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August 30, 2007
60 and 61
I spent most of yesterday lounging by the pool, catching some rays, generally pretending I was holidaying in the caribbean.
I knew eventually I would have to leave my blissful life on my deck chair and head out for run number 60. It is days like this that running every day seems, how should I put this, oh what's word, STUPID. By the time we got to the park it was 237 degrees out. As we waiting for everyone to arrive, a guy we had talked to on Monday before our run arrived. He came straight over to us and said I am on day 3. You inspired me to start running everyday!
We headed out, the group soon separated by pace. L and I ran together. We were planning on doing the 7.5k loop, but by the time we got to the 5k turnaround, we looked at each other in total agreement. It was going to be a 5k night. There wasn't enough liquid in my body to produce the amount of sweat it would make in the extra 2.5k.
Thanks to L I got run 60 in.
Tonight we did the rubberband run, my favourite workout. We did it back in June. Here's how it works.
We (about 70 of us) line up from slowest paced runner to fastest. Then we were paired up, so the slowest partnered with the fastest, then the next slowest with the next fastest and so on, until the last pairs would be virtually the same pace.
The route was a big 15 ish mile loop. At the starting point the faster partner went one way and the slower the other. Eventually somewhere along the route you will meet up with your partner, exchange rubberbands, then head back exactly the way you came.
The fun part is that you have to get back in the same time in took you to reach your exchange point. The catch is you aren't allowed to use a watch. You have to gauge your pace. If you and your parnter do it correclty you should meet up at where you started at the same time.
It was so much fun here's why I liked it:
1. something completely different
2. as a slower runner always at the back you don't really feel part of the group once we all start running, but with this you do.
3. everyone is done around the same time, with 5 minutes of each other, so you get to cheer people in.
4. I pushed myself harder than normal
5. you are motivated to keep going not drop the pace, cause you have someone depending on you
6. you lose the distance time obession ... very liberating
7. it's exciting at the end to see how close or not so close everyone was
Last time my partner I and I were about a minute apart in finishing. Tonight, S and I were spot on. We finished exactly at the same time ... woo hooo. Run 61 done!
Posted by Ali at 9:25 PM | Comments (7)
August 29, 2007
59
Run 59 was mile repeats on the track. We've only done them once before on the track (4 x 400m), normally we use a mile stretch of the park. I remember liking them better on the track. However, on day 59 when you get to the track there is not so much like.
After the warm up I knew these lovely little repeats were going to be brutal.
By the time we lined up to start, I had gone to my safe place also know as "I have nothing to prove", when residing said place I don't care about time, or effort, or pace, I just want to do what is comfortable. No pushing. Cause I have nothing to prove to no one people.
The first lap was at a very comfortable pace. I decided not to look at my watch until the full mile was done. If I looked at 800m and saw I was doing pretty good I might leave "I have nothing to prove" and head straight over to "I'm super fast, weeeeee, let's go faster". The last lap felt as easy as the first. I figured I would be around 9.40, judging how I felt and the hot conditions.
Mile 1 - 8.56
I was shocked. There is no way I could run a mile at that pace that comfortably.
Watch malfunction? After a 2.30 min rest we would see.
Mile 2 - 8.55
Holy Michael Johnson and his gold shoes. We have officially left "I have nothing to prove" ... see ya
Mile 3 - 8.46
Oh yeah
Then came the 4th. That was tough. My legs were aching. Property value in "I have nothing to prove" had gone through the roof, I was really wondering why I had ever left.
How can 10 seconds spread over one mile make such a difference? If I was ten seconds early or late for a meeting no one would notice. I've had relationships shorter than that.
Mile 4 - 8.58
Which is still really good, but I had to work to finish under 9 mins. Like swear and mubble with an unattractive strunched up face for at least 1000m of the last mile.
We are now out of the 50s, today we head into the 60s. The 60s? Seriously I never ever thought I would get here ... or want to.
I really do think 1 - 59 helped me achieve those mile repeat times. It's days like that, that make me realize I am getting something out of this, it isn't just crazy (it's a lot of crazy) but it just might be working.
Posted by Ali at 8:42 AM | Comments (9)
August 28, 2007
58
The blonde goes to collect her car ...
"We took it for a drive, the noise is the brake pads. They are just misaligned. We fixed that. It was a small job, didn't charge you for that."
"Great!" the blonde smiles, noticing that the guy seems more attractive than earlier today.
"But," suddenly attractive guy looks up and smiles
"But? Buts are not good" the blonde concerned by what is to come.
"Your DRL relay needed replacing."
"Is that important?"
"Yes" he stands to give his answer more credibility.
the blonde pauses, wondering if she should ask for a second opinion, the man is wearing black jeans, really how much can he know?
"Is the DHL thing"
"DRL" he corrects smiling
"Oh, yeah, sure. Whatever. Is it free?"
"No" Mr Stuck in the 80s shakes his head
Those 3 little letters cost me $400. That's $133.33 per letter.
Run 58 took place in the park last night. I had put it off all day. It was hot and sunny out and after Sundays 20 miles I wasn't exactly briming with excitement at the thought of running again.
I was over the moon when the friend I yelled at last week called and asked if I wanted to run. I love forgiveness.
We did the 8k loop. My legs were a bit tired and stiff, but the run was good. The only part of me that seems to be suffering from 58 days of running is my feet. They are sore. They feel abused.
I didn't really go into all the detail about Sundays long run to Port Stanley. They are by far the best runs we do. One of the guys who just joined the group this summer has a blog and went into a bit more detail. It's great to read it through someone elses perspective.
Posted by Ali at 1:42 PM | Comments (4)
August 27, 2007
a blonde went to get her car serviced
a routine plain and simple oil change.
"Morning Ma'am"
blonde looks behind her to see where the 70 year old is
"Morning"
"Oil change this morning for you?"
"Yes"
"Anything else we can do for you?"
"Oh, there is a funny noise coming from the brakes I think"
"Noise, what type of noise?"
"Uhmm, you want me to make the noise?"
"Is it a squeaky noise?"
"No, more like a clunky metal noise"
"Oh" his face is all screwed up
"Why are you making that face?"
"Clunky metal noise isn't good"
"Oh" now my face is all screwed up
Posted by Ali at 9:06 AM | Comments (4)
August 26, 2007
57
I know the importance of preparing for a long run. I know. Yet for some reason I was totally unprepared for today's 20 miler.
Hydrate - I planned to drink lots of water yesterday. When I got home after my extra large coffee I realized I was out of bottled water. So I drank the bottle of gatorade in the fridge. I'll get water when I'm out later. Which I did. But left the case on the cart in the grocery store. I didn't realize until much much later when I was carless.
Carbo Load - I had a delicious breakfast bagel with my extra large coffee after the run. Then got busy. It wasn't until about 9pm that I realized that's all I had eaten all day.
Organize this the night before - yeah, no, didn't do that
Plenty of sleep - nope, couldn't sleep. Could of got up and organized my clothes and fuel belt, but no I chose to toss and turn til about 2am when I finally passed out
Fill fuel belt - at 5.30 this morning ... hmmm where's the gatorade? Oh yeah I drank it yesterday. Oh and no bottled water. Improvise with delicious luke warm tap water. I bought gels and bloks yesterday, where are they? Can't find them. Probably still in car, which is in Port Stanley, waiting for me at the end of my 20 miler. I manage to find 3 gels in various bags.
I didn't leave home with a whole lotta confidence for my luming 20 miler.
Today was our second of 3 destination runs we do each summer to Port Stanley. You can run any distance you like from 3 miles to 26 miles. There are organized waterstops every 2-3 miles along the way to fuel you with everything from water to powerade, oranges to melon, gummy bears to jubes. There are about 130 runners that take part each time, most from our training group, but many just join for this run. Once we arrive in PS, we have lunch and a few drinks on the beach patio.
P and D picked me up and we drove to where we would start our run. I always run with P and D. Today however, they are leaving early. I am leaving later, and running with 2 girls who are faster than me. This seemed like a great idea on Tuesday. Push myself a little. But as I watched P and D run off, I felt a twinge of doubt.
It was a perfect running morning, cool and sunny. Our first 3 miles went by quickly. I didn't feel pushed or uncomfortable, but it was definitely faster than my usual long run pace around 9.50 min/mile. Our first waterstop was at mile 5, I took my first gel.
We continued on with a steady pace. I felt great. The pace felt comfortable. My legs felt good. Even though everything was working out I was expecting the worst. I was patiently waiting for that dreaded tiredness. Those aching muscles that had hit me last time with about 6 miles to go.
The first big hill of the day was just ahead. Before I knew it, it was done. I wasn't out of breath. I didn't want to stop and walk. I ran it and kept running. After a quick toilet break we headed out for my least favourite part of this run. It's 5k of straight road, no shade, it seems long and never ending. It's where my energy got zapped last time. I felt fine. Actually better than fine, I felt stong this time. At the next waterstop I took my last gel and got ready for the big hill. Just over 1.5 miles of uphill.
You know what?
I ran the whole thing ... no problem!
The last 3 miles are downhill to the end. I felt great all the way. No dragging of butt today
I think this is my bestest everest 20 mile run ever!
Only one blister, on my left big toe, which I felt from about mile 8. I don't think I drank enough today or maybe it's from not hydrating enough yesterday. I think the dehydration is effecting my stomach ... it's not to happy with me right now.
Posted by Ali at 4:05 PM | Comments (11)
August 25, 2007
the 55th
Somewhere between 54 and 55 I lost my mind.
Lost. It.
Like 54 days of running, exhaustion and heat finally tipped me over the edge.
I'm lucky, that I have 4 runs a week I do with our training group and one run with P and D that I don't have to think about. So that only leave me two runs a week to get in myself. Monday and Friday. Maybe I'm independent, more likely I'm stubborn and don't like to ask for help, but I don't usually ask anyone to run with me. Over the last 54 days I have asked for company to get me through one of these days twice. I figure I'm the one that signed up for this, it's my challenge, I can't drag someone else out to run just cause I have to get it in.
After Thursdays 10 miler, I knew 55 would be a challenge. It was going to be hotter, more humid. It would be Friday, the hardest day of the week to get a run in. I knew I wouldn't want to do the run. I knew I might need help.
So I asked a friend on Thursday night if they would run with me. They said yes. Infact they were enthusiastic. They wanted to combine it with a movie. Awesome! I had a plan for 55. I was looking forward to 55. They asked me to call them on Friday with the movie listings.
Friday morning I emailed the movie listings. They did say call, but I thought email would be better. By late afternoon I hadn't heard back from them. So I called them at work. No answer. Hmmm ... Busy. I'll send another email, asking if we are still on for the run and to call me when you aren't busy ...
By the time I left work I hadn't had a response to either email. Now this person has been know to say they want to do something, but they change their mind or just didn't want to say no in the first place. Now me, I tend to read too much into things, and don't want someone doing something they don't really want to do.
They called at 5.30.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"Uhm, I just got home. Where are you?"
"At the music festival downtown."
"Oh."
This is where I start the process of Lossing It. You see there was a plan to get run 55 in, we had a plan in place. There was no music festival in the plan.
There was enthusiasm, running and a movie.
So in the short time it took to say music festival, I went from my whole night is sorted and I'll get this run in to you are going to let me down. If I was to be completely honest, I would say I had already boarded the doubt bus when I left work. I think I was expecting it won't pan out. I was expecting this person to let me down.
"Are you staying there (music festival) all night?"
"Yeah. This is why I've never been able to run everyday, something always comes up. Do you still want me to run with you?"
I am now snappy and bitchy. I just want off the phone. I want to get run 55 over and done with.
"NO"
"What?"
"NO. Don't bother, I don't need you. I'm fine." .... like I said I'm stubborn ... and bitchy
"I can run with you"
"No, it's fine! Bye"
"Wait. Come and get me, I'll run with you, then you can drop me back here."
This is a very reasonable offer. It is what I originally asked for someone to run with. But now I feel like they don't really want to run, hell I don't really want to run. They would rather be doing what they are doing. Which translates in my head as they would rather do that than run with me.
So now I'm pissed. There is no turning back from pissville.
I just want off the phone.
They don't.
As great as my need to hang up is, their need to rectify the situation is greater. The next few minutes aren't pretty. I'm emotional and snappy, but mostly, I'm jealous. I want to be there, drinking beer, having fun listening to the music. I don't want to be running. I don't want to let myself down. I don't want to be having this conversation anymore.
It finally ended.
I stood up, got my running stuff on and headed out. I got run 55 in.
I could of come home, showered and joined them drinking beer, having fun listening to the music, but I was still in pissville. So I called another friend. Told them we had to go out and have fun. I think I scared them into it.
In the rainy gray light of morning, I had left pissvile. I met the group for run 56. I saw the friend. They couldn't understand what they had done wrong. When I got home and checked my email. Both emails I had sent them had bounced back. They never got them.
I'm in feeling-crapville.
I think I have to apologize.
Posted by Ali at 12:56 PM | Comments (4)
August 24, 2007
54
It was hotter than hell last night. I kid you not. I looked up Hell on the weather channel. Beelzebub and the crew were experiencing spring like conditions in comparison.
I had no goal other than getting through the run alive. I didn't care about speed, pace, tempo anything except finishing the 10 miler. I started running with, P, D, V and S.
About 6 seconds into the run I realized I needed to pee.
About 1 minute later realised that our slow pace would not get me to the washrooms fast enough.
So I picked up the pace and left the group to take care of business. Now why is it when you really, really, really, legs crossed need to go, are there 5 people ahead of you in line.
When I finally emerged, my group had passed and were out of sight. My shirt was sticking to me. It felt like I had poured a bottle of water over my head and soaked my shirt ... except I hadn't. It was all sweat. 2 miles. Only 2 miles and I was drenched.
I could see my group ahead. I caught up with them, but my pace was a little faster so I just kept going. I felt great until just before the turnaround at mile 5. Then I started thinking that I had gone out too fast for a night like this.
I start thinking ... then I start believing ... then I panic.
I was averaging around or just under a 10 minute mile. Must slow down. Going to die. I'll run to the next water fountain, then I can walk forever. When I get to the water fountain a couple faster runners are there. Okay, I can't let them see me walking. I'll run until they pass me, then I'll walk forever. I kept looking behind me. Where the hell are these people. There supposed to be fast. If they really are fast they should of caught me, by now. When they finally did, I glance behind me, and more runners where coming. So I couldn't stop.
Somewhere around mile 7. The heat hit me, the humidity zapped the last bit of energy from me and a wave of nausea swept over me. I came to a grinding halt. I started walking, well more like a shuffling stroll. I felt like crap. I just kept walking. I justified it in my head. If I kept walking, Ps group would catch up to me and I could run with them. After about 3 minutes of walking a couple runner came past and asked if I was okay.
I said yes.
Of course it was a polite, don't worry about me, I'm fine, but really I am dying, yes.
My legs didn't get the memo. They thought I actually was okay.
Damn it, damn it, damn it. Now I am going to run. I don't want to but my legs have started running.
I want to puke. I am going to stop. Yeah who cares. Not me. I'll stop if I want to. Then just as I'm about to stop a runner pulls along beside me and asks "how many days is this?" oh, uhm ... "54, today is 54" . He says really nice things that make me forget I want to puke. As he runs on ahead, I know I could stop now, I could walk, no one would know. But I can't cause of the stupid nice things he said.
Surprisingly, the last mile felt pretty good. What felt even better. Being done.
Now today is even hotter, even more humid. I am calling in reinforcements to get through tonights run.
Posted by Ali at 10:39 AM | Comments (6)
August 22, 2007
3 more
Be warned this is pretty dull. I'm too tired to be funny or sarcastic. I've been completely obsessed with finishing the 5th Harry Potter book, this has eaten into my regularly scheduled blogging time.
Monday night I got 5k in after work. It was drizzling, cold and windy. The run was pretty good after Sunday's 18 miles.
See I told you, dull.
Last night we had speedwork at the track.
5 x 800m with 200 rest
I thought I was getting sick, coming down with some strange weird virus. I felt like I was half asleep during the workout. I didn't feel like I was working hard. But like someone or something was hold me back, dragging me down during the workout. I thought the workout was pretty bad. But when I entered my times, they were good.
That was the exciting, suspense building bit.
This morning I got up at 6am and meet D and J for a 5k run. Better than last week. Then I had the rest of the day off. So I finished Harry Potter 5 and went and bought Harry Potter 6!
I know I'm livin large.
Met R for lunch, then some shopping. Met L for a birthday dinner, not mine, L's. Then a few brthday drinks at another friends house. So basically my life consists of running, eating and Harry Potter.
Posted by Ali at 10:06 PM | Comments (10)
August 20, 2007
what's she doing?
Tea asked the question ... "what marathon are you training for"
Before we get to the answer, I wanted to give a huge shout out to Tea. She had not one PR race on the weekend, but two. Yes you read that correctly. She competed in two triathlons in two days. If just showing up and doing them isn't enough, she completely blows away her predicted finishing times!
So if Tea asks a question, you damn right she gets an answer!
What marathon are you training for?
Chicago Baby!
The La Salle Bank Chicago Marathon 2007
Only 48 days away!
This will be marathon number four part II, if anyone besides for me is keeping track.
1. Chicago 2005
2. Niagara Falls 2006
3. Las Vegas 2006
4. Forest City 2007 - DNF
There are about 15 of us, from our local running group heading to Chi town to get our marathon-on.
Posted by Ali at 9:13 AM | Comments (8)
August 19, 2007
the big 5 ooohhh
Run 50 ... the 18 miler
I was late arriving for the run this morning. One too many wacks of the snooze button combined with me pottering around the house with no real sense of urgency.
D, P and a few others had already left, thinking I was starting later. This is what they told me. I have my doubts. I'm not 100% sure, but I think I saw them get out of a cab at the turnaround.
There was another group ready to leave, but they are faster than me. Most of them running a 3.45 - 4 hour marathon. I headed out, my group was about 10 minutes ahead, it would be like a game of catch ... fun a game ... I love games!
The other group started at the same time. They would pass me quickly, then I could concentrate on my game of catch. Except they didn't pass me that quickly. By the time they started to move pass me, my game of catch had changed to a game of keep up. Yes, in the short time it takes to run a mile, I have gone from knowing they are about 2 minutes per mile faster, to thinking I can run with the fast kids.
I kept them within 20m for the next two kms, then I decided this was a stupid game that would only end badly .. for me.
Good idea. Do your own run. Great decision. Focus on getting through this 18 miler. Games are for kids.
At the waterstop at mile 4, the fast group was leaving as I got there.
I want to play the game again!
So I grabbed a quick drink and started running a bit behind them. This is a fun game, even though I am the only one who knows we are all playing. They were probably 50m ahead. If I could keep them in sight I would be happy.
We left the park, and had 2 mile uphill to the turnaround point. This hill feels endless. I stopped watching the group. I forgot about the game. I finally made it to the top ... without stopping. The turnaround was just ahead. I could see the group, they weren’t that far ahead of me. I didn't lose them on the hill.
Since I am the creator of the game. I win.
I ran back with D, I had caught up with him at the turnaround, he was ready to run once he had tipped the cab driver. The run back was more sluggish. My legs started to tighten up, especially my quads around mile 10. Probably the from the hill. We made it back to the start, I felt pretty good, but had to run to the end of the park to make it 18 miles. Those last two miles weren’t physically tough, but I had to dig deep mentally to get them done.
It wasn't quite a blowout thigh slapping party. I did get a couple presents ... in the form of chaffing, which I didn't realise until in the shower. I think the neighbours now know.
So run 50, I would have to say was great!
No lie.
So to that plain flavoured ice cream boy I say this …
Seriously … I understand why people are suggesting I take a rest day. If I was reading this I would suggest a rest day too.
But I can’t. I can’t just stop.
I know that probably doesn’t make sense. It’s not about getting to a certain number, pushing myself beyond what I am capable of. I actually feel like this is helping me.
Yes, I am tired. Yes, I do bitch about my sore legs, aching muscles and bad runs. But I was tired, just as tired when I was running 4 times a week. My legs were just as sore, my muscles ached more and I had bad runs when I wasn’t running every day.
I don’t think one rest day would make that much of a difference. Or even two or three. What it would do and what my fear is if I stop, is that it gives me an excuse. An excuse not to run on Wednesday when it’s hot, or Thursday when I want to go for drinks. I like feeling stronger. I like what this is doing for my running. I like not making excuses any more.
Posted by Ali at 2:33 PM | Comments (14)
August 17, 2007
day 47
I had an epiphany yesterday.
A sudden yet intuitive perception of how running every day is like aging. It was during run 47 that the insight came to me.
Let me walk you through it ....
The childhood years ....
It's all new and exciting. Look at me, five days in a row. Look at me. I can do this.
The teenage years ...
Mood swings, I hate running. Everything is slightly more dramatic, no one understands you. One day I had a great run, the next terrible, during this time I could of packed it in very easily.
In your twenties ...
A slight cocky arrogance replaces the innocence and insecurity of those teenage years. You'll get hurt, but if you are lucky, really lucky, something like this happens. I really started to feel like I owned this running thing. I could totally do it. I rock!
Thirtysomething ....
We have matured and
So now what, I've run for 31 days, just to stop?
Maybe because I actually am in my 30s, but I really like the 30s. I felt so far most comfortable here. These were good times people. LIke Bruce would say ... Glory Days
In your forties
You feel great. You look great. You are captaining your destiny ship. 45 is smok'n hot!
Everything is improving, I'm getting faster and stronger. All my hard work is paying off.
Then you wake up and your are 46. Things start to hurt. Is that a hair growing out of my chin? You turn 47 and start every sentence with remember when, you don't know how lucky you have it. I watch drug commercials and have all the symptoms and side effects.
Day 47 was just as bad as day 46. I know, I know, make me stronger, have bad days ... blah blah blah.
What. Ev. Er!
I went out to do 7k, and cut it short to 5k.
I ache. I creak. That bath, with the door, that fills up when you are in it, suddenly I think this is genius!
Seriously. The last two runs hurt. Like my calves are ready to explode. My IT band is tight and screaming. I feel like I did in my 30s, the energy is there, the passion is there, but my body isn't responding. It's tired and wants early nights and warm baths.
I want to be 30 again. I think we are having a mid life crisis.
It's my 48th today. It'll be a low key affair. Celebrating alone, no balloons or cake, well maybe some cake. Then I think I'll crawl into bed and read a book.
I'm hoping that turning 50 will be life changing. Run 50 is an 18 miler. I want a big shindig of a party. I want to drunk dial myself to tell me how much I love me. I want Oprah to be right about 50, that you understand and suddenly look better than you ever have before.
Posted by Ali at 8:48 AM | Comments (12)
August 16, 2007
nothingness
So here I am at work.
Quite busy actually.
I am finding it more and more difficult to get my 40 hours worth of work done in the 30 hours I am actually here, well 22 hours, since I had a whole day off this week. I guess blogging isn't really work, so 10 hours. Seriously, it is impossible to get 40 hours work done in 10 hours. I am feeling completely overwhelmed. Which makes me procrastinate.
What better way to put off what you should do today until, well, whenever, than to blog about, well nothingness.
I watch So You Think You Can Dance, and think, yes, yes I do think, I do! Secretly, well not so secretly now want to do a Mia Michaels dance routine. Floating gracefully and effortlessly across the stage.
I’m pretty sure I would be an incredible actress if I ever took it up. Like academy award winning, or an Emmy at the very least, type of good. Does anyone else have that feeling? That they just think they would really rock at something if they ever started doing it? For me it’s acting. Oh, and an internationally renowned chef.
I think men want to wear the ‘running skirt’.
I have a confession to make. The whole day 39, jump on the Nutritionathon be like Amanda bandwagon, was a stupid idea. Really, like so many of you pointed out, why would I want to give up diet pepsi? That’s right I caved like a celebrity just released from Promises rehab resort.
I’m in love with Anderson Cooper. There. I said it. Like, I love him more than my diet pepsi. Maybe it’s the hair? He makes me want to watch the news.
I can’t stand painted finger nails. Toes are fine. Perfectly acceptable. But fingernails, especially if they are long, disturb me to no end.
I watch House, it's one of my favourite shows. I like how mean Dr House is, I think it's hot. Is that wrong?
Okay, I have to go. Just been invited to dinner and a concert tonight. Which means I miss the group run tonight, and will have to run by myself after work. If I am going to fit in a run, shower, travel time to restaurant, I'll have to leave work early today.
So 9 hours ...
Posted by Ali at 9:36 AM | Comments (6)
August 15, 2007
day 45 and day 46
Day 45 ... also know as Micheal Jordan day ...
We did mile repeats last night. The track was being resurfaced so we improvised with the path and trail around the stadium.
Last year around this time I would do my mile repeats between 9.30 - 9.45. By the last one I would be suffering and be closer to 10 minutes.
We did a couple miles warm up. It didn't feel good at all. My legs were tired from the last 3 runs and I had a massage in the afternoon. I was tempted to just do my own slow run by myself just to get it what miles I needed to clock up number 44. Grumbling to myself like so sort of crazy, I headed over to the start. I'll do one, if it's horrible I'll do my own thing.
The workout was a mile at 45 seconds faster than your marathon pace, followed by a 2.30 recovery.
Mile 1 - 9.06
What the? The course must be short. I check the distance on people garmins. Nope. It was a mile! I look at P and she is as surprised as me. Suddenly I'm motivated to do number 2.
We decide to run 2 slower so we don't die on the last two.
Mile 2 - 9.02
Obviously, we have no idea about pace.
Mile 3 - 8.58
My legs are really feeling the repeats and the last 44 days, I tell P, I am going to do the last one as a cool down.
Mile 4 - 8.55
I was in shock. Suddenly I have become supersonic! If there were agents, sports reps or talents scouts in the area, I would of been signed!
I love day 45! Maybe I am benefitting from this sick-twisted-running-every-day-venture?
I spent the rest of the night strutting around like I think fast people would. I got into bed, ready to sleep when something strange happened. My legs started to pound and throb. My feet were tingling. I tossed and turned. Is this really what the elites of this world have to go through? I might have to rethink my new found speediness! Finally around 3am I passed out.
Imagine the level of happiness I felt at 6am when the alarm went off?
Off the happiness scale!
I lay there on the verge of tears. Why? Cause I had to get up and run. Now if it was me running all alone I would of turned of the alarm and gone back to sleep. But I had arranged to meet P, D and J. So I dragged my weary legs out of bed. Grumbled again to myself, why the hell I was doing this.
Run 46 ... also know as the code for international direct dial phone calls to Sweden day
It was just plain awful. 5km. Bad. Terrible. Yuck.
Hello ... Sweden ... Yeah, this run sucks ... but I still love Ikea.
Today ... strutting ... hmmmm .... no so much!
Posted by Ali at 4:21 PM | Comments (8)
August 14, 2007
day 44
The day started out great. I know Monday morning runs are the worst. My legs don't want to cooporate after the weekend. They especially don't feel the need to cooporate at 6am. I had checked the weather and it was going to be a perfect running day, all day. Cool temperatures, low humidity. I could run after work.
I woke up early, long before the alarm was set to sound. The birds were chirping, the curtains were lightly moving with the cool morning breeze. I felt refreshed. All that was missing was a dancing tea cup and a talking chipmunk. The clock read 6.05am.
Maybe I should get up and run? I laugh so hard I almost peed myself.
No, I'm going to do that tonight afterwork.
I could go into work early. Almost fall off the bed. I crack myself up.
Just before lunch, my dad called. They have friends visiting from Ireland at the moment, who I haven't had a chance to meet yet.
"We are coming to town today, and would like to take you to dinner."
The short version of this is I said yes. I'm an only child, a people pleaser and my parents cry very easily. Top that with Irish guilt, it really is a no-win-situation. You are probably thinking "what's the big deal?" yeah I know "just run before dinner" sounds realistic. But my parents, god bless their cotton socks, eat dinner the same time as most teenagers are waking up.
Anyway I said short ... I now had dinner plans for 4.30pm at my parents favourite restaurant, the Mandarin. For those of you not from these here parts. The Mandarin in a enormous chinese buffet.
My parents love it. They bring all our visitors here. They talk them through the elements of buffet eating. It's like a tourist attraction to them. A giant ballI of twine with plum sauce and fortune cookies. They've even be know to take pictures of buffet??? I don't get it at all. It's awful.
My plan was to have a very small plate of something plain. Then by 7pm I'd be ready to run. I started with a small bowl of won ton soup. As I made my way to the main course buffet, I noticed a lady, with a plate full of nothing but chicken balls. There had to be 20 battered balls swimming in sticky red sauce.
I would not to tempted by balls!
I place a small spoonsful of noodles and a tiny helping of stir fried shrimp. I was incredibily proud of my restraint and willpower.
Then my eye caught the spring rolls.
This is where things get blurry. I don't remember what happened exactly, but things got out of control. There was a lot of deep fried, sweet and sour type stuff and maybe a trip to the dessert bar.
I got home at 6.30pm and wanted to die. My stomach ached it was so full. I felt sick.
"How am I going to run?" I had 5 hours to get run 44 in. I never thought the streak would be brought down by a chicken ball.
.... what will happen ....
I wish I could insert some kinda tension building music .... just pretend ....
My phone rang at 7.30pm. It was our coach. Checking to see if I had run today. I explained my teriyaki trauma, my sofa-bound situation and the lack of running on day 44. He offered to run with me.
Just after 8pm we headed out for run 44. We ended up doing 8k, he is not only supportive, but a bit evil and pushy.
I didn't puke.
After the first half my stomach settled down and I felt pretty good. I even did the hill I normally avoid.
Speedwork tonight and definitely no chinese food today!
Posted by Ali at 8:58 AM | Comments (14)
August 13, 2007
answers to the quiz
I am bestoying Hononory Canadian Citizenship on both Jeff and Dave.
They get top marks, because, well they attempted the quiz. We reward participation!
1. How many oceans does Canada touch?
a.1
b.2
c.3
d.4
THREE - the Atlantic on the east, the Pacific on the west and the Arctic up top
2. The Prime Minister of Canada is?
a. Mike Myers
b. Paul Martin
c. Stephen Harper
d. This is a trick question, Canada does not have a Prime Minister
Stephen Harper, but if Mike ran, I'd vote for him
3. The (stereo)typical Canadian diet would consist of something like:
a. beaver, loon and a little polar bear
b. nachos, Coffee-mate, string beans and grapes
c. lobster, caviar and rice cakes
d. Kraft Dinner, beer, doughnuts, bacon, and maple syrup
Combo #4 please, oh, and can I get an order of poutine with that?
4. 80% of Canadians live:
a. in igloos.
b. in Ontario.
c. with a caribou.
d. close to the US border.
Warren does have a pet caribou called Maurice, if it wasn't for the hot summers, we would live in igloos all year. However, the answer is D. Howdy neighbours! Be on the alert for invasion: 80% of us live close to the longest unprotected border in the world.
5. Which of the following is on Canada’s 5 cent piece (also known as a nickel) ?
a. a beaver
b. a caribou
c. Bryan Adams
d. a bear
the beaver
6. What is Tim Horton’s?
a. Ali's first boyfriend
b. Talk show host (Canadian Larry King)
c. The temple in which we worship a hockey player and get coffee.
d. Snow boarding move
Is the largest coffee and doughnut chain in Canada. It is well-known for its coffee, doughnuts, Timbits, soups, and sandwiches. The chain is an integral part of Canadian culture. Named for one of it's co-founders, Tim Horton played 24 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres.
7. Which of the following is NOT a Canadian Invention?
a. Trivia Pursuit
b. Insulin
c. Beer cases with tuck-in handles
d. Artifical heart
Artifical heart
8. Which city currently DOESN’T have it’s own NHL team?
a. Calgary
b. Montreal
c. Winnipeg
d. Vancouver
Winnipeg does not have it's own NHL team. The others do, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadians and the Vancouver Canucks
9. What is a Juno?
a. Type of beaver
b. Canadian born in the month of June
c. Metric unit of measurement
d. Music award
The Junos are the Canadian version of the Grammy's. We like to hand out awards, but keep egos in check. So, in 2003 we changed the phrase "Best _" to "_ of the year"
10. Which famous Canadian set out in 1980 to run across Canada to raise money to flght cancer?
a. Rick Hanson
b. Terry Fox
c. Donovan Bailey
d. Steve Fonyo
Terry Fox. He ran 26 miles, everyday, with an artifical leg until the cancer forced him to stop, 143 into the Marathon of Hope. If you haven't read his story, you should, it is incredibly inspiring
Posted by Ali at 11:50 AM | Comments (8)
August 12, 2007
day 43
I know I said I was going to, sleep in, run when and where I wanted too. But that was yesterday. A girl has the right to change her mind. Especially when the change involves cowboys.
Around 8pm last night the realization hit me. If I put off running on Sunday to where and when I felt like it. I might not ever have felt like it. Since most of the people who I could call on to run with me were doing the trail race, it meant run 43 would be all me. Potential diaster in other words. The end of Augustathon as we know it. So to avoid imminent danger of our little streak, I called D.
"I'm going to do the trail race."
I met the group at Tim Hortons and we car pooled to the race in Exeter. We did a short warmup. The weather appeared to be cool and cloudy .... but was actuallly warm and humid. We were covered in sweat from a very slow 2k warm up. The cowboys sauntering freely about disattracted me from my pain and suffering.
The race started, 225 runners headed off from the rodeo, down the road and onto the trail. P and I passed the 1k around 6.20. Not particularly fast, and not that comfortable either. Considering the entire first km wasn't on the trail and was downhill, you would think it would have been better than that.
The second km wasn't much faster, about 6.14. When I saw the time, my first thought was I am going to be walking my 5k. Then I thought about all those runs I've done. The ones I didn't want to do. The ones that hurt. The ones I didn't think I could do. I did them. If I could do them. I could do this.
By 3k I had settled into a comfortable pace. Around 4k, we hit the first waterstop. I grabbed a drink and poured a cup of water down my back. Which I think turned to steam a few minutes later. I found a guy from our running group and started running with him. He had a slightly faster pace than I was running. I decided to keep up with him as long as I could. We seemed to be pushing each other. I noticed he was breathing hard. Then I realized I wasn't. Not at all. My legs were working hard on the up and down hills. I was sweating like I was in a sauna. But I wasn't pushing myself.
We passed by the 5k mark in 31.57. I was feeling really good. My pace guy had dropped behind me. I walked through the next waterstop, pouring water all over me. I started to pick it up a bit. Over the next 2k, I started to pass runners.
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Look at me go. I tried not to count them out loud as I passed, cause that's just rude. When I saw 7k, I decided to push it and run the last km as a race. I passed a couple more runners. WOOO HOOO
Then came the turn off the trail and back to the rodeo. That last 500m was the hardest of the whole run. Then I hear a guy shout, "the streak continues" which totally made me laugh.
I crossed the line in 48.10.
Run 43 ... check
Posted by Ali at 5:25 PM | Comments (6)
August 11, 2007
day 42
I got run 41 in Friday after work. A good 5k in the heat, with lots of sweat!
Met D, P and V at 7am this morning for run 42. We did 8 miles then met the group at the running store and got another 4 miles in. P and D had great runs, mine wasn't bad, but I felt really tired. I'm not used to running long on Saturdays. Having no real dinner, unless 2 beers and an ice cream constitute a dinner really doesn't prepare you for a long run.
Since I did my long run this morning, I have somewhat of a rest day tomorrow. My first rest day sunday in months ... like I can't remember when I last had a Sunday to myself. Most of the group are doing an 8k trail race. I can't seem to motivate myself to do it. The thought of sleeping in is just to much to resist. I still have to run. Just when and where I chose. So excited!
I found this ad and thought it was funny.
Posted by Ali at 11:32 AM | Comments (8)
August 10, 2007
40 days
For Noah it rained, and he got a shout out in the big book and a few movies. I'm not sure my 40th run deserves a biblical mention, but I am open to movie offers. I can see Kate Hudson getting an Oscar nod for her performance as me! Or maybe Renee Zellweger, she pulled off Bridget Jones, but then that skwinty thing she's got going on is annoying. Really, we can't have annoying and me on the same screen, it just won't work!
Run 40 took the form of an 8 mile tempo run.
The first 4 miles were faster than normal, giving every indication that this was not going to be a tempo run, but an oops run (go out to fast, crawl back). However, after a quick toilet break, apparantly a tortilla with spicy salsa 1 hour before running is not a good idea, we picked up the pace. I am physically okay with running faster, my breathing and legs felt fine. Mentally I have this fear, like I think I can't do it, or I'll self combust.
After the run, we headed to a patio to say goodbye to the Aussie. The Aussie arrived in town a month or so ago. Knowing no one and not having a place to stay, he made his way to a place he knew would help him.
A church? Hostel? Tourist Information? Rehab Centre?
No .... A local running store. Within a couple of hours, he had a place to stay and people to train with. He loves it here so much, he is thinking of moving here.
Obviously, we don't just let anyone into Canada, honorary citizenship to Canada isn’t something handed out lightly - like juke food in the Spears household. Citizenship needs to be EARNED. We need to see blood, sweat, tears and personal sacrifice. Yes, some of those easy to get into countries, only require 3 (b,s,t) but like I already said, we take this seriously! We could of course demand all 4 to be shown, but I'm squeamish around blood, there was too much sweat as it was, I don’t like seeing men cry and I’m saving the personal sacrifice demand for something involving me and some nice mood lighting.
Instead, let's have a test (cause we only want smarty types here).
Anyone can play, no cheating (we don't like cheaters), so don't even think about using google. You might think it makes you resourceful but it doesn't. What do you think people did before google huh? That's right, they didn't know stuff.
Okay here we go!
(bet you never saw this coming when you clicked on today)
1. How many oceans does Canada touch?
a.1
b.2
c.3
d.4
2. The Prime Minister of Canada is?
a. Mike Myers
b. Paul Martin
c. Stephen Harper
d. This is a trick question, Canada does not have a Prime Minister
3. The (stereo)typical Canadian diet would consist of something like:
a. beaver, loon and a little polar bear
b. nachos, Coffee-mate, string beans and grapes
c. lobster, caviar and rice cakes
d. Kraft Dinner, beer, doughnuts, bacon, and maple syrup
4. 80% of Canadians live:
a. in igloos.
b. in Ontario.
c. with a caribou.
d. close to the US border.
5. Which of the following is on Canada’s 5 cent piece (also known as a nickel) ?
a. a beaver
b. a caribou
c. Bryan Adams
d. a bear
6. What is Tim Horton’s?
a. Ali's first boyfriend
b. Talk show host (Canadian Larry King)
c. The temple in which we worship a hockey player and get coffee.
d. Snow boarding move
7. Which of the following is NOT a Canadian Invention?
a. Trivia Pursuit
b. Insulin
c. Beer cases with tuck-in handles
d. Artifical heart
8. Which city currently DOESN’T have it’s own NHL team?
a. Calgary
b. Montreal
c. Winnipeg
d. Vancouver
9. What is a Juno?
a. Type of beaver
b. Canadian born in the month of June
c. Metric unit of measurement
d. Music award
10. Which famous Canadian set out in 1980 to run across Canada to raise money to flght cancer?
a. Rick Hanson
b. Terry Fox
c. Donovan Bailey
d. Steve Fonyo
Posted by Ali at 10:05 AM | Comments (5)
August 9, 2007
withdrawl
For some reason running I can do .... but giving up diet pepsi is a bit of a problem!
I'm thinking of calling Lindsay Lohen and asking to share her room in rehab.
What do they put in this stuff?
I couldn't decide what to have for dinner last night because what I wanted should be washed down with DP. If I'm not going to have dinner then I'll snack on pretzels ... which taste great with ice cold DP. It took so long before I could decide on what to have that it was passed 7.30pm. Another really stupid idea. Have nothing to eat after 7.30pm.
By 9pm I was ready to jump in the car and drive to the shadey side of town to get my fix. I started to shake. Make excuses for my behaviour. Justify having a hit. It got very close, I had my purse and keys in hand.
Finally I regained control and I became fully aware of two undeniable truths.
It takes 21 days to form a habit.
It takes a lot more mental determination to break one.
What could you not give up?
Posted by Ali at 10:08 AM | Comments (16)
August 8, 2007
day 39
Met up with D, P and J for a very sweaty 3 miles this morning. The temperatures at 6.30am were lovely and cool, but it was incredibly humid. The run was easy and felt good. Definitely wasn't exerting myself, but I was soaking wet when we were done. I think that is the most I have ever sweated. Ever. I think I am still sweating, 5 hours later!
Some of the reasons I think I have been able to run everyday is that I am neglecting/avoiding/stopped everything else in my life.
I'm single, so I only have to deal with me. If I had to do this with kids or a husband, they'd be shipped off to the nearest crazy relative for a fun-filled holiday.
I have an awesome job, where either they are really supportive or completely unaware of my new 30 hour work week. Either way, I can come in late and leave early and no one seems to mind.
I've stopped going to the gym. Honestly I can't remember the last time I was there. Which isn't a good thing, but I can't seem to fit it all in.
I no longer clean my house. I used to clean on Saturdays, spend a couple hours and do everything. But my Saturdays have been kinda busy. I tidy a different room each night but it doesn't feel the same as doing the whole house and sitting back admiring how lovely everything looks. Plus with all this running, I do 235 loads of laundry a week. Which makes me think I am constantly cleaning even when I'm not.
I still go grocery shopping. I just don't seem to do anything with the food I buy. It's like I have great intentions, just not the energy to prepare and cook my purchases. I end up eating out or having chips or peanut butter sandwiches (note plural) which does not a dinner make!
I was reading Amanda's blog Run to Finish and got inspired by her Nutritionathon. She is running every day, has been for months ... if she can Nutritionathon maybe I can too!
One of her rules is No Diet Soda. I love me some diet pepsi. I usually have a can (this means 2) a day. I thought I should adopt this rule and make a few of my own. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten around to making other rules yet! Which I realized last night as I was reading her blog, while sipping on a glass of diet pepsi.
Day one of Nutritionathon not so good. Today will be different. I can feel it. Already I have said no to a bagel for breakfast, and a deliciously moist muffin. I'm probably 5 lbs lighter just from that exhibit of willpower. There will be no diet soda today!
I was thinking of incorporating the 'nothing to eat after 7.30pm' rule, but that might be difficult?
Posted by Ali at 10:41 AM | Comments (5)
August 7, 2007
day 38
I love Tuesdays. We have speedwork in the evenings so there is no early morning wake up call to get a run in. So it's almost like a sleep in day ... almost. I went to bed pretty early last night, then the phone woke me up and I talked to a friend for 30 minutes. When I hung up I was wide awake.
Wide awake at 1am ... if I fall asleep right now, I get 6 hours sleep.
Still awake at 2am ... only 5 hours of sleep time left.
Get up, have a drink ... 4.5 hours of sleep if I fall asleep right now
The last time I looked at the clock it was 2.57am ... so I got around 4 hours and 3 minutes of sleep.
How much fun is speedwork when you are super tired and it's hot and humid out? Lots! It was hot and humid. The workout tonight was 600m (100 rest) 400m (400 rest) x 4.
1. 600m - 3.09, 400m - 1.56
2. 600m - 3.11, 400m - 1.58
3. 600m - 3.10, 400m - 1.55
4. 600m - 3.07, 400m - 1.57
Very happy with those times considering the conditions (of me and the weather). I managed to keep up with someone who is normally alot faster than me ... I think they were having a bad day ... but let's just say, for fun, that I am getting super sonic fast!
Now for the insane thought of the day ... if I continue running everyday, the Chicago Marathon will be day 99 in a row ... which would mean I would have to run the day after the marathon to make it a nice round 100.
Posted by Ali at 9:41 PM | Comments (5)
August 6, 2007
day 37
I took my dad to the Blue Jays vs Yankees game today in Toronto for his birthday. We had a great time, especially when we found out who was also watching the game!
That's right, I spent the afternoon with David Beckham ... a mere half a stadium apart.
I got run 37 in this morning before going to pick up the birthday boy. I don't look forward to morning runs the day after a long run, the last four weeks have proven they are not fun. I started out tentatively, short strides and an easy pace to test out my legs. I was pleasantly surprised that it took less than a minute to feel comfortable. The whole run was really good. My legs felt better than they did yesterday.
After dropping my dad home, I had this sudden craving for an ice cold can of orange crush. I never want orange crush, it's my least favourite of all the pops. While typing this I have downed the whole can. It was simply de.lic.ous.
Posted by Ali at 7:46 PM | Comments (8)
August 5, 2007
day 36
I am watching Ironman Hawaii on TV. I am crying like it was a tear-jerker-chick-flick. It is so inspirational and motiving. It's amazing watching the elite athletes finish, but it's the stories of those 'mere mortals' their journey, crossing the line, that makes me scream out loud at the screen
"I want to do that"
Then, I think about what 'that' actually involves. Admiration. Total and utter amazement.
I got run number 35 in yesterday morning. I had to get N to confirm it was 35. I've lost count and am too tired to do math.
We had 12 scheduled for this morning. My legs felt tired today, not sore, just tired. I felt like I was draggin them along with me for the whole run. Our pace was good, definitely faster than our normal long run pace. We averaged between 10 - 10.30 min/mile pace for the whole run. Probably because the weather gods have finally answered my prayers. They delivered, not only cooler temps, but clouds as well! What a difference a few degrees and no burning sun makes.
At the 12 mile route turn around, we stopped for water. P was going further to make it 14. I took a gel and experienced a moment of madness. I decided to join P. The next few miles were good. It wasn't until we got back into the park around mile 10 that I started to realize that opting for 14 was madness.
We started from a different location today, so around mile 10 we had to run passed the car park where all our long runs normally start from. I looked for my car. P told me it wasn't there. I secretly hoped someone, some thoughtful person, had broken in and driven it up here. But it wasn't there. P kept me going.
We both started to run out of steam in the last couple of miles. The same thing happened to me last week, but it was a 17 miler so I wasn't surprised. I don't know if I am really running out of energy or I know it is almost over so I switch off, or I need to take more gels.
Who knows? What I do know is that I get to run again tomorrow! Oh Yeah! Why didn't someone suggest a beerathon for August ... huh? Or Sleepathon, shopathon, nothingathon .. all good and valid athons!
Posted by Ali at 4:14 PM | Comments (8)
August 3, 2007
to athon or not to athon
Previously on Just one more mile ....
Ali finished Julyathon, but was left wondering what next. As she completed her scheduled runs, enduring harsh conditions and poofy hair, she contemplated Augustathon. Meanwhile, around the globe, Augustathon was growing in strength and numbers.
It all comes down to Friday. Would she get out of bed? Would there be a run 34? Would she throw it all away for a couple of beers on a patio after work?
... find out next
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Well it's Friday. The hardest day of the week to get a run in. If it was going to happen it had to happen at 6.30am.
I just had a thought ... how funny would it be if I was really a fat 57 year old man, who spends his days in his cubical, the closest he comes to running is when he googles "naked running". Now all these people are running everyday and he is at home scratching his balls.
Sorry ... back to our regularly scheduled program ....
____________________________________________________________________________________________
I've always been a sucker for a band and a wagon to jump on. So this morning I hopped onboard ... yippee kay eh!
Well hopped might be a bit too enthusiastic. Walked, then slow shuffled into something that resembled a run to make it 34 in a row.
My boss will be happy, I'm here all day. Unfortunately, I will be asleep at my desk most of the afternoon ...
It's official I'm in on Augustathon!
Posted by Ali at 9:40 AM | Comments (7)
August 2, 2007
day 33
I am so over this hot humid weather. Enough. If I am willing to run everyday, make this sacrifice, comittment to this huge undertaking, then it only seems fair there be a little cooperation from the weather gods.
Really is it not challenging enough?
Did I bitch about how hard I had it during Julyathon? Okay, obviously I did. But still, would it be too much to ask for a cool breeze, even a run in the rain would be a refreshing change.
This isn't just about running. Nope. It goes way deeper than that. This is now affecting sleep. I need cool temperatures to snuggle up in my duvet. Crisp mornings to get me out of bed. I hide it well in size 12 font, but lack of sleep and off the charts temperatures make me a tad bitchy.
And don't even get me started on humidity and my hair. It's a puff ball.
I got run 33 in, but cut it short from 8 miles to 5.5 miles. It was just too bloody hot and humid out there. It was like running in a sauna. Seriously, who would want to run in a sauna? No. One. Not. Me.
Posted by Ali at 9:51 PM | Comments (2)
August 1, 2007
They say ...
It takes at least 21 days to form a habit. This means that you have to do something at least 21 times before it begins to become part of your everyday routine.
I looked back at day 21 of Julyathon, to see if something changed. Was there some clue in my post that would lead you to believe I had now formed a habit? No. In fact I seemed a tad bitchy. Someone must have hacked into my blog and added bitchy tone. I definitely remember how tired I felt at that point, it was still something I was forcing myself to do everyday.
What about day 22? The habit should be formed by then. If habit comes in the form of inflated ego and self praise and blowing of ones own trumpet ... well people hold on to your hats I think we formed a habit!
Julyathon ... the good
It wasn't that hard. At least physically.
My legs felt better on the regularly scheduled runs (Tues, Thur, Sat and Sun). The short runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday seemed to help my leg muscles, especially my calves.
I feel stronger.
I don't know if I have gotten faster - but I haven't gotten any slower. Looking at my average pace for the month, it is higher than June, but that includes my very slow and easy recovery runs. My average speed for tempo runs has gone down, training run pace is down and long runs are about the same.
I have greater endurance.
I feel entirely different about running now. It's part of my day like brushing my teeth. Before I would think, okay if you want to do this marathon, then you are going to have to run tonight. But if I really didn't want to run, or I didn't like the workout, then I wouldn't do it. If someone invited me out, I'd sacrifice a run. It's not like I'm going to win a race, one run isn't going to make me faster.
I get how seeing improvement can motivate you.
Julyathon ... the not-so-good
It was hard. At least fitting it into my life, keeping some kinda balance between running, working, personal.
Laundry
I am tired, like I could crawl into bed and sleep for hours tired.
My house is a mess
The first 4.95 kms of a 5k recovery run
The breakdown
274 km or 164.4 miles (almost double my June mileage)
Total runs = 31
Runs on treadmill = zero
Really bad runs = 7
Really good runs = 5
Falls = 1 (on trail, day 22)
Massages = 1
Number of days I didn't want to run = 12
Drugs = 2 ibuprofen, 2 Tylenol
Number of kicks up the butt I needed = 8
Runs alone = 13
Blisters = 4 (from 10k race, none since)
Motivating comments and encourage words = 3,897,227.36
To keep going or stop?
I am leaning towards continuing. I did run this morning, making it 32 runs in a row. I don't want to become a streaker or break any records. But it keeps me focused and accountable. I see and feel real benefits from it, which is motivating me, something I haven't felt in a long time with running. It also feels anticlimactic to stop now.
I did all that? What for? To stop?
With all that said, I need to actually say it, put it out there. I can't run day to day without it being part of a larger goal. I need that pressure, guilt, accountability to get me out the door. Of course, I am all for doing this now, I got today's run in when it was cool. If I had to do it tonight, when it's 104 outside, you'd be reading ... been there, done that, got nothing to prove people. Move along, Julyathon is over, it's bon bons on the sofa tonight!
Friday will be judgment day. I have a scheduled run tomorrow night, so 33 is taken care of. Friday is the hardest day to get a run in.
I am physically unable to get out of bed early to run. I'll probably get fired if I leave work again at 2pm. I'm Irish with alcoholic tendencies, therefore I must drink on Friday nights. Maybe I'll wait and have the decision made for me. Like some sort of fate ....
Posted by Ali at 10:29 AM | Comments (11)