18 hours and counting...

I tweeted this morning that my favourite thing about marathon weekend is the fact that I can indulge in carbs all day and NOT feel guilty. This fact alone – guiltless carbs! hello pasta dinner! – has already perked up this rainy race weekend. But, I can’t lie, I’m worried about tomorrow morning’s 21.5 kilometers.

Meet reasons A & B:

a)    I’m the most fair-weather runner you’ve ever met! I enjoy my runs when the sun is shining, the temperature allows me to wear a Lulu tank and shorts, yet not be TOO warm, and there is a light breeze to break it up. Yes, I know, this happens maybe once or twice a year…but still, I’m not an all-seasons dynamo. And the forecast for tomorrow? RAIN! RAIN! RAIN! I will be praying to Mr. Weatherman tonight for a miracle.

b)   I probably should have been more focused on training. Starting a new job, moving,  a break-up, adjusting to working full-time…all of these major changes in my life have, understandably, consumed majority of my focus. Training has definitely become a second priority.

In saying all of this, despite my nerves for tomorrow morning, I must also say that I’m excited. Partly to just get the thing over with and move on to new fitness routines, but moreover because of the high at the finish. The accomplishment. The appreciation for my body and health. The feeling of crossing the finish line and feeling awesome, even though exhausted, for the rest of the day.

At the Runner’s Expo on Friday evening when I picked my race kit up with a friend, the conversation went like this…

“You know, $90 to run a half-marathon is pretty pricey!”

“AND, our Saturday night is ruined because of the 5:00 a.m. wake up call!”

“WHY do we do this to ourselves?”

And I think, the answer, quite simply is a love for running. The energy at the starting line, the adrenaline that kicks in at 2k, the excitement of finishing…and the ultimate completion of a goal. It's success of the body and mind!

The countdown is on….18 hours away from the start. 20 hours, and a bit, away from that finish line! 

Fingers crossed for a HAPPY run!

The Countdown is ON.

I’m breaking the silence. I haven’t been writing, for the exact same reason that my training has been slightly (and by slightly, I mean majorly) behind. And that reason is, simply, lack of time. I used to think my parents were making it up when they said that “there aren’t enough hours in the day.” But now, I understand. Some days there are simply not enough hours to get in that 15 kilometer run before its dark. Some days, after working for ten hours in 4-inch pumps, your feet just aren’t willing to hit the pavement for the scheduled run. And some days, I’ve learned quickly in the working world, bring absolute exhaustion that turns a 17-k long run into a pathetic 5-k loop.

The PR world, as I’m learning, does not stop. And although the fast-pace and energy is what I love, it doesn’t coincide with marathon-training quite so well. On top of this newfound tidbit, my running buddy, Jocelyn, who I was supposed to run the TO Goodlife with in less than 7 days, hurt her knee so badly that she can’t run – she can barely kick in the pool! Jocey IS who pulled me through two half-marathons. The thought of running without her is downright terrifying.

Okay, okay; I’ll stop with the pity party. I do have SOME uplifting news:

The first race of the season went down well! I ran a 10-mile race on Easter Long weekend.

Felt good, enjoyed the run, nice course. It was the first time I had ran a double loop. But what was really awesome about the run, was that I was able to be a part of a good friend’s reaching of her goal. Cathy, follow her blog here, has been training all winter and spring – and not only did she beat her goal, she beat is by 15 minutes! Yes, I know, amazing! This race really did inspire me to pick up my feet (literally!) and get moving on my own goals…

My goal for the marathon seemed very clouded. Joce won’t be there to help me with my time and pace. It’s not my first one. Not my fifth. Just another run. But then, on Saturday, something just clicked. The sun was shining, and I decided, even though I should be tapering, to do a long run and figure out how on earth I was going to get through this half.

The Niagara Parkway was my destination. 12km of just me. Although it was definitely not just me be on the paths. Couples walking their dogs. Families biking in large groups. Tourists snapping a million photos of the gorge. Picnic baskets. Teenagers making out. Roller-bladers. You name it – spring was out in full force. This in itself-- the atmosphere, the excitement of the warm weather, the happiness in the air, the fresh smell of cut grass, the fruit-stands dusting off their windows—this burst of sunshine and spring, made my Saturday morning run so enjoyable, so peaceful…and so pumped up for my half-marathon THIS Sunday.

What I find funny is this: running, and training more precisely, can become such a ‘chore’. Such an “added stress” on the end of a busy work day. Yet, it only takes ONE amazing run. One fabulous runners’-high, and all of the reasons WHY I love running comes so apparent, so blatant, so in my face – that the half-marathon goal just a couple weeks ago I was beginning to dismiss, seems reachable yet again.

The countdown is on! 5 full days left. 

Happy Running!

Hello Real World. Let's make some time for running.

My, oh, my…how things have changed since I last sat down to blog about my running life. The Sunday-Funday run seems a distant and happy memory. You’re probably wondering, why? Well, I have suddenly joined the “real world” and no longer have three-hour breaks in the middle of my school day, followed by the chance to go home by 3:30 p.m. and take a break before having to ‘squeeze’ a run in.

Nope, now ‘squeezing’ a run in really does hold up to its name. Now, it’s after 8.5 hours of work. And I’m just going to be honest – I’m tired! I promised not to complain anymore – I know, I did. But seriously, I chose the wrong season to be training for an upcoming half. I’m struggling.

Tonight was absolutely gorgeous out. And yes, I did manage to get a solid 45-minute run in. But let’s be honest, 45 minutes is a long ways away from 1 hour and 58 minutes.

So, here’s my plan. I’m putting it blog-style so that I am forced to actually complete it:

Long Runs:

W/O April 15 – 14km

W/O April 22 – 16km

W/O April 29- 19.5 km

W/O May 1 – Sporting Life 10km

Mixed with a one 30-minute tempo run and one 45-minute hill run each week. One day of cross training. Two days of rest.

I’m determined to make it through this half, even though my focus is elsewhere in my life at the moment. I stumbled across a running quote that read: "Once you're beat mentally, you might was well not even go to the starting line." I know this is true – running is just as much a mental sport as it is physical.  So enough is enough from me; student-life has come to an end and years of balancing work and well, life, has begun. I guess this training isn’t at such a bad time after all.

Happy Running!

Sunday-Funday: The Running Version

Sunday morning runs do not usually occur in my world. 

When I run on Sunday, it is normally well after 4:00 p.m. after I have digested enough calories and caffeine to pick me up from a busy Saturday, or even worse, a late Saturday night. But, this particular Sunday, I kicked this habit to the curb. That’s right, by 9:30 a.m. this morning I was putting on my Lulus and hopping in the car to head to a running date.

My friend Cathy, who has a fabulously witty blog that you absolutely must check out, is training for a 17km race on Good Friday and a half-marathon in the fall. Cathy has been training hard all winter and is experiencing awesome results. I admire her ability to stick to her schedule and follow-through with her trainer’s recommendations. I definitely need to take a cue from her in this area...

I met up with Cathy after she had already ran 5km. We set out for the last 11km of her scheduled 16km for the day. It’s always a little nerve-wracking running with a new “buddy” for the first time, just because you aren’t used to someone else’s pace, style and routine. But, within the first few kilometers when you adjust, you remember how great it is to have some company and not just your standard iPod playlist.

Chit-chat replaces the hum-drum of your footsteps. You actually can complain about your sore calves to a real life person…not just the open road in front of you. I enjoyed our morning in the sun and countryside, catching up while ChasingK(m)s. It reminded me how fun running can actually be; a fact that I think I had been forgetting in the last few weeks due to the deadline of 21.5km fast approaching. 

This morning's run put a smile on my face for the afternoon. {I will most likely retract this statement tomorrow morning when I wake up with stiff calves and sore hammys} But, at this point, my fingers are crossed that in exactly eight weeks today, I will be able to say the same thing. Countdown is officially on...

Happy Running! 

Oh the amazing features of the Internet, even for runners...

If you’re a runner, perhaps you can relate to this scenario: 

You’ve been running outside for quite some time; enjoying the fresh air, taking in the scenery, and completely lost in thought. Suddenly, you have a bit of a meltdown…

“Wait a second; where am I? How do I get home? 

How long have I been running for?  

And, more importantly, how will I ever figure out, 

and therefore get credit for, the amount that I have just ran?”

I used to have this moment ALL the time when I started running. I would estimate the distance I ran based on the amount of time that I was out for. And then, I realized just how inaccurate this method truly was.

My speed, although fairly consistent, does vary depending on the type of day I’m having, type of mood that I happen to be in when I step out the door, and even what I’ve ate throughout the day.

After discovering a little site called walkjogrun.net, all of this has changed.

I’m pretty much in love with this site. Part of me cannot wait to finish my run, so I can go home and map it out to see my distance. It’s very simple to use:

• Create an account
• Enter your "Starting Point"
• Voila! Your neighbourhood map will appear.
• Simply click and drag your route on the map (a StreetView map from GoogleMaps)

Another cool feature is that the site actually allows you to record your routes and your running times, so you can compare your exact distance versus the amount of time it took you to finish.

Definitely check out this website if you are a runner, cyclist or even a walker. You can search for routes in your area. So, if you don’t feel like getting lost in the midst of trekking out a new 10k, then search for a pre-existing route near home and find one at your fingertips.

All of this would not be possible without the wonders of Satellite imaging. At first, I thought the whole concept of GoogleMaps was slightly invading, but I take back any negative feelings I may have had because of my new addiction.

Happy Running!  

A Favour is Needed

Miracles are finally happening over here! Well, maybe not miracles per se, but there have been definite improvements over the last week.

I’ve started interval training, or “Fartlek” runs as they are sometimes called. Basically, the body of the run alternates between three minutes of my personal “easy” speed, followed by three minutes at a “difficult” speed. Not only does this help to improve on overall fitness and speed, it also makes the time fly by if you are stuck on the treadmill.

This last point, about passing time while on that monotonous tread, made me start to wonder: What is it that helps me make it through a run? And how do other runners plow through runs and find the determination to go faster, longer, and harder?

The answer, for me, is music. (Although I have to say that Saturday afternoon’s run in the rain with my boyfriend down Yonge Street was an exception. My determination to run faster and get home stemmed only from the fact that the rain pellets were cold, streaming down my forehead, and I was drenched. Yuck!) But, for majority of my running adventures in fair-weather, music provides me with the encouragement and energy to keep going...

Hmm..I wonder what he is listening to?

Energetic dance music is great for the initial warm-up.  Anything house or techno always helps for making it up a hill or gradual climb. Catchy pop songs are a good distraction for mid-run (I should note that knowing all of the words are essential).  I put on the slower, but loud and powerful, rock songs to push through the tough parts. And finally, there’s always those club mixes that I sometimes hit repeat, repeat, repeat on because, well, they are just fun.

Music, most definitely, is a motivator in running --at least for this one here!  And so, today, I’m asking for a favour from you, blog readers: What are some songs that you love to work out or run to? Any tune that you’ve listened to while sweating it out, please drop me a line and let me know.

I greatly appreciate your help with this important music-motivation factor!

As always, Happy Running!

A Lesson in Hydration Equipment

Motivation is on the rise! As is my distance, yet unfortunately, I cannot say the same for my speed. I’m still lagging, and quite disappointed about my lack of “oomph” (for lack of a better term) throughout my runs. Today, however, helped to increase my personal motivation meter.

The first day of March brought with it sunshine, warmer temperatures and a burst of springtime pep. I had a fantastic 45 minute run and felt great afterwards. I’ve switched over to my Mom’s prescribed training schedule, which focuses more heavily on spinning and weights, as opposed to strictly running.

With today’s newfound enthusiasm, I dragged my Dad into the Running Room for a proper analysis of what I will call, “the water bottle situation.” Here’s a little secret that I’m not too proud of: I’ve ran and trained for two half-marathons without purchasing a proper way to stay hydrated. Of course I have my water bottle while at the gym, or before and after my runs, but nothing for the entirety of a long, outdoor run. I’ve come to the realization that this is simply, unhealthy.

The Fuel Belt.

Ready to change this fact, I asked the knowledgeable Running Room Sales Associate for the low-down on water bottle selection. Her recommendation? The fuel-belt. Basically, it’s a Velcro belt with mini water bottles spread evenly across your waistline. Even distribution of the bottles is supposed to alleviate any discomfort, and, according to the Sales Associate, you barely even know you are wearing it!

The Fanny Pack.

Now, I have to be honest: it reminds me of a fanny pack. And, if there is one fashion faux pas that I cannot stand--it is a fanny pack. Images of a loud-printed canvas frontal pack trekking around amusement parks and carnivals, in the heat of summer, enter my mind. I realize that this is an unfair generalization and comparison, but I can’t help it: the fuel belt screams “FANNY PACK” in my mind.

I choose to keep this comparison to myself, as the Sales Associate continues. She proceeds to show me a full-size water bottle holder. Still a belt with a bottle, but it looks more like a regular belt with a water bottle secured on the small of your back. I try it on and immediately can tell that I will not be comfortable with a water bottle hanging off my back as I run. My only other option is a hand-held water bottle holder. I rule this option out, as I already carry my iPod, and that is just plenty.

So, as unfortunate as it is…it looks as if the fanny pack’s sister, the fuel belt, is the route to go. However, I guarantee that I will retract my words of disdain for the fuel belt once I see the benefits of proper hydration. 

Happy Running!

Where are you, Spring?

As February comes to a close, in all honesty, I’m feeling nervous about my commitment to run this marathon. If there is one positive spin to this fact, it’s that the main reason for this uncertainty is blamed on a consistently negative thermometer.

Last week, I broke free from the confinement of the gym when Niagara experienced a temporary flash of spring.  The soaring temperatures helped to lift my motivation, as I couldn’t wait to get away from the humdrum of the treadmill.

Similar to the first run of a training program, the first outdoor run of the year is equally as exhilarating and energizing.  Unfortunately, my first outdoor run of the year did not fall into this category. It wasn’t due to a terrible illness this time, but rather my silly decision-making.

As a runner of almost five years, I try to always abide by the golden rule: prior to your run, be aware of what you eat and the time you eat it at.

Here comes the silly decision-making:

As we all know, a sudden burst of sunshine and warmth makes us want to go out, visit with friends, and enjoy! Naturally, dinner and drinks with a couple of girlfriends seemed like the perfect option. Before I knew it, I had devoured a delicious Gnocchi dish accompanied by two glasses of Riesling.  After dinner, feeling fabulous, I figured that feeling would transfer to my run planned for later that evening.

My hopes were dashed about five minutes into the run when I was already struggling with an uncomfortable full feeling and the occasional side pain. Needless to say, my pace was sedated and slow. Again, not the burst of speed that I figured the adrenaline from the first outdoor run would give me. I managed a measly 5km.

Within 24 hours, the thermometer plummeted again. Disappointed by my poor planning, I forced myself to get outside and try again – this time, on a light stomach with only Greek yogurt and nuts.

The result? Although not nearly as balmy out, (even mittens and hat were needed) an 8km run felt great and re-charged my energy for spring training. According to Running Magazine, trainers recommend that 60% of training is completed outdoors to prepare for the real deal.

Basically, I need to step it up!

 ….Let’s all cross our fingers for mild temperatures in the very near future.

            Happy Running

In the spirit of LOVE...

Today is Valentine’s Day. The day of all things romantic, pink and lovely. In the spirit of this holiday, I’ve decided to dedicate this week’s blog to why running is loved by millions. A little research was needed to back up my initial ideas. Here’s what my findings consisted of:

Quite simply, running makes me happy. After I run, I feel good. My mind is clear. If I’ve been grappling with a problem, suddenly, I’m overwhelmed with the answer to solve it. Even after a long run, I have more energy and feel overall, accomplished. This state of clarity brings contentment and ultimately, happiness. I definitely am a firm believer in the “runner’s high” myth.

New York Times: "Yes, Running Can Make You High"

So, my question was this: Is the “runner’s high” an actual myth? Or, is it biologically proven that running makes you happy? I’m sure you’ve all wondered the same thing…

Well, you’re in luck, because I have discovered the answer. Actually, the New York Times discovered the answer back in March, 2008 when they published the article “Yes, Running Can Make You High.”

The article explains that years of theories suggested chemicals, called endorphins, were released while running or enduring other forms of intense exercise. Years ago, it was difficult for theorists to prove the endorphin-hypothesis. Now, neuroscience has proven that a) Running does in fact release endorphins in the brain, and b) those endorphins do produce a change in mood.  Interestingly enough, Dr. Boecker claims that endorphins produced by running attach themselves to the areas of the brain associated with love and euphoria, causing the feelings of happiness. 

The intensity of the run correlates to the amount of endorphins produced, and therefore, the overall feeling of euphoria that the runner experiences. The study also demonstrated a relationship between runners and increased pain tolerance, due to their rate of endorphins produced.

So, there it is: the “runner’s high” isn’t a myth after all. 

Happy Valentine’s & Happy Running! 

If you can’t breathe, you can’t run…

For a girl who lives by her day planner, the actual planning of a training schedule is one of the most exciting elements of the training itself. I ambitiously planned out my runs for the next few months with the help of online resources and my Mother, who happens to be a certified trainer. Daily goals were jotted down, colour-coded of course, and needless to say, I was excited to begin training on Monday, January 31, 2011.

The problem? My body was NOT ready to begin training on Monday. Not in the least. After a week of battling a persistent and annoying winter cold, the only sound coming out of my mouth was repulsive coughing, not the breathing of healthy lungs necessary for running.

Ignoring the cough, I headed for the gym to begin my training with a 5km first run. After only twenty minutes, I paused the tread and caused a slight scene with a coughing attack right there on the machine. 

Let me tell you, gym-goers do NOT tolerate sickness at the gym. Looks of disgust, and looks screaming “Go home! Stop spreading your germs!” were shot at me from all angles. Admittedly, I am normally one of those people shooting the looks and thinking to myself, “you better not get me sick!” And yet, I had crossed over and became “one of them” out of fear from being behind on my training schedule from Day 1.

Discouraged. I was completely discouraged. The first run is supposed to be the easiest! The shortest! The flattest! The initial run is supposed to ignite the spark and create a buzz around your training program. The first run is certainly NOT supposed to leave you feeling like your chest may cave in at the next coughing spell.

Driving straight to Shoppers, I stalked up on more cold medicine, Halls, Vitamin C (and, okay, a little Valentine’s Day chocolate treat to cheer me up!) determined to beat the awful thing, and convinced that the 8km I had scheduled for the next day was totally possible.

Thankfully, as the week went on, the cough dwindled and my energy levels returned to normal. My original running schedule for this week was slightly altered. But, I still managed to complete five successful building runs based on time, just not the distance I was aiming for. And even more importantly, the feelings of discouragement have left....and anticipation for Week #2 has began!

Happy Running!

...And, we're off!

Welcome to 21.5km: train with me!

My weekly blog about training for a Half Marathon

Allow me to shed some light on how this blog was born:

In 2008, one of my best girlfriends, Jocelyn, called me up while on summer vacation and said, “Let’s run a half marathon in September.” Both avid runners and gym-obsessed, we committed to the Scotiabank Half Marathon and completed the race at 2 hours and 5 minutes that September. 

Feeling amazing at the finish line, we promised to run the same race again the following year. Sticking to the plan, we finished in 2009 at 2 hours and 5 seconds. Still pumped and feeling the adrenaline effect, I made it my goal to run a full marathon by age 25, which meant three more years of half marathons as training.

However, when training season began for 2010, I fell off the bandwagon! Finishing up at UWO, graduation, a busy social life, trips and work just seemed to take priority over running. 


Now, as a PR student at Niagara College, I have spent the year learning how to stay focused and multi-task effectively on both personal and professional goals. I’m excited to say that I’m back on track and have committed to running the Toronto Goodlife Marathon in 1 hour and 58 minutes on Sunday, May 15, 2011.

My blogs will be about the good, bad and ugly training runs scheduled for the next few months. In addition, I will be doing my homework on issues such as the best foods for energy, the question of whether or not sports gels really do work and the art of finding the perfect pair of running shoes, among others. There may also be a discussion, or two, about Lululemon’s spring running line…after all, it’s all about the presentation when crossing that finish line!

I hope this blog serves not only as motivation for me to stay focused and on track, but also serves as inspiration for you to stay on target with your own fitness goals, whatever they may be.

Happy Running!