In his memory, I've decided to re-join Team Diabetes, fundraising for the Canadian Diabetes Association, and run the BMO Vancouver Marathon this May. Funds raised through Team Diabetes will be used for much-needed research, education, programs and advocacy on behalf of those living with diabetes across Canada.
My dad would have been 79 years old this January. Please show your support for my campaign and help me honour his memory by making an online donation through my personal page. Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated.
If you have any problems with the above hyperlink, you can alternatively copy and paste the following link into a browser: http://teamdiabetes.ca/goto/fiveorbust
I know, I know. Vlogging is sooooo 2000s - which makes sense that I'd want to do a vlog entry now! As promised in this short clip, I'll provide updates on today's run a little later.
And... here's the update from today's run (sorry for not posting earlier but I swear this was from this morning). If you liked this post, let me know in the comments and maybe I'll vlog a little more often!
Having grown up on the Canadian prairies, I’m no slouch when it comes to snow. I know how to drive in it, I know how to dress for it. I’ve played in it, shoveled it and scraped it off my car. Now that I live on the temperate west coast, I’ve adopted the mindset that snow is 100%, absolutely, completely and without question - overrated.
Today in Vancouver. Some think it's pretty. Me? Not so much. Video cred: Matthew Boulton.
I ran in the cold, prairie winter when I was a teenager and into my early 20s. Dressing to run in real winter is quite involved, as most of you living in places with four seasons will know. Layers, fleece, waterproof clothing, gloves, hats - all essential items when a runner has no choice but to brave the frigid weather. But - I don’t have to run in this. One: I live on the west coast, where snow is a rarity. And two: I have access to a treadmill. Now, I’m not a big fan of the indoor running. Spending too much time on the treadmill has always made me feel a little like a hamster on a wheel. But given that the weather is supposed to stay this way for at least the next week, and my desire to avoid the snow as much as possible? Indoor running, it is! For those of you heading outside to run in the winter snow and cold: good on ya. You’re all my heroes. Me? I’m tapping out.
"Weekends are for running." This was my mantra for the first four marathons, and it is quickly making a comeback in the way I view my life and schedule. Weekends during Christmas, however, are a whole other story. I love getting together with friends, enjoying all the food and, especially, heading to fancy holiday parties like the one I attended on Friday night. Everyone was in their finery, plates were piled high with deliciousness, and my wine cup runneth over. Hence, I spent all day yesterday sleeping off a hangover and desperately trying to rehydrate, knowing I was putting my running shoes on again today. But, hey - I knew it was all coming. Mentally, I was totally prepared. And today's run turned out alright. Today's run: 10.5 km run/walk. My first 10 km in a very long time, but with the distance getting pushed out a little due to an unexpected construction detour. Weather: sunshine. Cold. Brilliant. Feeling: still good. Worried it'll all go to hell soon but trying to not think about that too much. A note on Christmas and feeling bad about the excess to inevitably come: I was rewatching Eat Pray Love recently, and one line in particular stuck with me. The main character and author of the story, Elizabeth Gilbert, says this:
I am so tired of saying no, waking up in the morning and recalling every single thing I ate the day before, counting every calorie I consumed so I know just how much self loathing to take into the shower. I'm going for it. I have no interest in being obese, I'm just through with the guilt.
As a woman in my late(ish) 30s, I'd like to be able to say I have positive, self-affirming thoughts about my body image. But I can't because it's just not true - well, not always, anyway. And I know I'm not alone. I like what Liz says above. It's hard to remember sometimes, but I'm going to try, especially with heading full steam into Christmas season. I love Christmas so I'm going to enjoy myself and not feel guilty about it!
Neil Young's Heart of Gold makes an appearance on the Eat Pray Love soundtrack. As it's a great, classic song and has been a bit of an earwig for me recently, it's making an appearance here, as well. Do you know the lyrics? If not, you should. Look them up.
There's a book called The Runner's Book of Daily Inspiration: A Year of Motivation, Revelation and Instructionby Kevin Nelson. I've had this book for the better part of my adult life. It made the move with me from the prairies to the west coast more than 13 (!) years ago and provides readers with daily advice, affirmation and "running food for thought". It's a book I still pull off the shelf whenever I've gotten back into my running shoes - just like now. This excerpt from a recent entry seemed of particular relevance to me:
If an idea keeps popping into your head, you may want to listen to it. Ideas that last are generally good ideas, worthy of follow-up. Whatever your latest thought about running, follow it, and see where it takes you.
Picking up Five by 35 (ahem, Five or Bust?) again was a result of a thought that just wouldn't go away, one I decided to follow and not let go. Running my first marathon with Team Diabetes while my dad was still alive was an amazing experience. To finally run number five, after thinking about it all this time, and with the team again now that my dad is gone... well, I'm not sure what to expect but I'm hoping it's good things. Today is my rest day, but yesterday's run: 4.5 km free run i.e. not for time or speed, just a regular ol' run. Weather: fog, fog and more fog! Pea soup, for sure. Spooky and mysterious. Feeling: like I should've picked a longer route but glad I was able to map out the distance for this one.
Happy last day of November! I'm paying attention to the base building advice I shared with you earlier so have been trying to switch up my schedule by running one speed workout each week. A personal note on speed workouts: not my favourite. That said, fartleks - or, speed play - can be relatively fun, if you make it. For example, I've been running 30 second intervals i.e. 30 seconds at a relatively faster pace, followed by 30 seconds of walking/jogging to recover, rinse and repeat. And while doing so, I've been taking the time to notice the views around me (Vancouver is a beautiful place to run), tell myself some jokes and occasionally try and run faster than I did the previous kilometre. I dunno. Does that sound like fun? I suppose fun is what you make it.
On my route today: Charleson Park. Pic cred: surYnorte
An old habit I noticed on today's run: breathing in for three steps and out for two, especially when the pace is faster or when running uphill. I've been running for so many years, I'm not even sure where I picked up this tip. Probably one of the books I've read that's sitting on my shelf at home. A new habit I'm trying to form: bringing my gear to the office so I can run right at the end of the day when it's still light out. Darn you, winter! Why's it gotta be so dark by 4:30 in the afternoon? Today's run: 4 km fartlek. Weather: a light wind but dry (thankful for that, given it was raining buckets this morning). Feeling: okay. The run started out a little meh, but got better the longer I was out there.
My small but loyal following from 2012-2014 will likely remember I'd had my heart set on running number five in Vancouver, and I am happy to confirm that this is still the case. I've set my sights on the BMO Vancouver Marathon which happens on May 7, 2017. That means, building up base mileage needs to start... now! Base Building Base training or building means "starting from a lower base of infrequent mileage and progressing to more frequent runs including two to three shorter runs and one long run per week" (see: A Runner's Guide to Base Building). Base building can be tough, especially if you're new to running or starting from inactivity. Your level of activity should always be tailored to match your current fitness level. Seems pretty intuitive, right? But this can be really tough, especially if you're raring to go. Don't try to do too much all at once. There are great resources out there on base training, including the one mentioned above. If you're looking for additional advice from the experts, give these articles a try: Build Your Best Training Base The Basics Of Base Training For Runners 5 Ways to Build Your Running Base
The Regulars While out there today, I recognized two things:
Groups of runners: UGH. I've never been a fan. I refer specifically to those people who run in packs on Sundays and always take up the entire path or sidewalk. Very rarely do they move to make room for others and, inevitably, when passing they'll be talking about some shit like split times or nutrition. I get it, but it's just... so... stereotypical.
On the other hand, I crossed paths with another runner whom I recognized from my "old days" of running. I don't actually know her, but we'd pass each other on the same route every weekend. It made me smile to see a familiar face and realize that she's probably been a road warrior this whole time.
Today's run: 8 km. Weather: cool but dry. Feeling: pretty psyched, actually. A little worried about my ankle (which I rolled a teensy bit last week), but not overly. I also feel like this has all happened before, strangely. Guess it's justa little running déjà vu!
Enjoy the rest of your day, friends. And - here's a little Meaghan Trainor to end your weekend. She's all about that bass, too.
