Sunday, July 28, 2013

Training Recap: Week 5

Monday July 22

I planned on going for another short run today, and decided I'd take poor lonesome Molly dog. I posted about this little run here.

Wednesday July 24

I went into Kensington for a 5k on the trail this evening. I think my knee hurt because of running on a clay road which was very uneven, so I thought running on the flat trail might be a good idea.

It was a GREAT run. I felt good, and it was wonderful to be back on the run after a week and a half. I had 2 or 3 small twinges in my knee that made me think uh-oh, but no persistent pain. The weather was perfect, maybe slightly more humid than I'd like but nothing too bad.

There were a lot of people out running, and it was nice to get some smiles and nods from fellow runners out enjoying the nice evening.

Distance: 5 km
Time: 28:12
Average Pace: 5:38/km


Splits
1 - 5:48
2 - 5:48
3 - 5:34
4 - 5:26
5 - 5:36

Sunday July 28

Pre-run: I've been putting off this weeks long run as long as possible. I'm scared I'll hurt my knee again, and because I'm undecided about what distance I should be doing. I had a 10k race on my schedule for yesterday, but I didn't go. Maybe I'll try for 9-10k today on the flat trail in K-town. The forecast shows that it will be pretty cool today, so I'll go early afternoon.  I had a big breakfast today at the Preserve Company, and we have a cottage to clean, and then I'll run.

Post-run: I didn't go to K-town. I just ran here at home. I really enjoyed this run! I ran from home to the Anne museum and back, and then went beyond the drive way a bit to make a full 10k. I stopped at the museum because my phone restarted itself at about the 3k mark, and I had to restart my music. And also, 2 different sets of tourists stopped and asked me directions. I'm pretty sure if anyone in the second car could have read lips, they wouldn't have stopped! I took a few pauses now and then to take a drink (still working on that hydrate-while-running thing). No knee pain yet, however my legs are really tired!

The run felt pretty damn good, actually. I even ran up ALL the hills!

My totals and averages shown below are estimates. I had my garmin, but at about 8k is was almost dead, so I stopped and restarted it so my run is broken into an 8k and a 2k.

Distance: 10 km
Time: About an hour
Average Pace: About 6:00/km


Splits
1 - 5:53
2 - 6:11
3 - 6:27
4 - 5:49
5 - 6:06
6 - 6:12
7 - 5:54
8 - 5:42
9 - 6:20
10 - 5:26

So, Yay! I think I'm back on track!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Royal Baby Run

In case you didn't know, I am a self-professed Royal Geek. I started reading books about Henry VIII eons ago, and I was hooked. I'm not impressed with the "celebrity gossipy" kind of stuff, but I like reading the official stuff. So of course I was refreshing news pages all day, waiting for the big headline.

A prince was born.

I planned on going for another short run today, and decided I'd take poor lonesome Molly dog. She's been so sad and mopey since Red Fox left, and I thought some exercise would help. So, just after reading that the baby boy was born, I got ready to go for my run. I dressed in my only blue-ish running shirt, and my purple skirt. Blue for boy, and purple for royalty. See? Told you I'm a geek.


I didn't wear my Garmin because I knew running with Molly would be slow at best, and because I'm still working my knee back into the running thing. We got to the wharf and Molly was panting. So I thought she'd like to go cool her paws in the bay. We went down the boat launch and she didn't hesitate.


She got in up to her belly, and would have gone all the way but I called her back... I'm not sure about that green stuff, and she was trying to eat it and drink the salt water. After that, we ran a bit further down the road then turned back when we came upon a "sleepy raccoon". Then, just before The Damn Hill she... um... well, I ended up carrying a baggie for the rest of the way home, so I didn't run.

I'm a little unsure of what to do with my training plan... I'd like to take it easy-ish this week. I guess I'll just wait and see how I'll adjust my training.


Sunday, July 21, 2013

Training Recap: Week 4

Monday - Saturday, July 15 - 20

My knee hurt/felt strange for most of the week. It started after my long run last week, and it was VERY painful on Sunday and into Monday. I've been resting it, and icing/heating it. Ice feels really uncomfortable on it, and makes it hurt, so I've been using heat mostly. It's not hurting nearly as much as it did on Sunday, so I think it's getting better. I'm going to rest it for a while longer, and then test it out with a short easy run in a few days.

Thursday and Friday I spent "staycationing" with friends, and walked around Cavendish. My knee felt fine, and is even better today (Saturday). I'm going to try a run tomorrow evening.

Sunday, July 21

I just got back from a short run down River Road. I took it VERY easy. I didn't wear my Garmin because I know it would have made me push myself harder than I wanted to for this test run. My knee felt fine during the run. Maybe a little... stiff? tired? something? from not running all week, but no pain. I'm hopeful that it will stay pain-free for the rest of the day, and if so, I'll start running regularly again this week.

There were 2 races this weekend that I'm sad about missing. I originally wanted to do the Dunk Rover race, because the distance fit perfectly into my schedule. Then, plans changed and we were going to be in Bridgewater this weekend, so I was going to do a 5k which was a fundraiser for Relay for Life. But then those plans went down the drain too! I'll have to check the race schedules to see if there's anything coming up this week.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Stay-cation!

I took vacation days on Thursday and Friday to spend time with Robyn and Andrew. For those of you who don't know, Robyn and I were in gymnastics together as kids, and we're now better friends than ever before! They arrived on Wednesday at about 4, and we went to the Haunted Mansion that evening (good idea, Andrew!). I asked Little Fox if he'd go through the house with us, and he said yes, but then we got there and he wouldn't go past the front desk. I eventually picked him up and carried him into the first room, and he cried the whole time. So we waited outside while R and A went through. They found it quite unsettling, and said that it's a good thing Little Fox didn't go. Then we went on the rides a few times, and went for a "thrilling" ride on the "train".


On Thursday, we spent the day at Shining Waters. Little Fox LOVES it there and has been asking to go there, almost on  a daily basis, since last summer. But when we got there, he was completely out of sorts and disagreeable. We looked at all the little attractions, like the tilted house, and the pedal boats. We did the big slide once, and then smaller body slides a lot. We spent some time in their new pool, which was great. Over all it was a good day, with 'some' whining and crying. There exists an underwater photo of me, and some pictures of us on the slides and in the pool, but they are on Robyn's camera.

On the way home, we passed the Boardwalk, and I spotted someone bouncing in a harness and bungees. I had a minor freak-out at the prospect of bouncing. It was 10 dollars for 4 minutes of bouncing on a trampoline with the aid of a harness and bungees so you could go super high. TOTALLY WORTH IT. I loved it. Before I got strapped in, I asked if I had to take my sunglasses off. The guy asked if I was planning on flipping and I was like "I'm ALLOWED to flip?!" So, I shoved my glasses into my purse and jumped up. I felt foolish because I was wearing a dress over my bathing suit and the harness had it all hitched up in the most unattractive way. It was incredibly difficult to jump straight, but after the first few seconds the guy said that if I did 4 more straight jumps, I could flip. At one point some man in the crowed yelled "HIGHER!" LOL I totally chickened out the first time, but I pulled off a few back tucks... poor technique (head back, butt out) but it was HARD to get the rotation started because the jumps were like slow motion, and I wasn't 100% sure of where I was so I wanted to be able to spot the bed of the tramp on my way down. Robyn has a video, which I'm hoping to get! Anyway, it was AWESOME. I'm going back to do it again some day! I was totally exhausted and shaking by about 3.5 minutes. The boys went too, did a great job, and seemed to really like it. The guy pulled down on their legs and let them fly super high!


 

 
We went to the general store and saw an RCMP officer who was nice enough to let us meet his horse and snap a few pictures.
 

 
We spent Thursday at the Boardwalk. It was overcast and misty, so the bungee thing wasn't open. We spent the morning browsing the shops and then had lunch at Pizza Delight. We had some COWS ice cream, and then tried the hamster balls. That's not what they are really called, but it's exactly what they are. Big, blow-up clear plastic balls that you get into and run around in... only it's on water. And you can't run. It's almost impossible to even stand up! Little Fox, Andrew and I all did it while Robyn took pictures, and got soaked in the downpour. After that, we tried black-light mini golf, but it was about a 50% success and a 50% epic fail. The boys didn't really understand the rules, because we mommies failed to explain the game. So we had a few hurt feelings, but I think the highlight was Andrews awesome hole in 1! We got about  three quarters of the way through before there were tears, and Little Fox complained of being "bored", so we sat outside while R and A finished up.
 

 
Then we went back to Island Beach Company to buy our onsies. Warm and cozy. Not to mention sexy.

After bedtime that night, the mommies had some more wine, and then Red Fox came and joined us on the deck and we talked until 2 am. I had a great time, and I'm so glad they came to visit!

After they left today, Red Fox and I went out to clean one of the cottages. We knew something had made a nest in the fire place, so Red Fox took it all apart. A squirrel made a nice little cozy home in there for her 6 or so TINY babies.

 
I called Alex's Alex, who said to gently put the whole thing in a box and put it somewhere where the mother would find them. Red Fox put the box just below the fireplace vent, which was the mother's entrance to the nest. Hopefully they will all be ok.

Tomorrow, Red fox and Little Fox head to NS. Red is going for a week-long training course, and Little is going to my mom's for his vacation. I am hoping to start running again after letting my knee rest for a week, and to get the house cleaned up a bit. (Ha!).

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Busy week!

We're halfway through one of our busiest weeks of the summer so far. Cottage guests and visits from friends and family. I thought I'd post some pictures from the last little while that I haven't posted on here.

A few weeks ago, Red Fox's mom had a friend over, and they took Little Fox to the beach a few times. I finally got a chance to go with them, and got a few pictures. Here are 2 of my favorites.



My dad is here this week, and made his specialty, planked salmon. It was the hottest day of the summer so far, and he spent 2 hours beside the fire making our supper.  It was worth it!



Little Fox has lots of playmates this week. We had a family in Cottage 2 with a little boy (and another on the way), and now we have some friends in Cottage 1 with 3 little girls. Robyn and Andrew arrive today, and I'm taking 2 vacation days to spend with them. We're taking the boys to Shining Waters, mini golf, Cows ice cream, the beach... all the good stuff!

Red Fox will be heading to Halifax next week for some training. This is the same week that Little Fox goes to my mom's for his vacation... I'll be here all by myself! Well, not really. Thankfully, Red Fox's mom will be here, too, so I won't be totally alone! The week after that, Red Fox will be going offshore for a month, so I'll be holding down the fort here.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

My knee hurts

My right knee is really hurting. It started yesterday afternoon. It's not a constant pain, it's a sudden, random, sharp pain. It seems to hurt most often when I take a step that isn't 100% straight... like walking around a corner, or if the ground is uneven.

I've been icing it (and spent some time in the cool ocean water), but it doesn't seem to help... and I can't really pinpoint the source of the pain. It's kind of the whole way around my leg, just below the joint, and it shoots down the sides of my calf a little way.

As much as I don't want to, I'll try heat on it before bed. It's too hot for heat! I'll rest it again tomorrow, and hope that this won't throw me off of my training schedule. :(

In other news, we had a pretty good weekend! Little Fox and I spent lots of time at the beach.

Today, we had the previous owner of our house stop by, and he said that Lucy Maud Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables) spent time here, and actually paid for college for the lady who lived here. The LM Montgomery Land Trust is trying to conserve the land between the beach and Cape Tryon for agricultural use and ensure that it isn't used for development. We are smack dab in the middle of that piece of land. And THAT is why it's so special here. We're surrounded by peace and quiet.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

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

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

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.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

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.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

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. :)




Tuesday, July 2, 2013

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!