80 laps in the LU Hanger

I had commited to running one day a week (Wed) inside in order to get climatized to the heat in Florida. Carol has so kindly joined me for as many indoor runs as she could , misery loves company.
This past Wed we ran 10 miles around in circles (80 laps) at LU. Kathy joined us for the last 12 which was so shocking to see her show up after her workout with Dan.

This week Carol was assigned the job of lap keeper on her Garmin, it does help though if you can see the tinsy tiny numbers on the screen, poor Carol I made fun of her in a friendly way the whole time.
When we were finished it really felt good, we had clipped along and ran 10 miles in 1:46 which is AWESOME!
Even after running like that inside I tend to feel it in my legs but not this time it was the perfect run inside. It didn't don on me until I got home, how quickly we ran that 10 miles and didn't even notice.
Next week might not be so wonderful I'll milk this one until at least next Wed, when we do it all over again!

20 Mile Run to Rosslyn

Last weekend was the big 20 mile run of the Goofy Challenge training, and oh what some sleep and decent weather will do for you. The week before Lynda and I ran 16 miles and it felt like 30 miles. I had worked that weekend and the weather was wet and winding and cold. This past weekend though was awesome, Lynda and I ran from Fresh Air Experience 10 miles out to Rosslyn Village and back again, and it was a great run. I have this problem with my nose bleeding from blowing it, I always have a runny nose when running, I say that it is my brain crying (from running)and when I don't listen it resorts to bleeding instead. It started to bleed at the beginning of the run and then halfway. So I ran with Kleenex shoved up my nose.
When we had gotten out to Rosslyn I thought that we could sneak up on Kathys house and take our picture in front of her place and then facebook it after to see if she noticed where we were, but she drove by us and stopped to chat.
We arrived back to Fresh Air and felt awesome. Ready for race day, nothing better then to share it with a great run buddy.

Goofy Training Continues.

This weekend was a challenging back to back running combination. On Saturday I ran 8.5 miles with Stephanie which was a great run, I had overdressed as I was deceived by the frost that was on the car in the morning, it looked colder out then it actually was.

8.5 miles later and we are both still smiling.

Sunday I ran with Carol and Lynda and we had to run 18 miles. Carol joined us for 13 miles which was a nice way of splitting up the miles. The last 2 miles were tough. 

Lynda and I made it back to my house where we met the paparazzi. 

18.3 miles later!!

(a little extra just for fun)

After sitting on the stairs I didn't think I would get back up again.

Step down week next weekend. 

Train on......53 days to Disney's Goofy Challenge!!! 

Thunder Bay Metre Eaters

I haven`t posted in awhile but the Goofy training continues which I will post about in a different post. I just wanted to share this, I and three other Metre Eaters Dave and Robin have been nominated for Metre Eater of the Year, I was so excited when I heard this, the other candidates have some pretty heavy duty resumes when it comes to running and volunteering in the running community. We voted the other night at the Metre eaters meeting and won`t find out until January who got the title.
Sherry one of my fellow runners who was on the committee that handles the voting process wrote a biography about me which I would just like to share, I really enjoyed what she wrote ( I`m a geek, is it bad to like to hear about yourself). Enjoy.

Goofy Training

This morning I headed out to run 13 miles as per the Goofy schedule, the back to back runs are going very well thus far.
I went from my house to Boulevard and around Boulevard and so on and so on, when I was at Boulevard I got a bleeding nose and this is what I then looked like from that point on....

Yeah I am a Treasure!!

I bought a new pair of winter running pants yesterday and they are amazing, they have the wind panel on the front of the legs and the wind panel on the bum part of the pants, yes I said the bum part, there are not to many pants that have that panel on the back. I was thrilled with my purchase. 

1/2 baked Half Marathon

I love these kinds of events, groups of people coming out and enjoying a great day together, no pressure.

The ladies that organize this event are amazing, it really must take allot of work and they pull it together so well. The only rules of this run are,
1. You start whenever you need to in order to be back at the Kamview Chalet by 1100 am to make it back for breakfast.
2. Have Fun
We started out at 730, pitch dark, and thrilled to be together for this fun run. Alison, Kathy, Stephanie, Carol, Eryn, Mary Ellen, Brenda and Anna. Mary Ellen, Brenda and Anna started at 0900 to walk 1 hour out and 1 hour back. It was awesome.
It was pitch black when we started and this is a picture of Kathy in the dark when we started.

Kathy in the dark.

At each mile marker they posted signs with these great quotes on them, which were fun to read along the way. Last year we had missed the 1 mile marker because it was pitch dark out,  but Kathy scoped it out this year and we did not miss it. 

At mile 5 Stephanie, Alison, and I turned around as we were running 10 miles and Eryn, Carol and Kathy kept going to the half way point as they were running 13.1 miles. 

This is what the half way point looked like (thanks Kathy for taking these pictures). 

We ran into the gang on our way back, and they looked like they were enjoying themselves. Mary Ellen, Brenda and Anna (in her parka, smart girl)

we all made it back safe and sound, congrats to everyone whatever distance they traveled or by whatever means they traveled. What a great day....now for the best part....

Congratulations to Stephanie for 10 miles

Kamview 1/2 Marathon

Every year I think to myself, sure lets run this as a relay team again. It is the same concept as giving birth (never have) but you forget about it until the next time. This run is 3 loops of 4.5 miles and runners can either run the whole race or do it as a relay. My team dresses up every year, the first year we were the three blind mice, last year we were the Chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore, this year we were Bride, Groom and the Priest.

 The Three Blind Mice 2010

Me, Karen and Jodi

Alvin, Simon and Theodore 2011

Jodi, Karen and Me.

Bride, Groom and the Priest 2012

Jodi, Me and Karen. 

The race is uphill for about 3.5 miles, while running it you think that you can't possibly climb any higher and yet you keep climbing. 

I had an awesome run, I was able to run all the hills leading up to the top and then coasted on the down hills, years previously I would have had to walk up the hills feeling like my heart was going to blow up, but not this year.

Who knows what we'll dress up as next year.......

Bring on the Great Weather

I have been enjoying the cool refreshing weather that October and now November has brought us. I have been getting in my training runs for the Goofy Challenge and a 1/2. Stephanie and I headed out to Kamview to run on the back country roads last weekend, it is so beautiful and peaceful out there (especially when we are always running in the city, sucking exhaust at every turn).
It is always cool now when starting out but shortly after starting I get warm and off comes some of the layers (as usual).

I would choose to run on dirt roads any day, we had headed out Candy Mountain Road in preparation for the Half Baked Half Marathon. I have ran this fun women's run for 2 years and this year I plan to run it with Alison, Kathy, Carol, Eryn and Stephanie and run 10 miles of the 13 miles. 

I will fill you in on how the Half Baked went, enjoy the great weather before the snow falls. 

Thursday Night Run at Fresh Air Experience

Tonight we ran at Fresh Air starting at 6:30 pm. The weather was great, it was not raining and was cool enough not to over heat. At times the winds were strong but we pushed on. The scenery was gorgeous, all the colorful leaves on the trees and on the sidewalk.

Love Thursday Night Runs at Fresh Air!

Weight Watchers Update

I have been working hard since joining weight watchers, not only in the eating department but also in my running and cross training. I feel so good on the inside either it's endorphin's or just plain happiness. Sometimes I just feel like I'm vibrating on the inside because I want to go out and push myself at any one of the activities I am involved in or just to spend time with those special to me. Sam has been a great support along the way.  I thought I would update you on how far I have come. I started in July at 169 lbs and as of yesterday I weighed in at 142 lbs for a total loss of ......................27 lbs. 

                                                                                     

June 2012

October 2012

I am so proud of myself for working towards this ongoing lifetime goal of staying healthy. I am not quite comfortable yet in my new body. By that I mean is the attention you bring to yourself is so positive but it is something new to know that people are checking you out and judging you on your new appearance. I am thrilled just a bit uncomfortable with it, I'm like a new person. 

Back Country 10 miler

Carol and I headed out from Kamview through the back country for a beautiful 10 mile run.

It was really peaceful out there and the weather was perfect, we clipped along and before we knew it we were turning around and heading back. I guess I had blocked out the fact that this route had some hills in it, but if you forget the few hills it is relatively flat.

Before we knew it we had all our clothes off from getting so warm and had finished our 10 mile run. What a great running partner, we have a great pace and great conversation. 

Here we are finished, another great back to back running weekend. Knock on wood, but so far so good.

Where do you get Inspiration from...

So call me a dork but I love the feeling of being inspired by others or the things that I am doing for myself. This past weekend I got back on my sewing machine as one of my other passions is quilting. But running was not far from my thoughts, as I was quilting away I came across the Women's World Championship Triathlon.

The race was awesome, An american came out last from the swim to eventually catch up to win third (this is her chasing the pace group).

, and the girl who got the overall title of World Champion had been in the hospital with food poisoning up until the morning of the race.

Seriously these ladies inspire me to have goals for myself and to give all that I have to achieve those goals.

Can you relate...

Goofy Long Run Training

This weekend I had a great training weekend. Another weekend of back to back long runs under the belt. This weekend is my first weekend that I worked nights and had to run long both days. It was a trial to see if staying up after work to run long would work or whether I should sleep first then run in the afternoon.
Saturday I had a great 7 mile run with my friend Stephanie, we started at the marina and ran to Boulevard and then back to the marina. It was cool at times and misting rain a little at some points, but all in all great weather.
I have really tried to focus on stretching afterwards so that my body will feel the best it can in order to run the next day.
I have been watching videos on You Tube posted by people who ran the Goofy Challenge last year, I have really been inspired by all the people who have taken on this challenge. After watching these videos I have discovered the video camera on my phone, so I have tried something new.

On Sunday I had to run 13 miles, so I headed out to run 2.5 miles from my house to Alison's house to join her and Eryn for 8 miles.
It was nice to split the run like this so it doesn't feel as long, we ran 8 miles which seemed to fly by as we chatted the whole way.
I left Alison's house to head home, 2.5 miles back to my house, there is something psychological about heading home, in your head you know you can make it.
I knew when I got home I would be going to bed. My body felt good for the most part, my knees were starting to ache just from being in the same position for so long. I have had this feeling before and the more I train for long runs the better I feel (stretching is important for my legs at this point).

It is Monday when I am writing this blog and my body feels good considering I ran all weekend, I also have it planned in my training schedule that after running all weekend I don't run again until Wednesday. It is nice to have those rest days, you need them fore sure.
It also helps to have people to share this experience with and I will be forever grateful for my run buddies that I mention because without them I know that I would be tempted to not put as much effort into my training.
86 days until race day, let me tell you it will come up quickly.
I bought myself a great tank to workout in from One More Mile Running Apparel and it's perfect for the occasion.

Train on, Goofy here I come!

CIBC Run for the Cure

This year as every year I participated in the CIBC run for the Cure here in Thunder Bay. 1000 amazing people were out celebrating life and those that have been affected by breast cancer. People of all kinds celebrating, Moms, daughters, Dads, sisters, brothers, friends, family and many dressed up for the occasion in pink. There were two girls that stood out with their one piece pink leotard suits.

There was a team that had pick camo long johns on, another team had shirts that said "Tits and Giggles". 

Next year I hope to put together a team of my co-workers. This year Kathy and I were joined by Jolene and Alison for the run. Kathy and I have ran this for a few years now and it is fun to be a part of. 

Kathy busts out these amazing special occasion pants for occasions such as The Run for the Cure.

There was a family walking with their 3 golden retrievers which had pink shirts on with pictures of survivors on them. Everyone gets involved.  

Great Community, Way to Go Thunder Bay!

First weekend of Goofy Training

Well this weekend was my first weekend of Goofy Challenge Training. I ran 6 miles with Stephanie, Alison and Eryn on Saturday which was a great run, a little windy. Then today (Sunday) I ran 11 miles with Carol which was a little cold. I wore my skort on Saturday and unfortunately had to dust the capri's off to wear on Sunday.

Carol and I headed out at 0900 and there was a whole lot of frost covering everything. I had my Buff, a headband, a pair of mitts, short sleeve, long sleeve. and my jacket. I took the jacket off at one point but it was right back on a short time later.

Here we are before snot, 

We ran out to the Mission Marsh Conservation area and on our way there I had said to Carol that people are allowed to shoot deer on there property with a bow and arrow, I should have worn my fluorescent yellow shirt. Carol came prepared she had her yellow sponge bob mitts on. 

We had a great run, a great kick off to Goofy Training.

Here we are post snot and post 11 miles.

Twin Cities Marathon

I just want to say to all my fellow runners out there, Congratulations on a great day for a run.
Especially to Robin Cooper who ran her first Marathon today and had a great run. I followed each runner along their run on the Twin Cities Marathon website and then I realized they had a Live feed of the finish line. I realized this just after Robin would have crossed the finish line. It was so inspiring to watch the excitement of all the people crossing the finish line. I wish I could have had that feeling of the finish line minus the training through the summer.

Congrats everyone

Miles with the Giant 2012

Miles with the Giant 2012

This year the Miles with the Giant was amazing, the race itself, the volunteers, the race organizers, and last but truly the best the pace bunnies. I had a plan this year and Carol my run buddy had a plan for herself. We had agreed that we would both start out together and if our plans went astray we would leave one another to fulfill our own plan, with no hard feelings.

I have learned to not start out to fast (a work in progress), I have learned to watch my pace on my watch to know where I am, and have learned to recognize when I need to gel and listening to my body.  We were running along and enjoying ourselves, I had a goal to beat my 2:40 and Carol wanted to run 2:30, so we maintained a pace between Karen Dahl and Cheryl Ready. We were running 7:1’s which meant we had run faster during the 7 minutes to make up for more walking then the pace bunnies. There was a point during the run that I kept saying to Carol “ I can see Cheryl, I can never see Cheryl, I was just so thrilled with the fact that I was running fast enough to keep up with Cheryl” I have always admired Cheryl Ready’s running, she is so steady and well balanced.

Cheryl did her part getting me to the finish line to far surpass my goal. I hope that all the pace bunnies know that by volunteering there race to help others reach their goal, affects not only the runner but all the challenges and people that sacrificed so much in the training months (families) it all pays off that one day.

I had actually kept my long sleeve shirt on until we were headed to Centennial along Arundal, that is far longer then it usually takes for me to start to warm up. When we came to Boulevard from Current River the wind came up and it was freezing cold. I was not going to put my sleeves back on, I refused. I was going to steal Carol’s Buff and wear it as a tube top boob warmer, the wind then died down, lucky for Carol.

I was flying on a high the whole race, it was so amazing. The last mile I had looked at my Garmin and we were far ahead of my goal and we were coming up to 2:30, I swore the whole last mile because I was not going to cut back after coming this far. 

We came over the Marina bridge and I thought a few hundred yards to the finish and then I realized that we had to head to the left and around the corner to the finish line, AROUND THE CORNER, I was not ready for this. Sorry for all the non PG language in that last mile, I was pulling the effort for that last mile from deep inside.

We came across the finish line in 2:26 and I could not have been happier, we surpassed my goal and surpassed Carol’s goal.

Miles with the Giant 2012 was the run of my life, who says you have to travel anywhere to experience an awesome race and a runners high I had for many days afterwards.

Congratulations to everyone in all of the race categories.