June Catch Up Post - Johnny Miles, GoTruro Twilight Mile, long bike rides.

It's been a long month since the Cabot Trail Relay :)

Ive done a lot of running since then. 16 runs, actually :) the first actual long run of my new training plan was last Sunday morning and it was 9 miles of doing it wrong. I dressed in a shirt that was too heavy. It was black and hot. And the temp was like 15 at 630 which is really hot. It was "only" 9 miles so I decided I didn't need to carry water and I was really, really wrong. I only had 90 minutes to do the 9 miles which means I had to push it. I was meeting some new people to run with, and wasn't sure how that run was going to go. They are faster than I am and it wasn't a slow run but instead averaged 6:08 mins / km.  One of the others shared her water with me, thank goodness. I was really happy to see the park and the end of that hot run. I need to rethink this long run thing :) Im obviously not mentally ready for the long hot runs yet.

Ive played 3 ball hockey games.

I did a 400 m swim time trial. I finished it in 9:12 which I think is faster than the first time but not super better.

Ive ridden the bike 2 times. oops. Both of them were the longest rides yet. the latest one was almost 49 km and they were pretty hilly ones.

I did the Johnny Miles with all three of my girls :)

The day was bright and sunny, not terribly hot, very nice running weather. We drove over just before the race started, and parked at my aunts house, then walked down to the race start after using her bathroom :) We all had to go again but didn't do the port-a-potty thing and ran with the need :) Holly was miserable! lol We met friends there at the start.

I ran with Annika for her first ever race :) And she was awesome.  Holly ran with her friend Mason, and Taylor ran somewhere behind us.  I did see her at the turnarounds, she looked comfortable. Annika set our pace, and she did not walk for about 2 km :) she had a few breaks after that, didn't love the hills, but kept her walks very short :)  

Little runner :) I told Annika about finding someone in front of you to reel in, and she started picking out people to pass. She liked that.

Just as we were headed for the home stretch, she was getting tired and I told her to pass the lady in front of us, with a black and white shirt on. Annika surprised me with a sprint I had trouble keeping up with, and she passed the woman, sprinted around the corner, and right straight through the finish line! 

 

I was really proud of her! 

She was really proud of herself as well! Finish time was 32:46. Mine was 32:47 ;)

Holly and Mason finished ahead of us :)

We picked up our lunch and spent the rest of the day visiting family.

Johnny Miles success again this year :)

Since Johnny Miles went so well I dragged the 2 younger kids out Friday night for the first Gotruro Twilight Mile at the local track.  Just a warm up and a mile run on the track :) classic race! 

The littles went first. Youngest kids, then mid kids, then the oldest kids there including my girls :)

Holly claims she didn't race it; Annika might have.

After the kids broke 10 minutes each, Holly with 8:25, the three ladies took to the line, and raced our mile.  I did a steady 2 minute lap, not wanting to push especially hard because I have been feeling like crap lately.  I did my mile in 8:09.  I might have been able to go faster but at this point, not much :( still having some struggles feeling good.

Which catches up to today. When I did a tonne of house work and some tasks around here before heading to a hockey game. A really good one :)

This has just been a super busy month! The kids are finished school today, their soccer has kept us hopping 6 days a week. Training for a triathlon and marathon will be taking up the rest. Having a social life would be fun, good thing I am currently unemployed :)

Cabot Trail Relay 2013

Fast becoming one of my favorite weekends of the year, I looked forward to the CTRR and the weekend did not disappoint.
I think this year I knew more of my teammates than usual :) and they seemed enthusiastic about spending the weekend running and/or supporting the race(rs).   So it was bound to be a great weekend.  I lucked out to get on the team since they had someone drop out and I took that leg.  I believe most of these people know each other through work and/or family and/or the gym, although Im not sure how a couple of them fit in.  But I got a leg.  And IT WAS A MOUNTAIN.  If I intend to run all 17 legs of the relay, then I have to run the 4 mountains at some point.  this year I had Leg 10. 

We spent more time there this year I think than any of the 4 previous years.  I had ball hockey the night before so we did not go up Friday but we got up Saturday and prepared and were on our way pretty early. It was pouring rain here. That didn't bode well for night time runs! 
But the closer we got to Cape Breton the better the weather was, and by the time we got to the causeway, it was sunny at times!

not all the time sunny lol just at times.

we caught up with the race by the end of the 5th Leg, and joined in with the cheering and visiting then.  Our team had shirts made that were amazing :) The leg descriptions right on the shirt!  I want to use something permanent to mark off the 4 legs I have completed :) Its nice to be able to point and say THIS one. :) and THIS one :)

 
 
 

 

Some of the view as we drove; This year I decided not to drive my leg before I ran it.  I usually do, to get an idea what Im getting into; but when running a mountain maybe it's better to not know. 

We were really well looked after this year ;) Our group had super supporters and a great lot of food and places to sleep lol out where we were, midway on the trail, there was a supper set up with awesome sandwiches and snacks.  I ate almost 2 hours before my run, and had a banana for later.

Then I attempted some rest, as it was evening and I was going to be up late.
I had had an upset stomach for 3 days before going to Cape Breton so was a little worried about what I ate and where the bathrooms were.  But what can ya do?

When it was finally time for my leg, I put on my reflective vest (ugh I hate these things but WOW did I glow or what?)

 
 

 
 
 


























The sun was setting so it was time to be warming up (short run, a little dynamic stretching)





the first 3.2 km were just nice rolling hills and it was nice and fast.  I reached the foot of the mountain in less that 17 minutes. It was quiet and I could hear the waves on the cliffs at a number of spots.


Then the mountain started. It switchbacks up the mountain and then gets less steep but climbs for the rest of the run, to a fairly steep spot near the end.  I bet its nice during the day ;) we run in the dark. It was not pitch dark as the moon was full and the clouds parted often for some light despite rainy forecasts.
The climb lasted a long time. I walked at 3 places, thanks to some cramping in my calf which is something I have never had happen before; of course I never climbed a steep mountain either ;)  I was way ahead of the person behind me and could see the person in front but it was pretty "alone". IN fact I was sure there was something in the bushes beside me, most of the way HAHA. 
The run was ok. I felt like I was going faster than I was; must have been the slow times on the steep part because on flatter and less steep hills I am sure I was doing ok pace wise. I knew I would not likely make the 6 minutes/km deadline but I thought I would be closer.
And I had some TERRIBLE belly pains near the end of the leg.  I think that didn't help. Cramping calf, stomach pain. All new :(

I was very grateful to the support vehicle which made many stops to cheer and encourage (night legs they are not allowed to give drinks or snacks); it made me feel less alone and less likely to get caught walking LOL.

I finished the 14.6 ish km in 1:42 which is awful and quite past the deadline.  But 1 mountain is done, only 3 left to tackle! And they say this is one of the worst (although the one that has 20 km to complete sounds pretty bad to me). 

We went back to the car and I felt ok, but after changing clothes I felt really nauseous and climbed in the back of the car to lie down while we drove to the cottage.  I barely made it there and ran to the bathroom to throw up.  Who knows if it was the run or the previous upset stomach but after I showered and ate some toast I felt better.  Wasn't sore from the run, and I actually didn't even feel any lasting effects from the cramping calf.
We got about 3 hours of sleep before getting up and packing, travelling to catch up with the race, finding the start line with the pancakes, barely getting my pancake before taking our last runner to her start spot (weirdly different from before). and then we headed to the finish line.
We met up with the team and waited for our runner to finish the race. 

 We created a tunnel for our runner to run through; she is there, you can see her feet!
And team Got The Runs was finished. Once times were all sorted out we placed 42nd out of 70 teams. 

It was a sad moment at the end when a team who lost a runner last year on the last leg all ran in together to honour their runner.

 Then we were off to lunch and the last celebration before everyone headed home. 
This was an awesome weekend, as usual. Looking forward to next year!  :)




The week in a flash

Because there was not much to it.
Tuesday I went to the new pool in town. It's actually quite awesome.  Clean and bright and sunny! Or it would have been, had it not been raining. Im sure someday I will see it as it was meant to be. Sunny. I warm up a little and then did 100 m repeats. for no reason. Only had a little time so I did a km and then ran to get kids.

Wednesday I got up and did a bike ride, no BRICK. I was SO hungry at the end.

 

Nice rolling hills, was pretty tired at the end. 35.27 km, 1:37:03 time, 21.8 km / hr. speed that's super slow SIGH.

Thursday was a run around BH with Toni. It was a chilly rain. Nice.

and Friday I rested....except for a Ball Hockey game which was rough and we didn't win but I got a couple of nice bruises and a sore foot from it. 

Because Saturday we went to Cape Breton for the Cabot Trail Relay :)

I went away; Who knew?

I was away and it wasn't apparent here because I have not at all been a consistent blogger.  Here I am now trying to write a post and all I want to be doing is getting on my bike before it rains. Which I likely will do shortly.

Which is what I did. and it rained. And I got wet :)

Monday I ran with Toni a shorter 8.5 km run. 6:11 pace.

Tuesday was a long bike ride. I had a few breaks, when I biked up Young Street (Long hill ... 1.5 km? ISh?) Very steep. I paused at the top to deliver something to the school.  Then I continued to Hilden, back through town; I almost got taken out by a bus that passed me and then turned right while I was still beside. I had to hurried back up to get away. Careless self centered....
Back to home, 31.82 km.  1:31:47, 20.8 km/h pace. Crappy with all the stops.

Wednesday I ran the 10 k loop; 6:38 pace. crap.  We went to the RECC that night to sample the new venue :) The kids had the most fun on the rock climbing wall; they couldn't wait to try it! :)

 

They also swam in the new pool (Annika) and some tried the Ice (most of us have already :))

Thursday was the day I left :) After packing I got to go for a shorter bike ride, almost 23 km.  Then I hopped on a plane and flew to Newfoundland!  :):) Ive never been there! But now I have :)

I have a special friend from NFLD who invited a few of us over for the May long weekend.  As it ended up I was the only one able to go, lucky me to get focused touring attention :):)

Friday morning we shopped a little and then lunched at the Rooms, and then we went sight seeing!  The Basilica

 Signal Hill

Quidi Vidi, then Marine Lab and Red Cliffs where we hiked up a really great trail to overlook the lab and some cliffs :)

yup we hiked up that :)
 

Then along the coast to Middle Cove
And then to Cape Spear; Easternly most point in North America :)

After Cape Spear we met family for Dinner at the Yellow Belly Pub :) I had a huge decadent burger and Wexford Wheat Beer :)  Carb loading for races far in the future with that meal.

Off to bed. 
Saturday we got up to head to the cottage in South River :) we drove lots of little coves on the way, including Brigus where we got out and checked out a tunnel :) It was SO cold! Winter returned to the Maritimes while I was in NFLD.  Suggestions of snow.

Meanwhile in NS Holly ran the Bluenose Marathon with her friend; They did the Youth Run.  They loved it and cannot wait for the next run :)

At the cottage we ate and then seriously changed clothes and went for a run!  :) Friend was very sick so she showed me a 3.5 km loop, then I completed it 2 more times alone (plus a little due to a wrong turn ) I kept stopping to look at stuff LOL There are MOOSE in NFLD (never saw one).  We did a lot of bird watching. I swear there is SO much to SEE in NFLD.

we ate (more carb loading) and had an early night :)

Sunday we slept in and did some more sight seeing after a leisurely morning and some bird watching; in the river there is a lot of bird activity lol like the hunting Osprey that fly over the cottage with their big fish! :):)

We then went to Mad Rocks where we went on a long hike on the cliffs; it was really Cold and windy;

 

 

Thought we might blow away there but as long as we kept moving we were ok :)

We then went to a trail on the mountain because it was less foggy than it had been the whole trip, and we would see a great view :) We saw MOOSE prints, and at the top it was raining and foggy again!

 

We saw a fox but no moose.  And no whales, no ice bergs. lol.

about 9 km of hiking for the day :) hard hiking too!

We went to Cupids to have dessert then changed and drove to St Johns for supper :) More carb loading but also lots of steak and another dessert :)

 

Back to cottage for sleeping :)

 

And Monday; last morning there. I got up super early and went for my last NFLD run.  I did the loop again plus some, and had 5.5 km. 

These! were on my loop; but no moose.  It was like they were ... mocking me or something :)

We packed up and headed off to the city, airport, and back to NS where I ate and rushed off to Holly's soccer game; right back where I started without looking back. I cannot believe, I was away in NFLD and it was SO awesome!  :):):)  I cannot wait to go back!

The First Duathlon

Mothers Day had breakfast in bed and awesome gifts including homemade treasures and some biking clothes :) no more sore butt for me!

After finally getting out of bed the family dropped me off at the park for the Mother's Day offroad Duathlon put on by GoTruro.  A beginners Du for me??

the weather was cold and misty and kinda crappy so most people stayed away. 4 kids did the kid event and then 5 adults did the full length adult version, 4 km trail run, 15 km mountain bike, 2 km trail run. Volunteers were awesome!

On the first run, I finished 4th.  It was shorter than 4 km because I did it in about 18 minutes, it was rooty trail, and that's about the time it takes me to do 3 km run.   The run was supposed to be 1 km out, 1 km back, done twice for 4 km.

Onto the bike, which started out super fun.  It was dirt roads, some single track.  All muddy since it rained like mad the night before.  And the days before that :)

The single track was fun. The ups and downs were fun. But it got more and more technical; tree stumps and rocks, roots, steep ups, mud pits.  I slid into a few stumps and finally got off and pushed awhile after I almost hit a tree head on.  I slid into a stump and the bike came to a dead halt but I didn't and the bike landed on the ground that time.  Glad I landed on feet. 

After the single track there was a long downhill with loose gravel and then the same uphill, with grass and mud. THAT was exhausting since the mud was sucking at my tires and pulling me backwards. 

Finally down the last dirt road and back to the start. That was loop 1. OF 3.  I thought I might not make it, it was SO not a beginner course.  And although I bike and trail bike I have not in YEARS gone over trails like that. And never on that bike, I don't think.  It was interesting. 
On the second lap I got off and ran the bike through the hardest part and that saved me because my legs were ok but my arms were getting really tired from the push/pull of riding over the hard parts.  I thought it best if no injury was created.  That got me through the third lap.  If the second had been as hard as the first I might have stopped at 2.  I was getting better at the third lap but pretty tired. 

With just one more lap of the run trail left I felt I had the race complete :) Running felt funny but I have gotten used to that and just kept going. I was slower than before, about 10 minutes for the "2 km" but it was just almost comfortable. 

Crazy group out for a rainy Duathlon

So my first Duathlon complete.  I didn't get to experience a real transition since shoes stayed the same and I didn't do much other than put on a helmet and jump on the bike.  But the experience of jumping from one event to the next is valuable.  The group was a lot of fun and the support was awesome! 

A Post to Catch Up; for starts.

As its been a few weeks since I last posted (totally by accident) I need to cover a few things that are not interesting lol Im not even sure what's been going on since the last post; it's just one massive blur of driving kids around and trying to fit plans into small windows of time.

I did run that day despite being sore. almost 11 km, actually.  I am rocking those little middle distances and crapping out on the long long ones. I got a couple more runs in over the next couple of days; it is good stress relief.  10 and 5 km runs :)

Our ball hockey season continued with a tie against a super tough team. Granted, they had no real goalie, but we will take it.

My road bike returned home and on Saturday I managed a 11 km bike ride between the commitments and yard work and I don't remember much about that entire weekend :)

Sunday I wanted to go in a Duathlon an hour away; with Scott's grandmother passing away the training didn't get done and so not much point in entering a duathlon; so instead I ran from home to Scott's parent's house.  It was a nice run with decent weather.  18 km 2:02:20.  No records broken there.

There was another ball hockey game that night; lost by I don't remember what. We got a goal...4-1 maybe?

Monday was a rest day. First day of summer off.  I took that rest thing very seriously. This is the start of being the mommy taxi for the next 4 months.  The kids are at Badminton/soccer/track/musical/4H most days after school and evenings, and it means 3-4 trips into town for them.

Tuesday I got on the bike for a real ride and Ive no idea why I climbed Harmony Ridge for a starter. It seems like cruel and unusual punishment to start out a spring that way.  Nothing about the bike trainer prepared me for these outside rides.  Ugh and getting used to the Clip in shoes is challenging so Im not spending a lot of time in town ;)

the hill near the start sets the tone :)

After the bike ride I put on runners and did a mile run.  It wasn't bad, except that I ran by my house which is up or down hill, no flat.  And I was really hungry so I only ran a mile :)

Wednesday was a 10.5 km run up the hilly loop :)

Thursday Holly had track.  And I spent a lot of my day there (plus at Chiropractor) so I did not run.  After track there was other stuff. Its always fun. 

Holly did 100 M and 400 M and had solid PR's in both :)

I got in 8 km on Friday and almost 10 on Saturday then another mile with Annika on our road; And Sunday was Mother's Day!