Distance: 4.95k yesterday, 4.88k today
Time: 34:45 yesterday, 34:08 today
So, I realized that I have run three runs this week, without having any postings up. I did a quick post about my 7k run on Tuesday on my iPhone but it hadn’t been published yet; it’s there now. Both yesterday and today were beautiful days to be out running. Both days were sunny, with a mild headwind on the way to the bridge, so I got a tailwind back. Yesterday, after much thought, I wore a short-sleeved t-shirt with pants instead of wearing a long-sleeved shirt with crops. I realized after about a kilometer that I should have gone the other way, because my legs were warm but my arms were cold! So, today I wore a long-sleeved top and my new cropped lululemons, and I really think it was more comfortable. In fact, if the weather holds, I will wear capris more often. But enough about fashion.
One of the running groups I follow on Twitter (I think it was Runner’s World) put out an article recently on the rules of running. My personal favorite was that if you care even a little bit about being called a runner versus a jogger, you’re a runner. To some, it may just be semantics, but I actually get a bit offended if I’m called a jogger. To me, it sounds like someone who’s a poser. Someone who doesn’t take it seriously. Which is strange, because I never thought of myself as a serious runner; I’m not even sure I’ve been running long enough to be one. I do know that I will run in any weather (except for heavy snow, I don’t have the right shoes), and that I feel very “hardcore” when I run in the rain during a wind warning. Does that make me a “serious” runner? Or just a dork running in the rain?
Speaking of “serious” running, I have modified my New Year’s Resolution a bit. Although it was really fun to run the 10k race a couple of weeks ago, I was the slowest person in my age group. Not that I’m really upset about it, but I’m not sure that running in races where I come in last all the time is not the best way to spend my money. So, I’ve decided to try to do some “Fun Runs” when I can instead of races. There is a 5k on Valentine’s Day for Muscular Dystrophy that I’ve signed up for, instead of killing myself trying a 12 k this weekend. This run looks much more relaxed, and I get a t-shirt this time! Still planning to do one each month, although I’m not 100% of my work schedule yet, so I haven’t signed up for any other runs. Has anyone else done any of these kinds of runs? Are people still competitive? Or is it just a big party for runners? I’ll find out next week, and keep you posted!
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Posted in Running Marathon | 
Tags: lululemon, New Year's resolutions, racing, Running | 
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Distance: 7.29k
Time: 51:14
So there’s a saying that’s been going around Twitter, and I think the Two Gomers talked about it. Something about you’re only one run away from a good run. Turns out to be right. I originally was going to go for a run after my night shift yesterday, but we had to go shopping for a new fridge instead. I missed my long run this weekend, so when I started today, I decided if I felt good to do a bit extra. I ended up running just over 7k, by turning around on the way back from Spinnaker’s and heading back to the bridge. It was a good day for running, and the extra day off seemed to help, because I felt great. This run restored my love. Nothing compares to getting outside away from all the other crap going on, even if it’s just for a little while.
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Distance: 5.08k
Time: 35:17
Today, I think I was reminded of how you choose you own destiny. I went for my run, doubtful that it would be good, and it wasn’t. It started with too much wine last night (two glasses), and not a very restful sleep. Then the milk had gone bad, so I ruined my coffee and couldn’t drink it. I tried another cup with powdered milk (the only milk we had) and it was just nasty. Since I had to go out and get more milk anyway, I decided to get my run over with.
The weather wasn’t too bad, cool and drizzly. I decided to wear my rain jacket, which I really don’t like wearing because it’s too loose, but I didn’t want to get soaked. My new headphones had issues because the band around the back of my head kept rubbing against the collar of my jacket. They didn’t feel like they were on right. I’d also gotten used to being able to change the volume from the headphones, so it took a bit to get the right volume. I started off way too fast, so I started losing steam about halfway through my run. And I got a stitch in my side at the second kilometer that didn’t go away until the end of the run. So, by the end of the run, I felt just as grumpy as I did when I started. Usually I feel way better. The only thing that lifted my mood was a big caramel macchiato from Starbucks. Finally some caffeine!
Someone on Twitter said you’re only one run away from a great run, meaning that if this one sucked, the next one will be (hopefully) better. My next run will be in a new month, so I hope I can start fresh. Not the best way to end this month, but at least I got out there!
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Distance: 5.04k yesterday, 5.08k today
Time: 34:51 yesterday, 35:10 today
I’ve now done two runs since my 10k, and my times were a bit better, although not as fast as that race. Both days were beautiful out, as seen by the pictures below.
On my way to my run yesterday.
Before today’s run.
After today’s run.
This is why I love running in Victoria. I lived in Edmonton for two years and there is now way I would want to run outside in January there. It’s too friggin’ cold and there is snow everywhere. The last two days here, the temperature was about 7 degrees and the sun came out!
Now, on to my headphone problems. Yesterday, right at the start of my run, I noticed that the right side of my headphones weren’t working. I fiddled with the jack, which didn’t work, but I think it slowed down my time somewhat. When I got home, I saw what the problem was.
Not fixable.
So, I wore my other headphones today, which I normally use in the house. They were a huge pain in the butt because the cord is way too long, and they weren’t comfortable while I was running. Oh, and I can’t wear my headband with them. So I went out this afternoon and bought some new sports ones.
Ooh, sporty.
Haven’t tried them yet, but I’m planning to test them on a run this Saturday. By the way, after Saturday’s run, I’ll have 96k for this month. Just 4k short of 100. That’s almost 2 1/2 marathons!
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Distance: 10k
Time: 66:59
My first race was awesome! I beat my last 10k time by about five minutes, making this my fastest run ever. I was so stoked when I got to the finish line and saw my time. Even my mom was surprised (yeah, she came to see me; thanks, Mom!) because she thought I would be another ten minutes, and there I was! This race definitely made me want to do more races, and boosted my confidence for the marathon.
It was fun to be around so many other runners at the start of the race. There were probably 600 or so runners there, of all ages, from teens to seniors. And they were almost all faster than me. But I’ll get back to that. There was no formal start line, just everyone cluttered in one area. One of the directors yelled “go” to start the race, nothing fancy. I stayed near the back, because I knew I was slow and didn’t want to get passed by everyone. I still got passed by a lot of people, mostly in the first kilometer. Then, the race wasn’t much different than running by myself, because they were all ahead! I really didn’t feel bad though, because my only goal was to beat my other 10k time. I did start put a bit too fast for the first kilometer or two, so I think I slowed down a bit during kilometer 3 & 4. Then, I got in the zone, and just motored along at my own pace. My one ego boost is that I had to look behind me every once in a while, to make sure I wasn’t the last one.
I definitely felt my best from kilometer 5 through to the end. Around kilometer 8, the “flat” course had a couple of hills. They weren’t as bad as the ones on my 8k run, but they were unexpected, since the website said the course was pretty flat. I actually got through them without slowing down too much. Then, I know I ran faster than I usually do. By the ninth kilometer, I was feeling good, but I was ready to see the finish; when I did, I put on a burst of speed to the end. I glanced at my time on the board, but it didn’t really sink in until I looked at my RunKeeper. Then I was absolutely blown away!
There were a few funny moments. I kept trying to pass this one guy, who must have been in his seventies. He kept slowing to a walk, I would pass him, and then he’d start running again and pass me. I think I finally got ahead of him during the last kilometer and beat him. Also, there was another woman, who looked younger than me, who started walking about halfway through. As soon as I got beside her, she started running again. Still not sure if it was a coincidence or not. I didn’t pay attention to whether she beat me or not.
As I mentioned, I used RunKeeper during my run, and if you want, you can see the results here. The time is a bit off from the official time, probably because I didn’t start it exactly when the timer started. I can’t wait to do my next race, although I’m not sure if I’ll get to one in February. The only one I know about that I could do is a 12k, which might be a bit much. I do know that I’m hooked and will definitely do another race soon!
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