So, I’m
racing – no wait, scratch that – running
a half marathon on Sunday.
Sometime
back in October my friend Laura suggested we sign up for the First Half Half.
She had just come off the high of completing the Victoria Half Marathon, and I
was all stoked about heading to New Zealand, and at the time, it sounded like a
super-great-wonderful idea. I was all in! (Oh, and we roped Kirsten in too).
I figured
it would give me something to focus on post-NZ and would be a good little tune
up into the 2013 season (2013, for me, is going to be “the year of the run”
after all).
I also
thought, given that it’d be early in the year, I would be fresh and could
potentially go for a new PB.
One of the
reasons I was even thinking about a PB was because Shane had told me after the 2012
Victoria Half (which he completed in 1:37:22) that he was retiring from the
half marathon distance until I beat him. So, you know, that is just a little bit of an
incentive to run hard, right?
Anyway, my
current half PB is from a few years ago and is a bit outdated at 1:50:51. While
I have yet to prove it, I know whole-heartedly that I can cover that distance
faster (perhaps not 1:37 fast, but deffo into the 1:40s).
Of course,
things don’t always go as planned and my grand plans for a new PB have been put aside (for this race at least).
I spent
much of my time in November and December doing whatever the hell I felt like. I
was exercising, but without any structure. I wasn’t really training. I
definitely wasn’t prepping myself to run a ‘fast’ half marathon.
I got
rolling again in January, perhaps a little later than I had originally expected,
and have been enjoying the stability of an actual training routine, but I don’t
feel ready to go out and race hard – and, you know, I don’t really want to.
Don’t get
me wrong, I am actually looking forward to the race this weekend, just for
different reasons than I originally thought I would be.
I’m excited
for this race because it is an excuse to head to the big city and hang out with
someone I don’t get to see nearly enough. I’m excited to run a race on
unfamiliar roads. I’m excited to try out some pacing for the marathon and use
this as a building block for the bigger things to come this year.
So, what is
my goal for this race then?
To run strong, but also to run steady. To run an
even pace for the whole 21.1k – be it 4:47/km or 5:47/km. Oh, and if the pace
isn’t even, then it sure as hell better be a negative split.
One other
fun goal for the day will be keeping Kirsten reigned in, haha. She has informed
me that "my pace is her pace" for this outing. We need to start really learning
to run as a team and I think one of the bigger contributions I can bring to our
team for TRR is pacing, whereas her strength will be keeping me pushing when
the pain sets in. So, perhaps I’ll keep us steady for 16k or then Kirsten can
make me dig deep for those last 5k?
I like it. Negative
split here we come!!!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Marathon Training *gulp*
"The
hill set is not an easy one to pace evenly at first, but you'll figure it out
quickly. It goes a long way to helping you develop strength and good form, that
will really help when you get into the meat and potatoes of the marathon
training in 6 weeks or so."
When I read the above sentence in an email earlier this week, it took me back for a moment. Not the part about the hill workout , but more the part where it talks about getting into the “meat and potatoes of marathon training”. I think in the back of my mind, I keep forgetting that I am actually going to run a marathon in the foreseeable future.
It excites me, and it terrifies me.
I wonder how many other people are out there that have completed an Ironman, but find themselves more fearful of the marathon on its own – because, let me tell you, I sure as hell am.
Well, maybe fear is the wrong word, so let’s just say; I have a very healthy respect for the marathon.
I imagine being more ‘afraid’ of the marathon than Ironman actually might be more typical then you’d think. By the time you hit the marathon in Ironman, it is about survival (for me at least) and finishing – and while you want to get there as fast as you possibly can, there is so much more to the day.
I imagine, with a stand-alone marathon, the element of “racing” is much more present. I don’t want to run a marathon simply to finish it. Been there, done that, (at the end of a much longer adventure mind you) and I know I can cover the distance.
Of course, “racing” the marathon is relative. I definitely won’t be challenging anyone for the win or breaking any course records, but I do have a goal time in mind and it will be a challenge for me. I know I will have to really focus mentally and work hard to achieve what I want in this race and I definitely want to cross the finish line feeling like I gave it everything I could.
So, I am taking the steps to make that happen....
Right now, training is going well. I’m happily back into a solid routine. My new training plan is similar enough to what I’m used to, to keep me from feeling overwhelmed, but different enough to keep me on my toes and to keep things interesting and exciting.
I’ve had some really good runs lately – like really solid, confidence boosting runs – and have been in the pool and on my bike enough to keep me from feeling like I’m completely deserting my beloved triathlon.
Oh, and you know what else? I’m actually really starting to get excited about TransRockies. It is another one of those things that scares the crap out of me, but I’m feeling more and more ready to embrace the challenge and adventure that awaits me in the Colorado Rockies.
All rambling aside, anyone out there have some good tips for this marathon/TransRockies rookie??
When I read the above sentence in an email earlier this week, it took me back for a moment. Not the part about the hill workout , but more the part where it talks about getting into the “meat and potatoes of marathon training”. I think in the back of my mind, I keep forgetting that I am actually going to run a marathon in the foreseeable future.
It excites me, and it terrifies me.
I wonder how many other people are out there that have completed an Ironman, but find themselves more fearful of the marathon on its own – because, let me tell you, I sure as hell am.
Well, maybe fear is the wrong word, so let’s just say; I have a very healthy respect for the marathon.
I imagine being more ‘afraid’ of the marathon than Ironman actually might be more typical then you’d think. By the time you hit the marathon in Ironman, it is about survival (for me at least) and finishing – and while you want to get there as fast as you possibly can, there is so much more to the day.
I imagine, with a stand-alone marathon, the element of “racing” is much more present. I don’t want to run a marathon simply to finish it. Been there, done that, (at the end of a much longer adventure mind you) and I know I can cover the distance.
Of course, “racing” the marathon is relative. I definitely won’t be challenging anyone for the win or breaking any course records, but I do have a goal time in mind and it will be a challenge for me. I know I will have to really focus mentally and work hard to achieve what I want in this race and I definitely want to cross the finish line feeling like I gave it everything I could.
So, I am taking the steps to make that happen....
Right now, training is going well. I’m happily back into a solid routine. My new training plan is similar enough to what I’m used to, to keep me from feeling overwhelmed, but different enough to keep me on my toes and to keep things interesting and exciting.
I’ve had some really good runs lately – like really solid, confidence boosting runs – and have been in the pool and on my bike enough to keep me from feeling like I’m completely deserting my beloved triathlon.
Oh, and you know what else? I’m actually really starting to get excited about TransRockies. It is another one of those things that scares the crap out of me, but I’m feeling more and more ready to embrace the challenge and adventure that awaits me in the Colorado Rockies.
All rambling aside, anyone out there have some good tips for this marathon/TransRockies rookie??
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
January. Oh, January, where have you gone?
I keep
looking at the keyboard and thinking “I feel like writing something for the ol’
blog.” Which is completely true. I do
feel like writing. I have this overwhelming urge to write in fact, but I’m not
sure what I want to write about. Go figure.
[Not that it really matters; I mean there are what, like 5 of you who read this blog? You guys will forgive me if I don’t post every week, right? (p.s. Hi Mom & Dad!)]
Anyway, maybe this is a good thing. Maybe this is a sign that things are nicely balanced and I’m happy and free and am not feeling the need to chronicle my training in the way I have needed/wanted to over the last few years.
Or maybe it’s because I’m coming into a new year, with new goals and a new coach and new everything and it is making my brain explode a little.
When I decided to tackle my first Ironman, I had been around the triathlon block for a couple years. I understood quite a lot about swim/bike/run and was pretty comfortable with what I had gotten myself into. By the time Ironman #2 rolled around, crazy endurance training for 3 sports at once was a familiar old friend.
Fast forward to now… coming into a year that is built around running (and trail running at that ~ yowza); I am realizing I have A LOT to learn. Don’t get me wrong, I’m super excited to learn and feel like I have surrounded myself with the best possible coach for my new endeavor, but I can’t lie, this weekend’s trail run did make me *gulp* a little.
Let’s take a look at that run shall we?
Well, it was kinda slow, it was kinda painful, but it was also kinda awesome.
Anyone who lives in Victoria (or the lower island) will know that this weekend was pretty much perfect weather for January. It was crisp and clear. The sun was shining and sky was nothing but blue.
Kirsten and I decided we would take our long run to the trails and met at the main parking lot of Thetis Lake, with the plan to try and run the Stewart Mountain route. I say “try” more for the fact that we didn’t really know where we were going, and not necessarily because we didn’t think we’d be capable, if that makes sense.
Anyway, Thetis was packed! The main trail around the lake was all sorts of crazy, so when we finally branched off onto our version of the Stewart Mountain route, it was kind of nice. Hilly, but quiet and peaceful.
I enjoyed the feeling of being in the woods and was physically doing pretty well. Time was moving along nicely. We were having some good conversation and aside from the odd twinge of “oh-god-my-calf-is-going-to-cramp” in my left leg, I was feeling okay – slightly out of shape from a few months of downtime, but pretty much where I expected I should be at this time of year.
Then we hit the bottom of “Stewart Mountain” (I’m using quotes, as it might have also been Scafe Mountain, or, you now, just some hill that was a little bigger than the other ones). We were still running.
Then it got steep and I had to walk. Then it leveled and I ran again. They it got steeper (or at least it felt that way) and my quad started doing the “oh-god-cramp” thing and I had to walk again. Then we made it to the top and took a little break and enjoyed the spectacular view. That might have been the best part. Yay for breaks!
Then I realized we were only half way through our run, and we still had to go back. *double gulp*
Of course, it wasn’t that bad. That second half was probably a touch slower and I could tell I was starting to get tired, as I was slipping and tripping a little more that I had on the way out, but it was still fun. Fun to be tramping through mud puddles and fun to be slightly “lost”.
As we were nearing the end of the run I apologized to Kirsten for complaining (which she assured me, I wasn’t actually doing as much as I thought I had been) and she made a comment along the lines of “yeah, it was hard, but at least it is way more fun than running on the roads.” To which I totally agreed. It was. It was significantly harder, but there is just something great about skipping in and around mud puddles, climbing up and down huge hills, and generally just being off the beaten track.
Also, I kept reminding myself that it is early days and this was my first trail run of 2013. I’m pretty sure when we do that run again in August, it will be a piece of cake.
And wow, for someone who didn’t know what to write about, this turned into a very long post.
Anyway, I guess I’m still fully processing everything and getting into my new rhythm of being a single sport athlete (who happens to still swim and bike, haha).
What I do know is that it is nice to be getting back into a regular training routine. I’m starting to feel a little more like myself and perhaps even starting to shed a few of those pounds I put on over the holidays. I’m starting to eat healthier again and I’m even really starting to look forward to having a year full of running adventures.
Oh, and I got some new fancy trail shoes. New shoes help everything.
[Not that it really matters; I mean there are what, like 5 of you who read this blog? You guys will forgive me if I don’t post every week, right? (p.s. Hi Mom & Dad!)]
Anyway, maybe this is a good thing. Maybe this is a sign that things are nicely balanced and I’m happy and free and am not feeling the need to chronicle my training in the way I have needed/wanted to over the last few years.
Or maybe it’s because I’m coming into a new year, with new goals and a new coach and new everything and it is making my brain explode a little.
When I decided to tackle my first Ironman, I had been around the triathlon block for a couple years. I understood quite a lot about swim/bike/run and was pretty comfortable with what I had gotten myself into. By the time Ironman #2 rolled around, crazy endurance training for 3 sports at once was a familiar old friend.
Fast forward to now… coming into a year that is built around running (and trail running at that ~ yowza); I am realizing I have A LOT to learn. Don’t get me wrong, I’m super excited to learn and feel like I have surrounded myself with the best possible coach for my new endeavor, but I can’t lie, this weekend’s trail run did make me *gulp* a little.
Let’s take a look at that run shall we?
Well, it was kinda slow, it was kinda painful, but it was also kinda awesome.
Anyone who lives in Victoria (or the lower island) will know that this weekend was pretty much perfect weather for January. It was crisp and clear. The sun was shining and sky was nothing but blue.
Kirsten and I decided we would take our long run to the trails and met at the main parking lot of Thetis Lake, with the plan to try and run the Stewart Mountain route. I say “try” more for the fact that we didn’t really know where we were going, and not necessarily because we didn’t think we’d be capable, if that makes sense.
Anyway, Thetis was packed! The main trail around the lake was all sorts of crazy, so when we finally branched off onto our version of the Stewart Mountain route, it was kind of nice. Hilly, but quiet and peaceful.
I enjoyed the feeling of being in the woods and was physically doing pretty well. Time was moving along nicely. We were having some good conversation and aside from the odd twinge of “oh-god-my-calf-is-going-to-cramp” in my left leg, I was feeling okay – slightly out of shape from a few months of downtime, but pretty much where I expected I should be at this time of year.
Then we hit the bottom of “Stewart Mountain” (I’m using quotes, as it might have also been Scafe Mountain, or, you now, just some hill that was a little bigger than the other ones). We were still running.
Then it got steep and I had to walk. Then it leveled and I ran again. They it got steeper (or at least it felt that way) and my quad started doing the “oh-god-cramp” thing and I had to walk again. Then we made it to the top and took a little break and enjoyed the spectacular view. That might have been the best part. Yay for breaks!
Then I realized we were only half way through our run, and we still had to go back. *double gulp*
Of course, it wasn’t that bad. That second half was probably a touch slower and I could tell I was starting to get tired, as I was slipping and tripping a little more that I had on the way out, but it was still fun. Fun to be tramping through mud puddles and fun to be slightly “lost”.
As we were nearing the end of the run I apologized to Kirsten for complaining (which she assured me, I wasn’t actually doing as much as I thought I had been) and she made a comment along the lines of “yeah, it was hard, but at least it is way more fun than running on the roads.” To which I totally agreed. It was. It was significantly harder, but there is just something great about skipping in and around mud puddles, climbing up and down huge hills, and generally just being off the beaten track.
Also, I kept reminding myself that it is early days and this was my first trail run of 2013. I’m pretty sure when we do that run again in August, it will be a piece of cake.
And wow, for someone who didn’t know what to write about, this turned into a very long post.
Anyway, I guess I’m still fully processing everything and getting into my new rhythm of being a single sport athlete (who happens to still swim and bike, haha).
What I do know is that it is nice to be getting back into a regular training routine. I’m starting to feel a little more like myself and perhaps even starting to shed a few of those pounds I put on over the holidays. I’m starting to eat healthier again and I’m even really starting to look forward to having a year full of running adventures.
Oh, and I got some new fancy trail shoes. New shoes help everything.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Be Brave
This is probably super cliché, but sometimes the things that scare us
the most end up being the most rewarding.
To me being brave is following your gut and your heart – embracing every moment and remembering that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. Brave says, “c’mon, step out of your comfort zone, let’s do this”.
We are all brave – but if you are anything like me, you might just need to be reminded of that now and again.
The last few weeks have been filled with a lot of emotion for me. I spent some time fretting and worrying about a decision that I felt needed to be made, but that I wasn’t quite ready to make. When I finally made the decision, I then spent some more time worrying about whether it was the right decision or not.
I was living inside my head, the only escape being irrational tears at the oddest times. Knowing I had done the right thing for me, but worrying I had hurt people in the process.
Of course, the decision wasn’t something that was going to destroy my life (or anyone’s life really), no matter which way it went, but it still wasn’t easy.
Anyway, about now you’re probably thinking “Get to the fricken point, what’s this monumental decision?”
Well… I’ve signed on with a new coach!
My year of transformation from triathlete to trail runner begins now – under the direction of some uber-athletes/coaches at B78 Coaching.
One fun thing they do at B78 is to have every athlete own a "Be…" word. It is yours and yours alone. Obviously, as you can see from above, I chose ‘Brave’. The part at the beginning of this post (in italics) is what 'brave' means to me.
Anyway, more on this next week. For now, I can say I am feeling really great about the decision I made. I trusted my gut and found a little bit of unconventional bravery in the process.
To me being brave is following your gut and your heart – embracing every moment and remembering that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. Brave says, “c’mon, step out of your comfort zone, let’s do this”.
We are all brave – but if you are anything like me, you might just need to be reminded of that now and again.
The last few weeks have been filled with a lot of emotion for me. I spent some time fretting and worrying about a decision that I felt needed to be made, but that I wasn’t quite ready to make. When I finally made the decision, I then spent some more time worrying about whether it was the right decision or not.
I was living inside my head, the only escape being irrational tears at the oddest times. Knowing I had done the right thing for me, but worrying I had hurt people in the process.
Of course, the decision wasn’t something that was going to destroy my life (or anyone’s life really), no matter which way it went, but it still wasn’t easy.
Anyway, about now you’re probably thinking “Get to the fricken point, what’s this monumental decision?”
Well… I’ve signed on with a new coach!
My year of transformation from triathlete to trail runner begins now – under the direction of some uber-athletes/coaches at B78 Coaching.
One fun thing they do at B78 is to have every athlete own a "Be…" word. It is yours and yours alone. Obviously, as you can see from above, I chose ‘Brave’. The part at the beginning of this post (in italics) is what 'brave' means to me.
Anyway, more on this next week. For now, I can say I am feeling really great about the decision I made. I trusted my gut and found a little bit of unconventional bravery in the process.
Friday, December 28, 2012
So that happened… 2012
For the past few days I’ve been
thinking I should recap the year much like I did last year. I so enjoyed
writing that post and remember really appreciating going back through all my
old posts and, at the time, feeling nicely nostalgic about all the happenings
of 2011.
This year, I’m feeling a tad lazy. Looking at every month individually seems daunting and overwhelming.
What can I say… the year had many ups and downs, there were highlights and there were lowlights, but overall, I think there were probably more highs than lows.
From a racing perspective, I started the year with a bang, cracking off some new PBs at the 5k and 10k distance and feeling really pumped and strong about how things were going to play out. When the actual triathlon season hit, I never really felt like I lived up to my potential and struggled with really pushing myself to the edge. I’m not sure if it was a fear of “the pain” or just a bit of burn out leaving me without the real desire to push myself, but I’m pretty sure it was more mental than physical.
Anyway, that rambling aside, rather than recapping everything, I’ve decided to look back at at least one good thing from each month. So without further ado, here goes…
January
I finished my yoga teacher training and really started looking ahead to IMC and New Zealand. The “build” was officially underway!
February
My cousin Cam started off his year of butt-kicking goodness and I predicted we’d see him in London. For the record, I was right.
March
I set a new PB at the Bazan Bay 5km and enjoyed every minute of it!
April
I went to Boston with my family to cheer on Kirsten at the scorching hot Boston Marathon. It was awesome. Also, when we got home I managed to set a new 10km PB! That felt pretty good.
May
Shane and I got really honest with each other and figured out how much fun training for an Ironman can be with your spouse when you don’t make it a competition. Oh, and May 16 came and went once again.
July
I had one of my best 160km bike rides ever… and reminded myself how much the Poopie List can truly make me smile and laugh.
August
Recent Bowerman Award Winner (!!), Cam Levins (another hot search term) went to the Olympics. So Soo Sooo exciting!
Oh, and of course, that little thing called Ironman Canada came and went. Since we are only focusing on the positive, let me remind you how awesome my swim and bike were. Really awesome.
September
I took a bit of time post-IM to relax, enjoy some time with friends, and then attempt to switch focus to short-course racing.
October & November
New Zealand, New Zealand, NEW ZEALAND.
Yeah, it was freakin’ awesome!
December
I got my eyes lasered (I can see! Great Success!!), didn’t swim once, barely rode my bike, hardly blogged, and well, I really embraced rule #3 in this article.
This sloth-like existence also helped bring me to the realization that I was perhaps a bit burned-out and in need of a good break from the structure and the pressures we weekend-warriors tend put on ourselves as athletes (or is that just me??).
I also spent my first Christmas away from my parents, instead celebrating with Shane’s Dad and step-Mom in Penticton. It was the first time being back in Penticton since August and it brought about the harsh realization that perhaps I still am not fully over my screw-ups at IMC this year – but that I really should be.
So, here’s to moving forward while still enjoying memories of the past (but not dwelling on them).
Here’s to 2013. A year I expect will be full of exciting new challenges and adventures.
Oh, and did I mention? I gave Shane the best present ever this year.
This year, I’m feeling a tad lazy. Looking at every month individually seems daunting and overwhelming.
What can I say… the year had many ups and downs, there were highlights and there were lowlights, but overall, I think there were probably more highs than lows.
From a racing perspective, I started the year with a bang, cracking off some new PBs at the 5k and 10k distance and feeling really pumped and strong about how things were going to play out. When the actual triathlon season hit, I never really felt like I lived up to my potential and struggled with really pushing myself to the edge. I’m not sure if it was a fear of “the pain” or just a bit of burn out leaving me without the real desire to push myself, but I’m pretty sure it was more mental than physical.
Anyway, that rambling aside, rather than recapping everything, I’ve decided to look back at at least one good thing from each month. So without further ado, here goes…
January
I finished my yoga teacher training and really started looking ahead to IMC and New Zealand. The “build” was officially underway!
February
My cousin Cam started off his year of butt-kicking goodness and I predicted we’d see him in London. For the record, I was right.
March
I set a new PB at the Bazan Bay 5km and enjoyed every minute of it!
April
I went to Boston with my family to cheer on Kirsten at the scorching hot Boston Marathon. It was awesome. Also, when we got home I managed to set a new 10km PB! That felt pretty good.
Shane and I got really honest with each other and figured out how much fun training for an Ironman can be with your spouse when you don’t make it a competition. Oh, and May 16 came and went once again.
June was pretty great as a whole. Just
go back and read all the posts from the month. I dare you.
Oh, also, one thing that has kept me
entertained since June is the fact that my post where I told the internet about my ginormous bladder
and why I don't generally pee in my wetsuit has apparently led quite a few people to my blog. The following are just
a few of the searches that have shown up on my blog ‘stats’ recently:
- how to pee in a wetsuit
- little amnesia pool with legs sticking
(I have no idea what the eff this one means, but it cracked me up. Hopefully the person found what they were looking for). - pee in wetsuit
- peeing in wet suit
- pissing in my suit
- wetsuit tickle
- bladder triathlon pee
July
I had one of my best 160km bike rides ever… and reminded myself how much the Poopie List can truly make me smile and laugh.
August
Recent Bowerman Award Winner (!!), Cam Levins (another hot search term) went to the Olympics. So Soo Sooo exciting!
Oh, and of course, that little thing called Ironman Canada came and went. Since we are only focusing on the positive, let me remind you how awesome my swim and bike were. Really awesome.
September
I took a bit of time post-IM to relax, enjoy some time with friends, and then attempt to switch focus to short-course racing.
October & November
New Zealand, New Zealand, NEW ZEALAND.
Yeah, it was freakin’ awesome!
December
I got my eyes lasered (I can see! Great Success!!), didn’t swim once, barely rode my bike, hardly blogged, and well, I really embraced rule #3 in this article.
This sloth-like existence also helped bring me to the realization that I was perhaps a bit burned-out and in need of a good break from the structure and the pressures we weekend-warriors tend put on ourselves as athletes (or is that just me??).
I also spent my first Christmas away from my parents, instead celebrating with Shane’s Dad and step-Mom in Penticton. It was the first time being back in Penticton since August and it brought about the harsh realization that perhaps I still am not fully over my screw-ups at IMC this year – but that I really should be.
So, here’s to moving forward while still enjoying memories of the past (but not dwelling on them).
Here’s to 2013. A year I expect will be full of exciting new challenges and adventures.
Oh, and did I mention? I gave Shane the best present ever this year.
 |
| Rusty is a Boxer. Rusty as a Boxer. (Artwork by the fabulous Cat Parker) |
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Pool Party
When I first saw this photo...
... I was all like "Yes. Yes. I couldn't agree more. Yes!" and the cool blue image and the lane ropes and well, just everything about it really really made me want to hop in the pool and swim. I had a sudden and intense craving to get up well before sunrise so I could stare at the black line as I glided up and down the lanes.
Unfortunately, I saw it about two days after I had my eyes lasered, which meant 2 weeks with no pools, spas, hot tubs, etc. etc. etc.
Saturday will mark 2 weeks, so technically, I am allowed to go for a swim if I so desire. Unfortunately, when I look at the image now, I don't have quite the same must.swim.now pangs that I had nearly 2 weeks ago. Not to mention, the holidays being the holidays, other plans will keep me from the pool for a few days longer, but I'm thinking it is definitely time to get back in the water sooner rather than later. I miss that eau de chlorine smell on my body.
Then, with what seemed like perfect timing, I came across this yesterday and it got me thinking. This could be the perfect way to return to the pool ~ kinda like the workout equivalent of being thrown straight into the deep-end with no water wings.
Now just to convince Shane and Kirsten to join me?
... I was all like "Yes. Yes. I couldn't agree more. Yes!" and the cool blue image and the lane ropes and well, just everything about it really really made me want to hop in the pool and swim. I had a sudden and intense craving to get up well before sunrise so I could stare at the black line as I glided up and down the lanes.
Unfortunately, I saw it about two days after I had my eyes lasered, which meant 2 weeks with no pools, spas, hot tubs, etc. etc. etc.
Saturday will mark 2 weeks, so technically, I am allowed to go for a swim if I so desire. Unfortunately, when I look at the image now, I don't have quite the same must.swim.now pangs that I had nearly 2 weeks ago. Not to mention, the holidays being the holidays, other plans will keep me from the pool for a few days longer, but I'm thinking it is definitely time to get back in the water sooner rather than later. I miss that eau de chlorine smell on my body.
Then, with what seemed like perfect timing, I came across this yesterday and it got me thinking. This could be the perfect way to return to the pool ~ kinda like the workout equivalent of being thrown straight into the deep-end with no water wings.
Now just to convince Shane and Kirsten to join me?
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Run Store Loyalty
Recently it was announced that one of the owners of my favourite local running store (Frontrunners Westshore) was leaving to focus on his other businesses and it got me thinking about the loyalty one can feel toward their local running store.
A running store you are comfortable at is really a great thing. It’s amazing how it can always feel so welcoming and easy to just be there. You can browse without pressure and know that if you have a question, it will be answered with knowledge and honesty.
I tend to be a bit of a cheapskate, but I am more than willing to pay a little extra on a pair of shoes or on the latest running tights because I know the service is going to be great and the banter about your next race or long run is way better than the impersonal service at a big sports store. Not to mention, we all want to see our local running store succeed right?
Obviously, Nick and Mark have succeeded. They have built a great business in Frontrunners (hell, they’ve built 3 great businesses) and while it will be odd not to see Mark sitting behind the front desk, you just know he’s going to do great with what comes next.
Anyone reading this that lives and runs in the Westshore area, probably knows Mark and Nick and I would hazard to guess that they probably feel the same sense of loyalty to the store and the entire Frontrunners crew that I do.
So, with all that said, let’s finish this off with a "funny" story (I use quotations as it is probably only funny to me)…
Last night I popped into the store to do a bit of Christmas shopping. I suppose I didn’t expect to see Mark there, so when I saw him I exclaimed (perhaps a bit too loudly) “YOU’RE LEAVING!”
I immediately felt like a bit of a goober, as the way I said it kind of sounded like I was telling him something he didn’t know (and I’m sure he’s getting tired of fielding the “Why are you leaving?” questions). Both Nick and Mark kinda teased me with a little “Oh, you’re leaving?” “Oh really, I guess I’d better go…” shtick and all was good.
After I left the store though, I got to thinking about one of the first times I went into Frontrunners on my own (before I had even started running/triathlon I think). I was looking for a gift for my Mom for her birthday as she had just taken up running.
When I walked in, Nick asked me if he could help and I think I replied “Oh, I’m just looking for my Mom” (really meaning to say, I’m looking for a present for my Mom) to which he and Mark (rather innocently I think) looked around and replied, “hmm, haven’t seen her”like I was a little kid who lost their Mommy in a department store.
I can be a bit awkward at times - especially when I speak before really thinking (see shouting “you’re leaving” at someone, as above) and I’m sure I blushed and felt like a wiener when I explained that I had not in fact lost my Mom, but was actually looking for a present for her.
No big deal really, but it always stuck with me as a funny initial interaction and last night as I left the store it made me laugh once again. In the 7 or 8 years that I’ve known Mark and Nick, it’s comforting to know that I continue to be a doofus and they continue to be really nice about it.
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