Well, that was new...

Okay, so the good news is that the treadmill seems to be on the mend. The husband used the wax kit (named some ridiculously, but unintentionally dirty thing like "Lube and Wand" or something) last night and tonight I got a chance to get on the 'mill to see how it went.

It went fine.

I wish I could say the same about me.

I experienced something new tonight.

While running, I threw up.

Thank goodness I was able to swallow it (GAH! GROSS!), but its a first for sure!

I've actually never have been sick due to exercise, ever. I guess I can take pride in joining the club?

Needless to say, it was a hard 6.44km (4 miles) and I ended up doing 5 and 1s just to get it all in.

Good think I had the Golden Globe and Tiger's 1,367th mistress filling the gossip shows and keeping me running/walking.

62.1kms to go.

Treadmill Trauma!

I came home from a lovely dinner at my parent’s house on Wednesday evening to horrible, horrible news.

My husband has broken the treadmill.

Considering the fact that in less than a week we’ve gone from temperatures of +1 to -10, I was devastated!

I only have 68.5k to go!

I know that I can take to the roads during lunch hour and on weekends (I don’t belong to a gym other than Curves), but I don’t really have the gear for winter running (however it is on my Christmas list). I am going to attempt 8-10km on Saturday wearing a bunch of odd layers in an attempt to keep warm. Any suggestions on what to wear? I have a toque, carpri tights, jogging pants, yoga pants, a windbreaker and various tech shirts, hoodies, and a pair of fleece gloves, along with a winter ski coat liner, but I’m really not sure what to layer on what.

The good news is that we have a friend who sells and repairs fitness equipment. He said that the treadmill may have just overheated and it could be okay … for a while. He is getting us a wax kit (hopefully tonight!) to see if that helps. If it doesn’t, it is likely that the board and belt are shot and the machine is beyond repair.

Sob! Please send some good thoughts out to my poor treadmill.

New Kicks

On Monday I went to the Running Room and picked up a pair of new kicks:


New Balance 850s

I tried them out last night.

I felt like springs in my legs.

So yeah, I guess it was time for new shoes!

5.6k on the treadmill in 39:41 doing 10/1s.

Nothing much more to write, I’m pretty head down on the goal now.

You may have noticed...

My cheesy ticker at the bottom of the page.

And the fact that it went up by 10.5km on Saturday.

Yep.

Longest.

Run.

Ever.

Have I mentioned I am loving this warm, sunny, DECEMBER weather?

Sarah and I took advantage of Saturday afternoon and the weather was PERFECT.

500k, I'm coming for you.

When does the wind die down?

GAH!

The last number of outdoor runs I’ve had have been brutal due to wind. I know it is due to the season (it is fall here in Ontario), but I’m wondering when does this wind die down? I’d like to keep running outdoors throughout the winter, but don’t know if I’ll make it in this wind.

On Tuesday, I suited up for a lunch time run. My intent was to run the usual along Queen’s Quay in Toronto in an out and back for a total 5.5k run. Easy-peasy: a scenic route with a respectable distance that leaves enough time to shower, change and get back to work within an hour-ish.

When I turned west on Queen’s Quay at Yonge I almost died! There were tall men walking faster than I was running (I’m only 5 ft). I did chug it out for a bit, but then had to turn north. I ended up running an unplanned loop that saw me complete 4.11k which isn’t actually that bad. However if the wind doesn’t die down soon, I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep going outside (I know, running outdoors will make me stronger and the half in May will likely be windy – but BAH! I’m a wimp!). I’m forever glad that my friend Sarah keeps me going on our longer Saturday runs.

I must say that this 500k goal has done wonders for my motivation. Knowing that I’m only 89.77k away from the goal (3.1km per day) is awesome. I need to run 22.44km each week in the next four. I know I can do it and the feeling is awesome! Now, if only the wind will cooperate so that I can do some of it outdoors!

And so it begins...

Goals do a wonderful thing to motivation.

Last week I ran a total of 20.5km.

I'm sure this is a record for me.

I'm very proud of that total even though it is no where near to the mileage that some of the 'serious' runners I 'know' do every week.

This time last year, I would have been happy to run 12-15k in a week. Now, just over 20k doesn't seem like enough.

I'm having a hard time fitting it all in, but the point is I'm fitting in runs where and when I can. Last week I ran Tuesday and Thursday evening and did a longer run with Sarah on Saturday. I had great plans to begin this week with a 4-5k run on Sunday but to be honest, my feet (the bottom of my left heel to be exact) were hurting badly.

Sarah thinks that it is time for me to purchase new shoes. I'm assuming she's right. My shoes were purchased over a year ago and have logged over 100 trips to Curves and over 400km. Currently I have New Balance (737's I think) and I like them. I have orthotics, so I need shoes that allow the sole to be removed and in the past 3 pairs of shoes, NB's have never let me down. I think a trip to a specialty store is in order though. Why not let the experts fit me correctly instead of buying the NB's that are on sale.

So, depending on how cold it actually is tomorrow at lunch (and how busy I am), I'll either put another dent in the remaining 94k or I'll shop for shoes and run on the treadmill after dinner. Either way, the 500k goal has re-ignited the motivation that was sorely lacking for a few weeks.

Okay, so I'm not teh krazy...

There is no way on "God's green earth" (do you remember my love of Survivor? That's a quote from this past week) that I can run over 200km in 38 days.

It was a good thought this afternoon and it got me off of my ass tonight and plowed me through 6.1km on the treadmill, but really?

I can't do it.

I'd likely injure myself.

That's not the real reason though.

The real reason why I can't run over 200km in just 5 weeks is because of two things that are directly related:

1) I like to drink
2) Tis the season

Now don't get me wrong, I can not drink. I mean, I made it through a pregnancy and a year of breastfeeding, but when the reason isn't the health of my kid, I don't like to give up the grog.

So, I've revised my goal.

I will run 500km this year and I started tonight.

I have to run just over 2.9km every day for the next 37 to meet the goal. This means that if I run 6k every other day, I'm gold. If I get out on the weekends for 10k runs, I'm way ahead.

And, I can take those nights off to enjoy the wine/rye/gin etc of the season as well.

I like this plan. I can't wait to see it happen.

Motivation?

If I run 5.6km/3.5mi every day for the rest of the year, I’ll hit my 600km goal.

Maybe that’ll work.

Back on the ... treadmill

I managed to put another 5k on the treadmill last week on Thursday as planned. I had eaten an enormous lunch so did not need dinner and managed to run at 7pm after a small snack. It was a great time to run because I had no time to relax after work. I’m having a hard time determining how I was able to get so many miles on the treadmill last winter. What motivation did I have a year ago that I just don’t seem to have now?

Sarah and I had originally planned to run on Saturday, but she cancelled due to prepping for her kid’s birthday party (silly gal was trying to do it all). While I should have taken the opportunity to get out on my own, I decided to sleep in instead. I missed any chance to run that afternoon as we had a dinner party that night that I needed to prep for. Sunday was a write off as we went to see family.

In other news, I’m trying to decide if I want to close out 2009 with a race. I’m sure there are a few 5 or 10k’s I could make but I just don’t know if I want to. Even if I could get out for mid-day/morning runs, I do not want to brave the cold. Brr. And yes, I know we’ve had crazy high temps for November.

Ah well. Still trying to get my mojo back, maybe an impending race is just what I need. The plan is to begin ½ marathon training in January so at least I’ll have some motivation then.

(no title)

I had a hard time coming up with a title for this post. I didn’t want to fall into the old trap of writing, “Finally” or “I’m back” or “It’s been a while” or anything like that. Suffice to say I haven’t blogged in a while.

This means I haven’t run in a while.

In fact, I have not run since October 31st.

And that one was a shitty 7k in HIGH. SPEED. WIND. WARNINGS. With Sarah.

I took a week off due to illness and then, I took a week off due to lethargy.

Yep.

Good ole, “I don’t give a flying fuck right now so I’m going to sit on my couch with booze in my flannel PJs and watch reality TV” (everyone has these weeks right?).

So.

That pity party ended on Sunday when I took my willpower and vitality back (you go girl) and decided that it was time to hop back on the treadmill/paths.

Yesterday I worked from home and after a look at the sun shining outside and a peek at the Weather Network, I decided to power up the treadmill and step on it for 50 minutes (I know! The real runners who are reading are groaning at the fact that I turned down a perfect, sunny, fall day of outdoor running to enjoy the drudgery of the basement treadmill. But, I watched the Tyra Banks show while running – surely that makes up for something). The first 25 minutes flew by (and trust me, Tyra was not that exciting). I clearly remember thinking, “Wow! I didn’t loose as much as I thought." I got through the next 25 minutes pulling 8 and 1s, keeping my pace a steady 5.4. I ended up running 6.92km and am very happy.

I shall run again tomorrow night.

Except this time I will have Jeff Probst to keep me company.

I've been sick all week

Not with the H1N1, but I've felt like crap all the same.

Ran with Sarah on Saturday afternoon (Oct 31st) and could barely do 7k (yes there were 60-80k winds and a warning from Enviornment Canada).

The plan is to keep mending over the weekend and attempt to restart Sunday or Monday.

Headwind

Okay, so I’ve never run in a headwind like the one I ran into on Saturday afternoon. After a busy morning doing mum/suburb/kid things (grocery shopping/driving kid around to lessons/going to a bank opening for a pumpkin decorating gig), I headed out at 2pm to take on 8km. I was already tired and not feeling it at all, but I forced myself off of that couch (which the husband was snoring away on!) and got to it.

By the time I hit 2.5k, I decided to turn north and cut my run to 6k instead of 8. I was heeding John Stanton’s advice (paraphrased), “If you don’t feel like running, get out there for 10 minutes. If you’re still feeling punky after that, you probably are too tired to run, so turn around and go home. The beauty is, you’ve gotten a 20 minute run in.”

I was doing okay-ish, chugging along, looking at the lovely fall colours and fighting to keep my ball cap on when I saw a friend of mine driving. He stopped and yelled, “Get back to your side of the tracks!” (I do live west of the tracks from him). That completely threw me off. I tried to get back into a groove, but then that blasted (hee – pun!) headwind basically sucked my will to RUN.

I’m ashamed to admit I walked.

For like 1km.

Fortunately, that is all it took for my shame to win over and I completed the rest of the run in fine form and did the whole thing in about 40 minutes (insert standard second hand watch comment here – blah blah blah). So coupled with the headwind, I went out VERY fast (for me). It must be the cool, crisp air that is helping me speed along.

This week I’ll be on the treadmill with perhaps a Wednesday lunch time run. I got the latest issue of Canadian Running magazine and there are some treadmill training runs in there, so maybe I’ll do one of them and let you know what I think (foreshadow – I’ll think they are EFFing HARD).

"If you can run 10k...

...you can run a half."

Yup, I heard this on Sunday.

Ha!

Um, so.

I think I may begin training for the May Mississauga Half in January (20 weeks is a good timeline, right?).

January is perfect timing because my Cardio Sculpt class will be finished as will the kid's parent and tot swimming class, so I'll have time to dedicate to running. I'll join a program as well for sure!

As long as work doesn't get in the way.

This week has been okay, but I haven't run as much as I wanted to. Sunday, I hosted 8 ladies for a cupcake exchange (CampCupCake)



Who runs after an afternoon of sampling nine different cupcakes? Not me! Nope, I eat pizza, more cupcakes and drink wine.

Monday I ended up working late and not getting home and eating until 8:30, so I didn't run. Tuesday I went to Curves at lunch and the aforementioned Cardio Sculpt at 7pm (which had lots of Cardio, just not running). Wednesday, I worked late. AGAIN (you'd think I perform kidney transplants or something, but nope, I work in marketing). Today I went to Curves and came home and ran 5.15k before dinner on the treadmill.

It was difficult for sure. The 6pm news is not easy to run to (perhaps because I can't stand Christine Bentley). I did eat an apple 30 minutes before my run, so I wasn't lacking in energy or anything, the run was just tough and my right leg/knee was twinging.

I wish I didn't commute almost 3 hours a day, I'd love to run right after work way more often.

So, a low-key week (with exercise, but not a lot of running - yet) and a plan (kinda).

Amazing what a good race will do for you!

Thanks for the comments in my race report. I'm still on the high!

Oasis Zoo Run 10k Race Report

I did it!

I ran the entire 10k (even through water stations) and finished in 1h3m5s!!!!

I am SO happy and proud and CAN NOT BELIEVE it!!!!

I went to bed at midnight on Friday after my baseball banquet and had a good sleep. I woke at 6:00am and quickly went to drink some water and eat some toast with peanut butter and a banana.

When I went back upstairs to get changed, I discovered that my favorite (of two) sports bra was in the wash.

I wore it anyway.

Because the temperature was stated as -1 when I went to get dressed, I decided to wear my race shirt (I've always raced wearing the shirt I've received in the kit) with my long-sleeved Nike golf pull-over I got at this years Globe and Mail golf tourney. I also wore my capri pants as they are my most comfortable pants. I decided that I'd check my bag (and extra layers) at the last minute once I got to the zoo.

I got on the road after a Tim Horton's stop for a medium coffee and made my way to the zoo. While driving, I came up with a plan to see how I felt after 4km and 8km and walk if I needed to.

I got to the zoo and was directed to park. I was really close to the entrance (where the bag check and chip pick up was) so I got my chip and lined up for the bathroom by the mono-rail. I had to pee.

Badly.

After standing in the line for 10 mins and observing that there was a line up for the men's washroom (my plan was to just pee in the men's room), I begged a mother with a screaming, poopy child to let me bud before her and use the family washroom, least I pee my pants right then and there. Bless her heart, she totally let me through.

After that I stripped off my outer two layers and checked my bag. It was cold. Bright, but cold. I walked through the corrals and back to the bag check just to keep warm(ish). At about 12 mins to the gun time, I lined up again for the washrooms and chatted with a few people. I kept hearing that the course was tough with a lot of hills.

GULP.

I made it through the port-o-pottys and back to my corral about a minute before the gun went off. It was great timing! I was in the +1hr corral (or really, F**king slow) and I saw two ladies, one dressed as the Road Runner (complete with "Beep Beep!" sign) and the other as Wile E Coyote and a few other runners with animal ears or leopard suits on. The mood was fun. Of course, being at the back with my ear buds in, I couldn't hear a thing, but we surged forward and the race had begun.

It was a very crowded, slow start which suited me fine. I actually had to walk for a bit to fix my iPod right after we crossed the start line. I eventually sorted it out (I put my iPod in my water belt pocket instead of in the arm band and it was much more comfortable), and began to run enjoying the scenery of the other runners and the views.

1k and 2k, passed quickly. I completely missed 3k. I got to 4k and had no thoughts of stopping. There was a water stop somewhere around here and I actually jogged through it! I was amazed! I saw zebras and elephants and it seemed that every animal I saw was a reward for climbing a hill and after sighting them, I was headed down hill. I was feeling GREAT. I got to 5k and checked my trusty second-hand watch (I've really got to sort something out in that department) and it was 9:35am. Okay. I felt good, I was warm, but not hot and I had no problem running. Onward for the last half.

Just after the 5k mark, I saw a man walking and told him, "Over half way there!" He said he was much better trained last year and then muttered something about a big hill. I wished him luck and quickly discovered what he meant by the big hill.

We were headed to and through the Africa pavilion and to get there, we had to climb hill after hill and a (short) set of stairs. It was all wooden planks, but I dug (literally, I was pretty much squatting) hard and ran everything, minus the stairs. I ran through another two water station somewhere along the lines, rocking out to "Rapunzel" live by Dave Matthews Band (seriously, people must have thought I was crazy). I saw the 7k marker and while I had no intention of stopping or walking, I began to mentally cheer myself to the finish line.

By this time I had picked up an older, taller gentleman and we kept each other in sight as we made turns and followed the path of the race. It was great to have someone to run with even if we never made eye contact. I got mixed up and thought I was heading to the 9k mark, but when 8k came up, I was fine. I just pushed onward. When I saw the 9k marker I knew I had the race in the bag. I knew I was going to run the entire thing and I knew I'd cross the line listening to "Born to Run" (the thought of which made me smile with glee).

9-10k were great. The crowds were thickening, I could hear the announcer, Springsteen was rocking in my ears and most importantly, I was doing it! I was finishing a 10k race! The only complaint I have is that the finish came up very quickly. I could have sprinted to the line, but I didn't notice it until I was upon it and so I crossed in the same even pace hearing my name (for the first time ever) and pumping my fists, yelling, "YES!" as I saw the gun time turn to 1h5m2s (you'll recall my goal of 1h10m). Once across the finish line things were packed and I missed the food, but made my way through, got some poweraid, picked up my bag and headed to my car, ecstatic with the race I had just run, already planning for the next one.

It was without a doubt, the best of the four races I've ever run.

I have pure understanding of why this sport is so addictive now.

Can't wait for the next one.

Stats:
Time: 1:05:02
Chip: 1:03:04
Place: 1228
Pace: 6:31
Category: 160/293
Gender: 611/1192

1397

Is my bib number for the Oasis Zoo 10k Run taking place at the Toronto Zoo tomorrow at 9am.

I have pretty much no goals for this race other than to finish it (and of course I will finish it!).

I don't have any goals due to a number of things:

-I've never run 10k at once
-I haven't been running consistently since before my last race in August
-I am at my baseball banquet tonight (not drinking and hope to be home by 11, but still)
-I am, yet again, going to this race all alone
-Its FREAKING cold out there
-The route just LOOKs scary!

I will carry water (there are only two stops and I won't be able to go without in between). I guess my game plan is to see how I feel after 5k and then determine a walking/pace strategy from there. Mentally, I know I can run 8k pretty much without stopping to walk, but I have only done that when I'm running alongside Sarah blabbing away. I have no idea how I'll do with only Dave Matthews, The Killers and Journey to keep me going (note - must add to my run list).

Don't let this post fool you, I'm pretty freaking excited that I've managed to gain enough confidence in my running over the past year to even contemplate a 10k race. When I think back to where I was last October I really do applaud myself for how far I've come (vain as it sounds). I do wish that my husband and the kid could be there at the finish line, but alas, the kid has tumbling class and the husband does enjoy his sleep, so I'll rush home to share my glory with them. Then, I shall share it with all of you! Check my twitter (@nicmac) around 11:00 if you really want to know how I did. I'm hoping to finish between 1hr10 and 1hr15.

Endurance

I have lost quite a bit.

I ran 8.3km this windy, cold Sunday morning with Sarah and I sucked it! It was the first time I had run in 8 days (ran 8k with Sarah last Saturday). This week was just horrible. It was filled with lethargy and drinking.

(Quick aside: I'm trying to have kid #2. I have been for a while - not a long time in the grand scheme of things, but long enough. I thought this was the month. It turned out not to be and well all motivation turned to lethargy. Boo hoo. I'm not here to write about that stuff though and so, on to running).

The drinking was fun. The lethargy was paid for today.

I'm not sure how I'm going to get through the zoo 10k next Saturday or what my plan is. I WILL run it, that goes without saying of course. It'll be the first time I run 10k. Ever. I'll guess I'll set goals along the lines of finishing and not dying! HA!

So, I've had enough of feeling sorry for myself and am now back to running and writing about it. And reading about people who do the very same thing.

Ah the Girls weekend

This past weekend, I went to Picton, ON with 21 ladies I met online. On a chat board. Yep. It was our second annual retreat weekend and it was AMAZING! Take a look:

We rented 5 "rustic" cabins on Treasure Cove Lane:


I attempted foil wrapped S'mores (Do not do this without a grate to keep them flat):


Of course there were Jello shooters (Lime & Tequila, Cherry & Rum, Grape & Vodka):


Punch MADNESS (um, 5 mikey's of varied booze, ginger ale and fruit):


And of course, what 21 lady, 5 cabin retreat would be complete without fondue bacon?


Needless to say, I had the BEST time! I didn't run though. In fact I didn't do much of anything last week at all. I did 7.24km on the treadmill tonight in 51:43 and sucked wind pretty much the entire time resorting to 5 and 1's after my first round of 10 and 1's. At least I got it done. I mean, I think I'm still drunk.

Well...

I had 2 New Year resolutions for 2009.

Tonight, I accomplished one.

I ran 5k in 29:52!

In case you're wondering, that's fast.

This also confirms that I ran the Bread and Honey 5k really fast.

I did it on the treadmill and wow, it was hard to keep chugging along at the speed. I admit that I took 10 seconds here and there to drink some water and wipe my face off (running in nothing but short shorts and a sports bra in the basement is still super HOT and sweaty), but I ran it strong. I started at 5.8 pace and ran that for 5 minutes before running the last 25 at 6.3. I think I'll put a nice even 6.0 on next time and see what I do.

I was looking back at my early running posts from the beginning of this year and I really can not believe how far I've come. I remember being excited to be able to run at a 5.0 pace and to hit 3.5km.

Crazy how far a person can go if they put their mind to it.

I feel good, really good.

I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to do the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 4th. It would be my 4th 5k this year and it would be a nice race to do two weeks before the zoo run. I will do it in Oakville. Hmm.

Perhaps it is time to set a new goal. Maybe I should aim for five 5k races in 2009?

Nothing much to say

I ran 9k with Sarah this morning and it was good. The run was very good even if I only did 5k on Monday this week.

The early sun set means I'm back to the treadmill during the week.

Now, I have to find motivation.

It took me 29:57 to run

4.87km!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Why I didn't just keep up my 6.5 pace, I will never know.

130 metres!

Are you kidding me?

GAH!

I guess I'll have to do it on Thursday night instead.

Um... 11 minute mile?

What's the deal with a 10 minute mile? Its a big thing, right? I know that if I ran one, it would mean I'd be hitting my 5k in 30 minutes goal. Anyway, I ran 4 miles in 44:16 on the treadmill tonight. That included 2 minutes of warm up walking and 1 of walking at 33 minutes. So, I am close.

So close.

Thisclose.

I should just put 30 minutes on the treadmill and let'er fly.

After this weekend, perhaps I'll do just that.

Today I spent drinking beer at the Jays game with my husband:


We sat on top of the bullpen:


and drank a few beers after enjoying a lunch of cart hot dogs. This afternoon game is a rare thing and it was great to be off work and able to enjoy it. The fact that the Jays actually won, made it even better. Then the husband went off with a friend to the fights (to watch) and the kid and I shopped and ate at McDonald's. I had zero motivation to run, but as soon as the kid went to bed at 8:30, I went down the the treadmill and kicked out my 4 mile compromise (I should have done 5, but wanted to do 3 - I didn't run this morning because I decided to clean instead). I don't know if I'll be able to get any more runs in this weekend as it is my baseball playoffs. It is a double knock-out and we finished fifth. Same as last year. Last year we ended up second place to a team that went 22-0 in the regular season and 5-0 in playoffs. This year it will be a much closer race.

I'll spend the weekend looking like this:


And loving every minute of it. Go Hurricanes!

Good luck to anyone racing this weekend!

Halfway to my goal

If you scroll down you will see a ticker which is counting the KM's I've run this year. I've finally been able to run enough to get over halfway to my 600km goal.

w00t!

I get that this is a very small goal compared to some other runners that I follow, but my main race goal this year in terms of distance is 10km, so I'll be very happy if (when) I hit 600km.

Speaking of races, I've decided to register for the Oasis Zoo 10k Run on October 17th. This is a bittersweet registration for me as it means I'm not pregnant (again!) this month. It does however mean that I will add another PB to my roster for 2009! Yippee!

In running news, I ran just under 9km with Sarah on Sunday and ran 8km on my own on Tuesday (longest alone distance ever!). The 8km on my own was amazing. I started out at 7:50am under the cover of clouds and blew past the heavy first day of school traffic trying to get out of my subdivision. I plan a repeat tomorrow.

I'm currently on staycation which is what is making these morning runs possible. If only I didn't commute 3 hours to work each day, I could run like this every other morning!

The week before vacation

Is always the craziest week at work, eh?

So, after the race last Saturday, I promptly got up on Sunday morning (making 7 days in a row that the alarm woke me) to run 7.7k with my friend Sarah in Oakville. She kept me honest and kept me running (despite some stomach cramps) and I was very glad to have gone out with her.

Then, the work week from hell happened and all exercise plans were shot to hell. Witness:

Monday: Baseball, and I had run 12.7k in two days, so a day off for me

Tuesday: Ill - something I ate (figured this because the husband was also not well), so no exercise

Wednesday: BUSY, plus work lunch and then the husband texted and asked if we should go out to dinner. I said yes. After a pint and some nosh, there was no point in running

Thursday: Work was seriously teh KRAZEE (I know! I work in the marketing department of a BANK for God's sake! I'm the Media manager - busy is like apocalyptic!), then I had a baseball executive meeting (with pints)

Friday: AH! I got lots of stuff done this morning, so I went to Curves at lunch and then tonight, I took to the treadmill for a little over 5k

Most people don't like the treadmill. I admit that I go back and forth. Tonight, I liked it. I put 35 minutes on it, set the pace, put the Jays on TV (Halladay was facing The Yankees) and ran. It was good. I didn't feel like running at 7pm when I would have had to leave in order to get a daylight run in (and I'm not running at night in our new, still under construction subdivision), but by 8pm the guilt, I mean desire, to run was there and I went down to the basement and got at it.

Sunday will find Sarah and I hitting 8-9k I'm sure. Next week I'm off. My plan is to run 4/5 days and get my husband out at least once with me (He's hitting the treadmill about 3x a week too!). We're not doing anything else but painting, so accomplishing this goal should be easy.

Toronto Women's 5k Race Report

Failure.

I did not meet any goal I set out with this morning.

I got to Sunnybrook park nice and early at 7 am or so. I saw Marlene walking up to the race site as I was driving into park and made a mental note not to be too shy to say hello to her if I saw her again. When I got to the race HQ, I looked around for my friend Joy and we eventually met up. She was with her husband and daughter and we got to hang out and let Sofie distract us from the fact that we were going to run in a bit.

After I picked up my timing chip, I did manage to say hello to Marlene and her group (major aside - I've "known" Marlene since 2005ish when we were both wedding planning and members of a chat board. I never met her, but always liked her posts. I left that board after my wedding and when I found her blog again, I began to read regularly as I always enjoyed what she's had to say. Her path to major running is one of my biggest sources of inspiration in my journey. Plus, I think she's just as neat now as in 2005 - girl had a candy bar at her wedding). Then I hit the port-o-potties for the second of three pre-race trips and met up with Joy's friend Jenn (who, based on twitter and facebook, I think knows Marlene - small world, eh) as she was there to pace Joy through her first 5k run.

We lined up and the gun went. It was crowded and the paths were narrow with larger puddles due to the rain. I told myself to keep on pace (I pace to music due to lack of any kind of watch other than one with a second hand) and began to pass, pass, pass. The rain held off, but the humidity was crazy. I was wet, like soaked, before the 1km sign.

At 1km, I was on the 6ish minute pace I knew I needed for my sub-30 minute finish goal. I kept on running, settling in, knowing I had this in the bag. Just after 2km, I started to see the finishers come back and took the opportunity to give them applause as they raced on by.

Around 2.5-3.5 km there was a huge loop which allowed for my favorite part of the race. As women would loop by their teammates or training partners or friends, there were high-fives, photos and woo-hoos! Non-sappy me felt some real warmth in my heart as I saw the awesome encouragement from the field.

I got to the water station, took a glass and rinsed out my mouth and drank a swallow and I was away again. I didn't do anything badly here. I kept running. Just before 4km, I started to have the internal walk or not walk conversation and once I saw the 4km mark, my decision was made. I kept running.

The only thing that I could have done, is to give into my adrenaline once I saw the finish. The wave that went over me was immense (I knew I'd be close, I had no idea where I was though).

For once in my life, I controlled myself and kept my steady pace

This, as far as I can see, was my only error.

I crossed the line at like 31:14 and knew it was a lost cause. I did take the chance to confirm via the postings that my offical time was 30:39. I'm unhappy, but not discouraged. The only thing I'm going to do differently for the next race (which may, uh, be next week - stay tuned), is buy a digital watch with timer.

Joy finished in 36:32 and is happy to have her first 5k under her belt.

It was a good morning and I'm happy to have signed up for this race.

After 12 hours of contemplation, I can't see that I would have done anything differently (except, you know... run 40 seconds faster).

Bib 1266

I'm bib #1266 for tomorrow's inaugural Toronto Women's 5k Race,

This is my third race since May and also my third race ever.

For my first 5k, my goal was to finish.

Accomplished.

For the second one, my goal was to beat my 31:06 time/run the whole thing without walking.

Check.

This time, the goal is to run the race in under 30 minutes. Reaching this goal will also allow me to tick off my first (of two) 2009 resolutions: To run 5k in 30 minutes.

I've done well with getting runs in leading up to this event. While I haven't done speed or hill work, I have run longer distances with my friend Sarah, I've run after nachos and beer, I've run at lunch time while at work (twice now!). I am prepared! I CAN do this!

But I'm afraid of failing.

I'm afraid I'll get over eager and caught up at the start and go out too fast and die on the second half.

I'm afraid that my adrenaline will rush too strong and make my heart rate boom!

I'm afraid that my plan to rely on the one water station is going to leave me dry mouthed and gasping for water.

I'm afraid of the rain predicted.

I'm afraid I'm setting a goal unattainable.

But.

But... I'm going to do my best to keep my positive attitude! I KNOW I can do this! I almost did it in June. I want to be happy and carefree and encourage my friend Joy who is running her first ever 5k (and planning on stopping for firefighter photos!), I want to smile if I run into Marlene and wish her luck without looking like a nervous Nancy, I want to suck it up and shake it off if that final time reads over 30 minutes.

This, I can do as well.

No matter what, there will always be another race.

Lunch Time Runner

You and me
Are
Lunch
Time
Runners!

(sing to the tune of part time lover).

I did it! I ran 5k at lunch today (okay from 11:40-12:10), then took the opportunity to shower at the Curves I go to which is from here to there to my work (it IS that close). I ran from King and Yonge, south to Queen's Quay, east to Parliament, north to Queen, west to Yonge (never again, too much construction right now) and south to King. According to MapMyRun, this route is just under 5k (like 600m less), but I wouldn't run it again because there is too much stopping due to lights. Last spring when I attempted the couch to 5k program (on my own), I would run along Queens Quay west and it was a much nicer run (as I recall). I'm going to map that one (likely an out and back) for Thursday.

I feel awesome! I can do anything.

Uh, my lunch bag is almost empty though. Sigh.

This braggy, braggart post brought to you by your Stevie Wonder smooth hits retrospective now available from K-Tel*

*not really, I'm making this shit up.

Gah! GAH!

In less than six days I suppose to run 5k and PB it in under 30 minutes.

GAH!

I know I can do it (I did run this distance in 30:11 at the Bread and Honey race).

But! BUT!

I’m feeling a bit queasy because there is little to no opportunity for runs this week.

Witness:

Monday: Baseball
Tuesday: Baseball
Now, if one of these gets rained out, then the treadmill will be hit, for sure
Wednesday: Dinner out with mat leave friends
Thursday: Dinner out with awesome gals met through work
Friday: No run as the race is the next day at 8am

What’s a gal to do?

I guess I can run at lunch like Marlene, or before work.

There are pros and cons to both.

Pros: I’ll get the runs in.

Cons (lunch): Sweat + lack of shower means I’ll have to do a crazy sponge bath job in the accessible bathroom post run, of course Marlene proves it can be done.

Cons (before work): 4:45am wake up.

Well, seeing it written out like that, there is no contest. I’m off to map a 5/6k route from the office.

I have run twice since I last wrote: 5k in the humidity on a stomach full of grilled steak a-top mixed greens with roasted red and yellow Hungarian peppers, blue cheese and walnuts. This was not a good run. I also did 5k in 34:29 on the treadmill while watching the Jays suck-it against the Angels on Saturday afternoon. That 34:29 is scaring me. How I’m going to shave 4:29 off a 5k run is beyond me. I must really kick it up during races!

Pre-race post to come Friday. I think I’m putting too much pressure on myself, but maybe it’ll be a good thing

8.5k

Yesterday morning at 9am, I met up with my friend Sarah and we ran 8.5k.

This is the longest distance I have ever run.

Ever.

We ran the entire thing (minimal stops for water -like less than 30 seconds, don’t count right?) and chatted the entire way. It took us about 52 minutes, give or take (still dealing with my second hand watch!).

I do have a couple of observations to share, but first I’d like to tell you what we saw just as we were starting out.

We run along Lakeshore in Oakville (Ontario) starting off near Appleby College. Just as we were getting started, a crowd of cyclist came up the street on the north side (we run on the south side) and began to pass us. Then, one caught something and crashed and skidded! I stopped. I couldn’t help it. I have first aid training (which I’m sure their clinic leader does as well), but I felt that I had to help if need be. A second cyclist crashed into the first, but he managed to stop himself before real damage was done. Once we saw the group heading back to help them, we continued on and less than three minutes afterwards, the crash victims were back on their bikes at the back of the pack. That’s dedication. I hope that the road rash wasn’t too bad for that lady and man.

And so.

My first distance (can 8.5k be considered distance?) run observations:

1) I will so be able to run the 5k in <30min in two weeks.
2) I can run 10k

Sarah wants to do a 10k in October (her first foray back into racing post baby). If neither of us has killed any rabbits by Sep 1st, we will begin looking for one, unless anyone has any suggestions of good October 10k races in the GTA.

PSA - Never run with heartburn

You know I never, ever experienced heartburn until I was pregnant. And when I was pregnant, for a long time I didn't realize that the burning in my throat was the much discussed heartburn. It wasn't until I described it in detail to my long suffering husband, that I was diagnosed. By my 41st week (oh yes, The Kid was late), I couldn't even drink water without suffering the burn.

Once I gave birth (or, if you prefer - once I had the surgery to remove The Kid from my uterus and body) and lost the 50 odd pounds gained over 10 months, I went back to my non-suffering ways and in the past 31 months have only experienced heartburn a handful of times.

Tonight was one of those times.

I met my husband at the local pub after picking up The Kid and we decided to stay there for dinner. After a craptastic accident from my potty-training 2.5 year old, I drowned my sorrow in a lovely pint of Harp and a plateful of nachos (thanks to small favours, we did have a change of underwear for The Kid - no wipes, but the husband did what he could).

After the first two sips of his third pint of the afternoon, my husband turned to me and said

I can't drive home!

No problem! I declared.

I would run back (3.5k) and pick up his car. A very good plan that 1) stopped me from having a second pint (sob), 2) ensured I got some kind of run in tonight (I DID go to Curves at lunch).

So, I headed out 45 minutes after we left the pub. 45 minutes after I got the most out of my $13 plate of nachos (jalapenos and all) and drained every last sip from my pint glass.

I ran outside wearing shorts for the first time because it was hot.

HOT.

I set a great pace and knew that I'd have no problem with the distance. I was only really worried about the heat. I took a different route than my normal 5k run which lead me through mature neighbourhoods and allowed my mind to drift and sing along with the tunes on my run list as my feet hit the sidewalk. I noticed that younger men also seem to smile and wave at runners (must wear shorts more often). I scared the crap out of an older couple walking a dog and taking up the entire sidewalk by yelling "LEFT" at them as I passed. Things were good.

Then.

Oh then.

Probably around 2.5k I started to have this BURNING feeling in my throat. I couldn't fathom what it was. I figured it was some toothpaste stuck in my throat so I took a swig of water and swallowed hard.

Nope, still burning.

Hmmm.

I did the same again, but this time I spit.

Nope.

Shit!

Its bloody heartburn!

From that point on, I used all my mental power just to make it through the last km. As I have never run this particular route, I wasn't sure where I was or how long I had to go before I got to the car, so when I rounded the corner and saw the main streets leading to the plaza with the pub, I was never more grateful.

The husband is quite happy not to have his car left in a pub parking lot all night either.

Lesson learned: Save the pubs for post sports like all normal people.

3.5k, 22 mins.

Quickie

This is after all, my last day of vacation.

I did not run while camping. Too much rain coupled with not enough toddler sleep meant there was no real opportunity to do so.

I did get 5k in this morning in the MUGGY mists of Milton after my normal Sunday running partner came down with a strange gastro bug and called off our planned 8.5k run in Oakville.

Thank God for small favours as the saying goes. The 5k was hard. I had very sore legs. I managed to run the whole thing (with pauses for water/red lights) but I had to do some major internal pep talking to do so.

The headwind on the way back didn't help either. Ha!

5k, 32 mins - give or take (I have a watch with a second hand; timing is difficult).

2 confessions, 1 question

I have two confessions to make and a question to ask.

Confessions first.

I love to sweat. LOVE.

I fell off of my treadmill tonight. Really.

So first things first.

Sweat.

I decided to run speed intervals on the treadmill tonight. The only research I've done is to read various running blogs to see what other people do and then absorb it all and try my own version. I ended up doing a 2 min walk, 4 mins comfortable pace (5.4), 3 mins fast (6.5 pace), 2 mins slow (3.8 pace) x 2, then 2 and 2's x 2, then 3 mins at 6.0, then a 1 min slow and a steady run to finish 4.35 km in 32 mins. It was hard. It was hot.

Wait for it.






It was sweaty!

Because the "summer" has been so mild, we've not put our A/C on. While the basement is cooler than the house, it is still humid and I loved it! I was literally dripping, my hair was wet, my skin was gleaming. I really do not like to exercise unless I have this tangible evidence of work. Plus, it just feels good. I think this odd love of sweat must come from my years of summer dance class in studios without A/C. Ahh, childhood memories.

And so. Ah-hem. Confession #2:

I fell off the treadmill.

For the first time ever (I've had the EVO since October 2008 and have ran on treadmills on and off for the past 10 years).

I had left the treadmill during my walk warm up to turn up the TV (hey, Hasselhoff says some okay things on America's Got Talent), and when I went to step back on it, I TOTALLY blanked that it was still going. I stepped on it as if it was off and CRASH! BOOM! BANG! I'm fine and continued with the run, but the cats are likely even more afraid of the machine now and I've added a few (more) grey hairs to my husband's head.

Losah.

Question: I wore my new running (capri) pants tonight (they are too big in the waist! I hope I can shrink them?), my question is: What are the holes at the back of the calf for? They have reflective material around them and I can't for the life of my think what they are for. These can't be bike pants cause they don't have any padding. Any guesses?

So, speed run (as it were) for 4.35 km tonight. I feel awesome.

The expense of gear

The good news is that a new Running Free store opening up in my town. A town that needs it judging by the number of runners and cyclists seen in and around town. The bad news is that even with a sale and further discount, running gear is expensive.

I got Sugoi capris (but really, they are pants on me - I'm 5 feet tall) and a technical shirt. Plus, I finally bought a pair of good socks, Fox River 1/4 socks. I have been getting blisters after almost every 5k plus run and I decided to go ahead and give up on my old sports socks and vaseline regime and get into real running socks.

In terms of running, this week went well! I did run on my treadmill, but didn't do it in the AM or with a hill program (which my EVO FX2 Smooth does not have). I ran about 3k on Wednesday evening using the "run" program and it kicked my butt! It was way too fast! It is a good challenge though and I think what I may do is try to run 30 mins at slow pace and uncomfortable fast pace. Likely 2 and 2s or something. I haven't thought it all out yet. Friday, I ran 5k in about 35 mins plus warm up and cool down. Today (Sunday), I meet up with my friend again and we did 7k outdoor, but pushed way too fast in the first 3.5k. Combined with the humidity, I had a hard time with the straight run on the way back, but know that I will be able to pull through the the 10k route she wants to run in a few weeks, I just have to keep on it.

I didn't make it to Curves once. I had two offsite training days this week which meant no time for Curves. I'm really toying with leaving the club. I don't get anything out of it anymore and I could always run at lunch like some people do. We have a great big accessible bathroom at work and I could totally "shower up" in that.

Decisions, decisions.

Next week, we are away for five days camping and I'm bringing my running stuff. I plan to run once if not twice! Here's hoping! This week, I'll have to get 3 runs or 15k in by Friday night due to camping. That's pretty much the plans for the week.

Training begun

So I went for a 6.15km (according to MapMyRun) or 7.14km (according to gmaps pedometer) run this morning in Oakville with a friend of mine.

Let's go with gmaps, eh?

It was great to run with someone! It only took us about 45 minutes and we talked the entire time. We only took one short break at the half way point (ran an out and back) and I needed to walk to drink about two more times after that. This friend has run a half marathon in the past, but has a 15 month old and is getting back into running as exercise.

I can not believe what a difference running and talking makes. Even though I didn't know the route (so I couldn't enjoy the mental monologue You're almost halfway, only 1km to go), I found it easy to just keep chatting and running. It was a beautiful morning and we saw so many different running and cycling groups along the lakeshore of Oakville. At the end we agreed to meet up next Sunday and if this keeps up I'll have my "long" run covered!

This week, its all about sticking to the training plan. Wish me luck. I think the morning hill is what may kill me! HA.

Motiva-what?

Sigh. Lately motivation has waxed and waned. It just seems so much easier to allow life to get in the way. Like yummy Indian dinners out with my husband followed by newly discovered cider.

However, I’ve signed up for the Toronto Women’s 5K race and my aim is to PB this run at a sub 30 minute time, officially – natch.

So, that means I’m going to have to get off of my butt.

Train (if you will).

Set a schedule for runs.

This is my plan:

One weeknight run (about all I typically fit in). This must be 5-7k

One weekend run (again, typical). The goal for this should be 10k (har, NOT typical)

One morning run on the treadmill (30 minutes of the hill program). This is net new. This can be done on Tuesday’s or Thursday’s when I don’t have to take my kid to my parents house for care.

Curves visits 2-3x a week (I’m a wee bit over Curves)

Baseball as scheduled

This is the two week plan. Revisions to come July 30th.

I will keep you updated.

I will follow it.

I will PB.

The Comradery of Runners

I ran 5k (outside, started around 20:35, ran the entire thing, took about 33 mins) last night and noticed something.

Runners love to see other runners, well running.

I realize that this is a pretty bold statement for me to make and assumes that I consider myself a runner; however the truth is in the smiling!

Of course, you must understand my community. Milton is a smaller suburb of Toronto at the very western end of the GTA. It is a growing bedroom community (for the most part) and it is filled with young couples settling down as they grown their families and fulfill their dreams. It is also at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment which allows for all kinds of outdoor activities. Drive along any 2-lane road on a Saturday or Sunday in Milton and you will notice the plethora of road bikers and many, many yakima bike racks on cars. The community is active and this extends to recreational runners.

As I ran my normal 5k route last night, I passed half a dozen other runners. We all nodded and smiled. There is an inherent feeling of, Oh, you’re out here too! Good! when seeing others push themselves as you are.

That is another thing I love about runners: inclusion. It doesn’t matter is you’re a beginner or a Boston Marathoner, the running community is full of welcoming souls who all encourage you to… become a better runner. From advice to understanding (everyone hits a wall, no water what distance they run) the people I’ve found since beginning this running journey have all been wonderful.

Who knew that a bit of exercise would improve my view on people in general?

In case you’ve been wondering…

Yep, I haven’t run since Jun 16th. I had a small medical thing, so common that it is not worth going into here; suffice to say that it kept me from running. Now that I’m over all of that, I can rejoin the world of running once again.

And so, I did.

I did about 5.5km outside yesterday through my neighborhood in a big loop and quite enjoyed myself despite the heat. It is hard to judge distance without a Garmin and MapMyRun doesn’t have all of the new streets in place yet. As I said to the hubs upon my return, there were + and – to the run:

+ I ran
- I walked a whole heck of a lot of it
+ I remembered my hat
- I forgot my sun screen (not too bad – no burns, just more colour on my arms that I should have)
+ I ran with my water belt thing
- It still bumps around
+ I discovered if the water is only ¾ full and at my hip, it doesn’t bump so much
+ New route
- I had to run through construction and almost killed myself on some stones
+ my last song of the run came up as Neil Diamond!
- The run/walk took me 50 mins!
+ I got back out there!

The plan for the week includes the following:

M: Baseball
T: Curves, Baseball
W: Curves, Run (likely 5km treadmill as Hubs is out)
TH: Curves
F: Run (short – 5km?)
Sa: Long run (as in 7km?)

I’m debating signing up for another race as well to keep me focused.

Not much running to report

Of course, it is only Wednesday.

Monday I went to Curves and yesterday I played golf and baseball. Today, I am stiff. STIFF. And S T I F F! (first foursome of the season will do that to you).

Tonight the hubs is not home and the kid is not going to bed easy, so I hope to squeeze in at least 5k outdoors, but we'll see what plays out.

The one where life gets in the way

I set up the treadmill at 8:30 tonight to run just over 7km in an effort to gain more miles and work my way up to a 10k race sometime at the end of the summer. This was my first time back to any kind of running since the Bread and Honey 5k because last week just left so little time for running.

I couldn't get on the treadmill until that time for two reasons: 1)the kid is not going to bed as easily as he once did at 8pm, so we are allowing him to stay up until 8:30 and 2)the husband was out shopping.

With 1.8km to go, the husband came down to the basement and asked if I was almost done. I let him know that I'd be at least 10-15 mins (I had a horrid/tiring run tonight) and he gave me puppy dog eyes. He had said he'd head over to a buddy's house for a beer, so I cooled down, ran the time to 45 minutes and completed 6.1km. Not bad, not what I wanted to do either.

I have found a race that I will be doing for sure next year. The GTAA Runway Race . How cool would it be to run 5k down the runways at Pearson while fighter jets and commercial airlines are buzzing overhead? Having grown up at the edge of the airport and having spent a year there working in Customs, I must do this race next year!

Plan for the week:
Monday: Curves, Baseball (we won!)
Tuesday: 6.1km - treadmill
Wednesday: Curves
Thursday: 7km - outside!
Friday: Curves/Treadmill (I'm booked in solid meetings on Friday so I may not get Curves in)
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 5km run with my ladies running group

Not Everyone Hated the Water Belt

The kid was quite impressed.

It's almost like a trend

Yet again, a week after a race and I've yet to get back to the road or treadmill. Monday saw me hit CURVES at lunch and then play baseball at 9pm - no time for running in there. Tuesday, I ended up with tickets to the Dave Matthew's Band concert in Toronto and it was AWESOME! My plan was to get out for a city run right after work, but my husband ended up downtown about an hour early and that put the kibosh on that plan. Today... we'll let's just say that I had a few (or four) tallboys last night courtesy of the sales rep who was entertaining in the box I was in and that, combined with five hours of sleep meant no exercise today.

Tomorrow the plan is to hit CURVES (am going out with friends post work) and Friday I have off as we are camping. If the kid naps, I will put at least 7k on the treadmill. If I'm up for it, I will run at the campsite.

Sigh. I'm trying to get a minimum of 15k in a week (a teeny, tiny number compared to all of the other running blogs I follow), but it seems that life works against me and often.

RESULTS! Bread and Honey 5k!

30:11

I. Can. Not. Be. Leave. It. (If you have a kid who likes the Little Einstein's you'll know that quote!)

I guess I was much further off of the start that I thought.

So, after a great night with friends last night (which included loads of yummy cheese, dips, veggies, chips, BBQ pizza, salads, lemon mouse, yummy strong coffee and drinks - 1 Creemore, 1 Perry's Cider and 1 port for me), and a Catch Phrase loss for the girls (just call us the Penguins!), I went to bed at midnight.

I was awake around 3 when the kid called out from his sleep, but neither of us had to go into him and I quickly fell back asleep. The alarm went at 6am and I decided to let myself snooze, but was out of bed before it went off again. I had no idea what to wear so I put on a t-shirt with the technical shirt over it and my capri pants and grabbed a light sweater. Breakfast was two timbits and half a pita with peanut butter.

I drove to Streetsville and made my way to the start area to pick up my timing chip. It was cold, crowded and I felt odd being alone. I got my chip (which was on a velcro anklette) and put my water belt and Ipod on and went for a test jog to see what I thought about all of the gear. It was fine (or so I thought). At 10 minutes to, I decided that I'd keep my light sweater on (it was 12 degrees celsius, but threatening rain - which never happened), so I had to re-pin my bib. The chute got really crowded as it is a mass start with the 15 and 5k racers all starting at once. I hung out in the backish part.

Hazel was there to give a speech and shoot the gun, but I couldn't hear her (even with my earbuds out), so when I heard the count down but didn't see any movement, I wasn't sure what was happening. It was then when I realized that I was way in the back and I had to wait a bit before I could actually start running.

Once again, the Ipod totally helped me keep pace and not get roped into starting too quickly. I also got some great advice from my friend Rob last night (he who ran the Mississauga 5k in 19 mins with no training), he told me to just pick some runners in front of me and stay with them. I did this.

As mentioned in the last post, I ran with the new water bottle belt full, which was a mistake. I needed something to hold my car keys because I was all alone, but I didn't need the water. The belt pack was positioned all wrong and by 3k I was fighting with it bobbing and bobbing. Oh well, I'm sure I'll figure it out.

I took the first and second K's fine. Right before I saw the 2k mark, I saw the elite running racing by. It was AWESOME! The winner did it in 14:22!!!

3k was a water stop and I walked through it, least I snort water up my nose a second time. I likely paused for 15 seconds. I kept running, watching the older guy in front of me for pace and rocking out to HUMAN by the Killers (air drums and all!). The route was relatively flat with mild hills... one of which was right before the 4k mark. I ran it and started to think about walking. I argued with myself for a few seconds and then dropped into a walk for about 10 seconds before I basically told myself to SUCK IT UP! By that time, I had rounded a slight curve and could see the finish and so I headed for home. When I judged a few hundred meters to go I picked up the pace and told myself, "This is what you do at the end of every treadmill run! You CAN do this". I also saw the clock which was at like 30:15 (my gun and chip times were 54 seconds off). I pushed hard to beat 31 minutes but did not do it. I crossed at 31:05 and was happy, expecting a 30:55 or so time. The 30:11 AMAZES me! I can't believe I'm 11 seconds from my New Year's resolution! Now, I just need to find a July race. Yippee!

Stats:
Time: 30:11
Pace: 6:14
Category: 17/39
Gender: 158/351
Place: 367/621

No results... waiting, waiting

I ran the Bread and Honey 5k this morning and totally beat my last time as I crossed the finish line at 31:05 and was at least 10-20 seconds from the start. I'll wait to write up the race report when I get the official time, but I bought this:



and I ran with it for the first time today, full of water and it was a mistake! More on that later (once the results are in).

In other news, the girls lost the best of seven Catch Phrase Championship 4-1 on Saturday evening. Boo!

Friday Night

5.5k on the treadmill with the Jays game as company. I felt slow and sluggish, but slogged through the run. Now, I will have a beer!

I think I'm mistaken in thinking that the course on Sunday is flat, I seem to remember some gradual hills, but I guess I'll find out soon enough. I think I'm just going to target running the entire thing. Hubs and the kid won't be there at the finish line so I'll be all by my lonesome, but I'll be sure to bring a victory Timmies home for my hubs. :)

I did it!

I signed up for the Bread and Honey 5k race on Sunday at 8am! Yippee! I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to target: either a time close to (e.g. no more that 32:00) my Mississauga Marathon 5k or a full 5k run (which I can breeze through on the treadmill, but have yet to do outdoors). I know that the Mississauga course was all downhill, but this course looks very, very flat . I really don't want to set myself up for disappointment, especially seeing as it'll be a 8am start and I'll likely have a late night the one before, but at the same time, I don't want to go into it with NO goals whatsoever.

Sigh!

I did manage to get 6.4k in on the treadmill tonight (man, but SYTYCD is amazing for treadmill runs!) and the rest of the week is pretty solid in terms of exercise. Oh well, I'll just see what Sunday brings!

Do I or Don't I?

Run the 5k race on Sunday? The reason I’m debating at all is because we are having friends over for dinner on Saturday night and I know the evening will go late. I can handle limiting my booze consumption, but with this group of friends, we usually sit around playing Catch Phrase for a few hours and it leads to a pretty late (and awesomely fun) night!

Either way, I’ll be running 5k on Sunday… it’ll just be where and with what goal. I’ve joined a new chat board and within 30 or so posts, have enticed a few women to come out on Sunday mornings at 8am for 5k runs! Last weekend only one lady showed up (Hi Karen!), but we had a nice leisurely run with lots of walking (admittedly, she’s just getting back into running at 3.5 months postpartum while I’ve been pretty steady at it since January). So, either I pay $40 and try to at least match my unbelievable 5k time of 31:02 on Sunday or I join some lovely ladies and explore my lovely town a bit more. Either way, there will be limited boozing on Saturday which may or may not lead to me PBing in Catch Phrase (har)!

GAH! What to do?

Plan for the week:
Monday: Off (TweetUp instead)
Tuesday: Curves, Baseball
Wednesday: Curves, Run 6-7k
Thursday: Curves or run (depends on Sunday)
Friday: Run or Curves (depends on Sunday)
Saturday: Run or off (depends on Sunday)
Sunday: 5k

It has got to be SYTYCD*

*So You Think You Can Dance

plus

Treadmill

plus

A steady pace

equals

6.7km

I changed up Thursday's and Friday's plans as we're out for dinner tomorrow night. I also figured out the ticker. Whee.

Help with the ticker?

Hello to anyone who reads this (C&M! - HI!). Can you please help me move my tracking ticker to a side nav instead of in my title? I can't figure out how to do it and don't know how to code.

Many thanks!

Mid Week Check in...

I missed Sunday's run. I admit it right now. I spent the time when my son napped and used it to make some meals for the week and some muffins. Then our family went for a walk and played together after he woke up. I don't mind.

Running outside on Saturday was hot. At the most it was 13c when I ran, but the sun was beating down on me and I was sweating badly. One good thing I did is to wear a baseball cap. That really helped to keep the sweat out of my eyes. I only ran 5k, but I could have used some water. I guess I'm going to have to look at budgeting for a belt because I couldn't run and carry something like water, it would completely throw me off.

Monday, I made it to Curves and played baseball (a loss), Tuesday I played baseball again (a win!), but it was not much exercise if I'm being honest. Today, I did curves and 5.8k on the treadmill as it was raining post 8pm (when the kid goes to bed). I ran 5.5k of that straight. STRAIGHT! Woot! I can't believe it. I don't know what helped me to keep running (a good day, watching So You Think You Can Dance, eating pasta primavera for dinner), but I just kept it up. I even kicked it into a faster pace for the last two minutes. I think that if I target one treadmill run a week, I should attempt to do greater distances with the hope of improving my 5k times. I haven't read much about running techniques or personal best strategies as I still feel like a novice who is just trying to be consistent, but one thing I have read is that in order to improve my 5k time, I should attempt longer runs.

Speaking of PB's. I'm pretty sure I'm going to sign up for the Bread and Honey 5k race next weekend. I'm from Meadowvale (the town adjacent to Streetsville) and I used to walk/dance in the parade every year. The race is at 8am on June 7th, so I don't know how I'll do in terms of time (I SHOCKED myself with my Mississauga Marathon 5k time), and I have no friends who will run it with me, but I really think it'll be a great way to keep up my momentum and its a month from my last race.

I guess I'll update once I decide to go ahead!

No lagomorphs hurt this month

Which means zero excuses for a 60km June.

I'm starting this afternoon with an outdoor run as soon as my husband gets home from some errands (I'm currently listening to our kid chat to his toys in his crib).

This past week sucked. I got to Curves once and played baseball, but work was very busy and I felt like crap (hoped it was early pregnancy, not pre-menstruation) and then had to go to a visitation and funeral of a 2 year old Thursday/Friday.

This week looks like this:

Sat: 5k run
Sun: 5k run (or plus)
Monday: Curves, baseball 9pm
Tuesday: Baseball 7pm
Wednesday: Curves, 5k run
Thursday: Curves
Friday: 5k run (or plus)
Sat: All you can eat Red Sox @ Blue Jays

Perhaps listing it all will help me to get it done!

Week of May 11

Well, after all of the running love I experienced last week, I did NOTHING about it this week! Whoops. In fact, my entire week was complete CRAP in terms of exercise, but with good excuse (I should hope).

Monday: Work, no time during work for Curves, after work in the evening I spent time with my family because
Tues-Wed: Conference in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This was a great conference and we got to stay at the Queen’s Landing hotel and enjoy a tasting and dinner at Inniskillin. I was VERY good and did NOT get drunk. I managed to make it back to my room in time for the Biggest Loser winner reveal (I do wish Tara had won, but I guess they all win in the end).
Thursday: A day to remember for sure! I went to Toronto Blue Jay Fantasy camp courtesy of the Toronto Star. I did get loads of exercise in this day (must have circled the Dome three times, plus ran from the home bench to RF seven times). This day was AMAZING! We got an entire uniform, a bag, a day with coaching staff, and we got to play a game on the field! I went 1-2 on a fielder’s choice and stole second (the only steal attempt all day!). Our team won 10-7, then Adam Lind, Brett Cecil and Kevin Millar came out to present MVP’s to each team (dude who hit a grand slam from our team won) and sign a baseball for each of us. After that, I hung out and watched Halladay work out his arm (he didn’t pitch that night) and marveled at his pure athleticism. We showered up and went for drinks at the Hard Rock prior to dinner at Sightlines followed by the game (Yankees) in a private box. Again, I did NOT get drunk (I was driving), but I had such a great time, despite the 3-2 loss.
Friday: No way in hell was I able to do anything with my super sore legs and torso from the day before.
Saturday: My in-laws came, so I wasn’t about to be rude and take off on them for 45 minutes.

And so that was the week that was. I’m back on track this week and have a three run plus three curves visit strategy planned. Let’s hope this time, I stick to it!

Update, race report and more!

Oh yes. I know it has been a lot time since I posted. Basically, life got in the way: Easter, followed by the world's worst cold (which the doctor thought might have been mono, but wasn't), then my hubs and his broken hand which meant that I had to double my chore duties (bathing the kid, washing the dishes, sweeping - I tell ya, I can't WAIT for that maid to show up one day! ;)). Anyway, my 'training' as it was, got sidetracked as well. While I did manage a few more treadmill runs and a few more outside, I didn't even get close to my winter average of three runs per week. Curves also feel by the wayside, but my weight didn't suffer (who knew?). Net net, I am doing okay and enjoyed my first race on Saturday.

As I mentioned in my last post, I raced my first 5k on Saturday as part of the Mississauga Marathon series! I am so happy with the way it all worked out and am hooked! I'm looking to sign up for another 5k in late June sometime (any suggestions?), then the T.O. Women's 5K - hello firefighters! Then by the end of the summer my goal is to find a 10k and run it. This is all dependant on whether or not my efforts to kill a rabbit are successful. I've had conflicting advice if I can continue to run/train if I'm pregnant.

On Saturday, my chip time was 31:02 for the 5k and my friend ran it in 30:55 so we really were at the same pace. We didn't run together much as she got totally caught up in the start (we were very early and thus right at the start) and lost her pace early on. We caught up again just at 2.5k and ran for a bit together. After I told her, "just run on without me if you want, I don't want to hold you back" I ended up taking off on her! (uh she was like a few paces behind me!). I heard from other people who ran the 5 or 10k that night that the wind was bad, but I didn't feel it at all! I was exhilarated the whole time and running with a group helped me in a major way. I did snort water up my nose when I took some at the 2k mark, but I figure that's a rookie mistake that I'm allowed. I ran with my iPod which really helped me to pace and I only ended up walking twice (my strategy was 10 and 1s, but I guess adrenaline is a good thing). My friend's husband finished the 5k in 19:23, coming in second in his age group despite NO training!!! I hope we all continue to run together, it could be really special to watch him run some longer distances in future!

Beyond my own race, which I'm quite pleased with, I had the chance to go down to the finish line at the Mississauga Marathon to watch my cousin finish her first ever marathon in 4:02:31 and her friend finish his first ever marathon in 3:09:29 (and qualify for Boston)! The atmosphere was amazing at the finish line and the shear determination of the athletes from the half and full as they crossed the finish line was enough to get this sports fan wanting more! I can't wait to see what my running future brings!

My FIRST ever 5k!

I started, I ran, I finished. It was amazing and I will be running other races when ever I can in future. I wanted to get it done in under 35 minutes. I killed it at 31:06. I'm most proud because I was in the front to start and did not get caught up in the start, instead I stuck right at my pace and was able to enjoy a great run. No photos at all, but I do have stats! Whee!


Place: 461/1161
Time: 31:06
Pace: 6:14
Category Place: 27/110
Gender Place: 201/734

More later!

6.6km - it is a good Friday!

Hm, maybe that title is uncouth considering my religion (Catholic), but it is true none-the-less. Yes, I just managed to put 6.6km on my treadmill in under 50 mins. I'm very, very, very proud. I was yawning my head in two while hanging with the kid in the last half hour before he went to bed and I honestly thought I'd have to give up the goose on resort to walking on the treadmill tonight, but it was not the case at all. Instead of setting time, I set a goal of 4.0 miles (the unit my machine uses (the other 0.1 mile was a cool down)) and then did 10s and 1s. Have I mentioned before how much I LOVE this strategy? I really need to get a few things for outdoor running, but the most important is something that allows me to see how long I've run so that I can start with 10s and 1s to get used to it.

I tracked how long it took me to get to 5km (3.1 miles) due to my New Years resolution and I got there in about 36:30. My goal is a 30 min 5km so I have quite a way to go, but this particular time involved a 4 minute warm up. I'd like to see how I do without a warm up and I guess I should try that next time (knowing that 3-4 mins is a good enough warm up for me).

My friend from baseball never called for a run, but she mentioned that she runs the 5km in about 34 mins, so I'd like to run with her to see what kind of pace she's running at. Along with her husband, she signed up for the same 5km race that I did in May, so we are planning to at least start together. Her husband used to run track in high school (less than 10 years ago) and is a soccer player, so he's a much better runner than the two of us, but starting together will be a lot more fun then doing it all alone.

Now I just have to KEEP GOING!

I Suck

No really, I do. I did not run on Wednesday, nor did I go to Curves and I didn't do anything on Thursday either. I was in back to back meetings from 9-1 then 2-4 so I had no time to go to the gym. Then, I just wanted to begin my mini holiday with a bag of chips and a glass of wine... so I did. The plan is to run tomorrow and Saturday for sure. I may even get together with a girl from my baseball team to run which should be nice. I WILL get a run in for sure. No fooling.

The funk that's been me

I've been in a funk. Quite a major exercise one to be honest. While the past three weeks have seen me head to Curves 8 times (out of a goal of 9), I've only run 10.15km! That's it, that's all. The good news is that 5km of that was outside. Ooooo! One goal down! That was on March 28th. Then tonight (April 6th) I finally got back on the treadmill and could barely, barely get through 40 mins and 5.15km. I seriously thought I was going to vomit at the end. Sigh. I must see this week as one where I can begin anew with a schedule that includes regular running. I signed up for a 5k race on May 9th and I paid $600 for running orthodits, so there is no excuse.

Part of the problem is the 8pm run. My running time is limited during the week to begin with (because I'm not going to spend upwards of 40 mins away from my kid when I only get 2 hours a day with him), and now my husband has broken his hand so I have to take care of many things he used to do (washing dishes, chopping things for dinner, bathing the kid, sweeping etc etc). I guess by the time 8pm rolls around the the kid is in bed and I've done the little chores, I just DO NOT want to do anything other than vegetate on the couch. On the other hand, it is ONLY 40 or so minutes! That is what needs to motivate me! I'll check back in to update my Wednesday when I plan to run again. In the meantime, send some motivation vibes my way, kay?

I know... I know

Narry a word or a run in over a week. EEEKKK!

I did manage to get to Curves three times last week, but only twice this past week (w/o March 23). The goal tomorrow is a nice, long OUTDOOR run! I know where to run to get 5km in and that is the key goal. I got some nice running stuff for my birthday (headbands and water bottle), so I can try those out. I really need an iPod armband though. Hmmm.

In way different news, I gave up my beloved chat boards for lent and... I don't miss them. Perhaps it is twitter and TweetDeck that is filling the need. Perhaps it is the fact that I can barely pee at work, let alone find time to be bored, but I'm unsure if I'll return on Easter Sunday the way I did last year. Hmm. One to think about for sure.

Week of March 9th

Bad week:

Ran once, inside
Didn't drink enough water
Random drinks
Random eating
No blogging

Good week:

Went to Podiatrist, go new Orthotics on the way
Went to Curves three times
Spent time with a great friend at the Raptors game
Came up with an idea for a cerebral post (I'm on a break from my chat boards - the original "social network", with Facebook and Twitter, is there value in me returning? - stay tuned and I'll try to bang it out this week)
Weighed in at 152 lbs.
Officially signed up for Bioval "Hazel" 5k race in May.

Um... I'm a runner?

For reals? I think I'm a runner now. I just finished another 6.6km on a Friday night. That took 50 minutes and I did 11 and 1s. I actually REALLY enjoy the pace of 10/1s because I get a wee bit freaked out trying to run for like 30 mins straight, but doing 3x 10/1s is no problem and just FLYs by.

Now, yes I did this on the treadmill tonight. When the temperature in the GTA was 18 C. In my defense, I do not and can not run prior to 8pm when my kid goes to bed. I'm not about to attempt my first run outside in the dark especially when my subdivision is still under construction.

I want to recap my goals for the week:

1) Curves - went once. It was a busy work week with a lunch date on Wednesday and a conference on Thursday which made it impossible to get to Curves more than that (being out all day made for an extra busy day today)
2) Running. The idea is to get 15km/3 runs in a week. I did 13.2km in two runs. I will not run tomorrow as we are going to a wedding. WOOT!
3) Water - I've drank my 2 plus litres per day so far. Yippee!
4) I did not run outdoors. Yet.

So I just want to mention that I'm a runner now. I've run 104.55km since January 1st. I am NO WHERE near my goal/resolution of getting to 5km in 30 mins (averaging about 37 mins), but I'm getting less and less concerned about that goal and more and more interested in running outdoors and getting to 10km! Who would have thought it? This it totally crazy to me because for YEARS I thought I would HATE running.

I totally, totally, totally hope that running outdoors will not ruin my new found love.

MARCH!

Well I ended February under my goal of 60km by 17.5km. Basically I missed a week of runs. Sigh. I was in Vancouver over the weekend and while we did walk for at least 10km on Saturday, there was narry a run to be had (despite best intentions). I have not been eating well either and my weight today at Curves was 153.6lbs. I JUST CAN’T LOOSE WEIGHT! I know it is because I’m not eating the right way to do so, but I’m not unhappy with the way I look. The number just bugs. Anyway, so I got in my first workout of March today and will aim for the 60km again in March. If I don’t make it to the treadmill tonight, I will do so for tomorrow! I am also going to make some awesome lentil soup so that I have a nice and healthy lunch/dinner option in the freezer. Goals for the month:

1. Run 60km
2. Run outdoors
3. Make it to Curves 12 times
4. Drink 2L of water every day
5. Eat fruit and Veggies every day

Let’s see how I go, eh? Notice the lack of goals about booze? It’s my birthday month and thus sometime around March 21st, its M-Fing booze time.

Last week Feb

I've been doing okay. My food intake has been alright, but not the best. I'm lacking in fruit and veggies. I've only gone to Cuvres once this week and I ran on Tuesday and less than 5km KICKED MY ASS. I don't know what's wrong, but the weather better get on the plus side of zero so I can try the great outdoors. I'm off to Vancouver this weekend for a weekend of pure indulgence. We do plan to run at least once. I'll see how that goes.

Weekend!

What a weekend. I'm thinking more and more that I don't really care to track all of my food so much as talk about my running progress. Hmm. Saturday I did not run at all. I was at our local mall all day receiving registrations for the Women's Softball league I play in. I am also the treasurer of the league. It was not that long of a day because I got to chit chat with many of the ladies from the league and there were two of us manning the booth so to speak. I ate okay that day: food court lunch (Japanese stir fry) and for dinner the husband made pasta with chicken sausage, onion, tomatoes, feta and spices. It was good. We also had Caesar salad.

Sunday was a great day! I got up early and went to 8:30am mass then came home, had coffee with my boys and took the little one to WalMart for a few ($75 worth - it goes fast, eh?) things. We came home and ate sandwiches and leftover salad for me, pea soup and fresh bread for the kid and sandwiches for the husband. When the kid napped I put in 50 mins on the treadmill for 6.76km! Woot! I felt GREAT! I REALLY hope that when I get outdoors I don't get the shin splints like I did last spring. I really do feel a bit bored on the treadmill (although watching reruns of the Biggest Looser helped) and I think running outdoors would help. I also did 10 and 1s yesterday just for kicks! HA! I reduced my speed by 0.2 for every 10 and it really helped to push me through. I am averaging my 5km around 37:30 so I'm not very close to my 30 min goal, but it feels damn good to get it in at all. Dinner consisted of Thai rice and Thai beef stir fry from Eat, Shrink and be Merry. Post dinner (aka OSCARS) consisted of salt and vinegar chips, cherry blasters and cosmos. I only drank two cosmos because I ran out of lime juice and cointreau. Thank goodness, otherwise I would have been hung over as all get out this morning.

So, I'd say it was a good weekend. The only bad/sad part was realizing that I'm not going to make my monthly 60km goal. I've come to terms with it though. I'm going to keep running at my every other day/three times a week schedule and not kill myself to get it in. It is not like I'm training for something so I can afford to have this attitude.

Feb 20/09

Not a lot of inspiration to write.

B: Toast and PB, Coffee
S: Handful of Almonds
Ex: 30 mins Curves
L: "Kickin' Chicken" from ESBM, rice, broccoli
D: Homemade hamburgers and french fries
S: 2 glasses of boxed red

Feb 19/09

B: 1/3 cup all bran 1/3 Cheerios, coffee
S: Croissant
Ex: Curves
L: Turkey Soup
S: Apple
D: Sheppard's Pie
Ex: 40 min run, 5km
S: Rice cake with cheese wiz, 100 cal bag of popcorn, cookies (aka, no willpower)
H20: Over 2L

Pretty sucky, eh?

Clearly I need to update!

We went to Ottawa and Winterlude over this past long weekend and I didn’t track what I ate nor do any exercise and then I spent Tuesday just being a vegetable.

So, onward to Feb 18/09 and I’m back in the swing of things (a bit)

B: 1/3 cup of all bran buds, 1/3 cup cheerios, coffee
S: Handful of almonds
Ex: Curves
L: Homemade turkey soup, probiotic yogurt drink
S: Tossed greens salad from salad bar (olives, feta, yellow and red peppers, mushrooms)
Extra: got my hair cut!
S: Small chocolate milk, small bag of crispers
Ex: 40 min run for 5km – brutal! Likely because I hadn’t eaten properly
S: Apple
H20: 2L

I’m still hopeful that I’ll get to my monthly 60km goal. I’m only 1 run behind I think, so I’ll just double up on the weekend. What the past two runs have told me is that I require calories prior to a run. It is just way to difficult to make it through the 5+ km on next to nothing.

Also, I weighed in yesterday: 153.2lbs. I have no comment on that.

Feb 10-11/09

Another good few days! I didn’t get a chance to update yesterday because I was at First Aid and CPR training. I can now save your life! Woot!

Feb 10/09:

B: 1/3 cup all bran buds + 100g yogurt, coffee
S: Banana bread
Ex: 30 mins Curves
L: Mixed green salad, yogurt
S: Apple
D: ¼ of rising crust pizza, milk
H20: 2L

Feb 11/09:
B: 1/3 cup all bran buds + 100g yogurt, coffee
S: Banana bread
L: Swiss Chalet ¼ chicken white with Fries – YUM!!!!, diet Pepsi
Ex: 40 min run – dragging my butt! I still did 5.15 km though. I think I was feeling the lack of food. I hadn’t ate since about 2pm
D: ½ cup pasta with broccoli and chicken – leftovers from my mum… it was great!, grapes
H20: 2L

I won’t get 15k in this week as per the plan! I am going away this weekend and so my Saturday run will not take place. Oh well. My calves are REALLY feeling the pinch of such consistent running and speed, but I’m sure that I’ll get used to it before too long. When I try to run at a pace I considered fast a month ago, it now seems super slow! So yippee for progress!

Feb 9/09

A great day! Whee!

B: 1/3 cup of All Bran Buds and 1/3 cup of Cheerios with milk, coffee
L: ½ cup of sweet potatoes and ½ cup of black beans left over from Sat night’s dinner with mixed green salad
S: Yogurt
D: Beef curry with chickpeas, carrots, celery, and onion over long grain and wild rice
Ex: 40 min on the treadmill for 5.31km
S: Grapes

Running. Running was feeling a lot better last night. I just kicked it into gear and let’er rip. I did some speedier stuff than normal (6.0) and my calves and shins are sort of feeling it today. I’m really hoping that I will be able to run outdoors without major problems as I’d like to begin some racing. I’ve decided to do the “Hazel 5K” in May in Mississauga. I just have to get my sign up in. Very exciting!

The Weekend!

Feb 7/09

After the Rye fest the night before it was an okay day:

B: All Bran Buds and Cheerios, coffee x2
L: Salami and cheese sandwich, probiotic yogurt drink thing
Ex: 40 min run on the treadmill for 5.23km
D: 2x Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burritos with mixed green salad.
H20: Maybe 1.5L – not very good

Feb 8/09

B: Bagel and cream cheese, coffee
L: (buffet at a bridal shower) Chicken breast, salad, mixed veggies, caramel cake, coke
D: Homemade chicken fingers and French fries.
Ex: 30 mins playing outside with the kid!
H20: About 1.5L – again, I just forgot to drink water!

Here’s a bonus. Last night was the Grammy Awards. I watched but drank water instead of eating or drinking anything. I’m saving it all up for the Oscars which are in two weeks! Eeee! Buttery popcorn and white wine here I come!

Interview

Yippee, I'm being interviewed by Marlene I will post the rules after I answer her questions:


1. What do you love most about where you live?
I love Milton because we are so close to the Escarpment and lots of outdoor activities. I also love the still "small town" feel. There is a true Main Street and a farmer's market every weekend from May-October. I really like that community feel.

2. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Breastfeeding my son for 11.5 months

3. What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
That's a hard one... non-online friends would be surprised at how much time I spend online, I think.

4. What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?
I will have at least two kids. Hopefully three! For work, I'll either be doing the very same, but working at home part of the time, or climbing the corporate ladder which will include more schooling, longer hours and likely a different job.

5. If you could make one totally crazy, unreasonable wish, what would it be?
I'd wish I could eat whatever I wanted and be 117 lbs like I was at 17.


To play along:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.