The Brighter Side

Half Empty:
Didn't get to race a potentially awesome trail run Dade City Florida, thus having to REMOVE a race from my alphabet goal list.

Half Full:
Had an amazing week in Florida with my family, including one wee H- bean, ARJR, Tee-dubs, J and K Rock.
Listened to my beaten down bod, gave it a long, well-deserved rest to prepare for the final training push to Ottawa in just 2 short months.  Eeep!
Runner up in the Rice-Wirvin family pickle ball championship of the world once I overcame fever and cough.
Was well enough to visit with some long lost K-city peeps who have the privilege of being year long Floridians.
Did not get chased, bitten or eaten by any Florida gators in the Big Green Swamp.
Did not get chased, bitten or eaten by any Florida poisonous spiders in the Big Green Swamp.
Was well enough at the end of the vacay to get a couple of good jogs in the heat and humidity.  And I LOVELOVELOVE heat and humidity.

I know there was also a very important lesson in this for me, too.  Remember my previous post about moving outside of the comfort zone to find the magic?  Well, after some hard thinking (admittedly, I had a bit of a pity party when I ultimately decided not to race) I realize the comfort zone for me would have been to really push it and run the race, which likely would have had a disastrous effect on my health and wellness both physically AND mentally.  The magic I found was to push aside the ego, listen to the body and to be at peace with the idea that sometimes, no matter how hard you train and no matter how badly you want to do something like participate in a race, sometimes you have to let it all go in order to do what is best and right for YOU in that moment and find the magic in that way. 

The glass is ALWAYS half full.  And sometimes it even has a curly straw in it too.

Where the Magic Happens

In just 5 short sleeps time, I will be traipsing across the swamp in Dade City, Florida running a full marathon.

Eek!
The Big Green Swamp Marathon has arrived! 

Truthfully, when I signed up for this race, way back when in December when Georgia-D threw down this challenge at his new found Canadian running friend, I don't think I truly, truly thought about what I was getting myself into.  A quick visual, for those of you that are silently snickering at the fact that a roadie like me is about to embark on a 26.2 on the trails in the Florida swamp:

Note: the Gators!  Eek!  I'd better have my speed on!

Growing up in Northern Ontario, I am fully prepared to deal with creatures and critters over the course of a run.  After all, creatures like bears and wolves and deer and the like are a common sight in the Northern Ontario forest.  But an alligator?  And poisonous spiders with webs across the trails?  I'm not so sure how I feel about those things.  Also, increasing the complexity of this little off-roading adventure is the description K-Rock provided to me when he and J-Rock drove to the course to check out where I'll be running.  He indicated, ever so eloquently, that it looked like a scene from Deliverance and that I should likely be running with a pistol, machete and can of mace. First of all, I'm not sure what to make of that and second, I'm not sure if all those things will fit in my fuel belt.  And, of course the cherry on top of the icing on top of the cake is the fact that I have a grand total of 2 trail runs under my belt.  An experienced trail gal I am not!   Suddenly seems like quite a few variables to consider in just a very short time!

Where does all of this information leave me at this point, just 5 short sleeps out of the race?

Truthfully, I'm terrified and nervous...but I'm also really, really excited for a new adventure into the muddy and swampy unknown.  I have to remind myself that I am NOT running this one against the clock and that my goal is to finish in the 4 hour range.  I think this is fair given the fact that I have no idea what the course will look like until I get there on race day and the weather will likely be hot and humid which, truthfully, warms this Canadian runner's heart, fingers and toes! Also, I'm currently in the middle of some pretty intense training and mileage for my goal race in Ottawa at the end of May.  Throw into the mix that I'm also recovering from "the cold" which I staved off for days and days and finally succumbed to last weekend so my health is not quite at 100%.  However, I also must remember that an important part of this whole running adventure and this whole adventure that is life itself is about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and always looking for new experiences.  You just never know where the magic in this world may be, and in this case, there may be magic just waiting for me in the swamp in Dade City, Florida.  So my plan?  Stay open...stay lose...avoid the gators and find the magic!

And if you think of it on Saturday, perhaps do me one small favour? 

Keep your fingers and toes crossed that I make it across the line with all my fingers and toes intact! 

Off to the swamp I go!

A Marathoner's Conundrum

Look to your right, people!  No, not over your shoulder, just to the right of the screen!  See my list?  Remember my goal to marathon the alphabet?  New marathon, new letter, new city, new adventure!

Washington DC.  Marine Corps Marathon.  October 28th, 2012.  YES!

I already can't wait.  Just have to get through the swamp in FLA and the race in Ottawa and then I'll be here:

As if the prospect of a fall marathon is not exciting enough in it's own right, there will be Marines.  Lots and lots of Marines.  In uniform.  Motivating and inspiring for sure.  Especially if you happen to be a  single gal like me! 

Only one question remains: do I count this race as an A for Arlington, Virgina where the race starts?  Or a W for Washington DC where the race runs through?

Confusion.  Please help. Feedback welcome. Open to suggestions. 

Sister Support

Did anyone go running today?  In Calgary?  If you didn't, I hate to tell you, but you missed out.  Big time.  Sunny and warm.  Almost hot warm.  Inching so very close to summer almost hot warm.  Nothing like a fabulous spring day like this one to remind you that running is a completely amazing way to get out there, breathe in the fresh spring air and move your body while you're at it.

So.  Birthdays.  Did you know it was ARJR's happy happy day yesterday?  This would be my younger sister.  As I've mentioned in previous posts, I am so fortunate to have a sister like ARJR.  She is incredibly supportive, an awesome mom to wee H-bean (my nephew who is dreaming about his first marathon already, I'm sure) and also a runner.

In fact, did you know that long before I ever undertook the task of completing a distance event of any sort that JR did indeed pound out a half herself?  I recall this very, very clearly.  She was in law school and took it upon herself to run in the Manitoba Half in June.  I remember her sharing her experience with me, raving about just how awesome the energy and crowd was, how much fun she had, the great support the city of Winnipeg offered the runners, the funny signs on the course (last beer for 26.2 miles was a fav) and the way that she kept encouraging me to sign up for my own half to test the distance.  Her excitement was contagious and before long I found myself at the start of my first half marathon (which of course, she was there for) and shortly after, my first full distance.

And now here we are years and years and years later (well, maybe just years and years later) and I am soon to embark upon running my tenth marathon in the Florida swamp and all of that I owe to the inspiration and encouragement of my wonderful sister.  I've spent some time thinking about her lately, and given the fact that it is her birthday and we are separated by Saskatchewan (damn that Gap) my gift to her is to let her know that I would not be where I am today without her encouragement, support, and love.  Further than sparking my interest in this whole marathon adventure, she has been my support crew at almost every marathon I've ever ran in.  This has ranged from my very first Calgary marathon experience during which she met me on the course with Advil, Gatorade and a peanut butter sandwich (seriously) and proceeded to run at least a kilometer by my side in flip flops and a cowboy hat to getting lost in Calgary trying to find the best vantage point to see me run by only to make it to the finish in time to cheer me on as I exited the porta-potty.  This has also meant dragging other more reluctant (but just as awesome) members of my support crew (my rents, tee-dubs, chaney and ellis) to watch me run by for three seconds in whatever random city I may be running in.  She has spend thousands of her own dollars to see me run in Boston, Chicago, and New York City.  At each and every one of those races she was up well before the crack of dawn to hug me and to tell me she loved me before I left for the start.  I carried that with me through each and every one of those races and it meant more than I could ever say.  In New York City she lugged with her a three month old baby, her husband, my parents, two friends, a 1 year old and a 3 year old on and off the train and then all over the city to get the "best spot" in Central Park to see me run by.  This carried me through the last two hardest miles I have ever run.  She was with me for every step of those last two miles, and most of that 3:07 is because of her love and support.  She is responsible for introducing me to my current speedy training friends and for encouraging me into some "real" running gear (she used to say I was the only runner without any running gear) and now I am proudly affiliated with lululemon as a Run ambassador.  And then, of course, there was the time that we ran the Manitoba half TOGETHER.  And we crossed the line together.  Holding hands.  Of all the places and races I've been to, this is my favorite memory.  I loved that we did that together. 

Running long distances in racing and in training can be a lonely affair.  I'm lucky enough to have never, ever felt alone, and most of that is because I have a sister who loves me, inspires me and encourages me each and every step of the way.  Thanks, JR.  You are the best.  I miss you, I love you and I can't wait until the summer when we can go running together.  Have the best day ever.

Why We Do What We Do

This morning as I was preparing for a long and arduous day at the office sending emails, writing grant proposals, meetings and the like (obviously I'm highly important) I took a quick second to have a glance at the world's greatest time waster, also known as Facebook.  The excitement grew and my spidey senses tingled with anticipation as I waited with bated breath for my profile to appear on my hamster run laptop.   Would I have new messages?  Who posted new photos?  Did I make any new friends?  The suspense almost killed me.

Well, people, disappointed I was certainly NOT.  Awaiting for me in my message inbox, was a note from someone I know from way, way, WAY back when.  From back when I was sporting a Kenora dinner jacket and rockin' out to the sounds of Motley Crue and ACDC at pit parties deep in the Northern Ontario bush.  From back when a great deal of my time was spent at the Kenora Rec Centre going back and forth and back and forth in the pool inhaling chlorine laden "air".  A most unexpected and pleasant of surprises on this snowy and wintery morning.

First, allow me to set the stage.  Recall if you will (unless you're a runrunrunning virgin, then this is brand spanking new for you) I spend a great deal of time sharing with my legions of faithful followers (a quick note: I'd really, really love a few more followers, just saying) just how much I love running and how much peace and happiness it brings to my life.  In case there are a few doubters out there on the interweb reading my blog, I will stress and repeat: I really DO love it and it really DOES make me happy.  The note I received this morning, though, was in such direct antithesis to my own reasons for running and was expressed in such an eloquent manner, that I felt it absolutley necessary to share it with the world.  Message is as follows:

Hey Andrea,
Had to start work at 6:30am today so I only had a chance to do 3 x 1 mile intervals, 2 mins easy. Held 5:52 fairly easily over each interval and then slowed down to 5min/km pace for 2 mins. I also did 21.5 km yesterday with 4km at 4:15/km at the end – and it felt terrible.

Ever since I read your blog, I’ve been wondering why it is that I like to run. Truth be told, I don’t get the high that I hear about from other runners; at least not the kind of high that I became accustomed to in university. I don’t do it because I look good when I run; my neon yellow track suit was picked off the rack for visibility and functionality, certainly not looks. I don’t do it because it makes me look good in my underwear; I’m in one of those til-death-do-us-part contracts and personal appearance hasn’t been a high priority for me for some time. It’s not for the open roads and fresh air; while I enjoy and appreciate both of those things, I’ll be the first to admit that a warm bed and extra sleep is just that much better.

It took some hard thinking about what drives me to drag my ass out of bed at 4:45 each morning and hammer out an uncomfortably paced run. The hard thinking was mostly a reluctant acceptance that I do it all for petty reasons. I like being better than other people. I like running through the streets in rich neighbourhoods and looking up at the quiet, million dollar homes and knowing that I can run faster and that I’ll live longer than them. I like looking at the vast majority of the general public and imagining that if a very slow and persistent tidal wave came surging up, I would be able to comfortably outrun it while the others would have to struggle. I like race day where I get to inch by one competitor at a time because I got up earlier and ran just a little bit harder and dug just a little bit deeper.

It’s petty and shallow and hard to admit, but its true and it’ll drive me from my warm bed tomorrow.

Signed- Neon Yellow Track Suit

You have to admit, this is pretty funny stuff.  And honest as well.  I love that because I don't know if many people would admit that they're not sure why they do what they do, particularily when it comes to pounding the pavement several times a week.  I suppose the obvious answer would be that most people are in it to lose a few pounds or for other health related outcomes.  For some though (like NYTS above), it simply isn't about that, just like it isn't really about loving it for any specific reason.  I do appreciate the hard truths in this message and like NYTS I will admit that sometimes it does feel pretty damn awesome to think that you could outrun some idiot who may be chasing you down a dark alley one night or that you can run circles around a high school Ultimate team because all that marathon training has lead to a level of endurance that they don't even know exists (yes, this is a true story and I realize I am admitting to playing Ultimate) yet. 

As I did point out to Neon Yellow Track Suit, his message and his motives for running are neither petty nor shallow, as petty or shallow would indeed be bragging about just how awesome he does look in his neon yellow track suit.  Nothing says sexy like neon yellow track apparel after all, especially if it's made from nylon; fingers crossed that it indeed is.  The truth is, each and every one of us has our own motives and intentions for doing what we do, and in the case of running, whatever motivates people to get their feet into running shoes and their butts out the door and onto the pavement is just fine with me.  Whether you think so or not, it IS amazing that you do it.  Most people make the other choice: the warm bed in the morning, the couch after work, too busy on the weekend...

And those of us who run?  Well, as NYTS pointed out so very graciously, we can look forward to outrunning each and ever one of them when the next tidal wave hits.  Think about that next time you find yourself questioning whether or not you really and truly feel like heading out for a run.

Community Love

Shifting the focus today, running friends!

Today, this post is all about you.  And you.  And you and you and you!

But as a quick intro, I would like to say that I feel so, so fortunate to be a part of the running community.  It is a community with an amazing energy that just never seems to stop.  It has taken me to some crazy races in crazy places and will continue to do so (thinking: Swamp in Florida. admission: terrified) but more than than, the running community has been an opportunity for me to find my tribe...to be with my peeps...to find family outside of my family, if you will.  I have had the pleasure of running with beginning runners and ultra runners and super fast runners.  Young runners and old(er) runners and new runners.  Marathon runners and trail runners and weekend runners.  Each and every one of these people, though, is united in the one common thread. Whether it is their first kilometer or their last training mile before a big race, they are all RUNNERS.  A part of the running community, sharing and creating the energy and always teaching and inspiring me to get into my shoes, hit the path and go running. 

Runners, this one's for you!

Sending running love, energy and well wishes to all of the runners in my life. To all of the A's: Andrea F, Andrea M, Angela and Alex W who are training away for first halves and marathon domination in the midst of busy lives including school, kiddies, work and everything in between, you ladies are all awesome.  To my peeps who are in the throws of recovery and injury rehab (that would be YOU Dr. Oats and Half of Move, Eat, Hug, Miss Kori), let's hope those injuries clear up soon and you show those Boston hills and the Roger's half how its done.  The fabulous Kay Dubs in Brandon Man, you are a woman of iron patience and will and I have no doubt that when you are healthy that Boston will be yours.  While we're on Kay's I cannot forget the fabulous Kay Zee who while I am traipsing across the swamp in FLA will be pounding the sand in a half in Maui.  I wish I could count your races in my alphabet challenge!  So many races in so many cool places! Of course I cannot forget P Diddy, and huge congrats to him for racing the first half half in a speedy 1:15.  I do not even have one small doubt that you will kick this plateau in the ass.  Seriously.  Take that plateau.  And to the Techies at the Tech shop training away for the Police Half, I like it.  Keep on truckin'.  And to the lulutians who meet up on Saturdays for a fun run, you are also amazing.  I like it.  I especially like it when those near and dear to my heart join the cause.  Thanks running friends.  You.Are.Awesome.  There are many, many people I know at the start of training, in the middle of training, almost to the race part of training, and I would really like each and every one of you to know this:

You are a PART of a community with an amazing energy that you contribute to each and every time you lace up the shoes and hit the pavement, track or treadmill.  Thanks so much for doing it.  Thanks so so much for being a part of it.  And most of all, thanks for allowing ME to be a part of all of your journeys. 

Running Love.  So very awesome.

Running Shoe Fashionista

This is a photo of the shoes currently at my front door:

From left to right:

Trainer Shoes.

Regular Running shoes (Asics 2160's Love.)

Super Speedy Track Shoes (more Asics.  Love)

Saucony Hattori Minimalist trainers (for practicing barefoot running)

LoveLoveLoveLoveLoveLoveLove.

Admission: There are currently 4 other pairs of running shoes in my front closet.  My old running shoes.  My old old running shoes.  My old old old running shoes.  And one more older pair.  Eeep!  Time to make a donation.

Admission x2: I was just thinking how I should get a new pair of 2170's and maybe some trail shoes. 

Hi.  My name is Andrea and I am addicted to running shoes!