Forgive me Bloggers for...
I have a confession to make.
I've been sucking at this healthy eating.
The last 3 days or so have been spent sitting infront of the computer working on my "Mock Marriage Project" (which islike 75 pgs long) and my Sociology paper on Obesity. If I keep this up I am going to be writing the paper on myself. (Minor Eggaturation there, but it does run in my family)
I ran Tuesday and it was good, but I took Wendesday off because I was sitting on my butt working on these, and munchy on bad food. (Cucumbers are no where close to chips.) Then everyones made at me beacuse I haven't been doing my "Chores" but really I haven't been making a mess either!! Grrrr.
Tonight, at 6 pm, rain or shine, my butt is leaving this house and is running 12km, and then coming home for a date with the computer chair and a hot pocket. Stupid teachers. We have like 2 weeks left. So, these next two weeks are gonna suck. Seriously suck. Trying to prep me for University my ass. Oh, and my school has no air conditioning.
So for the next two weeks, Ill be running, and sitting on the computer eating microwaveable food, and munching on stuff I really don't want to be munching on. Running from now on will happen early morning, and I am starting an Ab routine, but I doubt it will help til my stress level gets in order.
I can see the fingers pointing now. Im so stressed. So Stressed. Gahhhhhhhh.
Please forgive me for the infrequent, not making any sense blog posts that will come over the next 2 weeks. Then it's over, and I'll be back!
Tiger
Ignore this post! Just trying something!
Speed Work
....is so fun!
Today we went to York University to use their track and field club.It was a $5.00 admittance fee and $7.00 for parking. But, it's all okay when you're carpooling.
We used the indoor track so we could feel it out, just incase it got too humid and muggy this summer (Not like I will be here anyways)
It's a multi-billion dollar, air conditioned, cushy track. It was so nice. Now, since it was spring and it's not too hot outside, we had the whole track to ourselves (basically). John said that in the winter time, you would feel intimidated looking at all the people that are there. Ha.
So, the track is 200m in length. We did 5x400. Not a lot. But it was enough to feel it out. I mentioned to John that I was going to try and shave about 5 minutes off my 2:01 half marathon, and he gave me my "Splits", which were supposed to be 1:55/400 meters! I am happy to say that 4 of my 5 laps were right on and 1 was about 3 seconds fast. Next week we are doing 5x800 meters. Yep. Then, eventually we will be doing 10x800 plus a 3km warm-up each way to and frm the track.
Of course we ran like 13 laps of the track. It was brutal. Soooooo Boring But, I feel fantastic. I enjoy hills. I think I will enjoy speedwork!
Thanks to Kathleen and John for going with me! We'll do it again;)
So, back to the hw.
Tiger
P.S. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO PUT A PICTURE IN MY PROFILE! IM SO FRUSTRATED!! GAHH!!
update
Hello.
Just for the record, there will be no weekly summary today. Last week was determining my goals, this week is putting them into action...
I can't remember how much I ran last week, but I do however, know that it was pretty much a write off. I ran a couple times during the week. Saturday I did 6km, at 6am. I came home and had an egg white omelet, and then boiled eggs for an egg salad sandwhich and made spagetti. I went to work for 9am. During my break, I got a call from my other job needing me to come and work for them. I went there for about 8 o'clock and stayed til 11. While at my waitressing job, I had arranged to go to my friends house so she could dye my hair. So, at 11, I went to her house, which is pretty close to Chuck E Cheese.
We watched T.V. for awhile and decided to eat a little. Then at about 12:3o, we started the hair dye. While the dye was setting, we watched "A WALK TO REMEMBER". By the time we were done, it was about 3:30am. Too late for her to take me home. Too late to get picked up. So, I stayed over, we took her sister to work, stopped for lunch, then I went back to her house. I didn't go home because we both worked again at the same time.
We were both going to go down to Port Credit for the 8:30 running room run. When the alarm rang a mere 3 hours after we went to bed, I threw it across the room. There was
no way I was going to get up and run.
The plan this week. Today: 4 miles. Tomorrow:Track Work. (6 miles total) Wednesday: Tempo Run (5miles) Thursday: Rest Friday: 4-5 miles. Saturday: 6 miles Sunday: 11 miles
Just so it's out there. My plan is not set in stone, as I have
alot of homework tonight and the rest of this week. School sucks by the way...like 19 days left...
Cheers,
Tiger
New-Trition
I am not just making new
goals, I have also decided that I will start a new way of eating. A healthy way of eating. Right now, my diet consists of Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Spagetti....And a bunch of other "High Fat" Bad for you stuff.
My mom is on a medically supervised diet. She goes in once a week to get weighed and if she hasn't lost two pounds, she is accountable for them. Now, my diet won't go that far, I just want to feel better, have more energy. Hopefully become a lighter, fitter runner. (Weight Training to Come)
I don't really have an action plan for this. I will eat whole grain carbs (Spagetti and bread and all that other good jazz), lots of veggies (Carrots, cucumbers and brocoli), Some fruit (Can't wait until peaches and berries come in season) and I will try and start to eat yougurt (I don't really like the texture of
anything so this one might be a little tough. My snack attacks will be fufilled by almonds and other nuts.
My biggest weakness is Salt and Vinager Chips. So, I will take cucumbers and dip them in "Salt" and Vinager. There soo good and a whole cucumber is only like 30 calories. Oh, and We have also switched to "half salt".
The hardest place for this to happen is at work. I will have veggie burgers, and I will bring my own whole wheat bun and low fat cheese. I won't have fries
too often. Yah gotta cheat sometime.
I think this is doable. It's gonna be tough for the first little while but yah know. I can handle it. . .
It's really hot here in Canada today. Well, Ontario atleast. It's like 35 degrees celcius, plus the humidity. Yesterday afternoon, about noon, I went for a run. Well I don't know if you can call it a run. It was more of a walk, run, walk, walk thing. I sucked a litre of water out of my fuel belt and only made it 4km in like 28 minutes. It was a tad pathetic.
Hopefully Kingston is a little cooler:0) It's right beside the lake...Just humor me!
Tiger
Every New Beginning Comes from Some Other Beginning's End...
So, I bet you were all very anxious to hear what my desision was. Thank you to everyone for thier input, it was very much appreciated. I did a lot of thinking and soul searching, and a lot of talking to different people, and my desisions are made. I don't want you to think that this wasn't my decision, because it is. It's what I think is the smartest thing to do.
As many of you know, I went from having no base, and running less than 20km per weeek to running anywhere between 30 and 55km per week, after taking the entire month of December off. So, January I basically went from 0-half marathon in 4 months. So, I have no base.Thinking about a marathon, it is 42.2km. I have been told that I am looking at about...5+hours. Thats a lot different that running 2hours, and even then, I "Bonked." I have to have time to practice with nutrition and hydration. And Salty pointed out something very important to me...Do I want to run a good race and enjoy it, or shuffle along in pain and finish? Part of me, wants to do it in spite of everyone that says "Hey you silly girl you will never do it" and the other part wants to do a good race. Reality is, if I were to sign up for a marathon tomorrow, I could run, walk and shuffle my way through the race. But I want to amaze myself. Also, I am only 18. I'll run a marathon by the time I'm 20. There really is no rush I guess.For the next 3-5 weeks, I will work on building a strong base of about 60km/week. I will become "Emily The aerobic machine" and I will enjoy it. The running will consist of one long run, one tempo run, and 3-4 slow easy runs, at which time I will start to add quality workouts. (Speedwork and Hills)I will run the Scotiabank Waterfront Half Marathon in September, just as a goal. I need to have the goal and structure. Someone that talked to my clinic mentioned a short term and a long term goal.
In September, I will train for the Disney Marathon, but I will not run it. Again I will be working on my base and speed and stuff. And I want to be doing it with all the people from my clinics, the rest of the core 7 and everyone I've trained with. It's such a great and supportive environment. I miss the clinic.
Starting in January I will train for the Mississauga Half Marathon again. This time though, I will train for a PR. I'm talking a HUGE PR!! Like 20-30 minutes. With my big base and "marathon" training, it seems like a challenging but attainable goal.
After that, I will then begin training for the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon. Then, I can aim for a 3:40 or faster marathon. I could debut with a BQ!!! I would be 20! I am also considering the Chilly Half Marathon and Around the Bay in February and March. (The shirts for around the bay are soo cute:))
So, at first, asking all these opinions and the reactions I got were so discouraging. I was contemplating not listening to anyone and Just going for it. I think a 5+hour marathon would be just as discouraging.
That's what I'm doing. I'm going to have fun doing it. I'm excited because the goals don't seem so daunting. They seem obtainable. I think I will have fun!~ I now have to make a spreadsheet with a structure. I've said it before, I need a goal and a structured plan.
Oh, and since I figured out my goals and went to the Running Room...and I spent a lot of money! But I got 3 technical shirts and 2 pairs of uber cute shorts. I'm really excited about this! What do you guys think? Good plan?
Join me as I start this new beginning! Thanks for all the support guys! I won't let you down!
Tiger
HEY, YOU!
HEY!! YOU!! YES YOU!! I NEED YOUR HELP!! PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT RESPONDING TO THE QUESTION IN THIS POST. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU JUST "LURK" OR I'VE SENT YOU HERE VIA FACEBOOK OR E-MAIL OR WORD OF MOUTH, I NEED YOUR HELP! AND ANYONE CAN COMMENT, EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BLOG, JUST USE "ANNONYMOUS...! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEEEEEEEEEEAAAAASSSEEEE....Thanks:)As you can see from my goals, I am contemplating running a Full marathon in 131 days.
I have been sharing this with several people;not only fellow bloggers, but fellow runners and friends. It seems as though everyone has a different opinion on whether or not I should be doing this... I need all (or most) of the opinions in one place.
Ultimately, the desision will be made by me (And I hope you will all still be here to read, whatever I decide), but I do need opinions. It's making me nervous.
Here are the arguments (Feel free to add your own)
YES TIGER, YOU SHOULD DO THE RACE BECAUSE ___________(FILL IN THE BLANKS)Some answers have been:
You're young...
NO TIGER, YOU SHOULD NOT DO THE FULL MARATHON BECAUSE__________(FILL IN THE BLANKS...)Some answers have been:
It's not the distance, its the journey to the distance...
Like I said, I want to enjoy it. Maybe I can do what Salty said and shave 30 minutes off my half time (is that possible by fall?)
Now click the, leave a comment button...
Thanks you , your help is soo very very appreciated...
Tiger
Smorgashborg (Sp*)
So, Yesterday I ran 8 km, ran from the Running Room to the finish line for a victory lap! (The way there felt
much better than the same place last Sunday did!!! I got up at 6am to walk the dog, and then my mom drove me. I then worked like...ohh 6,7, or 8 hours at work, then went to see Shrek with my family! It was realllly fun and a nice day.
Today, it is Sunday. Exactly one week post half marathon. I am investing in "The Stick" as several of my fellow bloggers have suggested. Just have to find it now...Muscle soreness has depleted to the point of non-existance. Infact, I was human again by Tuesday or Wednesday. I went running this morning. Just wore the garmin for the distance. Tried to ignore the pace, and it pretty much worked.
To tell you the truth, I haven't felt this good all week. I was all
blah this week. I went for a run Saturday morning and I felt fantabulous. I have told my race story like 1084669 times. And it
never gets old.
I didn't make it to the pool Friday morning. I was completely beat. It was a long week.
I got my pictures. I am ordering the CD. So many people want pictures, so Im not paying $50/picture, I'm going to pay $60 for the CD and then I'm going to Walmart and printing them off, and buying frames at the dollar store! Perfect plan.
I'm still working on that paper. Right now I am watching Saint Ralph. It's a grand movie. I feel great. Hope all is well,
Tiger
Group Therapy
Group Therapy Starts Sunday! Thank God! We will be going for a nice, gentle, run through the park. Only 7 or 8 kilometers. Tomorrow, If I can wake up early enough, I will be hitting the pool at 6:30 am...Sooo much energy!!
I am also taking myself to a PT. Twingy left knee. It could be a compensation thing. I injured my right knee, so maybe my left foot is taking all the slack from my weak right knee...Hmm.
New Goals...
Long Term Goals:
Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon: September 30th, 2007-The goal for this race is to be determined. I don't know if I will run it to finish, Run it to finish with a time goal (I.e. Under 4 hours) or for a Boston Qualifier. (Please note, this last one will most likely not be a goal...A girl can dream right?!)
Toronto Half Marathon: October 14th, 2007 as a fun run. With my Science Teacher. I will either be doing it with some of the ladies from the clinic, or I will be doing it with him. He's gotta commit to it by August though. Like, commit commit.
Immediate Goals:
Tone my body. Not loose weight. Because if I try and loose weight my whole life will revolve around the scale and only silly tweeners do that. AND muscle weighs more than fat I will have you know. Although, I will try and not have more than 2lbs of body weight per inch...
Action Plan: Go to the gym often. Like 3 to 4 times per week. Everyday is overdoing it. I can't say that I don't have time, because really, I can make time if I want to. But I think it's overdoing it. Atleast at this point in my life it is...Not fit enough..
Start Swimming: Be able to swim for one hour non-stop by September
Action Plan: Start swimming 2 to 3 times a week. In the summer this can be maintained at my aunts house, as there is a pool near her home. There is also a pool in my builiding and a pool a few blocks from my house. There are no excuses Tiger, No Excuses...
Now, I need a couple options for "Marathon Training Programs.."
(Opinions please, opinions.)
Cool Running's Intermediate Training Program: I am confident in the distance, I am sure that I can do it, I want to work also on speed...
Nike Marathon Training Program: Lot's of different Philosophies...Not enough Running I don't think..
Random Online Training Program: I just don't like the last week...
Or... I could just take all the programs and make one super program!!! :)
I had a vanilla Milkshake today. God Im going to get fat..
How long did it take you guys to get the pics the took after the race???? gahhhhh!!! Did you know that I cannot wait?!?!?!
So I'm out for a nap, then an 8 page paper, and then Im swimming tomorrow morning...
Cheers
Tiger
Post Running Blues...
Post Race Blues: Noun: One may feel they have copious amounts of time, boundless amounts of energy, and a longing to be with their running pals once again...
It's a treatable disorder curable best with group therapy that includes running, breakfast, drinks. One may set new goals and share them. Those friends who do not run will think they are crazy, and those who do will know it's true, but they will be there to validate said person's insanity.
This is the just of an e-mail I got this morning.
I think I have the post race blues, with some additional symptoms including fatigue( I think that might be why we need to rest and recouperate), surpressed appetite (And i know I have to eat.. I know...i know..). I think the most prevalent symptom is the copious amounts of time...I have planned my life around my Running for the last for months. Everyone that knows me, knows that I run, and that this is one of the very important things in my life, and they respect that...
Yesterday was the post-race party! It was grand! Robb made everyone certificates that said we finished and had the pic of the clinic. They're special! It's going in my Scrapbook. I do have a little bit of a headache this morning, but I
might have something to drink last night...you couldn't tell though!
But Now What???I have been thinking about what's next for awhile. I have talked to my unofficial pace bunny and asked him where he thinks I went wrong and where I can improve for next time...(I might have started too fast)
There are a few possible options...
Bread and Honey -15k sometime in early June...
(that can be the 'immediate' goal)
Theres not much in the way of races in July and September...and I will be in Kingston.. far away from my Running Buddies...What Will I do then?
September 30th:
Scotiabank Waterfront MarathonOctober:
Toronto Marathon, Half Marathon, 8k and RelayNow, if I did the Scotia race in September, I could do the Toronto Half Marathon wih Mr. Science Teacher (I talked to him the other day, that's a whole 'nother post...) NO, I would not race it, I would Run it. I was thinking that I would go for a Boston Qualifier at Scotiabank but I am not going to hold my breath.. I can't even imagine doing another half marathon....I'll be happy to finish...I still have a while to qualify for Boston...
Then in January, I want to do the
Walt Disney World Marathon! This would mean another clinic. Even if I am not going to do the actual race, I am going to do the training!! If I can find roomates for Disney, I'll do Disney...
Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginnings End...I feel like I am just kind of existing. I have to take another step into the grown-up world. I don't have anyone to guide me. I will now be looking for a marathon training progam.. I will lead myself...
Maybe I should join the Running Room in Kingston...
I have another post saved as a draft that I am debating weather or not to publish...We'll see...
Cheers, from a Wayward Runner
Tiger
EDIT
I EDITED MY LAST POST IN ORANGE AND PURPLE. GO READ IT. GO NOW!!
Mississauga Half Marathon
Warning: LONG DETAILED GREAT RACE REPORT!! JUST READ! IT'S WORTH IT!!
ologies for the late race report. I left everything on the course, and was sleeping for about 18 hours (on and off) post race...
So, my experience officially started on January 23rd, along with our fearless leader, Rob, and about 10 other people from the 10k clinic. Now, we all had our different goals, but the great thing was the commraderie, there was a reason to go out to the clinic every night.
The real thought of this half marathon started in January 2006, with the Team in Training Brochure that was mailed to my house. So, I took said brochure into Science Teacher, and asked him, in the beginning if this was possible...and he said..."Yes!" So everyday I would go in with different questions, and he would answer them. So that's how I got started. Now, this half marathon that I wanted to do was the
Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon, but trainng during the spring and summer caused allergies, and I sorta gave up. Then, when I started again in the Summer, I partially tore my ACL. Now, instead of deciding that I was doomed to not run, I took it as a challenge. I suffered through physio and three weeks on crutches, and then I joined a 10k clinic, and met some great people, and challenged myself to make it through the clinic. The hills killed me, the long runs killed me, the slow ones killed me, until my body decided it had had enough. About the 6th week into the clinic, I, for lack of a better word, limped through the run. I talked to the clinic leader, and he shared his wisdom with me, and the next day I decided it would be better if I joined another clinic, after I healed. So, I took the entire month of December off, and ran the Resolution Run. It was then I decided that I would continue to the half marathon with everyone else. Well here we are...=0)
So, the actual race experience started at precisely 5:01 am, when I jolted upright to the sound of alarm. Yes, I actually slept. I was so tired from not sleeping the week before,that I slept quite well. All of my stuff was set out for me on the table in the kitchen. I let Rick sleep until 5:20, and he was up, and made himself toast and got ready. I myself, did not eat breakfast, because I had not trained with breakfast. Don't try anything new.
We left the house at 5:50, and made our way to the start line. We had an "In" with one of the ladies from the clinic, and didn't have to use porta-potties or anything. We got nice a nice warm office building cafeteria, with nice bathrooms. There were about 30 people there, and there were a couple of people that were pretty calm, but mostly everyone was nervous. I had made "coveralls" to keep me warm, but it was already about 11degrees celcius at 7am, so I didn't use them. They are still in my bag.
About 7:00 we started walking to the starting line, to check our bags. Please note, when I get nervous, I get giggly... I didn't have to go potty nor did I suffer from "Nervous Potty Syndrome" We checked our bags, and the people I was planning on running with, "Q-bert, Alyson, Jason and Brent" made our way to the start line. Q-Bert, was our unofficial 2 hour pace bunny. And he was dressed as goofy. We positioned ourselves at the start line. It took us 6 minutes to cross the start line, and then we were off.
The whole entire experience was surreal. I couldn't really believe. I kept saying/thinking, "What the Heck are we getting ourselves into..."
So we dodged walkers and slower runners, and we were off.
Miles 1-3.1 (km 0-5) were done in like 27 minutes. We did 10 and 1's. There weren't many spectators along the course,but the ones there were, were pretty dead. So, as we passed each kilometer mark, we would say "YAY 2k!!! YAY 3k!! YAY 4k!!!" and so on and so forth. At about 4 kilometers, we were at the top of a hill (I think) and looking down on the sea of people was amazing. I don't even know what I was thinking/feeling...just wow.
Miles 3.1-6.2 (5k-10k)were done in 1:01 I believe. Like thats the overall time. This was the time when the big hill came to us. We had a walk break just before the hill. I overthought there, on the hill. I even asked our unofficial pace bunny how we should approach the hill...I felt really strong on the hill though. I guess all the speed training paid off. I took a gel at about 5 miles (8km) Let me tell you this is the fastest I have
ever taken a gel.
Miles 6.2-9.3? (10-15k) I dont remember the time. I don't know how fast they were. This is the part of the course that I was most familiar with, so I was pretty confident. I took another gel somewhere in here. I tried to drink water somewhere in here. It was funny. We can just leave it at that. I think I should practice drinking and running with a Dixie Cup. The one minute walking tha i was taking started to feel shorter, and the ten minutes started to feel like an eternity. I stopped looking at my watch and kept telling myself "Don't think, Just Run. Don't think, Just Run..."
Miles 9.3-12.6 (15-20k) I started to slow down at about 17km. I think I lost my wind. "Don't think tiger, just run. Just Run, Just Run" I stopped for a Gatorade. At this point I am ready to try anything. THe gatorade was too sweet, and almost made me puke. I still had the others in sight, but they were about 30 seconds ahead of me. It was at this point that I think the logic kicked in and I started doing my own "Run/Walk" thing. This was horrible. Absolutly horrible. My mind sorta went back to the..."What Was I thinking?!?!" But I was going to finish this thing. I had given up on the prospect of less than 2 hours.
Final 1.1km...Struggled. Then some random spectator started to run with me and pushed me through the last little bit. Do I ever apprecitate her. She said to me "Just over the hill and your there" Please note, that hill felt like a mountain. I heard my family screaming and cheering for me and I picked it up even more. I crossed the finish line to the announcer saying "Go Tiger!"
I tried to do this little smile thing at the finish line but we will see how it went.
I started walking and I was feeling very dizzy and a little delerious, and tried to walk towards the chip, but some lady from the medical tent ran towards me and took me to the tent, where there were doctors and nurses and people with IV's.
I kept trying to insist that I was fine but Noooo. They wouldn't let me leave. And then they wouldn't let me go and they couldn't find my mom and groan. The people in the medical tent were very nice, but really, all I wanted to do was bask in the glory, not have someone shoving water down my throat. There was a doctor and a nurse with me the whole time doing the blood pressure and pulse thing.
There was a man that had just been taken away in an ambulance, and I don't even know what happened, the whole situation, made me cry. All I wanted was my mom and my medal...and sleep. Someone called her cell phone and came.
They do what doctors do best, they talk like I'm not there. They said "dehydration" I think it was just how you are supposed to feel after a long hard race like that. I was so diligent about water intake, it is impossible.
How do I feel today? Well, I have 4 blisters, and a tonail that is falling off. My muscles are sore, partially because I was not allowed to stretch in the damn tent. I also spent 4 hours in the car yesterday, going to see my dad and tell him all about it. I slept on the couch yesterday from 6 until 10, and then I went to bed until about 9 this morning.
So, here is what you have been waiting for...
Clock Time: 2:07:25
Chip Time: 2:01:12
Watch Time: 2:01"16
Pace: 6:03 (doing 10 and 1s)
Pace Running: 5:41
Overall place: 1816
Age Group Place: 12/34
Gender place; 794/2204
So, I have some thank you's to say.
First, thanks to my mom who got up every Sunday morning to take me to my running class, even when her walking class wasn't on, and for waiting up to two hours after her walking class finished to take me to work. And for listening to me repeat my race plan several times, and work it out outloud with her listening to me. And for letting me stay home one of the days before my race because we thought I was getting sick and I had worked to hard to get sick before the race...
Rick: My step-dad. He drove around the night before with me to find Saint Ralph. I mixed the addresses and phone numbers up and we got lost. There was no Rogers on that street. We ended up going to the University and finding a phone booth to try and find the Rogers. We ended up driving for like 2 hours to find this movie. Then, when I turned it on, I dozed off. And for getting up that morning with me because he wanted to see me start. He bought a new camera so he could get pictures. Unfortunately, we didn't quite know how to make it work.
Robb: The leader of my Running Room clinic. I don't really know what I thought in the beginning, but I was a little unsure. Then, as the clinic continued, I warmed up to him, and he has answered every single one of my questions, and never looked at me l ike I have two heads. I don't know if I would have made it through the race/training without him. He positive attitude kept my spirits up after "Bonking' during 18k. He was such a strong leader and role model.
Mr. Science Teacher: The one that was supposed to run the half with me but never ended up training through the winter. Even though you didn't run, you planted the seed, and look at me now! Thank you =)
And congrats to everyone in the clinic, look how far we've come. Look at what we accomplished. We should be proud;)
Stay Tuned: I will bore you with what I would have changed and what's next. *(Im not thinking about what I would do differently until later. Im just basking in the glory right now:)) Oh and pictures to come
EDIT****: a big thank you goes out to my fellow bloggers, and everyone that has read, or commented here. Somedays, you are the reason I run. This blog has made me accountable, and has given m so much invaluable advice. Thank you again and again. Someday, Ill be able to share words of wisdom..someday!!!! I can't believe I forgot to say this! Forgive me?! It'll never happen again I promise:)
I finished
Ok.. so I finished...And Im still alive to tell the story...but that's gonna have to wait for a day or too.
IT'S GO TIME!
This is my running room clinic...We're all ready...
OK. This is my last
official post before the race. (Note: There may be a couple of...unofficial ramblings before the race..but this is the official one) My bag is packed...
Here is my shirt. Before I played around with it...
And after...
SO, this will be my last official post before the race. (Please note: There my be some unofficial ramblings tomorrow night when I cannot sleep..)
I have everything ready. I already told you about my nightmare...
Enough said.
I went to the expo today. I got a couple scrapbooking pages, some gels, some advil, and a new hat. I'm going back tomorrow to decide if I want to get a Running Skirt, and a Mississauga
Marathon Jacket. They both have pretty hefty price tags, But I made good tips tonight...
I cannot figure out how to put my Chip on, not for the life of me..I'll get someone else to do it...=)
I'm trying to relax, not to stress out.
I will go out there, and I will run. I will run, and finish and I will enjoy myself.
It's go time. Wish me luck. Think of me on Sunday.
I'll finish..strong or not, I will finish.
Tiger*
Emotional
I think this may be part of my taper madness.
I had a crazy dream that my race ended in a cave. And I had no shoes on. And no, Im not Kenyan. and then the chip mat that you go over in the end was a mountain. Yeah. I woke up and found my shoes much to my relief.
One of the ladies sent an email out with race tips, and then at the end she left a couple of motivational words she had heard elsewhere.
Her and her boyfriend had gone to Boston a few weeks before, and at the church of the finish line they say some things for the athletes...
To the congregation: "Strong and faithful God, we ask for your blessing on these athletes who have come to race and compete. Keep them safe from injury and harm. Instill in them respect for each other. Give them the endurance to compete well. Reward them for their discipline and perseverance."
To the athletes: "May you mount up with wings like eagles. May you run and not grow weary. May you walk and not faint. May God touch you with a wind that keeps you strong, for all the days to come"
And, the famous Irish Blessing:
"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May Gold hold you in the palm of his hand."
That made me all misty eyed.
Im going to run my race. Im going to do my thing. I am going to do great.
This is the tenative itinerary for this week
Thursday: Coffee with friend I haven't seen in forever. Take 1208 of pictures, Go carbo loading with mom. Mm...pasta... Take pictures of everything that is in my bag. Post good pictures here. (Aren'tyou excited to see my shirt!?)
Friday: RACE EXPO at lunch. Then work 5-9.
Saturday: Friendship run with john stanton. Last minute supplies. I think Im going to get those painter coveralls like Joe did. Watch Saint Ralph. Try and sleep. End up staring at the ceiling twiddling my thumbs until morning
Sunday: RACE.. The freaking race is
This sunday
I have much more to post but not much time.
Just so you all know, I am so worried I will not be able to find my shoes, so they sleep beside me and I wake up about 5 times a night to make sure they are still there.
I
am crazy. I have no doubt in my mind.
TIGER
Ready or Not
I am officially scared to death!!!!In 5 short days, Im going to be bolting across the start line.Ready or not, there I go.Today I did my second last run before the race.It was 10k at race pace.My Garmin didn't kick in until about 2 kilometers into the run.We were running around the swamp and the bugs were like so thick. I came back and had bugs ALL over me. Oh well.The average pace was 5:34/kilometer and I still had some more left in me. I was getting a little fatigued at the 10 k mark but I think with people and energy gels and ...I'll be fine...So...I wrote something...A goal in my mind,I hit the street in the snow in the rainI strengthened my body I ran through the pain. I took an extra day here and there, To rest and rejuvinate, I never lost my motivation, I was back out on the Street The countdown began 100 days beforeI kept running as it dwindled And now there's not many more The taper madness Starts weeks ahead of the race The things I start to worry about, Will I be able to keep my pace? And then I start to think back, Looking at how far I've come, I used to struggle on 6k Sundays, Now I get annoyed running 10 & 1s And as the sleepless nights continue, I know I've met my goal, I know if a few days, hours, minutes, I'll be exploding through the course! People Chanting "Go Tiger, Go" Focused on nothing but time, Putting one foot infront of the other, I know I'll cross the Finish Line!Robb showed us the "Spirit of the Marathon" movie.Talk about...let's get going.My shirt is done. My skirt is ready. My bag is almost packed.I will charge my IPOD and my Garmin tomorrow after my last 6km run at race pace.Hmm... oh and tomorrow is McHappy day. So I am having a big mac to support kids that are sick. SOO Many pictures for you all later..Soo nervous.Tiger
Relaaaxxxxxxxxx? Hah
I will
never get a massage again.
I don't know what I was expecting, but what I got was certainly not it. I was expecting a young fellow, about 27 or 28, atleast semi good looking, that wants to make you relax.
But now.
He was about 50 with a recieding hair line rubbing his grubby hands all over me. I said that hurt, and what does he do?! He put more pressure on it.
What I did find out, though is that my ITBand is very tight, and sore. So, guess where he focused?! Can you. Before I left he told me I should take a rolling pin and massage it out myself in the mean time. I might go to physio
after the race, so they can show me some excersizes and all that other good jazz.
Icannot figure out how and why people can subject themselves to that kind of torture. My IT bandhas been sore
ALL day, and now I am sitting here with vegetables that have never even been used. They have permantly become my ice pack (I did that on purpose by the way, I hate those vegetables.)
On another note, I went shopping today.
I picked up GU for the race, a bib holder, a permanent marker, Sports Beans in Blue Raspberry flavor, anti-blister socks and a pair of "Running Sunglasses."
I have also made a checklist for my "Bag"
1. Body Glide
2. Running Shoes
3. Adidas Supernova Cushion Shoes
4. Special made "Go Tiger, Go" shirt
5. Nike Running Skirt
6. New anti-blister Running socks
7. Sunglasses
8. Sunscreen
9. Chip, already pre-attatched to shoe
10. Bib, already on bib holder, ready for shirt
11. Fuel Belt filled only with water
12. 5 gels (Just for good measure)
13. Sports Beans
14. Ipod, fully charged, with race playlist
15. Garmin, fully charged with virtual partner set to run a 1:50 half marathon (Just because then if I fall a little behind I'm okay!)
16. Change of clothes
-Shirt
-shoes
-Socks
-deoderant
-pants
17. Extra hair tie
19. Hat
20. Bra top
21. Butterflies and adrenaline, and my mom
Okay, so theres my list.
Anything I missed?!
Before I go, Good luck to JOE who will be running his first half marathon tomorrow!
Need a Doctor?
I'm going to be one.
I'm not going to be a doctor doctor, but I am going to get my PHd in Kinesology and Health Science, and become a University/college teacher. It's going to be neat I think, because the PhD, you get to pick something that you are interested in, and write a paper, an thesis and stuff. Kind of neat,
I think.
I signed up for my University courses today!! I'm taking
Swimming and
Track and Field in University!! For credits! Can you believe it!? That's pretty rockin' I think. Maybe I'll have to travel somewhere and make a thesis based on the places I wanted to go. I have always wanted to go to ocean. Like on the coast.
On the Running FrontI woke up this morning and said.."I'm not going to run." Yesterdays run was retardedly fast. Like 5:14/km average. I was sore. So, taking it easy.
I went out to run anyways. Speed work for that matter. I ran the 2k to the track. We did 1 lap, walk 1 lap, 2 laps, walk 1 lap, 3 laps, walk 1 lap, and then go backwards. I copped out after 2. I was so sore, and my twingy knee and my achilles to. I am quite willing to admit that this was all in my head, but I also think it is too late in the game, and if it's not in my head and it really has the possibility to be injured and then I run on it and it get's for sure injured. That would suck. I did what my body could handle.
I tried the "Self Massage" thing. My hands aren't strong enough. Or, my thighs are too big. And I couldn't really figure out if there was a knot in my quad. I know that my quad is sore.
I am scheduling a "Pre-race" massage for saturday! (Thanks joe for the Idea)
A lot of the Massage therapists are booked up because apparently a lot of racers have the same idea. But I am determined to find one. Apparently our insurance covers it too! That's even better
On the Race FrontI have decided that since, the night before I am planning on staring at the ceiling twidling my thumbs, I am going to rent "Without Limits", "
Saint Ralph" and "Pre"...How inspiring right?! It'll be good.
Any other good rents for night before race night? I'm carbo loading on Friday instead of Saturday. I am going to the Expo Saturday, and I am meeting John Stanton on Saturday Morning.
Please Note: Everything said about the race will be repeated several times over the next 11 days!
I am going to try doing "Hot Yoga" tomorow morning
Take care everyone! Finish Strong,
Tiger
I.know.i.can.i.know.i.can.i.know.i.can....
Taper Madness//Mantras
Okay, so, Sunday was my
last long run before the race. Meaning that there will be no more.
Robb has assured me that I will be ready. I will give him the benefit of the doubt. I will not overtrain.
But I also probably won't be sleeping very well for the next 12 days.
I got all the sleep I need yesterday. I was completely exhausted from days of working and homework and not eating well. I went to have a "nap" at 4:30 yesterday. I got up at 6:50 this morning.
Let's just glance at training for the next two weeks...
Tuesday: 6k TEMPO run
Wednesday: About 9k speed work
Thursday: 8km tempo run with friend from work
Sunday:6k!! 6K! NOT EVEN 12. 6.AHHHHHHHH
Tuesday:10k race pace
Wednesday:6k race pace
Friday: 3k race pace
and then it's the race. THE RACE!!!!!
ah. So, I have determined some "mantras"
Refuse.Intimidation
(I won't be intimidated)
Pain.is.better.than.regret
Of.course.I.can.do.this.I.am.tiger
Conquer.the.hill
Pain.is.weakness.leaving.the.body
I.am.because.I.run.I.run.because.I.am
Don't.stop.people.are.watching
If.Running.Was.Easy.Everyone.Would.bet.Doing.It.
I.will.fight.the.fight.I.will.finish.the.race.I.will.keep.the.faith.
My.Medal.Hot.Shower.Cold.Drink
(I won't say cold beer as I am underage)
Mama.Says.They.was.magic.shoes.and.they.could.take.me.anywhere.
Okay. Im done.
Wait. I'm.strong.Im.fit.I.trained.for.this.
Got any more mantras??
Tiger
