 |
| Winter Time Marathon Training! |
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
12 Days of Christmas. I Mean Fitness. I Mean Christmas Fitness. Yes- 12 Days of Christmas Fitness
I love Christmas. I really do. Christmas baking, Christmas drinks, Christmas turkey, Christmas chocolates...and you all know what this means; Christmas POUNDS!
This year I'm offering a challenge to those of you who would like to enjoy Christmas cheer and the best of the season with family and friends without having to worry about what that extra glass of wine (or four) or shortbread cookie (or seven) is doing to your bottom line. And thus...
The 12 Days of Christmas Fitness
Day 1- RUN
I know you're likely not surprised that I would suggest a run on Day 1 of our (notice I said our) challenge. Of course I did! Why a run, then? Simple- it's simple. No, really it is. All you really need is the proper footwear. Bundle up, lace up and giddy up- get out there in the great out of doors and enjoy a run or a walk run. 30 minutes, please! Your heart is saying thank-you for the gift! If you're a beginner and are just not sure how to start? Do a run-walk. Run for a bit, walk for a bit. Repeat. For 30 minutes. And watch the ice. Slippery stuff, that ice.
Day 2- YOGA
Yes! Nothing like a get down dog to help you to feel your best...or at least your longest and most flexible! And let's face it. The holidays, at times, can be stressful. Nothing like putting your mind at ease for a moment or two while doing some yoga. Don't have a yoga studio in your winter wonderland? Try this- meditate for 5 minutes. If you're like me and a clock watcher, set a timer and just focus on breathing SLOWLY and relaxing! Then do some stretching. If you know a yoga pose or two, throw those into the mix. If not, just S-T-R-E-T-C-H. And smile. It's Christmas after all!
Day 3- Release your Inner Child
How about participating some winter fun today? Like the kind you did when you were a kid? This will feel like fun and not even like exercise, I promise! Skating! Hockey! Broomball! Sliding! There is so much exercise to be had in the great out of doors, I dare you to get out there and do it. Triple dog dare as a matter of fact. Pick an activity, put on your woolies, grab your friends and family and go for it!
Day 4- Cross Country
Nope, not running this time! Why not try a fabulous cross country ski, running's equally awesome calorie burning cousin? Cross country skiing is fabulous cardiovascular exercise and works those gluts and quads to boot. And let's not forget the core...cross country skiing is a CORE exercise (that was for you, GG)...
Day 5- Winter Wonderland
How about getting out there for a walk in the winter wonderland? There are all kinds of beautiful trails- Vernon if you're in K-town, Assiniboine Park in the Peg, Sandy Beach/Stanley Park in C-town. Get some fresh air and stretch those legs. And if I may, I highly recommend the walk post Christmas turkey. After the indulgence that is Christmas day, a walk will feel just fabulous.
Day 6- Fast and Furious
Day 4 was all about spending some time on the misery sticks (Xcountry skiis) so why not pick up the pace and spend a day downhill skiing or snowboarding? Obviously you will not get the cardio burn that you will have in the cross country version of skiing, but you will still work those quads and gluts HARD. Plus, apres ski is always fun, and an event I highly recommend.
Day 6- The Gym
Why not? Just hit the gym. Lift some weights, do some cardio, have a stretch. Love the gym. Love.
Day 7- SHOVEL
Accepting that we have no no control with the weather on this one, hopefully the white fluffy stuff will fall and that will give us a great opportunity for a fabulous cardio workout...and while the snow LOOKS light and fluffy, when it comes to shovelling, that stuff is heavy. Lift with your abs, NOT your back and you'll be fine- and have a clear driveway and fabulous workout just the same.
Day 8- Inner Child Part Deux
See Day 3. Pick an activity you didn't try (or one that you did and loved) and do it!
Day 9- Spin Class
Do you know I've never tried a spin class? Nope, never! So perhaps this is the Christmas that I give myself the gift of cycling. And you should to. Everyone, let's try it! And reconvene to discuss how it went- maybe over wine. And baking. Yes! Brilliant idea!
Day 10- Mermaid
Today let's head to the pool! I have been swimming once a week and it has been a a great hiatus from all the running. Very low impact and easy on the joints. It will feel great. Maybe not as great as a dip in the lake, but great just the same. And did I ever tell you that I'm actually a mermaid? Well, I am.
Day 11- Group X
How about a groupie? A circuit training class? Zumba? Step? Ripped? There are tons of great drop in fitness classes. Try one- you never know, you just might love it.
Day 12- Bring it in...
...with a run! We started with a run and we'll finish with a run. For me, running parallels the journey that has been my life this year. No matter what, no matter how good or bad or up or down, it started with a run, and it will end with a run...and a smile on my face. Training has started and stopped and restarted. Marathons have been started and fiinished. Goals have been set, re-vamped, met and re-set. As you reflect on the year that has been the past, do yourself a favour, give yourself a gift and make the promise to YOURSELF for the new year. Put on your running shoes, take the first step and just keep going. JUST KEEP GOING.
This year I'm offering a challenge to those of you who would like to enjoy Christmas cheer and the best of the season with family and friends without having to worry about what that extra glass of wine (or four) or shortbread cookie (or seven) is doing to your bottom line. And thus...
The 12 Days of Christmas Fitness
Day 1- RUN
I know you're likely not surprised that I would suggest a run on Day 1 of our (notice I said our) challenge. Of course I did! Why a run, then? Simple- it's simple. No, really it is. All you really need is the proper footwear. Bundle up, lace up and giddy up- get out there in the great out of doors and enjoy a run or a walk run. 30 minutes, please! Your heart is saying thank-you for the gift! If you're a beginner and are just not sure how to start? Do a run-walk. Run for a bit, walk for a bit. Repeat. For 30 minutes. And watch the ice. Slippery stuff, that ice.
Day 2- YOGA
Yes! Nothing like a get down dog to help you to feel your best...or at least your longest and most flexible! And let's face it. The holidays, at times, can be stressful. Nothing like putting your mind at ease for a moment or two while doing some yoga. Don't have a yoga studio in your winter wonderland? Try this- meditate for 5 minutes. If you're like me and a clock watcher, set a timer and just focus on breathing SLOWLY and relaxing! Then do some stretching. If you know a yoga pose or two, throw those into the mix. If not, just S-T-R-E-T-C-H. And smile. It's Christmas after all!
Day 3- Release your Inner Child
How about participating some winter fun today? Like the kind you did when you were a kid? This will feel like fun and not even like exercise, I promise! Skating! Hockey! Broomball! Sliding! There is so much exercise to be had in the great out of doors, I dare you to get out there and do it. Triple dog dare as a matter of fact. Pick an activity, put on your woolies, grab your friends and family and go for it!
Day 4- Cross Country
Nope, not running this time! Why not try a fabulous cross country ski, running's equally awesome calorie burning cousin? Cross country skiing is fabulous cardiovascular exercise and works those gluts and quads to boot. And let's not forget the core...cross country skiing is a CORE exercise (that was for you, GG)...
Day 5- Winter Wonderland
How about getting out there for a walk in the winter wonderland? There are all kinds of beautiful trails- Vernon if you're in K-town, Assiniboine Park in the Peg, Sandy Beach/Stanley Park in C-town. Get some fresh air and stretch those legs. And if I may, I highly recommend the walk post Christmas turkey. After the indulgence that is Christmas day, a walk will feel just fabulous.
Day 6- Fast and Furious
Day 4 was all about spending some time on the misery sticks (Xcountry skiis) so why not pick up the pace and spend a day downhill skiing or snowboarding? Obviously you will not get the cardio burn that you will have in the cross country version of skiing, but you will still work those quads and gluts HARD. Plus, apres ski is always fun, and an event I highly recommend.
Day 6- The Gym
Why not? Just hit the gym. Lift some weights, do some cardio, have a stretch. Love the gym. Love.
Day 7- SHOVEL
Accepting that we have no no control with the weather on this one, hopefully the white fluffy stuff will fall and that will give us a great opportunity for a fabulous cardio workout...and while the snow LOOKS light and fluffy, when it comes to shovelling, that stuff is heavy. Lift with your abs, NOT your back and you'll be fine- and have a clear driveway and fabulous workout just the same.
Day 8- Inner Child Part Deux
See Day 3. Pick an activity you didn't try (or one that you did and loved) and do it!
Day 9- Spin Class
Do you know I've never tried a spin class? Nope, never! So perhaps this is the Christmas that I give myself the gift of cycling. And you should to. Everyone, let's try it! And reconvene to discuss how it went- maybe over wine. And baking. Yes! Brilliant idea!
Day 10- Mermaid
Today let's head to the pool! I have been swimming once a week and it has been a a great hiatus from all the running. Very low impact and easy on the joints. It will feel great. Maybe not as great as a dip in the lake, but great just the same. And did I ever tell you that I'm actually a mermaid? Well, I am.
Day 11- Group X
How about a groupie? A circuit training class? Zumba? Step? Ripped? There are tons of great drop in fitness classes. Try one- you never know, you just might love it.
Day 12- Bring it in...
...with a run! We started with a run and we'll finish with a run. For me, running parallels the journey that has been my life this year. No matter what, no matter how good or bad or up or down, it started with a run, and it will end with a run...and a smile on my face. Training has started and stopped and restarted. Marathons have been started and fiinished. Goals have been set, re-vamped, met and re-set. As you reflect on the year that has been the past, do yourself a favour, give yourself a gift and make the promise to YOURSELF for the new year. Put on your running shoes, take the first step and just keep going. JUST KEEP GOING.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A Running Morsel
I received my first Christmas present of this most festive of holiday seasons!
Check it...
How fabulous! A coupon for a run with junior. I already can't wait. Winnipeg. Probably -30. Can not WAIT.
And also noteworthy, if not secondary, I got myself a Christmas present today. I signed up for the Vancouver marathon which takes place on Sunday, May 1st, 2011. Training will start January 1st...maybe January 2nd depending on what goes down on the 31st. But to be honest, I've already been doing some running. A quick run in the out of doors here, a speed interval workout on the treadmill there. After all- need to be ready to check the good old V off the list. Vancouver here I come!
Check it...
And also noteworthy, if not secondary, I got myself a Christmas present today. I signed up for the Vancouver marathon which takes place on Sunday, May 1st, 2011. Training will start January 1st...maybe January 2nd depending on what goes down on the 31st. But to be honest, I've already been doing some running. A quick run in the out of doors here, a speed interval workout on the treadmill there. After all- need to be ready to check the good old V off the list. Vancouver here I come!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Self Doubt
I had a strange thing happen to me today.
I had a look at the map of the New York City marathon which I pulled out of last months issue of Runner's World. I have mentioned previously that I plan on running this marathon in November of 2011. As I was looking at this map, the start line at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the pathway through the 5 boroughs, the finish at Central Park...
I felt doubt. I suddenly didn't feel so sure that I could run in and finish the marathon.
This would be common if NYC was to be my first marathon experience. But it's not. It will likely be my 9th time pounding out a 26.2. I have no idea where the doubt came from. Maybe because I've been hibernating from the cold for a few days? Maybe because I haven't run any distance at all since Chicago? Maybe? Maybe? Maybe? I know that self-doubt is something that everyone experiences from time to time; life is full of new and unique situations, all of which likely force us to consider our level of confidence and how we do perceive ourselves in the world often dictates our response to these situations. But I am CONFIDENT in my ability to complete a marathon. So why the doubt? And why now?
I may never figure out where this (hopefully!) moment of doubt has it's roots but I do know one thing for certain; I am confident it will go away. I am confident because I will help it the only way I know how...
I'll go running.
I had a look at the map of the New York City marathon which I pulled out of last months issue of Runner's World. I have mentioned previously that I plan on running this marathon in November of 2011. As I was looking at this map, the start line at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the pathway through the 5 boroughs, the finish at Central Park...
I felt doubt. I suddenly didn't feel so sure that I could run in and finish the marathon.
This would be common if NYC was to be my first marathon experience. But it's not. It will likely be my 9th time pounding out a 26.2. I have no idea where the doubt came from. Maybe because I've been hibernating from the cold for a few days? Maybe because I haven't run any distance at all since Chicago? Maybe? Maybe? Maybe? I know that self-doubt is something that everyone experiences from time to time; life is full of new and unique situations, all of which likely force us to consider our level of confidence and how we do perceive ourselves in the world often dictates our response to these situations. But I am CONFIDENT in my ability to complete a marathon. So why the doubt? And why now?
I may never figure out where this (hopefully!) moment of doubt has it's roots but I do know one thing for certain; I am confident it will go away. I am confident because I will help it the only way I know how...
I'll go running.
Winter Wonderland
Eep! Winter has arrived. Snow. Cold. Ice. Sigh. This runner is most certainly dreaming of warmer days, running shorts and ice free sidewalks!
First, an admission. I planned on running the reservoir Sunday afternoon, which usually takes me about an hour and a half. Instead, I had a lovely 2 hour afternoon nap. Yep, I sure did. I'm like a bear in hibernation. Eating. Sleeping. Eating some more. If only there was some kind of award for marathon eating and sleeping. I think I'd win...or at least have a very, very good chance.
So. Winter running. All kinds of fun. Please be careful if you're out there on the sidewalks and paths because it is SLIPPERY. And gear up- it's C-O-L-D.
And, read these tips, they just might save you're life...or at least your FITNESS!
Tip#1- Stabilize, stabilize, stabilize
When you run on ice or when you are running in the winter and your brain is worried about the potential of hitting ice, you change your stride. Trust me, even if you don't think you do, you just do. The muscles that help stabilize your bod when you're running are working much, much harder than a run on the dry pavement. This can lead to soreness in different areas than normal- groin, abs, hip flexors, calves...not that this is bad, its just different and is something to be aware of.
Tip#2- Gear Up
Dress in layers, wear a toque and remember- cotton is your ENEMY! You definitely want fabric that pulls the sweat away from your body but doesn't make you cold. Most of the running companies make some pretty sweet winter running gear so it is possible to look sort of cool under all those layers. And don't forget your mitts or gloves; mini gloves work very well unless you're in Calgary where it's the second coldest place on the planet, in which case I highly recommend mitts.
Tip#3-Footwear
When I run outdoors in the winter, I stick with the same shoes I wear at every other time of the year. There are shoes that you can purchase that are more for the colder temps and snowy conditions, some people swear by them, so it's definitely an option. There are also warmer socks that are still quite thin, which are good to consider if its brutally cold. And last but not least, you can purchase something called Yak traks which fit on your shoes to provide you with some more traction when its icy.
Tip #4- Relocate
California would be nice. So would Australia. Oh- and how about Mexico? Yes, please! But if moving to a lovely, humid, warm, tropical environment is not in your near future, you may want to consider moving the running indoors when the mercury dips to the lowest of the low. Hate the treadmill? You can always hit up an indoor track. I had to relegate myself to the treadmill once this week and while I was not looking forward to it even a teeny bit, I felt fabulous afterwards. Cabin fever had set in and I was like a rabid dog. Rabid. So I ran it out. I pounded away on the treadmill and if felt fabulous. FAB-U-LOUS. So if its the only option, give it a shot...you just might surprise yourself and end up loving it.
 |
| Photo from the Calgary Herald November 23rd |
So. Winter running. All kinds of fun. Please be careful if you're out there on the sidewalks and paths because it is SLIPPERY. And gear up- it's C-O-L-D.
And, read these tips, they just might save you're life...or at least your FITNESS!
Tip#1- Stabilize, stabilize, stabilize
When you run on ice or when you are running in the winter and your brain is worried about the potential of hitting ice, you change your stride. Trust me, even if you don't think you do, you just do. The muscles that help stabilize your bod when you're running are working much, much harder than a run on the dry pavement. This can lead to soreness in different areas than normal- groin, abs, hip flexors, calves...not that this is bad, its just different and is something to be aware of.
Tip#2- Gear Up
Dress in layers, wear a toque and remember- cotton is your ENEMY! You definitely want fabric that pulls the sweat away from your body but doesn't make you cold. Most of the running companies make some pretty sweet winter running gear so it is possible to look sort of cool under all those layers. And don't forget your mitts or gloves; mini gloves work very well unless you're in Calgary where it's the second coldest place on the planet, in which case I highly recommend mitts.
Tip#3-Footwear
When I run outdoors in the winter, I stick with the same shoes I wear at every other time of the year. There are shoes that you can purchase that are more for the colder temps and snowy conditions, some people swear by them, so it's definitely an option. There are also warmer socks that are still quite thin, which are good to consider if its brutally cold. And last but not least, you can purchase something called Yak traks which fit on your shoes to provide you with some more traction when its icy.
Tip #4- Relocate
California would be nice. So would Australia. Oh- and how about Mexico? Yes, please! But if moving to a lovely, humid, warm, tropical environment is not in your near future, you may want to consider moving the running indoors when the mercury dips to the lowest of the low. Hate the treadmill? You can always hit up an indoor track. I had to relegate myself to the treadmill once this week and while I was not looking forward to it even a teeny bit, I felt fabulous afterwards. Cabin fever had set in and I was like a rabid dog. Rabid. So I ran it out. I pounded away on the treadmill and if felt fabulous. FAB-U-LOUS. So if its the only option, give it a shot...you just might surprise yourself and end up loving it.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Read Me!
If you have a second, have a read...
National Post Article: The Black Toenail
National Post Article: The Party that was the NY Marathon
Two inspirational articles worth a moment or two of your time!
P.S. Went for my first wintertime run last night. Calves are SORE. More later...
National Post Article: The Black Toenail
National Post Article: The Party that was the NY Marathon
Two inspirational articles worth a moment or two of your time!
P.S. Went for my first wintertime run last night. Calves are SORE. More later...
Monday, November 8, 2010
Guess WHAT?
And...
My plan is to be there...
NEXT YEAR! YES! YES! YES! Exciting! SO exciting!
I discovered in my interweb travels today that the NYC has a guaranteed entry if you have run under a certain time. For me that certain time was a 3:23. My 3:09 in Chicago just became that much sweeter, as next year I plan to be in that pack, pounding the pavement on the means streets of New York. The only question now is how am I going to manage to contain myself for a full calendar year. Curious. Tips anyone? Do share...
But that's not the ending of the running excitement and news...
This past weekend was Winterstart. Yes, THE Winterstart, which, in previous years, has resulted in everything from an altercation with a VERY irrate hotel employee over the Inn Keeper's Act to intense Flippy Cup competitions hard fought at the Rose and Crown. I'm pleased to report that this year we managed to avoid any legal disasters and cup casualties. The 5 miler up Tunnel Mountain was conquered by all and we managed to keep our behaviour in check. One item of consequence I would like to highlight is the fact that ARJR, Bergie-Lynn, Ellis and I finished the race in a solid tie- around the 47 minute mark. There really is nothing quite like holding hands and crossing that line together. Nice work, ladies! And for that matter, nice work to ALL the ladies that made the trek to Banff for this event- a job well done!
And last, but definitely not least, I'm running again. YES! So happy to be back at it. It just feels awesome to get out there and work it out people. I think I've decided that my next 26.2 is going to be Vancouver in May. Having said that I'm open to suggestions...any other ideas for a spring marathon? I'd love your input...yes, YOU!
And one more small thing...I'm training the Tech Shop half marathoners again. The target race is the Calgary police half at the end of April and I'm really excited to be working with Nolan and his crew again. If you are considering this kind of training, I highly suggest checking out their website (The Tech Shop) or stopping into the store to sign up. If the half distance seems a bit daunting at this point, there will also be a learn to run clinic, which usually has a shorter distance for the target race. Go for it, people! I promise you won't be disappointed!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)