April 25th
Regular workout plus bike for cardio
I have two little problems on my feet, so they are taking a rest from running for a bit. So now I'm thinking, "What next?" I need another good goal that will take a few months to work on. I do plan to continue running in the meantime, especially after we move to BC in two months. I have some ideas. It might not be "Run, walk, run" exactly, but it might be another project that requires months of planning and hard work.
Stay tuned. I will let you know as soon as I settle on a plan.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The stats are in
April 23rd
No running yet. I still have sore feet!
Final time -1:41:09 (remember, this includes my portapotty stop, so I think I was under 90 minutes, my goal)
Placing in the total run - 35629th
Placing out of women - 18640th
Placing out of 50-54 year old women- 1195th
Out of curiousity, I checked the results page for my future planning. In the 90-94 year old female category, the times were 1:48 for Estermay Peacock (scary fast!) and 2:11 for Eleanore Cross-Spry. When I grow up, I want to be Eleanore and Estermay.
No running yet. I still have sore feet!
Final time -1:41:09 (remember, this includes my portapotty stop, so I think I was under 90 minutes, my goal)
Placing in the total run - 35629th
Placing out of women - 18640th
Placing out of 50-54 year old women- 1195th
Out of curiousity, I checked the results page for my future planning. In the 90-94 year old female category, the times were 1:48 for Estermay Peacock (scary fast!) and 2:11 for Eleanore Cross-Spry. When I grow up, I want to be Eleanore and Estermay.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Ta-da!!!
It went very well. The weather was gorgeous!!! The weatherman can be forgiven for getting this one wrong. It was a bit nippy at the starting line. The crowds stretched 6 blocks down Georgia Street (but very orderly) and it took over an hour to get to the start, but it was so warm and sunny (around 10C) by the time I got to English Bay that I wrapped my jacket around my waist and ran with just my tshirt.
It was really a wonderful experience to run with almost 60,000 people of all ages, sizes, colours, and abilities and to start the day with a rousing "Oh Canada" sung by all. There were a lot of family groups and I passed several three generation groups and chatted with one four generational group of women from Squamish (about 70,50,30,10) whom I barely beat to the finish line. There were many bands, supporters, and other entertaining people along the way, and it went much faster than I thought.
My goal was to finish in less than 90 minutes. I know I was over that, but unfortunately, the timing chip on your running shoe can't be "timed out" while you stand in line for the portapotties! I was pleased with the pace I maintained, and especially happy that I finished the last 1 km running. My sister Barb and friends Louisa and AnneMarie broke the hour mark which is great considering AnneMarie had never run until this January.
Thanks to all of you for your support, especially my running friends, who gave me good advice. I don't know what I'm going to do next in my life, but can assure you that it will NOT be a marathon. However, I plan to do the SunRun next year for sure. Maybe one day I can aspire to the goal of our friend Mike, but instead of golfing my age, I will run my age. To do that, I will only have to get just a little bit faster, and a lot older. I know I can do the latter!
Friday, April 18, 2008
April in Harrison
This is NOT something you think of or plan for when you are running in April! It snowed hard for about an hour this morning and because the flakes are so big, it started to build up. Our car was parked outside and had a couple of inches on it very quickly.
I've added another layer to my planned outfit for Sunday, just in case. This will be my last post until after the race. Wish me luck!
Click on the picture to enhance the image and you will see what I'm talking about!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Real age
April 17th
Rest day, but I walked lots
I went to Vancouver today and walked many, many blocks downtown. It was exciting, and rather inspirational, to see the Sun Run banners hanging from all the light standards.
A friend sent me this website today. On it, you can quickly assess how your lifestyle is affecting your life expectancy. Not only can you calculate your life expectancy, but you can also play with the numbers to see how changing your lifestyle would add years to your life. For example, if you need to lose weight, see what would happen if you were at your ideal weight. It's quite motivating to see that change in raw numbers.
http://www.embedtube.com/uploads/33101407Realage.swf
Rest day, but I walked lots
I went to Vancouver today and walked many, many blocks downtown. It was exciting, and rather inspirational, to see the Sun Run banners hanging from all the light standards.
A friend sent me this website today. On it, you can quickly assess how your lifestyle is affecting your life expectancy. Not only can you calculate your life expectancy, but you can also play with the numbers to see how changing your lifestyle would add years to your life. For example, if you need to lose weight, see what would happen if you were at your ideal weight. It's quite motivating to see that change in raw numbers.
http://www.embedtube.com/uploads/33101407Realage.swf
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Second last run before the big one
April 16th
Run 4 minutes, Walk 1 minute (6 times) Run 1 minute, Walk 1 minute (5 times)
I was running with my canine running partner, Maggie, so the 1 minute runs were mixed in with the 4 minute runs. Maggie found lots of reasons to stop today, including a long swim. We also did two sprints. Actually, Maggie sprinted. I was dragged along because I had the leash wrapped around my wrist. However, I did come darn close to catching a robin!
The unseasonably cold weather of the last few days (snow in mid-April!) has me a bit worried about Sunday's weather. I don't mind being a bit cold. My body tends to run a little on the warm side most of the time anyway, and run/walking 10K is sure to exacerbate that. I don't even mind a few showers. However, my visualization for this challenge has not included nasty cold rain coming down in buckets. I visualized a warm spring day with cherry blossoms raining down upon me, not sleet and snow.
I checked the Weather Channel and Environment Canada. Hmmmm, meteorology has really not progressed beyond holding up a finger to the wind, has it?
Environment Canada- 1 degree low, 5 degree high, mixed rain and snow showers (!!!)
Weather Channel- 2 degrees low, 9 degrees high, sunny with 10% chance of rain
I think I will believe the Weather Channel. That is, until I can find a forecast with 15 and sunny.
Run 4 minutes, Walk 1 minute (6 times) Run 1 minute, Walk 1 minute (5 times)
I was running with my canine running partner, Maggie, so the 1 minute runs were mixed in with the 4 minute runs. Maggie found lots of reasons to stop today, including a long swim. We also did two sprints. Actually, Maggie sprinted. I was dragged along because I had the leash wrapped around my wrist. However, I did come darn close to catching a robin!
The unseasonably cold weather of the last few days (snow in mid-April!) has me a bit worried about Sunday's weather. I don't mind being a bit cold. My body tends to run a little on the warm side most of the time anyway, and run/walking 10K is sure to exacerbate that. I don't even mind a few showers. However, my visualization for this challenge has not included nasty cold rain coming down in buckets. I visualized a warm spring day with cherry blossoms raining down upon me, not sleet and snow.
I checked the Weather Channel and Environment Canada. Hmmmm, meteorology has really not progressed beyond holding up a finger to the wind, has it?
Environment Canada- 1 degree low, 5 degree high, mixed rain and snow showers (!!!)
Weather Channel- 2 degrees low, 9 degrees high, sunny with 10% chance of rain
I think I will believe the Weather Channel. That is, until I can find a forecast with 15 and sunny.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Through wind and rain....
April 14th
Did almost 4 km, about half running and half walking, with a bit of mountain climbing and a 20 metre sprint at the end
Today Tom had his first outdoors run in a long time. He's been recovering from an injured calf. So, he ran with me. To be honest, he ran in front of me much of the time and looped back around to join me, but I didn't do too badly.
When we started out, it was just spitting rain. By the time we got to the lagoon, it was pouring, with a cold wind off the water. We ran over to the mountain and onto the old trail to the hot springs source, which is under cedars and stays dry. We did a little detour straight up the mountain (walked that part!) to see the waterfalls, and then took the Bridges Trail for some more non-flat work. All is well but I do hope we don't get a similar rainy day for the run. I think I'd look a little silly running with an umbrella.
In other running news, take a look at this story. Talk about a mid-life challenge! Some people would be inspired by it. Not me. Just reading it tired me out.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/080413/oddities/athletics_marathon_gbr_london_blind_offbeat
Or how about this one. If 50 is mid-life, then this gentleman is definitely at full-life.
http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Marathon39s-no-sweat-if-you.3977250.jp
Speaking of old people running, I checked the Sun Run site. They have awards in age categories up to 90+. If I keep running, look for me to be on the podium in 2050. I wonder if they'll disqualify me for having bionic hips, knees, and feet?
Did almost 4 km, about half running and half walking, with a bit of mountain climbing and a 20 metre sprint at the end
Today Tom had his first outdoors run in a long time. He's been recovering from an injured calf. So, he ran with me. To be honest, he ran in front of me much of the time and looped back around to join me, but I didn't do too badly.
When we started out, it was just spitting rain. By the time we got to the lagoon, it was pouring, with a cold wind off the water. We ran over to the mountain and onto the old trail to the hot springs source, which is under cedars and stays dry. We did a little detour straight up the mountain (walked that part!) to see the waterfalls, and then took the Bridges Trail for some more non-flat work. All is well but I do hope we don't get a similar rainy day for the run. I think I'd look a little silly running with an umbrella.
In other running news, take a look at this story. Talk about a mid-life challenge! Some people would be inspired by it. Not me. Just reading it tired me out.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/080413/oddities/athletics_marathon_gbr_london_blind_offbeat
Or how about this one. If 50 is mid-life, then this gentleman is definitely at full-life.
http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Marathon39s-no-sweat-if-you.3977250.jp
Speaking of old people running, I checked the Sun Run site. They have awards in age categories up to 90+. If I keep running, look for me to be on the podium in 2050. I wonder if they'll disqualify me for having bionic hips, knees, and feet?
Friday, April 11, 2008
Support system
April 12th
Run 2 minutes, walk 1 minute, (10 times) Run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute (twice)
It was quite chilly out this morning, especially over by the lake. People were in parkas and I was in my cropped running tights and a light jacket. I didn't feel like running much and had a massage scheduled for 10 a.m., so just did a quick tour of the lagoon a couple of times.
The word on my new Dr Scholls insoles is that they are great. They gave as much support, in the right spots, as my $300 orthotics. I could really feel the difference when I ran on pavement.
In other support news, I also wore my new running bra. I got this at Diane's Lingerie in Vancouver, which is just about the best bra store anywhere. http://www.dianeslingerie.com/ I've gone there for a few years, and they are expert fitters. (I'm sure you've seen the Oprah show on how most women are wearing the wrong bra size) Anyway, they checked out my computer profile and had me in a very good sports bra in minutes. As always, they picked just the right style and size for me. I wore it today and they were right. That model had very little movement. There was a true difference in the strain on my shoulders.
So, tomorrow was supposed to be my day off, but I want to get my schedule in synch for the run next Sunday. I did a light run today, plan to do a light run again tomorrow, do the Sun Run scheduled training on Monday and Wednesday, and then just a very light run and stretching next Friday morning. That gives me some good rest time for Sunday.
Run 2 minutes, walk 1 minute, (10 times) Run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute (twice)
It was quite chilly out this morning, especially over by the lake. People were in parkas and I was in my cropped running tights and a light jacket. I didn't feel like running much and had a massage scheduled for 10 a.m., so just did a quick tour of the lagoon a couple of times.
The word on my new Dr Scholls insoles is that they are great. They gave as much support, in the right spots, as my $300 orthotics. I could really feel the difference when I ran on pavement.
In other support news, I also wore my new running bra. I got this at Diane's Lingerie in Vancouver, which is just about the best bra store anywhere. http://www.dianeslingerie.com/ I've gone there for a few years, and they are expert fitters. (I'm sure you've seen the Oprah show on how most women are wearing the wrong bra size) Anyway, they checked out my computer profile and had me in a very good sports bra in minutes. As always, they picked just the right style and size for me. I wore it today and they were right. That model had very little movement. There was a true difference in the strain on my shoulders.
So, tomorrow was supposed to be my day off, but I want to get my schedule in synch for the run next Sunday. I did a light run today, plan to do a light run again tomorrow, do the Sun Run scheduled training on Monday and Wednesday, and then just a very light run and stretching next Friday morning. That gives me some good rest time for Sunday.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Agony of De-Feet
April 10th
Rest day
My runners are in good shape, but I was thinking of buying those gel toe pad protectors that go under the ball of your big toe. That's just where my right big toe was injured, and I thought it might help.
Let me preface my thoughts by saying that I already have a good pair of orthotics. Have you ever noticed that going to have your feet checked is like taking your kids to see if they need braces? Very few parents are ever told, "No, your child does not need braces. A little gap is okay, and kind of cute." And very few foot doctors ever say, "I could make you a pair of $300 orthotics custom-fit to your foot and gait, but really, they will look and wear just like $17 Dr Scholls, so save your money."
I left my orthotics in my workout shoes in Ontario. My running shoes here (I only wear New Balance because I have bad feet and they fit) are fairly new and in good shape, but didn't feel as cushy as they used to. I went to the footcare section at the drugstore to find the big toe pad, and found a wonderful pair of Dr Scholl inserts that look a lot like my orthotics, but with rippled gel pads in the places that take the biggest beating. They also claim to take the pressure off one's joints.
http://www.drscholls.com/product.aspx?prodid=82 Oh, and they come with a warning. You cannot wear them on airplanes because the gel is not allowed. Your inserts will be confiscated and then you will have no inserts in your shoes at all. So, remember that when you are packing.
Here's the interesting part. I got them home and the instructions say to take out your old insoles. And guess what? Mine were flat as can be. They had no oomph left in them at all. I put in the Dr Scholl's and slid my shoes on. They feel marvelous. I can't wait to run in them tomorrow. Really!
Rest day
My runners are in good shape, but I was thinking of buying those gel toe pad protectors that go under the ball of your big toe. That's just where my right big toe was injured, and I thought it might help.
Let me preface my thoughts by saying that I already have a good pair of orthotics. Have you ever noticed that going to have your feet checked is like taking your kids to see if they need braces? Very few parents are ever told, "No, your child does not need braces. A little gap is okay, and kind of cute." And very few foot doctors ever say, "I could make you a pair of $300 orthotics custom-fit to your foot and gait, but really, they will look and wear just like $17 Dr Scholls, so save your money."
I left my orthotics in my workout shoes in Ontario. My running shoes here (I only wear New Balance because I have bad feet and they fit) are fairly new and in good shape, but didn't feel as cushy as they used to. I went to the footcare section at the drugstore to find the big toe pad, and found a wonderful pair of Dr Scholl inserts that look a lot like my orthotics, but with rippled gel pads in the places that take the biggest beating. They also claim to take the pressure off one's joints.
http://www.drscholls.com/product.aspx?prodid=82 Oh, and they come with a warning. You cannot wear them on airplanes because the gel is not allowed. Your inserts will be confiscated and then you will have no inserts in your shoes at all. So, remember that when you are packing.
Here's the interesting part. I got them home and the instructions say to take out your old insoles. And guess what? Mine were flat as can be. They had no oomph left in them at all. I put in the Dr Scholl's and slid my shoes on. They feel marvelous. I can't wait to run in them tomorrow. Really!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Down to the last 10 days!
April 9th
Run 4 minutes, Walk 1 minute (6 times)
Today was one of the welcome midweek easy days in the schedule. It's quite blustery here today, but I quickly worked up a good sweat. The training schedule says to do a 5 minute warm up walk and 5 minute cool down, but I did 25 minutes at the end at a good clip.
I hit a milestone today. I did the whole thing without stopping to go to the bathroom. That entailed no latte for breakfast. Indeed, it entailed no liquids at all, but making it for more than an hour of bladder jiggling was good for my confidence. The big question is whether I can avoid the Portapotties for the actual run.
At the end of the run I faced a new challenge. I discovered that Tom went to work out without realizing that I had no keys. Fortunately, I had left the balcony door unlocked. Climbing our railing with a full bladder to get to the balcony was not easy.
Run 4 minutes, Walk 1 minute (6 times)
Today was one of the welcome midweek easy days in the schedule. It's quite blustery here today, but I quickly worked up a good sweat. The training schedule says to do a 5 minute warm up walk and 5 minute cool down, but I did 25 minutes at the end at a good clip.
I hit a milestone today. I did the whole thing without stopping to go to the bathroom. That entailed no latte for breakfast. Indeed, it entailed no liquids at all, but making it for more than an hour of bladder jiggling was good for my confidence. The big question is whether I can avoid the Portapotties for the actual run.
At the end of the run I faced a new challenge. I discovered that Tom went to work out without realizing that I had no keys. Fortunately, I had left the balcony door unlocked. Climbing our railing with a full bladder to get to the balcony was not easy.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Slow and Steady
April 7th
6 km, 90 minutes. Kind of slow?
I actually did much better than my distance/time ratio sounds. I ran about 2/3 of the way. However, I was running with my sister's dog and we did a long slow walk in the middle of our run so we could explore the forest. Maggie ran around and I went pee.
It was a great day in many ways. The trilliums were out in spots, there were a million birds singing, and I felt really good running.
6 km, 90 minutes. Kind of slow?
I actually did much better than my distance/time ratio sounds. I ran about 2/3 of the way. However, I was running with my sister's dog and we did a long slow walk in the middle of our run so we could explore the forest. Maggie ran around and I went pee.
It was a great day in many ways. The trilliums were out in spots, there were a million birds singing, and I felt really good running.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
A discouraging climb
We have a friend visiting and decided to go hike the short Othello Tunnels trail and then the even shorter trail up Bridal Falls. We go to Othello Tunnels a lot and have even done the 10K long loop up and down on the old Kettle Valley Railway line. http://vancouverhiking.tripod.com/id20.html Yesterday was interesting. A rock slide has closed the park, but everyone was climbing over the slide and doing the hike anyway.
Then we went to Bridal Falls. http://www.waterfallswest.com/waterfall.php?id=105 Note on the website that it describes the trail as "Easy." The trail is wide and well-marked, if that defines easy, but it is a sharp change in elevation. In previous years, I have always stopped several times to catch my breath. I thought this time would be different. My legs are strong from working out, and my cardio fitness is much higher. I even considered running.
I walked it. And even then, I could feel the strain on my lungs. I was quite disappointed. I thought I'd sail right along. My sister pointed out that it is a different workout from what I've been doing on mostly level trails, but I'm still disappointed. I might go back a couple of times in the next week to try it again and see if I was just having an off day.
Then we went to Bridal Falls. http://www.waterfallswest.com/waterfall.php?id=105 Note on the website that it describes the trail as "Easy." The trail is wide and well-marked, if that defines easy, but it is a sharp change in elevation. In previous years, I have always stopped several times to catch my breath. I thought this time would be different. My legs are strong from working out, and my cardio fitness is much higher. I even considered running.
I walked it. And even then, I could feel the strain on my lungs. I was quite disappointed. I thought I'd sail right along. My sister pointed out that it is a different workout from what I've been doing on mostly level trails, but I'm still disappointed. I might go back a couple of times in the next week to try it again and see if I was just having an off day.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
I can run most anywhere!
April 3rd
Run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute (9 times) walk 20 minutes, Run 8 minutes (1 time)
What a beautiful day for a run today. The air was fresh and soft, it was somewhat sunny, and my canine running companion Maggie was up to a challenge. At first I thought we would run up Rockwell Drive to try some hills, but there were a lot of logging trucks coming down the road, and it is narrow in spots. Instead, we ran the beautiful (and short) Bridges Trail twice, even the stairs part. http://www.clubtread.com/sforum/topic.asp?topic_id=25566 These pictures look like they were taken in the fall. It is much greener now. Then I did the lagoon and road to the hot springs source.
When I work out, I usually think of simple tunes to get me through the rough spots. For example, I sing "House of the Rising Sun" to myself or "I'm a little teapot" if I'm feeling particularly silly. Today I was thinking of how sorry I am to miss the Sanfilippo Gala. Tom and I attend most years and this year, the theme is "It's an evening of all things Seuss." http://www.alifeforelisa.org/Gala If you've read my previous posts, you know that I've asked friends to pledge money to SCRF in support of my run.
So, as I was running today, I composed a Seuss-themed chant.
I can run here and there, I can run most anywhere.
Could you, would you go up a hill?
Not too fast, but yes I will!
Can you now outrun a car?
Alas, not yet, but the day's not far.
When you run, do you chase the dog?
I've chased the dog, right through the bog.
Can you run faster than a sloth?
A sloth, a snail, perhaps a moth.
And will you run for the Vancouver Sun?
I will, I will, and I'll have fun!
...but not as much fun as the people at the gala!
Viv
Run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute (9 times) walk 20 minutes, Run 8 minutes (1 time)
What a beautiful day for a run today. The air was fresh and soft, it was somewhat sunny, and my canine running companion Maggie was up to a challenge. At first I thought we would run up Rockwell Drive to try some hills, but there were a lot of logging trucks coming down the road, and it is narrow in spots. Instead, we ran the beautiful (and short) Bridges Trail twice, even the stairs part. http://www.clubtread.com/sforum/topic.asp?topic_id=25566 These pictures look like they were taken in the fall. It is much greener now. Then I did the lagoon and road to the hot springs source.
When I work out, I usually think of simple tunes to get me through the rough spots. For example, I sing "House of the Rising Sun" to myself or "I'm a little teapot" if I'm feeling particularly silly. Today I was thinking of how sorry I am to miss the Sanfilippo Gala. Tom and I attend most years and this year, the theme is "It's an evening of all things Seuss." http://www.alifeforelisa.org/Gala If you've read my previous posts, you know that I've asked friends to pledge money to SCRF in support of my run.
So, as I was running today, I composed a Seuss-themed chant.
I can run here and there, I can run most anywhere.
Could you, would you go up a hill?
Not too fast, but yes I will!
Can you now outrun a car?
Alas, not yet, but the day's not far.
When you run, do you chase the dog?
I've chased the dog, right through the bog.
Can you run faster than a sloth?
A sloth, a snail, perhaps a moth.
And will you run for the Vancouver Sun?
I will, I will, and I'll have fun!
...but not as much fun as the people at the gala!
Viv
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