Because I'm feelin' it...and this little gem reminded me of just how much!
Highly recommend you spend 5 minutes of your very busy day to enjoy this one. It's worth every second and you'll have an even better day than you're already having, promise.
Summer...it turns me upside down...summer, summer, summer...like a merry go round...
And what does this have to do with running? Absolutley nothing. And it's still good.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Why I love the Tech shop
There are several reasons. Be prepared. I'm about to list them. And a quick note before I launch into the list, I would like to offer up a congrats to the Tech shop half marathon training group who ran the Police half route today for training. Noteworthy is the fact that a great part of that route was at this moment in snowy time a goat trail with sketchy footing. Thinkin' the stabilizers MAY be sore tomorrow. But I digress. Back to the very meat of this post...
6. Shoes. Tech Shop has a lot of running shoes. All different shapes and colours and sizes. It's like a running shoe explosion in there. Maybe you should check it out. It's on 4th street in Mission. Do it. They will have a shoe for you. Yes, YOU!
5. The staff. They just rock. Nolan, Lauren and the crew WILL put you in the right pair of shoes, not just any pair of shoes. Obviously, they know their stuff, since as I mentioned above, they have a lot of shoes and they need to be able to put runners of all shapes, sizes and strides in the right shoes.
4. Dog friendly. Yep, swing on by with your pooch. As long as they are well mannered, they are welcome! Also, you should come and say hi to Casper, the Tech Shop bulldog. He isn't always working but when he is, he's a trip. He has the most adorable under bite. I heart him.
3. Washrooms. Yes, Tech shop has 2, and they are always open for runners that need to veer just slightly off the path for an emergency mid run pit stop. And the staff doesn't even blink as I race by with a quick, "Hey guys, just need to use the washroom!"
2. Running Knowledge. The staff have a lot of running knowledge. Tons in fact. And not just about shoes and gear, but about nutrition and hydration and races and the stride and training too. In fact, as I've mentioned before, Nolan (Tech Shop king) has become my go to source for training info. Or should I say my training counsellor, because I tend to be a bit neurotic about my training. And he never laughs at me. At least to my face.
1. Clinics. The Tech shop puts on GREAT clinics. They have half marathon clinics and learn to run clinics that you should consider checking out if you are a newbie. It is a great way to meet some new folks and to take advantage of all the running knowledge that the clinic leaders have to offer up!
There are others, I'm sure, but these are my main reasons. If you've never been, you should go now. Right...NOW! Head down to 4th street, say hello, check out the shoes and pet Casper. I promise, you won't be disappointed!
6. Shoes. Tech Shop has a lot of running shoes. All different shapes and colours and sizes. It's like a running shoe explosion in there. Maybe you should check it out. It's on 4th street in Mission. Do it. They will have a shoe for you. Yes, YOU!
5. The staff. They just rock. Nolan, Lauren and the crew WILL put you in the right pair of shoes, not just any pair of shoes. Obviously, they know their stuff, since as I mentioned above, they have a lot of shoes and they need to be able to put runners of all shapes, sizes and strides in the right shoes.
4. Dog friendly. Yep, swing on by with your pooch. As long as they are well mannered, they are welcome! Also, you should come and say hi to Casper, the Tech Shop bulldog. He isn't always working but when he is, he's a trip. He has the most adorable under bite. I heart him.
3. Washrooms. Yes, Tech shop has 2, and they are always open for runners that need to veer just slightly off the path for an emergency mid run pit stop. And the staff doesn't even blink as I race by with a quick, "Hey guys, just need to use the washroom!"
2. Running Knowledge. The staff have a lot of running knowledge. Tons in fact. And not just about shoes and gear, but about nutrition and hydration and races and the stride and training too. In fact, as I've mentioned before, Nolan (Tech Shop king) has become my go to source for training info. Or should I say my training counsellor, because I tend to be a bit neurotic about my training. And he never laughs at me. At least to my face.
1. Clinics. The Tech shop puts on GREAT clinics. They have half marathon clinics and learn to run clinics that you should consider checking out if you are a newbie. It is a great way to meet some new folks and to take advantage of all the running knowledge that the clinic leaders have to offer up!
There are others, I'm sure, but these are my main reasons. If you've never been, you should go now. Right...NOW! Head down to 4th street, say hello, check out the shoes and pet Casper. I promise, you won't be disappointed!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Just Because
Um. Love this song, love this video (warning- it's strange), love the message, love, love, love.
But most of all, love running to this one. Highly recommend it, and in fact, give it the ARSR stamp of approval.
And since I just suggested an amazing running song, I think you all should offer one up too. I need some new running tunes. Yes, please!
But most of all, love running to this one. Highly recommend it, and in fact, give it the ARSR stamp of approval.
And since I just suggested an amazing running song, I think you all should offer one up too. I need some new running tunes. Yes, please!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Signs,Signs, Everywhere...
Do you ever feel like the universe is against you? At times, I sure do. I realize that this is in direct contradiction to the very optimistic promise I made to myself over the New Year, where I indicated that I was going to see the glass as only halfway full. Having said that, it gets hard to see the glass as halfway full when the thermometer consistently reads -30!
My training for Vancouver stinks. That's it, in a nutshell. To be fair, it's really only my endurance on the long runs that is a bit questionable, since I haven't really done a long run in forever, since every time I try to get out for my Friday long run its FREEZING cold. I've tried to improvise by heading to the track, but there is something about completing a very long run on the track that just doesn't work for me. I get to about 2 hours and I just can't seem to push over the mental hurdle to get those miles pounded out. My brain says no and my body doesn't like it much either. This Friday, I was positive I was going to get out for a few good hours of training, but the wind foiled me this time. It was a chilly -9 and with the wind it was brutal, biting and cold. In fairness to myself, I made it for 24k (10 k short of the 34 I was trying to accomplish) which is a decent amount, but certainly not enough to quell the anxiety I'm starting to feel build when I think about my endurance. And endurance I need if I have any hope of pounding out a decent 26.2 in Vancouver on May 1st. Let's all say a quick prayer to the weather Gods that this most hideous of Calgary winters is behind us and we have nothing but blue skies and big mileage in the future.
Along with the signs, did you ever notice that sometimes terrible things happen to very, very, VERY good people? I had the unfortunate experience of witnessing just this earlier in the week, when the wonderful gym that I am privileged enough to train clients at had a major disaster. Poor Alive. The location flooded and is now condemned. Words cannot express how sad this really is, and further, I can't believe this is happening to the owners, Holly and Ben, who are two of the loveliest people I have had the privilege of meeting. These two have the most fabulous attitude and are promising that Alive will be back, bigger and better than ever before. I believe them when they say that, because they are full of positive energy and are determined to make something amazing out of this bump in the road. And I hope I am fortunate enough to still be a part of it! Please everyone, send some positive energy and love out to Holly and Ben and the Alive crew! They sure could use some positive vibes for the speedy recovery of Alive.
And last be not least, I came across this little gem...
And so I sign off thinking about becoming an awesome marathon runner...
Look out pathways, here I come!
My training for Vancouver stinks. That's it, in a nutshell. To be fair, it's really only my endurance on the long runs that is a bit questionable, since I haven't really done a long run in forever, since every time I try to get out for my Friday long run its FREEZING cold. I've tried to improvise by heading to the track, but there is something about completing a very long run on the track that just doesn't work for me. I get to about 2 hours and I just can't seem to push over the mental hurdle to get those miles pounded out. My brain says no and my body doesn't like it much either. This Friday, I was positive I was going to get out for a few good hours of training, but the wind foiled me this time. It was a chilly -9 and with the wind it was brutal, biting and cold. In fairness to myself, I made it for 24k (10 k short of the 34 I was trying to accomplish) which is a decent amount, but certainly not enough to quell the anxiety I'm starting to feel build when I think about my endurance. And endurance I need if I have any hope of pounding out a decent 26.2 in Vancouver on May 1st. Let's all say a quick prayer to the weather Gods that this most hideous of Calgary winters is behind us and we have nothing but blue skies and big mileage in the future.
Along with the signs, did you ever notice that sometimes terrible things happen to very, very, VERY good people? I had the unfortunate experience of witnessing just this earlier in the week, when the wonderful gym that I am privileged enough to train clients at had a major disaster. Poor Alive. The location flooded and is now condemned. Words cannot express how sad this really is, and further, I can't believe this is happening to the owners, Holly and Ben, who are two of the loveliest people I have had the privilege of meeting. These two have the most fabulous attitude and are promising that Alive will be back, bigger and better than ever before. I believe them when they say that, because they are full of positive energy and are determined to make something amazing out of this bump in the road. And I hope I am fortunate enough to still be a part of it! Please everyone, send some positive energy and love out to Holly and Ben and the Alive crew! They sure could use some positive vibes for the speedy recovery of Alive.
And last be not least, I came across this little gem...
Look out pathways, here I come!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Born to Run...Barefoot?
Runners! Enjoying the -30 temps? Enjoying layering up to run outside? Enjoying large icicles hanging off the old head? Not me, I am TIRED of this weather, and although I managed to get outside for 4, yes, 4, runs in this freezingest of freezing cold weather this week, I am tired of the cold and the running trials and tribulations that go with it and am ready for summer. It is just so much more work in so many more ways to run outside in the winter, especially when its cold.
Remember before when I mentioned Christopher McDougall (author) and the book Born to Run? Remember? He recently did a talk at a Ted X event...and even if you're not a runner, the science is fascinating and worth 15 minutes of your time- this I promise. Watch and consider- is this crazy barefoot running thing for you? Yes? No? Comments? Debates? And one last thing, for those of you crazy enough to consider it...I seriously do NOT suggest a barefoot run in this weather. Perhaps let's wait until summer to check this crazy barefoot theory out!
Remember before when I mentioned Christopher McDougall (author) and the book Born to Run? Remember? He recently did a talk at a Ted X event...and even if you're not a runner, the science is fascinating and worth 15 minutes of your time- this I promise. Watch and consider- is this crazy barefoot running thing for you? Yes? No? Comments? Debates? And one last thing, for those of you crazy enough to consider it...I seriously do NOT suggest a barefoot run in this weather. Perhaps let's wait until summer to check this crazy barefoot theory out!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Review
Greetings Runners!
Lately, I've had several requests for a post that reviews a basic training plan for a half or full marathon. And since nothing makes me happier than keeping the peeps happy, I have obliged...for those of you training for Calgary half or full, Police half or a variety of other races come spring (question: is spring EVER coming?), please have a quick perusal of the following...
Go LONG
To train for any kind of endurance event like a half or a full marathon, you must, you simply must put some miles on the bod in order to prepare it for the distance on race day. Please, don't go out tomorrow and run for way longer or further than you ever have- that would be a very bad idea and would likely cause injury. Instead, you need to consider doing one LONG RUN per week. Start with a distance or time you can manage. For example, if you are able to run for about an hour, then try go out for an hour ten or an hour fifteen. Or, if you are a distance based runner and are steadily running a certain distance, then add a couple of km's or miles and see how you do. Also, note that this is a long SLOW run. Your pace should be a minute to a minute and a half off of your planned pace for race day. If you have no planned pace, then a good guide is to be able to carry on a conversation the whole time you cover the long run. This run is not about building speed, it is about building endurance and preparing to go the distance. And yes, it is a must each and every week (or at least every second week) and should not be missed!
Tempo
Another kind of training run is a tempo run. With this type of run, you are working your pace and it is definitely much shorter than you will be out for the longer run. Long run, think turtle. Tempo run, think hare! To do this kind of run, hit the pathway and start with a warm up. You want to make sure you have a decent warm up as you are going to be pushing your pace and taxing your system. Once you feel quite warm, you want to increase your pace so you are pushing out of your comfort zone. What does that feel like? You definitely would have a difficult time talking and it is quite difficult to hold the pace. Hold it here for a few minutes, and then back the pace back down and recover. Recovery doesn't mean stopping, it simply means slowing the pace. You have to keep the bod moving to keep that lactic acid flowing through the muscles. When you feel ready (don't wait too long), try the whole thing again...push the pace, hold on, recover...and repeat until your run is finished. For those of you that think this training wouldn't be important for you because you\re not trying to run fast, it is STILL important as it trains your body to sustain a certain pace and to deal with adversity. Trust me, on race day, you are going to put your body through a whole bunch of adversity!
The Hills
Hill training is simple. Find one. Run up it. Run or walk down it. And repeat. Warm-up first of course. And find different kinds of hills. Steep ones, gradual ones, two levelled ones. Hill training is a great way to add variety to your workouts and will go a long way towards a positive experience on race day. Trust me. There are usually hills on marathon and half courses...unless you go to Chicago to run. Or Winnipeg. Truly flat those places are. And an aside- did you know that The Peg was once touted as "the Chicago of the North"? Peg city. Who knew. Anyhow, hill training once a week (or at least every couple of weeks) is a fabulous way to supplement your training. I love training hills. If you are looking for a hill training friend, let me know! There is nothing I would love more that to run a few hill with you...and YOU...and YOU!
And that's a basic training program in a nutshell. Simple, yes? I would advise throwing 1 more run per week so you are doing 4 runs per week, especially for those of you thinkin' full marathon. But it really just depends on how your body is feeling. I learned the hard way this week...when your body wants rest, listen to it and give it the rest it needs. Or else you'll end up like me...and away from training for a week because you're sick...NOT recommended...not at all.
Anyhow, now you have a plan, so get out there and get training! If only the weather would cooperate. Looking for some inspiration? Check this...I like it...a lot...
Lately, I've had several requests for a post that reviews a basic training plan for a half or full marathon. And since nothing makes me happier than keeping the peeps happy, I have obliged...for those of you training for Calgary half or full, Police half or a variety of other races come spring (question: is spring EVER coming?), please have a quick perusal of the following...
Go LONG
To train for any kind of endurance event like a half or a full marathon, you must, you simply must put some miles on the bod in order to prepare it for the distance on race day. Please, don't go out tomorrow and run for way longer or further than you ever have- that would be a very bad idea and would likely cause injury. Instead, you need to consider doing one LONG RUN per week. Start with a distance or time you can manage. For example, if you are able to run for about an hour, then try go out for an hour ten or an hour fifteen. Or, if you are a distance based runner and are steadily running a certain distance, then add a couple of km's or miles and see how you do. Also, note that this is a long SLOW run. Your pace should be a minute to a minute and a half off of your planned pace for race day. If you have no planned pace, then a good guide is to be able to carry on a conversation the whole time you cover the long run. This run is not about building speed, it is about building endurance and preparing to go the distance. And yes, it is a must each and every week (or at least every second week) and should not be missed!
Tempo
Another kind of training run is a tempo run. With this type of run, you are working your pace and it is definitely much shorter than you will be out for the longer run. Long run, think turtle. Tempo run, think hare! To do this kind of run, hit the pathway and start with a warm up. You want to make sure you have a decent warm up as you are going to be pushing your pace and taxing your system. Once you feel quite warm, you want to increase your pace so you are pushing out of your comfort zone. What does that feel like? You definitely would have a difficult time talking and it is quite difficult to hold the pace. Hold it here for a few minutes, and then back the pace back down and recover. Recovery doesn't mean stopping, it simply means slowing the pace. You have to keep the bod moving to keep that lactic acid flowing through the muscles. When you feel ready (don't wait too long), try the whole thing again...push the pace, hold on, recover...and repeat until your run is finished. For those of you that think this training wouldn't be important for you because you\re not trying to run fast, it is STILL important as it trains your body to sustain a certain pace and to deal with adversity. Trust me, on race day, you are going to put your body through a whole bunch of adversity!
The Hills
Hill training is simple. Find one. Run up it. Run or walk down it. And repeat. Warm-up first of course. And find different kinds of hills. Steep ones, gradual ones, two levelled ones. Hill training is a great way to add variety to your workouts and will go a long way towards a positive experience on race day. Trust me. There are usually hills on marathon and half courses...unless you go to Chicago to run. Or Winnipeg. Truly flat those places are. And an aside- did you know that The Peg was once touted as "the Chicago of the North"? Peg city. Who knew. Anyhow, hill training once a week (or at least every couple of weeks) is a fabulous way to supplement your training. I love training hills. If you are looking for a hill training friend, let me know! There is nothing I would love more that to run a few hill with you...and YOU...and YOU!
And that's a basic training program in a nutshell. Simple, yes? I would advise throwing 1 more run per week so you are doing 4 runs per week, especially for those of you thinkin' full marathon. But it really just depends on how your body is feeling. I learned the hard way this week...when your body wants rest, listen to it and give it the rest it needs. Or else you'll end up like me...and away from training for a week because you're sick...NOT recommended...not at all.
Anyhow, now you have a plan, so get out there and get training! If only the weather would cooperate. Looking for some inspiration? Check this...I like it...a lot...
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Just Because I Had to...
...because I love it.
Simple. Tell yourself it will be, and SURPRISE, maybe it will be.
And, of consequence lately- a small tidbit of news...
I'm in. New York accepted me. Yes. Can. Not. Wait. For those that have no clue what I speak of, I'm talkin' marathon. NYC. November 2011. Yes, yes, yes!
First, Vancouver. Starting to train faster, legs are dead, but that's OK- dead legs in February will hopefully lead to faster marathoning in May.
Also would like to give a shout out to the newbie runners in my life- M and G, as you trundle (perhaps my new favourite word) along in Vancouver, I am with you in spirit! Good for you guys! Super impressive...keep on trundlin'...
And last, but not least...
It's warmer...TG, because I am tired of the treadmill!
And, of consequence lately- a small tidbit of news...
I'm in. New York accepted me. Yes. Can. Not. Wait. For those that have no clue what I speak of, I'm talkin' marathon. NYC. November 2011. Yes, yes, yes!
First, Vancouver. Starting to train faster, legs are dead, but that's OK- dead legs in February will hopefully lead to faster marathoning in May.
Also would like to give a shout out to the newbie runners in my life- M and G, as you trundle (perhaps my new favourite word) along in Vancouver, I am with you in spirit! Good for you guys! Super impressive...keep on trundlin'...
And last, but not least...
It's warmer...TG, because I am tired of the treadmill!
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