Running Round-Up: Not-for-the-Weak Edition

Happy long run Sunday! Here's a round-up of what happened on my runs this week.

Why are so many freak-outs named after animals?
Here's a story. I was out on Thursday morning, about rush hour. I was crossing the street at an intersection and my light had just started flashing when I stepped off the curb to jog across. I was looking for turning vehicles (you're supposed to try and make eye contact for safety's sake, right?). A driver was turning left onto a two-way from a one-way street but he didn't really see me so had to brake abruptly. And then he honked at me.

I will concede that, since my light had indeed started flashing, perhaps I should have waited to cross. But honestly... dude can't wait three seconds for a person to cross the street? I'm sorry, but if you're late and in a hurry or think you can push some pedestrian around because you drive a Beemer and are late for work, that's not my problem. It's still my right of way, after all.

So what did I do? Without hesitation, mid-stride, I swung around - and totally gave him the finger. 

... and with conviction, as well. Clearly, not my most gracious moment. 

And then he honked at me again. Big surprise.

Am I proud? Hmm. Does it make me a bad person if I answer that question with a yes? 

I know, I know. Love thy neighbour, do unto others, yadda yadda. But let me tell you something: this isn't really me. I'm one of those people who, in an argument, is unable to think of the comeback or witty, smart ass retort until days later. I'll fret over not being able to think on my feet and even when I do think of what I could have said, it bothers me that I didn't think of it sooner. 

So for this to have happened? So quickly, and naturally, and without pause? I dunno - but what I can tell you is that I laughed about it the rest of my run. Hell, I'm even smiling just thinking back on it now.

I chalk it up to this: he had a cow, so I gave him the bird. End of story.

Introducing: My Self
Having run three marathons and now training for my fourth, upon looking back I can almost attach themes to each round of training. The first was definitely Motivated by Fear. The second was probably something along the lines of Marathons are Great! Let's Do Another, as I remember feeling so inspired after finishing the first. And the third was Coming Back from Injury.

Up until this week, training had been such a slog. I'd missed a couple of shorter runs toward the end of last week and over the weekend. I knew that if I missed my 13 km run I was going to have real trouble making up the distance but I did not want to go out there. Somehow I did - and my Self battled against me the whole time.

Normally if I'm not feeling very motivated, I can almost "trick" myself into just running anyway. It might be heading out the door at some ungodly hour before my brain realizes what's happening. Or maybe getting dressed to run a shorter distance and then ending up running for longer. Or sometimes it's even just plain old guilt - always a good standby option.

But this version of my Self is interesting. It fought me tooth and nail to turn around, almost goading me to immediately stop what I was doing and go back. Somehow - maybe it was instinct, or who knows what - I kept running. It wasn't until about 11 or 12 km in that my Self finally gave in and said, "Fine. Let's just finish this damn run then. But so help me if you decide to run any further... !"

After finishing that day, I'd thought that having to fight with my Self to get out there on long runs was going to be the norm - the theme for this marathon. But surprisingly, the rest of this week's running has been incredible: fast (for me), fluid and fun. It's been an absolute joy to be out there.

I can only assume that my Self has given in to the inevitability that, yes, this is happening again. Another marathon is coming. Hopefully, it will stay away - but if not, it's nice to know that I'm able to work past it.

Captain's Log, Stardate 6.23.2013
Today's run: 16 km. Weather: overcast and a little muggy, some slight drizzle toward the end. Feeling: pretty great.

There's a lot happening running-wise around town these days, with spring races and so many runners beginning training for fall events. I had the pleasure of indirectly experiencing today's Scotiabank Half Marathon, as I inadvertently ended up on the course for certain sections of my run. I cheered on a few people who were at their 18 km mark and almost three hours in (yowza) before turning off to go my own way. 

Great job!
Props to everyone who finished the Scotiabank and MEC events today, as well as all of the Tough Mudders out in Whistler (you crazy bastards know who you are)!

Rain, Rain, Come Again

I've been waiting for a weekend like this. It's been cloudy and overcast and raining ... and it was just what I needed to re-energize. 

While everyone else moans about how gloomy the weather has turned, I haven't been able to get enough of it. Sunny and 10°C is great, because it's still cool. But as soon as it turns sunny and 20°C in Vancouver, people lose their minds and head out to the seawall and beaches en masse. 

It's fine. I mean, I get it. This is the downfall of having to live in a city that is so beautiful. But I've never been a "crowds" kind of person; being around too many people at any given time stresses me out and makes my blood pressure go up. I guess that's why I've always preferred running by myself, charting running routes away from the popular tourist hot spots around town, and avoiding the Sun Run altogether. I am an introvert, at heart.

But I've been stoked about this weather all weekend. The showers deter fair-weather city-dwellers, tourists, dog-walkers, and families from being outside, which means not having to jockey for space, dodge baby strollers, or swerve around errant dog leashes. The clouds and breeze keep things nice and cool and help to ensure no overheating takes place.

In short: it's been awesome.

Today's run: 13 km. Weather: freaking brilliant, as per blog post. Feeling: amazing. 

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Since I did not have my camera with my on today's run (big surprise), I'm sharing some old pics I took a few years ago while out on runs in similar weather. Love how the greys help to accentuate the blues and reds. Great lighting.

Group kayaking, English Bay.

Lone kayaking, False Creek.

One For Bad?

Today's run: 6 km. Weather: overcast. Feeling: see grumpy cat meme below.

There are some days when I feel lousy, but then I go for a run and everything gets better. But then there are other days when I feel lousy, go for a run - and it makes everything worse.

Today was the latter.

I'm not sure if this morning's shitty run was due to bad diet, poor hydration, or just plain ol' tired legs. But it sure set the tone for the rest of the day. It's a shame, really, because there were some really great things that happened today. That bad run just poisoned the well.

In true John Stanton-style, he posted this quote on Facebook yesterday: 

"A tough run can destroy you, define you, or improve you...it’s your choice."

(Stupid John Stanton. He don't know what he's talkin' 'bout! Just kidding.)

Today's tough run definitely destroyed me but I know that good things always come with bad. Here's to hoping these bad runs vamoose sooner rather than later.

It Begins...Again

Welcome to marathon training!

My marathon training schedule starts this weekend in earnest. So begins 18 weeks of steadily increasing mileage and trying to not hurt myself like I did last spring. 

Hmm, stairs. Not yet.
© photos.uc.wisc.edu

Starting a new training schedule always feels a little daunting. I know I've done it before, but yet there is still apprehension in beginning again. Each time I think, "Am I crazy to be doing this?" But because I've asked myself that question, I know that it's the right thing to do.

Today's run: 10 km. Weather: overcast. Feeling: a little run-down (still recovering from that nasty cough and cold I had these past couple of weeks) but overall, glad to have been out there today.

More updates to come! 

Volunteer-ific!*

*Horrible pun absolutely intended.

One week later, I'm battling an extremely annoying summer cold. I'm parked on the couch, cough syrup in one hand and teaspoon at the ready. 

Psyched for package pick up.

But rewind to last weekend, and I was all smiles! I worked three volunteer shifts for the BMO Vancouver Marathon: a day and a half helping participants at package pick up, and an afternoon handing out medals at the finish line - and it was an amazing experience. I met runners from Spain, the Netherlands, Japan, and across the United States (Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and even Oklahoma!). Of course, there were plenty of runners from the Vancouver area, but I also got to meet runners from northern British Columbia, the island, and the interior. 

I met runners who were running their first half marathon and their first marathon; runners running by themselves; runners running with their sons or daughters; runners running with their friends. I met runners who were running to celebrate turning 21 and turning 30; runners who were running half marathons across North America. Runners who were nervous; runners who were confident; runners who weren't quite sure if they were ready for the race.

The full marathon medals station.

And then a lot of those same runners I saw cross the finish line with my very own eyes. I either put a medal around their necks or watched as a fellow volunteer did so. I saw runners who had to cross the finish line with some help - either supported by a medical volunteer, or pushed in a wheelchair. There were runners with bloody nipples (which was way more than I was expecting to see, and kind of gross, to be honest), runners carrying lots of gear, runners carrying almost nothing. 

I saw full marathon runners cross the line as early as two hours and 45 minutes in, and as late as five and a half hours in. I stayed specifically for those later runners because I kept thinking about how appreciative I felt that a volunteer had waited for me at my first marathon finish line (where I crossed at five hours and 27 minutes) and how I really wanted to do the same for someone else.

John Stanton was hogging all the medals ... just kidding.  

And ... it was hard work! I was on my feet a lot, pitching in wherever help was needed. I went home exhausted at the end of each shift. But I also had a blast. One thing that really struck me about it all, was the thoughtfulness of so many runners who went out of their way to thank me and other volunteers - at package pick up, but also after they'd completed either the half marathon or marathon. (Like, really? You just ran for five hours and you're thanking me?! Crazy, but cool.) 

Thanks to BMO Vancouver Marathon for the opportunity and to my fellow volunteers for helping out, and congrats to everyone who crossed the finish line last week. I'm so glad I decided to volunteer. 

If I can stay on track, #5 will be in Vancouver next year - and I'll get the chance to thank the volunteers that will be helping me along the way. 

This year's view of the finish line. Looking
forward to seeing it from the other side in 2014.

I Like to Stop a Lot and Take Pictures

Happy Friday, fellow runners!

I feel like I've been writing a lot about the sunshine and beautiful weather - but I'm going to do so again today because I caught some great stuff on yesterday's 12k run. Running in Vancouver is so incredible it is REDONKULOUS.

Inukshuk at English Bay

Stamps Landing

Fluffy little goslings! I literally stopped in my tracks and said "awwww!" right out loud. 

ADORBS. Am I right?

Artwork at Science World entitled: Choice.
What choices did you make today? What choices will you make tomorrow?

For all those running in BMO Vancouver Marathon events this weekend, have fun! and don't forget your water bottles and sunscreen 'cuz it's gonna be gorgeous out there. I'm volunteering at package pick-up tonight and tomorrow, so make sure to drop by and say hi. I'll also be on medal duty at the finish line. Hope to see you there!

What I Like Best About/Announcement: Number 4

What I Like Best About...

Not Working
This time between the end of term and before starting my summer co-op work assignments for my graduate program has been nothing short of glorious. The weather has been sunny and warm. And despite a penchant for being home-bound, I've been remarkably productive this entire week: the laundry is done, the dishes are clean, the bunnies' supplies are well-stocked. 

But obviously, the thing I like best about not working is being able to run whenever I want. I ran to complete errands. I ran because it was beautiful. I ran because I was bored. I ran simply just to run. And it was totally rad.

Running in the Spring
The weather has been perfect: not too hot, not too cold. As Goldilocks would say, "It was just right." 

Not Having Too Much Time Off
As I said in my last post, I could get used to this beautiful weather and having loads of time off. (Boy, could I ever!) But I start my first co-op assignment on Monday. I'll be back to the grind, and having to fit runs into a less-than-strenuous-than-during-the-school-year schedule. Not having too much time off really will be a good thing, however, as I won't get too comfortable where I am right now. I'm thankful for the break, but a little responsibility is not such a bad thing.

Running Outside
On today's run, I came across a cyclist wielding stereo speakers and playing some old school R&B. While still in motion, I had a five second conversation with volunteers for the NDP election campaign. I smiled at seeing a man wearing a pair of seriously tight pants. I watched dragon boaters on the creek as they worked on their form. And if I chose to run indoors, I would never have experienced these things today. Running outdoors is a special joy that cannot be replaced by elliptical machines and treadmills.

The Lingo
Running lingo just cracks me up. It's a special vocabulary. For example: fartleks, intervals, split times, race pace ... these terms I know. But I came across a few more this week that I'd never heard of before, and wanted to share because I thought they were cool!

Example of a tangent line!
Image © runninginspired.wordpress.com

Turkey or Bandit: an unregistered runner, trying to race for free.

Running the tangents: shortest distance between two points, usually referring to running the shortest line in the curves/corners.

Event Shirts
Every time a runner participates in a race, he or she is likely to get a T-shirt from the event. Many people wear these shirts while training - partly because most are technical shirts and are of good quality for running, but also out of pride i.e. I ran this race and want to share that with everyone I see on today's run! 

I was wearing my Marathon by the Sea tech shirt on today's run and thought I was kind of "all that" for showing off an east coast race. But I saw a runner today wearing a shirt from the 2010 Chicago Marathon - and that was pretty cool. Runners participate in races all over the world; it's neat to see where they've been and to know they've achieved those goals for themselves.


Announcement: Number 4

At the end of January, I blogged about the races I was considering for marathon #4. But after looking into them a bit more closely, I eventually decided I didn't want to run any of them. 

So which marathon am I running, you ask? Well, it's a British Columbia marathon (bringing 'er back home) and it's early in the fall ... it's the Surrey International World Music Marathon on September 29!

© Surrey International World Music Marathon

Surrey is a suburb of the Lower Mainland and, while it doesn't have the greatest reputation, I think the event will be great. For one, it's close to home. And even though this is only the second year that Surrey is hosting this event, I'm really excited at the prospect of seeing the neighbourhoods on foot and adding to my local medal count. 

Now ... to get back into shape! I'm currently working on building my base mileage and hope to be in good form by the time I start to properly train at the end of May. It's kind of nice to have a definitive running goal, once again. Yippee!

Have a great weekend, everybody. Happy running!