After a rough fall let the winter training begin

Wow it has been some time since I have posted about my running adventure and I wish it was because I was too busy running races and doing crazy running stuff. It's not. I haven't run a race since August and the Toronto 10 Miler. But I do have a sound reason for this...

So training for a fall half marathon (my goal was the Scotiabank Toronto half) was going great. Running four times a week, long runs up to 18km, legs felt great, an overall good feeling. Then about 4 weeks prior to the race (week of September 18) I got a nasty headache. Not the headache I usually get from drinking too much, but a really bad one that just wouldn't go away. Finally I head to the Dr. who was thinking of taking me for an emergency cat scan as there were no other symptoms. Then I showed him what I thought was a running rash by my armpit and voila my issue was solved. I had shingles. Seriously WTF. The next few weeks I had no energy, always felt tired, my arm killed and just couldn't run. It was my first DNS ever and I really felt guilty about it. I even thought I would run the Hamilton half but my legs and body just wasn't ready. So I got the big 0 for my fall races. Part of my thought maybe this had something to do with me turning 40 but that couldn't be the issue right??

 
On the brightside I did manage to get a few runs in that I always wanted to do including the Seawall in Vancouver and the Riverfront trail in Windsor. Yes, I still was running 2 - 3 times a week but I was tired. My legs were sore. I didn't have the drive that I used to have. I was starting to worry this might be wall.

Finally, in the first week of November I went out for a run and felt great. I followed it up with another run, felt awesome. I realized I am ready to ramp it up and start for my yearly goal of Around the Bay. So I did what I believe everyone should do if you want to run a race - register! The running has continued on for the last few weeks and each run I feel stronger and stronger.

If you did read my blog and recap from the Around the Bay last year you will remember that the race beat me. Yes, I am super proud that I finished the race in a pretty respectable time, but I cramped, did not feel great and I know I can do better. Also if you have read my blog you will know that all of my training and ideas were pretty much my own done by my own research on how to run, train, taper, etc. I finally realized that I need help and some extra motivation so I have officially joined a running club for the ATB training. I read about a group in Oakville in the Canadian running magazine, a friend of a neighbour runs with the club and I have heard others talk about it. I have also heard his training plan is intense, built around pushing yourself harder than usual which is exactly what I was looking for! First class is December 13th so I just need to keep my base up, keep spinning, and get ready for a long winter of outdoor training runs.

I feel like a new runner - excited that I feel healthy, excited that I am going to get some training help and excited for another winter (seriously) of training for Around the Bay. Can't wait to get this thing going...

Cheers!
Steve

Toronto 10 Miler - Race Review (and the Fall Plan)

Wow - another awesome race in the books - and a new distance to boot!

I must admit I actually went through my blog this week, right to the beginning. Wow I was big. To think I couldn't run for 1 straight minute a year and a half ago.  The thought that I prepared for a 10 miler in under 4 weeks blows my mind. What an AWESOME trip this has been....

Okay - a little background on this race. I was not planning on running this race as of early July. After a beautiful evening that combined great food, great conversation and WAY too much tequila and red wine I said I would do it. Signed up the next day and had to figure out how to go from long runs of 7km to 16km in four weeks. I knew I had my base and I knew I could do it, but I was a little nervous to say the least.

The race starts and ends in the Distillery District in Toronto. Being an August race I was really concerned about the heat, but luckily it was a nice cool morning. We head down to the starting area and do what most people do - head to the port-a-potties. It was amazing to me that there was only 5 toilets for all the runners. Crazy. So after waiting in line for quite some time, finally went, quick warm-up, we headed to our corrals. This was my first race using the coral system and I know believe that ALL races should use it. It makes the first couple of KM's of any race so much smoother.

The race heads down under the Gardiner and is, at this point, not too scenic. We head down Cherry Street to the Leslie Spit in Toronto. I have lived in Toronto, visited Toronto, and have never even heard of this area. It is really nice - great paths right along Lake Ontario. Even some single track trails and bridges to cross (weird on a 10 mile race to have a single file bridge, but it didn't hinder me at all). The entire loop around the Spit was around 7 or 8 km which wasn't bad but with little shade it was hot as the sun was beating down. I must say well done to the race directors for having water and gatorade every 2kms - it made everyone's run so much easier.

So we exit the Spit and head back towards the Distillery. My goal for this race is to pace 5:30 per km, and take a 30 second water break at every station (2km). At the 10 km mark I decide to take gel as my legs were a bit tired and wow that work. Instant energy. It really did help me keep my pace for the remaining 6kms.

Of course, the best energy push anyone can get is to see your family along the route. The world's best cheerleaders (Eri, Emma, Kloe) were out cheering everyone on at the 13km mark. Loved it. Needed it. I was on my way to the finish.

I ended up crossing the line in 1 hour, 32 minutes. My 5 mile splits were almost identical as for the first time in all my races I kept within my gameplan and didn't go out too fast. It worked!!! Since it was a little bit since my last race it felt awesome to cross the finish line (other than the under arm chafing as I totally forgot the body glide on my arms - that shower hurt).

As for the race overall, I certainly liked it. Really scenic running around the spit, the corrals at the start, all the aid stations, it was very well organized.

However, there were absolutely no spectators on the course - you were really alone. More so than any other race I have every seen. Also, some of the roads under the Gardiner were also full of potholes and were in horrendous shape.

In the end, I could totally see myself doing this race again. A great summer race when there is not really any races happening. I also really love the 10 mile distance.  It is also a great gage for the half marathon plan in the fall.

I have signed up for 2 races in the fall. The Scotiabank Half Marathon in Toronto will be my half. However, the really exciting race will be the Oasis Zoo run with Emma - where she is running the 5km with me. I cannot wait for this!!!

It's go time....signed, sealed, and maybe delivered..

Wow, it has been quite some time since my last post and my last race. It seems like two years ago that my last race finished (it hasn't been two months). However, I have been really good, running lots, spinning lots, eating pretty well. Other than a few crazy drunk nights (which I did get up the next morning and run) I have been taking care of myself.
I have noticed on the web I have seen lots of lists on "reasons to run". National Post had an intersting list (http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/07/04/99-reasons-to-run-right-now/) and a bunch of other posts that have come up since this hit their site. I totally enjoyed these - kind of made me step back and think about the last 18 months and my running journey. For me two things stand out:

1) My kids want to get involved. They run races, Emma now loves riding her bike while I run, they love coming out to the races and cheering everyone on. This is the greatest thing in the world.
2) There is no better feeling than finishing a run - whether it is just a training run, fun run, or a serious race - finishing is amazing.

So what is go time? Well in one of those crazy drunk nights the tequila starting talking and I mentioned to a few people that I would run the Toronto 10 mile race in August (my long base runs right now are around 8 - 10km, not miles). The next morning I kind of forgot about that statement until my beautiful wife mentioned it to me. Yes, I tried to convince the others that running the 5km would be okay, but they called me a wimp. So on August 12th I am running the Toronto 10 mile run. It's go time.

I have not decided which half marathon I am going to run in the fall. I love the Hamilton run - but thinking Niagara or perhaps another one. If anyone has any suggestions let me know at elvissteve@hotmail.com

Oh - one more thing. Yes, I am running Around the Bay 2013. I have also decided I am running a full Marathon in the spring. Not sure which one yet but I am going to do it. I turn 40 this year so I guess this is my mid-life crisis. Running a marathon sure is better than buying a Miata....

Race Review- Sulphur Springs 10km Trail Race (my first)

I am sore. Big time.
First - how cool is it that a Canadian won the Giro today? That is unbelievable and so awesome. Seriously one of the biggest sporting wins by a Canadian ever - in any sport.

Okay, so I decided to run my first trail run - the Sulphur Springs 10km race this weekend. I thought I was prepared as I was running the trails at Bronte Creek, getting my legs moving again, and had plenty of km's for this 10km run. We got to Ancaster in plenty of time, got our race kit (which included a pair of sandals which are great), warmed up, and headed to the starting line for our 8:15am start. But we didn't start - and we waited, and waited, and waited. Apparently some of the information out there said it would be a 8:30 start so they didn't want to leave people behind. Why they wouldn't have just announced an 8:30 start is beyond me but standing there for 20 minutes sucked.

So the gun finally goes off and we hit the trails. Right off the start we proceed down a hill. This hill kept going, and going, and going, and going. Seriously was big. That's when I started thinking that I am going to have to up this thing at some point. Also going down the hill I felt a tweek in my hamstring. Now I am worried. I slowed down a bit and realized I could run with this - just not full out.

The trails on this course were undulating to say the least. Constantly up and down which was a killer. Those trails at Bronte I was talking about? No real undulating hills so there goes my thoughts on great training!! At around the 4km mark we started going up a hill that kept going, and going, and going. That's when I realized what was happening. We were going up a different hill - but the same distance as that one we went down in the beginning!!!  I made it to the top and was struggling but somehow caught my breath, and started pacing behind a couple at about a 5min pace. This felt great. I kept this up for the next 5kms or so until I hit the big hill - which I realized represented the end of the race.

I hit the top of the hill, rounded the corner and finished my first trail race in 55 minutes (although I do believe it was bit shorter than 10km - probably 9.5km).  I loved running the trails. Was I jealous of the 25km, 50km, and 100 mile runners on the trail? A little bit - and I can totally see myself doing the 25km race next year (or maybe the 100 mile relay?????). Outside of the start fiasco this was a great race - well organized, lots of signage on the trails, food at the end  - overall a great race.

I completely see myself doing this trail running thing quite a bit this summer....it is such a great change from road running.

Race Week!! - My first trail run race

I was heading out for a run about 2 1/2 weeks ago and started out with my usual route - down my street onto Upper Middle as I have a number of different routes I take depending on how long I am going to go from that point. About 1km in I decided - wait - why don't I turn around and head into Bronte Creek Provincial Park for a run. I turned around, hit the park, and I have not looked back since.

Running the trails was like a revelation for me. No cars - no music - no street lights, stop signs and looking around your shoulder to see if a car is turning right - just myself and the trail. Do I jump when a squirrel jumps onto the trail? Absolutely. But do I feel like I am in a different world (a better one)? Yup.

Now I must be very upfront with everyone. I am NOT trying to turn into Gary Robbins (www.gary-robbins.com/). Great job in Spain Gary. However this has once again refueled my passion for running. Every day that I am in the park I realize how great it is  - different trails, routes, distances - everything I am looking for in a run.

Oh - and it is race week!!! My first trail race so I am indeed starting small - the Sulpher Springs 10km trail race (http://www.burlingtonrunners.com/index.cfm?pagepath=Club_Races/Sulphur_Springs_Trail_Run&id=5711) I have been running 3 - 4 times a week, over 10km on the long runs,and as mentioned the last few weeks have been on the trails, still going to spinning, playing baseball on Monday night, and riding the Bronte Creek trails with Emma quite a bit. 

I am very excited to run this race and it might change my schedule for the rest of the year if I enjoy it. I am really thinking that instead of a half marathon in the fall ( or in addition to) I might do the Run for the Toad's 25km race. I am not going all out - would love to finsh this in under an hour but we will see....

Can't wait for Saturday.

The next chapter begins....

So my self imposed break is over...time to get back at it.Thought I would give an update on what I have been up to, what my short terms plans are, and how I am going to destroy Around the Bay 2013(registration just opened).

Before I do I will put this out to anyone who wants to run a race this year please let me know!!! I am totally open to run with anyone and unless you are planning a full marathon or ultra this year I will run for sure. Even if it is your first 5km LET ME KNOW!!

So what I have been up to? Well to be honest not a lot of running. I have only been running about 10 - 15 kms per week since ATB. My body was really tired and for the first time in a long time I wasn't loving the run. I was going back to the gym and spinning a couple times a week which I totally love doing and forgot how great of a workout it is. My issue right now is that the only reason I am going to the gym is the spinning classes so I might cancel that membership and look for a place that does spinning only. I also looked at some pictures of me from 16 months ago (like this one) and realize a trip down memory lane certainly does motivate me.

However, in the past week or two I have been hitting the road again and the love of running is certainly coming back. I need to go slow and ease up my mileage again but I finally feel great. No IT Band issues, nerve issues, any issues with the legs other than getting them use to running again and building the base. It is also nice that summer is back - no more wearing four layers and gloves and everything else that comes with running in the cold. It feels great.

Something new I have been doing which happened by accident is running without music. My iphone armband ripped and I haven't taken the time to get a new one. I always believed the only way to run was with music and that is was impossible to run without it. I will be honest and say I am really enjoying the run without music. I seem more in tune with the run. I am sure when the long runs come back I will appreciate the music but until the 15km runs come up - no music for me.

So what's next? After much consideration (okay not that much) I have come up with my plan for the next few months. I am the type that I need a goal - a race - something to keep me extra motivated. So here goes:
May 26 (in honour of Gary Robbins) - Sulpher Springs 10km Trail Run.
I really want to hit the trails and with Bronte Creek Park right beside me why wouldn't I?? I believe I am going to get KILLED here but let's try it.

July 1 - Canada day 5km Race - Burlington Downtown
Really want to break the 23 minute barrier this time

Saturday, September 22nd - Toronto Zoo 5km run
I am sooo excited for this one - Emma's first 5km run!!!

Really tempted to sign up the Run for the Toad 25km...should I????

Sunday, November 4th - Hamilton Marathon (Half)
Totally looking for a PB in this one. It was my first half ever last year and I know I can beat it.

And then it will be the ATB push. Can't wait.

My favourite race - The Burlington Bunny Run

Well the recovery from ATB has gone pretty well. I am back running again and it feels great to be back at the spinning classes. I am pleased to say that there is no long term damage and with each day that passses come the realization that I am running that race again next year for sure.

Last Easter I ran my second 5km race. This was the first one that the family came to support and to make it even better Emma ran in her first race ever. It was decided that this year both girls were going to run in the race and I was going to do the 5km race again. It is the greatest thing to see the girls have an interest in running and to help them with their "training" and "preparing" for the race is so much fun.

So with the bunny ears picked out race day was finally here. To make it extra cool we knew another family that were running the bunny run (and congrats to Alison on her PB in the 5km race!). The girls had an large cheering section including Grandma and Grandpa, and their cousins. I took Emma to the starting area and she didn't really want me to stay - and either did Kloe!! Kloe did ask that I meet here just after the starting line. The horn sounded and the girls were off. They did so awesome and pretty much ran the whole way. I jogged beside them on the sidewalk just to make sure all was going well. Although tired, Kloe's look of excitement when she was handed her medal at the finish line was priceless. Emma was really excited as she did run the km in under 7 minutes which is the goal she set and because she met her goal she is going to allow herself to run the 5km Toronto Zoo run in the fall. Training for that starts next week.

As for my race I was standing around the starting area chatting with some people I know. I lost track of time and then bam - there goes the horn. I frantically started the watch, and took off. It is a challenging 5km course as there are 3 hills - including one of the bigger ones of ATB. I did not train at all (speed training) and it had been a year since I ran a 5km so I had no idea of what to expect. I was running pretty good, under a 5 minute pace but I was feeling it. I hit the 4km marker at just over 19 minutes so I knew I had a chance at my PB. As I approached the finish (which is downhill) I really did give everything I had. I was able to get my PB and finished in 23:30. As a side note it was disappointing that there was no water at the end, no medals, no signage nothing. I believe it might have been in the gym but have no idea - last year there was those things as soon as you finished.

The race is such a great family day. There are so many kids running and loving it and it is so cool to see you kids crossing the finish line. I totally would recommend every trying this next year. I might even do the 10 mile race...