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July 31, 2007
Day 31
Run 31
4.5 miles
43.22
9.38 min/mile
Julyathon is done!
now I have to get some sleep ... cause I am running with D at 6.30am tomorrow ... I thought I was done?
Posted by Ali at 8:58 PM | Comments (5)
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Here are a few of my favourite non-running things ....
Lip Balm
I have at least 5 tubes and 6 pots of it, I can't get enough. When I am without it I feel there is something missing from my life, so I buy another. These two are my current favourites
Kiehl's Lip Balm
For colour, M-A-C Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 in coral
Mojitos
Mint, lime, sugar and rum ... what's not to love. They have to be made fresh, where the bartender actually sweats grinding the mint and lime.
Moules
Any and all seafood really, but if I was faced with the last meal ever decision, then I would have Moules as one of the courses, preferrably on a patio in the south of France.
iPOD
I realise you can't see the iPOD in this photo, but their brand is so strong that the white wires really give it away.
infomercials
Just set it and forget it! I can waste mindless hours watching someone demonstrate an item I have no use for and will never buy. Really who needs an oven just to make chicken?
Body Scrub
I don't know who invented this, but they should be sainted. My favourite is Bath and Body Works, Aromathearpy Sugar Scrub. I almost cry with delight when I use it. It's like every good thing that’s ever happened to anyone ever packaged in a jar. After you scrub and rinse, you are just left insanely soft skin. It’s almost illegal how good it makes you feel.
Music
These are my favourite albums at the moment. Mika, I love every song on the album, and Lucinda Williams, the song Are You All Right, makes me want to cry.
Flowers
Fresh flowers make me smile. It was difficult to pick one favourite, I really like gerbara daisies, actually I'm fond of all the daisies. But for the purposes of this list, I have choosen Peonies.
Chocolate
I could probably live without chocolate, I'd be bitchy and have no friends but could live. Living without it is probably easier since my favourite chocolate is hard to get a hold of. It resides in England where all the best chocolate lives. When some researcher linked chocolate to sex they were eating Galaxy.
Shoes
High Heels. This is probably the biggest change I have had to make since I started running. It took a long time, I held strong as long as possible. But I only wear them once a week at most now, rather than everyday. I'm beginning to tear up. I love shoes, more precisely high heels. They make me feel tall, and sexy like the supermodel I was meant to be. I go to shoe stores to visit them still.
Posted by Ali at 11:08 AM | Comments (7)
July 30, 2007
day 30
I have today off of work. The whole day. It's a me day. I can't even begin to describe the excitement this has brought to my life. The joy is beyond mere words.
Why?
For the last 30 days I have been woken up by the alarm clock. Either because I have to go to work or run. I am by nature a morning person, I don't tend to sleep in. The concept of sleeping til 11am is foreign to me. But there is something wonderfully sinfully delicious about just waking up, when you choose.
I feel asleep smiling last night at the thought. I awoke, smiling. No Fergie on the radio. No bargaining with my time to have just one more snooze. I felt refreshed. Awake. Then I turned and looked at the clock, 6.45am! Six. Fourty. Five. That's earlier than my alarm normally goes off.
Then the thought entered my head. The smile was gone. I have to run. I have to run 3 miles today. My anxiety level started to rise. When? When would I do it? It's going to be hot today, it already looked hot. I should do it now. I'm awake, it's the coolest it's going to be all day.
So up I got. I could say I got dressed and out I went. But really I sat on the sofa for 30 minutes, doing, well really nothing. No motivational thoughts. No contemplation of whether to do it or not. Just sat there, in some sort of zombie trance.
Finally I got out there. I realised during the first few steps of the run what the zombie trance was.
Fear.
Fear of how this run was going to feel. It did not feel good people. It felt bad. It felt hard. It felt like the most unnatural thing I have even attempted. My form looked similar to a 90 year old arthritic, who badly needed to get to a toilet. I hobbled, stuffled and limped my way through the first half. Then I turned around and started to head back. My back straightened, my stride lenghtened and my pace picked up. It started to feel okay. People stopped staring at me. As I got back home, I realized I could keep going.
Of course I didn't! I'm amazing not stupid.
Speaking of my amazingness. I can officially add 'inspirational' to my list of wonderful attributes, the list that makes people stop and ask complete strangers ... "why is she single".
Yes folks, I have inspired. Check out Jank's blog and sign up for Augustathon!
I'm like the white Oprah. Tomorrow I will be listing (note not giving away) my favourite things.
Posted by Ali at 9:15 AM | Comments (6)
July 29, 2007
day 29 ... and I still have this much to say?
My last thought before I fell asleep last night was, I really like Port Stanley runs, but they are challenging, those last few miles are always tough no matter what distance I’ve done. How are they going to feel on day 29 at the end of run 29?
The strange thing about this running everyday thing is what you don’t expect. I thought my legs would feel exhausted. They haven’t, they’ve been tight at the beginning of a morning run. They’ve been sore once or twice, but once I get the run in they are fine. I really thought my legs would be cursing me by now for attempting to run everyday. They seem to be, surprisingly, adjusting to the increased runs and mileage.
Today would test them. The test would come over 17.5 miles. The furthest they have run since the end of April.
A and I headed off a few minutes early. The weather was perfect at 7.45am. A few clouds, cool breeze and the temperature was still bearable. We ran a steady comfortable 10 min/mile pace for the first 3 miles. We didn’t stop at the first waterstop, we kept going another ½ mile to the truck stop to use washrooms. The luxury of indoor plumbing and air conditioning should used when and where you can find it on a long highway run. After the toilet break we only had a mile before the next waterstop. It was manned by D who had finished Ironman Lake Placid last weekend in 11.08. While we were filling up on water and gels, she told us about her run during the ironman, she wanted to complete it in less than 4 hours, she pulled out a 3.59.57. This is after all that other stuff.
We continued with a good pace for the next 6k, to the turn off the highway and onto the road to Port Stanley. We were faster than expected so the waterstop wasn’t there yet. A few other runners were waiting so we joined them. A few minutes later the waterstop arrived. Then it was off to tackle the first big hill of the day.
I have done this run 10 times before and only once have I made it all the way to the top of the first hill. Today, was the second. I felt strong, both my legs and lungs.
At the next waterstop G joined us. G is the happiest runner ever. I think he is on drugs. Really good drugs, that I want. He almost bounces when he runs. He is a fast runner, but for some reason decided to run with us. He told us stories of his quest to run a marathon in all 50 states, he has 19 to go, Denver in the fall is his next one. As he talked we naturally kept pace. After about 3k, I realized that this was my 5k race pace.
I needed to ditch G.
But he was so nice. He then tells us that he runs with someone different at each waterstop. Holy crap we had another 3k to the next waterstop. It’s funny when you are running with someone faster than you. They are more than willing to run at your pace, but you, at least me, tend to run faster. Maybe it’s so they won’t think I’m slow, or they push me just a little. You know what else is funny, how great I found Gs happy attitude at the beginning, but now that I was near death I wanted to slap G. Luckily for all, two guys came up and started talking to G, and off he went.
What not to do on a 17 miler … throw in a 5k race around mile 9.
I could really feel it in my legs. They felt a little tighter, a little tired. It was getting hotter out. The breeze and clouds had gone. I took a deep breath and keep going, the next waterstop was just around the corner. I really didn’t want to leave this waterstop. I wanted to make it my new home. Especially since the second big hill of the day was looming just ahead, 2k of wonderful uphillness.
We headed out, there were lots of other runners about now. There were about 150 doing the run today. We all start at different times, but the goal is to finish at 11.15am.
Halfway up the hill were the sponge girls. Sent from heaven. Actually, they are the daughters of a runner. They had two large buckets of ice water and sponges. We stopped and drenched ourselves. It was the most wonderful feeling ever. Only 1k more of this *&#@ hill. Then it was 4k downhill to the beach.
The last 2k were tough. I was hot and tired. The uphill and downhill kill my legs. A had picked up the pace and was up ahead, I kept her insight, knowing that this would soon be over. As we came into Port Stanley something wonderful happened.
The bridge was up!
We had to stop!
Damn it. I was so enjoying this.
About 30 runners were forced to stop and wait 5ish minutes while the bridge lifted and lowered. Just enough time to regain some energy. J had caught up to me. We ran the last km in together. I’m running in with the strickler, people will think I’m really fast.
As we made our way down to the beach, I glanced to my left. My dad was running along beside us on the sidewalk. I think his 70 year old legs could have taken me no problem in a sprint finish.
Run 29 is officially in the books. 17.5 miles in just over 3 hours 25 minutes, which included 5 waterstops, 2 toilet breaks, a 5k race, sponge bath, bridge stoppage and a sprint with Dad!
Posted by Ali at 6:36 PM | Comments (6)
July 28, 2007
27 and 28
I got run 27 in during my lunch hour on Friday. Then met the group this morning for run 28. It was surprisingly hot this morning. When I arrived at the market the temperatures felt comfortable, but after the first km I was sweating. By the end of the run I was dripping. Literally dripping. I kept looking up to see if I was standing under a leak or something. It was actually my sweat dripping off my head and hitting my arms and legs. Disgusting.
The heat has me worried for tomorrows long run. It's our first of our 3 annual runs to Port Stanley. I love these runs they are the best ever. From downtown to the beach at Port Stanley it is 26 miles. You can start anywhere along the way depending on the distance you want to do. I am running 17.5 miles. Our coach and local running store organize the run, so there are waterstops ever 3-4k. When you arrive in Port Stanley everyone jumps in the water, then heads over to the beach bar for some lunch and drinks.
I'm hoping it's not too hot tomorrow and I survive run 29!
Posted by Ali at 7:57 PM | Comments (4)
July 26, 2007
day 26
Have you ever ... not been able to get asleep, then not been able to get up when the alarm goes off, or after the third snooze? Dragged yourself to work, hoping you would wake up, that the coffee will perform miracles? Then meet a couple friends for lunch, but you are late, cause that's just how your day is going. While waiting for you they take the liberty of ordering you a large glass of wine. Due to them being such wonderful friends and your constant people pleasing tendencies you down the wine, even though you wouldn't of ordered it. Have you ever ... had a glass of wine at lunchtime when you are really tired and spend the rest of the afternoon with you face on the desk.
That was the beginning of day 26.
I can't even begin to the describe how exciting the propect of a run was at the end of day. Crawl into bed and sleep ... go out in the heat and run. hmmm
I ran.
We did a timed tempo instead of distance tonight which I really liked. The group starts together and you run for 34 minutes, turn around where ever you are, then you have to get back to the start in 30 minutes. It was a lot of fun, and I got to run with D!
The run gave me some energy and I feel better than before ... so I'll probably be awake til 2am and have to hit snooze 14 times in the morning.
only 5 runs left to do in Julyathon ... Jeff thinks we should extend it to Augustathalon ... Jeff is crazy .. what do you think?
Posted by Ali at 9:18 PM | Comments (11)
July 25, 2007
24 and 25
Last night we did parloff relays at speedwork. The track is 400m around a football field. You do a 200m sprint, hand off to your partner, they do the next 200m and you run across the field so they can off to you ... then do it all over again ... and again ... for 25 minutes. The first 10 laps felt great, then suddenly the trip across the field seem tougher and your partner seems to be there a lot soon!
It was a great workout, I did a total of 14 x 200m. It made a nice change, it was kinda mindless, you just ran.
Then I was up again this morning for run 25. I did the 5k route from home. Julyathon is changing how I think and feel about running. I don't really think about it, I know i have to do it, so I just do. If it feels bad I slow down rather than stop and decide to forget the run. I think I am really liking Julyathon today.
I had the rest of the day off so me and bff Mary did a little retail therapy across the border. Purchases included a new pair of Adidas flip flops with memory foam (like the mattress) they are heaven. Time to change and head off to BBQ and pool party and N and Gs!
Posted by Ali at 4:59 PM | Comments (4)
July 24, 2007
when prays are answered ...
Look who wants to be my Facebook friend
I really wasn't feeling the whole Facebook thing ... until today ... I've told my bff Mary that she's been replaced.
Posted by Ali at 9:55 AM | Comments (11)
July 23, 2007
day 23
Paramount have put an end to my trip down memory lane. They shut down the Top Gun clip. Bad big multi-million-dollar media corporation. It could possibly be Iceman, like Vanilla suggested, he could of eaten the clip?
I really hope that the last couple of decades have been kinder to Slider. It would just be my luck to bump into him in my local bar. He'd be there cause he is an avid reader of the blog and of course is powerless to my charms. Imagine the embrassment if he had a mullet, beer belly, tufts of shoulder hair poking out from his wifebeater, the rest of him cramed into a pair of tight 80's jeans. I've already put it out there that I had a connection. I'm too nice to tell him I'm not interested, so I'd probably end up marrying him just to avoid a difficult conversation.
Then he'd try to restart his career with an appearance on Dancing with the Stars. Hook up with Lisa Rinna get addicted to fake tan and leave me.
No good can come of this blog!
Slider if you are reading this, it's over.
I got run 23 in after work. It was definitely a recovery run, it weren't easy that's for sure. But I got it in without a second thought. I think my brain is beginning to reprogram itself.
Here's a pic of my war wound from yesterday plastered with polysporin ... enjoy
Posted by Ali at 7:03 PM | Comments (7)
July 22, 2007
day 22
If there was a Noble Prize for Running, I think I should totally get it. You might be thinking "why should you get it, I run", well shame on you, I thought of it so it obviously should be me. If you are still a doubting thomas, I have compiled a top ten list to both sway and impress you.
10. On day 22 of Julyathon, I pulled out a 16 miler. Said 16 miler was the best run so far in Julyathon
9. I overcame physical injury. Somewhere around mile 5, I dragged K onto the trail assuring her it would be fun and perfectly safe. Shortly after uttering these words I connected with a root and went airbourne. I took the first few layers of skin off half my right calf.
8. I induce emotion in other runners. After the trail incident, I ran for another 7 miles with the blood pour down my leg, just to provoke sympathy.
7. I'm unaided and follow a strick no-doping policy. Nothing enhancing my performance, exempt my natural tendency to exaggerate. I have been drug free for almost 22 days. I had to take 2 ibuprofens during the imflamed IT band saga. Completely legit.
6. I am living proof that you do not need brains to prevail. You don't need to be a know it all, you can accomplish greatness with simply a know it all attitude and great hair.
5. Runners will be the new Rockstars ... I smell a reality show. I could make Noble Prize winning hip and happening. Seriously, do you ever see an NPW on the cover of US or People? Yeah, NO. I would do this. I would hang with other famous folks. Have an entourage. Be seen where it's cool to be seen carrying my NP trophy. Think of the publicity the NP committe would receive. I'd even be open to adopting a child from Kenya or having Mr McConaugheys ... all for the cause of course.
4. I'm tech savvy ... I have a blog
3. It totally won't change me. Okay it would, but I would hide the change and look nothing but humble and astonished when I'm mingling with the regular (not as special as me) people.
2. I'd team up with Bono and have a Get Your Noble Prize On Rock'n Marathon to benefit his (RED) campaign. The race shirts will be so cute. All the running celebrities would have to participate, and mingle with the non-celebrity runners ... like you guys ... obviously not me ... cause well I'll be famous (see 5)
1. Twenty Two days. Twenty. Two. Days. In. A. Row!
HOLLA!
Posted by Ali at 2:25 PM | Comments (8)
July 21, 2007
day 21
A side affect with all this running is tiredness.
I've had a really busy week with work, where they actually have expectations of me. I don't think they get this monumental challenge I've undertaken, running every day. I tried to go part time without anyone noticing but that didn't fly. So I put in a full week, even starting at an obscene time yesterday so I could leave early. I'm booking my glamour shot for the employee of the month wall.
So, work, running and a few too many late nights with friends makes for a very tired Ali on Friday night.
Last night, I got my run in I came home, showered and got ready to head downtown. As I was sitting on the world most comfortable sofa, I wished I was in a happy little relationships. Then I could put on my comfy clothes, order take out and watch a movie. But, I'm single, so I will be social. I will get out there and mingle with the potentials, so I don't end up an old cat lady.
After the mingling, some drinking and a few hours of sleeping it was time to run again. Does this ever get boring! Met up with the group, I got a very lovely 6k in to make 21 runs in a row. I ran most of it with C the hooter, who as you would expect is a hoot! She entertained me for the whole run with her stories. I love running with people! I will never end up a sad old women who only talks to her 37 cats as long as I have running buddies.
With run 21 done. It was time for fun. My friend L and I headed to the beach. L is great, she makes me feel low maintainence. Something that no mere mortal can do. L is one of those girls that goes to the cottage, only to find there is no phone, tv, computer or radio ... so walks 5 miles in heels to get cell phone reception to call for evacuation. True story.
As we lay there, L with her olive skin bronzing beautifully and me with my fair irish skin freckling and frying, my world became a wonderful place. My favourite scene from the pre-crazy- cruise days was unfolding right in front of us.
A beach volleyball tournament. We had front row lounge chairs. Sigh!
I always liked Goose, but watching this clip again I feel a real connection to Iceman's partner ... although I can't remember what his call sign was ... minor issue ... I doubt that what he'll want me to call him in person ...
Posted by Ali at 6:44 PM | Comments (4)
July 20, 2007
day 20
Run number 20 was 6 miles after work tonight.
It was good! So much better than yesterday.
Time to shower and head out for a few drinks!
Posted by Ali at 5:50 PM | Comments (2)
July 19, 2007
9 nee nee ne 19
All your encouraging words motivate me, get me out the door and keep me clocking up the runs. You guys are awesome ....
However, they did squat for me today.
The good news is I got it in, but, it was by far the worst run in Julyathon history. It sucked. I don't know why, maybe it was just one of those days. The first km was okay, but then my stride shortened, my turnover went to almost none existant. If I didn't lean forward I would of been running (I use this term loosely) in place.
Here is my list of probable causes for the diasaster that was 19.
I walked alot yesterday in a really cute, but high pair of heels
I had a massage, and ultra sound on my achilles
Had friends over for dinner and drank a couple glasses of white wine
Didn't get to bed til after midnight
19 was a morning run
I'm really tired
It was my fourth run this week by myself
I hate running alone
Before Julyathon I ran maybe once a month alone
My legs are made of lead
I'm being tested for rebelling against the higher power
B*tch slapped for the ... hell ya!
ARRGGGGHHHH! It's so frustrating. The next run, 20, is bound to be better, it really, really can't be any worse!
Posted by Ali at 9:12 AM | Comments (5)
July 18, 2007
day 17 ... then 18
Last night I saw the first real benefit from Julyathon.
We had an easy speedwork scheduled. It was raining. It was cool. It was windy. I had a million things to get done other than run. I was tired.
Pre-Julyathon Ali, would of taken all of this as a sign from a higher power.
A sign that she was not meant to run. Without arguement or question, she would have accepted it and not run. Then today would be to hot, Thursday I'll be busy and Friday, well that's a rest day. Next thing you know I haven't run all week.
But that was Pre-Julyathon Ali
Day 17
5k speedwork
2k warm up/cool down
3 x 1000k intervals (5.10, 5.08, 5.11)
I got up this morning and got the 18th run in a row done. The 18th was a bit like Let's Make a Deal!
Get up. If you get up and dressed and don't want to do this you can go back to bed.
Go outside and stretch, if you don't want to do this you can go back to bed.
Let's walk to the corner, if you don't want to run you don't have to.
If you run we can buy lunch.
If I keep running you can take the shortcut.
If you run passed the shortcut and take the long route, you can walk the last 600m to cool down
Okay, 600m to go, let's run for 2 more minutes.
Yeah 2 minutes done, oh there the stop sign just ahead, let's make it to there.
Mind games ...
The dark cloude called 14.5 miles has lifted and I am back in my happy place once again. Today I feel great, no aches, no pains, just 18 runs in a row .. .hell ya!
Posted by Ali at 8:51 AM | Comments (8)
July 16, 2007
day 16
You'll never guess what I did tonight. Go on have a guess. I'll give you a clue. It involved pain, suffer, mental tourment, relief and a rather large sense of achievement.
If you said, I ran, then you win. You will receive something very special tomorrow so make sure you check your mailbox!
I got a very slow 5k run in after work. Run 16 done.
The strange thing about this little indeavour is how time consuming it is. Not the running itself. The additional runs I've added are only taking 30 - 45 minutes. It's all the other stuff that goes with it. My whole life revolves running. Everyday. Like tonight, I didn't run this morning because I couldn't put myself through the complete and utter agony of it first thing in the morning. The thought of swimming briefly entered my head but I got rid of that with a quick slam of the snooze. Then off to work. Where I actually had to work, since I left early two days last week to do something, hmmm what was that, oh yeah, RUN!
I had to come home after work to change, since I snoozed through the time I alotted to pack a bag. Then I had to decide where I was going to run. This may not seem like a major consideration. But, trust me it is. I am sore and tired, so the route has to be flat, preferably downhill all the way, even if I'm doing an out and back. It's hot, so I need shade, cause I'm a flower and wilt in the heat. Lastly, I don't want to run on roads, sidewalks or near roads with lots of traffic.
The only route that met all the requirements was the park. So I had a 15 minute drive there. Then 5 minutes of talking myself into running. The run itself. The stretching. The 15 minute drive to the gym. A 30 minute upper body weight workout. Then some grocery shopping. Due to my 'not in a happy place' day yesterday nothing got done. Finally home at 7.30pm. Now I have to unpack groceries, make dinner and eat. Then the fun begins. Laundry. I do laundry all the time. It's a full time friggin job.
Being me is totally exhausting. I don't mean to sound high maintence. I am as high to maintain and needy as they come, but I just don't like to sound like I am.
Posted by Ali at 7:51 PM | Comments (5)
July 15, 2007
what was I thinking?
What was I thinking?
What was I thinking 16 days ago?
Why would I think running every day for 31 days would be a great idea?
I know I had logical reasons for doing it. At this moment I don't really see the logic. I am actually thinking I was unstable, or drunk maybe even temporarily insane. Now, I am stable, as long as I don't try and walk or stand. I am not drunk and have all my witts about me. I am seeing clearly, and what I see is this is crazy!
I am not in my happy place.
I would like to be in my happy place, but I can't move. I am here, in purgatory also known as day 15.
So what happened? 14.5 miles happened.
The run today was good. The longest I've done almost 3 months. Neither hard or easy. My right achilles and calf were really tight for the first 4 miles. Like a metal rod had replaced tendon. When we stopped for water I stretched it out for a few minutes. That did the trick and it didn't bother me for the rest of the run. We picked up the pace after the waterstop until the turnaround around 7 miles. Then we had a mile of downhill so the pace went up again.
The coach suggested this morning that we run a couple miles in the last 1/3 of the run at our marathon pace. Why today we decided to start listening to him I'll never know, but we did. So from mile 8 to 11 we did marathon pace. I'm not sure who's marathon pace it was, but it wasn't mine and it wasn't Ps. We were about 30-40 seconds faster per mile than we should of been. You could interpret it as we should be changing our goal marathon time. Or more realistically, that we have no pace control. I am tending to lean towards the latter, since the last three miles were really tough.
Between the 3 miles at 10k pace and stopping to chat to two other runners who had just got back from a tour of Ireland. We were stopped for about 10 minutes. Every muscle in my legs had seized. P got me through the last 3 miles. Keeping me going when I didn't want to. Making run up every hill, when I didn't want to. Getting me to the end, even when she was struggling.
We made it back to the park. Runners were stretching all over the grass. Happy runners. Runners who obviously aren't working hard enough.
I stretched. That's when I realised I was aching from head to toe. I couldn't wait to get home and shower and crawl into bed. I slept for a couple hours. I am feeling alot better tonight, not as sore as I was after the run.
The thought of running tomorrow still doesn't seem appealling. The number 16 sounds more like torture than accomplishment.
Then I get a wonderful email from N, which makes me smile and I know that tomorrow ... I am going to do it.
Posted by Ali at 9:46 PM | Comments (6)
Julyathon - week two
| Ali's Running Log | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Distance | Time / Pace | Workout | Weather | ||
| 09 Jul | 3 Miles | 00:32:25 10:48 / M | Training Run Home 5k, everything hurt |  26° |
||
| 10 Jul | 2 Miles | 00:22:00 11:00 / M | warmup/cooldown Track |  39° |
||
| 10 Jul | 00:04:22 5:27 / k |
Intervals 800m 1 Track | |
|||
| 10 Jul | 00:04:19 5:23 / k |
Intervals 800m 2 Track | |
|||
| 10 Jul | 00:04:21 5:26 / k |
Intervals 800m 3 Track | |
|||
| 10 Jul | 00:04:20 5:25 / k |
Intervals 800m 4 Track | |
|||
| 10 Jul | 00:04:22 5:27 / k |
Intervals 800m 5 Track | |
|||
| 11 Jul | 6.73 Km | 00:39:55 5:55 / k | Training Run Saturn, from work | 24° |
||
| 12 Jul | 7.50 Miles | 01:12:00 9:36 / M | Tempo Gibbons South | 22° |
||
| 13 Jul | 5 Km | 00:30:44 6:08 / k | Training Run Guy Lombardo | 22° |
||
| 14 Jul | 5 Km | 00:29:33 5:54 / k | Training Run Market, labatt | 15° |
||
| 15 Jul | 14.50 Miles | 02:41:00 11:06 / M | Long Run Gibbons South, boler - last 3 miles really hard |
24 |
||
for a grand total of 64.49 km (40 miles) ... my highest mileage week ever
Posted by Ali at 12:24 PM | Comments (5)
July 14, 2007
13 then 14
When I started Julyathon, I was positive that running before work would not be a problem. I like morning running. But what I've learned is, I can't jump out of bed and run. I need to be awake and walk around for a while to allow some kinda circulation to happen.
If I run at 6.15 ... I need to wake up ... and get up ... at 5.30am. That's just not happening. What is happening is the alarm going off and me listing reasons why I should hit snooze just one more time. I list very convincing reasons.
I got run 13 in yesterday afternoon. Since I didn't do in before work and I was going out for Friday drinks at 5.30 I had to leave work mid-afternoon to fit in my 5k.
The sacrificies I make!
Run 13
Distance: 5k
Time: 33 minutes
Tired, legs and me from start to finish
Next week I am going to have to work on scheduling runs, life and work.
Run 14
Distance: 5k
Time: 29.44 minutes
better than yesterday, faster pace due to running through pitbull land
I am having a lazy day of doing nothing but preparing for tomorrow's long run (14 miles).
Posted by Ali at 12:28 PM | Comments (2)
July 13, 2007
fabulous darlings
We had a tempo run last night, which was nothing short of fabulous!
Why so fabulous?
Well it could have been the perfect weather, or that 12 is my lucky number, or maybe using both insoles ... but let's just say it was totally me!
Yes moi!
I really didn’t think I could be great at anything else. I mean really. To bless one person with this many incredible attributes, qualities and talents, seems wrong. Well maybe not wrong, maybe deserved is a better word.
I think everyone has something to offer, initially I thought my offering was sparkling wit laced with cutting dry sarcasm. Imagine my surprise when I ended up cute, so innocently adorable that wrapping people round my finger became second nature. Caring and considerate to a fault, when it suits me. I am also blonde with rather large breasts, can we say male manipulation.
All this, plus great hair and being Irish. Seriously it just doesn’t seem fair; if I wasn’t so incredibly humble I’d be telling the world.
Now on top of the perfection sundae we have bloody fabulous runner!
This will probably make no sense to anyone ... so just bare with my babblings or skip down to the next part.
During a run we always set a goal location, that's where the water break will be (even if there is no water to be breaking for). But last night there was no we, just a me. So when I got to the location, I thought I don't really need to stop. This is the part that won't make any sense to most. I have never thought that before. I don't mean I have always needed to stop. No, I haven't. But I've never evaluated how I felt before and decided I didn't need to stop. We have always just stopped. I blame D, he likes to ding the ring on the anchor. If there hadn't been 3 years of ring dinging, I would probably be an elite athlete by now.
Anyway I ran all the way back, minus a quick drink at the water fountain and answer the "how far you running?" question from the guy on the park bench. He was amazed when I told him, actually I could of told him anything, he seemed amazed at life in general.
I felt great all the way and when I was done. I could say that the 11 previous runs are making me stronger and that's the reason, but I don't think it is. I think it's mental. I think I stop cause well that's what I always done.
Here ends the babbling ... but that's all I got, so click here for vanilla's take on marketing
Posted by Ali at 10:09 AM | Comments (9)
July 12, 2007
coming to america
My favourite sport to watch is football ... futbol ... (aka soccer). Live, in a stadium, on the TV or in a pub. It is incredibly popular everywhere else in the world except N America
... that is until now ... Becks arrives today
I tried to find a pic of Becks in his new LA Galaxy uniform ... but this is all I could find :)
Run 12 tonight, a tempo run with the group.
Posted by Ali at 2:56 PM | Comments (4)
July 11, 2007
this is ...
why I should of got out of bed this morning ...
I have absolutely no interest what so ever in running this afternoon.
** UPDATE **
We have an 11. I just finished 6.73 ks. No one at worked even noticed my disappearance.
I thought getting the run in, even when I really, really didn't want too would be the best feeling .... but the best feeling was getting back and finding not one but two emails and a voicemail from the greatest of the great, that awesome hipster telling me I could do it and not to give up.
It doesn' t get better than that!
Posted by Ali at 3:25 PM | Comments (9)
untitled - 10/31
I'm pondering what to call this posting, it should be titled something catchy like “I’m totally the bestest runner, ever” or “Ah, bed, I can not leave you ”.
Anyhoo ... an action-packed entry, is what I’m trying to say. So get excited.
Firstly, Ali got to have a life, the 35 hours of not running rocked. It was just like the good old days pre-July. We went out for dinner and drinks, then caught Oceans 13. All this plus I didn't have to get up and run so I slept in til 7am. I know, how much do you wish you were me! All the life having, completely revitalized me for run number 10.
The world's greatest running store had organized a demo at the track to try some Pearl Izumi shoes. I don't know much about their shoes, but have heard many thought on their marketing campaign. The target market for the campaign seems to be 'faster' runners. What was interesting about the demo is who actually tried and tested the shoes. It wasn't their target market. In fact, most of those PI categorize as 'runners' didn't test the shoes. Then again, maybe showing up in 40 degree temperatures to run 800s on a outdoor track upgrades everyone from jogger to runner status.
The intervals turned out better than I thought.
4.22, 4.19, 4.21, 4.20 and 4.24
I had a brain short circuit while trying to do the math on lap 3. For some reason I calculated that 800 at 4.20 would equate to a 6.30 km. I had myself convinced of it. So the last two I was thinking this is a hell of a lot of effort for something slower than my long run pace. It wasn't till I got home and plugged the numbers in that I realized I was running about 5.30/km.
Some days it surprises me I'm able to hold down a job.
Run number 11 is still to happen. I could not get out of bed this morning. I could not. Just. Could. Not. Do. It. I brought my stuff to work and will get 4 miles in this afternoon.
Then, tonight, there will be steak, I have found me a bbq and a bbqer!
Posted by Ali at 12:08 PM | Comments (5)
July 9, 2007
*&@# ...
The ninth was so difficult.
It was so hard to get out of bed at 6 am to run. I thought once I was up and dressed it would get better.
It didn't.
My feet hurt. I think every bone is broken.
I walked out of my building and kept walking for 5 minutes. I kept saying I'm going to start running now, and nothing would happen.
Finally I started. I remember this moment vividly. It felt like my legs were going to shatter into a million little pieces. It took 6.23 minutes for this feeling to pass or for me to go into shock and surpress the agony.
I don't have to run for 34 hours, I'm so happy I could cry.
Posted by Ali at 8:56 AM | Comments (5)
July 8, 2007
on the eight day ...
While being single has many wonderful aspects, freedom, independence, eating peanut butter from the jar and having the whole bed to yourself, it does have it’s obvious drawbacks.
Like someone to do the BBQing. I had a sudden craving for steak last night. Yes, I could of done it myself, except I don’t have one crucial piece of equipment, a BBQ. But even if I had a BBQ, doing it yourself is just not the same. Kinda like the second draw back.
My deodorant ran out this morning. I knew there was a spare in a gym bag somewhere. I found one in the other bathroom, it was a men’s speed stick. Probably left behind by skaterboy or great job guy, or maybe I need another mother. Not that I’m running a B & B with a one-night special. They have all been invited long term guests, now I’m justifying … okay .. the speed stick.
Anyway, when I opened it, the scent was heavenly, in a hunky male smell way. It’s 6.30 am, I’m a single gal inhaling male deodorant staring at an empty bed. Maybe it was the speedstick buzz, or all that sweat and lycra in the tour, but it’s times like theses that the whole peanut butter from the jar thing doesn’t do it.
So with nothing to keep me at home, I joined the group for a long run. It took a while for my legs to get comfortable. They weren’t heavy or sore, just tight. The pace was about 45-60 secs/mile faster than my normal long run pace. Mentally I want to slow down, cause I don’t think I can sustain a 9.30 min/mile for 12 miles. But physically I felt good, so I think I should just keep going, maybe that’s how people get faster?
We altered the route slightly, so we wouldn’t have to run on the main shadeless road, and added a 2 mile loop of another park at the end. The heat made the last couple miles tough.
My average pace at the end was 10.20 which included 3 waterbreaks and a bit (quite a lot) of walking in mile 10. But honestly I really expected to be more exhausted after 8 days in a row.
Posted by Ali at 6:16 PM | Comments (5)
Julyathon - week one
Here's how the first week in Julyathon looked.
| Ali's Running Log | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Distance | Time / Pace | Workout | Weather | |||
| 02 Jul 07 | 3.00 Miles | 00:30:00 10:00 / M | recovery run , Ottawa | 12° | |||
| 03 Jul 07 | 5.00 Miles | 00:54:00 10:48 / M | Intervals Gibbons, grass fartleks and hills | 24° | |||
| 04 Jul 07 | 5.70 Km | 00:34:55 6:07 / k | Training Run home to gym, easy run felt good |  18° | |||
| 05 Jul 07 | 5.70 Miles | 01:01:11 10:44 / M | Tempo Gibbons, shitty run | 28° | |||
| 06 Jul 07 | 6.00 Km | 00:36:12 6:02 / k | Training Run Guy Lombardo, to the dam | 24° | |||
| 07 Jul 07 | 5.00 Km | 00:30:19 6:03 / k | Training Run Market, N Gibbons | 16° | |||
| 08 Jul 07 | 12.00 Miles | 02:04:00 10:20 / M | Long Run EoA path, to Highbury/Ross Park | 28° | |||