Juxtaposition

Last Friday when I went for my long run, it was like this...

This week when I ventured out for my long run, it was like this...

Any guesses which run was better?

It's not rocket science, that's for sure!  Beautiful sunshine, warm temperatures and calm winds made for a much, much for fabulous run for me!  It was just a positive experience all around. 

This is in COMPLETE juxtaposition to my run the previous Friday.  Can I be honest?  That run was so awful I just about cried...almost, but not quite...OK...MAYBE a tear or two, but I'm not sure, it could have been from the wind.  I was at least an hour away from home with a ridiculously frigid north wind practically blowing me right off the path.  I like to think that I'm kind of a hearty runner (ARJR forcing me out of bed for a -30 run or two in the Peg helped with the hearty factor), but this was just plain miserable.  In fact, it was quite enough to make me question my sanity and what the hell I was doing out in the great out of doors when I could be snuggled up on my couch with a blanket and a good book. I actually walked a few times...and believe me, I never, EVER walk.

And then this Friday happened.  Almost like summer.  And it was enough to erase the previous weeks run from my recent memory and I was just content to be out in the world, padding along the path, loving life.  Amazing.

How Do I Love Thee?

Dear Running-

I love you. It’s really that simple. You just make my life better. You make my life easier. You make my life less complicated and more pleasant to exist in. So I just love you. I really can’t explain it any better than that.

I know we have faced some hard times, like all the times we had breaks from each other. Sometimes I felt like you deserted me. I would see you in the park, on the pathways, sidewalks and tracks with other people and I admit it, I felt jealous. I know that you would never, ever leave me or cheat on me, but it was hard to see you with other people. When we decided it was time to get back together, I loved that we could pick up right where we left off. I mean, I know we had to work at it, to get to the level we were at before the break, but it was worth it and our relationship was just better in the long run…hee- get it? Long run?

I want you to know that I have NEVER held it against you when I’ve been injured, sore or tired. I know that every relationship has its ups and downs, and those are just a part of the trials and tribulations that we face in our life together. I have done my best to give you what you need- good fuel, full nights of sleep, massages and physio, and I know that you have appreciated those things whole heartedly. I do apologize if, on occasion, I seem to be a bit selfish after a long night of self indulgence if I abandon you or if it seems as if I am forcing you out onto the path when you really don’t want to go. I know those days are tough, but I appreciated your perseverance to stick with me. I sure do owe you a lot!

I guess, Running, I just wanted to say thanks for all you do for me…I really do appreciated the mental and physical health that you bring me and want you to know that I promise to keep you in my life forever. You really are the best. I truly do love you more than you will ever know.

xoxo- ME

One Great City

I'm in the Peg...the Dub...the 2-oh-4...

For those of you the require a translation, that would be WINNIPEG!  Also know as One Great City.  And it really is one great city.  Big trees.  Moisture in the air.  Affordable.  What's not to love?  Not quite this green just yet, but it will be...yes, yes it will be...

Truth?  It looks about like this right now...

Yikes!  Scary!  But lovely just the same...

Today I went for my speed interval workout.  I did it at the Gritty Grotto.  For those Peg-neophytes, the Grotto is the gym on the U of M Campus.   I've heard plenty about this gym, but have never had the full grotto experience until today.  And an experience it was.  I was running in a basement on a track made from rubberized interlocking patio stones. The gym equipment was from perhaps the mid 70's.  I was half expecting John Travolta to strut around the corner in a pair of skin tight white polyester pants with his shirt unzipped to his navel sporting a lovely gold medallion with Stayin' Alive blasting in the background.  It was DARK.  I wasn't sure if it was midnight or noon or what.  The ceiling was low.  The air was moist.  And it had a particular smell, although I'm not sure if I can relate the smell to anything I've ever smelt before...it might be a very unique Gritty Grotto smell all of its own.  Unfortunately, I don't have a pic for a good visual; I was slightly intimidated by the "NO CAMERA" signs everywhere and didn't want to get bounced from the Grotto on my first trip.  Mainly because I thought it was GREAT!  Definitley not the newest or most beautiful gym I've ever been to, but there was just something about the Grotto that tugged at my heart strings. 

And before I sign off, a quick note.  I LOVE running in Winnipeg.  Love, Love Love.  Why?  Here's why...

1. Friendly runners.  Everyone says hi.  Good morning.  Great day for a run.  Whatever...they just acknowledge your presence on the trail.  LOVE establishing camraderie with fellow runners.  In Calgary, when I say "hello"  to fellow runners on the path they generally either: ignore me, look at me like I'm crazy, or think really, really hard about where they perhaps they know me from since I wouldn't be saying hi unless I knew them...strange.

2. Its flat.  Perfectly flat.  In fact, I dare you to find a hill.  ARJR and I found one once...but it was more of a mound to be fair.  Not that I don't like hills, but I kinda feel like a rock star when I'm chuggin' along in Winnipeg.  Flat and fast.  Nice.

3. Tough runners.  Last winter when I was here my sister woke me up at 5:30 a.m. for a little jog before she went to work.  While you may be wondering what's tough about a 5:30 morning jog, I should mention that it was -40.  Yep- -40.  Running in a snowsuit was tricky but we managed.  And I should also mention that we weren't the only ones out there.  Runners in the Peg- a hearty bunch for sure!

Please Note.

Just in case people are wondering (and I know you all spend hours wondering what I'm up to these days- hee), it is official, I am registered for the Manitoba Marathon! 

The run takes place on June 20th this year (hoping for heat...crazy, but I LOVE running in the heat) and is a lovely, FLAT and fast course.  I am excited.  Should be a great day.  Now I just have to train.  Ah, the details of this whole running adventrue...

Second.  I would love to give a shout out to my peeps at the Tech Shop on 4th Street in Calgary.  Nolan and staff, you guys are FABULOUS!  Always cheerful and excited about running.  And as for the crew in the half marathon training on Tuesday, Thursday nights and Sunday morning...well, you guys rock.  I am totally impressed with your dedication and running prowess.  Last night we hit a VERY steep hill for 8 repeats, and each and every one of you did a fabulous job.  That was one tough hill!  Running comrades, please see Nolan and staff at the Tech Shop for all of your running needs- shoes, gear, gel, industrial strength bras (that's for you CH), advice, running gait analysis...these guys really do have you covered!  The Tech Shop- 4th Street

Third.  One last small deet.  ARJR, CH and I hit up the Banff Springs over the weekend.  LOVELY.  The only not so lovely thing??  The boot camp we attended in an attempt to "earn" our dinner on Saturday night.  More on that to follow...but let's just say I'm still sore...

Add Me To Your Running Playlist!

Oh what a gem of a running song!  Cheesy- yes!  Infantile- yes!  Better suited to high school girlies- yes!

But a good beat for running nonetheless.  I highly recommend.

The Curve Ball

Oh Life, just when I thought I had you figured out, you throw me a curve ball!

Strange isn't it, how we get comfortable in our little lives...and then suddenly everything can change.  And In a New York Minute too, just like my buddies Glenn Frey and Don Henley have reminded us in the past...



Don't you just love this song?  I do.  It had worked its way out of my rotation for a bit and now I'm glad to report that its right back in there.  Like swim wear, if you will.

Back to the curve ball.  It's as if something in the universe forces us along in our evolution as people, yes?  I mean, the status quo is a pretty comfy place to be, but sometimes in the status quo we forget that we always need to keep workin' away because we can always be better.  More evolved.  More calm.  I think sometimes we forget that when we are comfy in the status quo...and then the universe reminds us...even if its just with a wee shift and we get back to the business of keepin' on keepin' on.  After all, it really is about the journey and not the destination.

So the curve ball or the universal shift has happend for me lately.  And what do I do? I do the one thing that I know will make me feel better, take the curve out of the ball and re-establish the calm and positive energy in my life...I go running.  At least for that 1 hour or 2 my mind will be at peace and I might even consider my self sane.  Because in all honesty, do any of us really know where this crazy life will take us?  Not at all.  So the best thing to do (before, during and after the curve ball or the NY minute) is to enjoy the moment you're in and the people you're sharing it with.  We can sure try to plan for the future but we just never know where the journey will take us.

Run Fast...FASTER!

Lately I seem to be fielding many questions regarding speed training or speed intervals.

Most of the questions sound something like this...

"Andrea, I'm not a serious runner, I just want to finish the half or full marathon.  Do I really have to do speed intervals?"

Well people, lets get real.  Obviously if you are not vying for the "Marathoner or Half-Marathoner of the Year" trophy, then you don't have to do any kind of running that you don't or think you won't enjoy. 

BUT...

And it's a big BUT...

The speed intervals are invaluable to your training.  Why?  Because at some point during the race you have entered into, your body will start to build lactic acid, a by-product that is created by your body when it becomes inefficient in delivering those lovely little bits of oxygen to your muscles as the race progresses.  Truth?  This is not a nice feeling at all.  However, if you train your body to deal with this adversity during workouts like speed intervals, you will have an easier time dealing with it in the race.  The body will remember what it feels like and it will just keep on cruisin'.  Your intervals do not have to be hard core.  They don't have to be on a track and they don't even really have to be timed if that isn't your thing.  But you are doing yourself a huge favour is you include this type of training at least every couple of weeks.  It can be as simples as pushing your pace really damn hard for a few minutes and then slowing to a jog for a couple of minutes and then speeding up again when you feel ready.  Yes it's hard.  Yes it hurts.  But you will enjoy your race a lot more in the end.  I promise.

So get out there!  What are you waiting for?  Run fast!  And then a bit faster!   Picture yourself being chased  by these guys and pick up the pace!  You will be happy you did!