A Journey to a Run

Motivation for a Marathon

2006-04-17T11:32:00.000-04:00

I've been reading an on-running story of a lady training for the Boston marathon which is today, in Boston. Good luck to her and to all the others out there, hoping to finish one of the most prestigious marathons. Well done for qualifying for it! *clap* She's running for the Fox Parkinson's Foundation. That is a foundation set up by Michael J. Fox who himself suffers from Parkinson's disease. It's a dreadful disease to be afflicted with, I've heard. So, those last 10 miles will be tough I'm sure.

On my running: been doing a bit, here and there. But I've been sick a lot. Bad cough in my lungs from bronchitis with puffers necessary. Not fun at all. But the weather is beautiful for getting out for nice walks. So, have been doing that.

Keep your chin up all. :)

And finally, she gets out there...

2006-02-09T15:49:00.000-05:00

Yes, finally, this week I've done two nice jogs out there. Yipee! Just simple ones over my usual 4 km route. I've been out of it long enough that a 1 min jog then 1 min walk is good exercise! But I'll keep at it and get myself back up to the 10 mins run and 1 min walk. I find since I've been off the Zyprexa that the breathing is easier! Obviously it affected my breathing rate slightly and made my pulse race more. Ahhh, I love running. It's been good temps. too with not too cold, not too warm and slushy, but just nice, dry roads with some dry pavement and cruncy icy stuff on the sides. Good for the grip! Wish me luck. I love hearing inspiring comments. :)

Finally, some good news

2006-02-03T14:03:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm able to walk again, properly! So, am going to go to the gym and walk on the treadmill. Boring but necessary. With the headphones on shouldn't be too bad, I hope. I got my application for the National Capital Race Weekend yesterday. So, will fill that out for the 10 km race in late May. I know that I can train for that distance between now and then. It'd feel good to do that! I'm so looking forward to getting out there and getting some fresh air in my lungs for a nice walk outside too.

It's unfortunate that a lot of the winter has passed by with little to no exercise but....that's life right? Have to make the best of it, while we can.

Bad News before Christmas

2006-01-13T16:25:00.000-05:00

It was bad news before Christmas and for the 3 weeks since. I slipped on the ice and strained my knee ligaments. So, have had a hard time of walking since, believe me. It'll be a while before I'm out pounding the pavement I'd guess. *sigh* I didn't want this honestly.

Got out for a nice walk

2005-12-08T08:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I did get out for a nice walk last night in the dark and cold. It was a nice one. Walked for 35 minutes listening to tunes on my MP3 player. Felt great to get out and get my lungs full of fresh air and feel my leg muscles really working. Felt better after too. Now, to keep it up! :) Will try!

Wiping the dust off

2005-12-04T09:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, I've been lazy on this blog....and lazy in real life too. :( Damn. But I've got no one to blame but myself. I just find the spark necessary to urge me out that door to go do exercise hasn't been there. I've not felt that urge to get going. I know I need to find it soon. The cool, winter days are here and I do like winter running. It's easy to find a comfort zone on most days and feel really good about running afterwards. I know I need to get out there and JUST DO IT! I'll try, I promise.

Not to make excuses

2005-09-08T17:10:00.000-04:00

But I've had a head cold. The drippy nose, sneezing, snuffling, feeling awful kind of head cold. With a sore throat and a fever one day. So, this week, have only gotten out for one walk on Tuesday, the sixth of Sept. Otherwise, zip, nada, nothing for exercise.

A friend is going to train for the Big Sur marathon in early April in California. Good luck to him! That'd be so beautiful a backdrop, running along the Ocean Highway there. At times, I just wish to get out there and run.

Trying my best

2005-09-01T19:04:00.000-04:00

Hey, long time no blog on here! It's September already. Yes, I've been out there, doing my walking. Going to the gym too. I feel so good, so happy about that. It's always such a pleasant feeling afterwards, isn't it? The high of endorphins coursing through your body. Then a nice shower and you feel all fresh and nice.

Monday: elliptical trainer 20 min, rowing machine 8 mins, then weights.
Tuesday: Nice 45 min. walk avg. HR 121
Thurs.: Nice 35 mins. walk avg. HR 125

Beautiful weather for walking now here in Ottawa.

I got out there!

2005-08-16T18:55:00.000-04:00

Well, I did it. I got out there for a nice walk today. 40 min. of good, brisk walking. It's a gorgeous summer day here with a coolish breeze and sunshine. It felt good.

Yesterday, didn't do my exercise because of my husband. But I did vacuuming and cleaning of the house which counts a bit towards exercise. LOL. Walking up and down the stairs about 15 times through the day.

For this week - I'm going to get out every night for a 40 min. walk! I promise myself that. Thanks for the email! It got me laughing and going. That's the point of it. :))

Friday already

2005-08-12T19:45:00.000-04:00

Well, it's Friday already. Just cannot get motivated to get out there and exercise today. It's rainy and cool outside and I feel sooooo lazy.

Wednesday - walk for 30 mins.
Thursday - rest day for me

Thunderstorm today

2005-08-10T19:20:00.000-04:00

We had a massive thunderstorm roll through the area at dinner time roughly. So, no exercise today since before the storm it was 42 C with the humidex - a wee bit warmish to be out exercising!

Monday - went to the gym
Tuesday - 40 min. brisk walk

Where has the time gone?

2005-08-05T19:37:00.000-04:00

Oh my, where has the time gone? It's already August 5th and I've not entered in any exercise for the week that's flown by! Well, time to correct that. I've not felt great after a change in medication. Feel fat and lazy on this medicine. It sucks, believe me. So far this week, I've done 2 days of exercise. That's it, total. One nice day of walking for 35 minutes and another day at the gym doing treadmill walking and then situps and lower body workout on the weights. So, that's something. Today, I did a nice walk with my daughters to the beach and back. Lovely day outside.

A confession to make

2005-07-28T10:08:00.000-04:00

I didn't get any exercise yesterday after all :( Me bad. Just got late and I was so tired that I didn't feel like getting out there and walking. Today, it's a cool, clear, sunny day out there so for sure, today, I'm strapping on the shoes, the water bottle and with my music, having a nice long walk to make me feel good. That'll be good for me and my soul. Some days are better than others, I guess.

Just Blah!

2005-07-27T16:06:00.000-04:00

I feel just blah! and don't feel like exercising, honestly. I did some hiking on the the weekend for the exercise mode of things and so far this week, Monday and Tuesday have been rest days for me. Today I'm feeling really blah about everything. It's a cool, cloudy day today and I should be full of pep, ready to get out the door. But honestly don't feel like it. I know I should feel like it, and will make myself do a 30 mins. walk today. I'll force myself to do that much. It's not much exercise after all and I know I'll feel better after. Do you ever have days like that? If so, drop me a comment and make me feel good. I'm feeling desperate here. I must exercise, I must exercise. *keeps repeating that to herself as she signs off*.

The 20 minute challenge

2005-07-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

So, yesterday being July 20th was the Running Room's 20 minute challenge. All you had to do to participate was sign up on the internet for a free cap and then show up. So, I did that. And I got in a nice 50 min. walk alongside the Canal in Ottawa. Beautiful evening to be out taking a walk. I didn't have anybody to talk to, as I got there a bit late but c'est la vie, had my music.

So, Monday, yes, got to the gym and did a 30 min. walk on the treadmill, then all my leg exercises. Tuesday, again to the gym, did 20 mins on the elliptical trainer. So, my exercise is going well for this week. I do feel slimmer already. Eating well, and not too much junk, if any at all. I'm proud of myself this week.

Another week started

2005-07-18T09:05:00.000-04:00

Monday again and it's a hot, sticky, muggy day today. I don't feel like doing anything in the mode of sports honestly. But I'll try and get out there for a walk today then go to the gym and lift weights. That'll help the endorphins going and make me feel pleased with myself.

Good luck to any of you out there reading this. Remember, it's only yourself you're cheating if you slacken off. That's what I keep reminding myself too.

Keeping Focused

2005-07-17T18:37:00.000-04:00

I have to keep focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. The day to day slogging of exercise is simply a means to a goal I want to achieve. That is, weigh less, look slim and attractive, and feel good that I've done it and that my risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes is less. I'm currently in the 90 to 95 kg. range. I want to be in the 70 to 75 kg. range of weight (like Oprah). To get there, I'll have to keep up what I've been doing. That is, exercising and eating less.

Saturday exercise: Did a short walk up a hillside with the kids. It was like a stair climber for about 20 minutes, then walking down was slightly energetic too.

Sunday: I did a nice brisk walk for 32 minutes (avg HR about 132, Max HR 157) on a very muggy, hot day where all day it's been like in a sauna. Ugh, awful day, truly. But with lots of cold water, I've managed to stay relatively comfortable.

All we actually have is our body and its muscles that allow us to be under our own power. Allegra Kent

T.G.I.F.

2005-07-16T09:08:00.000-04:00

After a long week, I capped it off with a nice long walk last night. It wasn't too hot and I was comfortable doing it. Walked for 1 hr. 15 mins. steady, HR about 125 avg. So that was good fat-burning range. Need to keep that up.

Tenacious

2005-07-14T20:43:00.000-04:00

Look up that word in your dictionary: means tough, carrying on despite adversity, and determined. Yes, I'm tenacious as somebody said to me today. He is a good friend at my health club who knows me well. I was chatting with him as we always do, and he said "You're certainly tenacious". I thanked him and realized that I'd just been paid a nice compliment.

So, exercise.....yes, been doing it. Did a nice bike ride this morning pulling my two kids in a bike buggy behind me. So, that was a bit of exercise. Then over to my mum's condo for a swim with the kids so a bit more exercise. Then to the health club for 30 mins. on the elliptical trainer then did 2 sets of all my weights. So, a good day. Yes, I feel thinner already. I hope so......

I did a thing on my other blog about Oprah's weight loss/gain and her current regimen. Have a read here if you want. And leave an comment if you want. I know I can do it. I'm tenacious.

Hump day or Wednesday, whatever

2005-07-13T14:26:00.000-04:00

Haha, my husbands and I's name for Wednesday. It's the hump day of the week. Once it's done with, we've only got 2 more days until the weekend. So, exercise and what have I been up to? Hmm, lets see.

So, Sunday, I went to the gym and did 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer. Did some crunches too, then called it quits for the day. Cleaned house later that day too, which was fairly strenous, lugging around the damn vacuum. Can you tell I hate the vacuum? LOL, yup.

Monday was hot out so I did 20 minutes on the elliptical trainer and 5 mins of the rowing machine. Then 3 sets of all my weights. Felt really good and strong for doing all that.

Tuesday, we (me and the kids) walked around the Museum, then after Tim was home, I got to the health club and did a 30 min swim with laps. I did a variety of strokes but mostly the crawl. Then home for food for my hungry tummy.

Wednesday, it's very hot out again. So, I'll just do a 40 min. walk on the usual route with water and my Heart Monitor strapped on. That'll do for today.

EDIT: Actually did a longer walk - took me 1 hr and 8 mins to do. Yippee for that!

Am I doing a good enough job of exercising, do you think? Should I be doing more? I don't know.

Must TRY not to eat fattening foods such as chips and cake. Ice cream is my big downfall honestly. I know I shouldn't even have it in the house. But my family likes it :( Tricky business, this denying myself the fattening stuff. But, hey, I can do it, can't I?

Early Saturday morning

2005-07-09T09:07:00.000-04:00

It's a cool and rainy day here today, so out I get for a nice walk in these conditions. Good for the soul to be out, hearing the birds singing. Good for you too to be getting the exercise already done for the day.

A cool day

2005-07-08T21:38:00.000-04:00

Today was a lovely cool day, perfect for getting out there. So, I did. A nice 40 min. walk with my heart rate in the target zone for that period. Thursday, I did 30 min. on the elliptical trainer, then weights for the rest of the hour I spent at the gym. Good workout. Felt strong and healthy.

More work ahead of me

2005-07-06T10:20:00.000-04:00

Damn, it's never ending, is it? When you start exercising you have to keep it up. Well, a nice walk on Monday night. Tuesday, didn't do much, honestly because of a wet, muggy day. Today, Wednesday, I'm getting out for a nice run after Tim gets home. It'll be a nice slow jog around my 5 km loop, I promise. That'll be good for me. Today is a "NO" day. No snacks of fattening food, no ice cream, I promise. Life is like a game, at times, isn't it? The game now is to get my body down to a size where I feel really good about it. All through exercise and not eating too much but healthily. Sounds so easy to do, but it's in the practising what I preach is the crunch and crumble of it all.

Monday July 4th

2005-07-04T19:38:00.000-04:00

So, a new month started. I'm doing all right in the new month. Friday, I took off from exercise. Did nothing. Saturday, took a nice long walk. Sunday morning, did a easy jog/walk for 30 mins. Monday, a nice 40 min walk, really using my legs. I could feel the muscles as I marched along :)

It's hot again here today but supposed to cool off as the week wears on. That'll be nice for exercising. Must keep it up.

Feel free to leave comments, good and bad. It's nice to hear something from some of you regular readers. Thanks for reading it!

Thursday already :P

2005-06-30T07:18:00.000-04:00

So, time to review and list this week's exercise

Monday - gym and 20 mins. on elliptical trainer, 5 mins. on the rowing machine, then doing 2 sets of my weights

Tuesday morning - nice walk in my correct heart range for 35 minutes pushing the kids in the jogging stroller

Wednesday - 5 km jog along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. Heart got right up there at about 165 beats/min. Bit high and I felt a bit wasted afterwards.

Thursday - another hot day predicted so I'll go to the gym after Tim gets home from work I guess? Not sure what today's exercise should be.

I feel slightly less fat than what I started the week as. Keep it up and you'll feel better, Deb.....sorry, just me rambling on to myself. I must keep up the exercise and eating less, then I WILL see results, n'est ce que pas?

Walking is better

2005-06-26T08:39:00.000-04:00

Well, one thing that a heart monitor does is inform you of your heart rate. I've found out that while jogging, my heart rate is consistently over the 150 range. For a quick refresher on what it should be here's some calculations.

My max. heart rate is 220 - my age = 180. So 60% of 180 = 108 and 80% of 180 = 144

So, for the most effective workout I should be keeping my heart rate in the range of 108 to 144. That was acheived this morning by a brisk walk. So I walked for a hour and 6 minutes. Avg. HR was 128 and max. HR was 154 while jogging. So, now I know why at times, I'd get so breathless and why, after jogging, I'd feel so damn tired. So, walking at a brisk pace is good for me. Just keep it up and I'll get my HR down then I can start jogging again. Because I do want to do a marathon one day, I know. And one should really run a marathon, shouldn't one? Yes. I want to look like a gazelle one day, not a fat, waddly penguin. Sorry, John Bingham, but a gazelle is more my idol.

Heat and humidity

2005-06-25T09:28:00.000-04:00

Today is a day for that title: Heat and Humidity. But even still I got out there for a nice 40 min. jog/walk. I pushed myself today. The proof in how hard I worked was evident in the red face I had when I got back. I looked well exercised if you know what I mean. Just drank my milkshake too. Skim milk and protein powder blended together. So I'm feeling proud that today, I've done my exercise already, even though it's hot and humid out. Now, to my mum's place to play in the pool with the kids. That's nice on a hot day, for sure.

Thursday exercise

2005-06-23T20:41:00.000-04:00

Took a nice walk with Vic in the stroller to the store and back. So about 30 mins of a nice walk. Then I went and bought myself a Polar Heart Monitor (the 120 model) so that I can keep track of my heart rate. After that, I went to the gym and did my lower body weights and sets.

3 x 15 Leg press @ 150 lbs
3 x 15 Leg lift for glutes @ 80 lbs
3 x 15 Adductors @ 140 lbs
3 x 15 Abductors @ 140 lbs
3 x 10 One leg balance on step (tricky to do!)
3 x 15 Calf raises
3 x max. Russian twist on the exercise ball with a 6 lb. medicine ball

My arms set is

3 x 15 dumbbell curls @ 15 lbs.
3 x 15 triceps pushdown @ 45 lbs.
3 x 15 lat. raises @ 120 lbs
3 x 15 shoulder raises @ 10 lbs

So, if I go at least 3 times/week, and do my minimum of 30 mins. of walking/running/aerobic activity, I'll continue to lose weight, I hope. Now, just to stick to the NO days and make one day the YES day for fattening food. That's what Jules, the personal trainer suggested for me to try. On a NO day, you say no to all the bad stuff, then have a lovely Yes day because you deserve it. I'll try that and see if it all works. You'll hear about it :)

"The people who have done big things are those who were not afraid to attempt big things, who were not afraid to risk failure in order to gain success."--B. C. Forbes

Wednesday exercise

2005-06-22T19:23:00.000-04:00

was a nice bike ride in the morning for about 1/2 hour with some hills. Then a nice 40 min. brisk walk before dinner. I tried running a bit but felt breathless so just walked most of it.

More Exercise to talk about!

2005-06-21T19:42:00.000-04:00

I did more exercise! Okay, don't fall over in shock. I'm trying, okay? Did a nice 40 min. walk with Vic in the jogging stroller yesterday morning. Then I went to the gym and did some rowing machine (5 mins.), some bike (10 mins) then lifted weights for the balance of my 1 hour there.

Tuesday exercise: I rode out to my mum's condo with Vic in the bike buggy. That took 45 mins and then an additional 1 hour to ride home. So, lots of biking today! Feels great because with biking it's non-impact. Legs don't hurt at all, thankfully.

A good start to my motivation scheme

2005-06-19T07:27:00.000-04:00

I just did a nice run/walk for about 40 mins. Feels great to be outside on an early Sunday morning with no one about. You feel good about being alive and healthy. So, a good first step to take. I'll write again next time I exercise and use this as my motivator. "Shaking her fist at her laziness, Toria signs off*

Getting motivation

2005-06-19T06:22:00.000-04:00

I need to get some motivation going for getting out there, honestly. The pills that I'm on for my mood misorder are seriously fucking with my brain and my motivation. I'll tell the doctor about it the next time I see him. But until then, I feel tired and draggy. I know I *NEED* to get out to the gym or do a run but it just doesn't seem to happen as often as it should. This is pissing me off, believe me. I know I'm in decent shape at the moment and yet every day, I don't feel like getting out there, my fitness levels slacken off.

Last year an infatuation really helped me motivate myself. I need a new infatuation this year, a new reason for getting fired up and *GOING*. Preferably one without fat or calories LOL. I ate most of a box of old fashioned doughnut holes yesterday. Really not a smart move. But....it happened. Now, to find that motivation again.............

My Next goal

2005-06-07T08:18:00.000-04:00

My next goal is going to be finishing a 10 km under 1 hr. 15 mins. That'll be about October time frame to give the weather to cool off and make it comfortable for running. I hate running in the heat honestly but will try and keep up the fitness level at the gym and swimming etc.

So, this blog will be somewhat dead for a bit I guess. But don't go away entirely. You can always subscribe to the RSS feed and it'll tell you when the blog has been updated. Thanks all for supporting me and encouraging me.

Follow the grain in your own wood. Thurman

Janet's Time

2005-05-30T18:34:00.000-04:00

2646 4:43:21.3 6:43 4:41:30.7 697 MOREL, JANET OTTAWA CAN 888/1276 108/168 Women 45 - 49 2:10:12 2:33:11

Awesome Janet!!!! She finished the full marathon in 4:43. Good work.

Janet is the person who I credit with getting me interested in running again. She's a inspiration to all of us! :) Thanks sweetie, for inspiring me.

my friends time

2005-05-29T18:45:00.000-04:00

5354 1:31:38.3 9:10 1:26:11.4 1653 BUTTON, MARJORIE OTTAWA 2912/3170 169/204 Women 50 - 54

Way to go, Marjorie. WOOO HOOO! her very first 10 km race and this is her result. Very good!! Congratulations Marj!!

Pain is Temporary

2005-05-29T17:03:00.000-04:00

Place: 6792
Gun time: 3:57:24.7
Pace: 11:16
Chip time: 3:49:14.4
Bib # and Name 9590 JOHNSON, DEBORAH GATINEAU
Place overall: 3951/3978
Specific group: 664/669 Women 40 - 44

The pain in my legs and feet and body remind I've done a good thing. The pride of the weight of the medal around my neck makes up for it.

I DID IT !!! WOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!! yipee and all that good stuff. I finished a half marathon today and I feel *SO* good. But man my legs and feet *HURT*.

3 days to go

2005-05-26T13:45:00.000-04:00

Last evening I tried on the clothes I'll wear for the run. My black shorts and black t-shirt, comfy jogging bra and nice socks. I got a tube of "no Chafe" stuff called "Body Glide" which let's face it, is a runner's best friend n'est que pas? OUI!!! My new orthics seem a bit soft but hopefully they'll be okay for me. I'm going to walk the first half of the event and then run if I feel up to it. I've got until 4 pm to finish from 10:15 am so will try my best.

The forecast is for cool, wet weather which will be ideal for comfort. I hope it isn't pouring rain however! But cloudy I can take, cool I can take and even rain, I can take more so than 30 C and hot and humid weather. Because I've trained in the cool and damp of the spring.

Tonight, Thursday night will be my last workout before the event. I'll just take it easy Friday and Saturday and do zilch in the exercise area. Say good luck to me in comments please and I'll let you know how I've done after I'm home again on Sunday.

"The point of living and of being an optimist, is to be foolish enough to believe the best is yet to come."

Running out of time

2005-05-22T05:23:00.000-04:00

So, it's one week until the race. And I'm running out of time to train, to get fit for it. I'll still enter in the race but I don't care what my time will be. It'll be what it is, and that's that, after all is said and done.

I'm feeling lethargic with the meds. I'm on. This is not good because it's harder to push myself out the door. Give me willpower to get out there and do my long run today, please!

Chafing

2005-05-18T20:43:00.000-04:00

Isn't chafing *THE WORST* thing after a run? My thighs are chafed. I will have to buy some Body Glide stuff before the race and liberally apply it LOL. OUCH, my inner thighs hurt. Gorgeous night out. But my chest felt a bit heavy. I've been battling a virus the last week and haven't felt up to par, honestly. Been slacking off on the exercise generally. Monday night I did do a good workout at the gym. Tonight I went and ran with the run club. Didn't go too fast, just slow and steady and walked when I felt breathless a few times. So, tomorrow night is the last class. Everyone is going for a beer afterwards so I'll go too and hoist a pint in celebration. Not quite as fit as I'd hoped to be at this point in time but oh well, C'est La Vie, c'est vraiment!

One week and 4 days to go until the day of the event. My nerves are there but there is no failure in trying it. No matter how far I get along, there truly is no failure. I just have to remember that.

Such gorgeous weather!

2005-05-12T07:12:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's nice weather here in Ottawa lately. Perfect for running in. The speed work is going alright. But I'm so slow compared to the other runners. Oh well, have to start somewhere, don't I? It's a challenge. So, less than 3 weeks to the event now. In fact 2 weeks come Sunday!

Bloody freezing out this morning actually. Bizarre weather, can't decide if it's going to be hot and humid or cold and sunny.

Good luck to all who decide to start up running :) Stay positive, keep smiling and happy running!!!!!!!!

Keep on going

2005-05-03T12:43:00.000-04:00

Well, the email today from the Running Room was that sentiment. So, I will. Went to the gym last night and broke up the aerobics part. Did a bit on the bike, some intense spurts on the elliptical trainer and did some rowing on the rowing machine. Then did my balancing and lunges etc. Felt lovely and strong. But there was one couple there who was bugging me LOL. When I wanted to use the rowing machine he was on it. When I wanted the medecine ball for my Russian twists, she was using it. When I wanted the mat, they were on them, talking and not doing anything. Grrr, annoying LOL. Ah well, I'll forget it. But what I do like is the the mood afterward. You walk out of there, feeling tired and glowing, somehow.

Today it's cold and damp out. So, haven't done any exercise today. But I'll get out for a bike ride afterwards. Something for sure!!! Can't sit and rest every day if I want to stay in shape.

Wednesday, speed at the store. *GROAN* at the thought, but hey, it's supposed to make us stronger runners. I'll be going along a bit faster than my snail's pace LOL. Cheers to me :)

10 km under my belt

2005-05-01T14:29:00.000-04:00

Ah well, I did 10 km running today. Felt good but man, did my feet *HURT* at the end of it. I've bought a new pair of good running shoes (a runner's *MOST* important piece of equipment) and I've decided something. I'm gonna walk the 21.1 km in 4 weeks time. The reason being that today I was "running" beside some ladies who were speed walking and my "running" is about the same speed as them walking LOL. Walking is easier on the feet, n'est ce que pas? So, will do my best to finish because basically that's all I want to do "to finish" it. I don't care what time I get at all. Just to say I did it. And get my medal LOL.

Beautiful weather here and great running today. Nice out.

My sister-in-law Pat did 10 km in 55 mins. this morning. GOOD FOR HER! Way to go Pat. We're so proud of you. :) /CHEER /CHEER /CHEER

Golf and sex are about the only things you can enjoy without being good at and also running.

Pouring rain today

2005-04-27T12:42:00.000-04:00

It's really pouring rain today and I've got no voice due to my cold :( So, I may just not run at all today. I'll have to see how I feel when Tim gets home. Then I'll decide. But I should run hills today - it's the last day for our clinic to do that. Then we start speed next week with chips in our hands. The idea is to run fast without clenching your hands and breaking the chips, see. Rather cool idea, I'd say!

The best laid plans

2005-04-26T20:15:00.000-04:00

Ah well, I planned on the gym yesterday but my cold got me down. So, Monday: no exercise at all. Tuesday: gym where I did 10 mins. rowing machine, 15 mins. on the bike and then lifted some weights for arms. Then home for dinner.

Nice weather for running in Ottawa now! Cool, sunny, beautiful weather. Yummy!! :)

Catching Up

2005-04-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry, Running Blog, for neglecting you. But I've not been neglecting exercise :) Nope.

Friday: No exercise, so rest day
Saturday: nice run in the pouring rain for about 4 km. Felt good but tired after. Out of breath as I recall.

Sunday: Went to the gym and did 30 mins on the elliptical trainer and then 20 mins walking on the tread mill. Then did my lunges, steps, Russian twists, and adductors and abductors on the machines. Felt strong and healthy afterwards and focussed.

Monday: Gym later in day
Tuesday: Run
Wednesday: hills at the store.

Lactic Acid

2005-04-22T06:01:00.000-04:00

The enemy of runners is lactic acid. That's the byproduct of the muscles working hard then being unable to carry away all the waste products. After Wednesday night, doing hills, my legs were sore yesterday. I did a short jog but it hurt. Usually, when I start I feel a mild ache that soon goes away. I can then jog comfortably for a ways before stopping. But yesterday it just plain hurt the entire time. So, I walked most of the route. A good pace so I still got the exercise. Let's hope that by tomorrow, the legs will feel better. Today I'll take it easy on the old legs.

Happy Earth Day to everyone! Use your legs and lungs for transport and save the gas/petrol okay?

Running in the rain

2005-04-20T16:07:00.000-04:00

Why do we do it? Why do you see us, the runners, in the rain, or the snow or the dark, early morning in the freezing cold of Canada? What is it in us that gets us out there to do "it", the art of running?

Not because we are proud, vain, or stupid. We do it for the love of running and getting that "runner's high". When you come back and your cheeks are red and burning, your legs feel mildly shaky and sore, and you feel sweaty and hot. You feel good inside. The endorphins are there and you know you've done something really good. That's what drives me out the door on a day like today

Periods of rain ending early this evening then cloudy with 30 percent chance of showers. Clearing this evening. Wind north 20 km/h. Low zero celcius. High on Thursday 11 celcius.

Hills with the group from the store tonight, if Tim gets home on time.

Running while you have your period

2005-04-19T09:04:00.000-04:00

It's a fact of life that girls get menstrual periods. Some find that running helps it, others don't. I'm in the camp of "not really feeling like it but I do it anyhow". It does honestly help if you've got cramps. The endorphins released do help somewhat and you feel good. Not to mention the stuff gets out faster LOL. Ah well, this is one of those personal choices.

Monday: Rest day
Tuesday: VERY warm today so, likely will do the bike at the gym and my lunges and other exercises after Tim gets home.

"I have learned to use the word 'impossible' with the greatest caution." Wernher von Braun

My times

2005-04-18T10:02:00.000-04:00

I used the magic of the internet to find my old times. From when I did the 5 km run in 2003, and did the 10 km in 2004.

The stats are:

10 km run, 2004
Place:4670
Gun time: 1:25:36.8
Pace/km: 8:34
Chip time: 1:21:25.0
Bib #: 2241 Johnson, Deborah
Placing: 2571/2894
Age category placing: 341/378 Women 40 - 44

5 km run, 2003
Place:2595
Gun time 0:50:16.9
Pace/km: 10:04
Chip time: 0:45:19.4
Bib #: 10905 Johnson, Deborah
Placing: 1635/2229
Age category placing: 218/300 Women 40 - 44

So, I'll put up my #'s for the 1/2 marathon when I do it. It'll be slow, I'm sure since I'm likely going to walk the last 1/2 of it, likely. But heck, I'm going to try to finish it! I don't care if I'm 2000/2000 of the runners (random number there, no idea how many will be competing). Somebody has to be last, right? But you can still say you finished it.

"The Power to succeed, one step at a time"

Way to go, Paula

2005-04-17T15:47:00.000-04:00

How about Paula Radcliffe? Running a 2 hr. 17 min marathon. That's an average of 18 km/h over 42.2 km. Wow.

I did my long run today. Did the 8.5 km route again. So, next Sunday do 1 km more distance and try that. It was warm today. But such a wide variety of outfits on people! Some had shorts and a short shirt (a couple of young guys had no shirt on!). Then you had those with long pants and a short shirt on (like me). Then some with long pants and long sleeves, then a few had that with hats and gloves on? Huh? I guess they like to sweat *A LOT*. CCRRAAZZYY.

My mind pushed my body as far as it would go in Athens but today my body felt good Paula Radcliffe

Wishing the London Marathoners the best of luck

2005-04-16T07:18:00.000-04:00

Good luck to all in the London Marathon being held tomorrow. I wish you all fleet feet and fast times.

I wonder what it's like for a favourite like Paula Radcliffe today? How is she feeling? Is she relaxed and confident she'll do well? Or nervous and jittery, watching the clock count away the hours?

It's a beautiful morning here. I'll get out after my chores and get my fast run in on Saturday. Linkin Park music in my ears, fuelling my legs and spirit.

Someday, I may run a marathon also. Who knows?

Drinking water: More isn't always better

2005-04-15T11:34:00.000-04:00

From this article I've learned that drinking more water isn't "always" better. The idea is only to replace what's lost through sweating and respiration. So, now I don't mind thinking maybe I don't drink enough.

My legs are sore, so I'm giving them a break today. But I will go and do my lunges and other exercises at the gym later tonight. Then tomorrow, early, some speed runs for fun, then Sunday, long, slow run.

It is never too late to be what you might have been. George Eliot

Thursday, already

2005-04-14T09:15:00.000-04:00

Tuesday: No exercise
Wednesday: Easy 3 km run from store to Bronson and back to Bank St. didn't feel like doing hills, felt tired and listless.
Thursday: Easy 6 km to the rapids and back pushing Vic in the bike buggy in the morning.

I found a new link today and added myself to the list. The Complete Running Blog Family. It's nice to find a supportive group.

Good luck to all of you out preparing for races or just having fun, enjoying being fit. Isn't it a lovely feeling? I love it!

Monday, rest day

2005-04-11T21:32:00.000-04:00

Today was the rest day in my schedule. If you've not read a excellent motivational author by the name of John Bingham "The Penguin" at waddleon.com go do so, now, immediately. His "The Courage to Start" book is so good and inspiring. He's never going to win a race. He's never going to place "well". He's going to finish near the back, if not the last one. That's like most of us reformed (insert vice of choice) runners out there. We just do it because we're motivated to do it. So, get motivated to read his book(s). We have more fun at the back of the pack and smile more too. We notice the fun/nice/interesting things. "No Need for Speed" is another great book as well by him. Bibles for the slow pokes :)

New schedule for training at the gym after today's meeting with the personal trainer. Lots of balancing work with lunges, and lifts using a step. Not so many arm exercises and most of the leg machines gone too. A cool new exercise that is hard too with the exercise ball and it involves holding the 5 lb. medicine ball and alternating side to side with extended arms. Hard to say, harder to do! Will take some thought and practice and coordination to do well.

One thing you will probably remember well is any time you forgive and forget. Franklin P. Jones

The Long, slow run on Sunday

2005-04-10T14:41:00.000-04:00

WOO HOO 8 weeks to the event date. I'm feeling good :) I did the "long, slow" run today. 8.5 km worth (although I walked the last 2 km because my left foot was aching). I was with my group. There were 3 of us there, one of the clinic leaders and 2 participants. We were having fun back there, chatting away. I was running at the right speed because I could talk. We started at 8:30 and I finished at 9:40 am. 1 hr. 10 minutes. The others in my group did 16 km today. Then in 2 weeks, they'll move to 18 km, then 20 km then taper back the week before the event. So, I'll just have to try and do 1 km more each week, and then on the day, do my best. And feel good about that.

I got my free hat today. If you showed proof of your online registration you got a hat that says "Ottawa Runs, The National Capital Race Weekend". So, now just the t-shirt and the bib the week before and I'll have the t-shirt, the number and the hat! WOO HOO!

It's such a beautiful spring day here today. The kids are outside playing without coats, the spring flowers are blooming, the grass is turning from winter, dry, dead and brown to fresh green sprouts shooting up. Hurray! I'm so happy :)

Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness. George Sand

The Saturday show

2005-04-09T09:10:00.000-04:00

What a fabulous day it is. Too bad I didn't get more sleep to enjoy it fully. But I didn't let that stop me from getting out there.

Fast running today, sprinting in spurts and then slowing down to let the heart slow down. I got slower as the 4th and 5th sprint happened. Then it was all I could do to drag myself home. My left foot hurt a bit. So, I stopped running and walked the rest of the way home.

In my ears while sprinting were the inspiring Linkin Park songs: "Faint", "Figure.09", "Breaking the Habit", "From the Inside", and "Nobody's Listening"
All good songs to listen to while being hyped up.

For every extra pound there is a minute added to your time. So, lose weight, dear. I'm trying, I'm trying to eat less.

But I am an emotional eater. Lately, something has been really troubling me. But I will get through it. It really isn't important at all in the grand scheme of things. It's all meaningless and time will heal all wounds. Someday I'll look back and laugh at it all. I'll be stronger for feeling it and getting through it. But, meanwhile, I can't eat to feel better. That will not work. So, water, water, water and more water.

Gorgeous Day

2005-04-08T14:08:00.000-04:00

Such a gorgeous day out. Sunny, warm and nice. So I did a run with Vic in the bike buggy. About 5.5 km worth. Took me about 50 minutes to complete.

No exercise for Thursday

2005-04-08T07:54:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm frustrated that I got in no exercise yesterday. Unfortunate but that's the way it works at times. So, Friday, today, my plan is to try the gym after Tim gets home.

Then Saturday, short, fast run again in the morning.

Then Sunday, long, slow run and try and get a 8 km run under my belt for this week. Then will try a 9 km run next week.

Let's hope the plan stays on course.

I can do it

2005-04-07T15:30:00.000-04:00

I did two lots of exercise yesterday actually. One was a nice 5 km. run/walk with Sarah and Vic in the jogger/bike buggy. It was beautiful out and I felt so alive and good and strong. Coming back up the long, gradual hill of Garden Rd. I had to walk a fair bit but I managed just fine. Then, I ran around Westboro area because the car broke down. Didn't make it to the store after all. So, I'd say I did about 3 km total with a 5x repeat of one hill for some hill work. Easier likely doing it myself than with the group. I did lots of stretches after and my legs felt mildly tired. I was afraid this morning they'd hurt but they don't. Lucky and glad that they don't!

So, the car is getting a new starter motor in it, likely today. It's a very wet, rainy day outside. So, raincoats and boots are necessary. So, likely the gym after Tim gets home from work for exercise for today.

Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from. Al Franken

I've decided

2005-04-06T12:01:00.000-04:00

The title of the blog is now the Half Marathon. That's because I've decided I'm trying it. If I don't try it, I'll never know if I can do it. So, may as well try it!

Here's my registration page to prove I'm registered

I'm going to go to the Running Room later today to run with my buddies.

It is a paradoxical but profoundly true and important principle of life that the most likely way to reach a goal is to be aiming not at that goal itself but at some more ambitious goal beyond it. Arnold Toynbee

The old me and the new Me

2005-04-05T14:00:00.000-04:00

I decided to provide you all with a view of the old me and the new me. Tell me your opinion if you want.

The Debbie at Christmas 2003

Debbie July 2004, a lot skinnier and one heck of a lot healthier

Inspiration

2005-04-05T07:16:00.000-04:00

Today I saw a lady at the health club who was having a hard time with the 4 and 1's (running 4 minutes, walking 1 minute). I gave her a pat on the back and said "honey, you can do it. I was there 2 years ago, not being able to run 1 minute without feeling I was going to die and look at me now!" She was amazed to see the difference in the two pictures on my health club cards. Yes, I was fat and out of shape. Well, we all need that kick in the ass at times. I'm glad I got mine before I got into major health problems.

Exercise: did 23 mins. on the bike, 10 mins. on rowing machine. Then situps and weights for Arms and shoulders.

A good Monday

2005-04-04T07:20:00.000-04:00

Had a good workout on Monday: 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer, 10 mins on the rowing machine, sit-ups, then weights for legs. Felt very good and strong today.

Saturday

2005-04-02T07:23:00.000-05:00

Did a nice fast run in the rain on this day. It was about a 6.5 km pace for about 3km, going fast as long as I could then easy then fast again. Fun and enjoyable!!

That's how I know I'm a runner. Because I run in all the weather that Mother Nature throws at me. I'm "tough".

Friday exercise

2005-04-01T07:25:00.000-05:00

On April Fool's Day I made this blog. I erased it by accident but have recreated it to the best of my memory. That'll bloody teach me to delete a blog without bloody checking!! ARGH! NOT a good way to start a day..

Friday exercise: I ran today, about 4 km, an easy 8km/hour pace around the regular route. It was a beautiful day as I recall, warm, sunny and spring-like. I felt so good and happy.

I can do it!