Day 93

Today's Stats: 5 miles, 6.45 km in 37:36, avg pace 5:50/km, avg speed 10.3 km/h burned 565cal

Day 87

Today's Stats: 5 miles, 6.45 km in 38:47, avg pace 6:01/km, avg speed 10.0 km/h burned 528 cal

Day 83

Today's Stats: 3miles, 4.60km in 25.44, avg pace 5:36/km, avg speed 10.7 km/h burned 397cal

Day 82 - Playing BIG!

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
The above speech by Nelson Mandela was orignally written by Marianne Williamson who is the author of other similar material." ~ Marianne Williamson

FRI August 20, 2010 7:00am

Temp 11

Wind

NW 6

Humidity 94

Today's Stats: 3 miles, 4.84 km in 29:11, avg pace 6:02 /km, avg speed 10.0 km/h burned 409 cal
Listened to: The Power of Now - just can't get enough of it!! :)

Day 81 - Persistence

Even though I was in a tonne of pain last night and hardly slept, I forced myself to go out for a run as I knew it would feel good to loosen all those muscles that were tightening up from the run the day before. I guess running daily has taught me a lot about being persistent. Not only do you have to fight through the challenges of time, health, physique, other people, but also the mental voice in your head fighting you everyday trying to convince you that you don't have to go out running today. I've learned so far that if you set yourself up for success, in other words, plan ahead, know what you are capable of and know what you want to accomplish, create the environment that will help you achieve the next step or next goal, anything is possible. I make sure I have my clothes laid out and ready for the next day's run, I go to bed early and I make sure I do my run first thing before anything else happens that day so I can enjoy my day full of energy and satisfaction. For any of you out there wishing you were dedicating daily workout time to yourself, keep this in mind. If a busy person like me can do it, anyone can do it. I started running and I could hardly make it around the block the first time out. There is hope!! Be persistent!

THU August 19, 2010 9:00 am

Temp 18

Wind

SW 9

Humidity 88

Today's Stats: 4 miles, 6.53 km in 38:47, avg pace 5:56 /km, avg speed 10.1 km/h burned 575 cal
Listened to: second half of Deepak Chopra & Dr. Wayne Dyer - How to Get what you Really Want - there are some very wise people out there...

Day 80 - I run everyday!

I thought I'd write about running everyday. Some people ask me why I run everyday, some say ' hey I didn't see your post today, did you run?' , some say ' shouldn't you have a rest day'! - There are 2 reasons why I run everyday! One is that, in the training program I'm following in Fred Lebow' s book ' Complete Book of Running & Fitness' it has a sure fire proof plan on how to run a 3:30-4:00 marathon runner at a 10K race pace and if these guys have done it than I can too! The second reason is that, mentally I just can't miss a day, if I let myself miss one day, I leave room to let myself miss another and so on and I will get off course. (I proved that last time I got off track a few weeks ago) So the moral of the story is to make sure I run everyday. Today was a weird day, I got up late having worked late last night so I was tiered. I would of had to push Sophie in the stroller 6 miles and just the thought of doing the run and then pushing 50lbs on top of that was not comforting. So I finally crawled out the door at 6:30pm when Dan took Sophie to Isabelle's soccer game. Oh yes, I had an hour to myself. For all you mothers out there, take the time for you!! It's so worth it. So just to confirm, if you don't see my posts everyday, don't fret!! I am still running everyday no fail! I've just let myself off the hook about writing everyday. It's not easy to get time alone at the computer....if you know what I mean :) To all you followers out there, reach out and touch base. I love hearing from you. :)

WED August 18th, 2010 6:30pm

Temp 23

Wind SW 13

Humidity 50

Today's Intention: to get my ass out the door, delayed long enough
Today's Stats: 6 miles, 9.70 km in 57:47, avg pace 5:57 /km, avg speed 10.1 km/h burned 860 cal
Listened to: Deepak Chopra & Dr. Wayne Dyer - How To Get What You Really Want - great stuff!!

Day 77 - pour down on me!

Today was one of those days that you wish won't happen on a Sunday. The day us runners have to do our long runs. I woke up to the sound of thunder and  lighting outside my bedroom window. I thought I was still dreaming, or maybe it was the middle of the night. But no, it was 8am time to get up. I waited and waited for the weather to clear up so I could go out for my run. I finally decided to venture outside to tackle my 14 mile run when I got half way down the highway to my destination the rain and lightening started again. So I turned around and started back home. I was telling myself what a great excuse to get out of running that far today. But then remembered I have no excuses as I have a treadmill downstairs that I can run on. So that is where I did my run today, on my treadmill in front of the tv. For 2 and half hours I ran and watched a couple movies and a few shows, it was great!! Not as bad as I thought it would be. But I do prefer running outside as appose to inside in front of the tv.
Today's Stats: 2 hours and 20 mins on tread mill

Day 75 - Children See. Children Do.

My princess Sophie came running with me today. I had no one to watch her while I went for my run so I loaded her into the Chariot and she came with! She had a great time, got some fresh air first thing in the morning and had so many questions. It was hard to run and answer all her questions at the same time.  She was fascinated with all the people, dogs, and even little rabbits that we saw along the trail. One thing that is great about sharing this running and training process with our children is that they learn from us. Sophie does yoga and stretches with me every morning and asks me if I'm going running. She greets me when I come back from my run every morning and asks why I'm all wet! She can finally remember now after a few weeks that it's actually sweat and not water!
Here is a little video to remind you that our children learn from us. Children See. Children Do.
Choose what you would like them to see!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHi2dxSf9hw
Today's Stats - 5 miles, 8.05 km in 49:12, avg pace 6:07 /km, avg speed 9.8 km/h burned 769 cal

Day 74 - paying the price

The run today started out pretty slow. I had to get my muscles warmed up to the idea. I was really stiff from the 6 miles I did yesterday because stupidly I didn't stretch after my run yesterday! I was pressed for time and had to get to a business meeting and cut out my stretching time so I could get there on time. I guess I'll have to get up earlier :( If I don't stretch, all the muscles in my back, lower back, ham strings, hip flexors etc. seize up. It gets to the point I can't even bend over to pick something up. I am getting stronger but the daily yoga and stretching are a must for me to be able to stay supple and mobile. I had to pay the price for veering off the routine...have I learned my lesson? I guess we will see!
Today's Goal: to survive - I could hardly move this morning! I didn't stretch after running yesterday and I felt it today. 
Today's Stats: 4 miles, 6.46 km in 39:43, avg pace 6:09 /km, avg speed 9.8 km/h burned 562 cal

THU Aug 12, 2010 7:00am

Temp 16

Wind

E 13

Humidity 88

Listened to: Bobby Bryant, 'Extra' program - track 3   www.radicalbobbyjack.com

Day 73 - Hypnotic Running

During my run today I listened to Dr. Wayne Dyer's Hypnosis track, it is a beautiful melody of sounds of nature, chimes etc. and the melody itself is very soothing. I listened to it during my run and I think I put myself pretty much in a hypnotized stat. My run was really fun, I felt conscious in my body and rarely experiences any amount of pain as I pushed myself hard and further during the run. It worked out well as my avg pace was the best so far on a 10 km run. And who wouldn't want that with a little or no pain! Maybe I'll save this track for the last few miles of my marathon, hypnotize my way to the finish line!! :)
Today's Stats: 6 miles, 9.67 km in 57:16, avg pace 5:55 /km, avg speed 10.1 km/h burned 841 cal
Listened to: Hypnosis - Dr. Wayne Dyer (it was like I hypnotized myself to feel no pain during the run, it was cool!)

Day 72 - friendly running

Today's run was with a good friend of mine who originally got me back into running and taking care of my body. She wanted to start working out again and getting in shape so I invited her to run with my this morning. We went out and did a little 2km, so she could get back in the grove of cardio. It was a great time and we enjoyed eachother's company. Then we went inside and had a great big healthy breakfast!! Need to have those days every once and awhile.

Day 71 - Habit of setting daily goals

Having a GPS watch is great as I'm able to do my runs from anywhere and keep track of my distances. Running in Montreal this morning I achieved another personal best! avg pace of 5:39 /km this is great. I wasn't even trying, I just went out running and voila it happened! I don't look at my watch very often during a run, I guess I should change that approach so that I'm consciously striving to push the limit in my level of improvement. Who knows where I'll end up if I actually set mini goals within my big goal of running a marathon. I need to plan it out before my run and set goals on a daily basis and stop going with the flow. From now on, I will give you my intended result for the daily run and compare it to the actual stats. This will be interesting as in my training manual it says to do my daily runs 'easy'. I will be challenging this slightly as I'm sure I'm strong enough to push myself a little harder than usual. The trick will be to not injure myself.
Today's Stats: 3 miles, 4.96 km in 27:57, avg pace 5:39 /km, avg speed 10.6 km/h burned 434 cal
Listened To: Wayne Dyer, audio book: How to Have Conscious Contact with God

Day 70 - Slow and steady

Slow and steady gets you through the 3 miles the day after running 19 km. This morning I didn't feel to soar or tiered. I was surprised as I thought for sure I wouldn't even be able to budge. I did however not feel like running this morning. So, I made sure as soon as I got up and did my little 3mile just to get it out of the way. It was actually very relaxing and a good way to loosen up all those muscles. Everything is tiered today so I'll have a big rest day and get ready for the week ahead. Another big week of running 37 miles.

SUN August 8, 2010 9:00am

Temperature 19

Wind

SW 6 Humidity

88

Today's Stats: 3 miles, 4.90 km, 32:43, avg pace 6:41 /km, avg speed 9.0 km/h burned 415 cal
Listened to: the book - The Secrets of Power Negotiating - found out I do this naturally but good to know the process

Day 69 - one with nature

So I completed my second long run this morning where I was able to improve my avg pace once again, when comparing the speed to last week's long run. That is good because it was a little difficult nearing the end of the 19 km this morning. One thing I really didn't like is that today's run was the first time I actually carried a bottle of water with me. I've always just drank alot of water before going out on my run and then filled up when I got back but this time, since I was going 19 km, I didn't want to risk it and the smart thing to do is to hydrate throughout the run. So I carried the bottle of water. While I definitely hated doing that! I use my arms alot to get my rhythm while running and I was totally restricted by being weighted over by water on one side. I also didn't like it swishing back and forth. So I finally broke down after my run and when and bought a water belt. Where I can have 4 smaller bottles around my waist while I'm running. I'll try it out next week and see how it goes. Other than the water issue, I had a beautiful run. I decided since I had to run such a long distance I should have a nice view to look at, so I went down the Ottawa Canal and ran along there and the Ottawa River, it was really beautiful and made me truly appreciate the beautiful city we live in. I was one with nature.

SAT August 7, 2010 9:00am

Temp 15

Wind

NW 11

Humidity 67

Today's Stats: 12 miles, 19.33 km in 1:59:36, avg pace 6:12 /km, avg speed 9.7 km/h burned 1736 cal.
Listened to: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - always allows me to be present while running - love it!

Day 68 - A Personal Best

So again without even really trying, I beat my time today. I had an all time personal best at an avg pace of 5:46 /km, now if you do the math, that would convert to a Marathon Time of 3:48:59...wow, I could actually finish around the 4 hours mark!! But that's keeping the same pace throughout the whole 42 kms. NOT! Time will tell over the next few weeks of training if I'll be able to keep up to my 67 year old dad out on the marathon trail. I have a strong feeling that my mind will try and take over and try and convince me to quiet but I know I'll have my dad for inspiration and encouragement. The goal is to make sure we finish the marathon in 4:15:59 so Dad will qualify for Boston in 2011. As far as I can tell from looking at the race results from the last 5 years, there is no one in their 60's let alone age 67 who has ever run the PEI Marathon. That will be interesting!!

As for women in my age catagory,

In 2009 women in my age group finished the following:
1st - 2:53:22
2nd - 3:30:55
3rd - 3:43:59

I did the Boston Marathon Predictor at http://www.asksasha.com/boston-marathon-qualifying-time.php

How Much Speed Do I Need To Hit a Boston Qualifying Time?

Your Age:

Your Gender: Please Select M F

I run: miles a week

Results: The slowest you can run and still qualify for the Boston Marathon is 3:40:59. This is a 8:25 per mile pace. If you train at 35 miles per week, you need to run a 5 K in 21:51 which is 7:02 per mile pace.

I'm sure my time will continue to improve the biggest thing as Dad is always reminding me, it not to get hurt. To so lots of stretching and drink lots of water etc. etc.

FRI August 6, 2010 10:00am

Temp 18

Wind

W 26

Humidity 60

Today's Stats: 5 miles, 8.06 km in 46:27, avg pace 5:46 /km, avg speed 10,4 km/h burned 695 cal
Listened to: 101 Power Thoughts by Louise Hay (Affirmations)

Day 67 - 6am internal alarm

Ok, so now that I'm on the routine of running everyday, my body literally jumps out of bed on it's own. It's like it subconsciously knows that it will be going for a run and is excited to start the day. I tell you about this feeling because I use to crawl out of bed with soreness and stiffness due to lower back pain. And all the western medicine said I needed to take pain pills, anti inflammatory, sleeping pills, arthritis medicine. I stopped taking all over the counter medicine about  4 years ago and decided I would heal my body on it's own. I will take care of my body, watch what I put in it and use alternative medicine and energy healing to get me back to shape. I'm not a 100% there yet but I do want to tell you I notice a huge difference in my pain level, my posture, my physical ability and my energy level. After dealing with these pains for over 11 years, I know what pain is and I say you can beat any pain with just a little hard work and effort to take care of your body!!! So my advice to any of you who are reading my blog is to start taking the first hour of the day for YOU and you will be able to give back 10 fold to the people and things around you.

THU August 5, 2010 8:00am

Temp 21

Feels Like

29 Wind

SW 7

Humidity 94

Today's Stats: 4 miles, 6.43 km, 39:30, avg pace 6:09 /km, avg speed 9.8 km/h burned 560 cal.
Listened to: Bobby Bryant www.radicalbobbyjack.com  - just can't get enough and love his message!!

Day 66 - New idea for running wear

Humidity is still a big factor with performance today! I could of done a better time but I guess I'm working on my endurance with this weather...I don't think I have experienced this type of humidity before 94!!. Glad I ran at 8am this morning, I tried to stay in the shade for most of the run but along the river it's open to the whole sky and on top of the humidity was the new morning sun raising, no escaping the heat or the humidity. Normally I'm taking it all in, loving and enjoying all the nature around me while I run but this morning I was almost trying to hide from it.
It was so hot, I actually took my shirt and flipped it up over my boobs and ran with it like that so the air would hit my stomach. Normally I'd be to shy to do that but I didn't care today, I just wanted to be cooler in some way. It seemed to work but made me realize that outfit changes are a must during long runs. You really need to monitor and analyze the weather before a run or you could be hindering your performance.
I wonder if running companies make a female tank top that you can zip off the lower portion and turn it in to a bra tank if need be...you know how you can do that with pants and turn them into shorts...anyway just a suggestion. I would buy one!! :)

WED August 4, 2010 8:00am

Temp 24

Felt like

35 Wind

SW 11

Humidity 94

Today's Stats: 6 miles, 9.66 km in 59:40, avg pace 6:11 /km, avg speed 9.7 km/h burned 829 cal
Listened to: Bobby Bryant, 'Extra' track 5 - Awaken www.radicalbobbyjack.com - some great stuff, check it out

Day 65 - Gotta love humidity!

Can you say humid!!  Wow it was a hot one this mornin'! The run itself wasn't that difficult other than it was really hot and sticky because of the humidity. The temp was 24 but with the humidity at 89 it felt like 34 out. I was hoping for some thunderstorms to cool me off but they didn't come till later in the day. As for my time, I should of pushed it a bit harder as I was 5 secs away from getting under the 38 min mark, I have to start watching my time during my run and pacing myself. Lately I've just been running easy and not pushing to hard. I kind of get carried away with the running while listening to my mp3 player, I love pairing up the motivational messages with my training run, it's like putting a cherry on top!

TUE August 3rd, 2010, 10:00am

Temp 24

Fells like 34 Wind

SW 15 Humidity

89

Today's Stats: 4 miles, 6.44 km in 38:05 mins, avg pace 5:55 /km, avg speed 10.1 km/h burned 552 cal
I listened to www.radicalbobbyjack.com Extra Program track 3, he was talking about the tests of life and how to stimulate your personal growth. I love his stuff, just finished reading his book 'Your Life Your Choice' - you should check it out!

Day 64 - Friction!

A new pain developed...back fat! Ever hear of it? lol well because my arms are swinging so fast as I run my little heart out, I'm getting friction irritations on my under arms and back area. I finally remember to put some Vaseline on the area before my run and what a difference. I was hoping the more I ran the skinnier I would get the less friction I would have but I guess I'm running longer distances now so the friction will be there inevitability. I used this really cool product called soothing naturals from Johnson's a sooth & protect balm I had for daughter when she was a baby. Worked like a charm!

MON August 2, 2010 8:00am

Temp 19

Wind

S 4

Humidity 78

Today's Stats: 4 miles, 6.44 km in 38:20 mins, avg pace 5:57 /km, avg speed 10.1km/h burned 582 cal

Day 63 - quick and dirty!

Quick run today! Improved my time and avg pace, very impressive!! Always love it when I improve just a little bit. It wasn't easy at the end of the run but my endurance will continue to get better. One thing I do need is a good running playlist. At the end of my run today I wanted some good fast beat to help me speed up and my options were limited. I'm putting a call out there for some good running music...any suggestions?

Today's Stats: 3miles, 5.15km in 28:43, avg pace 5:35/km, avg speed 10.7 km/h burned 446 cal