Last year I became a full-fledged runner! And I did it my way – hardcore (btw, everything I do is hardcore). Hit the pavement early morning everyday, days on end without skipping a day, as well … and everytime, made DAMN sure I left it all there … on the pavement. Like a bat outta hell – that was me, my running style! I didn’t subscribe to conventional runners’ wisdom/mentality … truth be told, I looked at some shit I read w/ disdain! I ran like a fricken maniac, not following rules, just doing what felt right – those were MY rules! Which brings me to this post – since the day I entered my 1st marathon, I’ve lost all that?! I lost focus! I got caught up in the hoopla of it all, meanwhile creating unnecessary stress. All I’ve been thinking ’bout is the marathon. It’s consumed me. No more. I know I have to approach training (for the time being) as I did last year. Run for fun … run for fun, folks! I have MONTHS to enjoy myself before I should even begin to delve into anything to do w/ specific marathon training. It’s still 7 months away for chrissakes … do I REALLY need to read/absorb all info on the internet re: tapering before the race, lol?! Nope. Not yet … lemme enjoy the spring/early summer w/ fun-runs! Peace y’all!
Tag Archives: running
… and so it begins!
Exactly what I wanted/expected! I almost stopped a million times, but I didn’t … I pushed. I wanted my 8K, I got my 8K. Considering it’s my 1st run of the season, and that I’m about 8 pounds away from optimum running weight, AND, that it’s still mucky, so much debris from the ice-storm littering the sidewalks – felt more like a mud run than anything, lol … I’m very pleased! Yep, right where I wanna be …
… now off to watch the game … GO Spartans …
there’s no crying in marathons!
OMG, I just realized something! As you all are aware, I signed up for my 1st marathon, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (October 19). Unfortunately, I’ve been housebound w/ training … building a cardio foundation best I can. I tried hitting the roads about a month back, but winter wouldn’t let go its nasty grip. Now the plan is to FINALLY start/resume full-on training tomorrow (stay tuned) – YEAY!! Looking at the weather forecast, looks like were in for double digit temps for at least a week. Ok, back to my realization!! I see from my Running Records that I PR’ed a 12K on October 20th of last year. Took me a second putting 2+2 together … but that was the day LAST year’s marathon was run … and now I recall it completely; I purposely went for a dedication run of sorts that morning, acknowledging all the competitors. I also remember it because afterwards, I spent the entire day working doing demolition/construction/renovations! Even though it was a record run (I don’t run 12K often), I did it running well within myself! And, seeing that time/run … AND now focusing and visualizing for what lies ahead, all I can think is; if I could repeat that effort (3 1/2 times over) on October 19th, I’d be chuffed as fuck! AND, I know my title has absolutely nothing to w/ any of this … it just came to me. All the hard work anyone who attempts a marathon must endure isn’t lost on me in the slightest … and I thought it was appropriate knowing I’m in for a world of hurt …
… for old time’s sake y’all!
Shite!! My 4 1/2 year bloggaversary?!
Coincided w/ my marathon registration! Happy 4 1/2 years danistrulytheman!! 😀
I’ll see you in 7 months!!
I did it! Natalie Morales inspired me. And, if I don’t commit beforehand, I won’t afterward! So, today I did. And, I’ll be sure to put my fastest feet forward!
October 19, 2014, my 1st ever Marathon is officially marked! Wish me luck!
don’t bullshit a bullshitter!!
Dude was a douche from the get-go! Trying to come across that he identified with me, and my running passion, he inadvertently and ignorantly said, “I jog too” … I caught the slip, you lying sack of shit! Busted! We run, we’re runners! We don’t jog, we’re not joggers! And, we NEVER refer to it as such! Reminds me of this joke …
4444!
I’ve been looking at my Running Records. My 2013 Running Records. At every record I set/accomplished occurred in 2013. And being a firm believer of setting goals, and the benefits gained chasing them … today – March 2 … I am determined to run a 10K in 44:44. And I will, believe me … I will ... fortyfourfortyfour here I come! Last year’s best time was 45:08. I REALLY REALLY wanted to run 45:00 (or a sub forty-five minutes)!
Missed it by that much … thanks Max!!
it’s a start!
My first run since December 7 … says RunKeeper. Sitting, waiting for my noon consult appointment, figured I’d dust off my Saucony Virratas and give it a go. Beautiful, sunny day, I don’t mind the cold temp, and I knew roads were clear of ice, and traffic would be minimal, so off I went. Only two hundred meters in, my legs were so tight, I really didn’t think I’d be able to continue running, and I’m not joking when I say this … I never thought I’d be able to run … AGAIN. As in, I’ll never regain my form. But, I persevered and at my 5 minute audio cue was at 1.03 kilometers – a 4:48 km pace. Certainly not fast, but I’ll take it. And the only reason it dropped, was me having trouble, fiddling trying to get my phone out of my pocket to stop the activity. And, as I write/post this … my lungs are SCREAMING!!
Running; I miss YOU my friend!!
I haven’t run since December 7th. Not once! I feared it would come to this, and I did my best minimizing weeks (months?) lost by stretching it out as long as I did during these changing seasons. I refuse to run when there are so many treacherous obstacles due to our weird&wicked-winter! Sidewalks still haven’t been cleared completely along my route. Not to mention all the fallen tree debris littering said sidewalks due to the ice-storm. It’s just NOT safe!! So, for now, I’m biding my warm-sweet-ass time!
Cold temps don’t affect me. Never have, not in the least. Nor hot climes either for that matter! If luck was on my side, if we had no snow. If essentially the neighbourhood was a hard, frozen tundra, I’d be out there every single day, same as I was in the spring/summer/fall …just protectively layered up the wazoo mind you, is all! Given the hand I was dealt, will wait. Better safe than sorry …right?
For Chrissakes, have been hit by a car (twice actually) when the running was good (least, when I thought it was). And, I am careful, peering into every vehicle crossing my path, watching driver’s eyes, and if they’re not looking in my direction, watching out for me, I’m VERY careful, watching out for THEM! Despite this, I still unashamedly stake claim to my pedestrian right of way, never missing an opportunity; wagging my finger lecturingly (yeah, made it up) as I pass by. Smarten up … pay attention! Hood surfing more than once, can attest to drivers being more freaked out than I. Doesn’t help that our faces are inches apart due to my extending as far forward as I can … think Alien w/Sigourney Weaver! Oh, and God Bless the patient, attentive drivers who when they see runners approaching the intersection we are about to share … wait till we do, AND even reverse slightly signaling they see us, and allowing safe and easy passage. I ALWAYS wave an appreciative wave, acknowledging their kindness. Must be runners themselves, I figure, lol?!
And, no … not about to climb aboard any treadmill … ok, I REALLY REALLY have to say this … I read many running blogs/sites. Running on a treadmill IS NOT running. Don’t know what the fuck it?! Exercise, sure. Fitness, absolutely. Calories burned, ditto. Healthy, check. Do I admire your efforts? Yep, you bet! It just ain’t running, so stop sayin’ it is, lol!
Extended Polar Vortexing ain’t helping my cause either! Looks like a LONG runless (I know, I know, another one) winter!
Crazy Cold!!
Minus 35 w/ windchill! It’s been like this for too many days! On top of it, I’m stuck sitting and waiting someplace I don’t wanna be. To make matters more depressing, RunKeeper hasn’t had a workout since December 7. And as I’m forced to be here (God is still trying to test/help me with my lack of patience. It isn’t working!), my mind wanders to the end of last year … honestly, I only wanted a coupla generic ibuprofen!
an after my weigh-in before my shower selfie!
… it’s been awhile since I posted one of these. Weight is great! Despite not running, I’m still maintaining, although I suspect that may change in the upcoming months if I shut it down completely – which is something I really don’t want to do.
running in this biting wind, numbingly frigid temps?
not me, not on your life. not on MY life!
one hour run and gun!
I did this once before. Never attempted it again because it was too close to my 12K runs. Figured, if I wanna set a PR, it’d be for that distance. But, knowing I ain’t setting any PRs these days, got into a comfortable cruise control rhythm after 4K (actually sped up for the next 4K), and kept running. Now was about duration – 20+ minutes to go. Final 4K ended as I began. Was a great run! Oh, btw … my other timed hour run – I covered 12.52K. Yep, I bettered it, another PR, lol?!
My fave. The paved path! A man & his best friend … ain’t nuthin’ better!!
Even Steven splits! Again!
12.6K – 1000 cals gonzo! Woohoo!
December 1 Run!
Running has been sporadic lately. Hard to find motivation, combined with complying weather. Today had both so off I went. No longer do I have expectations or goals. I feel since it’s no longer running season, just getting out occasionally not worrying about times/accomplishments is achievement enough. But when I do surprise myself, the run is def all the sweeter. I tracked 38 RunKeeper 8K runs, this was my 4th fastest. Yep, onetwelvethirteen was good day!! Mother eff chuffed!
… love my 1st 6 splits, EQUAL splits! Only slowed slightly for the final 2, but still kept every split in the 4:30’s!
running. running and nothing more.
Plain ‘n simple, easy peasy post. I became a runner 6 months ago. I have plenty of thoughts on the subject, but for now, I wanna keep my lip-zipped … a kinder, gentler danistrulytheman being careful not crushing tender tippy-toes. I’ve become a regular peruser of blogposts, and I’ve learned SO much from so many (ok, actually, only a few), but lately I’ve become disillusioned with it all. Firstly, why do bloggers feel it’s their plagiarist-punk-ass right to steal use photos/shots/pics that aren’t theirs? It’s blatant too, purposely borrowing eye-catching visuals, along with their cutesy captions, hoping to suck you in … but, as quickly as I see it, I just as quickly tune out. Bloggers with agendas – ain’t nothing new to me, I get it … but RUNNING bloggers? You mean even THAT’S not exempt? How low can you mofos go … shit’s blasphemous!
7K Day!!
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 …
the kvetching runner!
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?!
Toronto Marathon Day!
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!
Zippy 4K!
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 …
Turkey Day Fartlek!
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 …
danistrulytheman 