Tag Archives: Marathon

Lobsters and mussels and running and happy!

Posted on by
Reply

Well it’s been a while since I wrote last. I had a bit of a work-stress-induced running hiatus, which when I think about it is a pretty poor excuse since running is one of the best de-stressing activities there is. In any case, I’m back at it now and hopefully I’ll keep the ball rolling this time. So far, stress levels have been kept relatively low and the happiness gauge is pointing upwards!

A lot has happened since the last time I wrote. First of all, Kimberly and I both did not get accepted in the NYC Marathon lottery. Then two weeks later, we both got accepted in the Chicago Marathon lottery! We’re running Chicago! I’ve never run a marathon, and decided that this would be the year. I’m pretty excited that Chicago is going to be the place to do it, since it’s a city I’ve always wanted to visit and have heard great things about. Training starts last week!

We also just got back from a vacation to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Even though the weather wasn’t the greatest, we still had a fantastic vacation. Visited lots of family and a few friends, and did some solo exploring in Halifax, Peggy’s Cove, Mahone Bay and Lunenberg. This was also the time when the accumulated work stress from the last two months began to melt away and I started running again. We got in a few runs while on vacation and I convinced myself that I shouldn’t let work interfere with doing something I love. In fact, a regular running schedule is likely to help manage a stressful work environment by keeping my sanity intact! So since we got back, I’ve run six of the last seven days. My plan going forward is to do shorter, specific workouts during the week and then one long run on the weekends. Six runs a week, without overdoing it and injuring myself (fingers crossed!).

I also just replaced my old runners with a brand new pair of Newton Distance III’s. As per usual with Newton, they’re amazing. I had been running in the Distance S for the past few years but decided that I don’t need the support any more, and I’m pretty sure I’ve made the right decision. After close to a dozen or so runs with them, I’ve had no issues and my feet are happy. They’re really light, my feet like them, and I’m digging the colour.

Newton Distance III

Today tested my new found commitment as it was 2 degrees celcius and snowing lightly in Edmonton. I got out for an easy 14km run anyway. Sometimes weather that looks unpleasant from the warmth of your couch isn’t actually that bad once you get out there – provided you’re dressed for it! I had a pretty decent run today and it felt good knowing that I’ve started ramping up my mileage again. The little pellets of snow had me squinting pretty hard for the first couple of km’s, but after that things improved and the rest of the run was actually pretty pleasant. I enjoy long runs. Probably because (most of the time) they’re run at a pretty leisurely pace. I’m looking forward to when I’m getting in those 25-35 km runs in preparation for the marathon, but I also want to make sure I slowly ramp up the miles so I don’t overdo it and put myself out of commission.

Spring-ish run

I’ve been doing the food thing the last few posts but I am admittedly unprepared for it this time. I could tell you about the lobster rolls we had at my parents’ place in Miramichi, or the platter of mussels, oysters, dulce, smoked salmon, or the fish and chips we had at the Tide and Boar in Moncton, or the “pound and a pint” I got at the Salt Shaker Deli in Lunenberg, NS… but that’s not that interesting, is it? ;) If you find yourself in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia – get the seafood. Even if you don’t like seafood!

Mussels!That’s all for now. Along with my commitment to run more, I am officially committing to write more! I’ll be back with another post next week. Promise!

Post Marathon Blues?

Posted on by
Reply

It’s hard to believe that it’s been three weeks since the New York City Marathon. Those weeks have gone by so quickly. Often after a build-up to a race, there’s a bit of a let-down once it’s done. Since I first put my name in the lottery in 2010, I’ve been setting goals, thinking, and training for the race. Three years is a lengthy build-up for one single race. So, how does it feel now that it’s over?

Physically, it took my legs a good four or five days to feel back to normal after the marathon. My recovery probably would have been easier if we hadn’t spent Monday and Tuesday after the race walking everywhere and exploring New York City! Although I had the best of intentions to go for a swim, I suppose I was feeling lazy and took the following week after that as rest as well.  Back in Edmonton, we had family come to visit for the Remembrance Day long weekend and the weather turned quite poor (i.e. we have had over 60 centimetres of snow already this month!), so it was conducive to rest days!

It’s now what I would officially consider to be my “off-season”. The New York City Marathon was my “A” race for the year, and I definitely saved the best for last. Unlike previous years, at this moment, as I have absolutely  no goals, plans or races scheduled for 2014, I find myself approaching the next few months with greater uncertainty than in previous years. I’m a planner by nature (and by profession), and in the past I’ve either had at least an Ironman, 1/2 Ironman, 1/2 marathon or similar race already in mind. Often I’ve already been registered for them at this time. I have absolutely no idea at this point what 2014 will look like race-wise for me!

No, I don’t think I feel depressed or sad now that NYC is over. I have the best memories from New York and I still find myself thinking about the experience or looking at photos. Not only was the race an incredible experience, but Chris and I had such a phenomenal four days in the city that neither of us wanted to leave. After Ironman racesI have felt a bit sad after the excitement of the race is all over with, because you work so hard and have so much anticipation for one single day. But as I write this we’re three weeks away from our wedding, so I am also investing a lot of time thinking about that. Perhaps if we didn’t have the wedding to look forward to, I might feel a bit more bored and mentally let-down post-marathon.

So, although I’m not registered for anything, I’d like to put a few ideas down on paper. For the “off-season”, I would like to keep in shape by doing Sufferfest, Insanity, and T25 (Santa Claus??) DVDs. Once the snow is gone and it’s warmer outside (i.e. not until May in Edmonton), I would really like to improve my speed at the 5km and 10km distances. I would seriously consider running a few half marathons and possibly another marathon. Chris, I know what you’re thinking, and no, this doesn’t commit us to anything too far in advance, I’m just thinking out-loud!

Races I would really like to do at some point in the near future (although it’s probably not financially realistic to do them all in the same year):
Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll 1/2 Marathon (November)
Sea Wheeze Half Marathon (August, but need to register in January)
Nike San Francisco Women’s 1/2 Marathon (October)

Races that I would definitely consider doing in 2014:
Melissa’s Road Race (10km or 22km – September, but need to register in February)
Edmonton 1/2 Marathon (August)
Kelowna 1/2 Marathon (October)
Challenge Penticton Relay Team (or 1/2 Ironman?) (August)

I would run the New York City Marathon again in a heartbeat and am contemplating tossing my name in the lottery again. I know Chris has a few running goals, and since we went to NYC for me to do a race, it might be his turn to pick a location. I sure hope he picks somewhere warmer than here!