Hello 2011....Farewell 2010

I can't believe that in a few short hours 2011 will be here....


2010 was an amazing year filled with lots of accomplishments:

• Half PR of 2:15:25
• First time doing a 30km Race:3:09:53
• Marathon: 4:49:08

I never thought I would blog, keep track of my KM's or finish another marathon...I am so proud to have done all that and am quite excited for 2011...I am not one for resolutions or crazy goals but here are a few:

• Finish 30km Around the Bay ( I am not going for a PR since my previous 30km was done in the summer on an easier course)
• Have a 10km PR : I know that I can crush my old PR of 1:06:10
• Track every KM that I run or bike
• Try and add either more yoga or swimming to my workouts
• Reevaluate my food choices and options (This will be on going but hoping to update at the end up the month)
• Run a Spring Marathon

*Although I haven't been running as much and did not meet my December Goal of 100km...I am feeling good about my Upcoming Clinic...I always worry about burn out and I feel that this break has done me well and I look forward to all of these new adventures!


HAPPY NEW YEAR BLOGGY FRIENDS! May 2011 bring much happiness and great health!

More Snow!.jpg

Well I might have to think about hitting up the Gym for tonight's run! Another 30cm over night...Here's hoping the streets are clear later on...45mins of shoveling can count as cross-training right?

PS. Running in snow is not good for IT Band...must do better job of stretching and rolling tonight :)
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Winter Wonderland Tuesday

"I refuse to let winter get the best of me... " was a comment left by fellow Canadian Blogger Laura. Last week the Snow Belt of a City in which I live received 100+cm or (40inches) of Snow in about 2 and a half days. Our entire city shut down. I left the city and headed north to my cottage where there was snow...just less of it...I managed to run 5km outside once last week...Not too shabby (I don't belong to a gym or have access to a treadmill...yes I have access to a gym during the week for 5bucks and free on weekends...but gyms are just not my thing)...


A Picture of my Car last week...you can barely see the 26.2km Magnet


We had a few nice days in there but today another storm is supposed to hit us...we had some bad wind today but so far the 35+cm of snow has not come! We have had some...Here is the Weather Report for Tonight: Feels like -16c (3F) and 5-10cm of snow...CRAZY...

BUT I ran! I wore my wool socks (thank you for all the suggestions!!), layered lots, bundled up and went! It was a slow one...I did not even bother to wear my Garmin as I knew I would probably go crazy looking at the time...I must say that the cold air is pretty refreshing and I was able to get into a rhythm. I realize that last winter we were really lucky with the weather and this one seems like there are going to be some crazy runs in deep snow!


Do you run outside in the Winter?


-Happy Running

IMG00091-20101206-0757.jpg

Snow!! Tonight's run will be interesting.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

First Cold Run of the Year and Need some Suggestions

Crazy that last night I was running in Shorts and a hoodie and tonight it was FULL Winter gear...

Now I need some help...My socks were not cutting it tonight...My toes were really cold...What winter socks do you run in? Any suggestions??


Thanks Bloggy Peeps...Any help is much appreciated!

6km Done and Done:)


~Happy Running

Sweaty, Rainy Mess and I like it!

No more feeling sorry for myself...this lack of motivation is over! 6km done and done in brutal weather...no complaints...felt great...here is the pic to prove it!





Love the runny mascara look!!

boo November :(

November was not a good running month for me...in fact it was horrible...41km plus a couple of bike rides...A fall, a cold and getting sick for a second time really sidelined me...I have made a plan for December I would like to Run a minimum of 25km per week in order to prepare for my Marathon Clinic which starts January 6, 2011. I have zero motivation right now...am I worried? No way! I think a break is actually pretty good for me mentally...I know I have lost some of my fitness but I know I'll get it back...

Mental Health is key...burning out from running is bad...so hopefully my December plan will work!!


Happy Running

Happy Anniversary

Hard to believe that we got married one year ago today...We spent the weekend in Niagara on the Lake where we got married...it was wonderful...Love you Hubby :)

Flash Back Friday

One year ago today I was heading up to Deerhurst with my amazing friends and family to celebrate my Bachlorette Party....We spent the weekend in Muskoka went shopping, had a wine tasting, ate lots of yummy food and saw a great performance by Chantal Kreviazuk...It rocked...

November 11, 2010

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
-Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae


Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. Today we remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war. Why November 11? Because on this day in 1918 the First World War ended. I will be taking time today to remember those who fought for me and who continue to fight. I will wear my poppy proudly above my heart and take a minute of silence on the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

To Learn more about Canada's History on Remembrance Day please visit Veterans Affairs.

Kind of a Big Deal....

Sooo after last nights run....


I have officially hit 1000km or 621miles....now...want to hear the cool part? I started recording my KM on April 12, 2010...the DAY AFTER my first half marathon...I didn't COUNT any of the training from January-April 11, 2010....and I was running minimum 3 days per WEEK! Awesome...a goal of mine is to document the entire 2o11 running season...

Those Km's are not even counting the over 500km of biking that I have done! 2010 has been a good year so far...can't believe that there are only 45 more sleeps until Christmas!!!


Sunday: 12.23km Run...was supposed to be 13km but decided to meet the hubby for coffee...WELL worth it!

Monday: 19km Bike ride...felt great to stretch it out...after work rides are hard...I need to be on the bike by 4:15pm in order to get a good ride in before it gets too dark...

Tuesday: 6.5km run....Was feeling okay until I FELL...ugh...right in front of a whole bunch of UWO students...WHO NONE OF THEM OFFERED TO HELP or ASKED IF I WAS OKAY....I am sure it was because my awesome running bud Gillian was there and helped me...scared me more than anything...My elbow is pretty banged up...trying some pain patch I got free from a race kit...so far so good...

Hoping for 10km tomorrow all depending on how the elbow feels...

Happy Running :)

A Garmin on Every Wrist/Bike -- An Election Day Contest

Check out this Way Cool Giveaway!!!!

I am hoping to win the Garmin Edge 500 for my bike!! Woot Woot!

A Garmin on Every Wrist/Bike -- An Election Day Contest

Medals

Hey-O

Check out Forward Foot Strides for a giveaway from Allied Steel....I would LOVE to win this one...Currently this is how the majority of my medals look...All my bibs and medals...at work...I find it good motivation....





My first Marathon is in my office at Home...It looks like this:





Sorry for the glare...picture taken on my Blackberry....now I have not done anything with my Chicago Medal...I am thinking of doing another Shadow box....we will see....Or hopefully I will WIN the Allied Steel giveaway!!!!


Happy Running

October Stats

Hi All,

I have been flabby lately with the postings....I have to admit that I am LOVING this downtime from running...I do miss my routine and all but taking a breather is nice....I was so close singing up for the Raod2Hope Half Marathon...I know a quite a few people doing the half and full...for some reason though I couldn't quite bring myself to register...today I finally gave in...went to the website...and it was FULL!!! I am actually pretty relieved...The reasons why I was doing it was so that I could have a new PB....My half PB is 2:15:25 in April...although at my 30km at the 21.1km mark I did a 2:12:51...sooo I sort of have that as a PB...I felt I was doing it "just" to get that number down...not to actually wanting to have fun...hence the waiting to sign up...soooooo I think this is good...I need a break from running and I will be getting it for a little bit...Also I think I would be pretty disappointed if I went and didn't get a PB...emotionally this would have been a stupid decision if I signed up...

Now...I DID however sign up for Around the Bay Road Race!!! I am really excited to do this 30km race....I have never done it, and have heard so many people talk about it! A new goal to keep me on track!

Life is good....feeling a little sore from last week (I was gardening and pulled my right hammy) so this week I am going to take it easy...

October Stats: 130km....not bad considering I took an entire week off after the marathon and took the week before as an *easy* week...

My goal is to roughly run 30km per week until my Marathon Clinic begins on January 6, 2010!!


Happy Running

Mileage Update

Short and Sweet: Last Week:


Monday: 20km Bike Ride
Tuesday: 6km Run
Wednesday: 10km Run
Thursday: 6km Run
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Rest
Sunday 13.77km Run

Feeling pretty good...still a little tired...had a great pace for that 13.77km run (6:03...and did not take any walk breaks)....Legs are a little sore...have been rolling with my NEW Roller: I have it in black...Funny how you start to increase that mileage and these little niggles come back :(


I picked this baby up at the Chicago Marathon Expo...I tried it out...It kicked my butt...My old foam roller had been used so much that it was starting to get a wonky shape...this one is much better and has different levels to roll...now I haven't been able to roll for AS long as it hurts...BUT a good hurt....Will give a better update after more use...


On Tap for this week:

Tuesday:6km Run
Wednesday: 10km Run
Thursday: 6km Run (easy)
Friday: Bike or Rest?
Saturday: Bike or Rest?
Sunday: 10km most likely...


Happy Running....These Ontario Municipal Elections have been crazy tonight!

What's Next?

I have a *confession*...I have been *cheating* on running with a new toy....I made this purchase a week before Chicago and have been unable to use it until this past weekend...



The hubby purchased a road by at the beginning of the spring...he is really enjoying it and it is so neat that he has something that he is quite involved in...I would ride with him on my mountain bike...I love my mountain bike and have no plans to desert it...but this Road Bike is AWESOME!!! I love going fast and feeling light as a feather...so far so good with having the clip shoes...almost hit a bush but was able to clip out just in time...I do realize that at some point I will fall...Although I haven't registered for any duathlons or triathlons I do have a desire to at some point participate in one!! For me, this was the first step...I will again do the MS ride next year and really hope that this will become a really great cross training tool for me!

Last night I did my first run post marathon...6km around the block...no Garmin...just running...It felt great...taking a full week off was one of the best things I could have done...

I worry about Runner's Burn Out....It happened after my Marathon in 2007...It happened so much so that I stopped running and took a 2 year sabbatical...I also know how important setting goals and having a schedule are for me...So here it goes...

• I am joining a new Run Club: It begins in January and it is for a full Marathon on May 15, 2010...I have a few options and until it starts I will not know which one I will be training for (Mississauga, Toronto Goodlife or Cleveland)...After much frustration (I won't go into the long and boring details) I need a break from my previous Running Store...not the group...they were amazing...just the store and politics and I am excited about being "Coached"...after much chat with the hubby and friends...I feel it is in my best interest to have some change...I was able to take 20mins off my Half PR this year and 50mins off my Marathon...I KNOW I can take more off...I think I need some proper coaching and this other store will allow that to happen...I am sure I'll be one of the slowest...but I have a lot of drive and determination...


• I booked a Hotel for the Around the Bay 30km race in Hamilton...haven't registered yet..but planning on doing so soon! I have ALWAYS wanted to do this challenging race...I am pretty excited for it...


• I booked a Hotel for the Flying Pig Half Marathon...I am so pumped about a Cincinnati girls weekend...no full...just the half!

For the first time in a long time, I am feeling optimistic about Running and making it a *habit* in my life. I have changed the name of the Blog to: "The Road From Chicago"...It was such a great experience and I know that I am only going to grow further!!

Happy Running :)

Recap # 3 Bank of America Chicago Marathon...This is it!

Hi Bloggy World,

Again I apologize that this is taking me forever to complete these recaps...I am just loving the down time right now...(I have a new 'toy' that I have been playing with)

I woke up at 5am the morning (actually 4am because Jamie set his iphone to Ontario time...pretty funny actually)...Lindsay and I got up and shared a bagel with peanut butter...this was one of the first times I have ever been able to eat before a marathon...I considered that a pretty good breakfast...

The stomach was a little nervous but surprisingly I was pretty calm...I wrote on my hands and arms "believe", "trust your training", "1000+ km > 42.2km" and the hubby wrote "Birthday Girl". This was really helpful to me...just to be able to take a glance at them during the race and reinforce positive thoughts and all the hard work I have done...

Our friend Catherine, her mum and her husband Lennie picked us up at 6:15am...We took a few snap shots then it was OFF to the starting line...Lennie was able to drive us super close which really helped out...



Pre-Race Outfit Pictures


Me and the Hubby

We said our goodbyes and knew that we would see them again shortly around 5km and potentially when we hit Chinatown...The drive took no time to get to the start and as soon as we got there we got into the lines for the port-o-potty's....At this point they were not that long...I did not find this to be a problem whatsoever. We said our goodbyes to Catherine and then Lindsay and I headed to situate ourselves in between the 4:30 and 4:45 pace bunny. We chatted with a few people in line, the American National Anthem was sung and then the gun went off at 7:30am. They started to play U2's "Beautiful Day" which was the 10-10-10 Theme Song...It was a great way to take my mind off of the race and just enjoy the music....The Open Corral was extremely packed...We were told by our Clinic leader to steer clear of the fence line as people panic and start to jump in...I was happy we did that because sure enough people started to jump in...That was a little scary.

We crossed the starting line at 7:49:35am I was expecting a half hour so I thought that 19mins was pretty good...I could have been more aggressive in starting sooner but I was just trying to take in every minute!! I really wanted to break that 4:45...so I wanted to run a 6:30pace (averaging out my walk breaks)


The Hubby was able to take some great pictures of the Lead Pack :) (In my dreams I am Kenyan)

5km: 32:09 (6:25 pace or a 10:21): No walk breaks taken during this time. I was going a little fast and trying to settle into a rhythm. I decided to stick to the right hand side...Surprisingly I wasn't dodging that many people. There were a ton of people...a ton...and yes the following picture has many superhero's and they passed me...


The Hubby and the rest of the gang briefly saw me at the 5km mark...They yelled out my name but I had already passed them. So no picture there...It was really exciting to see them. I concentrated on slowing down my pace. I was worried that I would go out WAY to fast then fade.

*At 45mins I took a GU...Chocolate Mint...super yummy...stomach feeling good...

10km: 1:04:44 (6:28/10:30 pace): Feeling pretty amazing...still haven't taken any walk breaks because it was a little too congested. Having sips of Gatorade at every station...I was carrying my own water and taking it while running quite frequently. I knew that I was going to have to hydrate quite regularly in order to keep going. So far so good.

15km: 1:37:19 (6:29/10:30 pace): Still feeling really strong and have settled into a really nice place. Loved hearing everyone call my name, say "Go Canada Go" also multiple people wished me a "Happy Thanksgiving". I loved looking around at all the different people. I loved running through all the different borough's....boystown and Chinatown were by far my favourites....great music and people wearing costumes and cheering...

1.2 million spectators...they were so amazing...handing out their own Water, Pretzel, candy, Kleenex...so wonderful...people can be so generous :) We need more events like these.

*Second GU taken

21.1km (Half Marathon) 2:17:10 (6:30/10:32pace) I am doing great and fairly consistent with my pacing...This is where I start to notice the heat...we begin running into direct sunlight and we weren't getting any breeze...My plan at this point changed...I knew that I couldn't continue to have a 4:35:59 finish...My face was really red, I was starting to overheat...go with plan B....under 5 hour finish....

25km 2:43:58 (6:33/11:03 pace)...I have now officially slowed down...I am taking in as much Gatorade and water as possible at each rest stop. Still pretty happy with my pace at this time...Stomach starting to get a little funny due to Gatorade...

30km: 3:19:44 (6:39/11:31 pace)...Wow it is hot out...I took another gel...loved the taste...took lots of water with it...Mentally I am on fire...I keep looking down at my hands/arms and remind myself that I am going to finish...I am super thirsty and HOT....I know that I will have a massive heat rash on my face....I am dumping water on myself and running through the hoses that people have out...Thank goodness for those...

*The Hubby spots me in Chinatown...takes a photo...I give him a hug and am off...he takes my fuel belt for me...thought that at this point I could just use water and Gatorade...I did not want the weight of the belt anymore...I wanted to be light as a feather...


35km: 3:56:06(6:44/11:43 pace)....So hot...I have NEVER been so THIRSTY in my entire life...I knew I had properly hydrated the week/days before and was taking in a lot during the race...it was just a hot hot day...can't tell if I am sweating any more...body covered in salt...starting to walk through every aid station to get enough in my system...

4:45 pace bunny passes me...I try to keep up but decide...finishing strong and happy on my birthday is by far better than finishing in a crusty mood...

40km: 4:33:15 (6:49/11:58 pace) Remind myself that my friend Tiffany, her husband Mike and daughter Maggie will be at mile 26 to cheer me on...I get a really great mental boost! Just keep running...you are sooooooooo close! I see Tiffany...such a motivator and pick up the pace to finish in: 4:49:08

Me with the Medal...Feeling great!

Ahhh sitting down...sooo good


Reunited with my friend Lindsay who also had a PB


Visiting with Tiffany and Maggie with the AWESOME sign they made me!


Me and the Hubby...who did amazing to follow me around the city...


Just before dinner...Race shirts...Chicago 10-10-10 Bondi Bands and our kick butt medals!



Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory!

Best Birthday EVER!

Thoughts and Ramblings:

- I had a PB by 50mins...althought it wasn't my sub 4:45:00 it was only 4mins off...it was so hot out there...my body was one giant heat rash by the end...I am really proud of this PB and I cannot wait to kill it again!

-I was actually happy that I banked some time...the first half was much cooler and had a breeze...for that day and that race it worked for me...

-It was packed...there were a TON of people...I knew this going into the race and took it in stride...this helped to not get frustrated...

-I enjoyed EVERY minute! I really honestly did...it was such a great experience...It helped to focus on this as opposed to time/time/time

-I KNOW I can sub 4:40:00 and hope to sub 4:35:00 at some point...with more training I can do it...and it excites me!

*I have not run yet...and am TOTALLY happy...taking the full week off last week was so beneficial. I often hear about Runner's burn out...I am trying to prevent this...My next post will show you what I have been up too...I plan on starting to run this week...no garmin...just run...

Thanks for reading!

Chicago Recap #2

Saturday in the City


We were so lucky that we went to the expo on Friday night...It allowed us a small amount of time to explore the city...We went back to Niketown to do some shopping as well we hit up the Hershey store :)....Yummy...Yummy....

Over the lunch hour we took a Boat Ride on the Chicago River and into Lake Michigan...It was really nice to learn about some of the History of the City and the Architecture....



Jamie, Lindsay, The Hubby, Moi



The Wrigley Building


Trump Tower


The Corn Cob Buildings


Navy Pier


The Hubby at the Hershey Store...We did get some treats...let me tell you...they were DELICIOUS! After doing some shopping we headed out for our big Carb Load Party with our other friend Catherine, her mother and husband.


We had a great time and celebrated three birthdays (Catherine, The Hubby and Moi)


This was our HUGE bowl of pasta...super yummy!! After our early carb load dinner we went back to the hotel to rest up...we got our race outfits out and said goodnight!





Up Next: The actual Marathon!!!

Chicago Recap #1

Hi All,

After a much needed break I am back!! Thank you so much to everyone who read and left comments...It was such an amazing experience that I am going to break it down into smaller recaps!

Friday October 8, 2010:

We left London around 6:30am...It was really nice as we were able to drive down and share a a hotel room with our good friends Lindsay and Jamie...We made a few stops...including one to get Smoothies :)


We were lucky that we arrived early enough in the afternoon that we were able to get everything set up in our room... we relaxed a little then headed for a bite to eat before we were off to Nike Town and the Expo...





One of the many Banners around town...It sure got us excited!

Why is everyone staring at this wall?

To find their names of course!!

We were all able to find our names...This was outside of Niketown...They had a smaller version at the expo so everyone could get a picture of their name....there are over 40,000 names there!!

We got on the free shuttle bus to the expo...they had lots of great picture opportunities...

Loved all the 10-10-10 stuff...It was really neat having a birthday on that day :) Lots of cool Photo opportunities!

The expo was okay...quite frankly the Nike selection for women was not very great...they didn't have that many vendors...I did come away with a hat, capris/skirt and a shirt...



I picked up some more Bondi Bands....


I also got a new foam roller along with a box for Chocolate Mint Gu's....


We then headed to PF Chang's for some yummy dinner then it was an ETB (Early to bed)....

Next Up: Saturday in the City

I did it!!

Race Report to come after...


4:49:08.....Super happy with my time!! Had a blast....the weather was less than ideal...at the 35km mark it was 30 degrees or 87!!! It was hot...now time to rest...


Lish

"If you can dream it, you can do it!" ~ Walt Disney

4 more sleeps! Chicago isn't just a dream anymore...it is here!! I am so excited! I have mass amounts of laundry and haven't really even thought about packing...I actually feel that I need to write my Marathon Goals down and send them all over the internet before I can focus on the easy stuff (I like packing)

I have 3 goals...


c) I know I can: PR: Sub 5:39:48 (2007 Toronto Goodlife Marathon)

B) I think I can: Sub 5:00:00

A) I hope I can Sub 4:45:00 (This is a big dream for me...I do believe it will happen...it might not be on 10-10-10 but I know it will)


After the 30km race in August where I had a 3:09:53 McMillan Running Calculator says that I should be able to do a 4:33:31 ....I have done a 22.6km Run and a 16km at above Marathon Pace of 6:30/km and felt quite comfortable....but I am still relatively new to this whole Marathoning thing....I almost feel as this is my first Marathon all over again...I know there were be lots learned along those 42.2km's....

Things I need to remember:

• I have trained harder than ever before
• I have found a new love of running
• I have had great results (Tempo Runs, A Mid-Summer Nights Run etc)
• I am excited...Chicago Marathon is just the beginning...I know that...I NEVER thought I would run another Marathon after 2007...it was a really great experience...but I do know that Chicago 10-10-10 is just the tip of the iceberg...
• I trust my training
• I believe in myself

Good Luck to all of those running this weekend! Thank you so much to everyone who has read my blog, become a follower and encouraged me the whole way...Your comments are always so appreciated and the fact that you take time from your busy lives to read about some runner in London, ON, CANADA means a lot to me. I feel very luck to have such great supports.



Thank you to those who listened endlessly to my Marathon talk...I know it sometimes probably felt like this:




Happy Running....

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my (amazing, bike riding, handy, fun, loving and all around wonderful) Hubby! Hope you have a great day...You deserve it!

Shirt Reveal...

So last weekend my friends Catherine and Lindsay picked up our Marathon Shirts at the One More Mile booth at the Scotia Waterfront Expo.


With some minor modifications here they are: On the Front it has our names...Followed by 42.2km...Canadians do it Metric...





The "Eh" Team....We are a bunch of Crazy Canucks...after talking with multiple people who have run a Megathon (NY,Boston, Berlin, London or Chicago) they all said the best thing they ever did was put their name on their shirt....I opted for "Lish" as it is way easier to pronounce than "Alicia" A-LISH-A not A-LEE-SHA...sooo I thought if I heard my name wrong multiple times I might get a bit crusty so Lish it is!!

We have some other GREAT stuff to go with our outfits but you will have to wait to see those...

Yesterday was a steady 6km in the rain and today was 16.64km at Marathon Pace in the Rain...not a very nice weekend! It went well despite the nasty conditions...I can't believe that there are only 5 sleeps until I hop in the car to head to Chicago! Woohoo...I am not too sure what my training will look like this week but I do know tomorrow is a REST day!

Happy Running!

September Stats

So for this month: 226.48km

Pretty darn happy...my goal was 225...I continue to have to take rest days for muscle tightness/IT band issues...and to obtain 226.48 with all that stuff going on, I am pretty darn happy!

I don't have any goals for October just yet...need to get through the Marathon and then go from there...I'll post my Marathon goals in a few days!


Happy Running :)

Last Day of September

10 Days until 10-10-10

Yes...I am thinking about the Marathon lots BUT really what I am thinking about is the HUGE piece of cheesecake I'll be eating to celebrate my birthday! I need one of those shirts that says "I Run to Eat".

Weather Check: *I do realize that it is WAY too soon to actually take the weather predictions seriously...however...a girl can wish.....They are predicting a High of 13 (56) and a low of 5 (41) and partly cloudy!!! PERFECT...here's hoping it holds out....

Hello Tempo Tuesday

Last Tempo Tuesday: Awesomeness=6km in 31:23 or a 5:13km/pace (3.72miles with a 8:19)....Fastest of this cycle...I think there were a combo of things....


1. It was raining...I wanted to be out of the rain (Curly Hair + rain = 80's Hair disaster)

2. I was supposed to have a 30min nap...that turned into and 1h30min nap...my mum was coming to pick me up....I didn't want to be late...

3. I missed my running group...I knew I would have to push myself tonight...it was tough...but felt good...I know that although there will be 44,999 other people in Chicago...It comes down to me...


Tomorrow is a 10km run...I am hoping I will be able to do it...we will see as I am having dental work done tomorrow :( boooourns.........


Happy Running!

Weekend in Review

Hi folks,


Quick Update Here:

Thursday: 6.5km run followed by a massage...all went well...I continue to struggle with tightness in the calves...which in turn affects every else....same old same old...stretching and icing...

Friday: Sushi Cab-Load with Running Friends who were participating in the Scotia Waterfront Half and Full....

Saturday: Two Parties....two big ones....had a blast...ate like CRAZY....I kept commenting that Friday/Saturday I ate WAY too much...however....

Sunday: 23km...I FELT so good...Actually I felt GREAT...I was able to complete my run at marathon pace (I think...my garmin died at 16km....but I luckily checked the time before...sooo pretty much marathon pace)...This was the BEST I have felt nutrition wise all cycle....

Carbo-Load Friday was key...followed by non-stop carbs sat....this allowed me to skip breakfast Sunday....I took a gel 15mins before for the first time ever...it was great....I took 3 clift shots after 45mins.....then after another 45mins a half a gel....followed by the rest of the gel 45mins later....I drank plenty of water and G2....I was less salty...no leg cramps...no Stomach Issues which was actually pretty insane...I always have GI issues....and I had none....life was good...I was pretty motivated as some of my running friends had just completed their first Marathon or Half Marathon...I am just so happy for them...I am getting a little teary-eyed thinking about it....

Do you remember how you felt right after your first Half or Full Marathon?? Tell me about it!! I would love to hear!!

"When you cross the finish line, no matter how slow or fast, it will change your life forever" -Dick Beardsley, Spirit of the Marathon...

Running by Feel...

Tonight I knew I was pressed for time...I had already come to the conclusion that I probably wasn't going to get my 10km in....instead of taking a nap when I got home, I put on my running shoes...left the house and just went....I went by time...I knew I had roughly 30-40mins...I was able to do 6.5km come home and shower then head to my massage appointment...This is one of those rare times where I just went because my body was telling me I would feel great...not by marathon shcedule or because I "should"...it just felt right....It was AWESOME! I really liked having that feeling...I wasn't thinking about PR's or the Marathon...I just ran...Bliss...


Went to the massage therapist...it hurts so good....she rocks...she is a runner and "just get's it"....my calves continue to wreck havoc on most other parts of the body...feeling a little sore...but all is good...I will be taking a scheduled rest day tomorrow...supposed to do 23km for a Long Run...most likely will do a bike ride instead....I think my body needs a bit of a break to heal up...especially since I have some marathon pace runs coming up next week...

Tomorrow is Friday...I will be meeting with the rest of my running group to have a Carb Load Dinner...They are running the Scotia Waterfront Marathon in TO this weekend...I cannot wait to see them cross that finish line!

Happy Running

Dear Canada Post:

Thank you for delivering my Chicago 10-10-10 Participant booklet! You made my day! Lots of bed time reading now!




I have also got my bib number! Woot Woot....Love getting mail....

Sidenote: The envelope it came it looked like JUNK mail....If I didn't look closely enough I would have totally thrown it out....

Running:

Tuesday: 6km Tempo Run: 5:37 pace
Wednesday: 10km Steady Run: 6:07 pace

I have to say...both those runs I did not follow the 10:1 walk/run...it feels pretty good....it is starting to get a bit easier...

Tomorrow I have a dentist appointment at 7:00am (no idea of why I booked it that early) and a massage appointment at 6:00pm...it is going to be a good day...no running...hopefully Friday I can get something in!

Happy Running :)

35km Done and Done!

Let the taper begin my friends!!!! 35km or 21.75miles done! It was a great day...the weather was gorgeous...I kept my pace slow which I still find difficult to do on Sunday Long Runs...Mentally I was 110% which is great...considering I have only done this distance once before and that was in 2007 with my first marathon!



10-10-10 Taken at the beach where we finished our 35km!


The legs are tired...I am not going to lie....they are really stiff and tired...I stretched once I go home which has helped a great deal and I will do my usual routine tonight and keep my feet up, ice etc...I have my last massage shceduled for Thursday...I am hoping this will again help some...It will be a challenge to get all my runs in this week with some big meetings and a packed weekend(a wedding reception, party, sushi dinner date)...including going to the Scotia Waterfront Marathon to cheer on others from my group!







On our drive back to London we made sure to get a picture with the Port Stanley sign...

I need to give a special Shout out to my Hubby as well as Lindsay's Hubby Jamie....The hubby rode his bike the entire way and supplied us with cold beverages (plus he got my salt and vinigar chips for the end for me...I always like a few with my lunch...I loose salt like it is my job)...as well Jamie followed us in his truck and had cold water stops and chocolate milk waiting for us at the finish and drove all of us back to our cars in London(we stunk up is poor truck)...We couldn't have done it without them! Thanks boys!!!

We watched Spirit of the Marathon together the night before the run...Great movie which now has me pretty excited for Chicago! I might need to watch it again...


Happy Running!