2008

January: Followed a training schedule for the first time with the Running Room half marathon clinic and met many new friends.

February: Decided that I might want to run a marathon.

March: Set a PR by almost 12 minutes at the Chilly Half (2:01:00). Suffered an IT band injury, which laid me up for almost three weeks.



April: Finally started running again, but I realized I would not be prepared for a May marathon. Decided I would run the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in September instead. Had a wonderful experience volunteering at the local Hartwell Half Marathon.

May: Ran the Sporting Life 10K and surprised myself with a time of 49:10 (net downhill). Took a ball to the ankle straight off the bat at a softball game and hobbled around on crutches for a week.

June: Got dirty at my first trail race, the Mud Run 10K. Competed in the Toronto City Chase, an urban adventure race taking us all over Toronto on foot completing crazy challenges along the way. Vowed to participate in each of these races again next year. Began building mileage in my marathon training.





July: Ran my first 5K in 23:37 at a small community event and placed 1/15 for my age group. Continued building mileage and celebrated my longest run ever, knowing this would be a continual occurrence for the remainder of the summer.



August: Ran my first 30K (training) run, followed by a 35K two weeks later. 222KM for the month (this still stands as my highest month ever) and the countdown was on for my first marathon.

September: Hit the wall hard during my third and final 30K+ run. Taper madness set in. I used the downtime to reflect on how far I had come.And finally, on September 28, 2008, I became a marathoner.



October: Recovered. Got a tattoo to commemorate my accomplishment. Ran the Toronto Zoo 10K for fun with a bunch of friends - pleased with 50:59 for the challenging course. Spectated at the Toronto Marathon to witness my hubby's 1:40 half marathon and my girlfriend's Boston qualification.

November: Ran my third half marathon and my first <2:00 at the Hamilton Road2Hope. Decided to take up cross-training.



December: Began training for my next marathon. Celebrated losing 30 lbs this year. Realized that I could achieve 1000 miles for the year. As of this morning, I have reached that goal, with 1003 miles or 1614 kilometres logged in 2008.


Happy New Year!

Home stretch

The event photographer captured this highly unflattering pic as I approached the finish line of Friday's 10-Miler.



We're also in the home stretch of 2008 and I'm so close to my goal of 1000 miles I can taste it. I'll check back in tomorrow to report on that.

One day to the next

You just never know what you're gonna get when it comes to the weather around here.

These photos were taken just days ago:






We've had a rainy couple of days and some unseasonably mile temperatures, as demonstrated by my husband's running wardrobe yesterday; Shorts. In December. In Ontario.



By today, our streets were flooded and almost all of the snow had melted:





This morning as I set out to meet some friends for 10K in the country, it was pouring rain and extremely windy, gusting over 90 km/h. Thankfully, the skies cleared by the time we set out for our run, but the wind was not cutting us any slack. Apparently I wasn't the only one fighting the ridiculous winds today. Like Mel, I was certain that I wasn't moving at all when we faced the headwind (while dodging various flying objects and falling branches) and felt as though I was about to take flight in the tailwind.

Myself and a couple of other keeners were feeling foolish ambitious and added an additional loop to our planned route, for a total of 13K. It was also a particularly hilly run, in the beautiful rolling (I may have referred to it as lifesucking at one point during the run...) countryside. Between the wind and the hills it was challenging to say the least, but the scenery and compaany were worth it.

Race Report: Boxing Day 10-Miler

Several weeks ago Marci mentioned the 88th Annual Boxing Day Run, which immediately caught my interest. I typically spend Boxing Day lazing around the house recovering from the previous day's festivities and I knew this event would (a) get me off by butt and (b) keep me running over the holidays.

My preparations for the race were certainly not typical - I spent most of the afternoon nibbling on chocolate, feasted on turkey with all the fixins for dinner and even had a few glasses of wine. Nonetheless, I climbed into bed at 10 to ensure that I at least had a good night's sleep. And that I did! I slept like a rock and woke up at 7 feeling refreshed (one thing I love about winter races - they don't start at 7).

We picked up our friend U. and drove to Hamilton where we picked up our bibs, used the washrooms and kept warm at the YMCA until the 11:00 AM start.

Being my first 10 miler, I took comfort in knowing I would have a PR no matter what. Still, I set a somewhat arbitrary goal of 1:30. I was really looking forward to the distance because in all three of my half marathons, I have 'bonked' around the 10-mile mark and struggled to the finish line. I had low expectations, but hoped it would be a good race.

We certainly would not complain about the weather. In fact, we overheard some runners discussing the fact that they had not had such perfect conditions for the event in years, right around zero Celsius (32F) and overcast with only a slight breeze.

Hubby (speedster that he is) took off ahead, while U. and I stuck together. During the early miles, we continuously reminded each other to watch our pace and slow it down. We were targeting 5:30 kilometres (8:51/mi) and kept catching ourselves getting caught up in the masses, closer to a 5:00 (8:03) pace.

Still, we were feeling pretty good and comfortable enough to maintain our conversation, so we just ran with it. (heehee)

The route took us primarily along waterfront (paved and cleared) trails and the scenery was beautiful, especially through the marina. We faced several climbs (some steep, some gradual), but also enjoyed some nice downhills.



Our pace remained consistent as the miles ticked by, and we hit the half way point at 42:31, way ahead of schedule for my targeted 1:30:00 finish. I started tiring slightly and slowed a little, but U. kept me going and stuck by me, even after I encouraged him to go ahead. I was definitely thankful for the company and managed to keep my pace up. We walked briefly through each of the three water stations and I took one gel around the 6 mile mark.

And then came mile 7 with a long, steep climb up the mountain escarpment. It was ridiculous. Almost everyone walked, but I kept running - although it was more of a shuffle and I certainly wasn't moving much faster. Not surprisingly, this was our slowest kilometre split at 6:01 (=9:41/mi).

The next mile or so took us along unpaved trails, which were pretty slushy and muddy. Being so late in the race, I really didn't mind getting a little wet/dirty. I found that I had an extra bounce in my step (either the Gu kicking in or the knowledge that we were getting closer to the finish, or both) and made up for any time lost on the mountain hill with a 4:59 kilometre (=8:01/mi).

We soon passed the 9 mile marker and found ourselves back on local streets. We took advantage of a nice decline a clocked our fastest split approaching the finish. I saw the clock and was pleased to discover that I came in way under my goal.

The Stats:

10 miles
Chip Time: 1:25:10
Pace: 8:31/mile
F25-29 Place: 8/28
Overall Place: 325/753

Here's a quick pic that U. snapped of hubby and I at the finish:



We took advantage of some yummy refreshments being offered at the Y (hot soup, buns, fruit and gingerbread cookies!) before heading home for a relaxing afternoon. This was definitely a good way to spend Boxing Day and I hope to do it again next year... to set a 'real' PR. ;)

mini recap and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This week has not gone exactly as planned. I woke up yesterday morning with extremely sore and tired legs. Apparently, it was not the brightest idea to take a fitness class at the gym (especially not one called High Octane Training) the day after a 24K run. High octane recovery might have been a better idea.

I've listened to my body for the past couple days in an effort to recuperate. Ran a 10K yesterday and 5K this morning, both at recovery pace. I decided to skip yesterday's Spin and today's Boot Camp. These legs needed a break, especially with 10 mile race on Friday.

With all of this free time, I was able to do some shopping and scored a great deal on this awesome jacket:

I love the colour, the warm and fuzzy fabric on the inside, the thumb holes, the little zip pocket... and the colour!

Here I am heading out for my run yesterday:



I also picked up a new pair of shoes. In two years of running, I have yet to find the shoe for me, so whenever a new pair of motion control shoes arrives at our local store, my girlfriend who works there gives me a heads up so I can try them. The latest ones are Saucony's Progrid Stabil CS. They feel comfortable, but I have to try them out on the treadmill a few times before I commit to keeping them.

That's about it for me. I can't believe it's Christmas Eve already! This evening we're heading to my parents' house where we'll spend the night and all day tomorrow. They live just 15 minutes away, but I love waking up with Mom and Dad and my 'little' (23, 19, 17) brother and sisters and spending those first early morning moments together while we're still groggy - it's my favourite part of the day.

Interesting fact of the day: it looks like this will be the first time since 1971 when all of Canada will have a white Christmas. How cool is that?

Merry Christmas to my RBFs! Wishing you all safe travels, full bellies and plenty of cheer. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

The training must go on

I am currently enjoying the bliss of being on holidays. As in not working. As in two full weeks of AWESOME.

I don't have to stick to a schedule, I don't have to get out of bed or get dressed until I feel like it. But the training must go on.

First, weekly recap for last week.

Mon: off!
Tue: HOT + 7K with 25 mins steady state (5:28-5:37/KM)
done, but no SS... dragged my feet for 7.25K on the dreadmill
Wed: 7K
short on time... 5K done
Thu: 5K + Spin
skipped Spin but ran an awesome 9K, all of which at SS pace
Fri: off (part-ay!)
Sat: Boot Camp + 5K
Sun: 24K (24.6 ... every bit counts!)
Total - 50K

It was a good week and I ended up logging 2 'bonus' kilometres despite the hectic schedule.

Week 4 (Step-Back Week):

Mon: HOT (usually my rest day but I took advantage of being home and took an early morning class at the gym. High Octane Training may not be the best idea the day after such a long run. Squats and lunges were not fun today and we did a lot of them. OW.)
Tue: 9K Thirds Progression Run* + Spin
Wed: 5K + Boot Camp
Thu: off (Merry Christmas)
Fri: Boxing Day 10-Miler (16K)
Sat: off (maybe Boot Camp)
Sun: 10K in the country with friends
=40K

* Thirds progression is pretty self-explanatory - run each third progressively faster, from about 6:40 for the first 3 to 5:30 for the last 3.

As you can see, I'm planning to take advantage of a couple more day-time classes. I'm doing all I can to ward-off the inevitable holiday weight-gain.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Sunday run in bullets

• Snowed overnight.
• Still snowing in the morning.
• -12 degrees Celsius
• How many layers?
• Paula showed up at 8.
• Hubby stayed in bed.
• (What a wuss.)
• Just kidding.
• "Wow, we're moving pretty slowly."
• Sidewalks not cleared.
• Snow stinging my eyes.
• Wish I had my sunglasses.
• "Are we there yet?"
• At least it's not windy.
• Running in the middle of the road, trying to find some traction.
• "That cop is slowing down. Is he going to offer us a ride, or tell us to get the hell off the road?"
• Neither.
• "Flag down that bus!"
• Just kept moving.
• Frosted eyelashes.
• Soggy feet.
• Chocolate Gu, thick and partially frozen.
• Another hill!
• Some crazy punks screamed Are you f'ing f'd? out the window. (no comment)
• Probably on their way home from last night's party.
• "Whose idea was this anyway?"
• Water is completely frozen.
• Handful of snow.
• Watch for the yellow stuff.
• It's still snowing.
• "Are we even moving?"
• Wrong turn.
• Forced to take the sidewalk on a busy road.
• But wait... what sidewalk?
• Trudging throw snow drifts, uphill.
• "Are you sure we're moving?"
• Stopped snowing at some point.
• Home stretch.
• Hallelujah.
• 24.61 KM
• 2:40:02
• Average pace 6:30/km
• Slowest. Run. Ever.
• 2730 calories.
• How many Hershey kisses is that?

T-G-I- Snowy Photo Friday

The Greater Toronto Area is being pounded by a winter storm today - it's freezing cold, windy and the snow has been falling non-stop since this morning.

From these pictures, it doesn't look like much snow has settled, but that's because it's blowing all over the place. If I was brave enough to venture more than a foot outside the house, I'd show you some ginormous snow drifts.





I was able to leave work super early, got my hair done and made it home safe and sound (yay snow tires!). Why is there always a snow storm on the day of my company Christmas party? Thankfully, the bosses are paying for a taxi to chauffeur us to and from the event, so we don't have to worry about driving.

Went for a quick 7K last night which turned into 8.7 due to a wrong turn. I was able to incorporate 25 minutes of steady state that I had missed on Tuesday and actually ran the entire route at steady state pace. I'm happy to report that my mojo stuck around. I skipped Spin for the first time since I started 5 or 6 weeks ago (oh, the guilt!) to get some housework and last minute Christmas shopping done. I'll make up for it next week... on a week day... when I'm at home... during the day!

Regardless of the festivities tonight, I'll be up early tomorrow for a run and Boot Camp. I've recruited some company for 24K on Sunday - the forecast is calling for another snow storm, but hopefully it'll hold off til we finish the run.

Time to start getting ready and incase I haven't mentioned it, today was my last day of work until January 5th!

Have a great weekend!


ETA: Quick bathroom self-portrait before we go. Hopefully the blizzard won't ruin my hair! :S

2008 in Review in 52 Words or Less

Today's Take it and Run Thursday theme is A year In Review in 52 words or less.


I ran a marathon. It defined my year and has in many ways defined me as a person. 2008 will always be the year that I became a marathoner.


There were several other races and experiences along the way, but I'll save that for my long-form review closer to the end of the year.

Mojo lost, then found

Yesterday I felt like I had lost my mojo. I was feeling sluggish and dragged my feet through both my HOT (high octane training) class and my 4.5 miler on the treadmill afterwards. The 25 minutes steady state certainly didn't happen and I just chugged along, wanting to call it quits early several times. The good news is, I finished 'er off and rewarded myself with two hours on the couch with The Biggest Loser finale and a delicious oatmeal-bean cookie.

Thankfully, my run this evening was much better and I clocked a quick (for me) 5K at 25:25. I had a bounce in my step and a smile on my face as I coasted through the neighbourhood - narrowly escaping sudden injury when I nearly slipped on a patch of black ice more than a few times.

I had to modify the schedule a little this week, hence 5K tonight instead of the planned 7. I'll make up for that tomorrow before Spin. I'm hoping for oodles of energy like last week.

Thanks for all of your comments and advice on my last post with respect to strides - I think I have a better handle on the purpose and execution and I'm looking forward to giving it a go. I'll keep you posted.

Also, <50 miles to go til I reach 1000!

Not much else to report for now. 1.5 working days til TWO WEEKS VACATION and one week til Christmas!

Strides - help!

I neglected to mention yesterday that my program this week calls for my first dose of strides.

Hubby kindly included the following explanation in my spreadsheet:

Strides are NOT all-out sprints but are short periods of faster running starting at around 5K race pace and getting faster to around mile race pace (95% of top speed).

7km with 4 Strides of 25 seconds each starting at 5K pace and progressing down to mile race effort with 1 minute recovery jog between.

Apparently my stride pace should range from 4:59 to 4:27 / KM (8:01 to 7:10 / mile).

I'm having a hard time deciding when to incorporate the strides this week. My weekday runs are either on the treadmill at the gym before/after HOT/Spin class or in the dark.

I've also been told that I can incorporate it into my long run, but I just can't picture myself moving that quickly at any point during a 24 KM run.

What should I do?! Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Weekend Catch-up

The weekend began with hubby's work Christmas party Friday night - 1000+ people! It was a little insane, but we had a nice time. I even controlled myself at the buffet and offered my designated-driver services so as to avoid the wine. (I'm saving my indulgences for my own work party next Friday...)

It was a bit of a late night but I was able to drag myself out of bed for Boot Camp on Saturday. Our 'drill sergeant' mixed it up and combined our usual cardio intervals with kick-boxing. We were advised to "get mad" and "punch like you mean it!" At the time I was skeptical that it would be much of strength workout without any weights, but the pain in my arms and shoulders definitely proved otherwise the next morning. After Boot Camp I made up for the 3-miler that I had missed on Friday - dragging my feet every step of the way!

After a late Christmas party Saturday night, I slept in and set out for my long run just after 9 Sunday morning. Yesterday's weather was much more agreeable than last Sunday for a long run. It was slight above zero Celsius (32F) and overcast - sun would have been nice, but I'm not complaining! The roads and sidewalks were mostly just wet and I had no issues with footing, except for a few slushy spots. I did encounter some freezing rain, but it didn't bother me too much. There were no incidents of gloves falling in the toilet or frozen fuel, and it was a pleasant run overall. Overall numbers - 22.02KM/13.68mi, 2:10:46.

That wraps up last week with just over 46KM or 28.6mi plus 3 hours cross-training (HOT, Spin, Boot Camp).

I've been meaning to make these interesting-looking cookies for a while now and finally had a chance on Saturday. I found the recipe on a friend's blog, which you can see here. There's an entire can of kidney beans in the recipe, but you would have no idea. They make the perfect pre-run breakfast or post-run snack - full of good carbs, fibre, protein and even iron. And they're freakin' delicious. I'm pretty sure I ate four yesterday. Highly recommend them!

Anyway, this week looks like:

Mon: off!
Tue: HOT + 7K with 25 mins steady state (5:28-5:37/KM)
Wed: 7K
Thu: 5K + Spin
Fri: off (part-ay!)
Sat: Boot Camp + 5K
Sun: 24K

10 days til Christmas!

You Spin Me Right Round

(Baby Right Round!)

First, thank you so, so, so much for all of your kind comments on Wednesday's post. It means a lot to me and I feel privileged to share the journey with you.

Okay, enough mush. ;)

Everything has pretty much gone according to plan so far this week.

Monday: off ~ check!
Tuesday: 5K easy (+ H.O.T. class) ~ check! actually, 7.25K (4.5mi)
Wednesday: 7K with 20 mins. steady state (5:28-5:37/KM pace) ~ check!
Thursday: 5K recovery (+ Spin)* ~ check! actually, 6.5K (4mi)
Friday: 6K easy ~ skipped - couldn't get up this AM and have a party tonight, will make up tomorrow
Saturday: off (Boot Camp)
Sunday: 22K steady run (6:04 to 6:41/KM)

The Mission to 1000 is right on track.

*Spin class last night was the best one yet. Nothing changed in the class - same instructor, same music, same routines) - but I had buckets of energy. I can usually feel myself fading during the second half, especially if I have run first, and wishing for the end of each song so I can recover for 30 seconds. Well last night something came over me and I was killing it for the entire hour! I'm usually dying during the standing sprints and sit-stand intervals (two beats up, two beats down) but not this time, baby. I felt like I was flying.

Did somebody spike my water?

Anyway, it was a great workout and I can tell that I exerted myself way more than usual because I'm feelin' it this morning!

We're heading to hubby's Christmas party tonight, a casual holiday party with friends tomorrow night and my "little" (17) sister and he boyfriend are coming over to watch some Christmas movies and make a gingerbread house on Sunday (annual tradition). At some point I hope to finish the Christmas shopping.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

One year later

One year ago today, I felt dragged down by the extra weight I was carrying. I was a runner, but I wasn't as energetic, confident and strong as I knew I could be. I had been running for about a year but could not seem to get a handle on nutrition. I seemed to think that running meant I could eat whatever I want. And for some people, it does... but not for me. I was gaining and gaining and I felt sluggish and miserable.

After years of yo-yo dieting and trying everything in the book, and after some encouragement from a friend at work, I decided to give Weight Watchers a thought. I liked the concept of lifestyle change - it seemed flexible and manageable. I went to my first meeting and weigh-in on December 10, 2007 and I firmly believe it changed my life.

I spent the next several months learning how to make the program work for me and my lifestyle. The most important factors for me have been accountability and balance. I was accountable because I had to weigh-in regularly and report to my leader and fellow members. I gradually learned to balance proper nutrition with an active lifestyle, leaving room for life's little indulgences. I have never had to give anything up.

By July I had reached my goal weight and in August I became a Lifetime Member (by maintaining that weight for six consecutive weeks). I struggled a little through September and October and developed what I like to call the Marathon Bulge, resulting from the pre-race taper/carb-loading and post-race binge! Thankfully, it was only about 5 lbs and I have since lost all of it. As of this week, I am officially below my goal weight and 30 lbs lighter than December 10, 2007.

Now that I am Lifetime I only have to weigh-in once a month (and the program is free as long as I am no more than 2 lbs over my goal). I still attend my meeting and weigh-in almost every Monday just to keep myself in check. It's become an important part of my life and I intend to keep it that way.

Sorry for rambling, but my hope is that this experience may inspire someone who has struggled in the same ways I have. This has been a non-stop learning experience and I know it's far from over, but I am happier and healthier than I have ever been and I just want to scream it from the rooftops!

And incase you haven't seen enough of my face lately, here's a little Before and After for you.

Dec. '07



Dec. '08



Thanks for reading. :)

Room for one more

A few weeks ago, I said I was finished racing for 2008, but Marci peaked my interest in the Hamilton Harriers 88th Annual 10 Mile Boxing Day Run.

It didn't take much to convince hubby that it was a good idea, so we registered today. It will be my first 10-miler and looks like a great event. And hey, it's 10 more miles toward 1000 for the year.

It will also be a good way to burn off some of the excess calories from Christmas dinner the day before - hopefully I will have recovered from the turkey coma by 11:00 AM the next day.

Looking forward to seeing you there, Marci!

Monday already?!

First off, I am happy to report that the Hatphones worked very well. My iPod fir neatly in the pocket and I couldn't even feel it (surprisingly) once I put the hat on. It was easy to position the speakers directly over my ears or slightly askew so I could hear more 'background' noise. I wore them on a two hour run yesterday (more on that to follow) and it was such a relief not to be messing around with wires. This is definitely a keeper and I highly recommend it. Chic Runner posted a website with a great deal for the Americans but here in Canada it's available at the Running Room (although I can't seem to find it online).

My weekend was somewhat of a whirlwind of parties, with a 30th anniversary dinner for dear family friends on Friday night, a Christmas open house at my (almost-9-months-pregnant) cousin's on Saturday afternoon, a girls' evening of decorating gingerbread houses and playing Cranium Saturday night and my nephew's 2nd Birthday party on Sunday.

Here's a quick pic of hubby and I at dinner (it's not ever day you get to see me in something other than running attire) and a peak at the gingerbread madness.







In the midst of all the parties, I still made it to Boot Camp Saturday morning and logged another 15.5 miles toward my goal of 1000 in 2008. Saturday morning I logged a short 3 before boot camp and yesterday morning I headed out for 20K (about 12.5mi) in very wintery conditions - it was -12C (10F) with a -20C (-4F) windchill and gusting winds over 40 km/h. I ran through snow drifts and fought blustering snow from all directions. There were a few mishaps along the way - frozen Sharkies, frozen water (should've used vodka) and a dropped glove in the port-o-let - but I stuck it out and finished the run in about 2:05.

Overall, week one was a success and I logged 3K more than planned.

On to week two...

Monday: off
Tuesday: 5K easy (+ H.O.T. class)
Wednesday: 7K with 20 mins. steady state (5:28-5:37/KM pace)
Thursday: 5K recovery (+ Spin)
Friday: 6K easy
Saturday: off (Boot Camp)
Sunday: 22K steady run (6:04 to 6:41/KM)

Weekly Total: 45K

Time to catch up on what you've all been up to this weekend - congrats to all the racers!

Early Christmas Present!

Yesterday my girlfriend surprised me with an early gift - an item which I just so happen to have had my eye on ever since Chic Runner raved about it: NIKE HATPHONES!



I have a 3rd generation iPod and worried that it wouldn't fit in the narrow pocket inside the hat, but it fit perfectly. I can't wait to try these babies tonight!



No more wire woes for me. Now they just need to come up with a summer version...

***

4 slow miles on the treadmill before Spin last night. I just read a magazine and took is easy so I'd actually have some energy left. Our Spin instructor incorporated some Christmas tunes into the mix, which totally got me going. Have I mentioned how much I love Christmas? ;)

Tonight we have an anniversary dinner to attend right after work, but I'll be heading out for another 3 miles/5K when we get home.

Good luck to everyone running CIM or LVM this weekend (any other racers too!) - can't wait to read the reports next week.

TIART: I wish...

Today's Take it and Run Thursday theme over at Runners' Lounge is... Make a wish. Share your dream.

If I had to narrow it down to just one wish, I would wish for unlimited funds!

This would allow me purchase new running clothes and accessories on a whim, to register for races without consulting the budget and best of all, to travel all over the world to race! I could have a live-in masseuse to work out the kinks after a tough run, a personal chef to ensure I am properly nourished and maybe even a running coach! Of course, I would also have a housekeeper so I wouldn't have to worry about mundane chores while being massaged, working with my coach or traveling the world.

Best of all, I WOULDN'T HAVE TO WORK! This day job of mine really interferes with my training.

Ahhhh, a girl can dream.

Back to reality...

7.25K on the treadmill Tuesday after H.O.T. class. Another 7.8K last night - I ran to the grocery store and met hubby there. Note to self: this is not the best place to find myself after a run - I wanted to buy (and consume!) everything in sight. I'm happy to report that I did not.

So that's another 15K, or about 9 miles toward 1000 miles in 2008. Check out my new ticker above.

Tonight is 4 (or so) miles on the treadmill followed by one-hour spin class.

1000

Inspired by Jess, Mel and Marcy's recent posts, I decided to take a look at my mileage for this year.



Not surprisingly, March was my lowest month when I was sidelined with an IT band injury and August was the highest, being one month before my marathon.

So, what's the verdict?

1427 KM this year to-date = 886 miles.

I would have to run an additional 114 miles by December 31st to hit 1000 for the year, or 183K. Out of curiosity, I took a look at my program and wouldn't you know it - I'm scheduled to run 185K. Seems to me it's meant to be.

So now I have added motivation to stick to the plan this month, even through the holidays - I'm going for 1000!

A New Beginning

As of yesterday, I am no longer in limbo. December 1st marked the beginning of my training for 2009. The ultimate goal race is the Bluenose Marathon on May 17th, and incorporates the Chilly Half Marathon on March 1st and Around the Bay 30K on March 29th.

The program will incorporate moderate speed work of various varieties - from Steady State to Strides to Thirds Progressions to Long-Run-Fast-Finish to Intervals. The challenge will be incorporating Run Club with my marathon clinic starting in January, so we'll have to make some adjustments to the program once I receive that training schedule. I'm counting on a combination of having a group to run with and a program of my own to keep me interested and focused through the long winter months ahead.

Day 1 was a success - but Mondays are rest days, so that was pretty easy. ;)

The rest of Week 1 looks like this:

Tuesday: 5K easy (+ H.O.T. class)
Wednesday: 7K with 10 mins. steady state (5:28-5:37/KM pace)
Thursday: 5K recovery (+ Spin)
Friday: 5K easy
Saturday: off (Boot Camp)
Sunday: 20K steady run (6:04 to 6:41/KM)

Weekly Total: 42K



*In other news, down 2.2 more lbs at WeightWatchers last night. So in the past three weeks, I have lost the 7(ish) pounds that I managed to gain through September and October.*