Sea Fox is officially back on land, and can now be referred to as Red Fox again! We're all very happy to have him home! Nana Fox made a delicious ham dinner for us last night, so Red Fox had a good welcome-home meal. He's already on the go this morning, out to visit Silver Fox.
I didn't post a training update for this past week, because I didn't run at all. I wanted to give me knee/hip a little rest and some time to get stronger. I ran a quick 2.5k on Monday, and will try a 5k later today.
Molly dog has some serious itching going on. Her neck is all red and she's been scratching and scratching. She also has a spot in her ear that looks all irritated. I'm calling the vet in a few minutes.
That's all for now.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Winners!
I've been diligently doing my physiotherapy exercises. My bum and hip muscles are sore, so I guess that means something!
I went back to the clinic yesterday, and he did some ultrasound, some of that weird electric massage thing that feels all tingly, and massaged my IT band and my calf. I didn't realize how much my calf was hurting until he jammed his thumb in it. I iced it last night, and it was pain free today.
This morning, I somehow came across something about the Lucky 7 Relay in Halifax in November. I asked Runner Girl and Girl Gone Running if they were going. They weren't registered, so I asked if they wanted to be a team with me, so we're now all officially registered as Swift Bloggers. Our team won $150 at the Running Room! We each get $50 gift cards, just for registering for the race!
I went back to the clinic yesterday, and he did some ultrasound, some of that weird electric massage thing that feels all tingly, and massaged my IT band and my calf. I didn't realize how much my calf was hurting until he jammed his thumb in it. I iced it last night, and it was pain free today.
This morning, I somehow came across something about the Lucky 7 Relay in Halifax in November. I asked Runner Girl and Girl Gone Running if they were going. They weren't registered, so I asked if they wanted to be a team with me, so we're now all officially registered as Swift Bloggers. Our team won $150 at the Running Room! We each get $50 gift cards, just for registering for the race!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Physiotherapy update
A successful appointment, I think.
I explained the problem, and he did one little test that showed him all he needed to know. I sat on the edge of the table, with pen between my knees. rotated my lower legs out to make an upside-down V, and had to try to keep him from pushing them back together. No problem with my left side, but my right side was like nothing, no resistance.
My right hip is very weak, and my IT band is a "little tight". He thinks that somehow (possibly when I had the hip/pelvic pain during pregnancy) my body stopped using that muscle, and now my brain just doesn't bother to engage it anymore. That makes my hip drop when I'm running, which makes my knee get pushed inward a little on each step. He (Kevin) gave me some exercises to do with a band, showed me some foam roller stuff, and I'll go back tomorrow for ultrasound or stretching or something.
He said that I can keep running, but I have to keep my mileage down to about 5 or 6k per run, no more than 3 times per week. I'll have to ask him tomorrow when I can start increasing it again. That might be a "wait and see" kind of thing. He is confident that I'll be able to do the half, possibly not completely pain-free, but less pain than now. He thinks that at the end of all this, I'll be a better and faster runner.
So after tomorrow, I'll go back next week, and then probably won't have to go back for another few weeks, as long as I keep up with the strengthening stuff at home.
So, good-ish news.
I explained the problem, and he did one little test that showed him all he needed to know. I sat on the edge of the table, with pen between my knees. rotated my lower legs out to make an upside-down V, and had to try to keep him from pushing them back together. No problem with my left side, but my right side was like nothing, no resistance.
My right hip is very weak, and my IT band is a "little tight". He thinks that somehow (possibly when I had the hip/pelvic pain during pregnancy) my body stopped using that muscle, and now my brain just doesn't bother to engage it anymore. That makes my hip drop when I'm running, which makes my knee get pushed inward a little on each step. He (Kevin) gave me some exercises to do with a band, showed me some foam roller stuff, and I'll go back tomorrow for ultrasound or stretching or something.
He said that I can keep running, but I have to keep my mileage down to about 5 or 6k per run, no more than 3 times per week. I'll have to ask him tomorrow when I can start increasing it again. That might be a "wait and see" kind of thing. He is confident that I'll be able to do the half, possibly not completely pain-free, but less pain than now. He thinks that at the end of all this, I'll be a better and faster runner.
So after tomorrow, I'll go back next week, and then probably won't have to go back for another few weeks, as long as I keep up with the strengthening stuff at home.
So, good-ish news.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Physio
OK. I just called the physio clinic, and they are going to see me tomorrow afternoon at 2:30.
*Please don't tell me I can't/shouldn't run.*
*Please don't tell me I can't/shouldn't run.*
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Sunday Funday
I just posted about my Sunday Runday, so here's Sunday Funday!
This weekend was Kensington's Harvest Festival. Little Fox and I went to the Karz for Kidz show (a car show which raises money for the IWK), and then went down the street to the other kid's activities, where he "decorated" a potato, had his face painted like a dalmation, got a balloon animal, and went in the bouncy castle. Unfortunately, I had to cut it a bit short because my knee was killing me after all that walking.
Here are some pictures from our day.
This weekend was Kensington's Harvest Festival. Little Fox and I went to the Karz for Kidz show (a car show which raises money for the IWK), and then went down the street to the other kid's activities, where he "decorated" a potato, had his face painted like a dalmation, got a balloon animal, and went in the bouncy castle. Unfortunately, I had to cut it a bit short because my knee was killing me after all that walking.
Here are some pictures from our day.
Molly snuggled right in on our trip to Tim's this morning.
Original and Un-restored
My favorite!
One of Little Fox's favorites
his other favorite. You can't really see him, but he got to sit in this Ford F-100
He tried changing a tire on a race car. (well, loosening/tightening the nuts.)
He's not as speedy as the little guy in Cars, but he did it!
Decorating his potato
Training Recap: Week 8
Tuesday August 13
Best. Run. Ever. Well, for me anyway! I ran the round trip from home to the beach, twice. Last night, I bought a knee brace, and tried it out today. I was a little hesitant about using a knee brace... not sure why...? It felt funny while walking down the driveway, but once I started running, I hardly noticed it! But I ran the full 5k, no stopping (apart from a quick ponytail adjustment) and zero knee pain. This is the first time in a long time that I didn't have tired quads during my run.
I felt pretty awesome the whole run. The last 400 m was my favorite... I was huffing and puffing like crazy (complete with nose whistling... wth that was about, I'm not sure), my cheeks and arms were tingling, my brain was like "slow down!" but my legs just didn't listen. I'm not sure how my lungs kept up!
Distance: 5 km
Time: 27:43
Average Pace: 5:32/km
Splits
1 - 5:36
2 - 5:39
3 - 5:32
4 - 5:35
5 - 5:19
I think those are my most even splits ever. Except the last one.
Thursday August 15
Another good run. Not as good as Tuesday's run, but still. I decided I'd go the river way today, to run TDH on the way home. On the way down, I noticed that the field in the distance isn't yellow anymore. It was yellow on Sunday, yellow-ish yesterday when I walked Molly, and green today.
It was SO WINDY today. I had to work extra hard to move forward, even going down TDH! As a result, I took a walk break at the end of River Rd. Just before I stopped to walk, I was beside the little brook that runs to the bay, and a great big heron flew out of the brook, right over my head. It was so windy that it was having a hard time getting away from me! I ran along straight across the 20, and went until the pavement stopped, then turned around. I paused again once I was back on River rd to adjust my hair. The wind was behind me, and was blowing my ponytail around onto my face and neck. I'm gonna need a head band of some kind to keep my wipsy hair out of my eyes, too.
I stopped AGAIN for a breather before tackling TDH. I got the whole way up, and when I got to the driveway, it was only about 4.2 kms, so I just kept going to make the full 5k. No knee pain again today. I'm glad, because I thought the big downhill was what caused the pain on Sunday. This weekend, I'll probably do my long run on the flat trail in Ktown.
Distance: 5 km
Time: 28.26
Average Pace: 5:41/km
Splits
1 - 5:34
2 - 5:48
3 - 5:57
4 - 5:57
5 - 5:08
Sunday August 18
This morning was my scheduled long run. I didn't get last weeks long run because my knee started hurting shortly after I started. Well, this week, my knee started hurting at about km 10. I was only about 2 km from home, and it wasn't hurting THAT BAD, Just every now and then there would be a little twinge, so I kept going, and then added one more to reach my goal of 13k.
The second I stopped running, my knee was hurting so badly I had trouble walking back home. I even considered calling my mom-in-law to come get me, and I was only about 400m from home.
I iced it right away, and then again later in the day. Ice doesn't seem to help it... and I'm not sure if I should continue icing it or not.
Anyway, back to the run. From home, to the beach, back up to River rd, out to the Anne museum, and then backtrack to about halfway down to the beach again. I felt pretty good for most of the run. My splits are all over the place, but I think km 6 and 7 were the best. I felt the best, I felt like I was running at a good pace, I was breathing ok, and I was really on a roll. Which was a nice change from the km before that which was all up hill and took me 7:08. Like I said, at km 10, my knee started hurting, but that last km is my fastest. I always seem to pick up the pace when I know I'll be able to stop!
Distance: 13 km
Time: 1:22:57
Average Pace: 6:23/km
Splits
1 - 6:04
2 - 6:38
3 - 6:23
4 - 6:08
5 - 7:08
6 - 6:06
7 - 6:02
8 - 6:15
9 - 6:54
10 - 6:03
11 - 6:57
12 - 6:21
13 - 5:56
I guess I will have to contact a physiotherapist about the knee. I don't want to, because I don't want to hear that I shouldn't run.
Best. Run. Ever. Well, for me anyway! I ran the round trip from home to the beach, twice. Last night, I bought a knee brace, and tried it out today. I was a little hesitant about using a knee brace... not sure why...? It felt funny while walking down the driveway, but once I started running, I hardly noticed it! But I ran the full 5k, no stopping (apart from a quick ponytail adjustment) and zero knee pain. This is the first time in a long time that I didn't have tired quads during my run.
I felt pretty awesome the whole run. The last 400 m was my favorite... I was huffing and puffing like crazy (complete with nose whistling... wth that was about, I'm not sure), my cheeks and arms were tingling, my brain was like "slow down!" but my legs just didn't listen. I'm not sure how my lungs kept up!
Distance: 5 km
Time: 27:43
Average Pace: 5:32/km
Splits
1 - 5:36
2 - 5:39
3 - 5:32
4 - 5:35
5 - 5:19
I think those are my most even splits ever. Except the last one.
Thursday August 15
Another good run. Not as good as Tuesday's run, but still. I decided I'd go the river way today, to run TDH on the way home. On the way down, I noticed that the field in the distance isn't yellow anymore. It was yellow on Sunday, yellow-ish yesterday when I walked Molly, and green today.
It was SO WINDY today. I had to work extra hard to move forward, even going down TDH! As a result, I took a walk break at the end of River Rd. Just before I stopped to walk, I was beside the little brook that runs to the bay, and a great big heron flew out of the brook, right over my head. It was so windy that it was having a hard time getting away from me! I ran along straight across the 20, and went until the pavement stopped, then turned around. I paused again once I was back on River rd to adjust my hair. The wind was behind me, and was blowing my ponytail around onto my face and neck. I'm gonna need a head band of some kind to keep my wipsy hair out of my eyes, too.
I stopped AGAIN for a breather before tackling TDH. I got the whole way up, and when I got to the driveway, it was only about 4.2 kms, so I just kept going to make the full 5k. No knee pain again today. I'm glad, because I thought the big downhill was what caused the pain on Sunday. This weekend, I'll probably do my long run on the flat trail in Ktown.
Distance: 5 km
Time: 28.26
Average Pace: 5:41/km
Splits
1 - 5:34
2 - 5:48
3 - 5:57
4 - 5:57
5 - 5:08
Sunday August 18
This morning was my scheduled long run. I didn't get last weeks long run because my knee started hurting shortly after I started. Well, this week, my knee started hurting at about km 10. I was only about 2 km from home, and it wasn't hurting THAT BAD, Just every now and then there would be a little twinge, so I kept going, and then added one more to reach my goal of 13k.
The second I stopped running, my knee was hurting so badly I had trouble walking back home. I even considered calling my mom-in-law to come get me, and I was only about 400m from home.
I iced it right away, and then again later in the day. Ice doesn't seem to help it... and I'm not sure if I should continue icing it or not.
Anyway, back to the run. From home, to the beach, back up to River rd, out to the Anne museum, and then backtrack to about halfway down to the beach again. I felt pretty good for most of the run. My splits are all over the place, but I think km 6 and 7 were the best. I felt the best, I felt like I was running at a good pace, I was breathing ok, and I was really on a roll. Which was a nice change from the km before that which was all up hill and took me 7:08. Like I said, at km 10, my knee started hurting, but that last km is my fastest. I always seem to pick up the pace when I know I'll be able to stop!
Distance: 13 km
Time: 1:22:57
Average Pace: 6:23/km
Splits
1 - 6:04
2 - 6:38
3 - 6:23
4 - 6:08
5 - 7:08
6 - 6:06
7 - 6:02
8 - 6:15
9 - 6:54
10 - 6:03
11 - 6:57
12 - 6:21
13 - 5:56
I guess I will have to contact a physiotherapist about the knee. I don't want to, because I don't want to hear that I shouldn't run.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Kensington Parade Day
Today was one of those days during which so many things happened that it seems impossible that it was only ONE day.
Today was parade day in Kensington. It's their "Harvest Festival" and they actually have a lot of really great events. They have one street blocked off for beach volleyball, the parade, pancake breakfasts, live entertainment, etc. I got up early-ish, and finished cleaning up one of the cottages for guests arriving today. I then got Little Fox ready, and we headed to K-town. We got to Andy and Lori's at 9:45... where Andy told me that the parade was at 2pm, not 10am. Stupid me! So they fed us brunch, and then we came back home for more cottage cleaning.
We got back in the car at about 12:45, and I had a text from Andy asking if Little Fox wanted to ride in the fire truck with him during the parade. Silly question! He was SO. EXCITED. I dropped him off at the fire hall, and as I was leaving he was getting his fire helmet on. I went to their house to park, and chatted with Lori and her daughter for an hour, waiting for the parade to start.
Finally, the first police car came along. The parade marshal was Rose Cousins. Then the Kensington girls soccer team, which Andy's daughter is on.
We have a few "regulars" in one of the cottages this week. P and C do a lot of the yard work for us, and are good people to have around. I'm glad they are here while Sea Fox is away... I know there's someone capable around in case I need help. They brought Little Fox a toy John Deere tractor and trailer today, which he LOVES. They couldn't have picked a better toy for him... a John Deere that tows something?! Perfect. So, of course we played cars, and then Toy Story (xbox) until story time/bed time.
Today was parade day in Kensington. It's their "Harvest Festival" and they actually have a lot of really great events. They have one street blocked off for beach volleyball, the parade, pancake breakfasts, live entertainment, etc. I got up early-ish, and finished cleaning up one of the cottages for guests arriving today. I then got Little Fox ready, and we headed to K-town. We got to Andy and Lori's at 9:45... where Andy told me that the parade was at 2pm, not 10am. Stupid me! So they fed us brunch, and then we came back home for more cottage cleaning.
We got back in the car at about 12:45, and I had a text from Andy asking if Little Fox wanted to ride in the fire truck with him during the parade. Silly question! He was SO. EXCITED. I dropped him off at the fire hall, and as I was leaving he was getting his fire helmet on. I went to their house to park, and chatted with Lori and her daughter for an hour, waiting for the parade to start.
Then came the fire trucks. Little Fox was in the 3rd one, and I swear, I've never seen that kid happier. He had on the helmet still, and was standing right up front, pulling the horn chain and sticking his head out the window to yell to people and throw candy. Lori got an awesome photo of his blowing the horn, thumbs up, and GRINNING.
I got a video, but it's REALLY shaky (Sorry Sea Fox... if you're not seasick now, you will be after watching this!). I was running, and I was all excited so my hands were shaking like crazy. The last part is the best part anyway.
The rest of the parade was pretty boring after that. LOL not really "boring" but certainly not as exciting as seeing my kid have the time of his life! I took pictures of almost everything because Little Fox wouldn't have seen any of the old cars. When the parade was over, we had a bbq at Andy and Lori's and then came home to meet the cottage guests.
We have a few "regulars" in one of the cottages this week. P and C do a lot of the yard work for us, and are good people to have around. I'm glad they are here while Sea Fox is away... I know there's someone capable around in case I need help. They brought Little Fox a toy John Deere tractor and trailer today, which he LOVES. They couldn't have picked a better toy for him... a John Deere that tows something?! Perfect. So, of course we played cars, and then Toy Story (xbox) until story time/bed time.
Tomorrow will be another fun-filled day in Kensington... the car show, children's activities (face painting, carpentry, arts and crafts, etc), and a community family movie at the arena. Also, tomorrow is my next attempt at a long run (goal is 13-14k), so there will be another blog post or 2 in the next day or so.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Training Recap: Week 7
Tuesday August 6
My toes are killing me from Sunday's long run. The toenails on my second toes hurt so bad, and feel bruised. My thighs are still sore, too. So, instead of a *run* today, I took Molly for a run/jog/walk along River Rd.
Tomorrow is the 8k race, so again, I thought some easy activity was best for today!
Wednesday August 7
I ran the Hugh A Campbell Memorial Run this evening, an 8k race which raised funds for the Shriners. My race recap is here.
Sunday August 11
Today was supposed to be my 12 k run. I was feeling pretty good about it, and felt I prepared properly... I left home and ran to the beach and back, and then made a quick pit stop at home before continuing. As I got to the bottom of TDH, my knee started hurting again. I frantically tried to figure out if it was just a one-off, or if I should stop... as I got to the end of River Rd, it was clear that I should stop. It wasn't hurting as bad as last time, but I didn't want to make it worse. I stopped at about 4.5k, and walked back home. :(
Will rest it for a few days and then try again. Maybe I should start doing my long runs on the flat trail. Boo.
*Monday update: iced it for a bit yesterday... no pain yet today, but it'll probably start to hurt later in the day.
My toes are killing me from Sunday's long run. The toenails on my second toes hurt so bad, and feel bruised. My thighs are still sore, too. So, instead of a *run* today, I took Molly for a run/jog/walk along River Rd.
Tomorrow is the 8k race, so again, I thought some easy activity was best for today!
Wednesday August 7
I ran the Hugh A Campbell Memorial Run this evening, an 8k race which raised funds for the Shriners. My race recap is here.
Finish Line photo by Janet Bain
Today was supposed to be my 12 k run. I was feeling pretty good about it, and felt I prepared properly... I left home and ran to the beach and back, and then made a quick pit stop at home before continuing. As I got to the bottom of TDH, my knee started hurting again. I frantically tried to figure out if it was just a one-off, or if I should stop... as I got to the end of River Rd, it was clear that I should stop. It wasn't hurting as bad as last time, but I didn't want to make it worse. I stopped at about 4.5k, and walked back home. :(
Will rest it for a few days and then try again. Maybe I should start doing my long runs on the flat trail. Boo.
*Monday update: iced it for a bit yesterday... no pain yet today, but it'll probably start to hurt later in the day.
Go-karts!
Yesterday, I took Little Fox to Burlington Amusement Park. It sounds much more exciting than it is. The main attraction there is go-karts. But I knew Little Fox would like it, and it was kind-of inexpensive. The "rides" take tickets, and there's no admission.
First, we walked around to see what we'd want to do, and how many tickets we'd need. Besides the go-karts, they have bumper boats, bumper cars, and mini-golf. We decided on the mini go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats and the big karts. It was about 25 dollars for the tickets.
The little karts were pretty cute. It's a fully-operational little car, that the kid controls with gas, brake and steering.
Then we played mini golf. He did pretty well, but lost interest about 3/4 of the way through. I told him that I wanted to finish the game, so at the remaining holes, he just put his ball near the hole and hit it until it went in.
Little Fox was big enough to have his own bumper boat. Of course, the attendant taught him how to make it go faster, so he was on full-speed the whole time. He did really well, until it was tine to "dock"... and then he got stuck spinning around. We were yelling to him to let go of the handle, but he couldn't hear us over the engine. Eventually, he spun his way over to the side and the attendant caught his boat.
After the bumper boats, we watched the big karts for a bit... until I was confident that I could actually drive one. We got in line and I apologized in advance to the people in line... I knew I'd be slow-ish... you know, since it was my first time driving one, and I had my 5 year old with me. We got in, got out seat belts and helmets on and off we went. I actually WASN'T the slowest... we passed a few people. Little Fox had a great time (until the end when this jerk bumped us from behind 4 times, and then laughed as he passed, but we didn't let it ruin our day). I wish we had some pictures from the bumper boats and karts! We're going to go back when Sea Fox gets home!
Yay! Go-Karts!
First, we walked around to see what we'd want to do, and how many tickets we'd need. Besides the go-karts, they have bumper boats, bumper cars, and mini-golf. We decided on the mini go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats and the big karts. It was about 25 dollars for the tickets.
The little karts were pretty cute. It's a fully-operational little car, that the kid controls with gas, brake and steering.
His first ride of the day
Safety First! Seat Belt
Helmet
Start 'er up!
Then we played mini golf. He did pretty well, but lost interest about 3/4 of the way through. I told him that I wanted to finish the game, so at the remaining holes, he just put his ball near the hole and hit it until it went in.
After the bumper boats, we watched the big karts for a bit... until I was confident that I could actually drive one. We got in line and I apologized in advance to the people in line... I knew I'd be slow-ish... you know, since it was my first time driving one, and I had my 5 year old with me. We got in, got out seat belts and helmets on and off we went. I actually WASN'T the slowest... we passed a few people. Little Fox had a great time (until the end when this jerk bumped us from behind 4 times, and then laughed as he passed, but we didn't let it ruin our day). I wish we had some pictures from the bumper boats and karts! We're going to go back when Sea Fox gets home!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Recent adventures
Last night, Little Fox and I went to buy some school supplies. I was hoping it would be a fun outing, but he was being a stinker in the store. But we got some indoor sneakers, his backpack and lunch bag. I also picked up some pencils and such, mainly for homework, since the school just asks parents to pay a small fee and they get the supplies for the classroom. I'm pretty sure that fee was due in June, but I just realized that 2 days ago. I feel really bad... because my brother is a teacher, I know how much time/effort/money goes into getting a classroom ready for the new school year... and I'm obviously not making this poor teacher's job any easier!
Today, Little Fox and I went into Kensington to get his hair cut... but the "haircutters" wasn't open today. So we went for lunch instead.
Today, Little Fox and I went into Kensington to get his hair cut... but the "haircutters" wasn't open today. So we went for lunch instead.
Honestly, I was trying to take a photo of the rock wall. He stuck his head in at the last second. *not kidding*
After lunch, we walked over to the library, got a few books and a movie and then headed home. We headed down to the beach, and played in the sand for about an hour.
After the beach, we relaxed with a movie, and then about 6 library books. Tomorrow, I think we're going to Burlington Amusement Park. :)
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Hugh A Campbell Memorial 8kRun Race Recap!
From PEI RoadRunners website:
"This run is a Memorial run in remembrance of Hugh Campbell who was a runner back in the thirties and forties on PEI and throughout the Maritimes. His specialty was 5 mile races where he competed and won several races. "
This evening's 8k run fit perfectly into my training schedule (which has admittedly gone off-track since my knee "injury" a few weeks ago). Not only did it fit in the schedule well, it was really close to home, which was a nice change from driving 45 mins to Charlottetown for a 30 minute race!
The guests staying in Cottage 2 are runners from Ottawa, so I told them about the run and they were pretty excited to give it a try. It was great to go to a race here and have someone to talk to; usually I just wander around smiling awkwardly at people who look kinda maybe familiar!
The race was along the Princetown "Road" for about 2k, and then turned onto another paved road for 2k and then back. I put "road" in quotation marks because it was more like an almost-washed-out clay trail. Beautiful, but hard to run on. The last km of this dirt road was a huge downhill... which was awesome... going in that direction! Not so much on the way back.
I started out feeling pretty good, but I went out too fast (arg, as usual!) and was panting by the end of the first km. I used gravity to get me down the big hill so I could catch my breath and felt ok after that. The 2k from the corner to the turn-around seemed to last for-ev-er. I waved at Jenny from Cottage 2 as she passed on her way back, paused for water at the 4k mark, and headed back. Not long after I turned, I passed Jenny's husband Marco headed toward the water station.
I was SO relieved when I saw people walking up that hill. This hill is like the mother of all hills. I'm glad I wasn't the only one walking it! There was one little downhill and then another up. And then the glorious finish line! My Garmin finish time was 50:04, but the official time will be a few seconds more (50:24 I think) because I paused my garmin at the water station. After the race, they had hot dogs, bananas, granola bars and ice cream with strawberries. I had a banana and water, but I REALLY wanted some ice cream. Didn't have any lactose pills so I skipped it.
My toes are absolutely killing me. They look normal, but my toenails feel bruised. Especially on my second toe.
Distance: 8.12 km
Time: 50.04 Garmin time
Average Pace: 6:10/km
Splits
1 - 5:24 - too fast!
2 - 5:33 - Downhill
3 - 5:54
4 - 6:18
5 - 5:58
6 - 6:07
7 - 7:56 - LOL! That hill was HUGE
8 - 6:17
Last 0.12 - 0:37
Janet (RunMan's mom) was there taking photos, so when she posts them, I'll put one on here, as well as the official result.
"This run is a Memorial run in remembrance of Hugh Campbell who was a runner back in the thirties and forties on PEI and throughout the Maritimes. His specialty was 5 mile races where he competed and won several races. "
This evening's 8k run fit perfectly into my training schedule (which has admittedly gone off-track since my knee "injury" a few weeks ago). Not only did it fit in the schedule well, it was really close to home, which was a nice change from driving 45 mins to Charlottetown for a 30 minute race!
The guests staying in Cottage 2 are runners from Ottawa, so I told them about the run and they were pretty excited to give it a try. It was great to go to a race here and have someone to talk to; usually I just wander around smiling awkwardly at people who look kinda maybe familiar!
Some of you will note that I'm wearing Kipper colours. Turquoise shirt, navy shorts, yellow socks.Not intentional.
The race was along the Princetown "Road" for about 2k, and then turned onto another paved road for 2k and then back. I put "road" in quotation marks because it was more like an almost-washed-out clay trail. Beautiful, but hard to run on. The last km of this dirt road was a huge downhill... which was awesome... going in that direction! Not so much on the way back.
I started out feeling pretty good, but I went out too fast (arg, as usual!) and was panting by the end of the first km. I used gravity to get me down the big hill so I could catch my breath and felt ok after that. The 2k from the corner to the turn-around seemed to last for-ev-er. I waved at Jenny from Cottage 2 as she passed on her way back, paused for water at the 4k mark, and headed back. Not long after I turned, I passed Jenny's husband Marco headed toward the water station.
I was SO relieved when I saw people walking up that hill. This hill is like the mother of all hills. I'm glad I wasn't the only one walking it! There was one little downhill and then another up. And then the glorious finish line! My Garmin finish time was 50:04, but the official time will be a few seconds more (50:24 I think) because I paused my garmin at the water station. After the race, they had hot dogs, bananas, granola bars and ice cream with strawberries. I had a banana and water, but I REALLY wanted some ice cream. Didn't have any lactose pills so I skipped it.
My toes are absolutely killing me. They look normal, but my toenails feel bruised. Especially on my second toe.
Distance: 8.12 km
Time: 50.04 Garmin time
Average Pace: 6:10/km
Splits
1 - 5:24 - too fast!
2 - 5:33 - Downhill
3 - 5:54
4 - 6:18
5 - 5:58
6 - 6:07
7 - 7:56 - LOL! That hill was HUGE
8 - 6:17
Last 0.12 - 0:37
Janet (RunMan's mom) was there taking photos, so when she posts them, I'll put one on here, as well as the official result.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Rough Day
I didn't have a great day today. I felt anxious all day... the heart pounding, no appetite, can't concentrate kind of anxious. I'm not sure of the reason, other than "life in general" right now.
After work, I took Molly for a little walk, and then took Little Fox into Summerside with me. We went to the grocery store for dog food, and I got a few thing for a picnic. We sat on the grass beside the superstore parking lot and had some chicken, water melon, pineapple, cheese and croissants.
After work, I took Molly for a little walk, and then took Little Fox into Summerside with me. We went to the grocery store for dog food, and I got a few thing for a picnic. We sat on the grass beside the superstore parking lot and had some chicken, water melon, pineapple, cheese and croissants.
Looks like Alex in this pic, with one eye closed!
After a quick stop at the bank, I went to Source for Sports to get a mouth guard. I'll try it out tonight to see if it will maybe help with the jaw pain. If nothing else, it will make me conscious of what my teeth and jaw are doing, and ti was only 10 dollars. This jaw pain is getting old, and I'm 99% sure I'm not clenching my teeth. Hopefully the dentist will have some help for me in September.
When we got home, it was about 1.5 hours past Little Fox's bed time, so I put him to bed quickly, and then took Molly outside for some play time. I bought her a small kong that we can use for fetch, and she loved it. I also got her a chew bone, which she hasn't had in a long time, so she is a happy girl now.
I'm a little concerned that she might have a UTI... she's been acting very similar to the way she acted the last time she had an infection. Maybe she's just lacking attention and outside time lately. Come home "daddy", Molly misses you!
I'm feeling better after my walk/run with Molly and the trip to Summerside with Little Fox. I'm pretty lucky to have such a great little boy.
After last nights "sleep" on the floor of Little Fox's room, I'm really looking forward to getting caught up with Jamie and Claire and sleeping in my comfy bed!
For those of you wondering, Sea Fox has been either chugging along well, or bobbing around on weather, but either way, he's doing alright! Six days down, 22 to go... but who's counting! ;)
Monday, August 5, 2013
Happy Day!
Happy Birthday Red Fox!
We miss you, and wish you were home with us to celebrate. When you get home, I'll make shepherds pie and chocolate cake for you.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Training Recap: Week 6
Tuesday July 30
I planned to run today, but life and such got in the way. Red Fox leaves today for a month, and we had things to do. In the evening, we went to see my niece play soccer, and I planned to run when we got home... but it was dark out by that time!
Wednesday July 31
Ugh. A terrible awful no-good run today. Red Fox left last night and will be gone for the month. My mom-in-law is going out for dinner tonight, so I knew I wouldn't be able to fit a run in tonight before dark without her being here to look after the boy. So I decided I'd sneak one in during my workday... I can't RUN after dark or without a babysitter, but I can work. And it's only about 30 minutes. I made up the time this evening after bed time. :)
Anyway, it started out awesome, I ran down toward the beach, and felt good and speedy. Then I turned around and headed back and I just couldn't catch my breath. It was almost a wheeze. Then I started feeling sick. I think it's cause I didn't hydratevery well at all. I had planned to do 5k, but I was lucky to get 4k. I almost stopped at 3, but the big hill was right there, so I figured I could at least run down the hill!
Distance: 4 km
Time: 25:48
Average Pace: 5:41/km
Splits
1 - 5:39
2 - 5:59
3 - 5:49
4 - 5:19 - I don't believe this one. I mean, sure it was downhill but I felt like a zombie.
Thursday August 1
Thanks to Mom-in-law, I got to go to Yoga tonight! I needed a good stretch, and I think I'm going to need the mental break that yoga provides this month!
A 5k is on the schedule for tomorrow. Tomorrow evening looks like it'll be cool-ish.
Friday August 2
I had a great run this evening. Thank goodness. The terrible-no-good-awful run on Wednesday had me discouraged. But tonight was a perfect night for running. Overcast, cool, and very quiet; while I was waiting for my Garmin to lock, I could hear something moving in the woods across the road. Most likely a fox. I really tried to concentrate on the great things about the run... the water, the wild flowers lining all the roads, the birds singing and swooping (not AT me this time!) and even the marsh-at-low-tide smell, which most people think is a bad smell, but I kinda like it. Reminds me of summers at the beach with my family.
I thought about how running is going to be my escape this month while Sea Fox is away. It will be the only time that I'm not responsible for anything but the run. No phone calls, no cottages, no demands. I felt like throwing my head back and my arms wide, to revel in the freedom. I didn't though, because then I'd look REALLY crazy.
I also thought about how I was taken aback by a conversation I had with the Cottage 3 guests the other day. I said "Well... I run"... but I didn't say "I'm a runner". I mean, I'm training for a half marathon... that makes me a runner, I'd say. I wonder why did I make it seem like "oh, you know... I dabble in running now and then". La-di-da.
Distance: 5 km
Time: 28:24
Average Pace: 5:40/km
Splits
1 - 5:41
2 - 5:48
3 - 5:43
4 - 6:02 - TDH
5 - 5:09 - I really felt like I was "in the groove" for this last km, after getting up TDH. But I'm doubting this time.
Sunday August 4
Today was my long run. 11 km... the furthest I've ever run. I did not prepare properly, and I paid for it! I had to go to Summerside today and treated Little Fox to McDonalds. I was halfway through my McChicken when I remembered I had to run. Well, crap. I finished the burger and had about 1/3 of the fries.
I got dressed and got the logistics of "babysitting" sorted out, and off I went. I felt ok the first 2 km, and then hit the big uphill on the "highway" at km 3, and that drained me. My legs were... tired. I paused a few times (paused my garmin too, so the times shown below are the times I was actually moving), and walked a little bit. I got a stitch at the end of km 4, which lasted a long time... I ran 6 km out, and 5 km back, which helped me avoid TDH. The way back was actually better... but all the downhills on the way back helped.
By the 9th km, I ran out of water/gatorade, and my right leg felt like collapsing each time I took a step. My calves were super tight, too.
Lesson learned. I did it though! Wasn't pretty, but it's done!
Distance: 11 km
Time: 1:08:42
Average Pace: 6:14/km
Splits
1 - 5:56
2 - 6:19
3 - 6:16
4 - 6:01
5 - 6:32
6 - 6:30
7 - 5:43 (nice downhill!!)
8 - 6:42
9 - 6:42
10 - 5:43 (another downhill)
11 - 6:16
Like I said before, the times shown are the times I was actually moving. I stopped a few times to fix my fuel belt (it's hard for me to get used to it), stretch out the stitch or my legs, and just breathe, and paused my Garmin when I did so. But I kept it going whenever I walked.
There's an 8k race this week, on Wednesday evening I think, which I might go to. It was on my schedule, so we'll see how the week goes.
I planned to run today, but life and such got in the way. Red Fox leaves today for a month, and we had things to do. In the evening, we went to see my niece play soccer, and I planned to run when we got home... but it was dark out by that time!
Wednesday July 31
Ugh. A terrible awful no-good run today. Red Fox left last night and will be gone for the month. My mom-in-law is going out for dinner tonight, so I knew I wouldn't be able to fit a run in tonight before dark without her being here to look after the boy. So I decided I'd sneak one in during my workday... I can't RUN after dark or without a babysitter, but I can work. And it's only about 30 minutes. I made up the time this evening after bed time. :)
Anyway, it started out awesome, I ran down toward the beach, and felt good and speedy. Then I turned around and headed back and I just couldn't catch my breath. It was almost a wheeze. Then I started feeling sick. I think it's cause I didn't hydrate
Distance: 4 km
Time: 25:48
Average Pace: 5:41/km
Splits
1 - 5:39
2 - 5:59
3 - 5:49
4 - 5:19 - I don't believe this one. I mean, sure it was downhill but I felt like a zombie.
Thursday August 1
Thanks to Mom-in-law, I got to go to Yoga tonight! I needed a good stretch, and I think I'm going to need the mental break that yoga provides this month!
A 5k is on the schedule for tomorrow. Tomorrow evening looks like it'll be cool-ish.
Friday August 2
I had a great run this evening. Thank goodness. The terrible-no-good-awful run on Wednesday had me discouraged. But tonight was a perfect night for running. Overcast, cool, and very quiet; while I was waiting for my Garmin to lock, I could hear something moving in the woods across the road. Most likely a fox. I really tried to concentrate on the great things about the run... the water, the wild flowers lining all the roads, the birds singing and swooping (not AT me this time!) and even the marsh-at-low-tide smell, which most people think is a bad smell, but I kinda like it. Reminds me of summers at the beach with my family.
I thought about how running is going to be my escape this month while Sea Fox is away. It will be the only time that I'm not responsible for anything but the run. No phone calls, no cottages, no demands. I felt like throwing my head back and my arms wide, to revel in the freedom. I didn't though, because then I'd look REALLY crazy.
I also thought about how I was taken aback by a conversation I had with the Cottage 3 guests the other day. I said "Well... I run"... but I didn't say "I'm a runner". I mean, I'm training for a half marathon... that makes me a runner, I'd say. I wonder why did I make it seem like "oh, you know... I dabble in running now and then". La-di-da.
Distance: 5 km
Time: 28:24
Average Pace: 5:40/km
Splits
1 - 5:41
2 - 5:48
3 - 5:43
4 - 6:02 - TDH
5 - 5:09 - I really felt like I was "in the groove" for this last km, after getting up TDH. But I'm doubting this time.
Sunday August 4
Today was my long run. 11 km... the furthest I've ever run. I did not prepare properly, and I paid for it! I had to go to Summerside today and treated Little Fox to McDonalds. I was halfway through my McChicken when I remembered I had to run. Well, crap. I finished the burger and had about 1/3 of the fries.
I got dressed and got the logistics of "babysitting" sorted out, and off I went. I felt ok the first 2 km, and then hit the big uphill on the "highway" at km 3, and that drained me. My legs were... tired. I paused a few times (paused my garmin too, so the times shown below are the times I was actually moving), and walked a little bit. I got a stitch at the end of km 4, which lasted a long time... I ran 6 km out, and 5 km back, which helped me avoid TDH. The way back was actually better... but all the downhills on the way back helped.
By the 9th km, I ran out of water/gatorade, and my right leg felt like collapsing each time I took a step. My calves were super tight, too.
Lesson learned. I did it though! Wasn't pretty, but it's done!
Distance: 11 km
Time: 1:08:42
Average Pace: 6:14/km
Splits
1 - 5:56
2 - 6:19
3 - 6:16
4 - 6:01
5 - 6:32
6 - 6:30
7 - 5:43 (nice downhill!!)
8 - 6:42
9 - 6:42
10 - 5:43 (another downhill)
11 - 6:16
Like I said before, the times shown are the times I was actually moving. I stopped a few times to fix my fuel belt (it's hard for me to get used to it), stretch out the stitch or my legs, and just breathe, and paused my Garmin when I did so. But I kept it going whenever I walked.
There's an 8k race this week, on Wednesday evening I think, which I might go to. It was on my schedule, so we'll see how the week goes.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Bump in the night
Last night, I was JUST drifting off to sleep (pseudo-dreaming that I had gold leaf on my hair) when I heard a thump. And then a bump. And then lots more thumps and bumps. I think there was a raccoon either in the attic or on the roof. Luckily, our friend Andy showed up, just as I was discussing the thumps with mom-in-law. Andy wasted no time getting up into the attic, but didn't see any signs of life up there, thank goodness. There's a big hole on one side (a man-made hole) that he couldn't see all the way into, but like I said, no visible signs of life. Dr. Spooner at Acadia taught us that "absence of evidence is not evidence of absence", so I'll keep listening and if I hear anything else I'll get a trap.
I checked the ship tracking site this morning, and Sea Fox is now at the work site, and was anchored for a bit this morning. They seem to be underway again. He emailed me some pretty nice "scenery" photos, and I can't wait to get more!
One of the best parts of my day today was when I realized that Monday is a holiday. YES. Also, it's Sea Fox's birthday that day, so although he's not home to celebrate, we'll be wishing he was.
This evening, Little Fox and I had a nachos-and-a-movie night. Really, I just baked some cut-up tortillas with cheese, tomato and green pepper on top. Little Fox helped me put the toppings on, and then he got the movie ready (we watched the Smurfs). I poured some apple juice into some fancy wine glasses just for fun, and when the nachos were ready we cheers-ed and settled in for dinner and entertainment.
After the movie, we read some books, emailed Daddy, and then he went to bed. I went for a run, talked to my dad on the phone, and now here I am blogging and watching the track-plot update. Here's to a thump-less night!
I checked the ship tracking site this morning, and Sea Fox is now at the work site, and was anchored for a bit this morning. They seem to be underway again. He emailed me some pretty nice "scenery" photos, and I can't wait to get more!
One of the best parts of my day today was when I realized that Monday is a holiday. YES. Also, it's Sea Fox's birthday that day, so although he's not home to celebrate, we'll be wishing he was.
This evening, Little Fox and I had a nachos-and-a-movie night. Really, I just baked some cut-up tortillas with cheese, tomato and green pepper on top. Little Fox helped me put the toppings on, and then he got the movie ready (we watched the Smurfs). I poured some apple juice into some fancy wine glasses just for fun, and when the nachos were ready we cheers-ed and settled in for dinner and entertainment.
Mine is apple juice too... unfortunately! haha
After the movie, we read some books, emailed Daddy, and then he went to bed. I went for a run, talked to my dad on the phone, and now here I am blogging and watching the track-plot update. Here's to a thump-less night!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Sea Fox
Well, today is day one of Red Fox's stint offshore. He'll be referred to as Sea Fox until he gets home. I can't take credit for that one, he came up with it.
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to tell you where he's going, what ship he's on, or what he's doing. However, he is NOT halfway around the world in pirate-infested waters and he's NOT busting his ass on the deck. He's on a decent ship, with a decent job, and is relatively close to home. I can track his ship online and I'm looking forward to watching their progress!
But this leaves me here at Foxfield, working full time, with Little Fox at home, and 3 cottages and one big house to clean/maintain. I have to remember to take the garbage out (which I forgot today), and pay the bills (no calls today!). I'm a little scared, but... I'm sure it will be ok.
This is the eye-opener that I think all people need. I think everyone should spend a month at home, with ALL responsibilities and in minimal communication with their partner. We always think "I do everything around here"... yeah? Well, let your spouse leave for a month and you'll find out what he/she REALLY does!
Thankfully, I have Sea Fox's mom here to help. She's been looking after Little Fox while I work, and helping me clean the cottages. It helps to have adult conversation now and then too! Silver Fox (been a while since I mentioned him... that's Sea Fox's dad) is coming to mow the lawn, and I've had a lot of offers of help from so many others. I'm thankful for the offers, but I hope I won't have to take them up on it!
I'm trying to not let my mind get carried away with all the what-ifs. What if our POS kitchen faucet finally breaks? What if that possible double-booking shows up? What if I get sick or hurt? And of course, there's always finances to worry about. I know there's always a solution... but I like having Sea Fox to help find the solution.
So, to help the time pass more quickly, and to have something to look forward to each day, I planned a daily activity for Little Fox and me. Most of them are simple, at home things, like bake cookies, walk Molly together, and movie nights. There are some free/cheap things we can do in Kensington, such as the library, the community pool (free!), the Harvest Festival parade and car show, the school playgrounds, ice cream, and mini golf. I am also planning to take him to Shining Waters again, and to Burlington Amusement Park, where they have go karts and other fun stuff.
Today, we had a picnic lunch on the lawn by the orchard (how many trees do you need before you can call it an orchard?). We had peanut butter and nutella sandwiches (I wish I had planned this better, cause that's what we had for breakfast too!), cucumber, cheese, crackers, and apple juice. Marshmallows for dessert. I even packed a treat for Molly.
Also, our first pink lilies of the season. The rest of them don't look even close to opening. I hope they do, because I love them!
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to tell you where he's going, what ship he's on, or what he's doing. However, he is NOT halfway around the world in pirate-infested waters and he's NOT busting his ass on the deck. He's on a decent ship, with a decent job, and is relatively close to home. I can track his ship online and I'm looking forward to watching their progress!
But this leaves me here at Foxfield, working full time, with Little Fox at home, and 3 cottages and one big house to clean/maintain. I have to remember to take the garbage out (which I forgot today), and pay the bills (no calls today!). I'm a little scared, but... I'm sure it will be ok.
This is the eye-opener that I think all people need. I think everyone should spend a month at home, with ALL responsibilities and in minimal communication with their partner. We always think "I do everything around here"... yeah? Well, let your spouse leave for a month and you'll find out what he/she REALLY does!
Thankfully, I have Sea Fox's mom here to help. She's been looking after Little Fox while I work, and helping me clean the cottages. It helps to have adult conversation now and then too! Silver Fox (been a while since I mentioned him... that's Sea Fox's dad) is coming to mow the lawn, and I've had a lot of offers of help from so many others. I'm thankful for the offers, but I hope I won't have to take them up on it!
I'm trying to not let my mind get carried away with all the what-ifs. What if our POS kitchen faucet finally breaks? What if that possible double-booking shows up? What if I get sick or hurt? And of course, there's always finances to worry about. I know there's always a solution... but I like having Sea Fox to help find the solution.
So, to help the time pass more quickly, and to have something to look forward to each day, I planned a daily activity for Little Fox and me. Most of them are simple, at home things, like bake cookies, walk Molly together, and movie nights. There are some free/cheap things we can do in Kensington, such as the library, the community pool (free!), the Harvest Festival parade and car show, the school playgrounds, ice cream, and mini golf. I am also planning to take him to Shining Waters again, and to Burlington Amusement Park, where they have go karts and other fun stuff.
Today, we had a picnic lunch on the lawn by the orchard (how many trees do you need before you can call it an orchard?). We had peanut butter and nutella sandwiches (I wish I had planned this better, cause that's what we had for breakfast too!), cucumber, cheese, crackers, and apple juice. Marshmallows for dessert. I even packed a treat for Molly.
Also, our first pink lilies of the season. The rest of them don't look even close to opening. I hope they do, because I love them!
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