Well Well Well, if it hasn't been far too long since one of us has posted!
There is a certain amount of loss and confusion that comes along with the completion of a marathon. Don't get me wrong, the amount of elation you feel when you cross the finish line and the week's worth of stories you get to dole out following the race feel like they could go on forever but there is a distinct moment when it's all really over where you ponder to yourself..........What the heck do I do now?
I mean really, I just ran a distance that most will never contemplate. All the body parts are still intact - sore but intact - and I have in fact survived.. What could I possibly do next? Then the reality hits you, there has been nothing planned, you have no race to train for and no next goal. You are in effect, lost. When you are used to running 4-5 times a week reaching for a goal when you are no longer required to log those kinds of miles any more you really can get sort of slothy and can acutally come up with quite a few reasons not to go for a run ( this was never an option before) such as " But if I go for a run, then I can't have a glass of wine now.........." or "I'll go later, I just need to do some laundry"
In all honesty, after this marathon, it took a pre-Halloween candy gorge-fest, running only twice a week and putting on five pounds before I looked at my other Anglophone and declared " we need a race!"
So here is the next Deux Crazy Anglophones Challenge:
We are going to run a race in every province and territory until all of Canada is done!. Now, at this point we've clearly covered Ontario and Quebec and we figured the only way to do things fairly is to put all of the names into a bowl and go wherever the random draw takes us.
Drumroll please!
We are off to PEI! We have a few races that we are looking at but if anyone can point us in the direction of a race that they've done before we'd love to hear about it! Post a comment on the blog and we'll add it to the list.
Stay tuned for more shenanigans!
D
Monday, November 5, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I WILL--> I DID
21 years and 4 months ago, I was in a severe car crash that changed my life.
11 years ago I stopped using the brace and/or cane to help me walk everyday, instead I only use them on the bad days.
8 years and 2 months ago I signed up for a Learn to Run Clinic at my local Running Room.
1 year and 4 months ago I ran my first half marathon event.
2 months ago, my right glute muscle was finally strong enough that for the first time in 21 years, I was able to balance all my weight on my right leg, bend at the knee into a slight squat, & then lift back up without holding onto anything or anyone. It was shaky, but I did it.
1 month ago I ran a 30km race.
Today, September 23rd, 2012, with my friend Denise at my side, & our husbands at the finish, I became a Marathoner.
It has never been, nor will it ever, be easy.
It is always worth it.
There are only two words you need to remember, when faced with a challenge, no matter how big or small.
I WILL.
There are a lot of people I need to thank, but today, I just want to say.
I DID IT!
11 years ago I stopped using the brace and/or cane to help me walk everyday, instead I only use them on the bad days.
8 years and 2 months ago I signed up for a Learn to Run Clinic at my local Running Room.
1 year and 4 months ago I ran my first half marathon event.
2 months ago, my right glute muscle was finally strong enough that for the first time in 21 years, I was able to balance all my weight on my right leg, bend at the knee into a slight squat, & then lift back up without holding onto anything or anyone. It was shaky, but I did it.
1 month ago I ran a 30km race.
Today, September 23rd, 2012, with my friend Denise at my side, & our husbands at the finish, I became a Marathoner.
It has never been, nor will it ever, be easy.
It is always worth it.
There are only two words you need to remember, when faced with a challenge, no matter how big or small.
I WILL.
There are a lot of people I need to thank, but today, I just want to say.
I DID IT!
Friday, September 7, 2012
Two Weeks
I have raised over $3000 and I will be running a marathon in just over two weeks.
I may be freaking out a little over here.
Jes
I may be freaking out a little over here.
Jes
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
28KM: The radio tower, the garden snake and flying shorts
A run is never just a run!
This past Sunday we were on the Manatoulin visiting some old friends who are runners and we decided to let our host set the route for our 28km that we were due to complete as part of our training. Our dutiful guide started our LSD with a beautiful waterfront tour of Low Island Park, and the boat filled marina in Little Current. Onward and upward past the swinging bridge, past the Country Fest camp grounds (think Woodstock meets Country Music) and out to Hwy 540 towards Gore Bay. As we strode along the highway we were treated to beautiful vistas normally reserved for post cards noting "wish you were here"....which by the way, I am convinced in hindsight, was a handy distraction for the bugger of a hill we had to climb to get to the escarpment and turning point to head back to town. (see previous post on hills!) After we finished sucking wind at the top of said hill, we found ourselves on the escarpment that overlooks the low lying views we had just passed but now on a wide open and wonderful country road.
After about a kilometer on our country road Jessica informs us that she may need to "duck behind a tree" (as we runners often tend do when out on a long run with no loo in sight) To which our thoughtful host and guide replied "there's a radio tower and building up ahead that you could use, it may provide more privacy" (get a sense of where this is going?) As we came upon said tower Jessica hops over a few tall weeds and treads toward the radio tower to..........well you get the idea..
Any who, as only runners can manage to think of these things our guide takes a pause and says, "maybe we should have given her some milk weed to take with her, it's much softer than leaves" and not but a few moments later does Jessica come out of said bushes and flings her shorts and us and says " I have to pick the burrs out of my underwear, you guys can get the ones in my shorts".
Now, I would love to tell you that the two of us were very supportive and tried to distract Jessica from her woes but, I can't. We laughed. Out loud. Non-stop. For the entire time it took us to pick the burrs out of her shorts. And to say there were many would be an understatement!
After the fits of laughter subsided Jessica was good enough to give us the details of how said burrs got onto said bottom and shorts. Jessica had climed into said bushes by the radio tower and was going about her business when a garden snake came across her path scaring her and causing her to jump and thus tumble into the burrs.
Bless her heart she toughed it out for an additional 10Km before we called it a day and headed down to the beach to cool our aching muscles and sooth a tender touchie in the curitive waters of the north channel.
So here are some valueable lessons we learned from this adventure:
1. stay away from radio towers, snakes love em'
2. milk weed, softer than leaves.
3. Always run with friends you can count on to pick burrs out of the ass of your sweaty shorts.
4. North Channel - sooths the ravaged buttocks.
D.
This past Sunday we were on the Manatoulin visiting some old friends who are runners and we decided to let our host set the route for our 28km that we were due to complete as part of our training. Our dutiful guide started our LSD with a beautiful waterfront tour of Low Island Park, and the boat filled marina in Little Current. Onward and upward past the swinging bridge, past the Country Fest camp grounds (think Woodstock meets Country Music) and out to Hwy 540 towards Gore Bay. As we strode along the highway we were treated to beautiful vistas normally reserved for post cards noting "wish you were here"....which by the way, I am convinced in hindsight, was a handy distraction for the bugger of a hill we had to climb to get to the escarpment and turning point to head back to town. (see previous post on hills!) After we finished sucking wind at the top of said hill, we found ourselves on the escarpment that overlooks the low lying views we had just passed but now on a wide open and wonderful country road.
After about a kilometer on our country road Jessica informs us that she may need to "duck behind a tree" (as we runners often tend do when out on a long run with no loo in sight) To which our thoughtful host and guide replied "there's a radio tower and building up ahead that you could use, it may provide more privacy" (get a sense of where this is going?) As we came upon said tower Jessica hops over a few tall weeds and treads toward the radio tower to..........well you get the idea..
Any who, as only runners can manage to think of these things our guide takes a pause and says, "maybe we should have given her some milk weed to take with her, it's much softer than leaves" and not but a few moments later does Jessica come out of said bushes and flings her shorts and us and says " I have to pick the burrs out of my underwear, you guys can get the ones in my shorts".
Now, I would love to tell you that the two of us were very supportive and tried to distract Jessica from her woes but, I can't. We laughed. Out loud. Non-stop. For the entire time it took us to pick the burrs out of her shorts. And to say there were many would be an understatement!
After the fits of laughter subsided Jessica was good enough to give us the details of how said burrs got onto said bottom and shorts. Jessica had climed into said bushes by the radio tower and was going about her business when a garden snake came across her path scaring her and causing her to jump and thus tumble into the burrs.
Bless her heart she toughed it out for an additional 10Km before we called it a day and headed down to the beach to cool our aching muscles and sooth a tender touchie in the curitive waters of the north channel.
So here are some valueable lessons we learned from this adventure:
1. stay away from radio towers, snakes love em'
2. milk weed, softer than leaves.
3. Always run with friends you can count on to pick burrs out of the ass of your sweaty shorts.
4. North Channel - sooths the ravaged buttocks.
D.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Running for a Reason - Karissa
Recently I read an article in one of our local newspapers about a young girl named Karissa, who is battling Leukemia. She's 7. SEVEN.
Life is so incredibly unfair, sometimes.
Please go read her story here. Karissa's Story
When I read her story, I wished, as I'm sure everyone else has, that I could DO something.
I'm a fixer, when I see a problem I fix it. When I don't know how to fix it, I get scared.
I've never met Karissa, or her family. But their story really hit me. How could it not?
With every half-marathon I've run, I have always dedicated that race to someone. Myself, my best friend, my kids....people who are special to me.
Well, that's what I CAN do. If this little girl can fight leukemia, then I can run a marathon. And I can do it for her.
When I run on Sept. 23rd, Karissa's name will be written on my right calf. I want the thousands of people there to see her name, and if only for a brief moment, send their prayers and healing thoughts her way.
That's what I can do.
Long before I heard Karissa's story, indeed, long before she was diagnosed, Denise and I decided to run to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Now, the reasons are clearer than ever.
I sent an email to Karissa's family through Heidi Ulrichsen, the reporter who wrote the article. I won't share that letter because it was for the Kruk family. It's theirs.
But if you could all join me on Sept. 23rd and send prayers, wishes, strength & healing thoughts her way, I would be so incredibly thankful.
If you feel that you can help with a donation to the Kruk family, there is information in the article about the fund that is set up for them. While donations to my fundraising effort are also appreciated, I'm sure the Kruk's could use some help with their current expenses.
Much love,
Jessica
Life is so incredibly unfair, sometimes.
Please go read her story here. Karissa's Story
When I read her story, I wished, as I'm sure everyone else has, that I could DO something.
I'm a fixer, when I see a problem I fix it. When I don't know how to fix it, I get scared.
I've never met Karissa, or her family. But their story really hit me. How could it not?
With every half-marathon I've run, I have always dedicated that race to someone. Myself, my best friend, my kids....people who are special to me.
Well, that's what I CAN do. If this little girl can fight leukemia, then I can run a marathon. And I can do it for her.
When I run on Sept. 23rd, Karissa's name will be written on my right calf. I want the thousands of people there to see her name, and if only for a brief moment, send their prayers and healing thoughts her way.
That's what I can do.
Long before I heard Karissa's story, indeed, long before she was diagnosed, Denise and I decided to run to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Now, the reasons are clearer than ever.
I sent an email to Karissa's family through Heidi Ulrichsen, the reporter who wrote the article. I won't share that letter because it was for the Kruk family. It's theirs.
But if you could all join me on Sept. 23rd and send prayers, wishes, strength & healing thoughts her way, I would be so incredibly thankful.
If you feel that you can help with a donation to the Kruk family, there is information in the article about the fund that is set up for them. While donations to my fundraising effort are also appreciated, I'm sure the Kruk's could use some help with their current expenses.
Much love,
Jessica
Monday, August 27, 2012
The Home Stretch
" The Home Stretch"
Those three little words imply so much.
With only 4 weeks to go until our marathon with Team in Training for the Leukemia & Lyphoma Society this is a phrase I find myself saying or thinking quite often.
At least once per long run I will look over at Jessica as we are nearing the end of our run, when I know it's getting particularly challenging or when we are both getting tired and say to her "We're in the home stretch". It's usually when we have about 6Km to go and I think mostly to myself that I need to say something to get us to the end. I used to think I was just doing it for Jess to be supportive and encouraging as she challenges each new length of distance that is new territory to her (I am amazingly proud of her) but now, I think it's a bit of a pep talk for me too.
Let's face it, marathon training is hard. It's tiring. It takes a toll on your body, your mind and your spirit. It demands more of you than any relationship and puts limits on everything you do. To say that it takes a committment is an understatement.
BUT -there's always a but.
At the end of the day, when all is said and done, when you have completed all 700+ training kilometers, running dreaded hill repeats, eaten countless gels, fought with your spouse or children for the umpteenth time about squeezing in your run, scrutinized every last detail of what goes in your mouth for 16weeks, made the journey to the race, toed the starting line, and pushed yourself along the race course getting to the point where you think you just can't go any further.............the home stretch is what gets you to the finish line and your victory over what some see as nearly impossible and others never challenge.
So, as we near the end of our journey together Miss Jessica, at a time when it's getting the hardest to push through the miles and the tiredness I just wanted you to know..........we're in the home stretch :)
D.
Those three little words imply so much.
- only a bit more to go
- we're almost there
- you just need to keep your head on a bit further.
- we are going to make it.
With only 4 weeks to go until our marathon with Team in Training for the Leukemia & Lyphoma Society this is a phrase I find myself saying or thinking quite often.
At least once per long run I will look over at Jessica as we are nearing the end of our run, when I know it's getting particularly challenging or when we are both getting tired and say to her "We're in the home stretch". It's usually when we have about 6Km to go and I think mostly to myself that I need to say something to get us to the end. I used to think I was just doing it for Jess to be supportive and encouraging as she challenges each new length of distance that is new territory to her (I am amazingly proud of her) but now, I think it's a bit of a pep talk for me too.
Let's face it, marathon training is hard. It's tiring. It takes a toll on your body, your mind and your spirit. It demands more of you than any relationship and puts limits on everything you do. To say that it takes a committment is an understatement.
BUT -there's always a but.
At the end of the day, when all is said and done, when you have completed all 700+ training kilometers, running dreaded hill repeats, eaten countless gels, fought with your spouse or children for the umpteenth time about squeezing in your run, scrutinized every last detail of what goes in your mouth for 16weeks, made the journey to the race, toed the starting line, and pushed yourself along the race course getting to the point where you think you just can't go any further.............the home stretch is what gets you to the finish line and your victory over what some see as nearly impossible and others never challenge.
So, as we near the end of our journey together Miss Jessica, at a time when it's getting the hardest to push through the miles and the tiredness I just wanted you to know..........we're in the home stretch :)
D.
Friday, August 24, 2012
A Midsummer Night's Run
This was it. The race that was SUPPOSED to be my goal race for the season.
In May, when Denise and I attended the Expo at Mississauga Marathon, we saw the booth for the Midsummer Night's Run, and both exclaimed that we had ALWAYS wanted to do that run.
The next thing you know, we were both signed up to run the 30km ( a new distance for me), and my Mom was signed up to walk the 15km.
We're very spur of the moment, we three. We hadn't even run the 10km race Denise and I were there to run!
That quickly led to us realizing that we would be running the 30km race at the exact weekend we would need to in training for the Montreal Marathon. Clearly, the only sane thing to do at that point was to sign up for that race too!
August came quickly, and found us all assembled in McCleary Park in Toronto, Ontario, ready to race. As always there are the pre-run jitters, but the weather was great, and spirits were high.
Midsummer Night Run has Pace Fairies, which really, is awesome. A whole bunch of runners wearing fairy wings, holding signs displaying the time that they will get you into the finish at. Denise and I were "only running it as a training run", so we looked for the 3:30 continuous Pace Fairy. I looked to my right and saw the 3:15 continuous Pace Fairy and said to Denise "I think that's Ed Mark".
Ed is the events guy for our Running Room district and attends most of our Sudbury races to help out.
Sure enough, it was Ed, who was hands down the most spectacularly dressed Pace Fairy. Kudos to him for running 30km in that outfit!
Midsummer Night's Run really is a nice race. The terrain changes a few times throughout and at times I found that difficult, particularly the many speed bumps. After those, my hips and groin were pretty unhappy.
To be honest, I struggled throught the last 7km. Thankfully, Denise kept me going, albeit much slower. It was definitely challenging running in the dark, from a psychological perspective. At least when you are running on your home turf, even in the dark, you have a good sense of where you are.
I just found it so hard to not be able to see. I definitley see the value of taking a look at the course before you run it, especially in that situation.
At any rate, reach the finish we did, in 3:23:22, still well under our hard goal of under 3:30, but short of our soft goal of 3:15.
If I were to the analyze the factors that didnèt go my way in the race, I would say I definitley wore the wrong shoes, and that I might have better prepared myself mentally for the dark part of the course. Additionally, I did not properly fuel myself with the right nutrition throughout the day, so I am going to work on that before the big race for sure.
My Mom finished the 15km walk in 2:33:32, and I am insanely proud of her. This was only her second event, and it was three times as long as the first event she walked. Circumstances meant that she had not trained much in the final weeks leading up to it, but she still rocked an average pace of 10:14 per km! That's AWESOME!
A nice touch was the prefilled stainless steel water bottles at the race finish. Eco Friendly, reusable, and full of cool water! All in all, we had a great time. Also, we must not forget the Steamwhistle beer garden and the fab BBQ food. I'd definitley recommend this race!
Jes
In May, when Denise and I attended the Expo at Mississauga Marathon, we saw the booth for the Midsummer Night's Run, and both exclaimed that we had ALWAYS wanted to do that run.
The next thing you know, we were both signed up to run the 30km ( a new distance for me), and my Mom was signed up to walk the 15km.
We're very spur of the moment, we three. We hadn't even run the 10km race Denise and I were there to run!
That quickly led to us realizing that we would be running the 30km race at the exact weekend we would need to in training for the Montreal Marathon. Clearly, the only sane thing to do at that point was to sign up for that race too!
August came quickly, and found us all assembled in McCleary Park in Toronto, Ontario, ready to race. As always there are the pre-run jitters, but the weather was great, and spirits were high.
Midsummer Night Run has Pace Fairies, which really, is awesome. A whole bunch of runners wearing fairy wings, holding signs displaying the time that they will get you into the finish at. Denise and I were "only running it as a training run", so we looked for the 3:30 continuous Pace Fairy. I looked to my right and saw the 3:15 continuous Pace Fairy and said to Denise "I think that's Ed Mark".
Ed is the events guy for our Running Room district and attends most of our Sudbury races to help out.
Sure enough, it was Ed, who was hands down the most spectacularly dressed Pace Fairy. Kudos to him for running 30km in that outfit!
Midsummer Night's Run really is a nice race. The terrain changes a few times throughout and at times I found that difficult, particularly the many speed bumps. After those, my hips and groin were pretty unhappy.
To be honest, I struggled throught the last 7km. Thankfully, Denise kept me going, albeit much slower. It was definitely challenging running in the dark, from a psychological perspective. At least when you are running on your home turf, even in the dark, you have a good sense of where you are.
I just found it so hard to not be able to see. I definitley see the value of taking a look at the course before you run it, especially in that situation.
At any rate, reach the finish we did, in 3:23:22, still well under our hard goal of under 3:30, but short of our soft goal of 3:15.
If I were to the analyze the factors that didnèt go my way in the race, I would say I definitley wore the wrong shoes, and that I might have better prepared myself mentally for the dark part of the course. Additionally, I did not properly fuel myself with the right nutrition throughout the day, so I am going to work on that before the big race for sure.
My Mom finished the 15km walk in 2:33:32, and I am insanely proud of her. This was only her second event, and it was three times as long as the first event she walked. Circumstances meant that she had not trained much in the final weeks leading up to it, but she still rocked an average pace of 10:14 per km! That's AWESOME!
A nice touch was the prefilled stainless steel water bottles at the race finish. Eco Friendly, reusable, and full of cool water! All in all, we had a great time. Also, we must not forget the Steamwhistle beer garden and the fab BBQ food. I'd definitley recommend this race!
Jes
Monday, July 23, 2012
Doing my Best
I knew going into this that it would be time-consuming. I don't think I truly understood, though.
It's easy to quantify. You look at the training schedules and predict with a fair amount of accuracy how much time a week you'll spend running, stretching, and rolling out the achy parts with a foam roller. You know you'll spend time, most likely after your weekly long run, sitting in an ice bath, reminding yourself through chattering teeth, that this is all worth it. (ice baths are a post for another day. Coles Notes: They suck; They work).
But I don't think you can really prepare yourself for it qualitatively. How suddenly, the simple decision to step up from training for and running half marathons to training for and running a marathon, changes everything.
I used to schedule my runs around my life. Now, I schedule my life around my runs. If, as Denise and I have chosen to do, you decide to raise money for charity, then more time is spent on fundraisers, seeking sponsorship, calling family and friends and asking for support. I wouldn't say that my family is suffering because of it. They are some of my biggest supporters. But the mom guilt! Oooof!
I keep wondering if this was the best time for me to decide to do this. I could have waited until the kids were older. I'm only 38, I hope I've got many more years of running in me! But, what if I don't? It's possible that one day my body will say "Look lady. I've had enough. I've done enough".
So of course I'm doing it now. Every fibre of my being is telling me that I HAVE to. I learned a long time ago that when all signs point to GO, then that's what you must do.
Don't get me wrong...I am loving, cherishing and embracing every moment of this journey. I know I am lucky to be able to do this.
I'm hoping that the time I'm spending away from these two adorable boys, is made up for with the lessons I hope they learn from watching me set goals, and work hard to achieve them.
From watching me raise money for a deserving charity.
From seeing that life isn't about BEING the best, it's about DOING your best.
So, for now, I will just go on doing my best. I know that when I cross the finish line on September 23rd, that I will be proud. I sure hope the kids will be too.
It's easy to quantify. You look at the training schedules and predict with a fair amount of accuracy how much time a week you'll spend running, stretching, and rolling out the achy parts with a foam roller. You know you'll spend time, most likely after your weekly long run, sitting in an ice bath, reminding yourself through chattering teeth, that this is all worth it. (ice baths are a post for another day. Coles Notes: They suck; They work).
But I don't think you can really prepare yourself for it qualitatively. How suddenly, the simple decision to step up from training for and running half marathons to training for and running a marathon, changes everything.
I used to schedule my runs around my life. Now, I schedule my life around my runs. If, as Denise and I have chosen to do, you decide to raise money for charity, then more time is spent on fundraisers, seeking sponsorship, calling family and friends and asking for support. I wouldn't say that my family is suffering because of it. They are some of my biggest supporters. But the mom guilt! Oooof!
I keep wondering if this was the best time for me to decide to do this. I could have waited until the kids were older. I'm only 38, I hope I've got many more years of running in me! But, what if I don't? It's possible that one day my body will say "Look lady. I've had enough. I've done enough".
So of course I'm doing it now. Every fibre of my being is telling me that I HAVE to. I learned a long time ago that when all signs point to GO, then that's what you must do.
Don't get me wrong...I am loving, cherishing and embracing every moment of this journey. I know I am lucky to be able to do this.
I'm hoping that the time I'm spending away from these two adorable boys, is made up for with the lessons I hope they learn from watching me set goals, and work hard to achieve them.
From watching me raise money for a deserving charity.
From seeing that life isn't about BEING the best, it's about DOING your best.
So, for now, I will just go on doing my best. I know that when I cross the finish line on September 23rd, that I will be proud. I sure hope the kids will be too.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Ready to Run?
Denise's Running Playlist
While on a road trip to Toronto I was listening to a 90's satellite radio station with the hubby when we starting hearing all these awesome songs from the 90's that we both kept saying "that would be awsome to run to" so here's my 4km tempo run playlist to get your legs movin'.
Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio
Poison - Bel Biv Divo
Let's talk about sex - Salt n' Peppa
Basket Case - Green Day
All-star - Smashmouth
I got the Power -Snap
Come baby Come - K7
Cottoneyed Joe - Rednexx
Be my lover - La Bouche
Grove is in the heart - Deee-Lite
Have a blast!
Denise
While on a road trip to Toronto I was listening to a 90's satellite radio station with the hubby when we starting hearing all these awesome songs from the 90's that we both kept saying "that would be awsome to run to" so here's my 4km tempo run playlist to get your legs movin'.
Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio
Poison - Bel Biv Divo
Let's talk about sex - Salt n' Peppa
Basket Case - Green Day
All-star - Smashmouth
I got the Power -Snap
Come baby Come - K7
Cottoneyed Joe - Rednexx
Be my lover - La Bouche
Grove is in the heart - Deee-Lite
Have a blast!
Denise
Friday, July 13, 2012
What are YOU running to?
Music can be a great motivator when out for a run. I don't often run with music, unless I am alone and running more than about 8km, but it can be a great way to keep you pumped up, when fatigue sets in.
I really want to mention here that it is VERY important to remember safety when running with music. Keep the music low enough that you can hear it, but still hear your surroundings. I also only wear one ear bud. More important than having fabulous tunes, is being able to hear what is going on around you!
Here are a few songs from my iPod playlist. What songs keep YOU motivated?
Jessica's Playlist
Always on the Run - Lenny Kravitz
Ordinary Day - Great Big Sea
The Dead Can't Testify - Billy Talent
Gold - Boulay
I Wanna Be Sedated - The Ramones
Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
Pass At Me Timbaland feat. Pitbull
I Love Rock n Roll - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson
Beat It - Fall Out Boy feat. John Mayer
Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
Funhouse - P!nk
Up - Great Big Sea
It's My Life - Bon Jovi
Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis
Tweeter and the Monkey Man - Headstones
Baba O'Riley - The Who
Happy Running!
JGV
I really want to mention here that it is VERY important to remember safety when running with music. Keep the music low enough that you can hear it, but still hear your surroundings. I also only wear one ear bud. More important than having fabulous tunes, is being able to hear what is going on around you!
Here are a few songs from my iPod playlist. What songs keep YOU motivated?
Jessica's Playlist
Always on the Run - Lenny Kravitz
Ordinary Day - Great Big Sea
The Dead Can't Testify - Billy Talent
Gold - Boulay
I Wanna Be Sedated - The Ramones
Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
Pass At Me Timbaland feat. Pitbull
I Love Rock n Roll - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson
Beat It - Fall Out Boy feat. John Mayer
Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
Funhouse - P!nk
Up - Great Big Sea
It's My Life - Bon Jovi
Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis
Tweeter and the Monkey Man - Headstones
Baba O'Riley - The Who
Happy Running!
JGV
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The Big Chase Down Classic Recap
A small but mighty group of runners joined us on Saturday July 7th for the Big Chase Down Classic 6km race. It was our first year, and we definitely plan to do it again.
Before starting out, we’d received enough donations to ensure that Denise was “in the pink”, and prepared to run the race in her pink hat, shoelaces, sunglasses, socks, shirt, and tutu. With a well-documented disdain for the colour pink, Denise was a spectacle to behold!
7 runners joined us with the goal of not only chasing us down and surpassing us to the finish line, but also to help us raise $275.00 for Team in Training and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Jordan Nurmi and Catherine Perrin, each ran a very smart race and surpassed Denise about 2km before the finish.
Kelly Bowie passed Jessica and her son, 9 year old Zachary just before 3km, and Michael Donnelly passed Jessica just after 3km.
Hot on their heels were Paul Groves, Liz Taillefer, and Summer D’Aoust.
Thanks to those people who weren’t able to participate but gave us a donation, anyway. It’s not too late! If you’d like to donate, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Denise or Jessica. Or, our donation links can be found right here on this blog, just over to the right!
A special thanks to our volunteers, Jason and Dylan Clement, Sarah Moore, Zachary Valiquette and Michelle Seguin-Guenard, as well as to Running Room Store manager Gina Conroy. This wouldn’t have been possible without you.
Our next fundraiser will be a lemonade and Mr. Freeze sale at the 20 Minute Challenge on July 18th. We sure hope to see you there!
Jessica and Denise.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Sometimes it's the little things.........like snails.
There are a great many things one would expect to see on a long run in Vaughn, Ontario.
Folks walking dogs, a couple sipping coffee on the patio at Starbucks and of course traffic but one does not usually expect to find snails on the sidewalk. Yep, that's what I said snails on the sidewalk.
I was about 3km into a 14km LSD on Saturday and as I was marveling to myself how wonderful it is to see the beauty of a river valley juxtaposed on the backdrop of a subdivision when I happened to look down and notice what I thought was a rock only to realize that the round rock I thought I was seeing actually had a tail end and little eyeball attenae at the other! It literally stopped me dead in my tracks and caused me to laugh out loud. I couldn't help but grasp the irony of the fact that I was running among something noted for being slow. In that moment, as I stood there over my shelled speed bump, I realized that even though I was out there to get my milage done-probably too quickly- and had a dozen other things to do that morning, that it was time to get back to why I love running. To breathe, to bid the daily stresses of life good-bye and to take a look around as I run and take in all that the road has to offer me. Of all the things I thought I would be thankful for in running, I never expected it to be a snail.
Here's to slowing down and taking in the little things.
D
Folks walking dogs, a couple sipping coffee on the patio at Starbucks and of course traffic but one does not usually expect to find snails on the sidewalk. Yep, that's what I said snails on the sidewalk.
I was about 3km into a 14km LSD on Saturday and as I was marveling to myself how wonderful it is to see the beauty of a river valley juxtaposed on the backdrop of a subdivision when I happened to look down and notice what I thought was a rock only to realize that the round rock I thought I was seeing actually had a tail end and little eyeball attenae at the other! It literally stopped me dead in my tracks and caused me to laugh out loud. I couldn't help but grasp the irony of the fact that I was running among something noted for being slow. In that moment, as I stood there over my shelled speed bump, I realized that even though I was out there to get my milage done-probably too quickly- and had a dozen other things to do that morning, that it was time to get back to why I love running. To breathe, to bid the daily stresses of life good-bye and to take a look around as I run and take in all that the road has to offer me. Of all the things I thought I would be thankful for in running, I never expected it to be a snail.
Here's to slowing down and taking in the little things.
D
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Hill Training - The Runner's Reckoning
Hills Make You Stronger.
This is what you are told from the minute you decide to challenge any distance greater than 5Km until the day you hang up your shoes (NEVER!). Its one of many mantras of the distance runner.
Jess and I have aggreed that hill training is a necessary evil in line with vaccinations, dentists, childbirth and trying on new bathing suits. It can be moderately torturous, cause anxiety and definately cannot be put into any catagory with the word "fun".But, as much as I would love to outlaw hill training as a workout I have to admit it.......it works. There, I said it. It works.
BEFORE THE HILL: The pre-hill experience
We leave from the Running Room on a slightly warm - and by slightly I mean fricken' hot!- evening to begin the warm up for our hill training session. As we cruise through the 3Km it takes to get to the hill - and I do reccommend the 3Km as a warm up distance both to loosen up your legs and give yourself enough time to talk yourself into thinking Skyward hill isn't really that bad - we chit-chat about this and that with our fellow runners that we've managed to shame into coming with us. As we make the final decent down Arnold street to the base of the hill, we all share a knowing joke about the fact that the hill is just a little bit farther and agree that maybe we could just skip hill training.......it is hot you know! But alas, we arrive at the base of Skyward Hill and know that bailing is not an option. After all, it is only three repeats right?
SIDEBAR : For those of you unfamiliar with Skyward Hill, here's a little visual for you......... It's a double elevation type of climb....... kind of like someone removed a hill from San Fransico and plunked it down in the middle of the south end of Sudbury and said "here you go, run this"
ON THE HILL: The Reckoning
The first hill of any number of repeats starts with a deep breath. When you reach the incline and as you climb up it, that deep breath becomes more like sucking wind. You force your legs pick up the pace even though they are resisting. Your arms begin to pump furiously in attempt to get the legs that are now burning and begging you stop, to go faster. Your heart is hammering so hard that you can hear it beating in your ears and think it may pop out your chest. If you go fast enough, you may even feel like you could vomit. (I don't reccommend it) But just when you think you can't take one more step, it's over. You hit the crest and you get to recover, on your way back down the same hill.
Needless to say, there is much cursing and debating on why we do this, but we can't stop. We can't give up. In fact if you try to leave, the hill taunts you "come on punky, what's the matter? can't take it?" You are the hills' bitch. It's better to accept it, get your ass back up to the top and say thank you when you are done.
Hill training is what seperates those who run comfortably from those who will attack a run with strength and pride in knowing that they may have gotten their ass handed to them on Skyward hill once or twice but they are never going to get beat on some tiny little burm on a race course! ~
See you on the hills!
D
This is what you are told from the minute you decide to challenge any distance greater than 5Km until the day you hang up your shoes (NEVER!). Its one of many mantras of the distance runner.
Jess and I have aggreed that hill training is a necessary evil in line with vaccinations, dentists, childbirth and trying on new bathing suits. It can be moderately torturous, cause anxiety and definately cannot be put into any catagory with the word "fun".But, as much as I would love to outlaw hill training as a workout I have to admit it.......it works. There, I said it. It works.
BEFORE THE HILL: The pre-hill experience
We leave from the Running Room on a slightly warm - and by slightly I mean fricken' hot!- evening to begin the warm up for our hill training session. As we cruise through the 3Km it takes to get to the hill - and I do reccommend the 3Km as a warm up distance both to loosen up your legs and give yourself enough time to talk yourself into thinking Skyward hill isn't really that bad - we chit-chat about this and that with our fellow runners that we've managed to shame into coming with us. As we make the final decent down Arnold street to the base of the hill, we all share a knowing joke about the fact that the hill is just a little bit farther and agree that maybe we could just skip hill training.......it is hot you know! But alas, we arrive at the base of Skyward Hill and know that bailing is not an option. After all, it is only three repeats right?
SIDEBAR : For those of you unfamiliar with Skyward Hill, here's a little visual for you......... It's a double elevation type of climb....... kind of like someone removed a hill from San Fransico and plunked it down in the middle of the south end of Sudbury and said "here you go, run this"
ON THE HILL: The Reckoning
The first hill of any number of repeats starts with a deep breath. When you reach the incline and as you climb up it, that deep breath becomes more like sucking wind. You force your legs pick up the pace even though they are resisting. Your arms begin to pump furiously in attempt to get the legs that are now burning and begging you stop, to go faster. Your heart is hammering so hard that you can hear it beating in your ears and think it may pop out your chest. If you go fast enough, you may even feel like you could vomit. (I don't reccommend it) But just when you think you can't take one more step, it's over. You hit the crest and you get to recover, on your way back down the same hill.
Needless to say, there is much cursing and debating on why we do this, but we can't stop. We can't give up. In fact if you try to leave, the hill taunts you "come on punky, what's the matter? can't take it?" You are the hills' bitch. It's better to accept it, get your ass back up to the top and say thank you when you are done.
Hill training is what seperates those who run comfortably from those who will attack a run with strength and pride in knowing that they may have gotten their ass handed to them on Skyward hill once or twice but they are never going to get beat on some tiny little burm on a race course! ~
See you on the hills!
D
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
12K LSD - or - 12K of complaining and suffering
Well, we ran a 12K slow run this weekend. Oh. Em. Gee. Did it EVER suck.
One of us was hungover, one of us was sleep deprived. It doesn't matter who was what, just that we were good companions for this run.
You know how the first 10 minutes or so of a run, you are warming up, and they don't feel the greatest? That feeling never went away. At 5K, we both felt like we'd run 18K. We were thankful for EVERY light that was blissfully red, giving us an excuse to stop without damaging our pride.
A new low, was at 10K, we were stopped at a light and Denise was leaning against the light pole while I was hunched over supporting myself on my knees.
Did we not just run a half marathon TWO WEEKS AGO?
But, we got it done. Sort of.
11.31km is just like 12km, right?
Right!?
Onward and Upward, I say.
One of us was hungover, one of us was sleep deprived. It doesn't matter who was what, just that we were good companions for this run.
You know how the first 10 minutes or so of a run, you are warming up, and they don't feel the greatest? That feeling never went away. At 5K, we both felt like we'd run 18K. We were thankful for EVERY light that was blissfully red, giving us an excuse to stop without damaging our pride.
A new low, was at 10K, we were stopped at a light and Denise was leaning against the light pole while I was hunched over supporting myself on my knees.
Did we not just run a half marathon TWO WEEKS AGO?
But, we got it done. Sort of.
11.31km is just like 12km, right?
Right!?
Onward and Upward, I say.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
The Zombification of Jessica - (TO Women's Race Report)
My fourth half marathon has come and gone. I had a good time. It was hard, but fun! I knew that my ongoing breathing issues were going to prevent me from a Personal Best (PB) so I needed a new goal. It's important to have a goal, don't you think?
Personal Worst (PW) it was!
I was hoping for a 2:10 in this race, and I think that without the health challenges that have plagued me the last four weeks or so, it was attainable. Difficult but attainable. Sadly, sometimes during allergy season, my breathing is unmanageable, and I went into this race on a pharmaceutical cocktail that included 3 inhalers, Prednisone, and Singulair. I had my doctor's blessing to run, but was told to take it easy.
On Saturday night, I was having a lot of difficulty breathing. For me, this means I cough. A lot, and hard. It sounds a lot like kids do when they have the croup. I didn't want to worry anyone, but I started to think that I may not be able to run after all. Denise didn't say anything to me, but I am pretty sure that she was thinking the same thing.
Sunday morning came, and I was feeling a bit better. I decided I would run, but I would treat it like a leisurely Sunday morning long run. You know, with 2200 of my closest friends.
I really am glad I ran. It is a challenging, hilly and beautiful course. The race takes you through Sunnybrook Park, and let me tell you, if I could run there all the time, I would. Fab-u-lous.
Overall, I felt okay through the run. There were a few spots when I needed my inhaler, but nothing too dramatic. I took it easy, enjoyed the scenery, and listened to some great music on my iPod, Radcliffe. (Yes, I named my iPod Radcliffe). It really was nice to enjoy the run without the pressure of meeting a time goal.
Only two things went wrong for me on this race, and they were pretty minor. I had to use EVERY. SINGLE. PORT-A-POTTY. Because I was having some breathing struggles, I used a LOT of water. I also coughed a lot. So I had to pee a lot. That wasn't ideal, but no biggie. At least on the race course, you know there will be washrooms. If more had been stocked with toilet paper, that would have been nice.
Otherwise, I can't complain. I ran the entire hill that is placed at 19K. Its a big hill leading to a shaky bridge and the majority of people around me were walking it. But not ME! I am SUDBURIAN. We run our hills.
This is what I looked like.
Personal Worst (PW) it was!
I was hoping for a 2:10 in this race, and I think that without the health challenges that have plagued me the last four weeks or so, it was attainable. Difficult but attainable. Sadly, sometimes during allergy season, my breathing is unmanageable, and I went into this race on a pharmaceutical cocktail that included 3 inhalers, Prednisone, and Singulair. I had my doctor's blessing to run, but was told to take it easy.
On Saturday night, I was having a lot of difficulty breathing. For me, this means I cough. A lot, and hard. It sounds a lot like kids do when they have the croup. I didn't want to worry anyone, but I started to think that I may not be able to run after all. Denise didn't say anything to me, but I am pretty sure that she was thinking the same thing.
Sunday morning came, and I was feeling a bit better. I decided I would run, but I would treat it like a leisurely Sunday morning long run. You know, with 2200 of my closest friends.
I really am glad I ran. It is a challenging, hilly and beautiful course. The race takes you through Sunnybrook Park, and let me tell you, if I could run there all the time, I would. Fab-u-lous.
Overall, I felt okay through the run. There were a few spots when I needed my inhaler, but nothing too dramatic. I took it easy, enjoyed the scenery, and listened to some great music on my iPod, Radcliffe. (Yes, I named my iPod Radcliffe). It really was nice to enjoy the run without the pressure of meeting a time goal.
Only two things went wrong for me on this race, and they were pretty minor. I had to use EVERY. SINGLE. PORT-A-POTTY. Because I was having some breathing struggles, I used a LOT of water. I also coughed a lot. So I had to pee a lot. That wasn't ideal, but no biggie. At least on the race course, you know there will be washrooms. If more had been stocked with toilet paper, that would have been nice.
I collided with a runner mid-course. Hard. The way the course is designed, there are a few locations where the race is run in both directions. This means that at some points, while us slower people are running one way on the path, the front runners are running the other way. Sometimes this can cause a bit of a bottle neck. In this particular instance, we were on a gravel/dirt path, and there was a puddle. In my mind, not such a big deal. In the mind of the runner in front of me, the puddle must of been infested with alligators, because she stopped DEAD in her tracks. Trying to avoid a collision with her, I veered left and ran into a runner coming towards me. I have a bruise on my shoulder and one on my shin. I really hope she was okay!
Coming up to the finish line, I heard my name, looked ahead and saw Denise. I was feeling pretty done at that point, so it was great to see her. She met up with me and ran beside me for about 50 meters, then veered off so I could finish.
I was met just passed the finish line by Hayley, the district manager for our Running Room in Sudbury. "Are you okay? How's your breathing? Do you need anything?" I thanked her, thinking it was nice of her to ask.
This is what I looked like.
 |
| BRRRAAAAIIINNNSSS! |
Clearly, not my best look. So, it wasn't my best race. But I really enjoyed it! And really, that's all I can ask for. I'll get my 2:10 at another race. There's ALWAYS another race.
For now though....Marathon training is starting. WHOOOO HOOOO!
Here are a few more pictures from the day!
 |
| Denise, rocking out after the race. |
 |
| Jessica, looking MUCH better! |
 |
| Us, with Dayna Pidhoresky. (She's fast. Like, Top woman at Around the Bay in 2011, fast) |
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
I'll never take the wine away, but I may smack that cookie out of your mouth!
Eating to Run: Sort of
Jessica and I have often joked about the fact that we run so we can eat. Which for the largest part is true due to the fact that we both love all things sweet and chocolatey and that all good things must be had with wine.So as we were getting set to drive home this past Sunday after our race it caused me to giggle when Jessica looked over at me with a slightly giddy and panicked smile and confessed that she was nervous that I was going to start telling her that she couldn't eat things that were bad for her while we were training for this marathon. I really think she was worried I would take away the wine!!!!
Now I am no dietary saint. Although, when training for a marathon I do tend to walk the straight and narrow a bit more and I will admit, it's definately alot easier to get through the training week on well planned healthy meals than it is to try to survive on the plan of fast food, finishing your kids plates and discovering the chocolate bar under the front seat of the SUV. But, life gets in the way sometimes and we as women with a goal sometimes have to sacrifice a good meal in the name of schedules and sanity.
So, I promise my dear friend; I will not take the wine away, but I may smack that cookie out of your mouth!
D.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Toronto Women's Half
Less than 36 hours until we run another half marathon! YAY!
This one is in Toronto, the TO Women's Half, at Sunnybrook Park. Please wish us luck!
Denise is picking me up at 6:30 or so, which means that I will be up by 5:30am. That's cruel and unusual punishment, if you ask me.
Look here on Monday evening for an update with our finishing times. Hopefully there will be pictures too! However, if you just can't wait that long, you can certainly search us out on www.sportstats.ca!
Have a great weekend, and if you are the praying kind, please pray for rain in the Timmins area. That fire is terrible and they need all the help they can get!
Jessica
This one is in Toronto, the TO Women's Half, at Sunnybrook Park. Please wish us luck!
Denise is picking me up at 6:30 or so, which means that I will be up by 5:30am. That's cruel and unusual punishment, if you ask me.
Look here on Monday evening for an update with our finishing times. Hopefully there will be pictures too! However, if you just can't wait that long, you can certainly search us out on www.sportstats.ca!
Have a great weekend, and if you are the praying kind, please pray for rain in the Timmins area. That fire is terrible and they need all the help they can get!
Jessica
Friday, May 18, 2012
Donations Welcome!
So, here's the crux of it all.
We each need to raise $3000, to participate in the Montreal Rock n Roll Marathon with Team In Training. This is totally doable - with YOUR help. So, please visit our fundraising pages and send us a donation!
Its that easy.
If you aren't comfortable with donating online, please don't hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to work something out with you.
Jessica's Fundraising Page
Denise's Fundraising Page
If you donate by giving us a donation personally, or through our fundraising page, you get a tax receipt. So many positives to that:
1) You support a great cause
2) You pay less taxes
3) We run a marathon and feel good about it
4) Prime Minister Stephen Harper gets less of your hard earned money. Woot!!
However! This is NOT the only way to donate.
Indeed, we will be having a few fundraising events throughout our FUNdraising period. As you can tell from the very subtle title, these events will be FUN, FUN, FUN!
So keep visiting our site. We will try to post at least once a week.
Remember, we couldnt't have come as far in our running as we have without your support, and we definitely need it now!
Thanks!
Denise and Jessica
We each need to raise $3000, to participate in the Montreal Rock n Roll Marathon with Team In Training. This is totally doable - with YOUR help. So, please visit our fundraising pages and send us a donation!
Its that easy.
If you aren't comfortable with donating online, please don't hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to work something out with you.
Jessica's Fundraising Page
Denise's Fundraising Page
If you donate by giving us a donation personally, or through our fundraising page, you get a tax receipt. So many positives to that:
1) You support a great cause
2) You pay less taxes
3) We run a marathon and feel good about it
4) Prime Minister Stephen Harper gets less of your hard earned money. Woot!!
However! This is NOT the only way to donate.
Indeed, we will be having a few fundraising events throughout our FUNdraising period. As you can tell from the very subtle title, these events will be FUN, FUN, FUN!
So keep visiting our site. We will try to post at least once a week.
Remember, we couldnt't have come as far in our running as we have without your support, and we definitely need it now!
Thanks!
Denise and Jessica
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Adventure Begins
Welcome!
We are thrilled that you've decided to visit our blog.
As you may already know, we have decided to join Team in Training to run a Marathon on September 23rd, in Montreal. This is the place where we will keep you updated on our training and fundraising progress!
Team in Training is a fantastic organization, whose goal is to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, making a difference in the life of cancer patients and their families.
Any support is welcome, whether it be kind words, laughter at some of our shenanigans (you KNOW there will be shenanigans), or a donation.
How did we come up with that crazy blog title?
Well, neither of us speaks French very well, (although we are trying to learn), and we are running a race together in the beautiful city of Montreal. Our kids are all in French Immersion, and we both have French last names! We though it would be great to poke a little fun at ourselves.
We are looking forward to this adventure and are so happy to have you along!
Denise and Jessica
We are thrilled that you've decided to visit our blog.
As you may already know, we have decided to join Team in Training to run a Marathon on September 23rd, in Montreal. This is the place where we will keep you updated on our training and fundraising progress!
Team in Training is a fantastic organization, whose goal is to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, making a difference in the life of cancer patients and their families.
Any support is welcome, whether it be kind words, laughter at some of our shenanigans (you KNOW there will be shenanigans), or a donation.
How did we come up with that crazy blog title?
Well, neither of us speaks French very well, (although we are trying to learn), and we are running a race together in the beautiful city of Montreal. Our kids are all in French Immersion, and we both have French last names! We though it would be great to poke a little fun at ourselves.
We are looking forward to this adventure and are so happy to have you along!
Denise and Jessica
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