30km ATB Training Plan so far

Well, we are about 2/3 of the way through the training plan for arguably the greatest bucket list race, Around the Bay 30km in Hamilton, Ontario.
Longer than a half-marathon, but not as long as a marathon it's a great next step for someone like myself who has run multiple half-marathons, met a goal PB and now, looking for a new challenge.

I'm writing this reflection post now (though I have been thinking on it for a few weeks) as we've just passed a new threshold. I keep saying "we" as I am running most of my runs with my sole sister whom I will be running the race with, Lisa.

16km in my neck of the woods

A very cold, windy 22km- still smiling

gorgeous, sunny, 24km1

Our long run training runs have now gotten into the distances that give us automatic PRs, farther than we've ever gone before. Before this training schedule our furthest distances were half-marathons. Last weekend we ran 22km- longer than a half, but not by much. This weekend (yesterday) we ran 24km. Wow. It's truly incredible what the body is capable of.

I'd like to share the lessons I've learned, and better understood, as a result of this training plan so far.

1. There's no such thing as bad weather, only soft people. 

A runner's favourite compliment is, "you're crazy". I've been called crazy multiple times when I gleefully tell people the distance I plan on running, especially when combined with the time of day (as it's either early on a Saturday, or Friday evening after a looooong week of work). But now, I've added a new level of crazy, winter running.
I've never done any formal training for a race in the winter before. Usually my winter running is maintenance miles and mostly treadmill miles. I knew the saying, I accepted that I must be a "soft person" then because I hate being cold, and the wind and the snow, no thanks! BUT, I continue to find no matter how cold or miserable I've been outside during the day (hello yard duty, bleh) once I get all dressed for a run and head out I find the weather become irrelevant and not such a big hurdle as I had thought.
Sure, weather adds a new challenge and certainly can increase the difficulty, but that just leaves me with a greater feeling of accomplishment, strength and preparedness because hey! race day can't be THAT bad, right?

2. If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go with a friend.

I have cherished the time together with my training partner Lisa. She's an extremely busy woman who gives of herself tirelessly. She's a principal, french teacher, kindergarten teacher, mother, sister, daughter, wife etc. Whenever we spend time together she's busy doing multiple things at once. Except when we run. Sure, she will pick up the phone if a family member calls, but for the most part there are no distractions, just the two of us and the road.
I have mixed feelings each week as we plan out of long run. Part of me dreads it. I know the time and physical toll it's going to take on my body. I know it's winter, its cold, we usually run Friday night after work which often means more of our run is in the dark than in the daylight. But I know as soon as I am done I will grab her in a great embrace, we will waddle into the house, put our legs up the wall and giggle as we are filled with pride and the feeling of accomplishment.
We've been through quite the conditions, cold, wind, driving snow, thick snow covered roads, oncoming traffic, slushy wet roads, you name it, we've had it. We've both had runs where our tummies don't agree with us, and runs where our entire body says "i'm tired. this week had taken it's toll on me". We walk when we need to, we take pit stops when we need to, and we slather voltaren before bed like it's going out of style. We love texting each other the next day over our different muscles who have decided to protest.
When you choose to walk it can feel like defeat on your own, but when you choose to walk with a friend you feel like you're putting that person first, knowing they are pushing through not to let you down, afraid to admit the need to allow the body a reprieve. It's always easier to take care of a friend before acknowledging our own needs.
Both our respective mothers have expressed their displeasure with us running this far, in this weather, at night in the dark but have admitted that the only thing giving them peace of mind is that we've done it together.
I could not have done this alone.

I've actually fallen in love with winter running. There's a beautiful simplicity in the preparation. It's a bit of an oxymoron as packing my gym back for an after school long run means ramming a whole bunch of items in, but it completely takes the thought out of capris vs shorts vs pants and tshirt vs tank vs long sleeve vs sweater etc. If it's winter, it's cold. I'm packing thermal tights, my overpants, long sleeve shirt, sweater, jacket, mitts, hat and 2 buffs. I don't have to think about it, I just have to put on "everything I own" (so the expression goes, of course it's not true, I've got running gear for days) and go.

I'm back, and ready for you 2017!

Well...it seems life has gotten in the way and this blog has been pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Thanks to this beautiful time of year of reflection and goal setting I've re-prioritized blogging and more so, running.

It has seemed over the past few months that I've fallen out of love with running. No, that can't be true. I've always loved running, it just became a love of familiarity, a love taken for granted. "You'll always be there for me, running, so I don't really need to put any effort into this relationship". We all know that those relationships eventually fizzle out and die. But, the beauty in running is that you get out of it what you put into it.

Other loves, passions and creative endeavours had taken precedence. I like lists, so here you go:

Reasons I haven't been running (as much):

1. The gym:

In June I got a gym membership for the first time in my life and really fell in love with cross training. I love taking pride in my strengths (my legs) and laughing at my weaknesses (anything arms/core) while pushing myself to improve those areas. Progress is a drug.

Run then power class at the YMCA

2. My relationship:

In October my best friend asked me to be his wife, that excitement and wedding planning has consumed me as well. We are also in a long distance relationship right now and only see each other on weekends (prime running time) so running gets pushed aside for quality time with the love of my life.

First run with my ring

3. My career:

Teaching is very time consuming. Much like running, you do indeed get out what you put in and I will easily give everything I have for those kids, to watch them succeed and grow and fall in love with learning.

These all sound like excuses because they are. The truth is my relationship with running had just grown stagnant. I was running the same races, the same distances, and though running still brought me joy, it was fleeting joy. It almost began to feel more like a chore. "Oh jeeze, I haven't run since Thursday, I should really get a run in soon".

Enter: New years.

Step 1: Reflect:

2016 was a good year for me running-wise. Here's another list:

2016 Running accomplishments:

1. A new half marathon PB

I finally broke 1:50 at my spring half marathon, the Goodlife Fitness Marathon series in Toronto. It was also my first half my parents weren't at. I only had my then boyfriend, Mark, with me. It was a big step emotionally.

Finally that sub 1:50

2. I ran a race with my sister-in-law 

It was so nice to spend that quality time together. At that point in time we weren't officially sister-in-laws yet as they married in September and the race was in May, but none-the-less it was a special moment crossing that finish line together. I also grew a whole heck of respect for her as her regular running routes are ridiculously hilly.

Though we finished at the same time, my name comes first alphabetically. So I got the medal.

3. Canada Day 8km

It's a local race between two small towns that has been going for almost 50 years. Very simplistic, free, no bibs, no chip timers, no roads closed. You just run from the old school to the community centre one town away. But I got to run it with my running bestie and the best part was after the fact, looking through pictures where we have identical strides. She is my sole sister in so many ways.

4. Ran my first triathlon

I signed up as part of the hospital's charity team and raised money. I only completed the run portion. It was summer, it was mid-day. It was death. I gained new respect for triathletes and promptly decided that was something I'd (likely) never do.

5. Completed a challenging half marathon

One of my favourite run series that always falls on my birthday is the Run Blue Mountains run in Thornbury. First place age category finishers win a pie. I've ran the 5km and the 10km twice, so it was finally time to run the half. Though I love small town races, I do not love small town half marathons. For longer races I need the motivation of crowds and runners around me. I ran a small town half a few years ago and went km's without seeing anyone else. That can really wear on your motivation and pacing. BUT, I decided I needed to complete the trifecta so I ran the half. It turned out to be windy, rainy and ridiculously hilly. Including one of the biggest hills I've ever seen in my life, let alone run. I actually walked it. I still ended up getting a 1st in my age category.

I had told myself my relationship with running had matured. I'd fallen into a state of consistency. I was no longer pushing for new goals of time or distance and that was okay. I was running for the love of running. What I didn't realize (until now) is that that love dissipated. My love of running is based largely on goal setting, training plans and pushing myself.

Step 2: Set goals

2017 running and fitness goals

1. Run Around the Bay 30km

It's always been on my bucket list since I started running. The oldest race on this continent, older than Boston, it's steeped in history. The race circles the bay in Hamilton. It's known for being hilly and often windy. It's a long distance to run. Held the last weekend in March, it means you need to train during the winter. It's chocked full of challenges, which makes it more exciting. I wanted to run it before I turned 30 and though I'm 28 now, with my wedding coming up this August I'm not sure where our marriage will take us and how that will effect my training so there's no time like the present. Speaking of present, I gifted a race registration to my sole sister, Lisa. Having a partner in crime makes these challenges seem so much more attainable. Plus, as a new distance challenge there's absolutely no time restraint. So we can just run and chat and run and chat. I can't wait.

2. Get fit for the wedding.

You know, work on the whole package. Keep up the cross training at the gym, make sure I'm eating right. The whole package. So that I look good in my wedding dress :)

Suddenly the spark has set my love of running aflame again. I was giddy with excitement as I made a chart in a notebook and drafted up a training plan. I grabbed a journal and wrote out each date from January 1st to March 26th, race day.

I set out for my first run of my training schedule today. It said 5km tempo. I'm not used to training in the middle of winter, usually just maintenance miles. But today I got to run tempo, comfortably difficult. It felt so good to push my legs, feel my lungs burn and regret wearing 3 layers.

It's so great to acknowledge a starting point, to reflect and acknowledge the changes I'd like to make and look ahead to the progress that is sure to come. My body tells me it needs better fuel, and more water to run efficiently and I promise it that I will give it just that.

Stay tuned for more. So far, 2017 is off to a great start.

Running Firsts

Ask any runner which was their most significant or memorable race and more often than not you'll get the answer "my first". I've been running now for coming on 3 years this fall and I've done 4 half marathons. I will never ever forget my first half marathon. The first time you run a distance is full of unknowns, you doubt whether or not you can actually achieve it, then you get to a point where you realize you can and will and once you do the feeling of accomplishment is overwhelming! Though your second, third, fourth...twentieth will have it's memorable moments, there is nothing quite like that first one.

I love to collect running firsts. First time running the entire 6km block without walking, first time running double digits, first time running a half marathon, first run in the rain, first age category medal, first time on the podium, etc.

Today, after nearly 3 years running I collected a new first. One I was hoping never to collect.

You see, as already mentioned, I am currently doing the Get Out There Magazine 30 day challenge (#GOT30daychallenge) in which you are active for 30 minutes daily for 30 consecutive days. It's a great motivator. BUT, as a result of the season my weeks have looked like this:
Monday: ladies bootcamp
Tuesday: Ski
Wednesday: ladies bootcamp
Thursday: run
Friday: run
Saturday: run
Sunday: run

and don't get my wrong, I LOVE to run. However, as it has been cold and snowy and icy and windy all my runs have been indoors. Running on the treadmill is a means to an end. I am thankful for a very nice treadmill in my basement. I am thankful for access to an ipad with netflix. But when I run on the treadmill I feel so challenged, it seems too difficult to "keep up" with speeds that feel like a crawl outdoors...what's with that? And the temptation to step off the 'mill for a quick sec to drink some water or respond to a text or check my instagram feed....well, it's far too tempting. So did I really run that full 8km in 40 some odd minutes? likely more like 5 of the 8. After 4 days in a row of "2 episodes of Friends" on the treadmill (yes this is how I measure the duration of treadmill runs) I feel like I am on groundhogs day.

So sometimes I have to force myself to bundle up and get my butt outside when at all possible. Possible is the hard part. I am at work until 4:30/5ish regularly and by the time I get home it's dark. So many dangers. Living in a rural area the roads are seldom plowed and I have no sidewalk, just a slender shoulder.

Sunday I got outside for an outdoor run and it was pretty darn nice. It was 3 degrees out and the roads were somewhat bare! Except of course for the side of the road on which I needed to run, but for the most part I ran the road until cars came. I was a happy lady.

Tuesdays now I am back to my ladies bible study so I cannot go with the girls skiing. It's fine, I'll go another night. I was overjoyed on recess duty today as it was clear, the sun was shining and there was ZERO wind. Bright blue skies...it was chilly, sure but not THAT bad if you're dressed right. It was -11C I believe.

So I quickly hustled home from school, got home by 4:30, got layered up (thick socks, running tights, running skirt (my hips and bum are ALWAYS cold), base layer, sweater, jacket, neck warmer, hat, mitts, running watch...WHEW. Sometimes I swear it takes longer to get dressed to run 5k than it does to actually run 5k in the winter. I was out the door by 4:51. The sun sets at about 5:15. I had to boogie!

The roads were snow packed, but not too bad. My music lasted about 2km until my phone froze (so thankful for my Polar M400 that doesn't freeze!) so I had to listen to the silence and the crunch crunch crunch of my feet. This is when I started to pray. I continued to run and when I got to about 3.5km I was making my way around a cul-de-sac when WOOP down I went. A new running first ladies and gentleman, my first fall. I've slipped before, sure. But nothing like this, completely went flying, hit the ground: knee, shin, hip. Also, because my music was kaput I also got to hear myself shout some strange noise. I quickly hopped up, embarrassed, hoping no one saw, and carried on. Of course the first ten steps or so were painful but the pain slowly subsided. I am hoping it doesn't get worse by tomorrow but fear that it may.

Other than the fall and frozen phone it was a good run, a beautiful run really with the clear sky, purpleish pink sunset and new fluffy snow covering everything. I also have to remember that my pace is going to be slower on snow and ice, as it should be. Also I had a KILLER (awesome) ladies bootcamp workout last night so I was working out soreness and tightness from that as well.

I am hoping this was my first and last running fall and that as I continue to run through the winter that there are more clear, sunny, mild days for outdoor runs and that treadmill runs wont seem so monotonous.