One week ends, another begins, and so it goes ...

on and on ...

I had a great 12k run this morning ... finally a nice dry day! Still having issues breathing ... can't wait to see the Respirologist to see what's going on ... hoping it's just the cold air irritating my airway and that it soon won't be a problem as Spring is just around the corner (then I have allergies to contend with, but at least it's tolerable).

Was afraid to wear my new orthotics on the long run this week, but will continue using them this week on my shorter distances and hopefully have them feeling comfortable enough for next Sunday's long run.

I only got three runs in this week, but that's good. I've been feeling pretty tired, so it's okay to take it easy, right?

Did I mention that I am signed up for the half marathon?!?!?! I registered about a week or so ago! AND I also registered for the next half marathon clinic which will take me up to the end of September ... that will be the longest amount of time I have EVER ran! Started January 14th ... so that will be almost 9 months of running (in succession!) ... I sure hope I get stronger and faster soon ... We're doing the Tely Teaser April 2nd, so that should give me some indication of how I am doing ... my chip time for Tel 10 2009 was 2:05:16 ... so if I do better than that - gravy!

Anyway, gotta get ready for the week ahead...

Happy Running :o)

Tammy

Squish Squish

Last night's run was probably my first really soggy run ...

We ran about 5K, after a talk about stretching, and I was soaked from head to toe! At first, I was so cold I thought "I can't do this" ... but, fortunately, I kept going and warmed up rather nicely. I didn't notice the rain at all after a while; the puddles (and mini rivers), on the other hand, were hard to miss since the water was ICE COLD!!!!

I wore my new orthotics all this week, while at work, and tried them out during last night's run ... I may need the left one tweaked, as my left calf felt like it was going to pop at some points during the run and today my entire left side from my lower back to my toes is really giving me some grief. Why can't I just be a natural runner? I love running, but hate it when my body fails me! Between the breathing issues and the various injuries I've had over the past two years, it's really a miracle that I haven't given up yet!

Oh well. I'll be hitting the bike/elliptical for tomorrow's distance and will hopefully have a nice LSD Run Sunday morning.

Happy Running :o)
Tammy

Trainin', Trainin', Trainin' ...

YAY! I managed to get my four runs in again last week for a total of 24K's! That is the most I think I've ever ran in a single week! We ran 11K Sunday ... it was a very nice day for the last day of February. Mild, no wind, and dry! Had some issues with tight calves/shins and breathing (as usual), but overall had a great run.

This week I think I'll be doing two of my runs on the bike/elliptical to avoid injury. Apparently, I have Compartment Syndrome in my lower legs which is uncomfortable at best ... but I will concur this minor "bump in the road". Also, my doctor seems to think I have "Sports Induced Asthma" ... I laughed at him - mainly because I've never had any "Sport" related injury/illness in my entire life simply because I was never a sports enthusiast!

Once the weather warms up I am hopeful that my breathing will improve. For now, I sound like a squeeky toy during my runs, which is just fine by me! As long as I can get out there, that's all that matters!

Well, I'm looking forward to a week of cross-training, stretching, and gutting my closets! Spring is in the air and I cannot wait!

Until next time ...

Happy Running :o)
Tammy

Getting Stronger!

We ran a great 10K route yesterday morning and the weather was absolutely perfect! It was so nice that we had to take off our running jackets and wrap them around our waists in order not to pass out from heat exhaustion!

Our route included a few inclines, but the biggest one was Temperance Street ... and we were warned before the run that we were not allowed to walk it! Well, I started walking along the street just before Temperance (about 20-30 feet) - that's when the jacket came off! I took a swig from my water bottle, looked up (swore), and dug in! Fast, tiny, steps and arms pumping mad I made my way up the hill ... over the crest ... and didn't stop until I reached the other end of the street! It was tough, but I kicked Temperance's ass! It took an extra minute or two to recover (I was wheezing like crazy), but I made it back to the Running Room strong!

Looking forward to another week of challenges ...

Happy Running :o)
Tammy

Still alive and kicking!

Oh boy ... I was never good at keeping a journal. So, as you can see, my blog is falling to the way-side - but I'm still here and I've been doing allot of running (well, allot for me)!

Get this - I ran FOUR times last week!!!! I used to run only twice a week in other clinics and thought "oh my gawd, how am I ever going to run at least three times a week" when I first started the half marathon clinic. Well, I ran three times a week for the first four weeks and managed to finally get a fourth run in last week. I am hoping to run four times a week for a few weeks and see if I eventually get strong enough to do all five runs on my schedule before the clinic comes to an end!

I am getting stronger, I can feel it! I've been sprinting to the finish to add an extra kick at the end of each run ... and I've really been loving the LSD runs Sunday mornings. We're up to 10K this Sunday ... should be a good challenge :o)

Well, I'm off again. Got to fit in a treadmill run tonight, 3K tomorrow, 10K Sunday before a new week begins. Hill training starts in two weeks ... eek!

Happy Running :o)
Tammy

Bad Little Blogger!

Boy have I been a bad little blogger! It's been a week since my last post ... shame on me!

Oh well, I've been busy! Since last Sunday I ran 4K on Thursday without any walk breaks and I ran 10K Saturday on my treadmill (we had a big snow storm, so I opted to run inside). Our long run was shifted to Saturday because the Hypothermic Half Marathon was today.

Thursday's clinic introduced us to Liam who talked about the psychology of running ... obviously he had a positive impact on me, since I ran 4K right afterwards without stopping. Positive thoughts really do have a positive impact on your run. The moment you give into the fear of being last, the pain in your shins, or any other negative factor that might enter your mind, you need to stamp it out with something positive. Focusing on your form and telling yourself that you'll make it goes a long way in making it so ...

Today (Sunday) is a rest day ... I've got allot of work to catch up on for my university course, but I cannot help but procrastinate. I'm a little sore from my 10K on the treadmill and from all the shoveling over the past couple of days - all I want to do is eat and watch movies!

Back to work in the morning. I'm hoping to get at least three, possible four, runs in this week ... I'm going to remember Liam's talk every time I put on my sneakers ... and perhaps I should incorporate his knowledge into the rest of my life as well!

Happy Running :o)

Tammy

8K Later ...

Woohoo - another great Sunday morning run! We did 8K today. I did my 3K yesterday on my treadmill - thought I was going to die!!! Stretched it all out after that and woke up feeling great! Another good stretch after my 8K and I am feeling good ... I must be getting stronger (finally!).

Today we had some flurries and it was -6 with a -15 wind chill. My toes were a little cold at first, but things weren't long getting warmed up. We had a nice route today, as well, starting at the running room and heading out Pine Bud, Empire, Forest, Quidi Vidi, The Blvd, back via Empire, Carpasian (up hill), and back to the RR via Pine Bud.

Next week, I am hoping to get at least my 3 runs in again ... but will try for at least four of the scheduled runs. Doing a longer stretch after running seems to be helping out allot. Our long slow run has been pushed back to Saturday next week so we can watch/volunteer at the Hypothermic Half Marathon taking place next Sunday!

Happy Running :o)

Tammy

Another one bites the dust ...

Another day, another 4K! Last night was a nice night for a run. It was damp and mild (there were allot of potholes and puddles) - aside from being dark outside, perfect running conditions! Paton Street almost killed me coming up from University Ave ... I had to walk it, but once I got to the top and stretched out the calves and shins it was a steady run back to the start. Not bad, if I do say so myself. I must be getting a bit stronger since I usually need more walk breaks!

I also think that I wasn't as far behind the pack as usual too ... bonus!

I'm still having issues with my knees, shins, and calves ... hopefully I can have that all stretched out for Sunday. NOTE TO SELF ... Don't eat chickpeas before running ... major heartburn and gas!

Today is a rest day, with a short 3K Saturday before our long run. We should get our route later today! It'll be another 7/8K according to our training schedule.

Off to work now!

Happy Running :o)

Tammy

hmmm

I read an interesting blog today and I have to agree...

the "half Marathon" should be referred to as a "Pikermi"...

From the article: "around the 13-mile mark (21 kms), right smack dab in the middle of the original Marathon route is the town of Pikermi."

It just sounds a little more positive than "half"!!! :o)

http://www.runnersworld.com/community/persona/index.jsp?UID=1000010000176884&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckUserId=1000010000176884&plckPostId=Blog%3a1000010000176884Post%3a8e077792-9380-4fc3-af48-c058e896ac73&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest

I missed my run yesterday and will miss today's run as well ... still recovering from Sunday's 8K. Monday and Tuesday my right hip and knee were quite sore. Today, my shins are still giving me allot of grief. Been stretching things out and icing. We've got a clinic run Thursday night (4K) ... so I am hoping to be able to complete that without too much pain/discomfort.

I have to build a better base ... I'll be able to do the Pikermi and Tely 10 ... it's just going to take me longer than most everyone else! I'd rather be slow than injured!

Happy Running :o)
Tammy

Isn't it funny ...

... that I feel great AFTER finishing my 8K run?!?!?! Funny, that all I could think of DURING the run was "oh my gawd, will this NEVER END!?!?!?" And "my ass and hip flexors are frozen ... there has to be a better way ..."!!!!!

Anyway, I did have an enjoyable and scenic run in the downtown of St. John's today ... we had minus 10 degrees (with a minus 18 degree wind chill), but the pavement was bare - and that meant TRACTION!!! I loved it!

I'm still having issues with my shins and calves. I think if I can find a way to keep the major muscles warmer during my run, it may help a bit. A frozen ass, along with the hip flexors today, made my legs feel like lead!!!

This weeks training is the same as last week. I am going to try really hard to get all my runs in this week. I'm also going to be working on stretching some more. I did 30 mins of yoga last night and felt great afterwards ... my lower back felt a bit tweaked this morning before my run, but I didn't notice it at all during the run - bonus!

Looking forward to a challenging week ...

Happy Running :o)

Tammy

Wrong Turn

HA! Well, I had my half clinic last night ... we were scheduled to do a 3K run. Being the slowest of the group, it didn't take long to get left behind. It was a snowy-windy run, but not too cold. One of the group leaders came back to "retrieve" me, but shin splints and a little breathing trouble (I'm starting to get a cold) would not allow me to "put the pedal to the metal" (so to speak).

After some time, I began to think "shouldn't we be on our way back now (a.k.a. "I wanna go home"!)?" We weren't too far off, but instead of a hard 3K, I ended up doing a really hard 4K ...

My right hip and knee are a little sore today. I tried out my studded sneaker thingys for the first time last night, so that might explain the shin splints and soreness. Ugh ... why can't I get good at this whole running business!?!?!? Please?

Another 3K run planned for Saturday and 8K for Sunday ... lets hope I can remember the routes and save some 'K's for another day!

Happy Running :o)
Tammy

Snowy 7K

WELL ... =:o

It didn't call for snow, but apparently someone thought that it would be nice to let us have a bit for my first Sunday morning run ... as if getting up at 7:00 am to run in the cold on a Sunday morning wasn't challenging enough! I should have moved to BC with Anne!

It was a slow run for me ... last to finish once again. (hehe ... like I care!!!)

My butt and my legs were totally numb!!! Too bad the arse couldn't just fall off! I could afford to lose a bit of "junk in the trunk" ;o)

Overall, I thought it was a good run. I wasn't cold at all. I found it hard to breathe with the wind and had zero traction on the slush/snow mix (I should have wore my studs), but at least I wasn't cold! At the beginning of the run I was wishing for something to cover my neck and cheeks, so maybe a balaclava is in my future. Also, I'm beginning to think that I should cut off a pair of my fleece pyjama pants to cover but butt and upper legs for warmth! A numb butt makes the run feel a little harder than it actually is, I think.

Week 2 starts tomorrow ... Day off from running - YAY!!!!!

Tuesday we are looking at 4K, then 3K, 3K, BREAK DAY and another 7K next Sunday ... Should be a challenging week. I am really looking forward to getting fitted for some new orthotics Wednesday and hope they make a difference.

Time for some Sunday chores and a nap!!

Happy Running :o)

Tammy

First solo run ... check!

I got out there on my own today :o) My training schedule said 3K today, so I laced up and forced myself out there. It was a really nice day, so I got lucky there. I tested out a new free app on my iPhone too! It's called TrailBlazer Lite and it records your route, kilometers, pace, and run time! It worked great!

I headed out at 11:42 am and ran 3.7k. My Average speed was recorded as 8K/h and my max speed was recorded as 13k/h (must have been that downhill section!). Total time out was 29:14 ... I walked a bit and hope to get stronger each time I get out there.

I'm having a bit of trouble with my calves and cannot wait to get some new orthotics!

Tomorrow's run is with the clinic group, so at least I won't be lonely! We're running 7k at 0830hrs ... I sure hope the weather works out in our favor!

Anyway, heading out to my beautiful little niece's first birthday party!!! I could just gobble her up!

Happy Running :o)

Tammy

My First Outdoor Winter Run!

Woohoo!!! I just got back from my first half marathon clinic night ... 3K down and an infinite number to go :o)

It was dark, cool, but overall a beautiful start to my half marathon training clinic. We've got some really great instructors and pace bunnies ... I'm really looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Going to go download and print my training schedule now ... more to come :o)

Happy Running :o)

Tammy

It's GO TIME!!!

Tonight is my first half marathon training clinic night! We get our training schedule, meet our coaches and other runners, talk about our goals, and run 3K tonight ... it's cold out, but so far no precipitation. Good night to get introduced to winter running!

I'm rather nervous, but excited too ... just hope I don't slip on ice or break an ankle in one of our very large potholes!

The clinic starts at 6:00 PM (already dark) and we have about a one hour sit-down for the first clinic, so it's going to be full on dark when we hit the road - yikes!

Wish me luck!

Happy Running :o)
Tammy

Nap Time?

I managed 30 minutes on the treadmill last night! Mostly jogging ... had a nice stretch afterwards and relaxed for the rest of the night.

This morning I had my second session with Sandra and, once again, she kicked my ass! I was dripping!!! Gross, I know ...

Anyway, I'm sure I'll be feeling it tomorrow.

Happy Running :o)

Tammy

UGH

Worse Orthodontist appointment EVER!!! I must have gotten a new girl because a 20 minute appointment took an hour and was the most painful and aggravating experience since I got my braces. Between her inability to open/close the "doors" ... take out and put in wires ... breaking off a bracket ... poking me in the lip and gums with a wire ... needless to say, I was not a happy camper.

I didn't hit the treadmill last night after all that, but I did walk a dog 1.2K before supper ...

We'll see what tonight brings - my face and gums are killing me!

Until then ...

Happy Running :o)
Tammy

Pre-Training ... Post Personal Trainer Session # 1

Well, that was quite the session last night! Boy did I work up a sweat! So far, so good ... not doubled-over in pain. Sandra made sure I stretched after each exercise, so I guess that is the reason I don't feel too sore ... or perhaps it won't kick in until tomorrow?

Anyway, I had to get up at 4:30 this morning for work (crew change day - yay!) and I feel pretty good. Tired, but good. Got a lovely orthodontist appointment this afternoon and then I plan to jump on the treadmill for a bit and maybe play some Wii Fit/Biggest Loser/(etc) games to get in some physical activity.

Started HKR 1000 at MUN this morning. The course is entitled Fitness and Wellness and requires us to use a great site for recording our food intake and exercise: http://www.fitday.com/ check it out! It's a pretty neat site :o)

Until tomorrow ...

Happy Running :o)
Tammy

2010 is going to be my year. I've dabbled in the running world since May 2007, running several 5K races and one 16K race (Tely 10). Being an injury-prone runner, I realize that I have to train consistently to achieve the goals that I have set out and wish to complete in 2010. I've created this blog to record my training efforts, including any issues that arise during the course of my training. Perhaps this will be a useful tool for improving my running times or training activities. I'm hoping that it will keep me motivated so I can kick some ass this year!

So, here goes ...

• On January 14th I will begin a Half Marathon Clinic to train for the "Not So Hilly Half Marathon" which takes place May 23rd.
• After that, I will run the Tely 10 (last Sunday in July) ... The Tely 10 is a 16 kilometre run from Paradise to Bannerman Park. I completed it for the first time in 2009 with a time of 2:05:16 (chip time). My goal is to beat that time (obviously)!
• Then I will attempt to run a Full Marathon (September/October - Date to Be Confirmed when I learn more!) ...

The Half and Full Marathons will be a first for me, so completing them is the primary focus right now. As my training progresses, perhaps I will set a goal time ... we'll see ;o)

So far, I think I have started the year out right. I won a couple of sessions with a personal trainer during an online auction supporting the NL Joints In Motion Team. After a meeting with Sandra and getting a fitness assessment done, I have personal training sessions tonight and Saturday morning. I'll have my cross-training plan and nutritional guide in place before my running clinic begins! I just have to stick with it and learn to motivate myself (hopefully with some help from my friends!) ...

Well, I've said enough for now ...

Happy Running :o)
Tammy