Mondays.

First of all, I like trees. And apparently they give good advice too.-->
..Secondly, today is a sleepy day. A two cups of coffee kinda day. 


This weekend was very busy. We had two of our friends from Vancouver come visit us and stay the weekend. We played squash, hiked, ate (a lot), and had fun catching up. 


On Sunday I helped out at the Y's Fathers Day Event and I got to meet a lot of cool families. I rode a plasma car for the first time and that was pretty awesome. (Kids get the best toys). 


The event went smoothly and was a lot of fun. I think it's awesome that the Y and the Parenting Committee are able to hold events like this for the community. Working for the Y makes me happy. Promoting health, fitness, families, and community makes me happy. I like what we do and why we do it. 


It makes me Happy.


I would love to know what your favourite Y event is or why the Y makes you happy. Feel free to use the comment box :)
 

Hard is what makes it great

Boot Camp, Running, Interval Sculpt, Yoga... Of course it's hard. Hard is what makes it great.

Tony Cue

Tony Cue is such a wonderful person. He hasbeen a volunteer running leader for the YMCA running clinic and he is such ajoy to be around. I have gotten to know him over the past 10 weeks during ourruns. He sincerely makes an effort to get to know you and commits everyone’sname to memory. He always greets you with a warm smile. I am so grateful thathe is sharing his story.

Tony is so modest and humble. Here isresponse:

Tony is on the left

“Thank you for inviting meto be a guest blogger. It is quite an honour. I really do not havean awe inspiring story to tell. For many years I have been interested infitness. It really started in the early 1970’s with a fitness areaat Queen's Park in New Westminster. I would visit it quiteregularly. When my wife and I moved to Prince George in the 1970’s Iwould enter the Father's Day race that was held at the old Lakewood High Schooltrack. The Labour Day Classic was another race that I enjoyed being aparticipant.

It is within the last tenyears that I have been with the Y. Without a doubt, they have beenwonderful years. I have met many great people, far too many tolist. (And I do remember names) Running with others through the Y has meant a new focus with my running. Whereas before the YMCA running clinic I would mainly run on my own, but nowthere were others who also enjoyed running.

I particularly enjoy running with those whoare perhaps just starting out. It is a joy to see the confidence that grows asthey see their progress. We have just completed a Learn to Runclinic, with Carol Reimer leading it so well, and a number of veryenthusiastic volunteers, assisting.

The Y has been very effective with regards tomy fitness because of the thought that goes into their fitnessprograms. Very gradually one's fitness level increases. I hope tocontinue to enjoy the Y, and all that it offers, for many more years.

Tony Cue ”

Learn to Run: Road Race!

Well this is what I have been waiting for. Ten weeks of hard work have been leading up to this day: the 26^th annual YMCA Road Race.

Morning of the Road Race

It was an amazing experience.

Here’s my story…

“The alarm sounds at 4:00 am. I begrudgingly shuffle out of bed and get ready to help with the set-up for the race. I grab my pre-organized running bag, equipped with my racing shirt (bib already attached), shoes, water, and breakfast.

I step out my door and I am surprised at how light out it is. Is it really 445 am?

Set-up is smooth. Tara (Road race event organizer) is so organized that we end up finished and ready to go by 7am.  

I drive back home to pick-up Graham for the race. We get back to Masich Stadium just as the half marathoners set off on their race. I am filled with excitement as I see the racers pass, one by one. It’s almost my turn!

Before I know it I’m lined up at the start line. I have found Lindsay and Allison in the crowds and I can feel their excitement. We have all worked so hard in the running clinic together and it feels nice to have them there as we begin our race.

Graham and I getting ready to go!

GO!

The crowd starts to move and we go through the timing towers, fully aware that our timing chips have been activated. I feel a little nervous.

The excitement from the crowds starts to fade as the groups separate and individuals find their pace.

Lindsay, Graham and I run together for the first couple kilometers, but Lindsay’s pace quickens and she’s off.

We are probably only 3 or 4 km’s into the race and I’m tired, really tired. The adrenaline has worn off and I’m faced with the reality that 4 hours of sleep isn’t conducive to racing. It’s hard but I keep going. Convincing my legs that they aren’t tired is difficult, but I have to remember it’s all in my mind. I've done this before and I can do it again.

Graham motivates me along the way, shouting encouraging words that quicken my pace. I’m so grateful he’s running with me.

I try to thank all the volunteers along the way, because without them this race wouldn’t be able to happen. They are all so friendly and they reply with inspiring words.

I pass the sign that reads, "1km to go". AHHHHHH. My pace really starts to pick up and I pass runners who have been in my sight the entire race.

The last stretch is downhill and my legs just start to carry themselves. I reach the fence and am greeted by Faydra and Mark. I’m almost there!

I am so tired. Unconsciously, I start to slow down. Graham notices and screams for me to keep going!

I see the finish line and I am sprinting. I don’t know where the energy comes from but I’m giving it my all.

It’s done. My first Road Race!!!

I am greeted by fellow clinic runners. It is so joyful!”

High-fives all around. Congratulations to everyone who completed the Road Race.

To everyone in the running clinic--> you are awesome!

Extended thank you to my running partners Lindsay, Kerry, Vanessa, and Brad. Thank you for running with me, pushing me, and all the wonderful conversations.

And the biggest thank you to Carol! Thank you for organizing the clinic, for all the great advice, and always being there.

My time: 57m 57s.

Okay, it wasn’t my goal time of 55m. But it was pretty good. I’m happy and just thankful for the experience. Also I might just run the route in the near future and try for 55 again. I’m so close… I’m going to do it.

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.

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...

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 

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.

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)

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.

Reminder

I know I've been talking a lot about running shoes but... 

Just a little reminder.

Buying running shoes is just one step in beginning a Healthy Life Style!

Learning to Run Week 3: Tuesday

“The air is warm and smells of spring. I look down at the pavement and watch gravel, dirt, and dust particles track off the road and swirl through the air. I hope to myself that the dust advisory will be lifted soon and pray for some spring showers.

I enter the Y foyer and Carol, the clinic coordinator, is announcing that the route and run/walk intervals will be different this week.

Running Pattern for this week

Warm Up

2 repeats run 2 walk 2

2 repeats run 3 walk 3

Run 4 walk 2

I am excited for change and the slight increase in intensity.

We all head for the doors and begin our run. We head up Massey to Ospika and I notice that we are heading up hill. Carol had mentioned earlier that everywhere you go, you will encounter hills and it is important to learn how to run them properly.”

Carol's tips for body position

Head up, looking ahead, shoulders nice and loose, nice tall open body to allow as much oxygen as possible into your lungs.

“The air quality is unfortunate but we all continue our run strong. We make it all the way to the end of Massey to the dog park before we turn around. I am running in the front with Lindsey and Vanessa and we are jogging at a good pace. Running is much more enjoyable when you have people to talk with. We chat about taxes, my blog, running shoes, and just life in general. It’s really nice.

We arrive back at the YMCA, stretch, and we’re off.”

On Thursday we have a field trip at Stride and Glide. If you saw my twitter picture (current shoes), then you know I am in desperate need of new runners. I love shoe shopping!