Health and Fitness in Prince George

For the month of June I would like to invite members of our community to blog with us. Nothing is more inspiring than a personal story. Being able to relate and seeing courage and determination through the eyes and thoughts of another.

I’m hoping to spread the word throughout our community about health, well-being, fitness, goals, athletics and more.

There will be a series of “guess bloggers” this month sharing their stories. Their stories of fitness and health, and how the Family YMCA has helped them achieve their goals.

Stay tuned Prince George. Our very first guess blogger will be Brian Ray! And as Quoted from his entry, “Get fit, eat well and get to the Family Y!”

Learn to Run: Tuesday Week 10

Yesterday’s run was perfect.

Our group did an easy 7k and it was just a beautiful evening.

I’m feeling a little sad because our next run is going to be our last run. I have enjoyed the running clinic so much and I am so grateful for this experience. I am defiantly going to continue running and I’ll be signing up for the next running clinic in the fall.

Tuesday Motivation

I love this quote. It kinda rocks my world.

Start something that scares you! Like sign-up for a 1/2 marathon...

Back to boot camp, running, and yoga this week! 

Ohhh and I run some race on Sunday, but no big deal. 

I’ve only been training for it for the past 9 weeks… and set a crazy goal…and… and, I am super nervous.

YMCA ROAD RACE!

Reminders:

1. Stay Positive

2. Take it easy this week

3. Drink lots of water

4. Have fun

5. Cross the finish line...

YMCA Events: Healthy Kids Day, Road Race, & Aurora Leadership Program

Perfect Weather

So if you have been reading my blog you will know that the YMCA Road Race is June 3^rd. Yes, 6 days away!!!!

If you’re interested at all check out this link-> road race info. 

The weather is supposed to be perfect. Not too hot and not too cold.-->

However, not only is there a 10K happening this weekend but you can also choose to run a 5k or a ½ marathon. Woot woot, Go Prince George! Lets get our run on.

But wait, there’s more. After the Road Race there is the Healthy Kids day marathon at Masich Stadium which kicks off Healthy Kids day. This will be the 5th Annual Healthy Kids Day, where families are invited to come join us in a variety of different activities promoting health and well-being. (More info -> Here)

And what’s this Photo Contest I keep hearing about? Oh right, the one where you can win free registration into the new Aurora Leadership Program! So if you know anyone between the ages of 13-15 years old, encourage them to submit a photo of themselves rocking their favourite outdoor activity on our Facebook wall.

Wow, that’s a lot. I'll give you some time to digest it all. J

Cheers

-H

Learn to Run: Thursday Week 9

I didn’t make it for the run on Thursday. I wasn’t able to eat very much during the day and just getting up was making me light headed. I really wanted to run but it probably wouldn’t have been in my future self’s best interest.

I’m so sad.

But I feel better today and I’m going to go for a run a couple runs on the weekend. Also next week is our “tapering” week, so it’ll be easy runs that I can defiantly keep up with.

I’m starting to feel really nervous about the Road Race and about completing it in my goal time of 55 minutes. I’m hoping that this week hasn’t set me back and that I can continue on my Race day track. I think despite my sadness the best thing I can do is stay positive. I’ve decided even if I don’t make my goal time, that it’s okay. I will try my hardest but if I don't quite make it I can always recalibrate and try again. I won’t give up. I’ve worked hard over the past 8 weeks and have met some wonderful people. I love running again. (Almost crave it). And no matter what, I’m going to have fun at the Road Race.

Congrats to the running group for completing the race day routes last night! You guys are all going to rock the race. I hope everyone enjoys their Sunny, Beautiful, and Warm Friday.

PS. I’ll be at Canadian Tire on Saturday supporting the Jump Start Campaign. The Y is bringing a Bouncy Train J. Come out and say Hi.

Seawheeze shorts

Can't wait to test them out!

Boot Camp/Learn to Run: Week 9

Ugh, So I missed Tuesday nights run.

Here’s my story: So I was super pumped about my week and motivated to get going. I posted my ‘Tuesday motivation’ and I was set on working hard. I get to boot camp and my stomach isn’t quite feeling quite right but I didn’t think anything of it.

First round of cardio… Line sprints with jumping jacks in between each sprint. I felt okay after. Then we started a round of strength training and I started to get light headed…(**warning sign**). I continued the strength training round but I tried to take it easy. Second round of cardio…the Tunnel of Love. I started to sprint up the hill but stopped when I could taste the reminisce of vomit in my mouth…(so gross, sorry). Ah, so that was it, but I was still determined to finish the class. I finished the rest of the class walking the cardio drills and taking it slow and easy.

I went home sick…Like stuck in the bathroom sick. By then it was already 130 and I felt bad about calling in sick with only a half hours’ notice. So I went to work. I could only hold down a few crackers for lunch and my stomach felt really tight the rest of the day. I left work early and in my state, a run would probably be a bad idea.

I stayed home Wednesday sick. Stuck in bed… I didn’t move, and I barely ate. It SUCKED. Today I feel like I have ants in pant, like I need to get out and do/accomplish everything. I really want to run tonight but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea, perhaps I’ll just take it easy?

So that’s the story of why I missed Tuesday’s run. I feel guilty and sad because training at this point is so vital. Only 2 weeks until the Road Race! And I have a million questions as to how I got sick… did I leave that yogurt in my purse too long?, did I do one too many Yoga classes on the weekend? Was that chicken still good?... Bah but it doesn’t matter. All I need is some rest and recover! (and RUN… as soon as I can.)

Oh by the way my seawheeze gear came in the mail today. I'll post pictures later!

Weekend Run

Almost forgot this happened.
Oh long weekends...

I ran this one all by my lonesome. Although I had some help from Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call me maybe".

So catchy...

Tuesday Motivation

Stay Positive

I know there are going to be days when you're busy, tired, or just don't care. And your decisions don’t exactly reflect the healthy, positive life style you have been striving for, working hard for, and deserve.

But you just have stay positive and keep the right mental state.  (I know, easier said than done)  Here is something you need to remember à You are beautiful, and you deserve the best. ß 

You deserve to have foods that are fresh and full of nutrients. You deserve that hour out of your day to go to the gym, do yoga, or run. So that you can release stress, become stronger, and more mindful. You deserve to be healthy!

Believe me; I have days where I just don’t want to do anything. Days where sitting on the couch and watching TV seem like a good idea. But not once have I regretted a work out. Not once have I regretted a run.  You have to have the right mentality, because change is hard. But when it’s for the better, when it is for your health, and your well-being; you deserve it.

Advice

Life will be better afterward

Promise

Learn to Run: Week 8 Thursday

Morning

“I’m really excited about my run tonight. Tonight we are attempting a route that is very similar to the Road Race route. However, my legs are just not agreeing with my excitement. I could feel their weakness when I got out of bed this morning and I was hoping the fatigue would pass as the day went on but it hasn’t. I wasn’t expecting Tuesday night Yoga to emphasize leg work, and too many warrior poses may be the culprit of my tired legs. At least the weather is nice today…not.

I sit in my office chair hearing spouts of hail clatter off the windows and roof top. Karen, my boss, blames Tara (co-worker) and me for winter’s return. We must have angered the weather gods when we decided to wear sandals and shorts before the May long weekend.”

Afternoon

“My legs are still tired. I’ve lost my excitement for my evening run. The kids at After-school-care are being so mean to each other today and I am mentally exhausted from trying to mediate their arguments.

The sun makes an appearance when the kids go play outside, but it is quickly covered by a dark cloud. A few minutes later tiny white chocolate chip size pieces of ice start to fall from the sky. I hope it doesn’t hail during the run tonight.”

Run time

“I arrive at the Y at 5:30 as usual. I walk up to the doors and see that Carol is talking to a camera man. She seems to be in the middle of an interview and is talking about the Running Clinic (shaw cable exclusive). I wait for the filming to complete before I walk through. Carol enters soon after me and explains the routes. Tonight’s plan is to run most of the Road Race 10k at a ‘slower than race day' pace. I think I can handle it.

We head up Massey and begin our run. My legs are so tired. I hope the fatigue passes. ...

(It doesn’t)…

We are on kilometer 6 and the inside of my ankles are killing me. There is a strange tight, cramping feeling up the inside of my leg. I ask Carol about the pain at a traffic light stop and she advises that I keep going, so I keep going.

The pace is comfortable and we share good conversations during the run, and if it weren’t for the pain in my legs the run would be enjoyable."

Kilometer 8

"We are so close, I am so tired, but I know I can finish this. I slow down my pace because of the pain and everyone is now running ahead of me.

Lindsay and Bella on our easy jog back to the Y.
Too bad you can't see the freezing rain.

Somehow the pain starts to fade… I pick up my pace and catch up with the group. We make it to the Y, but Carol turns right and we keep going… “700 more meters and it’s 9.0k” she says. We all start to sprint… only 600m..500m… It starts to hail and chucks of ice are flying towards my face… 300m…200m…100m. I forget about my legs and just focus on running as fast as I can... 30m.20m.10m. DONE.

We take an easy jog back to the Y. I am freezing and I have lost the dexterity in my hands as I try to zip up my coat. We stretch and we are off to our busy lives.”

Tuesday’s run was a hard one for me, but I’m so glad I finished it. I would have never done it alone and I am so very grateful for the wonderful people in the running group that motivate me. Thanks guys!

Jog Log 

Boot Camp Reflection

So it’s been almost two months since my very first boot camp class.

Only 2 months… I feel like I’ve been doing it forever.

It’s crazy how in just two months a person can change. In two months I was able to go from the person gasping for air at the back of the class to the person running sprints at the front. In two months my mentality about “pushing myself” has done a 180. I know it hasn’t gotten easier, but in just two months I was able to get better.

My cardio has drastically improved, my endurance has increased, and I just feel stronger. So I guess it’s true, working out doesn’t only make you look better, but feel better, and feel healthier. Exercise is a life style choice, and not something you can just pick up for a month and expect to feel/see the results. Trust me; I was the queen of on-again off-again exercising. But now that I have really gotten into a routine, it just seems like second nature to go for my weekly runs and work my butt off at boot camp. I don’t even question it. It just happens, it’s my routine. No excuses.

So challenge yourself by sticking to an exercise routine for two months.  Once you get into the routine, and feel the difference in your body there is no way you’ll stop. Just try it, you have nothing to loose.

Thoughts

1. . SWEAT IS FAT CRYING. 
2. . YOUR WORKOUT IS MY WARMUP. 
3. . LOOK LIKE A BEAUTY. TRAIN LIKE A BEAST. 
4. . MORE LOVE. LESS HANDLES. 
5. . WHAT DOESN’T KILL ME HAD BETTER START RUNNING. 
6. . THIS ISN’T SWEAT. IT’S LIQUID AWESOME. 

I really enjoyed these so I thought I would share. Just some friendly reminders to help motivate you next time you're at the gym or out for a run.

I especially like #6. 

These are from the blogilates website 

http://blogilates.com

Intensity Level Chart

This is the intensity level chart from the lululemon tackle box. I really like it, so I decided to share. I love the description for intensity 9-10 because it perfectly describes how I feel during high intensity runs.

Intensity Level	How does this feel	When do I use this level?
1-2	Too easy to be considered training	Never
3-5	Can carry on conversation comfortably	Easy runs/long runs/optional runs/warm up/cool down
6-8	Hard- conversations are difficult	Tempo runs/hill intervals/pick ups
9-10	You may question your very survival/sanity	A good hill interval and during intense pick up interval

Learn to Run: Week 8

Via email from Carol (Running Leader extraordinaire):

A quote from Runner’s World Magazine – “If you run, you are a runner.  It doesn’t matter how fast or how far.  It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for 20 years.  There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get.  You just run.” – John Bingham

“I arrive at exactly 5:30pm. I dash to the Y doors and wedge my way into the group. Carol gives us the signal and we all start to move outside for our run.

I can see that the city haze has lifted; revealing blue skies and the evening sun and I can feel the warmth of the air.

Today`s run is a short run and Carol has suggested we work on our goals for the Road Race. Flashbacks from my speedy (and a little insane) weekend run scatter my thoughts, and I try to convince myself that I did it once, so I can do it again. *Goal – 55 minute 10K!!*

Carol sets a good pace for us and I am running with Brad, Buddy, and Lindsey. (and 2 canine friends J). We are a couple kilometers into our run and the pace is manageable. Our usual conversations are replaced with deep breaths, sighs, and focus.

My breath is heavy and I am struggling. I am motivated by the group and I keep pushing. We turn the corner for the last stretch of the run.

Carol begins a monologue of motivation, 

“Imagine this is the road race. You can hear the crowds at the finish line. ”

 We start to turn around the bend in the road.

 “Now you can see the finish line and all of adorning fans. Only a little more to go and the race is complete.”

Carol's pause is filled with the sound of pounding shoes on the pavement and deep breaths.

“Push all the way to the end! Forget about your legs, it`s all in your head now.”

Somehow we are all sprinting, pushing towards the imaginary finish line. 

Red faced and sweaty, we all make it.”

It was a tough run but I`m still alive, still walking, still breathing, and still going.

Results from my Jog Log

SeaWheeze Tackle box

Keeping my eye on the prize...

1.) June 3rd YMCA 10k Road Race
2.) August 11th Seawheeze 1/2 Marathon

If you're thinking about joining me on August 11th for the Lululemon 1/2 marathon, you should check out the seawheeze tackle box.

There's a training schedule and some running advice.

Seawheeze Tackle Box

I saw this quote and I just couldn't help but post it. Runners work hard.

Weekly Motivation

Ready or not, here I come.
It's Tuesday, and the workouts are coming. So it's time to mentaly prepare myself for the week.

Here is a quote I came across and I hope it motivates you, like it motivates me.

It's up to me...and it's up to you. We shape ourselves with our choices.

Ballroom Dancing: Lesson 5

Today was our last class. (*tear) It’s a 6 week program but we are unable to attend the last class because Graham will be writing exams. L

I loved this class! And Graham and I are defiantly going to register for beginner ballroom plus in September. We have learned so much in 5 short weeks, and I feel that we can now confidently navigate ourselves around a dance floor (although still a little awkward at times, but confidently awkward).

In last night’s class we reviewed the waltz for the first part of class and learned a dip for the rumba in the second part. Seriously the dip is so much fun! Graham just tosses me and we somehow finish in a beautiful dip. 

Yup just like this…

My eye opener from ballroom class->

The guy has so much more responsibility in ballroom dancing.  It’s crazy. I (being the woman) don’t really think about anything, and Graham (being the man) has to lead, prepare our next move, navigate around a room of people, and ensure proper timing.  I'm so thankful Graham has it together. No offence to Graham, but he is way better at dancing than I had thought he would be. Super grateful.

Any who, dance class at the Y with Alison and Atilla has been so wonderful and they are great instructors. If you have a wedding or event coming up and are hoping to impress on the dance floor, you should defiantly check out this class. Classes begin again in September.

I'm so happy that we are no longer limited to the penguin shuffle.

Here’s a video of the class courtesy of Shaw

Fast Weekend Run #1

Ahhh so hard. I thought at one point I was going to die.

Graham came with me and motivated me along the way. So thankful! I don’t think I could have done it by myself. Running fast is hard and, at times, the encouragement from Graham was all that kept me going. It’s a mental, will power, mind game you play with yourself. You have to convince your mind that you can run when your legs are weak; your breath is quick, and your lungs are burning. It was really difficult for me, but the first fast run is going to be the hardest...right?

If you read my last post about my running goals then you know that today I was trying to maintain a 6:00 minute per kilometer pace. Before I started the run I was a little nervous because I knew I would have to post my ‘jog log’ and you guys would know if I had been able to do it or not. well....

Mission accomplished! 
Here is a more intimate look at my jog log

I’m so proud that I finished. I can't believe our average pace was 5:30 mins per kilometre. That was my goal for the third run!


And again, I can't believe that's the pace I have to maintain in order to run 10K in 55 mins. The thought frightens me a bit, because after the first kilometre I wanted to stop.


During the run I kept going through the arsenal of excuses I keep in my head, trying to think of a reason why I needed to stop, but I had nothing. (It’s so strange that when something is difficult, I try to think of a way out of it. That’s a pretty bad habit I need to work on. Does anyone else do that?) 


Anyway, I really had to push myself and the burn was intense, but it’s done now.

And now that I’ve done it once, I know that I can do it again. If I keep working at it, I really think I can do it! 


It's not going to be easy, but I'm going to try my best to make it happen.


I hope everyone is having a great weekend and enjoying the sun!

Top 5 Things to do this Weekend

... And Run

(After hours of extensive research, Lululemon has narrowed down the top 4 things you must do this weekend. I added the 5th)

Healthy Snacks

My office snacks for the day. Nom Nom

Eating healthy is so much easier if you plan a head. 

Starving until lunch = Bad food choices

Advice: Pack a Snack

Learning to Run: Week 7 Thursday

Jog Log 

5 minute walking warm up, 10 minute run 1 minute walk intervals...and a couple traffic light stops

Thursday's run was awesome. It was a small group and there were only 3 trainees and 2 training leaders there for the 10 K group. But is was nice because we got to discuss our goals and make plans on how to achieve them.


My Goal: 10K in 55:00 minutes for the June 3 YMCA Road Race
Currently I average about 6:30 per kilometre. To reach my goal I need to cut a minute off my kilometre time. Yikes...That seems like a fast pace to keep for 10 kilometres.

But I think I can do it.

So now that I know where I want to be, I need to figure out how I'm  going to get there.

My Actions (which will help me accomplish my goals)
Carol suggested going for a few fast but short runs and working my pace to 5:30 per km.
So for my weekend runs I plan to run short but fast runs. And this will hopefully allow me to work up my pace. I only have 3 weekend runs before the race... this is my schedule

1. 5 km at 6:00 m per km pace (May 12)
2. 5km at 5:45 m per km pace  (May 19)
3. 5km at 5:30 m per km pace  (May 26)

Hopefully this helps my speed. Also Carol had mentioned that your training pace is always a little slower than your race pace, so hopefully I'll get adrenaline pumping on race day to help my time.

If you have a fitness goal, or any goal really, I think it helps if you write it down. 

My goal setting tips.

1.) Establish the goal

2.) Set a Deadline/Date for the accomplishment of the goal

3.) Write down what actions you are going to take that will help you accomplish the goal and pick a    time/date when you are doing the actions.

Simple right?... Doing the actions is the hard part. Keep yourself accountable, don't forget the goal you set out to achieve. Even if you don't quite hit your goal, adjust the deadline and keep working at it.

Chickpea, quinoa and roasted yam salad

DRESSING 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp dijon 1 tsp honey 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 tsp pepper 1/2 cup olive oil

SALAD ·         1/2 c. quinoa ·         1 1/2 cups yam, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes ·         1 tbs olive oil ·         1/2 tsp pepper, cracked ·         1/2 tsp salt ·         two 14 oz cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained ·         1 carrot, peeled and grated ·         1 red pepper diced ·         1/2 c.sunflower seeds, toasted ·         1 c. spinach, chopped coarsely ·         1/2 c. parsley, chopped ·         1/2 c. feta cheese, crumbled

Super yummy. It usually last a week in the fridge and is a great easy lunch. 
This is a pic from when I made it. 
it's so delicious, you'll forget it's healthy
DIRECTIONS

• 1
  Method
• 2
  Whisk together vinegar, dijon, honey, garlic, pepper and olive oil in small bowl and set said.
• 3
  Place quinoa and 3/4 c. cold water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce to low heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender.
• 4
  Turn heat off, leaving lid on, and let stand 5 minutes
• 5
  Cool quinoa on a baking sheet
• 6
  Roast yam in 350 degree oven until just tender, about 20 minutes (I tossed in oil lightly).
• 7
  Place chickpeas, grated carrots, red pepper, sunflower seeds, spinach, parsley, feta, cooked quinoa and yams in a large bowl.
• 8
  Pour dressing over all ingredients in bowl and toss gently until mixed well.

Learn to Run: Week 7 Tuesday

Tuesday’s run was pretty awesome.

Jog Log (including 5 minute warm up walk)

9 minutes run and 1 minute walk intervals

Here are some of my thoughts about running groups:

1. Running in a group is a million times easier than running alone.
2.  I rather run a marathon with a group, than run 5km by myself.
3.  I think running groups are the bomb.
4.  I can’t stress I how much I love running groups. (Or at least my first experience with the Y running clinic)

But seriously, my experience so far with the Y’s learning to run has been so terrific. It motivates me to actually run at my full potential. It keeps me accountable to my goals. And it is a great avenue for meeting great people with the same interests. I know that it is important to learn to run alone, but I think a running group is a great way to get started or keep up your motivation. I'll defiantly be signing up for the next one.

Motivation

Never, Ever Give up!

This video is on the Y facebook page page and Y pinterest, but it is so motivational. I had to share it again for Tuesday's motivation.

Healthy Eating

So I have been writing this blog with the hopes of promoting healthy living in our community.

You have heard all about the different activities, programs, and exercises I have been doing at the Y, but not once have I talked about healthy eating or even food.

How can I have a blog about being healthy and not talk about food at all. I should defiantly talk a little bit about healthy eating, right? A Healthy life style is not only being active but a huge part of being healthy is about what you put in your body. 

Healthy eating is one of those strange paradigms to me. Most people know what foods are healthy, and what/how much to eat. But they choose to ignore it. Myself included. I never eat a whole bag chips (yeah it’s been done) and question whether it was a healthy choice or not. Of course it’s unhealthy!

I mean, I loooove food and I love to cook, but most importantly love to eat. But I want to be healthy, live healthfully, and be active. And I am currently finding a way to amalgamate these two worlds. Or in other words, live an all-around healthy life style. (Exercise, food, relaxation, spirit, soul, body and all.)

So, to warn you, I’m going to be throwing in a few post about eating, food, and how eating/food impacts our health, starting now.

I'm defiantly no expert, but luckily Graham has a degree in Nutritional Sciences… making him a nutritionist by trade. So he can be there to answer any of the hard healthy eating questions, about specific vitamins, portions, or energy pathways. But I’ll be here to share my life experiences about being a normal person trying to eat healthy in a world full of chocolate and ice cream.

I’ll share any tips I may know about healthy eating and perhaps the occasional healthy recipe too. It’ll be fun. I promise.

Also our Pinterest page has lots of yummy looking recipes I’m dying to try. Check it out http://pinterest.com/pgymca/

Learn to Run: Week 7

My week for runs looks like this.
Tuesday
10 km group -  Massey up to Ospika, left on Ospika, at Ferry, go right, cross at the side walk and run to the end of the road and onto the dog park trail, run along the trail and come out at 22^nd, run up 22^nd cross Ospika up to the Hwy cross and down Griffiths back to the Y 7.4 km.
Thursday
10 km group – Massey up to Westwood, left on Westwood, right on Ferry all the way to end and onto the dog trail to the end at 18^th, up 18^th to Central, right in front of the college and back to 22^nd cross over to Griffiths and back down to the Y 8.7 km.
Weekend
10 km group - Rest run. Massey up to Vanier, left on Vanier, right on dufferin, right on Ospika, right on Massey and then back down to the Y 4.4 km.

Meaning I'll probably skip boot camp this week because of the distance (and probably intensity) of the runs.
I'm starting to get tight hamstrings, which in turn, causes pain in my knees. I don't want to over work it and not be able to run at all so I'm going to be cautious this week. On my weekend run I could only run 3 km before my knee pain took over. So I ended up walking 3km back home. I'm going to take it easy.

Only 27 more days until the Road Race... Let the countdown begin.

I need to relax and 

Beginner Ballroom: Lesson 4

Alright. I know I talked about a video last week and here I am this week, again with no video. 

Here’s the verdict.  Graham is in the middle of exams and is super busy. I don’t really even get to hang out with him very often. And when we do get time to spend together; making a video of us dancing isn’t the first thing we think to do. So I apologize. I’ll try my best for next week. Perhaps pictures at practice will have to do? We shall see.

Sunday’s dance class was a lot of fun. We continued to practice our waltz moves but we also started to learn the Rumba. The Rumba is a sexy Latin dance. I felt so goofy doing it because moving my hips all sexy is totally not me, and put me out of my element.  I felt strange. And pretty envious because Alison (our instructor) looks so good Rumbaing (Is rumbaing a word? Or Doing the rumba. Is rumba a noun or a verb?).

Anyway, if you have ever watched Dancing with stars then you have probably seen a Rumba. Just imagine a much much much more simplified form. 

Hope

Happy Sunday. It is so beautiful here in Prince George. Defiantly spending my day outdoors today and I hope you are too.

Hope, so integral to success. 

Learn to Run: Week 6

Week 6

Tuesday 6.0 km run

In a nut shell: Super Awesome! Got lost and ended up running 6.5-7k easy breezy! (Yes no breaks, except at lights) So proud of myself.

Story experience: “I arrive at the Y and Carol has just started to arrange us into our 5k and 10k groups. We step outside and begin our warm up walk. The evening breeze makes me instantly regret my choice of attire. The appearance of the sun has misled me. I rub my exposed arms with the hopes of creating some warmth.

We head up Carney Hill and I can feel my legs shaking from my boot camp exertions earlier in the day. I cringe through the hill and feel the ease in my thighs as we return to level ground. I am running with Vanessa, Brad, and Buddy today. The conversation is lively as we discuss the possibility of a ½ Marathon in August. Vanessa and I have even decided to train together over the summer and to keep each accountable to a schedule.

In the midst of it all, we discover that we are a little lost. Perhaps a wrong turn somewhere but we eventually arrive at the Y. Out of breath and red faced, we begin our routine stretches. I feel fantastic and leave feeling so proud about our run.”

SeaWheeze ½ marathon here I come!

Thursday 4.0 km run

In a nut shell: It was a strange and difficult run. I ran by myself. All by myself. Alone with my thoughts…

Story experience:

“Today Carol informs us that the 5k and 10k groups run together.

We begin the run.

The group is small today.

I look around but I don’t see my usual running partners Vanessa or Brad.

We head up Carney Hill and I notice that almost immediately the group disperses.

Carol and Lindsay are leading the group and I can see them not too far ahead. I have managed to set myself between two groups. I am, for the first time during this clinic, running alone. My legs are still fatigued from Tuesday’s run but after the hill they begin to get their rhythm. Carol and Lindsay motivate me to keep my pace. If they get out of sight, I’m lost. The Prince George streets are still new to me and I wouldn’t feel comfortable finding my way.

I feel conflicted as I battle my breath, my goals, and my thoughts of walking. I am running alone and my thoughts of quitting are haunting. I think to myself “you can do this, you have done this before, and you are still accountable to yourself and your goals.”

My lungs are burning and my legs are weak. My self-motivation is dwindling. I try not to think. All I can think about is walking, which is quitting, because I know I can do this. I want to walk, take a break, and stop.

But somehow I make it to the Y.”

Self-revelation: I need to learn how to run by myself.

Thursday’s Run was really hard for me but I pushed through. Proving to myself that I can so this. Running is a mental game.

I'm going to start logging my runs so you guys can see my progress.

Jog Log From Thursday's run

Learn to Run: Week 6

Soooooo, something crazy happened on Monday.

Because of      1.) Life goals,

2.) The rebirth of my passion for running (b/c of the running clinic,) and

3.) My love for Lululemon,

I signed up for the SeaWheeze Lululemon half marathon!!!! That’s a little insane right? Here I am training for the YMCA 10K road race, and then BAM, ½ marathon here I come.

Alright, it has been one of my life goals to complete a ½ marathon before I’m 25. I just turned 24…times-a-ticking. And I seriously, (never thought I would say this) really, actually enjoy running in the moment. Running use to be one of those things I would make myself do because I knew it was good for me, and it would make me feel accomplished afterwards. But because of the clinic, I really enjoy seeing my progress, the conversations, and my elevated moods; which are all a result of the running.

And after running for 6 weeks consistently, I really think I can do this. 22 k! YAH! I really think I can. I have shied away from signing up for a race before because I was scared I couldn’t do it. Or terrified I would quit. But I have this new found confidence in my running abilities and if I work at it, I think can do it!!!

So that’s my news for today. Seawheeze ½ marathon in my old home town of Vancouver. I’m going to start my marathon training schedule right after the road race. If you’re interested, I am looking for a training partner. We can keep each other accountable to the schedule. Also yesterday at the running clinic we were entertaining the idea of putting together a Prince George team. What do you think? If we get enough people I think it would be so cool to represent PG this way! Thoughts?

Email hong.trieu@pgymca.com

For more info about the Seawheeze ½ 

http://www.seawheeze.com/