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.

Race Review: The Goodlife Toronto Half Marathon

The 2016 racing season is off to a great start for me! The Goodlife Toronto Half Marathon marks my 7th half marathon. It also happened to be my 2nd half marathon two years ago in 2014. This is the second time I've ran a half marathon course for the second time. It's interesting to repeat a course. Some would say it's beneficial as you know what to expect; others would say it's detrimental because you know what to expect. For me, with a two year gap, it was a bit of both. Read on.

Packet Pick Up:
One of the benefits of a large event like the Goodlife Toronto races is the expo. Held at the Enercare Centre at the Exhibition place, the Expo always means some freebies and the chance to check out some new gear, accessories, clothing and nutrition/hydration products (usually at a discounted rate). Also I've learned to print final information emails for races and highlight pertinent information. This saved me $4.00 on parking as we would have had to pay the regular $14.00 cost had I not asked the parking attendant, "Is it not $10.00 for the Goodlife Marathon expo?" Being organized pays off!

The expo entrance

The expo was smaller than I remember it being two years ago. Shaped like a U the starting point is the Goodlife booth where you get a free bag and a 7-visit pass for completing the survey. If I lived closer to a Goodlife I would definitely take advantage of this 7-visit pass. One day! From there it was easy to get my bib (because I knew my number) and I was told to follow the U to the sportstats tent to activate my bib. It was fun to see the print outs on the wall of all the participants in each of the events. The Goodlife races include a 5km run, a 5km walk, a 10km run, the half marathon and the marathon. Just looking at the print outs on the wall it was very obvious that the half marathon distance was the most popular with more than double the next largest event, the marathon.

Finding my name on the wall

After activating my bib I was given my shirt. I really liked the shirts this year as they are simple, black, have a nice v-neck for the women and red lettering. I like simple black tops because I have a number of patterny, flashy bottoms.

The shirt and bib

The rest of the U included the usual vendors for other races or selling different running goodies. I looked longingly at some sporty sunglasses but couldn't justify the price, even those that were discounted. It was lots of fun, but I still feel like there were more free goodies and better discounts at the 2014 expo.

Flat Amelia the night before, though I traded out the short sleeve for the long sleeve the morning of

bad snapchat grammar, delicious dinner made by the sweetest boyfriend

Race day!
The half marathon started promptly at 8:30am. I was nervous as all else! After 6 half marathons I feel an added pressure to continue to better myself and my time. I've consistently done so (except for half #3 but that was to be expected) until half number 6 where I missed a PB by 9 seconds. I mean, it was still my first half marathon with my boyfriend Mark watching and the first time he said "I love you" so it was still super special but what could he do at this half to soften the blow of missing another chance to PB? Also it was my first half marathon without my parents. Usually my mom is the nervous one so I don't have to be. I'm sure she was still nervous from home, but it's not the same.

I was up for 6am and was able to eat an english muffin with peanut butter, get a coffee in and out and walk the dog. It was about a 20 minute drive for us and Mark was great at finding a place to park while we walked to the start line. The benefit of having run this race was that I knew where the start line was. There was rain in the forecast and it was about 6 degrees. There was also wind, but they said it would be at my back. I actually don't mind running in rain (as long as it's not too heavy) or anywhere from 5-10 degrees, especially when racing. I wore compression socks, shorts and a long sleeved shirt. Part of me wanted to wear a T-shirt as I can't stand being too hot, but I also don't like when my arms are cold. I'm glad I went with the choice I did.

I see the start line!

Me and my guy at the start line!

Before peeling all the layers

We arrived with enough time for me to comfortably strip my extra layers, get my headphones set up, my playlist ready, my roadID app ready (so Mark knew where I was on course), eat my GUchomps AND use the bathroom (for the 4th time that morning). I was really impressed with how many portapotties there were at the start as I didn't have to wait in a line at all. This NEVER happens at race start lines. I was happy I got to go one last time before running. I found my place in the corral with about 7 minutes to go. With about a minute left I started up my playlist. Mark made me a spotify playlist the night before of high energy, fun songs. I chose many of the songs and we found lists of good running songs as well. The playlist made a huge difference as the songs drowned out my breathing and distracted my mind. For the first few kms I was bopping away to the music and had to refrain from dancing or singing along.

The start line from my corral (Actually I got in the wrong one by accident but it all worked out)

The selfie I sent my mom before heading off

Stills from the starting video, smiling at my boy

Blowing kisses to Mark

The benefit of knowing the course is I knew the one BIG hill was at km 3. I powered up the hill with gusto and passed some people. The lung burn hit hard as I crested the hill and thought whew, now that I've done that it's all downhill! This is where I was wrong because I'd somehow forgotten the other rolling hills. Willful ignorance I suppose. I made sure to accommodate for the uphills by letting myself fly down the downs. I knew I'd need somewhere between a 4:58-5:12min/km and for the first half my watch said I was maintaining an average 5:01min/km. I knew that was slightly off as my watch would announce a km slightly before I actually passed the km marker, about 100m off to be exact. However, I knew a 5:01 watch reading wouldn't be too far off.

At about km 8 I ate my second GUchomps pack. I usually don't do this and then find out it's too late once I start to fatigue to get it back so I thought it would be smart to take these in advance of half way, and on a downhill. I was happy to see Mark again just past half way. I had a huge grin on my face, I felt strong, I was pleased with keeping up my pace.

I felt good and was loving the downhills until about km 13. After running a slight downhill through a park the course started to flatten out and enter downtown. I started to feel tired and feel some aches in my hamstrings. I kept on pushing but noticed my time slowing on my watch. I turned my music up even louder and tried to focus on the songs and keeping chugging on. At km 15 I grabbed my sport beans out of my pocket and started to slowly chew on these. The sticky sweet wasn't overly appealing but I was hoping they'd give me a sugar jump to help my slowing time. The course was doing some weird turns that I remembered again from 2 years prior. The course certainly had more fun things to look at during this leg like the Kensington Market and the building that comes to a point but when I'm that deep into a race I don't want to see anything but a finish line. At km 17 I had to tell myself only 2 more km until I see my friend Candice and then only 2km after that til I'm done! This is also about where my gps went crazy haywire with all the buildings. My watch would say I was running a 7:30min/km and then a 3:30min/km. Neither of which were true. But it was truly hard to tell what my pacing actually was as I was growing very tired. It was fun to see Candice at km 19 with a sign! (I bribed her into this, I'm glad she fell for the peer pressure. Though it didn't say Go Amelia Go! It did say Run Like You Stole Something and that made me giggle). She saw me at just the right time and we gave each other a giant wave. As I passed the km 19 mark I got the great idea to flip my watch the second page which tells me my overall time. Remember, my watch was telling me I was averaging 5:01/km still at this point which would mean a sizeable PB. I was happy until I saw that overall time. At km 19 it said I was at 1:40...this scared me. My current PB was 1:50:38. This meant I needed to run sub 5:00kms for the last two to get a PB, on very tired legs. I sucked it up and pushed, and stressed, and pushed while consistently watching the time count up. I ran under the bridge where I knew the sporting life 10km and yonge street 10km races usually have a finish line (this is where the 20km marker was), down to the corner and turned to the right. I still couldn't see the finish banner. I pushed and pushed until it finally came into sight. It still seemed so far. I felt like I was pushing so hard but was hardly moving. I couldn't even tell you what song was on at the time, I didn't even look for Mark. Nothing else was on my mind but crossing that line. I finally got to my last turn and booked it until I crossed the finish line and stopped my watch.

Coming around the final turn

Just trying to get to that finish line

 I could have cried when I saw 1:49:22. I finally broke my 1:50 and got myself a shiny new PB by more than a minute. I saw a friend who was waiting for her husband and gave her a sweaty hug. She was the first person I got to tell proudly that I had a new PB! Soon after that I heard my name as Mark came alongside the fence. I grabbed my medal and before I could say it he said "You got a PB!". They say joy is doubled when shared. I instantly felt my joy grow and I saw his smile. The joy continued to grow as I told my parents and running partner in crime as well as my best friend via text message.

Proud of this new hardware

Even better than I thought, 1:49:20!!

The finish area was lack lustre at best. Again, not like I'd remembered it from two years prior. This could have been a result of the rain and overall "bad weather". (When it came to running in it I found the weather near ideal. I did feel bad for Mark as it was sucky weather for a spectator. I was thankful my parents didn't have to stand out in the bad weather. Unfortunately for Mark this is just going to be part of life being my partner). I brought Mark through the food tent with me. They had those flatbread circles with gross things in them (probably raisins or other disappointments), apples, green bananas and mini cliff bars. The only thing I liked there were the cliff bars. I also couldn't find water. Regular water. There was sickly sweet honey water and gatorade. But I couldn't find water. I looked around, saw the massage tent and the First Aid tent and that was about it. "Well, we can go" I said to Mark and off we walked (waddled) to the car. This was when he told me he found a pair of sport sunglasses for me. It warmed my heart as he knew I was looking for a pair and I love found gifts. They almost mean more than purchased gifts as when I was little my Dad used to bring home found gifts for my brother and I all the time.

Mom said "send me a picture of both of you" as we were on route to get me a mcdonalds iced coffee. mmm

Overall I am pleased as punch with a new PB. The weather was great (to me!) and my body cooperated (I had no burning ankles or painful/numb toes like I've had lately). Though I didn't have my parents there I was happy to have my love there. He did a great job as a spectator by taking a video at the start and finish and seeing me half way. This is not easy to do for a Toronto race as traffic is a pain with road closures and such. The course is a great one with a few uphills but predominantly downhill. I did tattoo their race logo on my leg so chances are I will likely race this course again one day. When I do I need to remember to stretch and recover better after. It's been a painful few days.

Race photos:

The look of intensity? 

Just gotta cross that line...

Not all race photos are glamorous (okay none of them are)

I feel like this was early on, yet I look like I'm hardly doing anything...

No desire to smile for cameras or ham it up, only about that time!!

I used to have a face...

Rainy day

Stopping the watch, stopping the run

Good thing these photos are so lack lustre, no desire to buy them!

Race Review: Collingwood Half Marathon

For my 6th half marathon I ran the Collingwood half on October 3rd, 2015. This is the first time I've ran the same half marathon course a second time. The Run Collingwood race series is my local race and since its' induction in 2013, I have participated each year. The race has a 10km distance (which I ran in 2013) and a half marathon (2014, 2015).

As a runner for about 3 years now, I am starting to settle into running. Running and I are past our honeymoon phase where we sign up for every single race and set enormous PBs in all race distances without even trying. The fact of the matter is running is hard work and can get expensive.

I decided to sign up for my local half marathon to try to run the same course again, cut down on costs (transportation, food, accommodations) and for the obvious benefit that a local race brings: an easier chance to guilt your friends and family to coming to see you run.

I am a big proponent of supporting local in all facets and that doesn't exclude our local run. The race series supports our local hospital, the Collingwood General and Marine hospital. My family has lived in this area more than 3 generations deep so I am sure you can safely assume I have personal ties to our local hospital.

The downfall of doing the same race again, and this one in particular, is losing out on some of those exciting things that come with running a race such as the newness of the experience and of the course. I also regret to share that in the past 3 years the series has been running very little has changed. This may be viewed as a positive in some respects but I now own 3 identical T-shirts and 3 nearly identical medals (the difference being only the date on the ribbon).

Which leads me to the age old question: why do I run? Is it for the swag, the bling, the personal bests? Read on...

flat Amelia ready to go

Race Kit Pick up:
In the two years prior kit pick up has been at least 2 days long. This year it was for one full day (10am-8pm) the friday prior to the race. It's quite the simplistic process of getting a bib, shirt and that's all. This year for convenience sake I had someone else pick up my bib and there was no hassle, no questions asked. This is a benefit of a small town race.

Race day:
The race is always held on a Saturday which I greatly appreciate. It gives me Sunday to still attend church and to rest and recoup a bit before returning back to work as a teacher Monday, where I certainly need as much of my energy as possible.

The weather was cool, about 6 degrees, which I appreciated considering the summer-long issue I fought of constant dizziness, nausea and blurred vision that came after nearly every single run and workout. However it was also quite windy which would provide an added challenge on the course.

Parking this year somehow was a nightmare. The 10km course starts at 8am and the half marathon at 8:30. I was trying to arrive just prior to 8am to avoid being in the way of any 10km racers. The parking lot from last year was somehow shrunken and at 7:50 there were rows of cars, both sides of the street (as you can see in the background of the photo below).

We were allowed to park in an alternative lot. I was able to use the bathroom one last time and wander over to the start with the perfect amount of time left to not stand around freezing or get too overly nervous.

pre-race support crew (+dad taking the photo)

My ideal goal for this race and for a half marathon is 1:45. This is my scary goal, the one I am afraid of telling people as part of me worries it may never happen. I also had a rough summer training wise, and in the last two weeks have been dealing with feet and ankles that lock up and burn as I run. Did that stop me from lining up next to the 1:45 pace bunny and hoping for the best? Of course not. My other two goals were to get anything below 1:50 and then to get a personal best. My current best was sitting at a 1:50:38 from my spring half marathon in Barrie this year.

Well, from about 500m in the ankles started to burn. I stuck with the 1:45 bunny for about 2km and then looked at my watch to see he was running about 4:45min/km and there was no way I could maintain those, nor are they what it takes to get a 1:45. As the course progressed my pace slowed, and slowed. I tried my hardest to get it back but it wasn't happening. I had moments of increased speed when I saw friends and family on the course and during the few slight downhills or when listening to certain spots on my podcast. But overall, my legs were fighting me. The headwind of course put a damper on things as well.

I went into the race knowing that it would be a struggle but was it ever a struggle. There was no honeymoon phase of the first 5 or 10km feeling great and strong. The whole thing sucked. If you'd asked me in the last 5km if I wanted to stop I'd gladly huff "yes" in your direction.

Last year when I ran this course my PB at the time was just shy of 1:55. I ran with the 1:55 pace bunny with a bit of struggle until about 16km where I found new strength in my legs and took off, getting myself a new PB of 1:52:33. I was kind of hoping that this time around my legs would find new strength again, but it didn't happen. Instead, I looked at my watch with 4km to go, realizing I had to be done in 20 min to PB, realizing that meant 5min/km and that my legs, despite my best effort and self-talk were not delivering.

Let me tell you, it's hard to continue running when everything hurts and when you know you wont be getting that personal best. For my 6 half marathons I've ran, I've consistently bettered myself each time (except once, but that one was to be expected). This again adds to my question of "why do I run?". Is it only for the personal bests? I may not be able to get faster and faster each time, is that okay?

coming in to the finish, full of pain

so much pain

Soon I get to stop

Loved my custom shirt

I crossed the finish line at 1:50:47. That's 9 seconds slower than my personal best. However, it is a course personal best from last year's race. Though I felt I should be disappointed in myself, upset and crying, feeling like it was all a waste, I didn't.

I still felt like I gave ALL I had in me. I felt the usual "I'm going to be sick, someone hold me up please". And I felt this overwhelming joy and thankfulness for all the people that support me in my running and love me.

At the finish line I had a mother, a father, a boyfriend, a best friend and my running partner in crime. Also on the course I saw the mother/father/boyfriend trio three times, plus my friend Chris and her son Ty drive by honking, stop to get out to cheer me on and drive by again, as well as my best friend Andrea and her mother and son drive by then stop to cheer me on.

All these people likely had much better things to do on their saturday than watch me run. It was a cold one too, but because they love me and knew how much this meant to me, there they were.

So why do I run? Not for the medals, the shirts, the bibs or the swag (though of course all that is very nice) but rather, I run because I love running. It is a physical and emotional struggle that teaches you how strong you are and how blessed you are. It teaches you what truly matters in life. Though I will still chase that personal best I know what matters most. We will chalk this one up as a success.