This past Sunday I took on the first race in the Frontrunners Island Race Series – the Prairie Inn Pioneer 8K. I’d never done this race before and didn’t really know what to expect coming out of the holiday season – what with being all plumped up and lazy after two weeks of active recovery.
That said, there wasn’t a whole lot of expectation. The note on my calendar from Kelly went a little something like this: “Run this as an even steady-strong effort, but I would like to have you say at the end that you could have run faster.”
This was the perfect thing for me to hear. Essentially, run it hard, but don’t kill myself. There was no pressure and in the end, I was pretty happy with the race and had a lot of fun.
My calf has been bothering me a bit again lately (I’m sure it’s because I've been slacking on the massage and stretching routine that kept it loose and functioning through Ironman last summer), so when Kirsten and I did a bit of a warm up and it felt super tight and unhappy I was a little concerned for what lay ahead. I stretched the ol’ calf out as best I could before the race and it seemed to help.
I didn't really go out very fast – more because I hate weaving through the crowd then anything – but by 1km in, I had managed to find some open space and was getting into a good pace. The downhill slope of Wallace Drive was definitely helpful for finding and settling into a nice rhythm.
This rhythm carried through the 3km mark, and even as we turned onto West Saanich Road and the little bit of uphill, I felt good. I felt relaxed. Around the 4km mark I noticed I was starting to pass more and more people and that I was pulling away from people I had been around from the start. There was definitely something about this that was encouraging, as I was still feeling pretty strong.
I continued to feel this way – strong, but like I could be going harder – up until about 1km to go, when it turned into an all out effort. At this moment, a girl who looked very much like she would be in my age group passed me. She went by fairly easily, but stayed only about 10-15 feet ahead of me. I got a tad competitive and just couldn’t let her go. (I think Kirsten’s competitive nature has rubbed off on me a little).
As we turned the corner into the Saanich Fairgrounds and up towards the finish line, I surged. I passed her, feeling strong and like I had left her in my dust. Then she came back! I think I actually began to laugh as I kicked again. We jockeyed back and forth like this right to the finish line, where I think I may have edged her out by about half a step (although, I think she got me on the chip timing by about 6 seconds and, it turns out she wasn’t even in my age group, haha). Regardless, it was really a fun way to finish the race! (I just hope my competitor felt the same way and didn’t think I was a jerk for trying to out sprint her for like 311th place).
In the end my chip time was 38:57. I believe this was the first time I’ve run 8k under 40:00 and had an average pace of less than 5:00/km over this distance. So the fact that I did feel so relaxed through the race was a definite bonus and was really encouraging.
Otherwise, I've just realized this is my first post of the new year... HAPPY 2011 everyone!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
Scotty welcomes Blue Steel
As 2010 comes to a close I can’t help but feel lucky for the year I’ve had. 2010 has been somewhat of a defining year for me I think. In fact, I’d say the past 2 years have really shaped the person that I am today. I’ve had some struggles, but feel like I’ve come out on top, stronger and more confident than ever before. I became an Ironman. I formed a new bond with my sister (who I can now say is my best friend) that will be forever stronger due to our journey together. I’ve recently entered my 4th decade of life, and well, I’ve swam, I’ve biked, and I’ve run (A LOT!).
I was especially spoiled this Christmas and birthday and have welcomed a new member to my quiver of bikes. I’ve decided to call my shiny new Marinoni cross bike ‘Blue Steel’. While it’s not quite as flashy as Scotty (my road bike) it’s a great solid bike for winter training that will allow me to get out on the road without worrying about the winter dirt and muck. After a great (and chilly) ride yesterday with my Dad, I’m feeling really excited about training this winter (at least the bike portion anyway, haha).
Other than that, I’ve spent the last two weeks in active recovery mode. Training has been extremely low key and flexible and while I’ve enjoyed it (and needed it); I also know I’ve been eating way too much junk and have been feeling a bit sluggish for it. I’m looking forward to getting back into a more structured routine as we roll into the New Year. I will have new challenges ahead, first in my own training, as I attempt to gain some speed and see what I can accomplish over shorter distances. As well, I will be taking on the roll of run leader for the first time with Frontrunners Westshore, as I attempt to lead their Oak Bay 'Kool' Half-Marathon Clinic in the spring.
I’m looking forward to finding out what the New Year will bring, but for now, I shall sign off and enjoy the dwindling hours of 2010.
Until 2011...
I was especially spoiled this Christmas and birthday and have welcomed a new member to my quiver of bikes. I’ve decided to call my shiny new Marinoni cross bike ‘Blue Steel’. While it’s not quite as flashy as Scotty (my road bike) it’s a great solid bike for winter training that will allow me to get out on the road without worrying about the winter dirt and muck. After a great (and chilly) ride yesterday with my Dad, I’m feeling really excited about training this winter (at least the bike portion anyway, haha).
Other than that, I’ve spent the last two weeks in active recovery mode. Training has been extremely low key and flexible and while I’ve enjoyed it (and needed it); I also know I’ve been eating way too much junk and have been feeling a bit sluggish for it. I’m looking forward to getting back into a more structured routine as we roll into the New Year. I will have new challenges ahead, first in my own training, as I attempt to gain some speed and see what I can accomplish over shorter distances. As well, I will be taking on the roll of run leader for the first time with Frontrunners Westshore, as I attempt to lead their Oak Bay 'Kool' Half-Marathon Clinic in the spring.
I’m looking forward to finding out what the New Year will bring, but for now, I shall sign off and enjoy the dwindling hours of 2010.
Until 2011...
Thursday, December 23, 2010
I ♥ Swimming
I didn’t really expect to make another post before Christmas, but well, I couldn’t resist, because...
I had one of the best swims ever this morning!
Juan de Fuca is open again. I’m loving the fresh new lines on the bottom, the crystal clear water (that surely won’t last), as well as the fact that they haven’t got the temperature back up to normal lately so it’s more like Commonwealth’s competition pool than a kiddie pool. While it’s a little chilly when you first get in, it’s nice not to be sweating profusely from the lukewarm water within 50m.
But it wasn’t just the pool conditions that made this swim so great; it was the fact that I had one of those days where everything clicked – like really clicked.
I’ve been doing a lot of drills lately, and I actually think they are starting to pay off. Today was no different, I did drills, drills, drills, along with some “strong effort” 200m sets and, you know, I think I may have had some of my fastest times ever for 200m (and it was just a “strong effort” not even an all-out effort!).
It is truly amazing how having such a great workout can put you in such a wonderful mood for the rest of the day… :)
I had one of the best swims ever this morning!
Juan de Fuca is open again. I’m loving the fresh new lines on the bottom, the crystal clear water (that surely won’t last), as well as the fact that they haven’t got the temperature back up to normal lately so it’s more like Commonwealth’s competition pool than a kiddie pool. While it’s a little chilly when you first get in, it’s nice not to be sweating profusely from the lukewarm water within 50m.
But it wasn’t just the pool conditions that made this swim so great; it was the fact that I had one of those days where everything clicked – like really clicked.
I’ve been doing a lot of drills lately, and I actually think they are starting to pay off. Today was no different, I did drills, drills, drills, along with some “strong effort” 200m sets and, you know, I think I may have had some of my fastest times ever for 200m (and it was just a “strong effort” not even an all-out effort!).
It is truly amazing how having such a great workout can put you in such a wonderful mood for the rest of the day… :)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Really?
Wow…
2 weeks into December.
11 days until Christmas.
13 days until I turn 30.
18 days until 2011.
Really?
Wow… Where has the time gone?
Well, I suppose it’s gone to a good year of training and racing. To goals both set and accomplished. To a new job that I actually don’t mind going to every day. To vacations and fun times… and of course, to the regular old day-to-day that makes up life.
Overall, I think 2010 has been a pretty good year.
Anyway, onto the here and now…
This past weekend the LiveFit Crew had a nice little social evening and year end wrap up at Straight Up Cycles. Smart of the guys at the store to have us, as it made me realize a few things I had left off my Christmas list, which I (or Santa) will hopefully be back for soon. (Cross bike, new helmet, etc. etc.).
Other than the typical holiday build up (which I love) and the over consumption of treats (which I also love), there really isn’t anything too out of the ordinary to report on the training front. My motivation has faltered a few times over the last couple weeks, as I’ve opted to sleep in rather than head out in the rain and cold to run in the dark. (It was much easier last year to make myself do the workouts with the thought of Ironman looming). This December, however, I’m finding I’m being a little more lenient on myself, which I actually think is a good thing. On the whole, when I look at my training calendar, I guess aside from the odd missed run, I have still been managing to get most workouts in. It really has become habit at this point.
Otherwise, I’ve been especially enjoying swimming lately and have been feeling fairly strong in the pool. With Juan de Fuca closed, I've moved over to Crystal Pool for the month and am enjoying the 50m lanes. The only downside was waking up yesterday morning with yet another ear infection! Let’s hope Santa puts some earplugs in my stocking.
All that said, I am definitely looking forward to a couple weeks of easier, active recovery over the Christmas break and then really getting going in the New Year.
There are new goals to be set, new challenges to be had.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
2 weeks into December.
11 days until Christmas.
13 days until I turn 30.
18 days until 2011.
Really?
Wow… Where has the time gone?
Well, I suppose it’s gone to a good year of training and racing. To goals both set and accomplished. To a new job that I actually don’t mind going to every day. To vacations and fun times… and of course, to the regular old day-to-day that makes up life.
Overall, I think 2010 has been a pretty good year.
Anyway, onto the here and now…
This past weekend the LiveFit Crew had a nice little social evening and year end wrap up at Straight Up Cycles. Smart of the guys at the store to have us, as it made me realize a few things I had left off my Christmas list, which I (or Santa) will hopefully be back for soon. (Cross bike, new helmet, etc. etc.).
Other than the typical holiday build up (which I love) and the over consumption of treats (which I also love), there really isn’t anything too out of the ordinary to report on the training front. My motivation has faltered a few times over the last couple weeks, as I’ve opted to sleep in rather than head out in the rain and cold to run in the dark. (It was much easier last year to make myself do the workouts with the thought of Ironman looming). This December, however, I’m finding I’m being a little more lenient on myself, which I actually think is a good thing. On the whole, when I look at my training calendar, I guess aside from the odd missed run, I have still been managing to get most workouts in. It really has become habit at this point.
Otherwise, I’ve been especially enjoying swimming lately and have been feeling fairly strong in the pool. With Juan de Fuca closed, I've moved over to Crystal Pool for the month and am enjoying the 50m lanes. The only downside was waking up yesterday morning with yet another ear infection! Let’s hope Santa puts some earplugs in my stocking.
All that said, I am definitely looking forward to a couple weeks of easier, active recovery over the Christmas break and then really getting going in the New Year.
There are new goals to be set, new challenges to be had.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Gunner Shaw - Race Report
When I lined up to tackle the snow and ice covered trails around Thetis Lake on the weekend, I really didn’t know much about Gunner Shaw or the 26th Annual Memorial 10K Cross Country Classic that I was about to take part in (aside from a few stories about the massive puddles and the "lakeside" finish line). So, today, before writing this report, I figured I would do a little reading.
What I learned…
Gunner Shaw sounds like he was a pretty neat person, whose friends and family obviously loved him immensely. I imagine he would be proud of the event they have created to honour and remember him. [Visit here for some good articles from the Prairie Inn Harriers website].
I also learned that this is one tough race! (Although, I guess technically, I learned that on the weekend).
So, on to the race report.
The short version... I struggled!
The Long version... Well, it was a beautiful (but chilly) day and a really fun event that I will definitely do again (especially since they had to cut out the puddles this year due to the fact that they were shear ice that would have sliced and diced us), but I can’t say I necessarily felt that way at every point during the race. The trails were covered in a combination of snow, ice and slush which made finding a good footing for a novice trail runner like myself a bit of a challenge.
As the race began, and Kirsten and Tyler quickly escaped from my sight, I tried to settle into a rhythm with the 500 or so other runners jostling for space around me. Off the roadway and onto the trails, I heard a woman exclaim “well, the easy part is over now!” and you know, I think she was right.
As I climbed the first big hill, the pace slowed to a walk – this was not necessarily of my own choosing, but well, if the person at the front was walking, everyone was walking. I will admit though, aside from nearly (and inadvertently) planting my face in the butt of the guy in front of me, I did enjoy the little walk break.
From there, I held a decent pace for a while, but eventually started noticing a lot more people whipping past me. Up and down, over the rocks and through some pretty thick mud, I trudged along. My stomach started growling horribly about 35-40 minutes in and my quads trembled slightly. I seemed to be holding my body in a rather tense position the whole race, trying not to slip on the snow, which made for an awkward gait and I think tired me out - both mentally and physically.
As I approached the last three hills before the finish, I could hear the roars from the spectators on the beach and knew what laid ahead… the big splash in the lake!
I must say, I think my shining moment of the day was my run through the lake (all those tri practices, entering and exiting the water really paid off, haha). I didn’t get too soaked and even managed to gain a bit of ground on the woman in front of me (granted, I think she may have face planted in the water).
So, yeah, I struggled… but would I do it again? You bet.
What I learned…
Gunner Shaw sounds like he was a pretty neat person, whose friends and family obviously loved him immensely. I imagine he would be proud of the event they have created to honour and remember him. [Visit here for some good articles from the Prairie Inn Harriers website].
I also learned that this is one tough race! (Although, I guess technically, I learned that on the weekend).
So, on to the race report.
The short version... I struggled!
The Long version... Well, it was a beautiful (but chilly) day and a really fun event that I will definitely do again (especially since they had to cut out the puddles this year due to the fact that they were shear ice that would have sliced and diced us), but I can’t say I necessarily felt that way at every point during the race. The trails were covered in a combination of snow, ice and slush which made finding a good footing for a novice trail runner like myself a bit of a challenge.
As the race began, and Kirsten and Tyler quickly escaped from my sight, I tried to settle into a rhythm with the 500 or so other runners jostling for space around me. Off the roadway and onto the trails, I heard a woman exclaim “well, the easy part is over now!” and you know, I think she was right.
As I climbed the first big hill, the pace slowed to a walk – this was not necessarily of my own choosing, but well, if the person at the front was walking, everyone was walking. I will admit though, aside from nearly (and inadvertently) planting my face in the butt of the guy in front of me, I did enjoy the little walk break.
From there, I held a decent pace for a while, but eventually started noticing a lot more people whipping past me. Up and down, over the rocks and through some pretty thick mud, I trudged along. My stomach started growling horribly about 35-40 minutes in and my quads trembled slightly. I seemed to be holding my body in a rather tense position the whole race, trying not to slip on the snow, which made for an awkward gait and I think tired me out - both mentally and physically.
As I approached the last three hills before the finish, I could hear the roars from the spectators on the beach and knew what laid ahead… the big splash in the lake!
I must say, I think my shining moment of the day was my run through the lake (all those tri practices, entering and exiting the water really paid off, haha). I didn’t get too soaked and even managed to gain a bit of ground on the woman in front of me (granted, I think she may have face planted in the water).
So, yeah, I struggled… but would I do it again? You bet.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Oh the weather outside is frightful...
... But the fire is so delightful! Too bad I had somewhere to go ;)
This past weekend’s unusual November snowfall kept me from racing in the Bear Mountain 10k, (err, 6.5k - it was shortened due to the weather).
Living at the top of the Malahat, we tend to get a little bit more of the white stuff than everywhere else in the Capital Region. So, when I awoke Saturday morning, we had about a foot of powdery precipitation - and it was still coming down!
The roads were being ploughed, and I probably could have made it down the ‘hat and up the Bear, but being a born and bred Victorian, my confidence with driving in winter weather is not the best. As such, I spent the better part of Saturday morning humming and hawing about attempting the drive down... by the time I finally sucked it up and decided I should head down, I realized I hadn’t cleared the car off yet. As I began uncovering the heap in the driveway, I realized there was no way I was going to make it on time and so I called it quits – car only half uncovered - and played with Rusty in the snow instead (which I think he was quite thankful for).
I’m sorry to have missed the race, but have gotten over it fairly quickly as this weekend I am going to be racing the Gunner Shaw 10k at Thetis. Kirsten and I got out for a run around Thetis on Sunday in an attempt to see the race course. We may have made a wrong turn or two, but it looks like it should be a pretty fun one.
Here’s hoping the weather cooperates!
This past weekend’s unusual November snowfall kept me from racing in the Bear Mountain 10k, (err, 6.5k - it was shortened due to the weather).
Living at the top of the Malahat, we tend to get a little bit more of the white stuff than everywhere else in the Capital Region. So, when I awoke Saturday morning, we had about a foot of powdery precipitation - and it was still coming down!
The roads were being ploughed, and I probably could have made it down the ‘hat and up the Bear, but being a born and bred Victorian, my confidence with driving in winter weather is not the best. As such, I spent the better part of Saturday morning humming and hawing about attempting the drive down... by the time I finally sucked it up and decided I should head down, I realized I hadn’t cleared the car off yet. As I began uncovering the heap in the driveway, I realized there was no way I was going to make it on time and so I called it quits – car only half uncovered - and played with Rusty in the snow instead (which I think he was quite thankful for).
I’m sorry to have missed the race, but have gotten over it fairly quickly as this weekend I am going to be racing the Gunner Shaw 10k at Thetis. Kirsten and I got out for a run around Thetis on Sunday in an attempt to see the race course. We may have made a wrong turn or two, but it looks like it should be a pretty fun one.
Here’s hoping the weather cooperates!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Maui Love
Late last night (well, actually, early this morning) I returned from a week of basking in the sun (and replenishing my vitamin D stores) in Maui. It was a somewhat impromptu trip, only planned about 3 weeks prior, when Shane and I decided to throw caution to the wind and join some friends who would be in the "aloha state" for a wedding.
We arrived last Friday night to a bit of a rain storm, but that was the last we would see of any sort of precipitation. The weather was phenomenal and the laid back vibe of Kihei town was absolutely amazing.
We snorkeled, we explored, we ate, we drank, we hiked a volcano, we boogie boarded, we surfed, we took silly sunset 'jump' photos, we didn't get attacked by sharks and we had more than a few beach days! It was pretty much everything you could ask for in a tropical vacation.
I was also able to squeeze in a bit of training (turns out it is all I ever think about). Part of me would have liked to have done more, but it was a vacation after all. ;)
Leading up to said vacation, my desire to run had really been lacking, but it felt like as soon as we touched base on Hawaiian soil running was all I wanted to do! I was lucky enough to be able to get in more than a few great runs around Kihei and Wailea (which is very very hilly). The heat was often intense, but wow, it’s amazing how breaking such a fierce sweat can make you feel so good!
On top of running, I enjoyed a fun swim workout at Kihei’s outdoor community pool. It was so neat to be swimming laps in a pool and be able to look over and see a palm tree in your peripheral. I would have liked to have taken advantage of the pool a little more, but the schedule didn’t always work with the day’s activities.
The only thing that was missing was having a road bike to get out and explore the hilly roads of Maui... but, I suppose I had to save something for next time!
We arrived last Friday night to a bit of a rain storm, but that was the last we would see of any sort of precipitation. The weather was phenomenal and the laid back vibe of Kihei town was absolutely amazing.
We snorkeled, we explored, we ate, we drank, we hiked a volcano, we boogie boarded, we surfed, we took silly sunset 'jump' photos, we didn't get attacked by sharks and we had more than a few beach days! It was pretty much everything you could ask for in a tropical vacation.
I was also able to squeeze in a bit of training (turns out it is all I ever think about). Part of me would have liked to have done more, but it was a vacation after all. ;)
Leading up to said vacation, my desire to run had really been lacking, but it felt like as soon as we touched base on Hawaiian soil running was all I wanted to do! I was lucky enough to be able to get in more than a few great runs around Kihei and Wailea (which is very very hilly). The heat was often intense, but wow, it’s amazing how breaking such a fierce sweat can make you feel so good!
On top of running, I enjoyed a fun swim workout at Kihei’s outdoor community pool. It was so neat to be swimming laps in a pool and be able to look over and see a palm tree in your peripheral. I would have liked to have taken advantage of the pool a little more, but the schedule didn’t always work with the day’s activities.
The only thing that was missing was having a road bike to get out and explore the hilly roads of Maui... but, I suppose I had to save something for next time!
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