Mississauga Marathon Training Week 19!

Week 19!!! Four weeks to go! 26 days according to the marathon site. I knew this week would start difficultly with recovery from Around the Bay, but I also knew that I needed to ensure I was set up to gain some confidence along the way. After my non-race pace performance at Around the Bay, I'm worried about hitting the ultimate goal of this training plan.

Monday, March 31st: Rest. Man. It was a tough day of just general walking. Stairs? Killer.

Tuesday, April 1st: While I worked a long day on Monday and didn't get home until about 2130 that night, I still wanted to get some kind of run in to loosen my legs. I woke up before five AM with a goal of about 8k. That plan went out the window when I took my first step down the stairs and my quads were still screaming. I decided not to make the early wake up go to waste and slogged my way through 6k. 38:22 I then spent the day travelling to and from Ottawa with a 1.5 hr meeting in between. I took a fab photo out of the plane window as we were landing though:

Wednesday April 2nd: Poor Alasdair wasn't feeling well, so I stayed at home with him. He was quite surprised that being sick meant no computer time, but he was quiet and I got lots of work done. I was able to get out before dinner once my husband was home for an 8k that felt a whole lot better on my legs than the day before. 8.01k, 46:07

Thursday April 3rd: Running Room night! We just chatted randomly about everyone's Around the Bay before heading out for a nice 10k with two loops around the lake. This is one of my fave routes and I started really quickly with Chris, Gerald and Claudia and had to back off about 2.5k in. I spoke to Chris about my plans to add Marathon Pace work to Sunday's long runs and he agreed, though he cautioned me that, "if you can't run 5 minute kilometers for 30k right now, you likely won't get you Boston Marathon time." I've decided to ignore this. 10k 56:57

Friday April 4th: Rest day! I'm guessing I'm already in a mini taper as all of my peak weeks are done! This means only 5 days a week of running! WooHoo!

Saturday April 5th: Ken had to work, and my dad was sick, so both kids joined me at the gym and went to the daycare ($7 for two hours for two kids! Amazing), where I ran 5k easy warm up and 7k a bit faster. It was a good run. 12k, 1:09:59

Sunday April 6th: Showed up for the Running Room group run and learned that the route was 32.7k. I had already decided to run the middle 10k at marathon race pace, but wanted to start slower. So I started with Erika and Claudia and we hit 10k in an hour. Then I ran 10k in 51:30 which is a 5:09/km or 8:18/mi pace which will get me my Boston Qualifying time. I was alone for the last 23km, battling headwinds and some long, slow rises, but I toughed it out and only allowed myself to "walk with purpose." This meant that I only walked if I need to shove my bottle back in my belt, or if a light was changing, I'd slow/walk in order to avoid being stopped. We ran near the marathon route, so it was exciting to see that the signs are now up telling of road closures! All in all, a beauty day, despite the headwinds and one of those runs which make me recall how much I just LOVE to run. 33.01k, 3:09:40

Total KM: 69.02 (42.89 miles), Total Time: 6:41:05, Average Pace per KM: 0:05:45 (0:09:21/mi)

Next week is more of the same, but with more marathon pace work and we'll run the last 33km of the marathon route! Then: TAPER!!! So close now!!! I hope you had a fab week!

Mississauga Marathon Training Weeks 17 & 18

Somehow I missed these updates! Whoops! Work has been insanely busy. Like, 14 hour days. Oh well, still moving right along and into the marathon plan

Week 17: I decided to swap this and week 18 around to allow for a semi taper before Around the Bay. This meant another 85, er 82k week.

Monday: Rest, sweet rest.

Tuesday March 18th: Tuesday Treadmill Tempo run! I did 3k warm up, then 20 minutes of tempo at 4:46/km pace, 2k easy and 10 minutes of tempo, with the rest easy. I had no pain in my foot! WooHoo! I wore the new PUMA tank top my client gave to me and it looks and feels good, but I totally forgot to vaseline up my arm pits and got bad chafe. Oh well, live and learn. 14k, 1:15:59

Wednesday March 19th: I worked 14 hours with an asshole stomach and couldn't get any kind of run in.

Thursday March 20th: My last day of being 36, so I ran 3.6 miles. 5.79k, 33:50

Friday March 21st: I turn 37! I run 19.77 (year of birth) in the morning as I have the day off. Time:  1:58:47. Then we went and bought this! I can't wait for camping season! We've booked four trips so far!

Saturday March 22nd: Beauty run with Bridgett who is also running the 25k at Sulphur Springs. 10.1k, 59:33

Sunday March 23rd: I had 32k on the plan, but the running room only had 23k. So I drove out to the store early, put in 9k on my own and joined the group for our now typical group run to Brampton and back. The route is challenging and I wanted to take it slower. This worked out as Erika joined me as she was a bit hungover and not feeling like pushing pace. We were able to maintain a decent pace, but walked for gels and for some bad ice patches. The weather felt like it was finally going to turn! 32k, 3:13:06.

Total KM: 81.67 (50.75 mi), Total Time: 8:01:15, Average pace per KM: 0:05:54 (0:09:29/mi)

Week 18: Around the Bay week! I was feeling pretty good going into this week. My confidence wasn't quite there but my PF wasn't acting up and otherwise I was feeling great. Maybe those thyroid pills are also working?

Monday March 24: Rest

Tuesday March 25th: Town Camp registration day!!! I got up at 0430 and took a run outside!!!! I didn't bother with tempo or speedwork and just ran. My legs were cold despite the winter tights I had on. Is the winter EVER going to end? 10k, 58:21, kids got into their camps!

Wednesday March 26th: I ended up with another 14 hour day on Tuesday. I slept in on Wednesday and then just couldn't fit the run in. It happens; you gotta roll with it at times.

Thursday March 27th: Hit the treadmill before work and wanted to get at least 6k at race pace in. But I was tired. and sluggish. I managed to run 3k at race pace (5:06/km) and was happy to just finish the run. 10k, 56:20

Friday, Saturday: Strategic rest for Around the Bay.

Sunday March 30th: Around the Bay Race. 30k, 2:42:09 and an 11 minute PB

Total KM: 50.32 (31.27 mi), Total Time: 4:36:50, Average Pace per KM: 0:05:30 (0:08:51)

All in all, not bad for the past two weeks despite some work challenges. Now, the next month is about the confidence build. Its not there right now, but I'm committed to putting in the work to get there.

Mississauga Marathon Training Week 12

Ah, week 12!

When I first wrote this plan, I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to hit the mileage it demanded. This week, the first peak week would be the real test.

Page one is done!

You see, this week called for 85km, with a 14k Tuesday run and 16k Thursday run and 23k on Saturday. The question was, could I do it while still working and doing the things I need to do with my family (lessons, bedtime stories etc)?

Well, it was a successful week.

Monday February 10: I hit the gym at lunch because I now knew that the "24 hour" gym wouldn't be open until 0530 on Monday morning. I pounded out a very sweaty 10k in lieu of the 12k I was supposed to do. I figured I'd make up the distance some time during the week. 10k, 57:42

Tuesday February 11: Back to the gym before 5am! The plan called for 4x10 minute tempo, but I couldn't hack it. I ended up running 2x10 minute tempo, 2x5 minute tempo and 2x5 minute race pace. Tempo is 4:46/km with race pace at 5:06/km. A tough but character building run and I'm glad that the Olympics are on TV! 14k, 1:16:17

Wednesday February 12: The first day of hills meant that I didn't need to wake up early because I was hitting the hills with the marathon group at 6:30pm! I had a doctor's appointment in the late afternoon and ended up at the hill just before 6pm, so I started on my own. I ran up the longer hill first to gain some distance and then I ran 5 hills. This is my first time running hills in a year! I didn't push myself because by this time of the week, I knew I'd be running the Around the Bay hills for the long run with Sam, Emma and Patty on Saturday. 10k, 57:31 (that time is with hills! I'm always amazed by how quickly I can run on clear ground now).

Thursday February 13: The plan had 16k. do I break it up and run half before work and half at lunch? 10k first and 6k? Nope. I decided to get it done all in one shot and hit the treadmill for the full 16k. Again, thank goodness for the Olympics.

Friday February 14: I woke up to a balmy -9c and decided to hit the streets for this 10k. I ran an out an back on a main, but not-busy-at-5am road and then looped around my street a bit to make up the distance. It felt good to get outside again. 10k, 57:20

Saturday February 15: 6:30am out and back on the Around the Bay hills? Bring it on! As mentioned, I joined Sam, Emma and Patty for this run and they changed their original plan to run more of the new ATB route so that I didn't have to drive to Hamilton to meet them. This meant that we went along the rolling hills of the course and up Valley Inn, only to turn around and do it all again. This is a tough run, which I've done before with Ali and (mainly) Colin last January. When we got back to our cars, we were at 22k. We could have stopped, but we are all stubborn and me more so then ever as I wanted to get the full 85k in for the week. So we ran randomly out for 1.5k and then back to the cars. What a shit last 3k. Oh well, got it done. 25k, 2:30:13

Total KM: 85 (52.8mi), Total time running: 8:12:27, Average pace per KM: 0:05:48 (0:09:20/mi)

WooHoo! I did it! Now, I just need to do it twice more! This week, I ramp back down to 90% of maximum mileage, then next week is the Chilly Half Marathon. This will not be a race effort, but I've yet to decide what I'm going to do with this run. I'm doing well so far, so I need to ensure that I keep it up and stay focused.

Mississauga Marathon Training Weeks 10 & 11

Well, well. Last week was a busy week and although I had every intention of getting around to a recap, I was unable to do so.

That means you get a double recap this week. Lucky you!

Week 10 was the second week in a row where I had 76k on the plan. I was a bit tired and my planter fasciitis was hurting a bit. I took charge and decided that I'd make a better effort to roll and ice. I also wanted to get back to basic core work. I took care of the foot, but not the abs. This week. I swear!

Monday January 27: I was supposed to do 10k, but I got out of bed, put on my clothes and when I got outside it was snowing and blowing. Oh well, no sense in turning back, might as well try to get at least 5k in. I hit the road because there is no way I'd have any chance on the un-plowed sidewalks and trudged through a slow 6k. 37:37

Tuesday January 28: I was supposed to do 14k with intervals, but I just couldn't get to sleep on Monday night. Even though I went to bed at 9:30pm, I was still awake at 11pm. It made my alarm at 4:30am VERY early. Ugg. No way to not run and no way to fit it into the work day, so I hit the gym anyway and did 10k easy. 58:10

Wednesday January 29: I don't know if you can believe it, the guy I announced almost four years ago, heads to kindergarten in September! I had to register him and that started at 9am in town. I was able to go the the gym at the late hour of 6:30am and attempted my 5x1000m intervals at 4:26/km This was a very difficult run, with lots of jumping off during the hard parts and I cut it short after 3 intervals and then did 4x1000m at race pace (5:02/km). I finished off the 14k in a reasonable time. 1:17:12

With Princes Anna from ... Frozen? (we haven't seen it)

Thursday January 30: Running Room clinic night! Because my plan calls for more running than the standard Running Room plan, and because I missed 4k on Monday, I hit the streets in the early am for a nice, but slippery 6k in 36:25. Then, after a day of work and no real dinner, I joined the group for 8k in 44:31. The difference in these runs were night and day. The first was cold with difficult footing and alone. The second had good company, easier, clear footing and it was warm (at -5c).

Friday January 31: Another early morning 10k in sloppy, sloppy conditions because of the mild temperature of -3c! I ended up running on the roads in the early morning and saw my paces improve by as much as 30 seconds a kilometre as a result. 10k, 1:02:36

Saturday February 1: Sam agreed to come out to Milton to start a run at 6am on a Saturday morning and keep me company. God bless her. While tempo was supposed to be part of the plan, I couldn't keep it up. Sam listened to my breathing and counseled me that I may want to get that looked at. It sounded like asthma to her (I've had this difficulty breathing in the cold since my lung infection in the fall). As a result, I've taken my puffer before every run since and have had an easier time with my breathing. Anyway, Sam and I had a great chat if not great conditions to run in (we stuck to the road the whole time) and we got 22k in, even as Sam said, the time was depressing considering what we were throwing down in the summer; 2:11:02

We are still happy to be DONE though

Total KM: 76.02 (47.23mi) Total Time: 7:37:33 Average Pace per KM: 0:05:53 (0:09:41/mi)

Week 11. CUTBACK WEEK!!! WooHoo! Only 60k on the plan this week. The winter finally broke me this week though. I did plan at least one run outdoors with the running room, but as you'll see, Old Man Winter had other ideas.

Monday February 3: Rest. I just took the day off even though the plan was 10k.

Tuesday February 4: WooHoo! Less intervals. 3x1000m which I did on the mile at 4:26/km pace. I so wanted to stop after 10k, but knowing that I had already missed my Monday run, I pushed through to finish the 14k per the plan: 1:19:19

Wednesday February 5: The plan was to run 10k with the Running Room free run as Thursday my husband had to use my car as his was to be in the shop. Although I knew that there was snow expected, I didn't quite realize that the snow would come down all day long. We got an email in the afternoon from Chris saying that they were calling off the run due to conditions. I knew I HAD to get a run in though, so I headed to the gym and pounded on the 10k on the treadmill in my new shoes which were $40 off! 58:14

Thursday February 6: The plan called for 8k. But um, I decided that my low VW Jetta wagon would be able to back through the plowbank and well, it didn't. Let me tell you, Ken was super happy with the pre 5:30am wake up of: "My car is, um, stuck." He dug me out and I still went to the gym and ran 6k. The Olympic coverage made it all okay. 34:46

Friday February 7: I had to run another 10k because of missing some mileage the day before. No worries, treadmill and Olympics and a pre-5am gym call and I got it done. I even ran two miles at 5:15/km just because. 56:18

Saturday February 8: What a day. 8am: Alasdair hockey practice, 9am: Fergus tumbling class, 10:30: Fergus birthday party, 2pm: Alasdair birthday party. Ken has to work 10-3 and my folks were off to visit my sister. No problem. I get up at 4:30am all week long to run, I'll just do it on a Saturday. Because I was SO OVER winter and the sidewalks still were a mess and because I had 6x6mins of tempo on the plan, I decided to go to the gym and run on the treadmill. When I got to the gym at 5:27am. It was closed. Even though there is a huge sign saying "OPEN 24 HOURS!" Not on Saturday. Nope. On Saturday it opens at 7am. Bah. Because I'm over winter, I go back home and climb back into bed. I take Fergus to his birthday party. As I arrive, I realize that that parking lot of the party place is very empty. I check the email invite. The party is on Sunday! When I get back home, my folks let me know that they don't plan to leave until 4pm. AWESOME. I go into replan mode and my folks don't mind watching the kids while I book it to the gym and pound out a very sweaty 20k (complete with 6x6min tempo at 4:46/km pace) in 1:49:30. Thank God for parents.

Total KM: 60 (37.28mi) Total Time: 5:38:07 Average Pace per KM: 0:05:38 (0:09:04/mi)

Well, that's the last two weeks. This week, week 12 is my first 100% week. Maximum mileage. 85k. While I'm still over the cold and crappy footing, I will be outdoors this week because hill training starts on Wednesday and I plan on running on Saturday in Burlington with the girls. For the other runs? I see no sense in turning away from the treadmill. It has served me well this winter.

January Recap

Well, January has come and gone and while the news reports have said that we actually had less than our average snowfall for the month, this winter sure feels likes its the worst. one. ever!!!

Snow! Ice! Polar Vortex!

It just never ends! Except, it did end for me for a week, when we headed to Florida and then hopped on the Disney Fantasy for a Caribbean cruise with my best friend and her family. The weather was amazing

The month of running was challenging, to say the least due to the weather. While I didn't hit all of the mileage that I had planned, I still did very well and am beginning to feel that I'll get the work in one way or another to do my very best to toe the marathon starting line in May with every intention of chasing that BQ time down.

# of runs: 23! I ran doubles three times this month, meaning I ran in the AM and PM. Sometimes there is just no other way to get the run in.

Races: Two! (kinda!). I did the Disney Castaway Cay 5k, but it was an un-timed event (But we did get cute medals)

I also ran my third Robbie Burns 8k Race and managed to hit a nice 5 second PB without trying!

Best run of the month: I got to run with Patty, Sam, Emma, Phil and Elaine on January 4th which was lovely

But to be honest, I was most proud of sticking out 20k on the treadmill for a long run

I know! I can't believe it either!

I ran 20k three times total and now the long run distances start ramping up. I've already had some interval training and I was super pleased to nail my first 14k, with 5x1000m intervals, even though I flaked on it the following week. I know I've got to suffer through these runs though because they are what will get me to the line, confident that I'll be able to hold my BQ pace for 42.2km.

Total KM Run: 223.9 (139.1mi)

Time spent running: 21h43m03s

Average pace per KM: 0:05:49 (0:09:22/mi) Look to see that decrease as I drop my paces for tempo runs and the weather (hopefully) clears so that I can gain back some speed on the road. Currently, some of my easy runs have been done at over 6 min/km (10 min/mi) just due to the tricky footing.

I hope you enjoy your February! Here's to less snow, less polar vortex and more sunshine!

Mississauga Marathon Training Week 9

Ahh training week nine. The first 90% week. The first week with intervals. The first real race of the season.

Did I mention that the Polar Vortex was sticking around? I'm amazed that I got it all in!!!

Monday January 20: First run back from vacation and I slogged through in the cold yet again. It was a slower run, but at least I got the planned distance in. I was helped by the fact that the sidewalks were mainly clear. 10k, 1:00:01

Tuesday January 21: My very first interval session of the cycle. I missed the 3x1000 session when I was on the cruise. The plan called for 5x1000 at 4:26/km (7:08/mi) with 3 minutes active rest. I was NEVER, EVER able to nail this workout in the summer. I didn't bother attempt this outside, instead I headed to the gym to bang this out on the treadmill with a cheat sheet so that I didn't have to do any math at all. I decided to change the rests into 500m and allowed myself to slow down as much as I needed (walk) during the period of rest. With the exception of stepping off twice in the last interval for seconds to drink, I nailed this workout! 14k, 1:18:48

I hate that gym treadmills go into cool down mode after an hour. I get why it happens, but hate it. Do you know how much those last 1.94 miles sucked? Also compression socks + 0415 = difficult.

Wednesday January 22: I had to travel to Windsor for a funeral and I got home by 5pm. After six plus hours in the car plus an emotional day, I needed a run and I needed a quick one. The plan called for 8k and I did it. 44:03.

Thursday January 23: I wanted to get a double in so that I could get my LSD run in on Friday night and then take Saturday as a rest day pre Sunday race. So, a slow reverse route of Wednesday's run before work. 8.01k, 49:52. After work, I headed right to the Running Room and listened to a chat about the WALL and how to avoid it. Then we all hit the polar vortex to run the 8k as planned. I started with the lead group, but around 5k in I had to lag back and even walk a bit. I was just tired after 20k in 24 hours. Due to stop lights, I eventually caught the group again and finished within 10 seconds of them. 8k, 47:59

Friday January 24: I didn't want another run in the cold. I wanted a drink. So I opened a bottle of white and forewent my run.

Saturday January 25: I wanted to sleep in (please note, "sleeping in" is waking up with my 3 year old, Fergus at 0613), I didn't want to face the cold AGAIN, plus it was snowing. So, I went to the gym and did something I've never done before. 20k. ON. THE. TREADMILL. 1:57:51

I know! I can't believe it either. This run was really helped by Cosmo TV. Sex in the City and Dirty Sexy Money kept me more than entertained. I have no idea why Dirty Sexy Money was cancelled.

Sunday January 26: The 35th annual Robbie Burns race. Report to follow. Despite not racing, I managed a 5 second personal best. I also was able to break out my custom shirt. 8.05k, 42:21

And I was a Scottish-Canadian Ninja!

And of course, I was a #runnerd! Thanks to Emma for the photo!

Total KM: 76.07 (47.27mi) Total Time: 7:20:55 Average Pace per KM: 0:05:48 (0:09:20/mi)

So, my biggest week ever and it went really well! The best part? I get to do it all again this week! WooHoo!?

Oh, and I raised a whole whack load of money for Make A Wish Canada I'm now at 34% of my total $3,400 target! Please click the link and donate if you can!

Mississauga Marathon Training: Weeks 7 and 8!

Sorry, a little slow on the posting of this one, but you'll forgive me when you see why.

Monday January 6th: I didn't want to run. No way. I sucked it up and got it done though via the treadmill at lunchtime.
8k, 46:59

Tuesday January 7th: I hit the treadmill again, but this time at 0500. Watching sports highlights made this tempo run go smoothly. 10 minutes warm up, 4 x 4mins at 4:46/km with 3 mins active rest between and the rest to cool down. 10k, 56:12

Wednesday January 8th: I have no idea why I didn't get my run in. The plan was for another 10k.

Thursday January 9th: My first official day of vacation after a grueling 5 days back at work. LOL. As we were flying out on Friday morning, I took the day off in part so that I could get my long run in. The conditions were a bit brutal and I started out with my YakTrax. I got rid of them at 11.26km and risked the road from then on just to be able to run on smooth surface. The good news is that this was a late morning run, so the sun was shining and it made it feel way warmer. I sure sweated enough. 20k, 1:59:40

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:

We fly to Orlando (from Buffalo), spend a night at the airport hotel, board the Disney Fantasy with our friends and begin to have an amazing vacation!

Total KM: 38, Total Time: 3:42:51, Average Pace per KM: 0:05:52. 

Monday January 13th: I get in a short 3 mile run around the running deck. Its HOT and Windy! 4.83k, 27:00

View of the running deck from our room balcony. Always get a balcony on a cruise ship. Totally worth it!

Tuesday, Wednesday: Port days

Thursday January 16th: Another 3 miles post adult only brunch which was sluggish and HOT! 4.83k, 0:28:22

Friday January 17th: Castaway Cay 5k race! RunDisney event on their private island in the Bahamas. Ya, not a bad way to get a run in while on vacation. The run was on paved trail the entire time and was basically a double loop of the bike path. I'd recommend it to anyone who sails with Disney and has a stop on Castaway Cay. 5k, 26:15

Saturday, Sunday: Disembark, fly home, do laundry. It was a wonderful trip!

Total KM: 14.66k, Total time 1:21:37, Average Pace Per KM: 0:05:34.

So, it was a busy two weeks with not a lot of running, but totally justified! We can't wait for our next Disney Cruise!

November Recap!

November was a great month for me! I started really well and ended awesomely and had a great middle Run Streak. I'm so close to the end of the year and my goal of running 2,400km for the year that baring major injury, I'm positive I will get it!

November also saw me kick off my third cycle of Spring Marathon Training. This cycle is different for two reasons: I'm basing the training on a plan that I wrote myself (using the Daniel's Running Formula as a guide). I still signed up with the Running Room's Marathon Clinic, because I really enjoy the friends I've meet there and Coach Chris is back in the lead. I can always learn from him.

The second reason why this cycle is different is because for the first time, I'm going to use my running to raise money for a great cause. Doing so, will honour the 5 1/2 year old daughter of my friend who went to bed on December 25, 2012 and never woke up. Donate HERE to help me reach my goal.

# of Runs: 22. The 14 day run streak really helped here!

# of Runs started by 5am: 8. I've been hitting snooze too often.

Races: 1: The Road 2 Hope Hamilton Half Marathon

The result I wanted!

Best Run of the Month: Hitting the Culham trail with Alan, Peter, Phil and some other Daily Milers.

I made sure I was dressed to be seen

Yay, kind stranger to take a photo

One of our views

This month started with the end of my lung infection and ended with a killer cold which stopped my run streak at 14 days. I really hope that this isn't a sign of what's to come this winter, because I have big training plans and I can't be stalled with constant colds and illness. I was lucky to end the month with my longest run since Hamilton, running 20 very hilly kilometers with Sam, Emma, and Patty on the Around the Bay route

1,500 feet of upness

Total KM Run: 188.75 (117.28mi)

Time Spent Running: 17h52m34s

Average pace per KM: 0:05:41 (0:09:09/mi)

I hope that December keeps you safe and that you get to enjoy some time with your loved ones!

October Recap

So yes, this is late! Its been very busy!

More on that later!

# of Runs: 17. Hey man, I had a lung infection in there at the end of the month!

# of runs started before 5am: Nine. I did a few races and afternoon runs this month!

Races: 2 Scotia Half. Scotia was a brutal run for me in terms of the mental game. It really made me question if I have it in me to go and run an aggressive marathon again. Good thing I'm not going to attempt one until next May! I did manage to recover enough to enjoy finishing my 10th half marathon though.

Best run of the month: The County Half Marathon. This was the other race I ran in October. Without a doubt, I'll be back at this race. I've already asked the race organizer if they need pacers for the half or full. Even with all of the rain, I loved this run so hard! And yep, that's a RunEmz shirt. Love.

I struggled this month. I was sick right before Scotia. I wasn't sure I'd get the goal in at Scotia and I didn't. Then, I found out that I had a lung infection and that threw me off more training despite looking for redemption at Hamilton to start November. It isn't good when you feel like you're never going to make your goal or that you set the bar too high. Sometimes, you just have to remember how much fun it is to run in the rain.

Total KM Run: 176.06 (109.4 miles) I have no worries about making my 2,400 km in 2013 goal

Time spent running: 16hrs9min14sec

Average pace per KM: 0:05:30/km (0:08:52/mi)

So now is the down time. Although my marathon cycle begins on November 25th, the real training doesn't start until December 30th. As always my goals include eating better, gaining core strength, getting nicer arms and maybe losing some weight.

We'll see how all of that goes.

I may just decide to go on a run streak instead.

Hope you had a great month!

September Recap!

September has been all about getting to the end goal which will arrive in 18 days! I needed to get my head on straight and gain some confidence about getting as close as possible to that end goal which I set back in early June.

I'm finally getting there, this week.

# of Runs: 20. I'll go with it, seems to be a trend!

# of runs started before 5am: 12! I'm kinda rocking this morning running thing

Races: 1- Milton Half Marathon! I'm not sure how I feel about this race now. I feel like I could have pushed harder and done better. Hindsight has me wondering if I let my bad stomach take over my head and if it was really as bad as all that. I wondered if I put to much pressure on myself. I also took some great learning away - never take anything other than water at a drinks station unless you know 100% what it is. Always run with more gels than you need - because you may want more. And finally, having someone to pace with can be key. My best races have involved pacers. Good pacers.

I wasn't feeling the greatest,
but I could still celebrate the finish!

Highlight Run of the Month: The last 5k of the Oakville Half Marathon. I decided that I'd meet Sam at the 16k point of the Oakville half as she had no one to run with (this was the weekend after Milton). I figured I could push her in the last 5k the way John the pacer pushed me. When she ran by, she was with our DailyMile friend Richard (they ran the entire race together), but it was still fun and the fact that Sam had a massive PB and a 1:47:17 finish made it even better. I even broke out a skirt in her honour:

Race Bandit!

Say, "Jack Daniel's Running Formula"
With a victorious Sam after her awesome race.

I had some awesome Jack Daniel's workouts and managed to hit a milestone of my longest pre-work run at 16k (10mi). That was a great day and I did it so that I could join Sam during her race above.

Total KM Run: 221.49 (137.63 miles) We are 75% through the year and I'm at 80% of my goal of 2,400km (1,491.3mi) for this year!

Total Time Spent Running: 20h34m15s

Average Pace per KM: 0:05:34 (0:08:58/mi)

This is it. 

18 days to put it all together before toeing the line on the goal race. I'm feeling good. I just need to hold on to that feeling for the next 2.5 weeks.

I hope you also had a great September.

August Recap!

August ended up being an epic month for me. I paced my first race and hit my highest monthly mileage. I had some serious stomach troubles during my runs at the start of the month, but those seem to have cleared up now (thank goodness). I ended the month a bit unsure if I'll be able to hit my goal during the half marathon on October 20th, but I have a good few weeks left of training to build the confidence required.

# of runs: 20! Considering how much distance I got in, I'm very surprised to see how many days I took off.

# of runs started before 5am: 11. I hope I can keep this up through the winter.

Races: 1 Pacing the Midsummer Night's Run, 30k three-hour group

Highlight run of the month: The midsummer run of course!

I had a lot of not-so-good runs as well, including an attempt to run 28k before work which resulted in a huge stomach upset and only 12k run:

I didn't give up on getting some distance in that weekend. Even though we were in Ottawa visiting family, I went out on Sunday morning (with my husband's blessing) for a short 10k run which turned into 10 miles on the Trans-Canada Trail. I did this run with only 8oz of water and was perfectly fine. I could have run another 10k, I'm sure.

I continued to run my long runs with Sam and basically chased her through tempo portions of the long runs per the Daniel's running formula. Thank goodness I have someone crazy enough to join this challenge with me. The weather this month was difficult. At the top of the month, it cooled off and I was loving my perfect running temperatures of about 12c. Then, it got humid. And sticky. And hot. And humid. It was gross. Even in a gym with A/C

Total KM Run: 256.64k

Total Time Spent Running: 24h59m15s

Average Pace per KM: 0:05:51

Not too bad for 11 days off, stomach troubles and HUMIDITY! September brings another pacer race (Milton Half Marathon on September 15th - 2hr continuous) and the build of confidence.

I need to get some swagger back into these bones. I'm hoping the next few weeks brings that in spades.

Midsummer Night's Run - 30k, 3 hour pacer race report

On Saturday, August 17, 2013 I had the privilege of being the 3 hour continuous pacer for the 30k race at the annual Midsummer Night's Run. Normally, this race takes place on the streets of Toronto and out to the eastern Beaches and the Leslie Street spit. However this year, due to construction, the race was moved to the Toronto Islands. I was very excited to run this race for this reason and of course because it would be my first time as a pacer. I was worried about the actual course as it would also be my first time running a loop course, but that didn't end up being a problem. I actually didn't mind the loop part of the course at all. The terrain? That's a different story.

Pre-Race

Emma was kind enough to volunteer to drive Sam and myself down to Toronto. Both girls were running the 15k race (go read their race recaps. Hysterical!) but were fine to wait around for me to be finished. We met at Bronte Go station and quickly got downtown and found parking. Thank goodness my old work is literally across the street from the ferry terminal because I knew where we were going. We got on the ferry, chatted with some other runners ("Oh. Well. Pacing a 3hr, 30k is respectable. I... guess..." and "I'm not running Scotia this year. Last year it was my worst marathon ever! I mean, I think I ran it in about four hours.") before landing on the Island and making our way to the DailyMile meet up spot. We were right on time: 4pm. Unfortunately, I think we were some of the only people who heeded the race director's advice to get to the ferries early because only Heather and Roxane met up with us. Heather found the ferry okay; a better alternative to canoeing over as one of her running buddies suggested (I wonder if she regretted that decision later!). I fussed with my tutu and headband and then we lined up again for a final bathroom break, and bag check. With 20 minutes to race time, I was ready!

I lined up with the other 3hr pacer, who was doing 10/1s, answered some questions and .... we were off!

1-10km. I've gotta take this shtict on tour!

Normally, I refer back to the course maps when I write my race reports to pick out key moments. Let's just say that I still can't make heads nor tails of this map, so this recap may be a bit different. Witness:

So anyway, we started out and... hit a water station. Which was odd, but hey! Whatever! Then we ran for about 1-2k and looped back on ourselves. Hmmm. This route is weird. And I'm running too fast. 

Crap. KM 1 - 5:41. Slow it down, macnic. You're not racing.

In order to collect myself and to slow down, I began to talk. I introduced myself to those running with me, told the group this was my 17th or 18th race (um, I just counted. It was my 29th race. Hah) and that I was hoping for a +/-10s race based on my results from last year (failing to mention, that I was NOT the pacer last year). Then, I told them my strategy of slowing/walking through stations as I had no water on me and encouraged them to do the same and catch me back up as needed. 

Then the one-liners started. 

As the shirtless leaders flew past us on the out and back: I encouraged all of my boyfriends to go shirtless today

As the sports-bra clad lead ladies raced by: Of course I had to lend my abs to help those lead ladies. I'm nice like that.

Clothing optional beach: For after the beer tent.

We'd run by island-goers who were confused or gob-smacked by the group of runners and I'd yell at them: I know! WORST. PARADE. EVER!!!

Anyway, my group was eating it up and I was having fun as well. I felt like Jerry Lewis at a Paris concert hall. My paces settled down and I had a nice group with me.

Then we hit the boardwalk. 

Well, if you ran this or the 15k race you know about it. If you're going to run the Longboat 10k, have fun! Its a rickety old wooden boardwalk (with a lovely and breezy view) and it was hard to stay consistent on it. Then I noticed the 26k sign and realized we'd be back again later in the race (at least once). Oh well, off the boardwalk, through some pavement, directed onto a grass field (at which point, I thought "Holy crap they weren't lying about this varied terrain claim.") and on to a water station where I too my first gel around 10k (I guess).

5:41-5:58-6:00-5:59-6:02-5:57-5:57-6:03-6:06 (must be the GU)-6:01 First 10k: 59:44. Pretty damn close to where I wanted to be that's for sure!

KM 11-20k. Oh Good. Let's run that again!

So around this time I realized that the kilometer markers were completely out of whack with my Garmin. I was about 200m off the markers. No problem, I thought to myself, I'll just keep to my watch and ensure I keep the KMs consistent. The same thing happened last year so they should sort out eventually.

I spent a lot of time doing this: 

I really didn't want to mess anyone's race up. I also spent a lot of time watching other runners, waving at my friends (Sam, Emma, Kenny, Marlene, Heather) and all of the other pacers: You've got a good lookin' group there 2:45! We looped through the start again where that early water table started to make sense and I chatted away with the members of my group. There was a couple who were running together with the man obviously pacing the woman. I'm not sure he realizes how good he made me feel when he kept telling his partner, "Just ease in here. Stay with her. She's running a perfect pace." There were a set of friends with the one girl pacing the other which was lovely. There was Erika who was using this race as a test of consistent pacing to test her goals for her upcoming marathon in October (on her son's second birthday!). We had a good group.

And all of a sudden, it was getting bigger.

Take that Jerry Lewis.

OH. Its the run/walk pacer! Where the heck did you come from? I thought you were ahead of me!

Nope, the plan all along was to tuck in behind you.

Hm. CRAP. Watch the pace! You're not running with him, Nicole!!!

So, its hot at this point and I start to take water and dump it down my back which felt amazing. Because I'm running slowly through the water stations, I'm squeezing cups and drinking on the run which is working okay. Except for the time when I ended up with a shot of water to the eye. Or when I swallowed my gum (no worries, I got it back up!). This part is a bit busy what with people and quad bikes and kids and the beach and didn't we see those volunteers before? They L-O-V-E my costume (Like. OMG! It matches your shoes!!!). Wait. This is the fricking boardwalk. Arrrggg!

Of course, I'm all, woo-hoo! Look at that view, group! Feel that lovely breeze (which is like a hurricane wind trying to turn my pacer sign into a fricken sail!). Watch the footing and let's keep on. (Oh look at that 26k sign. We get to do this. AGAIN!!!!). Over the grass, past the fountain and back around toward the start for the final 10k.

5:59-5:50-6:05-5:55-6:01-5:53-5:51-6:00-5:58-6:03 (GU). Total for the 10k: 59:35 (uh, negative split?! Time bank?!), total for the 20k: 1:59:20. Not too unreasonable.

21-30k. That beeping watch blows. WHERE is the 29k sign?!?

So, we loop around and I've still got my 5 or 6 people with me. Things are going well. I realize that I haven't been very chatty lately so I mention how much I'm looking forward to the boardwalk section again. My group generally agree that that part is stupid. (Stupid is a key word in both Emma's and Sam's recaps. Please go read them. So funny). So, we're ready for the stupid boardwalk again. In the meantime, we hit the half marathon point which makes everyone a little lighter because hey! 9k to go! and I start to hear people coming up behind me mentioning that "Its the three hour pacer! Okay! no more than 54 minutes left."  Which seems hella long to me, but whatever this is what I signed up for. A slow, even race. To lead people via the power of the sparkle tutu and the silly one-liners. To... what the eff is up with that person's crazy, random watch updates!?!. My God that beeping is soooo annoying. God. What pace are we at anyway?

Laps almost full. Clear history or your race will self-destruct bringing these innocent people with you.

Fuuuuuu-uuuuu-ccckkk!

Now, I almost ALWAYS clear my watch before any big race. Well, not for this race. Oh no! I mean its not as if I had been having freaking nightmares about a watch malfunction. Nope. 

Okay, I've done this before. I can adjust my watch, run at a 6min km and hold the pacer sigh. Pshaw! Should I knit you a sweater at the same time? I mean, make it a challenge, eh? Okay, so its this? No. Oh, maybe if I hit lap. Nope. CRAP! I just lapped not at a kilometer (I always run races on auto lap). Bah. Think, Revoy, think!!! 

Finally I remember how to delete things, delete everything but one month and carry on. I figure the markers are so messed up anyway, it doesn't really matter and my watch will still autolap every KM showing my pace. I hit autolap on the next KM sign I see to set it straight that way at least (or so I think).

Then, we're back on the boardwalk (Under the boardwalk/ We'll be having some fun! Under the boardwalk/ We'll be falling in love!). Ugg. Fricken sign-sail. People offer to hold the sign for me, but I very honestly say that I'm determined to hold it the whole race after this long. Its a pride thing. My group gets it. They're good eggs. We see a lady fall and get up in front of us, but she carries on and is okay. After the boardwalk, I tell the grass director volunteer that I hope to never see him again unless its in the beer tent and he totally gets where I'm coming from.

Okay people! I say, Grass, path, fountain. FINISH! Let's do this!

My man-woman couple are already ahead of me and I pass by the girls running together. The newer runner is walking but they claim they will catch us later. I know how she's feeling and begin to wonder how people ever pace marathons. I mean, I'm running fine, but my legs hurt and I'm tired. And hot. I can't imagine another 12k of consistency like this. Watching the watch is really mentally draining.

By 27k its just Erika and myself. I tell Erika that there are 18 minutes left. No problem! She's birthed a child! Our conversation goes like this:

Me: You can do it! You have a lovely, wonderful baby!

Erika: Well, he was only 7lbs!

Me: But you gave birth to him!

Erika: Not really, they took him out.

Me: Ya. Me too. Two C-sections.

Erika: But I did go through labour...

Me (FINALLY!!!!): That's right! You did that, what's less than 18 minutes?!?!

Erkia: I love you, Nicole. ... Don't tell my husband that.

And before we know it, we are at the 28k sign, so I hit lap again. Hmm. And there is Erika's husband taking her belt and I think how AMAZING she must feel to get rid of that. What a nice guy he is!!! I tell him that she loves me right now though! HA!

So I start to look for the 29k sign. I'm not sure exactly how this gig will end up by this point because of the watch malfunction so I try to stick with my 6min KM pace and Erika begins to pull away with her final kick. 

Good, no one is with me, I'll just kick it at 29k. I mean, I have enough legs and excitement to pull out close to a 5min kilometer. 

Where is that 29k marker?

Hello?

Then, I'm running through a field with the general public and volunteers in yellow shirts making a kind of path. Hmm. Cross country. My watch clicks over to 30k (WHERE is the 29k marker!?!?!) and I'm so close to 3hours. I'm running hard at this point but not as hard as I could have. I keep it up though and see the end. I hear Emma, Sam and Patty (who came to watch) cheering and as I go by them I say, "UGGGG!!!" because I'm so pissed I missed the time perfectly. But the finish line brings out the best of course and I execute my plan, twice to ensure the photogs get to capture the moment:

I can't help but always be happy when I finish a race!

5:59-6:08 (watch PANIC!) -5:59-6:09-6:03-6:06-6:11-6:07 (what I hit at 28k, so 780m) -6:03-6:01-5:30 (last 540m per Garmin). 1:01:22. When I look at my Garmin, it says 30.25, 3:01:14.

 My chip time was 3:01:09. If there had been a 29k sign, my chip time would have been 3:00:XX. Oh well. I still think I did fine. All of my group (stalked them) got in under 3:01. My work here was done. But not before I show you my new favorite toy: The animated Gif:

Reflection

Will I pace again? Um. Yeah. At the Milton Half Marathon on September 15, I will be the two hour continuous pacer. I'm hoping I can get my +/-10s there. 

Will I run this race again? You bet! I love it for the challenge the nighttime 30k brings. Would I run it again on the island? Hmmm. Maybe. It took us over an hour in line to get a ferry back across the lake and I didn't get home until just before midnight. Compare that to last year when I was home by 10:30. I think the organizers did their best, but they couldn't control the ferry the way they did the school bus shuttles.

Until next time, I'll leave you with the race quote of the year: 

Run not with your feet, but with your heart.

Thanks for reading!