An update

I've been neglecting my blog. It is gathering dust. To my blog, my sincerest apologies. But I have been busy. Very busy, so I thought I'd write a short update.

House: The reason I've been so busy is that working on my house. More specifically, I'm trying to get it ready for sale. The last couple of weeks have involved major decluttering, finding contractors to do some minor work, working with a realtor, and getting advice from a stager. Although we started looking for a new house, we've put that task off until we get this house ready for sale. Who knew it would be so much work?

Work: I've got a freelance writing job (maybe). It has been more than a year since I've written professionally, so I've been working hard when it comes to dotting the i's and crossing the t's.

Knitting: I'm a knitting machine. I'm taking my knitting everywhere, including on the road. Last weekend I was in knitting heaven: a total of two knitting meetups. I've got projects I need to get done before I start 2011, the year of selfish projects.

Running: Still running. But inside. My friend and coach, C, refuses to run in the summer because of heat. I've decided to refuse to run outside in the winter due to cold. I'm a chicken. I don't wanna. So I won't. Even though the treadmill is boring as old heck, it has become a good friend.

Christmas: I'm out of the loop this year when it comes to Christmas. Since we've been busy with the house, I just don't have the inclination to get in the Christmas spirit. I want to move my couch out before I put up the Christmas tree. It remains to be seen if that happens in the very near future.

Running towards denial

I'm in denial.

Although summer is officially over, I still dress for it every time I step outside to run.

Headband. Check.

Visor. Check.

Water belt. Check.

T-shirt. Check.

Shorts. Check.

Well, tonight it was damn cold while I was running. I don't know what I was thinking. Earlier in the day, darling daughter and I went to the park and it was a bit chilly. I guess I had tomorrow's warm forecast in my head when I left the house. It was only when I had started out that I realized it wasn't as warm as I thought it would be. I should have worn the new long sleeved shirt I bought two weeks ago, but no matter. When I run I'm committed to finishing, despite the weather conditions. But I really I have to get my mind wrapped around the fact it is fall and I need to start dressing for it.

Half marathon dreams

Summer is over.

This is the conclusion after I hung up the phone with my friend and running coach, C, yesterday afternoon. We have a " running date" this coming weekend. It sounds like hills will be involved. I haven't done any hill running since May. Ugh. She also mentioned an alternative, but it sounds as painful as hill running. I think that option may involve running eight kilometers. Double ugh.

I was very upfront and honest with C. Although I have been running faithfully all summer, I have been quite lazy. I haven't ran more than 4.1 kilometers for months. I consider four kilometers a long distance run. I'm scheduled to run in the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 3. I know I won't have any problems running the five kilometer route, but I'm not looking forward to it as there has been an element of laziness in my running throughout the summer.

And if it is any consolation for me, C hasn't ran this summer. She doesn't run in the summers. But for me, I must run, even in the most humid, sticky days. I don't have a choice. If I don't run, I feel antsy and unbalanced. I can't afford to feel those feelings. During our conversation, C mentioned that we should do the Race Weekend half marathon. Although months ago I was all gung-ho to do a half marathon, I now have my doubts. The other night while running a 4.1 kilometer route, I started to wonder how I even ran a 10 kilometer race in June. Was I nuts? And am I nuts for contemplating running a half marathon? I could be.

Time will only tell. Hills are fun, C tells me. Horrible but fun. If I can survive a hill run this coming weekend, maybe, just maybe, I might start considering a half marathon.

Too hot to run (or is it?)

According to dear husband, it is definitely too hot to run. His plan of getting up at 5:30 a.m. this morning for an early morning run went bust when darling daughter woke up at 5 a.m. After tending to her, he reset the alarm clock because he figured it would be too hot to run.

Me, on the other hand, have ran the last two nights. But they have not been long distances. It was tolerable Sunday night. Barely tolerable, I should add. I really dragged my butt on that run. I was not so much fun last night. I had to wait until 9:15 p.m. before running. And since I didn't want to run far from home because it was dark, I ran laps around two crescents in my neighbourhood. I greatly appreciate the efforts of one neighbour in his attempt to keep his front lawn green with a sprinkler. It was nice to have the sprinkling of water on me, even if it was for a brief moment.

So dear husband is firm that he won't be running in this heat wave. And who can blame him? Me, on the other hand, is still considering running tonight. We shall see.

Edited to add: Yes, it was too hot. (And it still is). I didn't end up running.

Why I run

Since running a 10k race more than two weeks ago, I've slacked off on running distances longer than 3k. And I've really slacked off on hill running. I haven't ran hills in nearly five weeks. But as I pointed out to dear husband this weekend, I'm still running. For the most part, I try to update my sticky note running journal. Every time I run, I write the date, distance and time on a sticky note and post it on my kitchen cabinet. It keeps me motivated. There are nearly 80 sticky notes on this one cabinet.

I thought today, to keep me motivated, I'd write the reasons why I run. So in no particular order, here is why I run.

Why I run

I run because I can release stress and frustration in a positive, healthy way.

I run because it helps me keep my sanity.

I run because sometimes it is the only "me" time I get during the day.

I run because it is fun.

I run because of the endorphin high.

I run because it helps me mediate and clear my mind.

I run because I can prove to myself that I can run.

I run because it gives me confidence and strength.

I run because the greatest feeling in the world is crossing the finish line.

I run because it keeps me in shape.

I run because it challenges my mind.

I run because it is very cool experience to run in a crowd of 7,500 people.

I run because it makes me sweat.

I run because it helps me to build stamina and endurance.

I run because not only does it motivate me, it motivates others.

I run because I breathe better afterwards.

I run because I can. And if I can do it, anyone can.

Who is going to drag me across the finish line?

This was my punishment for being too cocky: running a 10k race.

Since crossing the finish line at Race Weekend, I’ve been dragging my feet when it came to running the 10K Barrhaven Run for Roger's House. I found the 5k on Race Weekend to be difficult to complete. How was I going to run 10k? I can’t even remember when I signed up for this race, either. It must have been done in an fit of euphoria after finishing a good long distance run. Damn those endorphins.

The day before race day, I contemplated switching from the 10k to the 5k. I was even going to ask to make the switch when I picked up my race kit. But since the line was so long, I didn’t get a chance. Volunteers were rushing to hand out kits to people standing in line. Obviously, it wasn’t a good time to ask. Then I thought about not running at all after reading the course wouldn’t be closed to traffic. When darling daughter woke up Saturday morning and we discovered her dotted rash turned into massive red welts, I thought there was no way I could possibly run when my child was suffering. Turns out she wasn’t suffering at all. No major illness. The rash continues to be an allergic reaction to the amoxicillin. According to the doctor, if it isn’t bothering her, she’s fine.

Out of excuses, I decided to put up, shut up and run. If I was going to run a 10k race in June, Saturday was the day to do it since it wasn’t too hot or too sunny.

I put the following plan into action: survive and cross the finish line upright on my own two feet. Since I wasn’t running with anyone, having someone else drag me across the finish line was out of the question. So it was all on me (and my Sauconys) to get it done. I also told myself that I would take a walking break at the 5k mark to refuel and get some much needed water in me. I’m starting to learn, and appreciate, that walking breaks may be helping my running in terms of improving time.

As the air horn sounded the start of the race, me and about 350 other runners were off and running. By the time I hit the 1k mark, my pace was a bit too fast (six minutes). At the 2k mark it was back to my normal pace time and at the 5k turn-around point, I was on target at 33 minutes. Lately, I’ve found that the second-half of my runs turn into crap, so a walking break was needed. Once I found a good place to start walking, I got out the fuel gel (which was disgusting) to replenish my electrolytes. I had a three minute walking break, got to the water station, got more water into me, and dumped about three cups onto my back. It felt glorious.

At the 7k mark, I was still on target, but things got a bit iffy at the 8k mark. I took a small one minute walking break before getting back to the task at hand. Once I got to the next water station, I walked a bit to get water into me as well as to dump more water on myself before running to the finish line. I was glad to see the giant blue arch marking the end of the race route.

My official chip finishing time was one hour, nine minutes and 25 seconds. Not bad. I’m not about to complain. I did it. I finished what I set out to accomplish and that is good enough for me. I’ll worry about improving my time at a future race. I’ve also decided that I won’t be running any more races until the fall. But I think I may have talked dear husband in running a 5k next weekend. It will be nice to cheer from the sidelines for a change.

Another running reality check

Yesterday I ran 11k. And what experience it was.

If you live in Ottawa, you'll likely remember yesterday as a pretty miserable day with rain and cool temperatures. The night before, I firmed up running plans with my friend and coach, C. We decided to meet at our usual running spot and make a judgement call if the rain was too bad to run in.

Looking out my kitchen window yesterday morning, all I saw was rain. Did I really want to run in rain? Did I even want to run at all? (Answer to both questions was an empathic no). I called C, got her voicemail and left the following message:

Hey, it's me. I notice it is raining outside. Is it too heavy to run in? I know you said you are getting over being sick and I wouldn't want to get sick again or God forbid, develop pneumonia. Let me know if you still want to run. I'll be here for the next 30 minutes before I head out to our meeting spot.

Thirty minutes passed and no phone call. Looking out the kitchen window again, I noticed the rain had picked up. Damn. I do not want to run in this crap, I thought to myself before picking up the phone and making one quick phone call to C. Again, my call went to voicemail where I left the following impatient and crabby message:

Hey, it's me again. Really, the rain has picked up and I really don't want to run in this weather. And who would, unless you're a duck. Since you aren't answering your phone, I'm going to go ahead and meet you at our meeting place. But I still don't want to run in rain.

To be honest, even if it had have been sunny, I still wouldn't have wanted to run. I've lost my running mojo. I think it disappeared during Race Weekend last weekend. Maybe it disappeared when I crossed the finished line. Or maybe it disappeared somewhere in the massive crowd in Confederation Park. I don't know what happened, but I think I've hit the wall, so to speak.

Being the great and encouraging running coach that C is, she decided we should run. And she even brought me a rain jacket. After prolonging it as long as I could, we ran. The number of runners running on the pathway was sparse, but there were lots of ducks. We ran from one side of the canal to the other. Since I have a 10k run on Saturday, I needed to get a long run in. By 8k, I was done, but I made the decision to keep on truckin' and go another 3k. I don't think I was ever so happy to see the finish line. My feet were sore. My butt was sore. And I was soaked.

I apologized for the crabby message and C accepted my apology. She said that once she may have sounded just like the message I left. I love running, but sometimes it is hard to talk yourself into hitting the pavement. But does it ever feel good to cross the finish line, especially in the rain.

Run like you stole something

Photo taken at the start of the 5k Ottawa Race Weekend race.

After countless hours of training, it came down to this: Ottawa Race Weekend. In February when I initially set my goal to run the 5k Ottawa Race Weekend race, I didn't know exactly what I was getting myself into. Over the last three and a half months, I've started from running blocks of four minutes and one minute walking on the treadmill, to struggling to run outside to eventually building up the endurance to run 9k in the hot, hot sun. And the ironic thing about this whole experience is that I have come to love running. Running was something I avoided. I couldn't do it, I told myself. I have bad knees. People like me don't run.

I now love running. I love the challenge. I love pushing my body and my mind. I love that I can get the frustrations of the day out of my system by pounding the pavement. I love the moment where I finish a run. It is all very addicting.

Yesterday was my 5k race. It was an incredible experience to be a part of such a large race. I ran it with my friend, S. The sea of people was overwhelming, but exhilarating. About 7,500 people crossed the finish line. And they all had their individual reasons for running.

To come out of the starting gate, running on Elgin Street, up towards the National War Memorial, cutting across to Colonel By Drive and running under the Mackenzie King Bridge, seeing hundreds of people lined up along the bridge and stairway, cheering us on is a vivid memory I'll have for a long time.

After passing underneath the Mackenzie King Bridge, my memory gets a bit hazy. Perhaps it was the heat and the sun. Perhaps it was the fact we were running a tad too fast in some sections. But I'll always remember the spectators. When turning onto the final leg of the race, before reaching the water station at the 4k mark, one woman held up a sign that said, run like you stole something. At that point I was trying to eek out every step I possibly could and to have people cheering me on helped. I have found it incredibly hard to run in the afternoons in recent weeks. The heat has really kicked my butt, so I knew I'd likely not break my personal best time of 32 minutes that I set in April.

The water station was refreshing and I must give kudos to the man who accidentally flung his water cup at me, hitting me in the back. Although he felt bad, I felt refreshed. At that point things got tough. Both me and S agree that the markers counting down to the finish line were more of a deterrence. Despite getting a high-five from a woman spectator, I soon had to stop for a walking break at the 400 meter mark. Not even Kayne West's Stronger could keep me going for the next 400 meters without a small break. After walking 150 meter walking break, we picked up the pace and ran across the finish line.

While I'm now kicking my butt that I took the walking break, at the time I needed to listen to my body. When I across the finish line, a woman to my right was throwing up and another woman to my left had passed out. And as S correctly pointed out, walking those 150 meters wasn't that big of a deal and even if we had ran that distance, our finishing time wouldn't have been drastically different.

So today I rest, and bask in the glow of my victory of participating in Race Weekend and finishing a race in 34:06.02. Not bad. In all honestly, 34 minutes is my usual finishing time for 5k these days. And considering the fact that I only started running in mid-February, this is a pretty good finishing time.

I'll keep on running. I have a 10k race in mid-June I now have to focus on. After that, who knows where running will take me. But I do know something: if I can run, you can run too. See you at next year at Race Weekend.

Yes, I can. And you can too!

Walking into the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park this afternoon, a high energy vibe washed over me. And no wonder as hundreds of runners were picking up their race kits in anticipation of Ottawa Race Weekend, which starts Saturday. The vibe only got stronger once I picked up my own race kit. And it became intensified when I spotted John Stanton at the Running Room kiosk.

Stanton is the founder of the Running Room. Although I don't participate in the Running Room practice run nights, I find both its staff and magazine to be inspirational and helpful. Last week when I bought my water belt, I asked a million questions to the Running Room staffer, who patiently answered them. She shared her own experiences, including what it was like to run a marathon the weekend before. She encouraged me sign up for a half marathon in September. While I still have to sign up, her words of encouragement and support have stayed with me.

Ironically enough, last night before bed I found myself flipping through the Running Room Magazine. I find this magazine hugely inspirational because it is filled with stories of real people and their running experiences. I came across an feature advertising Stanton's latest book. The feature had a small blurb about Stanton's humble roots as a runner. When he was first starting out, he was walking and running before dawn in hopes his neighbours wouldn't see an out of shape, overweight soon-to-be athlete hit the pavement. Since entering his first race nearly 30 years ago, he has complete hundreds of race events and founded a company that has helped more than 700,000 people get to the finish line.

His is such an inspirational story. And who can't relate to it? I know I can.

So while I was browsing through the race merchandise, I spotted the man himself. After trying on a race shirt and debating if I should introduce myself, I swallowed my shyness and walked over to him. After quickly introducing myself, I blabbered on how much I love his magazine and his inspirational story. Stanton smiled, agreed with me and thanked me for my kind words. It may sound silly, but meeting a man who has encouraged so many people to run has been the highlight, so far, of Race Weekend.

The high energy vibe that picked up while I was in Aberdeen Pavilion hasn't left me. I hope it stays with me long enough to carrying me over the finish line tomorrow afternoon. Stanton tells people that they are an athlete and they can run, even if they believe otherwise. From personal experience, I know this is true. I never thought I could run. I have proven to myself that I can. And if I can do it, anyone can do it. I'll see you on the race course.

Gotta run . . . update number eight

Race Weekend is in five days and I'm ready.

I've got my fingers crossed that the sweltering weather passes through Ottawa in the next day two and it will be manageable to run Saturday afternoon. This heat and humidity is killing me. On Sunday, me and C, my running coach and friend, ran around a section of the Rideau Canal. Same 9k route. Just hotter. And we even started a half an hour earlier in hopes we'd escape the heat. Although the clouds co-operated for a bit and starved the sun away for awhile, the sun eventually came out, making it unbearably hot. After our run, I had to walk to the grocery store and buy a carton of orange juice to replenish my electrolytes. While water quenched my thirst, I felt woozy. I may have looked unladylike drinking straight out of a carton of orange juice while slowly walking across the parking lot, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Plus, it beats from passing out in the parking lot.

The last two nights I've ran, but only shorter distances. (Both times were 3k runs). I've had to push back my runs to 7:45 p.m. to compensate the weather. And I've also had to postpone any hill running until after Saturday. Raising my endorphin levels so close to bedtime has really screwed up my sleep in recent nights. So here's hoping the weather co-operates for Saturday. The prospect of running in hot, sweltering heat isn't all that appealing.

Good luck to everyone running on the weekend!

Gotta run . . . update number seven

When I was huffing and puffing while running in the hot sun yesterday morning, a verse from Dr. Seuss's classic book One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish suddenly popped into my head.

. . . They run for fun

in the hot, hot sun.

Oh me! Oh my!

Oh me! Oh my!

What a lot

of funny things go by.

Even before I took the first step, I knew the run would be challenging. Me and my friend and running coach, C, decided to embark on a 9k run along the Rideau Canal in the sun. As a runner, the sun is not my friend. I like overcast, cool weather to run in, not sunny and hot weather. Thank God for the occasional shady path and cool breeze.

And we weren't the only ones who were running in the hot, hot sun. Several groups of Running Room runners huffed and puffed as they passed us, running in the opposite direction. At least I didn't feel like I was alone in my suffering.

About 6k into our run, I had to stop for a walking break. I had enough. Screw running slowly, my body screamed at me. I need to walk! It was a bit disappointing. However, the last time I ran 9k straight, it was about 10 degrees Celsius and overcast, not 22 degrees and sunny.

But even in my gloom, there was a sunny spot in my run. Despite a five to 10 minute walking break, I finished the run in 1 hour and three minutes. My previous 9k time (technically it was 9.2k) was 1 hour and five minutes. Despite the sun, I was running at a faster pace. After making it back to the car and downing a full bottle of water, I came away with a couple of lessons: I can run in sun. I can keep pace in the sun. It gets hot at 9 a.m. And I really need a water belt. But the question remains: who likes to run in the hot, hot sun for fun? Not me, that's for sure.

Running reality check

I’ve been told (by my running coach) that running up hills is a fun activity that I will come to enjoy. At this point of time, I have yet to fully embrace hill running. Actually, in my humble opinion, hills are a bitch.

Sunday, I met up with my running coach and friend, C. She makes running look easy. She’s graceful. Me, not so much. However, that hasn’t stopped me from dreaming of running a half marathon. I know this is a lofty dream, but it is one I aspire to do.

While C has been extremely supportive when it comes to help me achieving my running goals, she has made me pause a bit when it comes to a half marathon dream, especially after our hill running expedition. There is a half marathon in September. I found a 16-week half-marathon training program through the Running Room that will take me up to race day. It is doable, but I have some concerns. Number one: running outside in the summer. I hate the heat. Not too sure if I can run in it. Number two: possible injury. Yes, I ran 8k last week, but that doesn’t necessarily translate in me running 21k. Number three: can I finish it?

After talking to C, she has no doubt that I could do a half marathon, but the question remains what kind of time do I want? If I don’t mind walking a bit and don’t care about time, I’d likely finish it. But if I want a half decent time, that’s when the dream becomes a bit hazy.

As part of the half-marathon training program, hill running is included in the plan. C gave me a bit of a taste (well more of a taste) during our run. Under the illusion we’d go on a leisurely run along the Ottawa River, C informed me we’d run 7k, which included hill running.

Well, didn’t I get a running reality check when I attempted to run up a massive hill. The mission: run up this giant hill with all our might. Crest said hill and run 25 meters before jogging down. Repeat two more times.

Are you kidding me?!? Mission impossible, I thought.

As C ran up the hill like a graceful gazelle, I trudged up the hill like a hippo with all my might. My legs felt like lead and my heart was beating so rapidly that I thought it was going to jump straight out of my chest.

After the first attempt, I thought I was going to throw up. Do you think you are going to die? Asked C. Isn’t it fun? I should mention she was smiling. I think I replied to her comment with an expletive.

I will spare you the gory details, but I will tell you this: I did complete all three hill runs. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t nice. But I got the job done. Hill running, according to C, will improve my endurance and make me a stronger runner. She has first hand experience that hill running is important in any half-marathon training.

So I have a date with hill running once a week for the foreseeable future. I still fail to see how hill running is fun. And I’m not too sure if I’m willing to fully embrace it . . . yet.

Gotta run . . . update number six

Sometimes the stars align and you have one of the best runs of your life.

Although I'm new to running, I do believe I had one of the best runs of my life, or one of the best runs to date.

Since running is going so well and I've clearly proven to myself that I can run 5k, I've decided to take my running up a notch. I'm going to train for the upcoming Barrhaven Run for Roger's House 10k run. I've had my doubts that I can run 10k, but I showed myself this evening that I have both the will and the drive to do it.

The plan was to run 7.4 k tonight. The other night I ran 6.2k so I figured I could get to 7.4k, even if I had to walk a bit. Every time I lace up my shoes for a run, I wonder to myself if I can finish it. And every time this thought pops into my head, I tell myself that I will do my best because that's all I can do.

One of the things I'm starting to hate as a runner are dealing with major intersections. I don't want to wait for a red light. I want to run. Running on the spot doesn't do it for me. I hate when my runs are disrupted as it interferes with my momentum. I easily got past the first intersection. Half-way through my route, I had to run though a four-way stop. There was some confusion among the drivers stopped at the stop signs as to who should go first, but I wait for no one. You snooze, you lose, Plus, isn't there a pedestrians have the right-of-way rule? So I kept on running and let the motorists fight it out among themselves regarding who had the right-of-way.

Once again, I didn't have to wait for a red light at the major intersection. By this time I was closing in on the 6k mark. The soles of my feet were beginning to get tired, but I kept on running. My goal was to at least get to the 6.2 mark. Anything after that was a bonus.

Once I got past the 6.2 mark, I found some extra energy. Crossing a busy street (didn't have to wait for traffic), I was on my way to finishing my route, which ends at the top of a big hill. I gathered every ounce of energy I had to run up that hill. Just at the moment I thought I would finish my run, something inside of me pushed me to keep running. Running is funny that way. Just when you think you don't have anything else more to give, you do. I listened to my feet and I ran. Plus, since I didn't have to wait for any traffic, it seemed right to continue and run. Ultimately, my feet took me to my front door.

According to gmap-pedometer.com, I ran for a total of 8.1k. Simply amazing. When I first started running, running a 10k race was in the back of my mind. I thought the goal was too lofty, too far out of my reach. But it isn't. It is in my grasp. Running has been so good for me. It has helped to regain long lost confidence as well as renewed my ability to set challenges and goals. Now thoughts of running a half marathon is now sitting in the back of my head. But that goal seems too lofty, too far out of reach. However, we shall see as I never thought I'd run 5k, let alone 10k.

Race day

Two months of training resulted in 32 minutes to reach the finish line.

Yesterday, I ran my first ever 5k race. Unfortunately, race results have yet to be posted, so I'm not exactly sure of my finishing time. There were no timing chips so timing was done manually. Bounding over the finish line, the clock was ticking very close to 32 minutes. And that is a pretty good finishing time in my books. I plan on framing my bib number as I'm extremely proud of what it represents.

Running in a race has a totally different feel than running with a friend or alone. There is definitely an energy of competition. And it is hard not to feed into or succumb to it. While most runners were likely running just to run to have fun or achieve their personal best, some were quite serious. Elite runners in the 10k race quickly blew by me while I was struggling to get to the halfway point.

So along with my friend and running coach, C, and her sister, we ran. The last kilometer was hard. I really wanted to walk, but I kept on telling myself that I had less than a kilometer to go. It was exhilarating to see people cheering along the sidelines. Approaching the finish line, I picked up the pace and surged over the finish line. I'm not too sure where the energy came from, but I think it was from the will to hurry up and finish the race.

I never thought in a million years I could run a 5k race, let alone run. But I did. Race Weekend is coming up in about six weeks and I'm looking forward to that. There is also another run in Barrhaven in mid-June. So many runs. So many possibilities.

Gotta run . . . update number five

There are some things in life that are good for me, but I don't like doing. I place lunges and hill running in that category.

I hate lunges. Hate them. But they are good for me. Although it has taken several years, I have developed an appreciation for them and what they do for my butt.

But hill running. Ugh. I'm not too sure at his point that I can develop an appreciation for hill running.

Until I started running outside, I didn't realize how big the hills in actually are in my neighbourhood. When I encounter a hill while driving, I step on the gas pedal. I can't do that I'm running as I rely on my own two feet and endurance to get myself up the hill.

In the last couple of weeks, I have been running mainly one particular route and it involves a large, windy hill that I consider fairly steep. For the last week, I've "cheated" by running down the hill, not up it. (However, I have to run up a hill on the way back). Yesterday, I decided I would run up said hill and if I had to walk when I reached the top, then that was okay.

As I've written before, a big portion of running is succeeding at mental game that plays out in your head. Yes, I want to stop, but can I take one more step? Can I take another step? And one more after that? Turning the corner towards the hill, I started to worry if I could even get to the bottom of the hill, never mind run up it. But once I reached the hill and started my ascent, I started running small steps. Once I reached the top, I kept on running. Although I did want to stop, I wouldn't let myself because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to start running again. I finished the course without one walking break. Pretty good

C, my friend and running coach, enjoys hill running as it builds endurance. She says that she didn't like it at first, but she now appreciates it. I personally think hill running is an acquired taste, one that I have yet to acquire.

Gotta run . . . update number four

Twenty five runs.

That's what it has taken for me to run 5k. I ran 5k straight, outside, with no walking breaks on Tuesday evening with my friend T. At first, I had no inclination that would run 5k, but I did. T is a true competitor spirit and I knew she wouldn't stop for walking breaks. So we ran. The last leg of the route was the hardest, but I pushed through and made it. We finished in 32 minutes.

The question then became: can I run alone without taking a walking break?

When I run alone, I push myself by asking myself if I can get to the next intersection, the mailbox off in the distance or to the hill. But sometimes I just stop for a walking break. The other day, running coach and friend, C, asked me why I stop for breaks. Good question. I'm not too sure if it is because I need it or I think I need to stop. But sometimes I feel like walking breaks aren't a good thing. Yes, I think I want that break, but if I take that break it will be harder to start running again. Perhaps it is just better for me to push through and keep on running.

So yesterday, I ran alone. I didn't think I'd finish without a walking break because I had ran the last two days. After tying my running shoes and walking to the starting point, I started to run.

I got to the first intersection, then the second and third. I ran past the mailbox and the intersection near the elementary school. I changed the route by making a left onto a long drive that is a part of my route. Instead of running up the big hill, I ran down it. However, I had to run up another hill (you don't realize how big hills actually are until you are running) on the way back. I wanted to take a walking break after I made it down that big hill, but I kept pushing forward. Once I made the last turn towards the finish line, I kept on going. I even picked up the pace. With my heart beating and my lungs crying out for air, I finished in 39 minutes. Although I'm not too concerned with time at this point, I should point out this route is a bit longer than Tuesday's route. According to the odometer of my car, it is 5.2 kilometres, while Gmaps Pedometer measures out the route at 5.4 kilometers. I'll happily take the Gmaps measurements as the official distance.

I'm not too sure where I go from here when it comes to running. Heck yes, I'm going to keep on running, but I'm not too sure if I should work on time or start slowly increasing distance. But I do know that running is addictive and my feet are starting to look forward to the quality time it spends with the pavement. I haven't ran on a treadmill in more than a week and I'm not too sure if I can go back to running on a droning machine. It's weird how things can change.

Gotta run . . . update number three

Two separate runs. Two very different experiences.

On Friday, I ran outside with my running coach and friend, C, for the very first time. As predicted, I was a mess. I was unable to get my erratic breathing under control. I felt out of breath throughout the run, due to the fact I was running too fast. I had to take three walking breaks. Even though it was only four kilometres, it wasn't a very good run.

In retrospect, it was a great learning experience. C informed me that I was running too fast. Actually, I run faster outside than I do on a treadmill, she told me, adding that I needed to find my pace, one that suited my breathing.

Today, we ran again. And I had a very much better result. First off, C set the pace. It was slower than Friday's run. My breathing was under control. For me, a good part of running is succeeding in the the mental game. Can I get to the next corner? Can I get to the next intersection? Can I even make the next step?

I ran past the point where I usually take my first walking break. Can I get up the small hill? I asked myself. Yes I can, I replied when I ran past it and to the corner.

More questions started popping into my head.

Can I get past the corner? Yes.

Can I get to the mailbox? Yes.

Can I get to the next intersection near the elementary school? Yes.

Can I get to the end of the street? Yes.

Can I get past the park and to the houses in the distance? Yes.

And this is where it starts to get tricky. In this particular route, there is a hill. In fact, it is a big hill. I don't like big hills. I could change the route and run down it, but I've decided I need to challenge myself, despite the fact that I usually walk up the hill. In fact, I usually walk from the corner, past the park and up the hill. But today, I was in the zone. I dug in and ran up the hill. Once I crested and got past it, I needed to stop. And even though I had to take a walking break, this was a huge milestone as this was the first time I ran so long outside without stopping once. According to Gmap Pedometer, I ran roughly 3.1 kilometres. Amazing! I never thought in my life I'd run 3.1 kilometres. But now I have shown myself that I can.

After a walking roughly two minute walking break, I dug in again and ran the rest of the course. Towards the end, we pushed it, picking up the pace to the finish line. In all, I ran roughly five kilometres when you exclude my walking break. Last week I thought I was nuts to even start running. The goal is to run a 5k race without stopping. Now I am on my way in doing that. And I'm even starting to enjoy running outside. Amazing!

Gotta run . . . . update number 2

Last night I ran outside. And I'll be whining for a week because I ran outside. I find running outside extremely hard as it is up to my feet to set the pace and there is no clock that I can use to track my running progress. On the treadmill, you select the incline and speed levels and run to your heart's content. The treadmill sets the pace. And there are no sidewalk cracks, barking dogs and traffic to contend with like there is when running outside. But I need to suck it up because the last time I looked the two 5k races I signed up for aren't being held inside on treadmills.

The first time I ran outside was a gongshow. About 30 seconds into my run I had to stop. I was already out of breath. I was so discouraged. I walked for a bit and then ran again. I tried to remain true to running of four minutes and walking one, but it was hard to determine where I was as I had no watch. So I went by the songs on my ipod that are about four minutes in length. I had to walk a couple of times during my blocks, but during the sixth block I ran four minutes straight. Even though at the time I thought I may need to throw up in the bushes, it was a proud moment because running four minutes straight outside is not that easy.

But running outside has its advantages. There is no need to drive to the gym and fight for a treadmill as I can step outside my front door and run. I don't feel as overheated as I do when running inside. As per usual, the first part of yesterday's run was a gongshow. I made it to about a minute before I had to stop and walk. I was gasping for breath. I'm still wondering why this is so darn hard, but it is a work in progress. For the next 10 minutes I ran and walked, ran and walked. I wasn't even finishing blocks. I eventually got to the point where I ran straight through two songs, walked for two minutes, before running again, this time through two and a half songs, which equals to be about 10 to 11 minutes. Not bad, considering the rocky start I had.

On Sunday, I told my running coach and friend that I ran 20 minutes straight last week. Great, she said. We'll run straight when we run outside on Friday. Awesome, I thought to myselfI think I just shot myself in the foot.

As they say, no pain, no gain. Although I can predict I'll be taking some running breaks, here's hoping I can run 5k.

Gotta run . . . literally

I'm going to let my beloved readers in on a secret . . . I have been running.

And I'll let you on another secret (and please don't tell my running coach because it doesn't jive well with the program she set out for me) . . . I ran for 20 minutes straight last night. That beats my personal record of 12 minutes that I set on Friday. After I managed to get my fatigued butt off the treadmill, I wanted to do a happy dance, but I was too tired to do so.

After every run I do, I write what I did on a sticky note and then post it on the front of one of my kitchen cupboards. Not only does this track my progress, it also gives me incentive to continue. And, not to toot my own horn, but the progress I have been making has been astounding.

To give you some background, I've been running for more than a month now. Throughout my life, running is something I avoided as I thought my not-so-great knees wouldn't be able to take such a beating. My thinking changed as I went through some life changing crap earlier this year. Needing to get deal with feelings, I emailed my friend and running guru, C, and asked her if she could teach me to run.

So I've been running. The first run was hard. I didn't think I could finish the four blocks of run four minutes, walk one. But I did. And I went back to the treadmill days later to run again. Believe it or not, it started to get easier. I eventually made a visit to my local Running Room and bought a pair of quality running shoes and my running started to improve. Plus, I was starting to look forward to running days. Incredible!

C started me on an interval running program that consisted of four minutes running, one minute walking. I started out doing four blocks of four and one. I worked myself up to five blocks and then six. On Friday, I had to switch treadmills after the fourth block because it was making an annoying sound. When I jumped onto the new treadmill I didn't realize that I had the incline at 0.2. It should be at two. When I realized that the incline was too low I was about three minutes into my block. Since I'm dedicated to my running, I decided to make up for my mistake, increased the incline to two and kept on running to make up time. I ran past the six minute mark, then the eight and then the 11. I stopped at 12. I felt amazing.

On Sunday, we changed the interval block running program to five and one. I have respected C's program and I have never questioned her. She knows her stuff. She's a runner. She's a physiotherapist. But last night, I don't know what happened, but once I reached the five minute mark, I wanted to keep going. It was almost like I couldn't stop. Five minutes slowly became 10 minutes. At that point, I still couldn't stop. When I reached the 15 minute mark, it was more of a mental game of whether or not I could reach the 20 minute mark. And I did. I squeaked out the last minute, had to take a five minute walking break before running another 10 minutes.

I'm very proud of myself. I didn't think I could ever run in my life, but I'm proving to myself that I can. I'm going to register for a 5k run in mid-April as well as the Ottawa Race Weekend's 5k at the end of May. While I've reached what I consider are some significant milestones in my short running career, I'm not getting too cocky as running on a treadmill is much, much different than running outside. (I ran outside for the first time last week and I whined for days to dear husband how hard it was). So I've got work to do before I do before my short term running goals and hopefully I will be able to achieve them. I'll keep you posted.