Tuesday, April 23, 2013
I Could Get Used To This
Springtime in Vancouver doesn't always mean dry weather but the last few days have been all about sunglasses, shorts and sunscreen. I built a run into some of the errands I had to complete yesterday, and went out for an hour-long run again today. Being off from school is a wondrous thing.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
The Support of Volunteers: Reflecting on Boston
I've been struggling with trying to express how the Boston Marathon bombings affected me. Every time I've tried, it's seemed so trite and trivial - I wasn't there. My husband wasn't in the crowd. No one I knew was hurt or killed in the incident.
But as part of the running community, I know many of us have had great difficulty in coming to terms with what happened on Monday. I think we can relate the experience to our own, having run so many races ourselves and having that familiarity of what it's like to be involved in a running event. I, for one, have watched the video footage, imagining what it would have been like to be running that final stretch, on extremely tired legs, and in anticipation of crossing the finish line. I've imagined seeing my husband on the sidelines, waving his arms and snapping photos. Then to imagine a bomb going off where he stood and seeing fellow runners being knocked over by the blast ... it's just too difficult to even think about.
But I can imagine it. I have imagined it. And I cry every time.
Of course, there have been many inspiring stories that have emerged in the aftermath - stories of hope, courage, and the bravery of those to help others who are in need. As my husband says, "Sometimes the worst brings out the best in us." There were so many ordinary (extraordinary) people who offered assistance that day to people hurt, stranded, or in shock, but my mind immediately goes to the volunteers at Boston. These are people who had already given of themselves - their time, their efforts. Volunteers make running events tick; they are the ones who hand out the bibs, who check the bags, and who inspire the tired runners to go that extra bit further. There were stories about the volunteers at Boston who cleared the finish area after the bombs went off to help emergency vehicles get through, and of those who came back the next day, without hesitation and with no questions asked, to help reunite runners with their bags and belongings.
I've always admired the volunteers who have been involved in the races I've run. They are a crucial element to every running event. I'd long considered volunteering at a running event and, since I'd planned to not run any races this spring, a few months ago I signed up to volunteer at the BMO Vancouver Marathon, which happens in 17 days. I was so excited when I chose my shifts; here was my chance! to give back to the running community which has done so much for me these past four years.
When I'm helping out this year, I think it will be even more poignant. I'm looking forward to doing my part, being involved - and providing assistance to my fellow runners at a time when all of us could use a little extra support.
This video is about volunteering at the BMO Vancouver Marathon. If you'd like to be involved, they are still looking for volunteers. Sign up today!
© BMO Vancouver Marathon
But as part of the running community, I know many of us have had great difficulty in coming to terms with what happened on Monday. I think we can relate the experience to our own, having run so many races ourselves and having that familiarity of what it's like to be involved in a running event. I, for one, have watched the video footage, imagining what it would have been like to be running that final stretch, on extremely tired legs, and in anticipation of crossing the finish line. I've imagined seeing my husband on the sidelines, waving his arms and snapping photos. Then to imagine a bomb going off where he stood and seeing fellow runners being knocked over by the blast ... it's just too difficult to even think about.
But I can imagine it. I have imagined it. And I cry every time.
Of course, there have been many inspiring stories that have emerged in the aftermath - stories of hope, courage, and the bravery of those to help others who are in need. As my husband says, "Sometimes the worst brings out the best in us." There were so many ordinary (extraordinary) people who offered assistance that day to people hurt, stranded, or in shock, but my mind immediately goes to the volunteers at Boston. These are people who had already given of themselves - their time, their efforts. Volunteers make running events tick; they are the ones who hand out the bibs, who check the bags, and who inspire the tired runners to go that extra bit further. There were stories about the volunteers at Boston who cleared the finish area after the bombs went off to help emergency vehicles get through, and of those who came back the next day, without hesitation and with no questions asked, to help reunite runners with their bags and belongings.
I've always admired the volunteers who have been involved in the races I've run. They are a crucial element to every running event. I'd long considered volunteering at a running event and, since I'd planned to not run any races this spring, a few months ago I signed up to volunteer at the BMO Vancouver Marathon, which happens in 17 days. I was so excited when I chose my shifts; here was my chance! to give back to the running community which has done so much for me these past four years.
When I'm helping out this year, I think it will be even more poignant. I'm looking forward to doing my part, being involved - and providing assistance to my fellow runners at a time when all of us could use a little extra support.
This video is about volunteering at the BMO Vancouver Marathon. If you'd like to be involved, they are still looking for volunteers. Sign up today!
© BMO Vancouver Marathon
Friday, March 29, 2013
Hello, Spring!
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© insidevancouver.ca
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Grad school is a problem
This is true for soooo many reasons, but the one I'm thinking about in particular relates to running. March was a true bust. I tried, but deadlines and meetings and assignments are really challenging to work around. And yes, I know I sound like a broken record. All I can say is, I'm looking forward to this term being over (less than three weeks to go)!
You know you're a long distance runner when ...
... it takes, at minimum, four kilometres before really being able to settle into a run. Even though I'm out of shape, and probably a little heavier than I should be at the moment (stupid grad school!), once I got past that minimum distance on this morning's run it was like my muscle memory just took over. Really looking forward to getting back to those Sunday long runs!
Lack of tracking
I haven't written much about this, but it's my personal opinion that it's very important to track everything you do when it comes to running. This includes keeping stock of your mileage, the days you ran, how you felt, what you ate; many people keep running journals for this very purpose. This helps to show you how you've improved over time - which is always a good thing! Another benefit to knowing how much you've run is to give you an indication of when you should be switching out of your old shoes into new ones. Admittedly, I've fallen short on my tracking duties as of late but being out there today reminded me of this. Note to self: upload Garmin data and update gear tracker!
This one is more for me, than you
I've recently been telling people that I'm younger than I am - and not even on purpose! Oops. But when I realized how old I really am, it was an eye-opener that I don't have much time to complete my Five by 35. So just as a reminder (for me, mostly): I am currently 33 years old, turning 34 in October. There. Glad that's sorted.
Update: Number 4
Speaking of Five by 35, thanks to the (very few ... sad face!) people who voted on the poll regarding which marathon I should run this year. I think I've made a decision ... but I'm going to keep it under wraps for now. More on this later.
Happy Easter everyone!
This is true for soooo many reasons, but the one I'm thinking about in particular relates to running. March was a true bust. I tried, but deadlines and meetings and assignments are really challenging to work around. And yes, I know I sound like a broken record. All I can say is, I'm looking forward to this term being over (less than three weeks to go)!
You know you're a long distance runner when ...
... it takes, at minimum, four kilometres before really being able to settle into a run. Even though I'm out of shape, and probably a little heavier than I should be at the moment (stupid grad school!), once I got past that minimum distance on this morning's run it was like my muscle memory just took over. Really looking forward to getting back to those Sunday long runs!
Lack of tracking
I haven't written much about this, but it's my personal opinion that it's very important to track everything you do when it comes to running. This includes keeping stock of your mileage, the days you ran, how you felt, what you ate; many people keep running journals for this very purpose. This helps to show you how you've improved over time - which is always a good thing! Another benefit to knowing how much you've run is to give you an indication of when you should be switching out of your old shoes into new ones. Admittedly, I've fallen short on my tracking duties as of late but being out there today reminded me of this. Note to self: upload Garmin data and update gear tracker!
This one is more for me, than you
I've recently been telling people that I'm younger than I am - and not even on purpose! Oops. But when I realized how old I really am, it was an eye-opener that I don't have much time to complete my Five by 35. So just as a reminder (for me, mostly): I am currently 33 years old, turning 34 in October. There. Glad that's sorted.
Update: Number 4
Speaking of Five by 35, thanks to the (very few ... sad face!) people who voted on the poll regarding which marathon I should run this year. I think I've made a decision ... but I'm going to keep it under wraps for now. More on this later.
Happy Easter everyone!
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| Bunny nuzzle ... or alternatively, bunuzzle. |
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Light Bulb
John Stanton from the Running Room always has such great insight. This was his quote on Facebook a couple of days ago:
Oops.
One of the best ways to stay injury free … keep your training consistent and don’t let yourself get out of shape.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
A Reminder for the Newbies
If you're new to running, I want you to know this: it sucks in the beginning.
As you know, it's been awhile since I've done any running at all. But having trained for three marathons in the past four years, I'm very familiar with my own fitness peaks and troughs.
Ladies and gentlemen: we are in a trough.
I was out on a 6 km run yesterday and - let me tell you - it's like starting all over again. My muscles were creaky, my heart rate was high, my pace was all over the place ... but I'm certainly not surprised! I wasn't expecting to have the greatest run of my life after being dormant for five months.
But it's a good lesson, and a good reminder, for new runners and old (or recently inactive) runners alike: we all have to start somewhere.
Sure, I felt better for having gone out there. And certainly, any activity is better than no activity at all. But I wouldn't describe yesterday's run as fun, by any stretch. And in some ways, it's a little torturous because I know what I'm capable of and, after yesterday's run, I am fully aware of how much work I need to do to get there.
The challenge for newbies is different, albeit similar. Anyone new to running may not be sure of how much work they need to be doing, but they know how hard it is in the beginning - and how easy it can be to let those goals go.
I say, keep going! The only way to get better at running is to run more. So go for another run! Even if today's sucked and even if it doesn't feel so good right now. It will, soon. I promise.
And that's a promise I make to both you, new runner, and me.
As you know, it's been awhile since I've done any running at all. But having trained for three marathons in the past four years, I'm very familiar with my own fitness peaks and troughs.
 |
| Me = in a trough. |
I was out on a 6 km run yesterday and - let me tell you - it's like starting all over again. My muscles were creaky, my heart rate was high, my pace was all over the place ... but I'm certainly not surprised! I wasn't expecting to have the greatest run of my life after being dormant for five months.
But it's a good lesson, and a good reminder, for new runners and old (or recently inactive) runners alike: we all have to start somewhere.
Sure, I felt better for having gone out there. And certainly, any activity is better than no activity at all. But I wouldn't describe yesterday's run as fun, by any stretch. And in some ways, it's a little torturous because I know what I'm capable of and, after yesterday's run, I am fully aware of how much work I need to do to get there.
The challenge for newbies is different, albeit similar. Anyone new to running may not be sure of how much work they need to be doing, but they know how hard it is in the beginning - and how easy it can be to let those goals go.
I say, keep going! The only way to get better at running is to run more. So go for another run! Even if today's sucked and even if it doesn't feel so good right now. It will, soon. I promise.
And that's a promise I make to both you, new runner, and me.
Friday, February 1, 2013
It's Days Like This That I Really Miss Crossfit
I spent nearly five hours reviewing macroeconomics problems in preparation for an online assignment which is quickly coming due. When I finally attempted the assignment, I still ended up with a less than stellar test score. All I wanted to do was throw my laptop off the balcony. So frustrating!
It's days like this where I really wish I could just lift something insanely heavy, over and over again, and have a trainer to run my ass into the ground until I can no longer breathe. Seriously.
Ahh, those were the days.
Sadly, Crossfit is not a budget-conscious endeavour and is certainly not something to undertake when earnings are nil. But I do miss it from time to time ... which may be a bit surprising if you've met me because I'm pretty little and probably not the first person that might come to mind when it comes to weightlifting.
I really was frustrated today though and, in the absence of such an intense workout, I had to do something but had only a limited amount of time. What to do?
Solution: run super fast on the treadmill for five to 10 minutes. And then do, like, a million squats.
Might not be much, but I certainly felt better afterwards. And no laptops were harmed in the process.
It's days like this where I really wish I could just lift something insanely heavy, over and over again, and have a trainer to run my ass into the ground until I can no longer breathe. Seriously.
Ahh, those were the days.
Sadly, Crossfit is not a budget-conscious endeavour and is certainly not something to undertake when earnings are nil. But I do miss it from time to time ... which may be a bit surprising if you've met me because I'm pretty little and probably not the first person that might come to mind when it comes to weightlifting.
I really was frustrated today though and, in the absence of such an intense workout, I had to do something but had only a limited amount of time. What to do?
Solution: run super fast on the treadmill for five to 10 minutes. And then do, like, a million squats.
Might not be much, but I certainly felt better afterwards. And no laptops were harmed in the process.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
(Non) Running Round Up: First Edition of 2013
Happy 2013 and welcome to a whole new year of running!
I realize I'm behind on this kind of well-wishing, but I feel like I haven't had that much to say. I haven't been running, but I've been seriously thinking about it (that's worth something, ain't it?). I'd love to (finally!) share some of those thoughts with you.
Sicking Sticking With It
Getting into my shoes has obviously been a big problem ever since I ran marathon #3 in August. I feel like I've been plagued by illness ... and thanks to the blog acting as an online journal, after looking back, I apparently have been! One of my classmates also confirmed that ever since she's known me (i.e. since the start of the school year in September), I've been sick. I'm not trying to use this as an excuse for not running, but in some ways it's nice to have validation.
My only thought on this: did I not run because I was sick, or was I sick because I didn't run?
I do actually believe it's the latter. Obviously, there are plenty of studies out there that show physical activity helps to decrease stress and boost immunity levels. I haven't been running, therefore I've been stressed out and sick all the time. Makes sense!
The solution? Go running. Go figure.
Time Management is a Bitch, But ...
I found it extremely difficult in my first semester of grad school to balance schoolwork, life and running. And I know it's going to continue to be difficult for the next year and a half. Not that long ago, I got to the point where I seriously considered not running at all! But that's silly, right? Time management will always be a challenge. If I can figure this one out now (it will be a miracle!), I think being able to juggle any schedule in future can and will be possible.
Long story short: I'm continuing with the plan to run Five by 35. And blogging about it at the same time. While undertaking a Master's degree. (I must be out of my freaking mind.)
Racing 2013-Style
I'm just gonna lay it out there. Here's what I'm thinking: no spring or early summer races.
I know it can be hard to stay on track that way, but here's the thing ... races cost money! And I'm a poor student now. I never realized before how expensive entry fees are, but that's because I was always earning money.
I think, to give myself the best chance to finish marathon #4 this year, I need to pick a full that is scheduled for late summer or early fall. The current school term wraps up in April. Over the summer, I'll be working and doing a little research, but I'm not expecting to be as time-crunched as I am right now, which means (relatively speaking) I'll have oodles of time for slow long runs on weekends.
(Sidebar: as I finished typing that last sentence, I got tingly all over. I'm gonna take this as a good sign that I'm ready to get back at it!)
Here's my shortlist for #4:
The criteria I used to evaluate which races made the final cut were:
I need to pick one soon, so I can get it in the books and commit to it publicly ... always helps in the goal setting process!
Will you help me choose? Please vote on the blog's main page!
Quote of the Day
This time it's from the man, Albert Einstein:
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Therefore, to get out of this non-running rut, I've gotta do something different. Got it.
Thanks Al!
I realize I'm behind on this kind of well-wishing, but I feel like I haven't had that much to say. I haven't been running, but I've been seriously thinking about it (that's worth something, ain't it?). I'd love to (finally!) share some of those thoughts with you.
Getting into my shoes has obviously been a big problem ever since I ran marathon #3 in August. I feel like I've been plagued by illness ... and thanks to the blog acting as an online journal, after looking back, I apparently have been! One of my classmates also confirmed that ever since she's known me (i.e. since the start of the school year in September), I've been sick. I'm not trying to use this as an excuse for not running, but in some ways it's nice to have validation.
My only thought on this: did I not run because I was sick, or was I sick because I didn't run?
I do actually believe it's the latter. Obviously, there are plenty of studies out there that show physical activity helps to decrease stress and boost immunity levels. I haven't been running, therefore I've been stressed out and sick all the time. Makes sense!
The solution? Go running. Go figure.
I found it extremely difficult in my first semester of grad school to balance schoolwork, life and running. And I know it's going to continue to be difficult for the next year and a half. Not that long ago, I got to the point where I seriously considered not running at all! But that's silly, right? Time management will always be a challenge. If I can figure this one out now (it will be a miracle!), I think being able to juggle any schedule in future can and will be possible.
Long story short: I'm continuing with the plan to run Five by 35. And blogging about it at the same time. While undertaking a Master's degree. (I must be out of my freaking mind.)
Racing 2013-Style
I'm just gonna lay it out there. Here's what I'm thinking: no spring or early summer races.
I know it can be hard to stay on track that way, but here's the thing ... races cost money! And I'm a poor student now. I never realized before how expensive entry fees are, but that's because I was always earning money.
I think, to give myself the best chance to finish marathon #4 this year, I need to pick a full that is scheduled for late summer or early fall. The current school term wraps up in April. Over the summer, I'll be working and doing a little research, but I'm not expecting to be as time-crunched as I am right now, which means (relatively speaking) I'll have oodles of time for slow long runs on weekends.
(Sidebar: as I finished typing that last sentence, I got tingly all over. I'm gonna take this as a good sign that I'm ready to get back at it!)
Here's my shortlist for #4:
- The Santa Rosa Marathon on August 25;
- Sunriver Marathon for a Cause on September 1;
- Lake Chelan Shore to Shore on September 7; and
- Bellingham Bay Marathon on September 29.
The criteria I used to evaluate which races made the final cut were:
- Dates: as alluded to earlier, this one was the priority;
- Proximity to home: if my husband and I have to travel, we didn't want it to be too far; and
- Size: the last two marathons I've participated in were a little smaller, so it would be nice to run a race with a fair number of registrants.
I need to pick one soon, so I can get it in the books and commit to it publicly ... always helps in the goal setting process!
Will you help me choose? Please vote on the blog's main page!
Quote of the DayThis time it's from the man, Albert Einstein:
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Therefore, to get out of this non-running rut, I've gotta do something different. Got it.
Thanks Al!
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