We're going HOME

It is the evening of November 22 and we are planning our trip to the airport tomorrow. We had a guided tour of London and Westminster today and had a ride in the eye. We are winding down now and are looking forward to sleeping in our own bed. The place we have now is like a bachelor suite - with a pullout couch to sleep on. It is nice to speak the same language - we can read basic instructions but there are still things on the menu that we don't know what they are. And it is still difficult to understand people because of their accents - British, Italian, French - we've had to deal with them all here in England. And it is cold. I'm wearing 4 layers on top and leggings under my jeans and I'm still cold. I know it won't be much better at home but I know I don't have to spend as much time outside when I'm at home. And I have a gas fireplace to warm me up. And different clothes will be a very welcome site.
Did I mention how difficult it is to type with long fingernails? Guess what I'm doing when I get home.

See you all very soon. Thanks for sharing this adventure with us.

Ah, Paris

Well, we've done 2 days in Paris. The night we arrived we walked down to the Louvre and had a look around. I got my first glimse of the Eiffel Tower! It was 8 pm by that time so we didn't go in to the Louvre. We walked around a lot looking for a place to eat but we didn't know what a lot of things on the menu were, even when they were in English.

The first full day we went to the Louvre in the morning, planning to stay 3 or 4 hours, leave for the Arc de Triumph and then be at the Eiffel Tower by 4 to see it during the day and at night. We didn't leave the Louvre until after 3. We passed on the Arc and went straight to the Tower. The cold and rainy day continued and the clouds were so low that you couldn't see the top of the Tower. Which meant that if we went up, we wouldn't be able to see anything. We took lots of pictures because it kinda looked neat with the top all fogged in. (Did I mention how difficult it is getting to type with long nails? - I don't know how Peira did it) We took a boat tour of the Seine and then went to the Arc.

Today we went to Notre Dame. All the buildings so far have been collosal works of art, including this one, but the stained glass windows were amazing in Notre Dame. We then headed for the Eiffel Tower. It was a cold but sunny day with clouds moving in as the day progressed. This meant that we had a wonderful, unobstructed view of the Tower. Last night it had been so pretty all lit up and every hour for 5 minutes it sparkled. I had been a sight to behold. We even got to see it sparkle from the top of the Arc de Triumph. So today we spent 2 very cold hours to get to the top. The view was spectacular. I never realized Paris was so big. And there are so many modern buildings - way far away. After enjoying the view, it only took us about half an hour to get down. We then headed for the Avenue Des Champs Elysees. We got a look at the Arc in daylight and then walked the Avenue Des Champs Elysees. And shopped.

I can't believe it is almost over. Tomorrow we head for London. I really am looking forward to not trying so hard just to get through the day. One last thought: We have been chastised 3 time so far in Paris.

Paris - Finally!!

We just arrived at the Hotel Caron - room 42. It was a long train trip. It was raining when we left Nice, sunny along the way and raining again in Paris. Can't wait until I see the Eiffel Tower.

Just so you know, it's getting really hard to type with these long nails. And these foreign keyboards are a challenge.

By the way, the countryside was beautiful. It was nice to see more than dark and dingy tunnels. And the toilet on the TGV was a real toilet and didn't empty onto the tracks. But it was still nothing like the movie French Kiss.

November 17, 2010

I,m working on a foreign keyboard and some of the letters and symbols are in different places. My finger nails are getting long and it is difficult to type.
We spent 2 nights in La Spezia and visited Cinque Terre. Only the first trail was open so it was disappointing. Dale and I crashed and burned halfway through the trip so we went back to the hotel and slept the rest of the afternoon. We are feeling better now. It was a whole day of train travel to get to Nice. The weather has been cold and rainy.
We have 2 nights in Nice. Dale wasn,t feeling well this morning so he slept while I walked along the beach. The sun was out and it was so hot I had to go down to my tank top. This afternoon we had a tour of Eze, where they make perfume, and Monaco. Tomorrow is a train to Paris.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Florence and some exiting news

We made it to Florence without too much trouble. Our hotel is close to the train station so that was convenient to find, if the streets had names on them. We had a wonderful dinner last night. Don,t know what we had but it was all good. We toured the city today. Guess what - lots of old buildings. The weather was much warmer than Venice and the sun came out in the afternoon. I,m a little stressed about the next few days and how we are going to work things out but I think I have a plan that will work. I hope.
I talked to John David this morning/last night. Seems I,m going to be a grandma. Mom and Dad, if you are reading, I guess that will make you Great Grandparents. The baby is due in July. I have to say that I am pretty exited about the news. I have been wanting to be a grandma for awhile now.

.. and gondolas.

The weather was cold today. We walked around Venice. There are no vehicles. You walk or you boat. We had a ride on a gondola. It is a really interesting looking place. Like Rome, all the buildings are connected. There are some really narrow walkways. The tide was so high that some of the streets were flooded. When we got in last night we saw all these tables in the plaza and I thought that they were for a market but turns out that they are walkways put in place when the streets flood. There are lots of beautiful glass trinkets and masquerade masks. Interesting. The architecture is spectacular but there really isn't much to do. We are sort of taking it easy tonight and catching up on relaxation. Tomorrow we catch a train to Florence.
I have to say that I am getting a little tired of this traveling thing. Every new place is a new thing to get used to. Figuring out the light switches and toilets and faucets....
Be it ever so humble...

Planes, trains and automobiles - and boats

We ended up taking a ferry to Crete after the tour finished. We rented a car and drove to the south side of the island. There were a few wrong/missed turns but we eventually made it. We sat on the beach and ate some of our accumulated snacks. Dale went swimming again but I just couldn't face the cold water (although it might not be that cold to others). We then drove to the north side of the island to find a beach there. We found a sandy beach (the others were fairly rocky) and enjoyed the warm sun and surf there. We ferried back to Athens where we caught our flight to Rome.
We had a big "incident" trying to find our hotel. It seemed everything went wrong that day and by the end of the day I was tired and cold and so was the shower!! And they didn't have shampoo in the hotel. The next day was better. We took a bus to the Vatican and toured that on our own. We toured the Vatican Museum and it seemed to take forever to get to the Sisten Chapel. The ceiling was much different than I expected! We walked back to the hotel hitting different sites along the way. We had a wonderful dinner in a restaurant recommended by the hotel clerk. The next day we toured more sights throughout the city including the Colosseum and the Pantheon. More ruins! But the Pantheon was spectacular!
We were back at the hotels to pick up our baggage by 4 pm and headed to the airport for our 50 minute flight. We arrived at our hotel at 11:30 pm. It was a long day. We are just trying to figure out what to see now.
A few thoughts: In Rome, the buildings are all connected. There is only a space between buildings when there is a street. Cars are double parked all over the place (there are no parking lots). Traffic is unbelievable! Motorcycles just scoot in and out of traffic. Almost all the restaurants have tables on the sidewalks. Some of the streets are barely 2 cars wide and they have cars parked in them. The sidewalks, when they exist, are often very narrow.

November 5, 2010

Yesterday we went to a few places that I can neither pronounce or spell. Any guesses what we saw? More ruins. We saw the best preserved beehive tomb in Greece. We crossed over the Corinth Canal which is a man made canal that is 4 miles long. And again we were completely exhausted when we got back to the hotel.

This morning Jeff Galloway took us on a hike to a hill near our hotel. It was a spectacular view. I ran back and it felt great to run again. My big toe still hurts. We went into Athens shopping again and booked our trip to Crete. We are taking an overnight ferry there tomorrow night (Saturday) and arrive at 5:30 am. We will sleep on the ferry. Then we spend the day in Crete and take the overnight ferry back for our flight to Rome. I'm hoping the weather will be as nice as it has been the last week. It was another beautiful day. When we got home from the Plaka, we went for a dip in the Aegean Sea. Ok, I dipped my feet because it was cold, but Dale swam. Then we sat on the beach until the sun went down. Tonight we have our farewell dinner.

I have tried the moussaka here and I have to say that I prefer Leo's vegetarian moussaka. All the food is very tastey. We have tried most of the local dishes. I quite like their yogurt with honey.

We will miss the tour because it was so much fun getting to know the group and hearing about so many different running experiences. We sat with different people at almost every meal. Almost everyone was wearing their various running shirts from different races. I should have brought mine! It is going to be quite different from now on since we will be on our own.

Amby Burfoot

Ok, 2 words - Amby Burfoot. As if chatting it up with Jeff Galloway wasn't enough, my husband arranged for Amby Burfoot to sit next to me on the bus tour today. That was so great. We heard from Jeff Galloway, Amby Burfoot and Chris Tripp on the 3 hour bus trip to and from Delphi. This was the best day yet!

Oh, yeah, we saw MORE ruins.

November 2, 2010

Had a tough day on Monday with my sore toe. We went to Agora and then did some shopping in the Plaka. We were so tired when we got back that we shared an orange and went to bed.

Got up at 5 am today to do a boat cruise to 3 different islands. I'm glad we did it because I finally saw the Greece in the calendar in my office. On Hydra Island Dale went swimming. It was an overcast day so I decided to decline. On the last island, Aegean (?), we had a bus tour ending in a pistatio plant. It was another long day.

I need a run!

I Did It!

I finished in under 5 hours. Had a tough time but coming into the stadium was such an emotional experience. I am so glad I did this. I've fell fluish since and had to sit down before I collapsed. It is starting to subside. I'm hoping I'll feel up to dinner. I do have an extra 2 black toes, making a grand total of 5

There's a line up for the computer so I'll write more later.

Saturday, Oct 31, 2010

We drove the race route yesterday and it didn't seem too bad but our guide who has run it several times says its a tough course. There may be something I'm missing. We saw the stadium where we finish and it was awe inspiring. That is going to be so momentus.

We've met a lot of nice people. There is a contingent from Sherwood Park in Edmonton. There are 10 of them and they had jackets specially made for the trip. I'm so jealous!

Afterwards we went to Plaka - the market in downt0wn Athens. Dale and I didn't agree on our purpose for being there - first fight. I think I'm still tired and missing my coffee terribly! We fall to bed about 9 pm exhausted.

Today we're going to see the Acropolis(?) You'd think I'd know how to spell these things by now.

There seems to be a line up for the computer so gotta go.

We're here

We arrived safe and sound. No problems, though because of the weather bomb, many people still aren't here.

We caught up on sleep yesterday. Did a bit of a tour of the little town here. Ate at a little hole in the wall. Dale is really disappointed that there is so much English. He wishes I could feel as out of sorts as he did when he first arrived.

I shook Jeff Galloway's hand yesterday morning at breakfast. Are you jealous? This morning we did a 30 minute run together. Ok, there were 100 other people. We are just waiting to go to our first tour. They will be taking us on a tour of the running route and then shopping in Plaka. We will be going to the Running Expo this afternoon.

We were told that normally there are 3000 marathon participants but this year they capped it at 12, 500. This is the number of Athenian soldiers that were in the battle of Marathon.

The weather is cloudy and cold. About the same as home. They say it should warm up in the next couple of days.

We did manage to spend some time in Amsterdam. Boy there are a lot of bikes. That was more different than Greece is so far. Does that make sense?

Gotta go.

Sleep deprivation

My kingdom for some sleep! I think my mind goes faster as soon as I lie down. I haven't slept well in days. I run around like crazy trying to get ready. If I don't leave soon, I'll die from exhaustion.

Its Monday morning. I have everything together but the last minute stuff. We see Jennifer today for our final package. I try to get everything done at work today and then some personal grooming tonight. A relaxing run tomorrow morning with Wendy and we're off. Sounds too good to be true. We'll see how Dale plays along with it.

Still sick and not tapering so much

What a tough week.

I wanted to run when I got home from Vancouver on Thursday but my chest was hurting and I was completely exhausted. So I didn't. Tried to get to bed early but I get busy with details for the trip and next thing I know it's after 10. And then when I'm trying to sleep, I think of things to do or take and I have to get up and add it to the list in case I forget.

I didn't run Friday because I was going to run on Saturday morning. Plus I worked until after 7.

I had a wonderful time at the Fall Tune Up in Porpoise Bay. It was a small group of people running a 2 km route 3 times. Wendy picked me up and we went to Starbucks on the way up. It was mostly the "old" group of people which was fantastic. Great to see everyone. Wendy and I ran together the whole time. She pushing me, me pushing her, as it usually goes. We keep saying that it's too fast but we can't seem to slow down when we run together. I felt sick the entire time and my sinuses were killing me. By the end my legs were shakey and I was so glad to finish. But we did it. And we tied for first place in our age group (we were the only ones in our age group). So, I have my first first place ribbon :).

I decided to do one more run before I go so Wendy suggested we do an easy run at Cliff Gilker on Tuesday morning. I think it's a great idea because I'm sure I'll just be going nuts and it will be a good way to burn some nervous energy. Plus I get one more run with Wendy before I go.

Now I'm off to work for several hours. I'll be working Sunday as well. Tonight I'll do laundry and start working on the packing list. I'm hoping to be all ready to go Monday night. And I'm hoping Dale will co-operate ;).

3 sleeps until we leave. 8 sleeps until the race!

Sick and tapering

Well, I'm still sick. I tried to run a shorter tempo run last night but it was really difficult. My time was ok but I had to force myself the entire way. There was just no energy in my step. My lungs weren't too bad but I can feel it today.

I stayed up later than I wanted last night looking into Amsterdam and the flights. I booked our seats and found out that the Amsterdam airport is a 15 minute train ride to Amsterdam. So, we should be able to go in for a short tour while we are stopped over there.

I go for my Echocardiogram today. I'm sort of glad that I'm sick because maybe they will see what is wrong. If I were healthy, my "sickness" might not show. That probably doesn't make any sense. I hope I can get a run in when I get home.

I wish I weren't so stressed about the trip. I will be so happy once I'm at the airport and finally on my way.

6 days to go

If you're going through Hell...

..keep on going. Don't look back, keep on moving. You might get out 'fore the devil even knows you're there...

I was approaching the last big hill, it was probably about the 18 km mark. I had thought about calling home more than once. My lungs hurt when I took a deep breath which was imminent on a big hill like that. I hadn't slept well all week and my stress level about work, training, the trip and the delayed Thanksgiving dinner awaiting me at home was through the roof. For the last half hour I had been debating whether to call it a day on the basis of not overtraining and wearing myself into the ground or keep going because I need to complete my training in order to be fit enough for the race in 2 weeks.

And then this song came on and made the decision for me. I was going through hell and I should keep on going. I decided that physically I wasn't in that much pain. After all, I'd been through child birth and that, eventually, did end. So, the tough part must be mental. And I've been through much tougher stuff than this. Therefore, I could do this. And with the help of the song, I did.

Yeah, I do a lot of thinking while I run. Last week when I ran the 36 km, I was on such a high. I could easily have run another 5 km. Today, if I had had the energy, I would have been crying through half my run. I'm glad its over and the longest run I have until the marathon is 10 km.

The next two weeks will be tough. And I have to say that I will be glad when it is all over and I can rest. For a bit.

13 days to go

Taper road

Well, my last regular run. It didn't go so well. I'm tired and ready to taper. My runs this week went well. I ran with Wendy on Tuesday and we just did an easy run because we raced on the weekend and were tired. Wednesday I did my tempo run. It was my best time yet. And it should have been. I pushed really hard. Man, I was happy with that time. In June I did the run in over 41 minutes. This past Wednesday, I did it in just over 35 minutes. Great run but I guess it burned me out for today.

My last really long run is Sunday. It will be 23 km. And then I have to come home and cook Thanksgiving dinner for the kids. It's going to be a tough weekend.

Next week I taper off my runs and start to conserve energy for the race. I can't believe we leave in a week and a half.

15 days to go.

3 weeks to take off

Wow, we leave 3 weeks today! This is starting to feel real.

Did my tempo run last night then went to the gym and did circuit training by myself. I really pushed myself on the tempo run. I was really choked because the GPS on my phone failed, again. I knew I was doing well but I had no idea how well. Anyway, when I got home I fixed the map and I did about 5:30 minutes per km. My fastest time yet. I'm not sure where the energy came from but I sure had it last night.

My phone is starting to act up. It keeps going to voice control for no good reason. I think it might be the headphones so I'm going to try another pair.

Tonight we are taking Jim and Karen out to dinner so they can tell us what they have planned for our trip. I am soooo looking forward to it.

26 days to go!

One more long run to go

Well, I managed to complete over 33km. I avoided Lower Road in Roberts Creek because the hills to get back to the highway were really difficult. Not so much at the time but they wore me out so that finishing my long runs was difficult. So, without the huge hills, I fared much better. I wasn't completely spent this time. Although, the rest of the day was a wash.

Next week is a recovery week with 15 km and then I do 36 the weekend of the Royal Victoria Half. And I did my last hill repeats workout last week. Now I start on fartleks. Not sure how that will go.

And my iphone won't last more than 3 1/2 hours. Since the marathon will take me almost 5 hours, I'm going to have to come up with a solution.

30 KM

I did 30 KM yesterday. I started out about 2:30 and got home about 6:20. That includes stopping at Starbucks on the way home for a well deserved latte.

It was a tough one. I think it was tougher mentally than physically. My calves are slightly stiff this morning but that's it. It was about kilometer 18 that 30 km seemed undoable. Thoughts of cutting out this part of the planned route or did I have enough change for the bus kept creeping in my mind. And it was really tough to keep up thoughts of good form. I think the hills make it tough. I have been going down Lower Road and Beach Avenue for the first part of my run which only means a very long and steep hill to get out. Funny how after doing those big hills, the hills on the highway don't seem so steep now. And I was absolutely dreading running up Pratt Road at the very end but even that seemed almost flat most of the way. Its all perspective I guess.

Then my iphone quit at about 3 hours and 29 minutes. How am I going to do a 5 hour marathon if my iphone only lasts 3 1/2 hours? I'm going to have to work on that one. GPS worked fine the whole way though.

Then Ron, Dale's brother, phoned last night and was talking to me about running. He was on the cross country team in high school and was giving me advice and commending me for being so tough mentally. As I said earlier, I didn't feel so mentally tough but I did finish so I guess I am.

Only 2 more really long runs until I taper. That's something to look forward to. Next week 33 km and then I'll do rest week of 15 km before I do my longest run in Victoria. I'll be doing the half marathon, but I've mapped out a route of 14 km to run before the race starts. I'll have to be out at 7:00 am to get it in before the race time of 9:00 am. Won't that be fun! I'll be worn out before the race even starts :) I'm not expecting a PR.

40 days left!!

Hills

I did 6 hill repeats on Gibsons Way last night. The first couple of hills I thought they would be my last but it got better the more I did. It takes me so long to warm up! I think hills are tougher mentally than physically. My Achilles is still bothering me so I made an appointment with physio. I go next Tuesday. Hopefully they will give me some exercises that help. I've iced it the last two nights and I think it feels better even with just that.

44 days and counting

Wow, time is sure flying. I did a 15 k run this past weekend and was glad for the break. It is getting harder to venture out when faced with over 3 hours of running, walk breaks or not.

I'm back at circuit training and that feels good. My body is starting to get tired, though. Tonight's easy run was anything but. It takes me longer and longer to warm up to where I feel like I'm not struggling. I do a lot of hills and maybe that's not a good idea. I've got hill repeats tomorrow and I'm hoping I'll have what it takes. I need to do 6.

My achilles is acting up again. I cut my easy run short tonight because I was in constant pain. Nothing I can't live with but I just don't want to make it worse. I'll call physio in the morning but it will probably be weeks before I can get in. I think I'll go back to icing it.

I'm really stressed out right now with all the things I'm behind in. Work is super busy and when I'm not going to circuit training, I'm working 9 hour days but that could easily be 10 (if I had the time and didn't have to run. I should go in on the weekends but they are booked up too.
How long until Athens?

Long Time Away

Man, have I been busy. I've recovered from my illness but I"m still playing catch up. My running is fine but I want to get back to circuit training. I think that will help.

Less than 2 months away. I've run almost 24k. Today I'm attempting 27k. It gets harder and harder to find a decent route. I'm going to try eating a power bar on my run today and see how that works. I've updated my iphone so I'm hoping that helps with the GPS. It is cloudy and cool today which is good for a long run.

I'm a little panicky about getting the long runs in. My times are good, especially considering my recent illness. I just need to get in the distance. I think I'll concentrate on the core training after the marathon. There are so many things going on these days that are stressing me out. I'm glad I have my running back because it helps.

I want to congratulate Wendy on a great run. She did a half marathon in Reykjavik, Iceland and got a PR. I can't wait to hear all about it.

According to the calendar on my blog, it is 55 days to the marathon. Where does the time go?

Sick AGAIN!!!

What can I say. I just don't understand. Many, many people train a lot harder than I do. Last post I was saying how exhausted I was after each run. Well, I guess I was starting to get sick. I took Friday and Saturday off. You'd think that would be enough. I guess not since about half way through my run my lungs started to hurt again. But, as I was stuck out in the middle of nowhere, I had to finish the race. I've been trying to recover ever since. I was really sick on Monday and I cancelled paddling. It is Wednesday now and I'm not planning to run tonight so that will be 3 days in a row. I can't tell you how this is killing me. I can literally feel my muscles turning to mush!!!

But on the brighter side, I got another PR. My race was 2:08:56. That's 3 minutes faster than the last one. Of course, as I said before, this one was pancake flat. When I passed the 5 km mark my Iphone told me it was 30 minutes. I've never hit 30 minutes for 5 km in my life. Not even in a 5 km race! At 10 km I was at 60 minutes. Now, I wasn't even really trying. As I said before, I was out to get an even pace. My GPS didn't work right from the start so I was just going at the fastest pace I could comfortably go for the whole race. Of course after the 10 km mark I was thinking a PR was possible but tried to just keep the same pace. It was about then that my lungs started to hurt. But I kept at it and by the 15 km mark when I was just slightly behind pace I remembered that it was good to practice a strong finish. Any excuse to try for that PR. So I admit, I did push it the last few km's. Was I disappointed when the clock read 2:12:XX when I crossed the finish line. I survived the rest of the day and when I got home I checked my official time on the internet and it gave me the 2:08:56. Yeah for me!

I have to say that this not running is really bothering me and I hope I'm feeling well enough to run tomorrow. The hard part is that I actually feel fine and energetic but I can still feel that discomfort in my lungs so I know if I run, I will make it worse. Feel sorry for me, ok.

80 days to go. I hope I'll be ready.

Another busy week. I knew training for a marathon would be time consuming but I didn't realize how all consuming it would be. Could be my personality. I run 3 weekdays in a row and do circuit training afterwards on 2 of those. By the time I get home, make dinner, eat and clean up from dinner, I'm exhausted and just want to go to bed. Mondays during the summer I paddle so its the same thing. On Sundays when I do my long run, I sleep in because it is one of the few days I get to catch up on lost sleep (and getting enough sleep is important in training). Then I eat a good breakfast because I'll be running for several hours but then I have to wait quite awhile for breakfast to digest. By the time I get out to run its 11 or 12. Run for 2-3 hours, stretch, shower, eat and rest (because it is quite tiring running that long). Then its almost time for bed. Almost :). Throw in some races, trips to Calgary, volunteer commitments and my house is a mess. It has definitely been a learning experience. Oh well, 3 months and I get a life again, maybe.

I've been rethinking my training a lot these days and really haven't come up with a solution. I was completely exhausted this week after my sessions. I have a race tomorrow (Sunday) so I'm a little concerned. I should have tapered but I don't want to jeopardize my marathon training. There never seems to be a good time to take a few days off. I'm just going to use this race as a test. I'd like to try to run it a marathon pace to see how I do. I'm definitely not expecting a PR because I don't want to push myself that hard. It would take too much recovery time and may adversely affect my training. The race is in Ladner, which is flat, so it will be nice to run to see how I do without tons of hills.

I'm kind of embarrassed. Last week I set out from Sechelt on a 23 k jaunt. My GPS failed just after 12 k and, according to my run map, I swam to Naniamo and back about then. The end result was a 53 k run on my program. Which is sent to facebook. You see where I'm going, right? I had 5 facebook comments from friends and family saying "way to go". I, of course, went straight to work (as my home computer was still being fixed), and corrected the map with a result of 23.79 k for the day. However, this doesn't get corrected on facebook. I feel like a fraud. Although, common sense should have prevailed because there is no way I could have run that distance in the 2 hours and 45 minutes that it took me. According to my program I would have had to run a 3:06 km pace. Not likely in my lifetime.

So, where do I stand right now. I'm happy with my weight but wouldn't be upset if I lost a few more pounds. I'd be really happy to get rid of this little pot belly that I have. Core training seems to be a possible solution but finding the extra time doesn't seem likely at this point. I am also concerned about it wearing me out and my training suffering. Of course, it could do the opposite, it could increase my running economy and, therefore, make my training more effective. I would also like to increase the strength of my upper body. I guess basically I'm so happy with the results from running that I would like to be more fit all over and try a variety of sports. I guess my thoughts are that being an athlete is actually attainable. Six years ago I would never have considered it even possible for me to run a half marathon, let alone compete (or at least participate) in a triathlon. Now, I think that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I have accepted the fact that I may never be in the top ten but I have goals of getting out of the bottom half. And, oddly enough, I think time is on my side. The older I get, the less competion there will be (theoretically anyway). If I can keep this up for another 20 years, I may be in the top 10 of my age group (65-69) :) There can't possibly be that many competitors of that age. I may have to find a really small race....

84 days to go...

Its a long road

Wow, what a tough couple of weeks. No time to blog. I did my long run on July 18 but struggled at the end. The 2 little water bottles that fit in my belt just aren't enough for a 20k run. I've come up with a plan for refilling the bottles along the way so hopefully that will help. The week following, I was training for the Keats Swim. Just over a mile from Keats Island to Amours Beach in Gibsons. I was getting up early (slightly earlier than usual) to go to the pool for 6:30 am. Sweet that it is right beside my house. Anyway, I swam 90 laps on Monday (1800 m), paddled Monday night with a swim at our rest break, ran a tempo run Tuesday night followed by circuit training. Wednesday morning when I went to swim I was a little worn out. I only did 45 laps thinking that I probably should save something for the actual swim.

So Sea Cavalcade came along and I entered the mile race right before the parade. Looking at how I have run so far I was thinking I might be able to do it in 8 1/2 minutes, 8 if I'm really on. I am very pleased to say that I ran it in 7:25. I was third from last but I surpassed my expectations so I'm really happy about the results. Something to beat next year.:)

I was hoping for a spectacular time at the swim but I don't think I did much better that the last time I swam it when I wasn't fit at all. I guess I'm just a slow swimmer. Go figure. But I did it. I finished second to last on that one. I guess someone has to bring up the rear.

After the Keats Swim of just over an hour, I needed to do a long run. Just 15km this time, as per Denise. I wan't sure I would make it the full distance as the swim was quite taxing. I actually finished the run with energy to spare and I did it at about the same pace as my tempo runs. I kept thinking my GPS wasn't working but my pace gets slower when it isn't working, not faster. Don't know what that was all about but I hope to repeat. When I did the tempo run on Tuesday I struggled to do the 6:30 pace. Maybe because it was much later in the day than usual or the stress of the long hours at work or not getting enough sleep. I really hope next week goes better.

I would have liked to have gone back to the pool this week but I was so busy at work getting GST's done for the end of the month that I was getting up even earlier than I did to go swimming! I even missed my circuit training this week and am down a run. I am so looking forward to this weekend. Hopefully the long weekend will energize me and I can get back into the routine of training.

I have been thinking a lot about core training. I would really like to start as I think it would really help my overall posture and running. Plus I really would like to get rid of this pot belly. I'm not sure how I am going to go about it or when I will start. I will have to do some research into the best exercises. I would like to start doing Denise's DVD's but again, as with everything else, I'd have to try to fit it in.

Next weekend I am doing a half marathon in Ladner. I still haven't decided how to approach it. I would like to do it like a tempo run. If I could do it at the pace I did last weekend, I wouldn't get a PR but I'd be happy with the results.

Wahoo, 92 days and counting!!

What! No Feedback?

I was about 10 minutes into my run when I realized I turned off the little voice in my head. Well, actually, the little voice in my running program on my iphone. I decided to let it go and see how I do without the feedback every five minutes. It was a tough run. My legs were tired. I may have to rethink running 3 days in a row. Especially if the first 2 are hard runs. I think the feedback keeps me motivated. However, it may also give me an excuse to run slower. My goal was an easy 8.5 km run at about a 7:08 per km pace. I clocked an average 6:36 pace for 9.33 km. Can't say I'd have run UP Gibsons Way from North Road if I'd have known I had done my 8.5. I was tired at the end but glad I had run. Went to circuit training afterwards. I had a glass of fruit juice before I went and I think that helped with my energy level.

I went swimming this morning. I finally liked it. I forgot why I used to like to swim. The last few times I went I didn't get into that rythm where I feel I can swim forever. I found that today. Music would sure be sweet, though!

105 days to Athens

July 15, 2010

Well, I got to Davis Bay. I was quite tired but I stopped because my right calf was hurting and not getting any better and I was afraid of doing damage. The run was 17.5 km. Not what I was hoping for but good enough. I'll do another long one this week and then I start to alternate after that. I'm not going to get to run longer than the 42.2 km but all the literature says I'm not suppose to anyway.

I think the pain in my right calf was caused by the new Shape-Up runners that I've been wearing. I don't feel the extra work when I'm walking in them but they may be doing something. I've stopped wearing them for a week to see if the pain goes away. If it does and I start wearing them again and the pain comes back I'll know. The last 2 runs I have had the calf pain but not as bad as Sunday. Mind you, I didn't run as far.

I had a great run with Wendy on Tuesday. I felt great after we were done but we still had a decent pace for the Tempo run. Wendy suggested we try different routes so she came up with a new one for next Tuesday. I'm looking forward to it.

Last night was a good run. I did my second hill work out. I used Payne hill from Reed to Cemetery. I only did 3 repeats (it was all I could do anyway) but when I got home and read my schedule, I was suppose to do 5. Yikes! 107 days to go and I'm already behind! :)

I've also been feeling kinda PMSish. I'm thinking it is because my shot is due so I booked an appointment to get it Friday. Hope it helps. That and a new haircut and I should be ready to take on the world. Or at least the Gibsons Mile and the Keats Swim next week.

107 days to go!

Long time no log

Wow, time flies when you're busy! It feels like this is the first time that I'm able to take a breath. We spent the weekend in Vancouver the weekend of the Scotia Bank half. After much debate about logistics, I left work at 10:15 am the following Wednesday and we headed off to Calgary for the Canada Day "long" weekend. While the last thing I want to do these days is spend 10 hours in a vehicle, it was a very worth while trip. We saw most of Dale's family and they are just such wonderful people that it ALMOST negates the long trip. And I did get to run! I ran 3 days in Calgary. It is actually a very run friendly place. There are lots of paths throughout the city. And more than enough hills to keep it challenging. And the bonus is that I got to run one on one with Dale's niece who owns a fitness centre. I participated in her 9 am strength training class. I found out that I am not as fit as I led myself to believe. It was very challenging and I was sore for a few days afterwards (I haven't had sore muscles in ages). Then at 10 am there was no other participants for her usual run so I had her all to myself. I so enjoyed getting all that advice from an expert. And she is such an enthusiastic, encouraging person. Even without the advice, to run with Denise is fun and motivating.

So, after a long trip home on Sunday, a swim at the pool Monday morning followed by an evening paddle, 3 nights of running in 30 degrees and Friday night and all Saturday at the outrigger races, I finally get a few minutes to relax. Before my long run. It feels like its been a long haul and I'm looking forward to next weekend when all I have planned is a haircut. The house is showing neglect and I really need to catch up.

It should be interesting to see how my long run goes today. I've had some difficult runs lately and my busy schedule is starting to get to me. I'm hoping to do at least 14 miles today but I'm not going to push it. I'll try to run quite slow and see how far I get.

I'm going to take Denise's advice and revamp my training schedule to have a long run every other week. I'm also going to convert back to km because I'm no longer using a treadmill. Well, better get off and get ready for that long run.

Scotiabank Half - Another PB :)

I did great tempo runs last week. I shortened them to taper slightly because I was racing on Sunday. Thursday night's easy run felt like I had run the half marathon the day before. My legs were like lead from the start and never warmed up. I was a little concerned about Sunday.

In spite of my horrible Thursday run, I had a great run on Sunday. It was raining at the start of the race but I honestly couldn't tell you if or how long it continued to rain. A fellow coaster, Wendy, is also training for a big race and since we both had the same goal time of 2:15:00, we decided to run together. We spent the first half of the race chatting away even though we were doing a pretty good clip (for us). About 40 minutes in my GPS went crazy and by 1 hour it said we had run 95 miles. Needless to say, I had to do future pace calculations in my head. Not an easy task when the marker signs are in kilometers and I've trained in miles. We must have started to feel the mileage because the 2nd half of the race was much quieter. We really only talked during our walking breaks. There were quite a few times where I think I would have slowed down if I hadn't been running with Wendy. Especially the end where I think she booted it because we were passing people left, right and center. My chip time was 2:11:57 - over 4 minutes faster than the April Fools Run. And I didn't feel nearly as spent. It sure feels good when all the hard work pays off.

Tackling the bypass.

Another week has gone by. I missed last week's 16 mile run. I was scheduled to run on Sunday but about 3:00 am Sunday morning, I had Dale taking me to the hospital with severe cramps. It was probably food poisoning. I felt pretty rough all day and after losing 3-4 hours of sleep that night I just wasn't up for a run.

The good new is that I felt rested on Tuesday night when I went for a Tempo run and average under 9 minutes per mile for 4 miles. I did well on my Wednesday Tempo run averaging 9:30 per mile. And even though my Thursday run was an easy 5 miler, my pace was faster than the guideline I'm using. I'm pretty happy with my progress. I actually feel quite fit, though I am physically beat quite often. It's all the rest of life that gets in the way :)

A group from Vancouver came up today to map out a course for their September race. They invited our group to join them for a run. Their course was 20K or 26K but we could turn back at any time. I went expecting to do the 20K as my long run this week (which is suppose to be shorter since I'm racing next week). However, as it turned out, we walked most of the way. I headed back with a couple of other women about 45 minutes in thinking I'd be better of cutting my losses and doing my long run myself. My GPS registered 4.66 miles. So, I went home, had a power bar and glass of water, dropped the van off at the fire hall and started my run. I decided to try a different route so I ran to lower Gibsons, then along Marine Drive to the ferry terminal where I stopped to use the facilities. Then I ran up the bypass. I took it really slow but I did it with no problems at all. I continued on my way and ended up with over 8 miles at just under 12 minutes per mile. Now, I think that is a great time considering the long steep hill of the bypass. I'm actually quite proud of myself. I was hesitant to attempt the bypass at first but now I feel confident that I can attempt more challenging runs and still be able to do it in a timely fashion. I'll never be an elite but I'm happy just to improve.

I'm really looking forward to going to town to watch Samantha run her first race (without me). I'm looking forward to seeing the boys as well. The 6:20 ferry - not so much! Good luck tomorrow, Moo!

Still Training

I've had a very busy week. I only got in 4 runs last week because of other engagements. Hopefully, I will be able to keep most weeks at 5 runs.

My achilles started bothering me again. However, I was also starting to get sore feet and I was suddenly feeling a little twing in my right knee. I came to the conclusion that I need new shoes. I remembered that I bought a new pair to wear at the rec centre but since I'm only doing circuit training there now, they are still fairly new. What I failed to remember was that after about 1/2 and hour they started to hurt the front of my feet. So off I went on Sunday with my "newer" shoes and a 15 mile run. That didn't work out so well. My achilles and knee was fine but my feet were so sore that I could barely walk the rest of the day. I finished the run but new shoes are definately on my shopping list.

I think my tempo runs are getting easier. Well, perhaps not easier, maybe faster. I still work as hard but I do seem to be able to go faster than my target pace for the entire run. My GPS still isn't working well, so I'm going on familiar routes that I know where the mile markers are and target a certain time for those markers. I still keep thinking that this is the pace that I'm suppose to run the marathon at but I can barely keep up the pace for the 4 or 6 miles. I guess that's why I'm starting so early - to get more fit each week so that I can do it.

I've got a half marathon on June 27th. I'm hoping to beat my April Fool's Run time of 2:16:09. I think I can do it because I'm more fit and its mostly downhill (UBC to Stanley Park).

13.66

Yup, that's how many miles I ran today. And I felt good most of the way. The last few hills were a bit tough but I plodded through. And my pace was a speedy 11.13. My goal pace was 11.21 so I am quite happy with that. Dale dropped me off in Sechelt and I ran home. My GPS had a few glitches again and after 20 minutes at 10.68 miles, I had no idea how far I had run so I did a slight detour and added a bit of extra mileage. It all worked out and I'm looking forward to my 15 mile run next week :)

Ouch

Ok, my muscles are screaming at me. I did a 4 mile Tempo run on Tuesday and then went to circuit training class where she decided it was a good day to work our leg muscles. But, in spite of the fact that my thigh muscles hurt with every breath I took, I went out Wednesday for a 6 mile Tempo run. Now, Dale would have me explain that a Tempo run is a run at near my marathon race pace. I've sort of upped the ante by basing my training program on a 4 and a half hour marathon. I'm finding it difficult to keep up the Tempo pace for the whole 4 miles (never mind the 6 miles). But, in my defense, we do have a lot of hills in Gibsons. I would find it easier to keep the pace on a flat surface. However, the marathon in Athens has about 13 miles uphill in the middle of the run so I best just get used to hill. Train for your race.

After all that, 2 Tempo runs in a row, today was suppose to be my easy run day of 5 miles. Because it was an EASY day, I decided on a route that had some more hills than my Tempo route. This was fine except that the extra hill was at the beginning of the run and by mile 2.32 (according to the GPS on my phone) I was quite tired and, facing a long slow incline, couldn't seem to keep the pace up. Every 5 minutes my program chimes in with my mileage, time and pace. I was starting to get really discourage after about 45 minutes when I thought I just couldn't finish another mile and a half. I clued in to the fact that the GPS wasn't working properly when I heard for the third time that I had gone 4.19 miles. I finally stopped and did a slow jog home. I checked the computer and rerouted the map to my actual run and turns out that I did 5.95 miles. At TEMPO pace! No wonder it was so hard. That program I have is wonderful - when it works. That also explains why I barely made it through my circuit training class afterwards. This must be getting me in great shape, right?

Wahoo. Tomorrow is a rest day!! I have to do my long run on Saturday because I'm helping out at the drag races most of Sunday. I'm scheduled to do 13 miles - that's half a marathon. I think it will be a tough one but we'll see.

May Long

Well, I finished an 11.67 mile run today. It has been a tough week. I ran 5 times this week. I haven't done that for quite awhile. I don't think my body is all that happy with me. No aches and pains per se but I'm just tired. My calves have been talking to me during runs and they've never done that before. I guess it will get used to it after awhile and I'll just be so fit a 26 miler will seem like a walk in the park. :)

So yesterday we were on Vancouver Island and stayed over night in Chemainus. I went for a run and Dale rode his bike beside (behind) me. We only did 3.5 miles but ended up going through the town quite times. It is a pretty little town and I quite enjoyed the run even though my pace was slower than it should be.

Wednesday I was suppose to do a 6 mile Tempo run. It was pouring rain so I tried to do it on my treadmill. After about 15 minutes I was too tired to keep up the pace. I kept slowing down until I was at 5 miles an hour. I did an hour run and ended up only running just of 5 miles. It was quite disappointing but it might have just been that I worked too hard the day before. We'll see how it goes this week.

I'm proud of Samantha. She's entered a 5K race through work. Its on Father's Day and she is raising funds for Prostate Cancer.

Killer 10 miles

Ok, that was really tough. On more than one occasion I considered calling Dale for a ride. I also considered walking. And that was after only 6 miles. I think I was optimistic in my assessment of my fitness. But I did it. 10 and 1 the whole way. I don't think I could have finished if I didn't have the one minute walk breaks to look forward to.

I've got paddling tomorrow night and then tempo runs on Tues and Wed. I'm hoping those go okay. Next race is the Vancouver Half Marathon on June 27th from UBC to Stanley Park. That should be interesting. I'm hoping to do 2:10:00. We'll see.

The Aftermath

Wow. It doesn't stop when tax season is over. I haven't written in 2 weeks because I've been so busy. Ingrid, Diane and I did the Sun Run. Linda came with us but she got a shopping injury and was unable to run. We all got a PW (Personal Worst). But that's ok because we ran it together. It didn't seem like 90 minutes. We enjoyed each other's company and it was a great Swan Song run for Ingrid. I'm going to miss our Sun Run weekends.

As for my running, I'm trying to get back on schedule. At noon today I'm heading out for a 10 mile run. The tricky part seems to be keeping the right pace. I think I'll have to start getting creative with my running program.

I had a couple of days off work so I went into town to visit. I spent some time with Mom and Dad and had dinner at Garry Point with Janice and Susanne. I even managed to squeeze in lunch with Samantha before going home.

I was finally able to convince Dale to get a new computer. Our house looks like a tornado went through it as we rearranged the computer room. Add to the list of things to do.

Anyway, Monday is a new week and, hopefully, back to the routine that I love so much.

Tax Season is OVER!!!!

Wow - it's finally here. The end of tax season. Had a wonderful time at the end of tax season dinner at Chaster House. I had the duck and chocolate tart. I was so full! But it was delicious. My poem was well received, which is always nice. And it was just such a relief to have it over. Friday was very stressful, trying to get the last GST's done with all the interuptions.

I woke up today feeling really unwell. I had a sinus headache and was so tired but couldn't sleep in for the life of me. I did manage until 9 am, though. I felt hung over but I didn't drink last night. Maybe I ate too much. Anyway, couldn't muster up what I needed to go for a run. I had to catch the 12:20 to go to town for some much needed shopping. I felt lousy all day and was really glad that I was able to catch the 5:30 home. I will run tomorrow with the group. I guess I won't be making my 60 minute 10k but as long as I finish I will be happy. I hope I can get back into my routine really soon.

I can't see the countdown on my lame computer but according to my calculations, its 183 days to Athens.

April 28, 2010 - Getting Better

I'm feeling pretty good right now. Well, emotionally anyway. Monday, Tuesday and today I spent over 13 hours at work. I normally come home, eat something, then go to bed. Tonight I left early, 8:15 pm, and felt that I could get a short run in. I ran 2.5 miles in 31 minutes. The first mile I felt great! It was shortly after that that I realized that I'm not quite over whatever I had. My lungs started to hurt. Not too bad but enough to make me stop and think. Ok, I didn't stop but I did slow down a little. I'm home now and I'm still feeling it in my lungs but I feel great. I feel like going out for another run. But it is almost 10 pm and I still have a couple long days ahead. I found out I missed something else as well. My music. I only get to listen to it when I run and then only when I run alone. This illness has been very enlightening.

I'm under control at work so I can take a breath. Barring any major catastrophes, we should be able to finish fairly early, and by early I mean before 8 pm. Have I said how much I'm looking forward to Saturday?

Tax Season - 2 days left
Athens - 186 days left

Victory!

I ran today! It was slow and my sinus' hurt because I was breathing through my nose (I'm a mouth breather when I run) but I ran. For 48 minutes. Boy, did it feel good. My butt was sore from sitting at my desk so much. Afterwards, I went to work for 5 hours and now I'm exhausted but at least I know I can. I have so much to do at work that I don't know if I'll get out again before the weekend but at least I know I can if I can find the time. Well, I've got a poem to write. I am so looking forward to Saturday!

Tax Season - 5 days left
Athens Marathon - 189 days left

:(

Well, I tried running last night. I lasted 19:11 before my lungs hurt too much to continue. I felt well enough before I headed out but it didn't take long to feel the burn (in my lungs). I continued, hoping that it would subside or at least stay tolerable but, alas, I had to walk the rest of the way home. I have to say that I was terribly disappointed. It hurt to breath for the rest of the night so I went to bed at 9 pm. I am suffering today with uncomforable lungs but other than being a little tired, I'm doing fine. I just don't know what to do. I'm sure I can feel my muscles turning to fat as I type. Depending on how long this takes, it could put a real kink in my training schedule. I will try to take it as easy as I can and get lots of sleep. After tax season I'll deal with training.
It is getting pretty stressful at work. My time off really put us behind. That stress is not helping.

10 days left in tax season.
192 days to Athens.

Still sick

Ok, so the doctor said I literally ran my self into the ground. It is Saturday and I'm feeling alot better but I still get worn out when I do too much. Haven't exercised since Tuesday and I'm sure I've lost 20 pounds of muscle (if I had that much). I won't be running until Tuesday so not only do I feel like I'm letting my bosses down by missing work, I'm letting my friends down by not running with them tomorrow. I know, life isn't fair. And I should be grateful it wasn't more serious and I generally have my health and I will run again. I really don't know what I'd do if I couldn't run anymore. I hope I don't have to find out. Edith and I were discussing the fact that as I get older, the less people there are in my age group so in 20 years, I'll probably be in the top of my division. Now that's something to shoot for. A long term goal, if you will.

On another note, I'm reading this book "The Non-Runner's Guide to Marathon Training for Women". This woman, who seems to have never exercised before in her life, signed up for a Marathon to raise money for a cause close to her heart. She kept a journal and there are snippets of it in the book. She's very funny and very anti-running. I'm quite enjoying it and wish my journal entries were as amusing as hers. Oh well, my talents lie elsewhere.

13 days left in tax season
197 days until Athens

Being sick sucks

Remember that lung discomfort I was feeling after the run? I went to emergency on Tuesday night and the doctor thinks it might be walkin pnemonia. I've been in bed since. I tried to work today but now I feel worse. I feel terribly guilty because it is tax season and there is just piles of tax returns to do. And worse than that, I can feel all my muscle turning to fat! I don't think I'll be able to run for quite awhile. There goes all that training. But on the brighter side, I probably had it when I did the April Fools Run so if I was 100%, I probably would have done better! Ok, I can dream, can't I. I'm just killing a few minutes while I wait to go to the doctor. I am so tired but I just can't seem to sleep.

15 days left in tax season (and I'm not being any help).

April 12, 2010

Well, I sure had a busy weekend. Went to see Little Shop of Horrors at the local theatre and then appies at the Blackfish Pub afterwards. Worked all Saturday and the went to the Golf Club for the Fire Department Semi-Annual Dinner. Food was great and so was the company. I tried to get to bed early so I could get lots of sleep before the race the next day but came up a little short.

In spite of the busy weekend, I had a PR (personal record) for the half marathon. I beat my previous best of 2:20:22 at the April Fools Run in 2008. I finished this year in 2:16:09. I am whining though because my GPS says I ran 21.55 km. I had a great race. Edith was my pace bunny most of the way. Thanks Edith! I probably wouldn't have done so well without you. Shelly and Alyson did great as well. It was fun to have so many people I know running the race and on the sidelines cheering us on.

I was pretty tired for the rest of the day. My stomach was upset all day and my lungs felt funny. I'm going to lose a toenail but other than that I think I made out alright. My legs muscles are pretty sore today but I'm sure that won't last. I think I will just do a bit of time on the stationary bike and circuit training this week and get back into training on the weekend. Gotta beat that 60 minute mark at the Sun Run.

18 days left in tax season.

April 9, 2010

I had a good run last night. I did a good pace and if I can do that on Sunday, I think I'll get a decent time (for me). I now understand about this tapering thing. I have all this extra energy and I just want to use it up but I'm suppose to save it for the Race. I guess I don't have to worry about it now because my hours are pretty much taken up from now until the race. Tonight, right after work we are going to a play - Little Shop of Horrors. I'll be working tomorrow until package pick up and then I'll probably nap until it is time to go to the Fire Department "Semi" annual dinner. Home to bed and then race the next day.

If you want to "see me run", you can go to runkeeper.com/user/litze. It will show my progress in real time on a map. I haven't used it yet but I'd love to know how it works. I may have to send Tina out for a walk at lunch today to find out :)

22 days left in tax season.
206 days left to the marathon.

Race App

Got my race application today for the 2500th anniversary of the Athens Marathon. I'm pretty stoked about it. Can hardly wait to get it in the mail.

I've got the April Fools Run this Sunday, April 11th. It is a half marathon. I'm a little concerned about my achillies injury. It has been bothering me quite a bit lately, some days worse than others. I tried cross training on the bike and elliptical for a week but that didn't seem to do anything other than make it harder to run on Saturday. I'm hoping to get through this half without too much extra damage and then rest it a bit until the Sun Run. I'm hoping to get a 2:20 on Sunday but I think 2:30 might be more realistic. We'll See.

23 days left in tax season!!! :)