amazing day. Cloud, sun, snow, wind... I love the new Symphony chair - takes you right up to the ridge we hiked doing the Musical Bumps a few years ago. We skied all day. My legs were so tired! You get good value for your tickets now that it is light out so long. We finally went in for food at the Roundhouse at 3:30 because we were starving and decided to download off the mountain to avoid the icy lower half of the mountain (so spoiled with the powder and awesome conditions at the top) and because we were so exhausted. See more photos here.
Spent all day today getting ready for our little mini holiday to Tofino and Ucluelet. Made a bunch of food to bring along for the first half of our trip in Ucluelet. We're going surfing on Thursday. I'm excited. Last time surfing was so fun. I think it'll be colder this time... Last week was the whale festival and I'm hoping to see some migrating gray whales while were there... I'll hopefully get a couple runs in and when we get home Nicole and I are going to do our longest run yet - 23 miles. Yikes! Then only 5 more weeks until the race!
Monday, March 17, 2008
7 weeks to go
We ran to Dundarave in West Vancouver on Sunday. Along the seawall in Coal Harbour, through Stanley Park (trails on the way there, causeway on the way back), over the bridge, down to the West Vancouver seawall to Dundarave and back again. When I mapped it out it was about 14 miles. Took us just under 2hrs 20min. It was a nice day and I felt pretty good, but I didn't really want to run very much further. I took 2 gels, after an hour and again about 45 minutes later. My favourites are definitely vanilla, apple cinnamon and strawberry kiwi by Carboom. So much better than any other brand. They are made with fruit puree whereas many others use brown rice syrup for sugar and I don't like the taste of it. I have a recipe to make my own gels... it's on my to-do list.
I ran last week once in Victoria along the water and through some old familiar neighbourhoods. I did a bunch of lunges after the run and they made my legs so sore!! Maybe I should be doing more of those!
I also found an ashtanga studio in Victoria and went to mysore morning practice while I was staying there. They have a really nice space in an old building right downtown. I used my new Manduka mat and I love it!! No bunching or stretching and it felt really solid.
Next week is a long run - 22-24 miles (a marathon is 26.2 miles). The group is running 12-14 instead and will go longer the following weekend (because of the holiday weekend). I'm away the following weekend and would rather do it here so I've got to figure something out.
I've signed up for the Edge to Edge marathon on June 8th. I'm really excited about it. It's 5 weeks after the Vancouver marathon (12 weeks from now!) which I think (hope) should be long enough to recover. Then hopefully it will be hiking season! Looking forward to the grind opening - I wonder if we'll be any faster after all this running.
I ran last week once in Victoria along the water and through some old familiar neighbourhoods. I did a bunch of lunges after the run and they made my legs so sore!! Maybe I should be doing more of those!
I also found an ashtanga studio in Victoria and went to mysore morning practice while I was staying there. They have a really nice space in an old building right downtown. I used my new Manduka mat and I love it!! No bunching or stretching and it felt really solid.
Next week is a long run - 22-24 miles (a marathon is 26.2 miles). The group is running 12-14 instead and will go longer the following weekend (because of the holiday weekend). I'm away the following weekend and would rather do it here so I've got to figure something out.
I've signed up for the Edge to Edge marathon on June 8th. I'm really excited about it. It's 5 weeks after the Vancouver marathon (12 weeks from now!) which I think (hope) should be long enough to recover. Then hopefully it will be hiking season! Looking forward to the grind opening - I wonder if we'll be any faster after all this running.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Victoria run
We were in Victoria this weekend for a wedding and I was looking forward to a change of scenery for my long run. After drinking mezcal until midnight Friday night, I woke up bright and early on Saturday and headed out. I wasn't feeling bad, but it took a while to get into the groove. It was a beautiful day and running along the water was very nice. I have fond memories of Dallas Rd and the breakwater. We used to spend a lot of time there as kids when visiting relatives in Victoria. I had mapped out this run before we left Vancouver and it was a bit short distance-wise so after looking at the map I made a mental note to turn a block or two further than I had originally planned to increase the distance. The houses out along the water in the Oak Bay area were amazing!! Big yards with beautiful gardens. The streets were so quiet, it was very nice. When I finally turned on Lansdowne I was getting pretty hungry. I only brought 2 gels with me and took them both - the first one at about 50 minutes and the second one at about 1hr 40min. I was so relieved to be finally running through downtown and back on familiar streets. I felt so relieved to see the Parliament buildings and felt pretty accomplished too that I had managed to navigate the route without any trouble. I was a bit worried that I had been running too slow since by the time I was back at the hotel my watch read 2hr35min. A 14-mile run should have only taken me 2hr20min. Turns out it was a 15-mile run so I was right on time!
After heading out for breakfast (which was incredibly delicious) Loranda and I had a bit of a spa day in the hotel. We had foot masks, manicures and pedicures and face masks. My feet were very happy. I got some blisters on this run where I haven't had problems before and my feet were very tired and sore. No time for sore feet though! By 5pm we were all dressed up and happy to watch our friends on their special day. Dinner was delicious and then the dancing began. My legs were so tired and my feet were so sore!!! But it was still fun. We stumbled up to our room around midnight and fell asleep pretty soon thereafter.
Luke and I are now at the Saltspring Spa for a few days for some relaxing and pampering. We've got some visiting to do back in Victoria and then Luke will be going to the Victoria Juggling Festival this week and I'll be (happily) heading home. I'm looking forward to my next run for 2 reasons... first, it's another short 12-14 mile run, second, Nicole is home!! :)
After heading out for breakfast (which was incredibly delicious) Loranda and I had a bit of a spa day in the hotel. We had foot masks, manicures and pedicures and face masks. My feet were very happy. I got some blisters on this run where I haven't had problems before and my feet were very tired and sore. No time for sore feet though! By 5pm we were all dressed up and happy to watch our friends on their special day. Dinner was delicious and then the dancing began. My legs were so tired and my feet were so sore!!! But it was still fun. We stumbled up to our room around midnight and fell asleep pretty soon thereafter.
Luke and I are now at the Saltspring Spa for a few days for some relaxing and pampering. We've got some visiting to do back in Victoria and then Luke will be going to the Victoria Juggling Festival this week and I'll be (happily) heading home. I'm looking forward to my next run for 2 reasons... first, it's another short 12-14 mile run, second, Nicole is home!! :)
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Deering Island
Ever heard of it? I hadn't until today. 19.5 miles, 3hrs 15min. There are some crazy huge houses in Southlands. Everyone has horses. Deering Island is a strange little place. A short little stretch of land with VERY expensive houses. We didn't see a single person, but I know people were home since their Audis, BMWs, Mercedes and Landrovers were in the driveways. I took 3 gels today, 2 of them had caffeine. So far Carboom is definitely my favourite. Clif shots taste like the rice syrup they are made of with lousy flavouring over top. Power Gels are way too sweet. I tried a vanilla Goo gel for the first time today, but it wasn't nearly as good as the Carboom vanilla gel which tastes exactly like vanilla icing. Mmm. I felt really good today. Only 7 more miles in a marathon and I felt today like I could have done it. Maybe not today. Hard to say. I felt good at the end of the run and I could have gone farther - I can say that much. It was nice to go someplace new - I'd never been to Southlands and I was pretty amazed by the houses. House isn't the right word - estate is more like it. Huge mansions on huge lots with perfect landscaping. Anyway, this was a pretty hilly route but I felt strong. I actually felt like we were running a bit slow at times and I could have gone faster. All in all this run left me feeling ready for the marathon - 9 weeks to go!!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
10 weeks to go
I had a wonderful run this morning. Hard not to when it's so beautiful outside. I decided to skip the Y clinic and planned a route out on my own. Mapmyrun.com is a great site for mapping out routes. I planned a big loop - I much prefer loops to out-and-back routes. I left home and ran down Cypress to the beach and followed the water all the way out to Spanish Banks. I got up on the road, turned on my ipod and headed for the dreaded "UBC hill". That hill is a mile long! I felt really strong the whole way. Once at the top I ran along Marine Drive to 16th Ave and then 16th all the way to Cypress and home from there. In total it was about 13.5 miles and took me just under 2hrs20min. I took one gel before the hill at about 50min and then another just as I was leaving UBC at Blanca at 1hr40min. The second gel had caffeine in it for a bit of an extra boost.
I was so happy with the route. I like the mix of concrete, asphalt, and gravel trails. I can see doing this route again, maybe even after this training is over. There were good hills and very nice views.
This was a good week for training. I ran twice, about 4 miles each time, and went snowshoeing yesterday at Seymour. My legs were a bit tired this morning but it didn't slow me down. I got a new pair of runners this week and I love them! They are Mizunos - the Wave Creation 9. They are pink and orange and they make me feel fast! My old ones felt pretty flat in the race last weekend and my sore knees told me it was time for an upgrade.
I was so happy with the route. I like the mix of concrete, asphalt, and gravel trails. I can see doing this route again, maybe even after this training is over. There were good hills and very nice views.
This was a good week for training. I ran twice, about 4 miles each time, and went snowshoeing yesterday at Seymour. My legs were a bit tired this morning but it didn't slow me down. I got a new pair of runners this week and I love them! They are Mizunos - the Wave Creation 9. They are pink and orange and they make me feel fast! My old ones felt pretty flat in the race last weekend and my sore knees told me it was time for an upgrade.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
18 miles
We had our longest run so far this past Sunday - 18 miles. We ran out along Point Grey Rd to Blenheim, then up to 16th and along to Granville, up into Shaughnessy to 49th, did a loop around Langara golf course then down Cambie and back to the Y. Nicole and were feeling pretty good so we actually did an extra little loop downtown to add on a mile. I was quite pleased with the run and the fact that I felt so good. I had the usual achy-tiredness that I get the last mile of any long run, but nothing terrible. My feet were quite sore, but that wasn't all that surprising considering the distance we had just covered. I only took 2 gels although I could have used another towards the end. I wasn't nearly as stiff as I usually am while stretching immediately after the run which could be because it was quite a bit warmer outside than on any of our past runs.
The rest of the day was quite busy and there was no time for a nap. I was pretty exhausted all day Monday but surprisingly I had no muscle pain. Last week was the best training week I've had since we started. I ran twice and had some very intense and focused yoga sessions. I ate really well and drank a lot of water and it really paid off. The long run was great and I seem to have recovered pretty quickly.
Our mileage drops back to 12-14 miles this Sunday and I am actually running a half marathon race with Nicole and Beth. It's the Historic Half in Fort Langley and I'm going to try to beat my personal best time of 2hrs 3min. I'd love to break 2hrs.
The rest of the day was quite busy and there was no time for a nap. I was pretty exhausted all day Monday but surprisingly I had no muscle pain. Last week was the best training week I've had since we started. I ran twice and had some very intense and focused yoga sessions. I ate really well and drank a lot of water and it really paid off. The long run was great and I seem to have recovered pretty quickly.
Our mileage drops back to 12-14 miles this Sunday and I am actually running a half marathon race with Nicole and Beth. It's the Historic Half in Fort Langley and I'm going to try to beat my personal best time of 2hrs 3min. I'd love to break 2hrs.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
I hate hills
That's not true, I don't hate them all the time. Today I did though. It's my own fault. I only ran once this week and the run today was tough. It was only 12 or 13 miles but my legs nearly quit. We left downtown and ran over the Granville bridge and up into Shaughnessy. I love looking at the big houses in there. I'm sure some of them have libraries with revolving bookcases and hidden rooms full of secrets.
We ran to 41st and Arbutus and then along 41st to Dunbar. Everything was great until then. I felt fine and was enjoying a nice run on a nice day. Turned around the corner onto Dunbar and there it was - the hill that would suck every last bit of strength out of me. It was about 18 blocks long and it felt like forever. I got a cramp near the top and slowed a bit, it was very painful but I ran it off. We turned onto 16th and then onto Macdonald. Ran along Cornwall and then over Burrard and back to the Y.
I only took one gel so maybe another would have helped. I'm very tired. This week will be different!! I promise I'll run at least twice, maybe 3 times! We've got our longest run yet next week... 18-20 miles and I'm going to be prepared. I'm actually kind of looking forward to it. It'll be a good test, mentally and physically.
We ran to 41st and Arbutus and then along 41st to Dunbar. Everything was great until then. I felt fine and was enjoying a nice run on a nice day. Turned around the corner onto Dunbar and there it was - the hill that would suck every last bit of strength out of me. It was about 18 blocks long and it felt like forever. I got a cramp near the top and slowed a bit, it was very painful but I ran it off. We turned onto 16th and then onto Macdonald. Ran along Cornwall and then over Burrard and back to the Y.
I only took one gel so maybe another would have helped. I'm very tired. This week will be different!! I promise I'll run at least twice, maybe 3 times! We've got our longest run yet next week... 18-20 miles and I'm going to be prepared. I'm actually kind of looking forward to it. It'll be a good test, mentally and physically.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Thursday long run
We're heading up to Big White tomorrow for the weekend so Nicole and I did our long run tonight. 16 miles - the longest so far! We left my house and ran around Stanley Park, then around False Creek and back home. Took 2hrs and 40min. Went for a delicious pasta dinner after at Anton's to celebrate Nicole's 30th birthday! What a girl!! Would you run 16 miles on your 30th? :)
We didn't stop nearly as often as we normally do during our long runs (usually every 20-30 minutes for a few minutes at a time). We didn't really think to stop aside from the two times we took our gels plus a couple other times when we started getting tired. It was too cold to stop for long without getting a chill. I didn't have any specific pains today, instead towards the end it was more of an ache all over. It was mostly my feet that were sore - the same way they felt coming down from our Garibaldi hike this summer after hiking 30km in a day. My legs are tired now and a bit stiff, particularly my left calf. I have a bit of a headache, so I'm trying to drink lots of water and will soon head off to bed.
We didn't stop nearly as often as we normally do during our long runs (usually every 20-30 minutes for a few minutes at a time). We didn't really think to stop aside from the two times we took our gels plus a couple other times when we started getting tired. It was too cold to stop for long without getting a chill. I didn't have any specific pains today, instead towards the end it was more of an ache all over. It was mostly my feet that were sore - the same way they felt coming down from our Garibaldi hike this summer after hiking 30km in a day. My legs are tired now and a bit stiff, particularly my left calf. I have a bit of a headache, so I'm trying to drink lots of water and will soon head off to bed.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
I love Vancouver because....
The scenery is so beautiful - snow-capped mountains, ocean, beaches. The city sparkles and shines on days like today.
The people are friendly and active - there were so many people out this morning on the seawall and so often when we'd pass another group of runners they would all say hello. Runners, walkers, people with dogs, people with kids, people rowing, people kayaking, even people waiting for the bus with snowshoes and snowboards. How can you not go outside on a day like today??
Anyway, we ran 13 miles today. Out to the anchor and back - same route as a couple weeks ago when it rained/snowed/hailed. Sure was different weather today! I was distracted the whole way by the mountains that looked so beautiful with fresh snow and the sun shining down. From the Tantalus mountains in Howe Sound all the way east past Seymour... so gorgeous! Makes me very eager to get back out there to do some hiking and take some photos which might be sooner rather than later now that I've got some fancy crampons!
I was tired today and I felt slow and my legs felt heavy. I got better towards the end of the run, but the beginning was tough. I just couldn't find the rhythm. I took a gel about 40 minutes in and then half a gel about 40 minutes later and I really noticed the effect. Not sure if I was dehydrated, whether it was the Afghani food we had for dinner last night or the fact that I hadn't run all week until yesterday when I went out for 3 miles.
I have a bit of a headache now and I think it's from not drinking enough water today. Have to get better at drinking more water. Anyway, a good run overall - they are always good once they are over and done with. :) Looking forward to a week of sunshine... hope you get to enjoy it too!
The people are friendly and active - there were so many people out this morning on the seawall and so often when we'd pass another group of runners they would all say hello. Runners, walkers, people with dogs, people with kids, people rowing, people kayaking, even people waiting for the bus with snowshoes and snowboards. How can you not go outside on a day like today??
Anyway, we ran 13 miles today. Out to the anchor and back - same route as a couple weeks ago when it rained/snowed/hailed. Sure was different weather today! I was distracted the whole way by the mountains that looked so beautiful with fresh snow and the sun shining down. From the Tantalus mountains in Howe Sound all the way east past Seymour... so gorgeous! Makes me very eager to get back out there to do some hiking and take some photos which might be sooner rather than later now that I've got some fancy crampons!
I was tired today and I felt slow and my legs felt heavy. I got better towards the end of the run, but the beginning was tough. I just couldn't find the rhythm. I took a gel about 40 minutes in and then half a gel about 40 minutes later and I really noticed the effect. Not sure if I was dehydrated, whether it was the Afghani food we had for dinner last night or the fact that I hadn't run all week until yesterday when I went out for 3 miles.
I have a bit of a headache now and I think it's from not drinking enough water today. Have to get better at drinking more water. Anyway, a good run overall - they are always good once they are over and done with. :) Looking forward to a week of sunshine... hope you get to enjoy it too!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Say no to injuries
I had a sore foot on Saturday on the bottom of my right foot between my arch and my heel. Felt like a cramp or a pulled muscle. I nearly didn't run on Sunday because I didn't want to make it worse. To test it out, I decided to run down to the Y. If it was bad, I'd just head home. But it seemed the more I ran the less it hurt so I decided to join the group continue on. Now, I thought that last week our leader said we were going to be running in the Kitsilano/Kerrisdale direction so running down to the Y would be perfect because instead of heading back downtown at the end of the run I could just come home.
We start running and we're heading east out of downtown so I ask "where are we running today?" The answer: "Central Park." Yes, the Burnaby Central Park - totally the opposite direction. Oh well. We followed the skytrain line the whole way - there's a nice path underneath for most of the way. It's all uphill though and my legs were burning and getting very tired - good hill training! At least my foot was fine though, and coming home was all downhill. This run wasn't as fun without Nicole. It was just me and 5 guys in the 40-70 year age group. :) When we got to the Main St station at Science World I left the group to head home along the south side of the False Creek seawall.
Downtown to Central Park and back downtown again is 14 miles (the schedule had us doing 13-15). My extra run down to the Y added on 2 miles so I was already at 14 miles when we got to Science World. I ran another 10 minutes to make it 15 miles and walked the rest of the way home to cool down. Actually worked out pretty well because I'm not stiff at all today and I think the walking helped stretch out my legs. So 15 miles, 2hrs 30min - the longest run so far! And no rain!! I was very tired and very hungry when I got home. Had a wonderful hot shower and a delicious breakfast and then a fantastic nap.
I think my foot was maybe sore because I did too much last week. I'm going to try to take it a bit easier this week. My IT band was a bit sore at times too so I'm going to get that worked on this week. Ouch! The treatment is often more painful than the injury itself!
We start running and we're heading east out of downtown so I ask "where are we running today?" The answer: "Central Park." Yes, the Burnaby Central Park - totally the opposite direction. Oh well. We followed the skytrain line the whole way - there's a nice path underneath for most of the way. It's all uphill though and my legs were burning and getting very tired - good hill training! At least my foot was fine though, and coming home was all downhill. This run wasn't as fun without Nicole. It was just me and 5 guys in the 40-70 year age group. :) When we got to the Main St station at Science World I left the group to head home along the south side of the False Creek seawall.
Downtown to Central Park and back downtown again is 14 miles (the schedule had us doing 13-15). My extra run down to the Y added on 2 miles so I was already at 14 miles when we got to Science World. I ran another 10 minutes to make it 15 miles and walked the rest of the way home to cool down. Actually worked out pretty well because I'm not stiff at all today and I think the walking helped stretch out my legs. So 15 miles, 2hrs 30min - the longest run so far! And no rain!! I was very tired and very hungry when I got home. Had a wonderful hot shower and a delicious breakfast and then a fantastic nap.
I think my foot was maybe sore because I did too much last week. I'm going to try to take it a bit easier this week. My IT band was a bit sore at times too so I'm going to get that worked on this week. Ouch! The treatment is often more painful than the injury itself!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Rain and more rain
Ran to my dentist appointment yesterday morning. Round trip was about 3 miles, took 30 minutes.
Tonight met Beth and Nicole and ran twice around False Creek - 12-13 miles, 2hrs 10min. I wouldn't normally run that far on a weekday/night but Nicole is away this weekend and will miss the long run and so she wanted to fit one in before leaving.
It didn't seem to be raining hard when we left but by my feet were pretty wet after the first lap. I rarely get cold while running once I've been at it for a while but I got a bit chilled tonight and knew that if we stopped I'd get cold really fast. Stopped trying to avoid the puddles near the end after running through one that was ankle deep. My clothes were completely soaked through and I squeezed out about a cup of water from my jacket when I got home. Once you're out there and in the rain it's not so bad - refreshing even. It's the process of going from dry to wet that isn't so much fun. I never used to run with a hat and only started doing so in the past few weeks but I was really happy to have it tonight to keep the rain out of my face.
Took a gel at about 45 minutes and felt really good for the whole run. My aerobic fitness is really good and I think that is partly due to all the hiking (yay Grouse Grind!) we did this year. Aside from the odd hill, we can chat the whole way and not feel out of breath. I think I'm probably in the best shape I've ever been right now, which is kind of funny because Luke feels as though he's in the worst shape of his life at the moment. I feel really good and I'm quite pleased with that. :)
Tonight met Beth and Nicole and ran twice around False Creek - 12-13 miles, 2hrs 10min. I wouldn't normally run that far on a weekday/night but Nicole is away this weekend and will miss the long run and so she wanted to fit one in before leaving.
It didn't seem to be raining hard when we left but by my feet were pretty wet after the first lap. I rarely get cold while running once I've been at it for a while but I got a bit chilled tonight and knew that if we stopped I'd get cold really fast. Stopped trying to avoid the puddles near the end after running through one that was ankle deep. My clothes were completely soaked through and I squeezed out about a cup of water from my jacket when I got home. Once you're out there and in the rain it's not so bad - refreshing even. It's the process of going from dry to wet that isn't so much fun. I never used to run with a hat and only started doing so in the past few weeks but I was really happy to have it tonight to keep the rain out of my face.
Took a gel at about 45 minutes and felt really good for the whole run. My aerobic fitness is really good and I think that is partly due to all the hiking (yay Grouse Grind!) we did this year. Aside from the odd hill, we can chat the whole way and not feel out of breath. I think I'm probably in the best shape I've ever been right now, which is kind of funny because Luke feels as though he's in the worst shape of his life at the moment. I feel really good and I'm quite pleased with that. :)
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Wild weather
~12 miles today. "Only" ran 1hr 50min. We left the Y downtown in the rain, ran over the Burrard Bridge and along the sea wall out to Spanish Banks. There's a giant anchor along the path and that was our turn-around point. I felt like we were running fast today, but we've got 2 guys with fancy gadgets that measure pace that said we were right on.
Running along Cornwall on our way out we had rain, wind, snow and sleet. We discovered as we turned around at the anchor that we'd had the wind at our backs the whole way out. It was blustery and cold by the water. We were all soaked and glad to be heading back. My feet had been squishing in my shoes since early in the run. I was happy to be warm even though my clothes were pretty soaked. On the way back I commented that at least it hadn't hailed! It couldn't have been 10 minutes later that the hail started. Running along Cornwall with the wind blowing hail in our faces was quite an experience. The ridiculousness of the situation was distracting and soon enough we were coming back over the bridge into downtown.
I felt pretty strong going back over the bridge and thought it may have been because I took two gels today. I usually only take one after about an hour or so. Today I took one after 40 minutes, then another one 40 minutes later.
I only ran once last week so I was happy with how the run today went. Have to get better at these weekday runs. My legs are tired now, but not sore. Knees feel good too. We went snowshoeing yesterday and I was a bit worried I would be tired today, but everything was good!
Running along Cornwall on our way out we had rain, wind, snow and sleet. We discovered as we turned around at the anchor that we'd had the wind at our backs the whole way out. It was blustery and cold by the water. We were all soaked and glad to be heading back. My feet had been squishing in my shoes since early in the run. I was happy to be warm even though my clothes were pretty soaked. On the way back I commented that at least it hadn't hailed! It couldn't have been 10 minutes later that the hail started. Running along Cornwall with the wind blowing hail in our faces was quite an experience. The ridiculousness of the situation was distracting and soon enough we were coming back over the bridge into downtown.
I felt pretty strong going back over the bridge and thought it may have been because I took two gels today. I usually only take one after about an hour or so. Today I took one after 40 minutes, then another one 40 minutes later.
I only ran once last week so I was happy with how the run today went. Have to get better at these weekday runs. My legs are tired now, but not sore. Knees feel good too. We went snowshoeing yesterday and I was a bit worried I would be tired today, but everything was good!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Last long run of 2007
Got to the Y this morning and met up with Nicole. There was nobody else from our group so we set out alone (yay us!). We ran towards the convention centre and down onto the seawall. Got to Stanley Park and started around the seawall, clockwise. If left up to me, my routes would always be clockwise loops. Even thinking back to my first regular route when I started running as a teenager, I always ran clockwise. Anyway, we ran around Stanley Park until just past the Lions Gate and just before the water park and left the seawall. We took a trail that went up to the causeway and ran over the bridge. Turned around on the other side and headed back over. The bridge is just under a mile so going over and back gives us a couple extra miles and a good hill workout. Retraced our steps down to the seawall where we finished the loop and headed back to the Y.
2hrs 15min!! That leaves us somewhere between 13 and 14 miles. Nicole broke another personal distance record today! Way to go! It was a beautiful day, sunny and crisp and we had beautiful clear views of Vancouver Island and the local mountains. Can't wait to go snowshoeing again tomorrow!!
2hrs 15min!! That leaves us somewhere between 13 and 14 miles. Nicole broke another personal distance record today! Way to go! It was a beautiful day, sunny and crisp and we had beautiful clear views of Vancouver Island and the local mountains. Can't wait to go snowshoeing again tomorrow!!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wet toes
I didn't do the long run on Saturday as I had planned. When I woke up it was snowing so I went back to sleep. Ended up going later in the day for about 5 miles. It was slushy in some spots and I had to go a bit slower. Ended up with wet toes. Had a nice hot bath when I got home.
Nicole came over early this morning after dropping her mom off at the airport. Just as it was finally getting light we headed out and over the bridge to the seawall. Ran around Stanley Park and home again. It was really windy on the far side of the park. No rain and no ice though. It was great. 12 miles, 2hrs. I could feel my left knee as we got closer to home. It wasn't sore, but I could feel it was tight. Will have to keep stretching out that IT band.
Had another hot bath when I got home to warm up. I find if I don't strip out of my wet clothes quick enough I get really chilled and it takes a long time to warm up. A hot bath with the heat light on in the bathroom is perfect.
I'm not too worried by the lack of runs the past couple weeks, but I really have to get back to it when things settle down again after the holidays. :)
Nicole came over early this morning after dropping her mom off at the airport. Just as it was finally getting light we headed out and over the bridge to the seawall. Ran around Stanley Park and home again. It was really windy on the far side of the park. No rain and no ice though. It was great. 12 miles, 2hrs. I could feel my left knee as we got closer to home. It wasn't sore, but I could feel it was tight. Will have to keep stretching out that IT band.
Had another hot bath when I got home to warm up. I find if I don't strip out of my wet clothes quick enough I get really chilled and it takes a long time to warm up. A hot bath with the heat light on in the bathroom is perfect.
I'm not too worried by the lack of runs the past couple weeks, but I really have to get back to it when things settle down again after the holidays. :)
Friday, December 21, 2007
'Twas the week before Christmas...
I met Beth on Wednesday night for a run. We tried a different route and went up Heather St to King Edward and then followed that to Arbutus where we turned and came home. The loop was between 5 and 6 miles and had more hills than the routes I've been running recently. I managed to come up with some pretty convincing excuses to get out of running on several occasions this week, which is ridiculous since it only hurts me in the long run - literally and figuratively.
On the other hand this has been a good yoga week. Not sure why it was any different than previous weeks, but for some reason my practice felt very connected and grounded. Maybe it's the weather or maybe it's the time of year. This morning I went to Mysore for the led class (I've been practicing at home for pretty much all of October, November and December) and then joined the Ashtanga Yoga Vancouver group for their annual Christmas breakfast at the Naam. It was really fun and nice to socialize outside of the yoga room.
There is no clinic run on this coming Sunday so Nicole and I had planned to do the run Saturday morning. She's fighting a cold right now (get well soon!!) so depending how she feels we may or may not meet up. I'm still going to try to get in the scheduled 13 miles, which probably won't be as enjoyable on my own. I'm still looking forward to it though, which is strange since I dreaded most of the weekend long runs when I did this marathon training business before. I'm thinking about heading downtown and doing a loop around Stanley Park, then staying on the seawall and running around False Creek before coming home. That should be pretty much exactly the right distance. I'll have to be sure to load up my ipod before I go.
That's all for now! I'll try to post again before Christmas, but if not I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!
On the other hand this has been a good yoga week. Not sure why it was any different than previous weeks, but for some reason my practice felt very connected and grounded. Maybe it's the weather or maybe it's the time of year. This morning I went to Mysore for the led class (I've been practicing at home for pretty much all of October, November and December) and then joined the Ashtanga Yoga Vancouver group for their annual Christmas breakfast at the Naam. It was really fun and nice to socialize outside of the yoga room.
There is no clinic run on this coming Sunday so Nicole and I had planned to do the run Saturday morning. She's fighting a cold right now (get well soon!!) so depending how she feels we may or may not meet up. I'm still going to try to get in the scheduled 13 miles, which probably won't be as enjoyable on my own. I'm still looking forward to it though, which is strange since I dreaded most of the weekend long runs when I did this marathon training business before. I'm thinking about heading downtown and doing a loop around Stanley Park, then staying on the seawall and running around False Creek before coming home. That should be pretty much exactly the right distance. I'll have to be sure to load up my ipod before I go.
That's all for now! I'll try to post again before Christmas, but if not I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Bagel brunch day!
We ran between 12 and 13 miles today. It took just under 2 hours. It was hard today. Not sure if it was the 7 miles on Friday, the sugar I've been living off of lately or just an off day. We ran through East Vancouver and then hooked up with the Adanac bike route. Ran all the way to the 2nd narrows bridge, did an extra loop up a big hill then back downtown along the water and through Gastown. It was so hilly for the first half and my legs were very tired. My new hat was great! I'd never run with a hat before, but I liked it. And I think it looked snazzy too. :)
We had a tasty bagel brunch after the run put on by one of the runners who is a baker. I had almost hit the "too hungry to eat" stage where I start to feel really nauseous and icky but then I had a bite of multigrain bagel with smoked salmon cream cheese and suddenly everything was a lot better. I fell asleep coming home on the bus. Never done that before. Now I feel deliciously tired and relaxed and I am lying on the couch by the fire and don't plan on moving much for the rest of the day.
Plan for next week:
- Run at least twice during the week. Even if it's only for 20-30 minutes, it's better than nothing at all.
- Eat more vegetables. I didn't eat too much this past week, just too much sugar and not enough of everything else. Made a huge delicious soup for dinner last night and am looking forward to a big dinner tonight.
- Drink more water
We had a tasty bagel brunch after the run put on by one of the runners who is a baker. I had almost hit the "too hungry to eat" stage where I start to feel really nauseous and icky but then I had a bite of multigrain bagel with smoked salmon cream cheese and suddenly everything was a lot better. I fell asleep coming home on the bus. Never done that before. Now I feel deliciously tired and relaxed and I am lying on the couch by the fire and don't plan on moving much for the rest of the day.
Plan for next week:
- Run at least twice during the week. Even if it's only for 20-30 minutes, it's better than nothing at all.
- Eat more vegetables. I didn't eat too much this past week, just too much sugar and not enough of everything else. Made a huge delicious soup for dinner last night and am looking forward to a big dinner tonight.
- Drink more water
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