Week #5 - Run #3 (cancelled)

0K (6-7K scheduled)

Guess who is feeling like crap again today?

My phlegm-ish throat from the other day turned into a sore and scratchy throat. Sucks to be me! It's funny how I have had years with nary a cold or the flu, but it's caught up with me this year; it has been a winter in which I am susceptible to every bug. In spite of eating more fruits and vegetables on a daily basis than ever before, my immunity system is clearly compromised. :(

30 minutes barefoot on the TM

- 25 minutes walking

- 5 minutes running

I was feeling pretty crappy with my sore throat so I bailed on my scheduled 6-7K. :(

However, I didn't want to skip on my effort to walk barefoot every other day on the treadmill so I hopped on. Instead of progressing to longer time as I have been doing, I played with speed instead. I started slow and gradually added speed. It gave me a nice little workout. By the time I reached 25 minutes, I was feeling very good about how my feet felt so I decided to challenge myself to five minutes of running ...

... and it was AWESOME! I absolutely LOVED it. Wow! I could have kept running but I stopped at 30 minutes, with the intention of running longer the next time. Very cool! I noticed right away how much shorter my stride was and how much quicker my turnover was so I decided to test myself. Sure enough, within one minute, my right foot touched the ground 81 times. In shoes, I have counted 70 times for my right foot. Wow! Doesn't that speak volumes?

Week #5 - Run #1

8K (7-8K scheduled)

Can I add "Run Tired" to the list? :)

I had very little sleep last night, It was one of those nights. Usually, I bail on a run if I haven't slept when I'm dragging my feet, but I took advantage of an energetic surge to go for a run.

What I liked about this run was that I took a route, which would shorten my run if I needed to, but extend it to 8K if I felt up to it. I'm happy to report that by the time I reached my 5-6K turnoff, I was really into my run so I kept going.

The only challenge I had with this run was that I was feeling phlegm-ish in my throat. All my throat clearing couldn't get rid of it and I drank a significant amount of water in an attempt to get rid of the sensation. Not a good sign - it looks as if I am coming down with my 4th cold/flu of the winter season. :(

But in the meantime, I feel good about getting this done and the stretches in which it felt really, really good, in spite of feeling tired. :)

Week #5 - Schedule

Mon - Rest

Tues - 7-8K

Wed - 6-7K

Thurs - 10-12K

Fri - Rest

Sat - 5-6K

Sun - 12-14K

Week #4 - Run #4

4K (4-5K scheduled)

A short post to make note of this run.

I feel very pleased with this run, albeit short and sweet. It was solid and easy. A perfect pre-race warmup! :)

This was another evening run. It was a very busy day for us so part of my success was just getting it done. :) The dogs and I made it to the park just before dusk and it was dark by the time we finished the loop and reached the parking lot. We timed it just right. :) It was nice to have this section of the park all to ourselves.

Week #4 - Run #3

2K (Rest day scheduled)

I slipped in a short run solo as an "alternative means of transportation." :)

I had to return the finished bibs for the race to the store. I didn't have our vehicle so I dressed in my running gear, took the bibs by taxi to the store, picked up my own race bib/swag running vest, and then ran home. :)

Week #4 - Run #2

8K (0K scheduled)

A photo from last year's FCRR 5K, crossing the indoor finishing line. :) I now know to wear my orange winter running jacket this Sunday - ha! The first photo of me crossing the finish line shows my heel strike. :( At least the second photo shows improved form ... ha!

Today I scheduled an extra day off for myself in lieu of the race this weekend, but I am not able to run tomorrow so I switched it

The first half of this run was great. In fact, I'm about to describe it with a word I have never used before - effortless. It truly felt great! Everything was in sync. It has been very interesting, but not necessarily all fun, re-teaching myself to run. What I enjoyed about today's run was the recognition that this is starting to pay off for me in the long run. :)

The dogs and I headed in the other direction on the running path today. No ice! This part of the public running path is more heavily used so either the higher traffic melted the snow and ice away, or the city does a much better job of keeping it clearer.

At our turning point in the park, we bumped into my racing buddy and her boyfriend, who were just starting their tempo run/biking workout together. We stopped to chat and the boys enthusiastically embraced her hugs and kisses. We then turned around and headed home.

The second half was not as "effortless" and I found it a little more challenging to get back into sync after our stop. It wasn't terrible, just a little disappointing after having such a great first half. :)

Happy to get this done, considering the week I'm having and the schedule adjustments I have to make (a challenge negatively affecting my attendance for pilates and yoga classes).

Week #4 - Run #1

6.3K (5-6K scheduled)

This is what 341 bibs with disposable chip foam strips on the back looks like. :) My volunteer work for the FCRR this weekend half completed. I'm just waiting for the name/race labels on Thursday afternoon to affix before they'll be registration-ready.

Today's run was very good. Angus ran like an old man; he had so much exercise with Ben over the weekend that he was still feeling tired when he went out with me.

The running path from the Children's Museum toward Gibbons Park/UWO was still icey and dicey, but made a little worse with a fresh layer of light snow on it. The wet snow was flying and it was windy so the conditions were not ideal.

But I still got it done. :) And the loveliness of the hot water afterwards made it worthwhile!

Week #4 - Schedule

Race Week Taper

Mon - Rest

Tues - 5-6K

Wed - OFF

Thurs - 6-8K

Fri - Rest

Sat - 4-5K

Sun - Really Chilly Road Race - 10K

Week #3 - Run #5

11K (12-14K scheduled)

This run almost didn't happen. I was feeling uninspired, and dragging my feet about going out for a run. My only excuse was a lack of motivation.

Then my neighbour dropped by to say hi. She was just starting her run with her dog when she decided to drop in for a few minutes because we haven't seen each other for awhile.

This is how I found my running mojo. If my neighbour could go for a run, then I could, too. :) Soon after she left, I changed into my running gear. I told Ben that I was aiming for 10K, but that I could be home sooner if I decided to shorten it to 5K. Even though I was still moving half-heartedly, I headed out with Wallace.

And as it turns out, it was a fairly decent run after all. :) It was cold so it was a few km before I warmed up sufficiently. I was a little caught off guard by the iciness of the running path. I had expected it to be much clearer. My run was punctuated by smooth running stretches when the pavement was clear, and running slowly/walking over the stretches of ice.

I continue to feel very pleased with my improved posture, stride and change foot strike/placement. The barefoot walking on the TM, for me, is already proving beneficial, re-teaching me how my feet should feel. I carried that over into my running in shoes, and this has made a significance change/improvement. I now plan to look into a different running shoe next month, a pair will less cushy heels (minimalist).

Week #3 - Run #4 (cancelled)

6-7K scheduled

Sadly, another ZERO run day. :(

It was still a good day. I spent the morning at the farmers' market with my friend, and had a lovely time shopping for bags filled with yummy vegetables. However, by the time I was finished washing, chopping and roasting the leftover vegetables from last week at home, the weather took a turn for the worse, and it turned into poor running weather. :( Ben spent the morning and early afternoon outdoors with Angus, and upon arriving home, advised me not to head out for a run.

Could I have gone to the gym to use the treadmill? Yes. Could I have run on the treadmill at home? Yes. Did I? No. :( My running mojo just isn't there this week.

Week #3 - Run #3

7.5K (7-8K scheduled)

Another weird day. Life got in the way and I ended up having to choose between a run and hot pilates. I was already dressed in my running gear before being interrupted, and after missing runs for the last few days, felt a little pressured about getting something done. :)

I do not often run in the evening. After tonight's run, I am going to try to do it a little more often. :) It was a terrific temperature for a run and it was just what I needed after today. I took a 'brand new' route; I can't run on the Thames Valley path system at night (it's pitch black without any light) so the dogs and I ran a 'city block', using all the main streets in my vicinity (Wharncliffe, Springbank, Wonderland, Riverside), which are well-lit with traffic and street lights. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. :)

For the last month, I've been concentrating on improving my posture, running with my 'core,' and most of all, "curing" myself of the heel strike. This run had some terrific stretches when I could feel all these changes in sync, and that I am running better than in the past - more effortlessly. I am convinced that what I am doing will benefit me in the future; however, it is taking some time to change, and will continue to take more time so patience is proving to be a virtue at this point.

Week #3 - Run #2 (cancelled)

9-10K scheduled

And 0K achieved. :( It was a very disjointed day for me and I did not manage to squeeze a run in for me today.

At least I made it to Kundalini yoga, albeit a tad bit late (unusual for me). :( A very good class as always and a little sad for me since this will be my last Wednesday yoga class until May 16th. :( My schedule has changed and I can't attend this class for the next three months. :( :( :(

Week #3 - Run #1

1K (7-8K scheduled)

Happy Valentine's Day! :) Look what my sweetheart gave to me. :) It's a red velvet chocolate cake with cream cheese icing and filling (the pink and green icing is just tasteless decorative icing). This was completely unexpected, but nevertheless appreciated. :) And very, very yummy!

I attempted to run on my new-2-me treadmill twice, but my head cold ended up being victorious. :( I need to give my sinuses another day to clear up. Fortunately, this is not the flu - I have not suffered from a sore throat, coughing, or lungs filled with phlegm. It is truly a 'head' cold, but it's still keeping me busy blowing my nose. :(

No pilates this evening, either. :( I bailed so I could go out for dinner with Ben. Truth be told, I probably would have skipped class tonight anyway because this cold has really sapped my energy. :( Hoping for a good night's sleep and clearer sinuses tomorrow. :)

Week #3 - Schedule

Mon - Rest

Tues - 7-8K

Wed - 9-10K

Thu - 7-8K

Fri - Rest

Sat - 6-7K

Sun - 12-14K

Week #2 - Run #5 (cancelled)

0K (10-12K scheduled)

A bit of a bummer. :( I was looking forward to running a 10-12K as an LSD this weekend. But in a "ditto" to Saturday's post, I still have a lousy head cold and the weather is still a little too challenging for me when I am feeling this way to venture out for a run.

We took the dogs out to the farm like we usually do, choosing a path that protected us somewhat from the wind for our walk. The dogs were happy and running the whole time; they clearly needed the energy burner. I opted to go with Ben and the dogs just so I could get some fresh air into my chest and stretch the legs.

I also skipped pilates with Dr. Tim for the second Sunday in a row. I don't want to pass this cold on to others if possible. :(

Week #2 - Run #4 (cancelled)

0K (6-7K scheduled)

I started feeling my cold Thursday night. I just thought my poor run and crappy pilates class were the result of an 'off' day but as I headed to bed, I realized that I had indeed caught Ben's lousy cold. :( I was worse when I woke up this morning. :( Unlike other runners, I do not run when I am sick. This is not the kind of cold that improves with fresh air and some exercise. The weather has changed as well; it's very cold with the wind chill factor and fresh snow. Kudos to all who run in this, but I recognize my limitations today, and will stay in to nurse my cold.

Week #2 - Run #3

4.5K (scheduled 6-7K)

Oy! Week #1 went very well; Week #2 - not so much. :(

From beginning to end, I just wasn't feeling this run. I felt like I was forcing it to happen rather than needing a few minutes/kms to warm-up. I knew by the time I reached 4K that it was time to call it a bust.

I recognize that there are days when it's a matter of motivation when it's hard to put on my running shoes. Getting out there and starting to run usually makes the feeling subside. However, today was not one of those days. :( Ha! Oh well! A bit of bummer after my great run yesterday, but not all runs have to be, or are going to be, good. :)

Hot Pilates

I wasn't going to go to class after this shortened, blah run, but it will be the second last time I can attend it for the next three months (changes to my schedule) so I used this sad fact to motivate me out the door. And as it turns out, I really should have stayed home! I knew something was up when I arrived - only half the usual amount of students were there and our instructor was missing. This is when I remembered that Jan had the night off and a substitute was coming in for her. This is when I should have left, but since I was already there ...

Wisely, I didn't set my mat up at the front by the instructor like I usually do. I headed straight to the back corner! And for the next hour, I was grateful that I did. Rather than getting into all the details, suffice it to say that it was not an enjoyable class because it was unlike any pilates I have done in class or seen on the DVDs from the library. This instructor taught in a more frenzied, fast pace way. No one knew what we were doing because we would be told to do one pose or exercise while she was calling out another ... and another. I realized then what I liked so much about the yoga and pilates classes I attend faithfully. Both the instructors take the time to show us how to do it properly. We pause and watch while they show us what to do and then we proceed together. We still get a workout with all the pauses - in fact, we get a better workout because we know what to do, and how to do it. This instructor just kept changing what she wanted us to without rhyme or reason. It just ended up being a frustrating experience, and several of the regular students who did show up looked at each other, and said WTF?!?!? Rather than letting it bother me, I just shook my head and laughed to myself about it. Batting 1000! Par for the course! First a lousy run; then a lousy class. It just wasn't my day and it doesn't happen often so no worries. :)

And I can add this now, since my post is going up late ... but once I arrived home and relaxed for awhile after pilates, I realized that I wasn't feeling well. :( And guess who has a nasty head cold at the moment? :( :(

Week #2 - Run #2

8K (8-9K scheduled)

This is Angus. He likes to kick back and watch a little bit of TV after he goes for a run. :)

It was a gorgeous, crisp day for a run. And I have to admit, I really did not want to go for one. It took a lot of self-talk to motivate me, and then it turned out to be a great run after all. Isn't it funny how often that happens?

The back of my feet/achilles was still a little raw from wearing my new shoes, but with hospital-grade bandages, I was okay with my running shoes on. I was feeling a little residual frustration from my run on Sunday, too. It is taking a lot of concentration and work mixed in with frustration to change from heel striking.

Fortunately, this run came together much better today than in previous runs. There were several stretches that were so smoooooth and effortless - wow! My reading on heel striking describes it as trying to drive while accelerating and hitting the brake simultaneously. I understand this analogy much better after today's run. Running up small inclines and declines was much easier. I am considering adding "100ups" to my pre-run regime because I see its connection to proper form.

I also focused more on 'engaging my core.' Chi Running's approach is about using your core to run, not your legs. Today, I finally concentrated on this more and wow! I really felt the difference! My challenge right now is following the advice the book provides: read it from cover to cover first, and then return to the beginning to work on one thing at a time, in sequence, taking the time to learn each step properly, before progressing to the next. I have been a little too much all over the map, experimenting with what I am reading during the first read-through. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing because when I suddenly did get all these things into sync - woosh! Fast and effortless. It proved that I am doing the right thing for me at this time. Patience!

There was some frustration on my run today, but it didn't have anything to do with the running. The dogs were not as good as they usually are as running partners. Angus was pushing the pace a little too much; I had to keep telling him to slow down. I wanted to concentrate on my form, not my speed. For some reason, he really wanted to run! :( Wallace kept pulling to the side in sniffing mode. It must have been especially smelly out there because his nose was sniffing as fast as his legs were running. Normally, he is focused and thrilled to be running so it was odd to feel the constant pulling at my waist from Wallace's leash. They are usually so great so in hindsight, it's a reminder of how lucky I am to have two great running partners.

Kundalini Yoga

Because today's run was so good, I still had my 'runner's high' heading into class, and this high carried over into my yoga poses. :) I could feel improvement, which really pleased me! It also made me feel a little sad because, after next week, I won't be able to attend this class for awhile. :( (schedule change for the next three months).

The best part of class was the lovely compliment I received from my yoga/running classmate. She started to tell me that she thought she saw me out running. I responded by asking if this runner had two dogs attached to the waist? :) Yes! She then told me that it was her marathon-running husband who saw me dogs along Wonderland Road, and how impressed he was by me. When she looked to see who he was pointing out, she realized that it was me. She then told me that her husband thought I was running at quite a clip. :) It was so nice to hear such positive feedback. :) :)

Week #2 - Run #1 (Cancelled)

0K (7-8K scheduled)

My poor little feet were too sore today to go for a run. :(

Before I explain why my feet are so sore, I just want to laughingly apologize to anyone who has signed up for email forwards. I was a busy bee and spent time catching up on all my posts and as a a result, your inbox would have received one very long email with seven posts! Sorry!

I purchased new shoes Monday night - the first pair in a long time that weren't running shoes! - and I decided to break them in by walking the dogs. They were soooo comfortable and I was really liking them ... until suddenly they were no longer 'so' comfortable. I realized that the skin on the back of my feet was being rubbed too much. :( Unfortunately, returning home from this point of realization turned my feet into a minor bloody mess. :( Now, any pair of shoes, including my running shoes, are not feeling great on! Compounded by having a terrible night of sleep last night, I knew I simply didn't have it in me today (Ben has a terrible cold and was up all night, affecting my sleep). And hey, after 5 runs last week, the first time since early September, taking an additional rest day this week is not such a bad idea. :)

******

Pilates

I still went to pilates class this evening - woo hoo! It's the first time in awhile that I considered bailing (so tired!), but I am glad I forced myself out the door. It was a good class; we used two pilates balls throughout this session. Although some moves didn't seem to do anything for me (doing it wrong?), the arm strengthening with the balls was excellent. We also did several glutes exercises that every runner should learn! Wow! I can see why pilates and running go together like jam and peanut butter. :) :)

And on a side note, this class was more humourous than usual because there were quite a few farters! I am accustomed to hearing the occasional fart in pilates and yoga; it's the nature of the class. My yoga instructor has told us on numerous occasions not to feel embarrassed if it happens - it shows that you are working the right area of your body. :) However, in this class - toot! toot! toot! toot! toot! all over the room. It was as if one person being "loud and proud" encouraged everyone else to just let it out. A show of solidarity?

And just so you know ... I had nothing to offer. :) :)