Running in the Wilds of Langdon

I have something to attend in the city this afternoon so decided to save myself from two trips in and just run my long run in Langdon, blackbirds and all.  I do have a "safe" 5k route. and with 8k to run, I could just run 4k of it as an out and back.  A plan was in place.  and it was a lovely day for it - feeling much warmer than the 5C that was on the thermometer.

I even decided to wear the new Merrell tank I found at Winners for $20...so cute.

So, I headed out on a relatively unadventurous run.  I thought you all might enjoy seeing the "wildlife" I encountered on my run today.

This guy is usually so friendly on my local runs, but today he was totally giving me the cold shoulder.

and then there was this little guy near my turnaround. I didn't even see him when I passed the first time...he was so quiet (that is super unusual for ALL dogs in Langdon - he must be new and not know that yet)

I love him.  He is so soft - I nearly kidnapped him.  Do you think the owners would notice if I swapped him for Allergyhound?

Soon, I was at 4k and ready to turn around at around 26 mins.  Only a km from home but it was such a beautiful day, I wasn't even tempted to just turn the 8k into a 5k.

I then ran past the only hills in Langdon.  Why, yes - they were left behind by the developer.

As I crossed the highway, I looked wistfully at a way that would have made an 8k loop if it was at all safe to run that way...alas it is not.   Those damned redwing blackbirds nest up there...

So, I turned the corner and soon there was this guy singing away at me near the 6k mark.

and then it was just a matter of zooming through to the end.  Once I was back across the highway - I ramped it up and aimed to finish strong and fast.   That last km would have been around 5min/km if I hadn't had to wait at the highway to cross. Darnit.

My left knee was still a bit naggy so I am going to need to rest and rehab it this week.  That will give me an excuse to be in bed early all week.  The best part of this run today had to be letting myself take it easy yet still having a really strong moving pace.   All of my hard work is paying off bigtime and I can't wait to see it translate next week in my Goal 10k race!  Eeeeee!

Smart Planning

Ok, yesterday in my Three Things Thursday, I announced that I am going to do Whole30 and 10 Minute Trainer to kickstart my health and my strength training.  I had originally thought I would be able to start it this next Monday, but I don't think that is going to be a smart idea...after all my GOAL race is next Sunday.   The one where I will on no certain terms take a slower time than 60 mins to complete.  I don't want to jeopardize it in anyway because this has been 2 years in the making and I am finally feeling ready for it.

Mixing things up with my diet and fitness in the week leading up to it may not be the brightest plan.

BUT - the following Monday is ripe for the picking.  May 27th will mark the start of the challenge for myself.   That way the success of May 26 will carry me along :)  It will also give me the time I need to prepare and shop for what I need to make sure I am successful!

I'm really looking forward to this and can't wait to share the results with you all!

Three Things Thursday

1)  I have the taper doldrums.  Not the crazies, since I am not tapering for a marathon...but with my 10k plan suddenly easing up - my motivation is gone.  I'm not worrying about it too much.  I really want to feel good for my big goal race on the 26th...so extra time to rest and heal isn't a bad thing I suppose.  Especially since I am still super exhausted from the anemia.

2) My brain appears to be impaired.  I have caught myself falling into sugary eating patterns twice this week.  Once, it was when I decided to get a muffin instead of my usual eggs and toast in the cafeteria...and it wasn't until I ate the top of it that I realized "Crap - I don't eat this shit anymore"  and then this morning, I pulled out my travel mug to make my tea and almost decided to have coffee instead but realized I'd need sugar in it.  My sugar wean has been fairly pain-free.  I haven't really had to think alot about it - I just read labels and avoid it.  I was caught really off guard by how easy it would be to slip back into my old ways.

3) I think I finally decided what my next step is going to be.  I think I am going to do Whole 30 and 10 Minute Trainer as a one month challenge to myself.   I need to clean up my diet and I really need some strength training.   I think it will be a good kickstart to summer.  So - starting Monday?  Guess I'd better get prepping!

Killing Hills with Tina

Today it was time to hit the hills again and I was so thrilled to have a buddy for the long slog :)  Six hills in the noon sunshine.

Lookit Tina GO!!!!

I tried to snap a pic of me too...but it was rated too bad for blogging and was quickly deleted.  And given that I have posted some pretty bad pics here over the life of my blog - that should tell you how bad that selfie really was!

We found a pace bunny for part of the run :)  He was taking those hills at a pretty irresponsible speed so we didn't even try to keep up.

It was a perfect day for a run.  My shin complained a little and my knee complained a little more, but otherwise I felt great...and when all was said and done, I had 5.5km worth of mileage done!

and had a chance to run with this awesome lady, which is always a treat!

Tank Test

Ok - last post today, I promise...

I am pretty sore from my weekend.  19k Saturday and 5k while carrying 40lbs yesterday has left me feeling like I ran a half marathon and did strength training.  Owie.

But I decided I still wanted to work out today to try to shake some of the soreness.   Down to the gym I went for some time on the bike.  A perfect opportunity to take the second tank I bought for a test drive. And, since it was the first time I changed in the 4th floor bathroom when no one else was around...you guys even get a full body shot :P

Unfortunately, due to some work confusion this morning, I forgot to charge my tablet and couldn't hang out with the Bluth family.  I read instead.

I got a pretty good start on "It Starts With Food" too, so I'm a happy camper.  I wanted to relax and read all weekend (after my runs, of course) but it just didn't happen.  It worked out, though...apparently, when I read, I pedal faster than when I watch a show...this is nearly a mile further than last week...

And the verdict on my new tanks from Gap?  I like them.  A LOT. Lightweight, dry fast, comfortable.  I will definitely be going back for more.

For Sale: One Race Bib

Seriously.

I am officially selling my bib for Color Me Rad 5k in Calgary on June 29, 2013.
$30 (so, $20 cheaper than registering on the CMR website right now) can pay me in person or through paypal.

Update: The bib has sold.

My entry is fully transferable.  I have a spot in the first wave at 9 am (which is completely sold out) or I can move it to an afternoon wave if the buyer prefers.

My reason?  Scheduling conflict.

I was initially so excited about this race (still am) but I found out a REALLY great friend of mine (from Brazil) is coming to Vancouver that weekend and our family has decided to drive out to meet him.  I tried to figure out a driving schedule that would still allow me to race, shower, pack the car and drive to Kelowna that day...but it isn't happening.

So - to allow us to be on the road really early - I came to the decision that it is better to drop the race from the schedule and focus on my family instead.

Plus - and this leads to the next part of the announcement - it means I have a ROADTRIP TO VANCOUVER planned!!!!  So exciting!

For my Vancouver peeps - this means I will be in your very lovely city from June 30th - July 3rd!  Tweetup is in the works for the 2nd.  I'll share details soon!

Dietbet v2.0 and Why I'm taking a Break

My second go at a Dietbet ended yesterday and, YES, despite my initial concern - I managed to pull my head out of my ass and eke out a win. Good thing weigh in was yesterday morning, though, since the scale is up again today :(  I have no clue on how much money that will end up amounting to, but I promised myself compression Calf Sleeves and I am very excited that I can actually get them.  Now I can look super cool in my sleeves and flip flops all summer :P

But that begged the question of whether I would do another one right away.  I really like the whole Dietbet thing and how well it seems to motivate me...BUT, I am also battling some health roadblocks right now that made this last Dietbet really difficult to achieve.  My original plan was to start another one right away but I did some serious thinking over the weekend and realized I can't.

Not right now.

I need to focus on a few things to get my basic health in order before I can add the pressure of another bet into the mix. So, I decided to give myself a month or so to do just that.  I will still be working to lose weight, but I need to really get my sugar wean figured out so I can put the anemia in check and start rebuilding myself for the long haul.

(source)

Right now, my focus is the following:

• Eating real, minimally processed food
• Making sure my nutrients are balanced
• Strength training
• Life balance

Should be an interesting month or so.

I'll be sharing what I am doing as I go.  And, when I am ready to start another bet - I'll share that too.