It 'Runs' in the Family :)

My brother is visiting from Vancouver and tonight we ran together. It was our first time. In fact it was our first time working out like EVER! 
So fun to be able to share a passion of mine with my one and only brother. He lives so incredibly far away and has been gone for such a long time. I love that the older we get the more in common we seem to have.  I love it. Of course I wonder if he realizes this means that every time we see each other now the race is on!!! lol. 

He is also another shinning example of someone else in my life who 'hated running'  but now 'needs it'. Yes!! Another convert. I'm telling you people. Anyone can become a runner. If I can do it....So can you!!!!  Yay B!! You kicked my butt tonight!!

Goals are Good...And it is O.K if they are someone else's.

I ran my first 10km since my 1/2 Marathon exactly one month ago today. At least I don't THINK I've ran 10k since?? Anyway, it felt nice to push myself.
I ran with a running partner, but forgot my water. The running partner helped to keep me going..The lack of water did not. Ouch.

I have days where I think I could run the full, or just 'go run another half'.  Then I run 10k and realize just how far that really is!

I'm glad I did it, I'm glad I'm still running, but I'm glad that I am taking a break from serious training.  Some day again I will set a new goal. For now I am happy to be running alongside someone else while they pursue theirs ;)

Not how I planned it

I spent New Year's Eve sick with the stomach flu. I was planning on losing 3 pounds for my cruise at the end of January put not like this !! As I write this I am also missing the first race of the reason. I am upright and slowly sanitizing the house and doing laundry but that is about it.

Not the way I was hoping to start 2011. I'm still optimistic it will be a good year though. I may have missed my run today but I will head out as soon as I am able to. I have 20 weeks until the Ottawa Half Marathon. Plenty of time to increase my distance and train.

Life does not always go according to plan. There is no sense in worrying about it. I will just have to put one foot in front of the other another day.

Drug Rehab

I take what I said in my last post back ;) I feel a little tired,cranky,headachy, and sick. I laid down and almost fell asleep on the couch at 11am. I almost took it out on the kids. All I wanted to do was to have a nap and let the time pass but I had to run. I planned to meet my friend.

I showed up feeling like I was being forced to run during rehab. I told Anita to ignore my swearing.

She did ;)

I thought I would come home and have a coffee so I could have energy for our party tonight.

Instead I have more energy and I just consumed another one of Shan's shakes. This one had cocoa and banana in it. I'll take the little bit of caffeine in the cocoa if it means I can be a good hostess tonight.

So there you have it. Fitness is not always easy to do but I did it and I'm better off for it. If I can do it, so can you ;)

Establishing a habit

Ran for the second time this week. My goal is a slow 5km three times a week for three weeks. I have not been running enough to do anything more intense and if I'm going to train for a half marathon I need to build a base.

I also need to get the habit back. I have made it a PRIORITY on my schedule again and I'm not allowed any excuse not to go. I find this part the hardest. Sort of like in physics how a body at rest likes to stay at rest and a body in motion also likes to stay that way.

I am also ignoring all the other 'should not do's' in my life because when I'm running I WANT to eat better anyway. That is also a plus.....Remind me WHY I STOPPED RUNNING FOR SO LONG because at this point I am wondering what else could be better ??

So far all is good. I'm sleeping like a ROCK. I forgot how much better I sleep when I run in the evening. It is a great feeling. I laugh because it has only been twice in a week....you wouldn't think it would make that much of a difference but it does....

OH happy running and Merry Christmas to me ;)

Good Days are Surely to Come

Great run today. Thanks to my mom for coming over and holding the fort while I got out for 30mins. I know now 100% that running for me is a stress relief and when I am doing it all the other things in my life fall into place. I also sleep better, eat better and lose the desire to drink wine, coffee and crappy food.

Amazing...and all I have to do is put one foot in front of the other.

Today I am grateful I am able to run. Grateful that my legs work and that I found the strength deep inside to make healthy choices.

Now that is a good day.

My Marathon

I ran an 1/8th of a marathon today ;) lol

It was not a true marathon but it felt great. Every run for me is a little piece of 'marathon'. A personal triumph. Can you tell I'm on a bit of a runners high?? ;)

Anyway, today's music in my ear was inspirational, motivational, and worshipal? ( I couldn't come up with a better word )

Anyway, Here is a little motivation via Miley Cyrus.....Comes in SUPER HANDY when Climbing Hills ;)


There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb

The struggles I’m facing,
The chances I’m taking
Sometimes they knock me down but
No I’m not breaking
The pain I’m knowing
But these are the moments that
I’m going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on,

Ode to the Treadmill

Oh YMCA treadmill how I missed you. I'm sorry I have been so neglectful and lazy. I'm so glad I took the time to run on you today for 25minutes while Erin had an appointment. I am glad I put my running outfit on hours earlier to psyche myself up and I'm REALLY glad I did not allow myself an excuse not to see you. I am better for it and you reminded me just how much we need each other, how easy it is for us to get along, and how much I love you...

Love Alyson ;)

10Km Evening Run

The weather was crispy and the sun was shinning and I was grumpy. A perfect time to call Grandma over to play with the kids while I took advantage of the last rays of sunshine before it settled under the horizon.
I was gone for a little over an hour and the kids ate cereal for supper.

I came back refreshed, the kids tuckered out from competing for Grandma's attention.

The world's problems may not be solved by my ability to head out for a run, but those in my little world certainly are.

Happy Running....

Alyson

No Regrets

I'm missing my first race. Like, slept in looked at the clock pulled the covers over my face and moaned missing my first race.
I didn't jump out of bed and rush around to make it. I just rolled over.

As I type this the race gun is going off. It is a GORGEOUS day outside and this 5km is in the country where Lara takes her riding lessons. The regret is huge. The disappointment is great. The longing to get out for a run again soon just kicked in.

I've allowed myself to give up running over the summer and I'm having a hard time kick starting again. I love to run. In fact I KNOW that I NEED to run to feel alive. So why have I allowed myself to let go of something so important to me?

I'm not sure. I'm thinking that missing this race and feeling so emotional about it just may be the push I needed. My wake up call.

After I had to stop training for my first marathon 3 years ago due to injury, every time I see a flyer for the Hartford Marathon my heart hurts a little. I don't want this to happen every time a race comes up. I don't want running to ever become something I USED to do.

I'm thinking when Adam returns from the barn I will have my running shoes laced up and ready to go.....It's time.

First Lesson of Homeschooling...Learning to Share

I just ran 5km with my 8 year old Wonder Girl. She is a natural born athlete. She has also taken my running course, played soccer all summer and just completed another running program this past August. I on the other hand, have run twice since July 1st. Before that I ran 4 times in the month of June. We thought we should run 5k to see how it feels BEFORE we run it in the race on Saturday.
She did great. I stayed right by her and was happy for the slower pace.

My legs hurt.....A lot.

I need to run more or she will embarrass me in a couple of years.

I would be O.K with that. In fact I just may bubble over with pride even more than I am right now.

Our new homeschool schedule makes time for stuff like this and I'm thrilled at the changes. I MUST run for my stress levels and happiness and it does not bother me one bit that I 'need' to share MY alone time with her. Running makes me alive and I love that I can share it with my girl.

Night Running.

Went for a run last night. It has been so terribly hot and humid and I've been working so hard trying to get my chicken yard and garden up to specs that I have not felt like running at all.

However I can do as much physical activity as I want but it never compares to a 20 minute run.

My friend Anita ran with me. It was great to run with a friend as it always is. By the time we got together last night the sun had already set and we headed out with our flashing lights trying to make it back before everything turned pitch dark. If she had not come over to run I would not have gone. I would have called it a night and lounged on the couch.

As always I slept better last night because of the run. Although I was up a little later than usual my sleep was deeper and I'm better rested this morning than I have been. Running at night certainly helps with sleep.

It is so important to have that encouragement and support. Over the years that is what has kept me going....especially when I don't think I could possibly fit in a run.

So thanks Anita!

Oh, have I mentioned that she just started running and is doing GREAT??! It is so fun to watch her progress and find out the joys of running. She is a new runner and it is as joyful as being around a new Christian. She has that enthusiasm and sparkle. Quite contagious and fun to be around.

I Froze three times and got this T-Shirt

24:44 Minute 5km race today in the 3rd and final Freeze UR Buns run (Yes the seconds count). This is my best 5km time this year. I had a fabulous run. Nothing hurt on my body, the sun was out and I stayed focused long enough to push myself under the 24minute mark.

Sometimes it is hard being this competitive because although I ran a GREAT run, the competitor in me screams BRING IT ON!

This is an important moment because I have 2 options now. I start to train for LONGER distances or the same distance but FASTER. I am kind of a speed junky and a little pressed for time during the week so I'm thinking a faster 5km would be more realistic. However, now that I'm finished having babies and my knee is healed the elusive marathon goal is a possibility.

I won't think about it today. I think I'm just high on the endorphins and thinking crazy thoughts.

Instead I'll focus on continuing to get out the door twice a week and not injuring myself.

Yes...that seems a little more attainable. However bring on life because these endorphins have not worn off!! Yip Yip Hurrah! Whoop Whoop !!!!!!!!

All CRanked Up.

It's been two weeks since I ran. Two weeks of crap. Funny because I know I need to run to feel better but the longer I wait the less I want to go.

Two weeks ago was NOT good as I sort of posted earlier. THAT I'm over, but this past week Adam worked more and going to the gym did not seem to be an option.
Now Audrey has the sniffles and is up EVERY 1.5hrs...sometimes sooner. I am so tired. The kind of tired where I'm having trouble putting sentences together.

It will get better.

Tomorrow my husband is off for a couple of days and I WILL go for a run. No excuses. I'll regret it if I don't because I am scheduled to run another race at the end of the month and don't want to hurt myself.

I owe it to my children to go for a run too. Man I'm a crankass when I'm not running.

I'm Trying

I have to sheepishly admit that I have not been very consistent with my new running plan. Two weeks ago I headed out the door when I really should have just gone to bed and I paid for it. I woke up the next day with a fever and have been fighting the cold that just won't die for two weeks now.

I felt better yesterday and the sun was out so out I went. It was a fabulous run, reminding me that I am alive. I continue to be amazed at what running does to me. I always feel refreshed and new. I think because running is about me and ONLY me. It is me and the pavement and the sound of my breath.

I am only able to go for 20 minutes or so at this point, but it is worth it...sooooooo worth it.

I DID IT!!!!!

Well...It's all over. And it was great.
I ran the entire thing. I went slow in the beginning, barely allowing my lungs to work, and pushed harder in the end.

I ran

10km in 51:15. Yay!!!!

I am very very happy about this score.

I placed 5th in my age group and middle of the pack for the entire race.

I am happy for several reasons.

1) I did not feel the need to walk
2) I did not push myself too hard

3) I ran my BEST 10km YET!!!!!
4) They gave free massages after (see below). Oh...and I won a Frisbee.

5) OH! and my knee felt great!!!

NERVES

It is Sunday morning and I am so NERVOUS!! my stomach is turning, and I my body feels so CREAKY. I am trying to make it a 'normal' day, but can't.

It is raining outside. That makes me sad, but whatever....no biggie.

I know it is really not a 'race'. In fact, I don't even have a chance of winning in my age category. I'm o.k with that. So why am I nervous? Maybe because I know myself. I know that I will be breathing hard and at some point during the race my body will scream at me to just STOP. But I won't, and at the end I will be so happy I didn't.

Oh I pray I don't hurt my knee.

Just a leisurely run...my Sunday long run. That is what I am trying to tell myself.

"I can do All things through Christ who Strengthens me" Phil.4:13.

RIGHT???

First 'race' of the season

I'm running in a 10km race this weekend. I say race because I am WAY too competitive to take it easy and 'just complete' . As much as I know there is no hope of winning this thing, I NEED to get within 50-55 mins to feel satisfied.

Just being real here.

So...pray that I don't blow out my knee. Last race I entered I did just that and was off running for 8months!!!!!

O.K, maybe if I remind myself of that I'll take it easy.

CRAZY HOT RUNS

This is how I look after a run these days. Well, especially since the temperature SOARED to a crazy 25C!!!
This weather won't last and from a running perspective I'M GLAD!!



You see...I've never been a MORNING RUNNER. In fact, there is nothing harder for me than getting out of bed and heading out the door BEFORE MY COFFEE!!

I will admit that finishing my run just as the sun crests is IN FACT an amazing feeling. I do love the feeling of accomplishment, and really I'll admit that once I'm out the door, the morning crisp air feels AMAZING. BUT...it took the Army and the threat of punishment to get me out of my bed. Been there, Done that....even have the T-shirt. No thanks, I put in my time.

When I ran the other day at 2pm....I was BOILING!! In fact I was crazy uncomfortable and miserable. I realized that if I am going to train for the MARATHON in October, I am GOING TO HAVE TO GET UP AT 5AM to go for my LONG RUNS.....or else run the risk of frying like an egg on the pavement.

I am NOT....NOT.....NOT looking forward to it.

Hmmmm maybe I'll surprise myself....but I doubt it.

I NEEEED TO RUN

I managed to get out for a run today. I have to admit that I really did not want to.

I'm just tired...but the run made all the difference in the world.

How funny that is. When I DON'T run, I become tired and want to eat all the time. This of course leads to more eating and becoming even more tired.

BUT...when I run I feel better, sleep better, want to eat better, I'm happier and I have way more energy.

You would think it would be the opposite. But it isn't and I need to remind myself of that.

An old guy on the road stopped me to chat (I live in the country), and he casually mentioned that he did not think I 'needed' to run. No..I don't NEED to run for weight loss or anything, but oh my...yes I NEEEEEED to run. I need to run for all the reasons mentioned above. I need to run to feel alive....oh I need to run.