Ain’t my distance, I was running into a headwind, plus, I’m really not in running shape – ‘nstead of running daily as I did, now get out every 3rd day if I’m lucky (although you’d never know by my pace), so I stopped 1 kilometer short. Glad I did too, it was a relaxing cool down walk home on a beautiful, gorgeous fall day. I was overdressed too – really shoulda only worn a tee and shorts, was overheating after 4-5 minutes. Lesson learned!
path near home. this is where I begin zoning-in …
awestruck w/ fast time despite lack of serious training …
No more contending with puddles, they’re frozen. Now I have slippery sidewalks. It’s harder and harder getting motivated, this was my first run in four days. On a positive note; knowing PRs aren’t possible, I run more relaxed, I’m not stressed about times … it’s actually MORE enjoyable. And, it’s not like I’m running slow, I’m only a couple of minutes off my PR. Put it this way, if I was to achieve a 47 minute time in an official, sanctioned 10K race, I’d be happy with myself, my time!
Chilly morning run! Will be honest, before I even started, was planning to run a 47 minute 10K (was on pace too), but missed that last traffic light … well, you know how it is. Still, am pleased with my 37:17 8K … and today was the coldest temps I’ve endured, minus 4° with the windchill. I bundled up (probably more than necessary), and hit the pavement. Something so calm and peaceful running alone in the early morning!
toss out my fastest/slowest, and only a 4 second split separation …
I LOVE this pace … 1 kilometer at 4:30/km!! I love running 4Ks at it, 8Ks when my body feels it, I’ve even kept the speed for 10K. NOW, if only I were able to run four consecutive 10Ks maintaining that pace (plus tacking on ten minutes for the extra 2.2 kilometers), then I’d be onto something! For the time being, dancandream, eh?
I did it! I PRed what is one of my tougher runs, and so late in the season. Last 10K PR occurred on September 6, so it gives you an idea of how hard it is to beat. Was cruising comfortably, looking for a sub 45 minute time, and was on pace to finish in 44:50 – ish. But at my 40 minute audio cue, I needed to be at least at 8.89 – 8.90, instead was only at 8.87 kilometers. I knew then, any hope was lost. Now, only question was of PRing, and by how much. Bettered it by 4 seconds, and missed 45 minutes by 8 seconds. It was my 8 and 9 kilometer splits where I lost about 15 seconds. Still pleased, I mean a PR is a PR, lol!
What, me complain? Sorry. But, I have to … ’cause that’s who anal I am! It’s just getting harder and harder lately. I awake, go for my run … and when I return, it’s still pitch black out. Twice, I misstepped nearly twisting my ankle ’cause I couldn’t see sidewalk hazards in the darkness. I’ve been sporting a tuque for weeks, gloves too – HUGE pain in the arse working (trying to work) my phone, my RunKeeper! And with each passing day, temps are dropping … not to mention gale force swirling winds wreaking-wrunning havoc too. All these factors making it increasingly more difficult venturing out, leaving home’s comfy warmth, pushing myself and punishing myself … and to what end?! Honestly, feel like I’m ready to pack it in … not completely, just cut back on the frequency, and cut back out watching stop watches altogether. Timing is incredibly stressful, and equally exhilarating … but now since it appears PRs are out of the question, I feel it’s a good time to scraptheapp and focus on running, and enjoying it in its purest form, with nobody watching. Just … me myself and I!
File pic, prolly less than 2 months ago – guessing?!
And no, I didn’t run … I had to work today, plus I didn’t register in time, but if I did, I would have only entered for the half marathon, no way I’d be able to run a full marathon, not yet. So impressed by those who do. Kudos, congrats to all participants. But, getting caught up in the spirit of the day, went out this morning (such a beautiful, cool, crisp autumn day too) and demolished a 12K … set a PR by a whole minute and a half too! Woot woot! It’s my first PR of the month, and to achieve it today, makes it extra special!
I needed it! I’d a rough go of late, with missed training and illness, it really has been a struggle. Today’s run was reconfirmation!
After my fast 4K accomplishment, jogging home at a relaxed, comfortable pace finishing up my running, was in order. Near the end, I was waved down by an old lady using a walker thingie with wheels. She was looking for an address, I offered help, but with her advanced age, and needing assistance walking … and more importantly knowing she’d have about 1 kilometer more to go pushing, supporting herself on that old-fogey stroller thingie, I asked, “how far can you go?” … “as far as I have to” was her speedy smiling reply. You go grandma, I thought, lol! And, not one to miss an opportunity, she took a moment to solicit me with some religious crap (pamphlet/literature). Naturally, I took it and thanked her kindly … I didn’t want her to think that her long life spent peddling fantasies were in vain!
map to heaven – just what I need, lol …
happy w/ the sub 18 … not so much with lengthening splits …
Thanksgiving Day today, but celebrated with family yesterday … so you know what that means … LEFTOVERS, lol! Lotsa turkey, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie. Yum!
What a beautiful Canadian autumn day today, a great day for a run, a perfect opportunity to try my hand at fartlek training. I guess you can say I’ve done it before … changing up my running. I broke it up into four separate runs. First, I ran 2K semi-fast, then 1K really fast, then another 1K even faster, and finished with a 2K that included a hill climb, and a long gradual descent. Was fun mixing it up. Even tried a new app, sorry Strava, sticking w/ RunKeeper. PLUS, it’s my nephew’s birthday today. A beautiful Canadian day indeed!
my kicks are accumulating kilometers, easily 1200K to date …
Running is hard! It’s very hard when you haven’t trained, for whatever the reason. It’s very hard to put on your gear and head out the door. I had two goals in mind after what amounts to being unable to run for the past eleven days. I wanted to complete my 8K run without stopping, and I wanted to establish a good pace from the 1st kilometer, and keep it till the end. I wasn’t looking for anything near my PR. I wanted to run, non-stop at a fairly fast pace. I did it. I’ll admit, it wasn’t easy … running at times takes so much mental strength, as well as physical conditioning. I’d rank today’s run as one of my best ever, especially with all of my adversities of late. I’m hoping with better health, and good weather, my training will continue uninterrupted.
… FINALLY!! It’s been a long haul getting here, but today I can optimistically say I’m getting better! Everything went well, and this time I capitulated and snagged a painkiller prescription before I left. But, not before Dr. Harry asked for my driver’s license. Huh? Apparently a new (new to me at least, lol) government policy. Same thing happened at the pharmacy … but, at least this time when she began her explanation, I stopped her telling none was necessary.
A couple of quickies:
Was just getting into it w/ the assistant, telling her my running stories/accomplishments before the good doc came in, ready to go to work, abruptly ending my few moments of glory. She was all interested, and impressed, asking lots of questions. Was a great, relaxing/calming way to begin the procedure. It made me happy talking about it. Other than my blog, really don’t get an opportunity to say much about it with anyone. Oh sure, Tiff gets an earful, but it’s exiting the other one just as quickly, LOL!
Dr. Harry said something to me, something about me … and, I was only thinking about it a day or two before, something I’m only realizing in my fifty plus years. I want to say, it’s something I hope to change, but, I don’t think that’s possible, so, I’ll say … it’s something I hope to lessen … “you’re too hard on yourself” – Dr. Harry.
Knew it was gonna be a rough run. Distance wasn’t an option. Really, only wanted to duplicate my previous one. I did. Travelled 2.35K in 10 minutes, plenty far, plenty fast for now. And again, jogging back was pleasant, very relaxed. Caught up to a couple of runners nearing home. Am I the only one still sporting summer gear?
Protein smoothie. Shower. Pop a pill. Appt. w/ Dr. Harry. Wish me luck y’all!
My first run in over a week! Eight days exactly … last run was Sept. 28th … I never miss more than one day (ok, maybe missed two consecutive days once or twice, but that’s it), so to be outta running commission so long tells ya how I felt. I’m still on antibiotics, and I have to go back next week for my “medical procedure” (is all I’m gonna say ’bout that), and I’ve been feeling so dragged down, so faint, so tired – now, I’m not sure if it’s the infection, or all these meds making me weak? I didn’t know what to expect today, and when I started running, after only 100m my legs felt like rubber, but I persisted. Imagine my surprise, hearing my 5:00 minute audio cue, and I was further along my route than 99% of my previous first calls! And my 2K time was my 3rd fastest ever! Don’t misunderstand, I was still weak … truth be told, I was reaching into my pocket, fumbling with my phone, and inadvertently hit stop on RunKeeper – I was planning on at least reaching the 3K mark before I stopped, so I was a bit premature, lol. Good enough!
I stood there, admiring my accomplishment (I’m still in awe, when taking everything into consideration. Plus it was very humid – my glasses were fogged up, lol). I then turned around, and jogged home – comfortably, but at a steady. A nice to be back 5K run … and it was plenty … oh, and on top of everything – I had a bird in the oven … a practice Thanksgiving turkey, and I didn’t want to be out too long ‘ncase it needed tending to, lol!
Haven’t ran all month. SEE, I told ya it was bad, lol! In rough shape y’all … presently am taking two different antibiotics. Have another ℞ at the ready, for back-up! Taking Advil (only) for pain … I refuse to take painkillers – if I can help it/stand it! Codeine? Umm thanks, but no thanks! And, while I know I have more shitty days ahead … am finally happy/relieved my man Dr. Harry (long time no see btw – oh, and thanks for the eight bucks too, lol) is in my corner after today’s consult. Just watch, I’ll be back to my cheery, energetic … wonderful (?, lol) self in no time *fingers crossed*! 😆
… today’s 4:20 … and I NEVER 4:20 either btw … no painkillers remember – herbal included, lol …
Not that July, or August weren’t filled with good runs – they were. Seems like in September, I kicked it up a notch, and was particularly good. I set five PRs during the month … all within a nineteen day span! Plenty chuffed with myself!
… at times I mean. Finding time, finding motivation! Didn’t have a chance to go for my run early this Saturday morning (as I prefer), and when I got back home after errands/appointments … I mentally struggled with missing a day, but I pushed myself, and still changed into my gear and hit the road … and STILL killed a 4K! But, throughout it all, didn’t feel strong, felt a bit weak in fact … and realized, it’s 1 o’clock in the afternoon, and all I’ve put in my belly today was coffee?! No nutrients, no protein, no nourishment … no wonder!! I was running on fumes … did I say I killed it?!
Friday morning 4K was a good run. Not crazy fast, but fast enough … but more importantly only 2 seconds separated all four kilometers. And since I ran my 4K run today, it also gave me a crack at my 1mile run … and yep, you guessed it – 6:30. Mister Consistency indeed!
… garbage day, recycling day run. Something comforting, relaxing … mentally preparing myself for my morning run as I’m walking back and forth, taking all my bins, garbage to the curb. Was a great run, felt strong, missed my PR by under 50 seconds … check out my last few splits. Had my playlist on repeat song, and of course I don’t dare waste time trying to correct it … was flying w/ Linkin Park‘s Somewhere I Belong blaring in my ears for 36 minutes and 33 seconds for those 8K …
I’ve been saying to myself for quite some time now, “one day I’m gonna go for my run, and run a half marathon”. That day never came, never came close … 12K was as far as I got. Even then, I was going through it in my mind, and I knew 100 minutes would be around my time (well, the time I wanted to achieve), but I also felt, I’d probably miss it by just a bit … and I did … 101 minutes & 3 seconds. Typically, I’m a bat outta hell type of runner, running fast from the start, so when I near home (8K), I stop. Today, I reigned in my pace from the beginning, I knew this would be the only way I’d ever run a half marathon. And at the 50 minute mark – what I perceive as the half way point, my audio cue had me at 10.64K … so I was well ahead of a sub 100 minute pace … and I kept up that pace for 13K … but as you can see from my 14K – 21K splits, I started slipping … slowly, not much … and again, at least all those splits were consistent. And check out those calories burned – 2384!!!! WHOA!!
… not only foggy, humid. Was welcomed as well … too many cold morning runs lately. Felt so good stepping out the front door, and not feeling a chill. Happy Friday y’all!
danistrulytheman 