Oct 30, 2010 - Devils Night and a 17km run!

Why does the morning come so fast when you have to get up for a run. It was like I closed my eyes and then boom it was time to get up. Lisa and I met at UofO and ran the canal again but had to add 4k from last week. So we ran up to Hogs Back and over to Prince of Wales and then back to Dows lake and around. We were both surprised on how much easier this run was and felt pretty good the entire time. I did feel rather slothy but only because Lisa got up and did an hour and a half swim practice prior to our 17kms but I will gladly take this run and allow myself to eat, drink and be merry at our going away party tonight.

View from the path:
Lots of runners were out this morning as it was much warmer than last week. The route was basically the same, so not much new to see but the conversation was great. We chatted about anything and everthing the entire time. We did have to take a pee break at Carleton around 6kms. I knew I wouldn't last the next 10kms so it added about 10mins to our run. Still at just under 2hours we completed 16.76km. I'm also adding the walk back to the car to complete my 17km goal!

The Music:
None during but in the car on the drive down to meet Lisa and the drive home I was listening to my Glee soundtrack and it was just enough to keep me motivated. I do so enjoy the music!

Next week:
20km! have to run Friday as I'll be heading to TO to say goodbye to those friends before the big move to Raleigh!

Oct 29, 2010 - 5k one day late

OK OK, I know I was suppose to do this last night but who's kidding who, I didn't want to. So I mentally prepared myself to get my ass out of bed, get the kids ready for their Halloweeny days at respective daycares, drop them off and then go for my 5km run. Task achieved! It was cool out but the wind was warmish. I know hard to believe but it wasn't like it's been where it cuts you like a knife. We ran our typical golf course 5km and by we I mean Darty and I. The run was good. My hip hurt a bit but after the run there was lots of stretching and that seems to have made it feel better. Tomorrow Lisa and I are running 17km, wish us luck!!!

View from the path:
Met a new neighbour who thought we were knew to the neighbourhood since he's seen us only a few times lately. He has a dog just like Darty who's half Lab and half Retriever and she's 14! Lots of years left in my puppy!!!!

The Music:
So Happy I could Die - Lady GaGa
Imagine - Glee
O...Saya - A.R.Rahman
A White Demon Love Song - The Killers
Something Beautiful - Robbie Williams
New Sensation - INXS
You Make My Dreams - Hall and Oats
Drops of Jupiter - Train
Poker Face - Lady GaGa
Oh, the Boss is Coming - Arkells

Oct 26, 2010 - 3km

Well I'm on day two of being a stay-at-home mom and so far so good. I haven't killed anyone yet, so that's a good sign. Just kidding. I've been busy making cupcakes and starting a new quilt. The packing hasn't started so much, I'm afraid I'll pack something and then I'll need it. I will have to bite the bullet soon enough. Today Rob, Darty and I ran the 3km. After Saturday's 13km, it felt good. A little stiff still but not nearly as bad as it's going to get.

View from the path:
Mostly my mind has been on how I'm going to decorate all the cupcakes for halloween and the cake for the party, also halloween themed. Definately makes the run go by quick. Rob's legs were sore during the run, mostly because he hasn't been running them lately. It is getting better.

No music today, but looking forward to tonight's Glee and then to download the songs I really like! Rocky Horror Glee Show - MUCH FUN!!!

Oct 23rd, 2010 - 13kms baby!!!

Holy crap it was cold when I woke up this morning and top it off it was a 13km day. So didn't want to go but had made plans to run with Lisa, who will be running with me at Disney, so I had to go. Most of my winter running stuff is in boxes, but I found mittens and a running hat that covers my ears. I put on an extra layer under the long sleeve shirt and jacket, only had crop pants, but alas off I went! We met downtown to run the canal. The sun was out as a positive and there wasn't snow as was told by the weather man. Off we went at 8:45am and finished around 10:15am. We ran up and around Dows Lake. Felt great once we finished, lots of "will this ten minutes ever end".

View from the path:
There was no one on the paths when we left but when we got back, there was quite a few. It was great to run with Lisa, we haven't run since NCM 10k 2 years ago. She's faster than I am but kept my pace which was great. It was also nice to have someone there to pass the time. It went by faster than it would have if I'd run alone that is for sure! We chatted the entire time and for both of us the incentive to finish was that we could have wine at the spa party we were going to this afternoon. My friends rock, they are throwing me this party to say goodbye. Can't wait. Another plus to running the 13km today is that we can have that glass of wine and all the treats!!!

No music today

Oct 19, 2010 - 3k

Today was a 3k day and I wasn't sure I was going to actually make it out, but in the end I found the time. Darty and I took the path behind the golf course, par usual! Rob didn't run, he had to put the plumbing back into the kitchen after we got are awesome new granite counters yesterday!

View from the path:
Saw a couple of deers again, this time not as close as on Sunday. The leaves are falling so quickly, it was like running on a carpet. Plus it's getting really slippery, so taking more care is important!

The Music:
Don't Stop Believing - Glee
Pullin Punches - Arkells
In Her Eyes - Josh Groban
Hero of War - Rise Against
Any Way You Want It - Glee
Imagine - Glee
Eyes on Fire - Blue Foundation

Oct 16, 2010 - long and slow run 10k

Saturday morning and all I wanted to do was sleep in. So far so good, 8am!!! Then the first child appears in full purple toutou ready for breakfast. I guess I'll get up! Running clothes adorned, shoes on, water bottle filled and iPod ready. So here we go! It was all I had to get out the door. Last week's 7.6 seemed easy but adding another 3k seemed daunting this morning. iPod on, The Jacksons, Can You Feel It playing and away I went. No Darty today, I felt after he was limping after the last run on Thursday, that I thought maybe he should rest. He was not pleased at all. I heard him barking as I ran down the street. At the turnaround at 5k, I thought, how am I ever going to run 42.2km in two months. Gotta love self doubt! The mental battle has begun. The physical one is already full on with my hip, lower back and lungs already against me. It's my friends who are following my journey and those who boost my morale on Facebook that are definately helping me get through this.

View from the path:
Well to start, a deer almost ran me over. I was watching this beautiful deer watch me from the side of the path, as I got closer another came out of my blindspot and ran not 5 feet in front of me. Scared the living crap out of me. Once my heart started back I was on my way again.

The Music:
Can You Feel It - The Jacksons
Misery Business - Paramore
Dance in the Darnk - Lady Gaga
Hot Fudge - Robbie Williams
Closer - Nine Inch Nails
A Million Miles an Hour - Eastern Conference Finals
In the End - Linkin Park
Human - The Killers
Map of the Problematic - Muse
John Lennon - Arkells
Hello, Goodbye - Glee
No Air - Glee
All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
Losing My Religion - Glee
Shooting the Moon - Ok Go
Supermassive Black Hole - Muse
Invincible - Muse
With You - Linkin Park
Ulysses - Franz Ferdinand

Oct 14, 2010 - 5k

Well I was prepared to run in the rain, I don't like to, but was willing to do it for my marathon goal. Then mother nature smiled upon me and held the rain off until later. Thank you mother nature!!!

View from the path:
Rob joined Darty and I again and made it the complete 5k. All the way to Carling on the path behind the golf course. More and more leaves on the ground so a bit more care is required in not rolling an ankle. Felt good, although we stopped a couple times. Hip is a bit sore now.

No music today:(

Oct 12, 2010 - ok it's definately autumn!

So I wasn't too bad after my long run and after eating all the food from thanksgiving, a short run today was definately needed! The fall has finally hit too, it was about 10 degrees celcius out. The route was the standard 3km in behind the golf course. Rob came with me and he's doing much better. Darty too! I have to say it's nice to go for a run to feel better and not worse!


View from the path:
As we were along the back stretch I noticed a very distinctive walker coming our way, it was Bob from across the street. Dartagnan saw him and took off! As Bob passed Rob I heard him say "She's kicking your ass dude!" because I was probably 100m in front of Rob. I chuckled! At the turn around point, when Darty knew we were on our way home he took off like a bat out of hell for Bob. Nothing like the allegiance of a dog! Ah well.

No music today :(

10-10-10 - Happy Thanksgiving!

14 people coming plus 18 lbs turkey plus pumpkin pie plus apple pie plus veggie strudel etc etc equals must go on long run. So 7k was the goal and 7.6km was the actual - whoop whoop. It was just beautiful out too!

View from the path:
Lots of bikers, not too many runners. After trying to get ready for all the masses, just being on my own for a bit was nice for a change!

The Music:
Stronger - Glee
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
Invincible - Muse
Beth - Glee
Just Dance - lady GaGa
Paparazzi - Lady GaGa
The Strength to Go on - Rise Against
Bad - U2
Undisclosed Desires - Muse
Can't Fight This Feeling - Glee
Wavin Flag - Young Artists for Haiti
Let's Get Lost - Beck and Bat
Spotlight - Mute Math

October 9th, 2010 - Happy Birthday Mere!

Not only is it my sister's bday it's a run day! I was suppose to run 7k and had every intention to do so but then someone wanted to come see the house so cleaning and getting ready for that took precedence this morning. We took the kids to the pumpkin patch and Darty to Bruce Pitt for a walk. When we got home I went into pre-thanksgiving mode. I made an apple pie, roasted vegetables for a strudel and made sugar cookies in the shape of turkeys. I also had to make dinner, flank steak stuffed with panko bread crumbs, parmasan, pine nuts and basil (really yummy) Once I was all ready Rob said "lets go for a run". So off we went. We did the standard 3k behind the golf course. We took Darty too.

View from the path:
Lots of golfers out as it was gorgeous out. In the sun it was warm but once the wind blew or you were in the shade, you really knew that fall was here. The leaves are even more colourful than two days ago. Rob didn't have a great run but at least he was out there. I felt pretty good. My abs were killing me from the Ab Ripper 100 workout. 100 reps total: 10 reps x 10 different exercises.

Tomorrow 7km long run. Must do it and that way I can eat the dinner I'm making for 14 people for Thanksgiving!

October 7, 2010 - 5k

Today was a run day. I missed my circuit yesterday due to life getting in the way, so even though my hip hurt after my chiro appointment, I took off with Darty to the path behind the golf course. What a beautiful day but holy cow it was windy. Why is it, that in Ottawa at least, no matter which way you run, the wind is always in your face???? It wasn't a pretty run but I was out there. When I took off my hip was sore. I expected it to be since I had my adjustment about an hour and half prior. I immediately bailed on the 5k and decided I'd just go 3k. When I got to the turn around point the pain was gone and although tired kept up and went all the way to the end of the path before it hit Carling. Darty loves our runs but I think as he gets older he's not as fast anymore. So he likes to run right in front of me to slow me down. At one point he stopped completely, lets just say there might have been some swearing!

View from the path:
Not much other than the most amazing colours of the leaves. It was just amazing. I'm going to miss my path!

The Music:
Yes, I ran with music today. It may not have been as loud as I like but still not 100% over the creepy bike guy incident. However, here we go:
Starlight - Muse
Crawling - Linkin Park
Bohemian Rhapsody - Glee
Empire State of Mind - Glee
Take a Bow - Muse
Hot Fudge - Robbie Williams
Leave Out All the Rest - Linkin Park
O...Saya - A.R.Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire)
Faithfully - Glee

October 5, 2010 - 3k run

Today I ran 3km with Rob and Darty. It was just beautiful out. We ran the path behind the golf course and yay, no crazy guys on bikes! I am still sore from yesterday's circuit workout and the hips a bit sore now, several hours later, but feeling good to back at it regularly. I'm on day two of the "no white" diet and to me that just means no sweets really. I was good, I didn't eat the chocolate bar that tormented me every time I went to pick up something from the printer. Our social committee sells chocolate bars and chips in our business centre and of course there is also all the fund raiser chocolates available too. I persevered and now, of course, as I type this I want one. But to bed I go and this to shall pass!!!

View from the path:
The colours of the changing leaves were amazing. As you run along the path and the overhang of the trees and all the colours is kind of like what I invisioned Sleepy Hollow to look like. Darty saw a deer and took off but he isn't quite as fast as he use to be!

No music today because I ran with Rob. He only had to stop once, so he's on the road to recovery too!

October 4, 2010 - Day 1 P90

Today I started the P90 exercise program. In 90 days, I'll be a brand new me, or at least back to where I was before I hurt my hip. I need something and without Goodlife and limited running at present, I decided to do this program. Many friends have done the P90X but I thought I'd do the lower one before I tried the extreme. Basically it's every other day circuit/cardio for 6 days with 1 day off. I'm going to do running for my cardio days unless it's just down right crappy out. There is also an abdominal workout with the cardio, to look out six pack, here I come!

The Workout:
I'm using the bands b/c our weights are in storage. It covers total body with 3 different circuits. In between each circuit is a stretching routine. It's so simple and I'm so sore only a couple hours later, tomorrow will be fun with stairs. As I've done it for a while, I'll start using my own music but for now I'll listen to the boom chicka pow wow music on the disc.

I'm also going to try their 6 day protein fat burning diet. So day one has been ok so far, however I'm sure the craving for sugar will hit sometime this afternoon. It's a kick start! Rob's away but plans to join in when he gets home on Weds. Here's to looking and feeling better!

My marathon long runs start this week too. I'm really behind but will be steady with the increase in mileage and I'll get to where I get for January. This Sunday 7kms!

October 3, 2010 - CIBC Run for the Cure

Today Abby and I walked/ran the 5k CIBC Run for the Cure for Leandra. Abby decided on Weds of last week she wanted to go with me, so together we took off on a beautiful Sunday morning in Ottawa with 7000 or so other's dressed in pink for an amazing 5k. Everyone cheered for everyone else. At around 3kms Abby got tired so we cut through an area and joined the rest of the walkers. At about 4kms I was now walking for two as Abby was piggybacking! With 500m to go, Abby decided she wanted to run. As she took off for the finish, the volunteers (mostly highschool students) were high fiving her and cheering her on, she was so excited. She crossed the finish line with her arms up. So it wasn't much of a workout, it was great to be apart of something so special.

Until next year!

October 2, 2010 - 5k baby no pain

at least not while I was running. But god that felt good!!! I'm still not 100 percent but on the road to recovery. Darty and I hit the golf club trail and decided to do 5k this morning. I was a little tentative at first, but when there was no pain with the first few steps I kept going. When I finished I felt great and when I stretched I could feel the twinge. It's amazing how a good run makes you feel. Now the day can begin.

Tomorrow is the CIBC run for the cure and Abby is going to "run" with me. So there will be more walking than running but it'll be fun.

Still no music on the run as I'm not yet feeling comfortable on my own back there. But if I had it I'm sure I'd be Glee'ing it as that's what I'm enjoying on my iPod these days!