Training Recap: Week 3

Monday, July 8


Last night, I turned on my alarm, and put on my running gear. I read in one of the magazines that Courteney sent me that sleeping in your running clothes helps with morning run motivation, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Well, I'm glad I did. I woke up at 6:45. I thought for sure my alarm was set for 6. The thought of just skipping the run this morning did cross my mind, I admit... but I was already dressed for it, so I had no excuse. So I jumped out of bed and tried to wake up a bit before heading out for the scheduled 5k. 

I plodded along and hated it the whole time! :(  I felt off - rhythm and awkward. I tried to concentrate on keeping my back tall and my hips slightly forward, but I'm sure my legs only kept moving as a reflex to keep me from falling on my face! I stopped once to re-group, and it only helped a little. 

I ran from home to the beach and back, twice. They are spraying the potato fields just down the road, and I worried about breathing in whatever it is they spray. But the guy in the tractor actually waited until I passed before turning on the sprayer. If he did it on purpose, it was super nice of him... if it was just a timing co-incidence, I'll take it!

But, I got it done, and tomorrow is a new day. I'll try to stay hydrated today, and have a good snack before bed for my run tomorrow. 

Distance: 5 km
Time: 28:22
Average Pace: 5:40/km

Splits
1 - 5:41
2 - 5:52
3 - 5:39
4 - 5:35
5 - 5:33

Tuesday, July 9

I'm not running today. I'm in a down mood, so I was hoping to get my run in, but I'm so sleepy, and it's getting worse as the day goes on. I am looking forward to an early-ish bedtime tonight.

Wednesday, July 10

I went to the Running Room's 20 minute challenge. I know it's short, but it's better than the run I did yesterday, which was nothing. I had to drive to Charlottetown by myself, which is only the second time I've ever done that... and both times it was to go to the Running Room! The "challenge" started at the RR, and then down Kent onto the trail for 10 minutes... then turn around and come back. I thought about going for 2.5k and then turning around, but I didn't want to seem like I was mooching on their training program groups that were running too. I was running along Kent, and this older man came up behind me and said something that sounded like "On your right! The fast one is coming!" I thought that was rude, and glared at him, but then the other older guy he was trying to catch up with (right in front of me) made a joke about fossils, and I realized that he said "On your right! The fossil is coming". I felt bad for glaring at him. :(

Physically, I felt great on the run... the crowd mentality kept my pace seem easy, and it was too short of a run to make me hurt or get tired. I think it was just the sort of run I needed, since I'm still in a bit of a funk.

After the run, I got in the car and my head suddenly started to ache. I drank all of my water on the way home, thinking that would help, but it didn't.

Distance: 3.43 km
Time: 19:45
Average Pace: 5:46 km

Splits
1 - 5:50
2 - 5:53
3 - 5:41
last 0.43: 2:21

Thursday, July 11

When I woke up this morning, my head was still pounding, so I rolled over and went back to sleep until 8, then got up, had breakfast and "went" to work.

I went for a run after work at 5pm, and decided I'd just wing it and see how I felt. The humidity here is about 98.5%, and it was hot. I ran 3k from home, and 2k back (which meant I stopped just before that damn hill, known from now on as TDH). I'm not gonna lie, I used the pause button on my Garmin at least once twice OK! 3 times. I also wore my hydration belt to try to get used to drinking while running. Today, it was ok, I took small sips and drank more when I paused.

Random thoughts on the run:
These are the shortest shorts I own. I can't believe I'm wearing them in public.
I wonder if those footprints are from another runner.
OMG its like breathing in water

Distance: 5 km
Time: 28:39
Average Pace: 5:43km

Splits
1 - 5:35
2 - 5:53
3 - 6:09
4 - 5:22
5 - 5:39

TMI (but I think a foot photo is a right of passage for runner-blogs): I thought for sure that one of my blisters ripped, but it was ok. Still just a blister.

The second toes of both feet have perma-blisters. Super attractive, I know.

Also TMI, my sports bra was soaked when I got home, which made me feel super hard core and bad ass. I also took a picture of that too, but, like Little Fox says, "no one wants to see THAT". LOL

Friday, July 12

Rest day. Worked all day, took a short trip into K-town, worked a little bit at night too.

Saturday, July 13

I slept in my running clothes again last night, and had the alarm set for 6:30. Red Fox was awake when I got up, so we chatted for a few minutes while I wandered around getting my water bottles filled and eating a granola bar. I told him my route (I like someone to know where I will be running and how long I'll be), got my sneaks on and left. It was so nice and cool outside! I was actually looking forward to getting out of the shade and into the sun for a little warmth. 

I tried to keep my pace slow, but I let loose on the downhills (and apparently I forgot the memo on the way back). I ran from home, down river rd, straight across to the red clay road for 4k, and then back for the total of 8k. I was still bleary-eyed at the 2k point, so I stopped for a drink (and updated my facebook status LOL). It was a really beautiful morning, and because of the clay/sand road, I could see the footprints of whatever was there before me... horse hoof prints, fox or raccoon, rabbit, and a man and his dog.

I felt good during this whole run, and it seemed to go by quickly. I tried not to look at my Garmin much, and enjoyed my surroundings. I took a quick pause and a drink before tackling TDH, and made it the whole way up. The best part of the run was the downhill from the corner to our driveway. 

Distance: 8 km
Time: 48:36
Average Pace: 6:04 km

Splits
1 - 5:56
2 - 6:19
3 - 6:21
4 - 6:09
5 - 5:48
6 - 5:47
7 - 6:15 - TDH
8 - 5:59

Funk it

I'm in a bit of a funk today.

Last Friday was a rough day around here at the cottages. We had the inspector lady checking the cottages that day, but I didn't know she was arriving BEFORE 9AM so I was in my robe when she showed up. I also hadn't cleaning Cottage 3, so I got to listen to her lecture me. We had our first paying guests of the season and the wireless wasn't working. I was all stressed out about that, and I'm sure Red Fox wasn't feeling much better about it, considering my mood. Three trips into Summerside and a few hundred dollars later, it was working.

Saturday and Sunday were MUCH better. Beach days, family and friends, etc.

Yesterday not so much. I had to contact a few people for work, and that in its self stresses me out. The first email I got back was incredibly rude, and it made me feel terrible. It threw me off for the rest of the day, and made me cry a little, even.

We took Little Fox to soccer last night, and he was having a great time until one of the other little boys told Little Fox that he didn't know how to play soccer. Well, the poor boy gets his tender heart from his mother. He came over and sat down and said he was finished playing soccer and that he hated it because he doesn't know how to play. :( We tried to make him feel better but HE was in a funk too.

I was supposed to run this morning. But I didn't. I just didn't feel like it. I don't really feel like doing ANYTHING. I didn't even shower until 20 minutes ago (noon)... after wandering around for 30 minutes, trying to decide what to do, what to eat for lunch until I finally said out loud "just get in the damned shower, Erin".  I worked all morning, looking at international polar research websites in my jammies.

I should drink some water in case I do my run this evening. It's a beautiful day for running, not too hot, and it would be a shame to get it go to waste. My super short run is on my schedule for today, and should only take me 20 minutes at the most... Hopefully I can convince myself to do it just before supper, or this evening.

Question for the runners

Hey runners. I have a question. Does anyone know why I get cramps when I drink water while I run? I usually take water during races but after I drink it (usually only a sip or 2) I get a cramp/stitch.

What's up with that? Is it just me?

I know I'll need to take in some water/fuel during the half marathon... but I'm afraid I'll get a stitch or cramp every time I do.

Training Recap: Week 2

Monday, July 1

I ran the 5k at the win Shores 5k Fun Run. Recap can be found here.

Distance: 5.17k
Time: 28:41 (garmin) 28:24 (posted)
Pace: 5:33/km

Splits
1 - 5:20
2 - 5:34
3 - 5:35                              
4 - 5:39
5 - 5:32
last 0.17 - 1:02

Tuesday, July 2

I did today's 3k on my lunch hour. Run, shower, make lunch, eat back at my desk. I just ran down to the beach and back, plus a little extra to make the full 3. The run felt great.  It's cool and overcast with a good breeze. Nothing hurt, no killer hills, and it was a short run so I could trick myself into running without stopping! 

Distance: 3k
Time: 16:30
Average Pace: 5:29/km

Splits
1 - 5:25
2 - 5:40
3 - 5:24

Wednesday, July 3


Woke up at 5:45 this morning (I heard Red Fox was up, so I got up a early). Started my 5k run at about 6:15. It was a bit cool out this morning, about 15 degrees, overcast and a little breezy. I felt good. Not great, but good. I was dive-bombed by a couple of birds, which made me pick up my pace. I only walked for a short bit up "that damn hill" but I'm pretty sure I could walk up that hill faster than running up the hill!

Distance: 5k
Time: 29:25
Average Pace: 5:52/km

Splits
1 - 5:40
2 - 5:51 - chased by birds twice
3 - 6:38 - the damn hill
4 - 5:36
5 - 5:38

I just found out this morning that Yoga has been changed from Thursdays to Wednesdays! So for now, I'm going to run 5k on Thursdays and do Yoga on Wednesdays.

Thursday, July 4

I wasn't going to go to the yoga class today. They switched the days for the easy and harder yoga classes, and I really want to do the harder class (it's also at a better time). But I had yoga on the schedule for today (switched to Wednesdays now!) so off I went. It was nice and cool in the studio, not air conditioned, but not sticky like it was outside. Only 4 people showed up for the class, and usually this class is packed! Greg led us through an easy yoga flow, but I didn't feel like I had to work at it as hard as I wanted to be.

Friday, July 5

Rest day. I feel like it's been a long time since my last run, and I really want to go. But my legs are a little sore from yoga yesterday (I'm working on getting my nose to my toes, so the backs of my thighs are sore this morning), and I want to be fresh for my "long" run this weekend. Its only 6k, but it's a race in Summerside along the boardwalk on Saturday morning.

Saturday, July 6

Totally didn't go to the race this morning. After the day we had yesterday (terrible), I wanted to just wake up on my own, and do things on my own schedule. I woke up this morning at about 6:30 (there are so.many.birds. around here). I browsed facebook, and someone posted that he had just finished his morning run. That gave me the incentive to get up and go before it got TOO hot.

It was a tough one. I really wasn't feeling well this morning. My stomach was sloshing around more than the water in my water bottles. I had two false starts. Twice I started and thought, no way am I doing this today. My head was in the game, but my body wasn't. So I walked for a bit, to the corner of our road and river rd, and started for a third time. Third time's a charm, I guess! I ran about 4 k toward the Anne museum, and then turned back for the last 3. I tried to  take it easy and to keep my pace slower, and whenever my Garmin beeped to say "On Pace" I slowed down a little.

It was humid, but not overly hot. I was dive-bombed by the birds again, and harassed by a horsefly. My foot started hurting about half way through the run, and now it's REALLY sore, right by that bump on the outside of the foot. When Red Fox gets up, I'm going to soak my feet in cold water. My lower back was ACHING on the half km walk back home, but it's ok now (I guess core work is on order for tomorrow!).

Every time I have a long run, it makes me think I'll never be able to do this half marathon thing. But I suppose if it was easy...

Distance: 7k
Time: 44:58
Average Pace: 6:25/km

Splits
1 - 6:04
2 - 7:08
3 - 6:16
4 - 6:15
5 - 6:58
6 - 5:53
7 - 6:21

Now, foot soak, shower, and breakfast. I'm starving.

PS. Not sure what's up with the formatting of this post. I didn't change anything, but yet it's displaying differently.

Intimidated on my run this morning

I ran my scheduled 5k this morning. Halfway down River Rd there's a wharf with lobster boats. Just past that wharf, I was dive-bombed by 2 birds! They both followed me for a good 200 m, swooping and "yelling" at me. Of course, I had to pass them again on the way back, and they did it again! It was a little scary! The one day I don't wear my hat! I'm not sure if they were telling me to stay away from their babies, or if they wanted my hair for their nest. It made me pick up my pace, at least! LOL

I rounded the corner onto our road, and saw a skunk cross the road, headed for our driveway. This time I swore out loud! I had to keep running beyond the driveway (on the far side of the road!) to make up the full 5k, and he was out of sight when I got back.

Oh, but last night, we saw a fox in the yard, and he (she?) almost came up onto the deck! I ran upstairs to get my camera, and followed him down the road a bit, snapping photos along the way. The foxes are so... chill. He saw me, and promptly sat down and looked right at the camera. After I got a bit too close, he walked away a few steps, but I made kissy noises at him (works every time, Dennis!) and he sat down again. :)

Canada Day (post 2 of 2 for today!)

After the race, we came home and I showered while Red Fox mowed some of the lawn. Some friends from NS were staying in Cottage 1, and the kids were playing in Little Foxes room. When we lived in NS, Little Fox went to daycare at their home, and it was a big surprise to have J and her family here! He was so excited when they arrived on Saturday and he learned they were staying for 2 nights!

I was painted my finger and toe nails red, and while I was waiting for them to dry, our friends E&B and their kiddos arrived. While the kids played, I ran around getting myself and "the boys" ready for some family photos that J was taking for us. We did our photos (there's a sneak-peek on facebook!) and then J and family headed back to NS.

B wanted to take the kids to the beach, so we walked down while the men went to Kensington for Canada Day supplies. Along the way, we explored the ditches and picked lupins. We finally got to the beach and the kids had a great time digging holes and throwing rocks.

I called Red Fox and the came to pick us up (and brought us moms coffee!). They went home, and we had some lunch before heading out to Aunt Paula's. They throw a Canada Day party, and we've been there for 3 of them so far. They are a great time... good food, good people, and good music. Ronnie plays guitar, harmonica, writes songs and sings. There are always a few other men with guitars, and this year there was a drum kit and 2 young ladies with violins/fiddles (I took most photos with my phone, so I'll add more later!)

Little Fox had an awesome time with his cousins and all the other kids there. I'm not sure how he stayed awake long enough so see the fireworks, but he did!

We had a long and exhausting day, but it was a REALLY good one!


UPDATE - photos from phone!

Red Fox and me in the shirts I made! 

 Little Fox tried out a few of the instruments

Twin Shores 5k Race Recap (post 1 of 2 for today!)

When I was planning my training schedule, I tried to work in as many races as I could. But with my weekly long runs getting longer and longer, that "disqualified" many of the weekend races around here.

However, Mondays are always 5k's. And yesterday, there was a 5k race at the Twin Shores camp ground, which worked perfectly for my first day of week 2. It was a Canada Day run in support of the IWK (For those of you who don't live here, that's the children's hospital).

Twin Shores is relatively near by... only 20 minutes, as opposed to the typical 45-60 minutes to Charlottetown where most races are! I got up at 6 to eat, and then woke up Red Fox at 7. I said "It's 7", and he said "SO?!" and then groaned when I reminded him of the race. haha I assumed people would be dressed in their Canada day stuff, but I didn't really have anything. I wore a white yoga top which has red trim, but I wanted more. So... I cut up a red sheet to sew a little running skirt! I also pulled out red-and-white striped Christmas socks (I had to fold the tops of them down inside... they have a green decoration at the top to resemble elf boots LOL).

We got to the camp ground at 8 for registration, and I got a t-shirt for being one of the first 50 people to register. It was too big for me, so I gave it to a family of 5; someone would wear it! The race started at 9, so between registration and the race, Red Fox went to K-town for coffee and made it back with 10 minutes to spare. I'm glad I didn't go too, I would have been so anxious about missing it!

Before the race started, they had a young lady sing Oh Canada. I'm HOPING that the runners all sang so quietly (or not at all) just so they could hear her beautiful singing voice... Right, runners?? It was Canada Day after all! After the anthem, off we went. Of course, people were streaming past me, but then I settled in with a few other ladies. It was warm and humid, but not too bad. I felt good, and felt like I was running well.

The course was an out-and-back, and I wasn't even at the 2k point when the first people passed us on their way back. I clapped and cheered for them, which enticed a few others to do so also. I made sure to cheer for the first few female runners too, and for a few others along the way, like the first kid (way ahead of me!). Along the course, they had funny signs up. One of them said "Running is 90% mental..." and the next one said "... and 10% crazy!". I had some water at the 2.5k turn around, but I wish I hadn't. It always makes me feel crampy.

On the way back, I tried to keep my pace up, and for the last km it was a struggle. I could see Red Fox by his truck, with his mom and Little Fox. Little Fox was jumping and clapping and yelling "go mommy"! I walked a few steps now and then, but still finished with a time of 28:24 (down a few seconds from the 28:40 at the runway run!).

After I finished, I went over to grab a banana and water, and met up with Red and Little Fox. Little Fox had found a plastic medal on the grass that he was very proud to give to me (now that I think about it, it was probably from the kid's race they had at the same time).

Overall, I thought it was a pretty good race. The signs were a nice touch, the registration seemed to go smoothly, and everyone was in good spirits. The course was slightly longer than 5k, and my garmin gives me a different time than the race time, but... *shug* it was all in fun.

Distance: 5.17k
Time: 28:41 (garmin) 28:24 (posted)
Pace: 5:33/km

Splits
1 - 5:20
2 - 5:34
3 - 5:35                              
4 - 5:39
5 - 5:32
last 0.17 - 1:02

The rest of Canada day was spent with family and friends... another post coming right up!