What's another 9KM?

I have officially been talked into running the 30K Around the Bay in Hamilton on March 30th. If I can run 21, I should be able to run 30...right? After the Chilly Half on March 2nd I will continue training with my instructor and another girl in the group who are also running it (and hubby, of course). It's going to be intense, but I am really looking forward to it.

A little about the event:

Hamilton's Around the Bay Road Race is the oldest on the continent, first run in 1894, three years before the Boston Marathon. Rich in tradition, it has been won by the best from around the world, including Boston Marathon winners and Olympic gold medallists. Become part of the continuing tradition by running this challenging course around Hamilton's natural harbour!

The first 20k of the Around the Bay Road Race is an exciting, scenic, and fast route. The last 10k includes rolling hills through scenic North Shore Blvd.

So there you have it. Thirty kilometres... have I completely lost my marbles?! Depending on how this goes, I may be ready for a full marathon sooner than I thought, but I am not committing to anything just yet. ;)

A revelation

Before joining my half marathon clinic, I had never considered the concept of running 10&1's (run 10 minutes, walk 1). The Running Room highly recommends (almost insists) that it's the right way and the only way to run. At first I was disappointed that our clinic would be following the 10&1 system because all of my previous training had been continuous running (including my first half marathon). It seemed like a step back. My concerns were three-fold: a) I thought I would have a hard time getting back into my rhythm after a walk break, b) I worried I would be constantly watching the time, desperate for the next walk, and c) I assumed my pace would be slower. In a word, I was skeptical.

So hubby and I "rebelled" and did our own thing, running continuously. But since he's been off with an injury for three weeks, I've been running with different people and finally gave 10&1's a chance. And you know what? Turns out it's not so bad. I don't seem to have a hard time getting back into a rhythm, I don't catch myself staring at the time and counting down to the next walk and most surprisingly, my pace has IMPROVED. Our distances have been increasing, but my LSD pace has been better than ever.

Live and learn, right?

I'll see where this new 'revelation' takes me. I'm still not sure if I will run 10&1's at the Chilly Half. I suppose it can't hurt to give it a shot. One of the girls in my clinic takes her walks during races at the water stations rather than in timed intervals...that's not a bad idea.

This morning my instructor and another girl from the group met me at 7:30 for our long run because I won't be in town tomorrow. We did nearly 17KM, my longest run ever other than the half marathon. And our average pace was 6:13 min/km, which is FANTASTIC. W00t!

Best of all, I GET TO SLEEP IN ON A SUNDAY!

Getting down to business

I have mentioned my ongoing knee issues several times. I have a 'condition' caused by an injury last Easter that usually doesn't bother me (much) but acts up from time to time. Rather than just tolerating it and keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't act up at a bad time (like, say, the day of a race!) I have decided to deal with it once and for all. My running instructor recommended a clinic (Lifespring) with physiotherapists who actually specialize in running. My husband saw them for the first time last night due to an injury that has had him off his feet for nearly three weeks. Turns out it's a bad case of the ol' shin splints. We was very impressed so I decided to make an appointment. It's not until the 24th, but I am looking forward to hearing what they have to say about it and more importantly, start treating it.

We're also going to be seeking some professional nutritional advice from a nutritionist specializing in running as well. Hubby has coverage through work so he's going to take advantage of it and hopefully get lots of good information to share - what to eat leading up to a race, the morning of, after, etc.

Who knew there was so much to learn?!

For the fun of it

I am always looking for ways to keep running interesting and to keep myself motivated, whether it's running with friends, registering for races, setting crazy goals, buying new gear, or otherwise. I have been introduced to a new tool, Nike+. It's an online program that not only records my runs, but allows me to set goals and participate in challenges with other runners around the world. It's a neat little toy...and there's nothing like a little bit of friendly competition to keep me running. I created a private challenge with my friend from work ("IMama") to see who can run the most kilometres in February. Loser buys lunch!

Survived 6 hills

Last week I was dreading hills. I have always had a really hard time with them, and running 5 hills ended up being exactly as challenging as I expected, but much more enjoyable and fulfilling. So I have a new-found appreciation for hills and I was actually looking forward last night.

We did 6 laps around the 1K loop and 9.2K total. Just like last time, there was an ongoing negotiation in my head and I thought for sure I was going to stop at the top of each hill...but I kept on going. Each hill was progressively harder, but I felt more and more empowered as I reached the top the first time, second time, third time, all the way to the last few steps at the top of hill number 6. It's hard to explain the sense of accomplishment.

But I still find it overwhelming to think we will be running 9 hills in a matter of a few weeks. Eek!

Pain in the ass

And I mean that quite literally. My butt was a little sore after the hilly 14K on Sunday, then yesterday night we ran 6K with a few good hills and it started killing me. I have definitely been walking a little funny.

It's always something, isn't it?

It has eased up today but of course I have 6 hills to run tonight...6 grueling kilometres of running up and down that hill. But ya know, I am actually looking forward to it.

Run Sarah Run!

First I have to wish my BFF Sarah good luck as she starts her Learn to Run Clinic tonight. Go girl!

We are having an unusually mild week around here - +14C in the middle of January! In Ontario?! Unfortunately, it's gloomy, foggy and rainy, but I'm still enjoying a break from the bitter cold.

Tonight is clinic, but I'm not sure of the discussion topic or the length of our run. Looking forward to it either way. It's hard to believe we are more than half way through the program already. I am really going to miss it. I've met some great people, learned a lot, and actually followed a training program! Once I recover from the Chilly Half, I will continue to attend the Wednesday and Sunday practice runs until I decide on my next clinic. I have already decided that I will definitely sign up for another, even if I do the half again. I can't express how much it helps me to get out there on the days when it's the last thing I want to do, and keep going when I feel like I can't go anymore.