The Sporting Life 10K is this Sunday and I'm hoping to break 60 minutes. My fastest to date is 1:04 so it's a fair amount of time to cut off but I'm counting on the downhill course to speed me up.
I did the Mercedes Benz 10K last Sunday and had half a thought that I'd try and break the 60 minutes that day but by the time I was a km into the race, I knew that wasn't going to happen. I finished in 1:07 which I was pretty happy with. I didn't win the car though...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Mercedes Benz 10K Results
April 26, 2009
Place: 652/741
Time: 1:08:42.5
Chip Time: 1:07:29.2
Pace: 6:53
Category: W35-39
Category Place: 55/70
Gender Place: 313/378
Place: 652/741
Time: 1:08:42.5
Chip Time: 1:07:29.2
Pace: 6:53
Category: W35-39
Category Place: 55/70
Gender Place: 313/378
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Angus Glen Ten Miler Results and Details

Angus Glen 10 Miler
April 5, 2009
Place: 294/327
Bib #: 5428
Time: 1:59:34.1
Pace: 7.29
Category: W35-39
Category Place: 37/40
Gender Place: 174/201
April 5, 2009
Place: 294/327
Bib #: 5428
Time: 1:59:34.1
Pace: 7.29
Category: W35-39
Category Place: 37/40
Gender Place: 174/201
Oh my goodness, this race was hilly!!! There were a couple of doozies that I could hardly walk up, let alone run! (I'm sure the fact that I've now run 60 kilometres since last Sunday may have had something to do with that too).
Overall, it was an ok race. The hills really were brutal and I ended up walking more than I normally would have needed to but it was a bautiful day for a race and Angus Glen does such a great job of hosting these things that I'll probably be back next year.
Harry's Spring Runoff 8K
No official time for this one... I got there too late to pick up my timing chip so I ran it without one. It was a pretty good race... a little windy and cold but overall a decent race. I never thought I'd say this but 8K was EASY! Considering the fact that my last 3 races have been 21km, 21, km and 30km, I guess it's not surprising that 8K wasn't too much of a challenge...
Sunday, March 29, 2009
ATB 30K

Today was my longest race to date – 30K. I did the 5K version of the Around the Bay last year but decided to go for it and do the full 30K this year.
I haven’t been training nearly as much as I should have been so I was a little scared about this race – the longest I’ve even run at one time prior to today was 24K so doing a full 25% more was a bit of a concern. I have to admit that it was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I made it through and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be.
The temperature was perfect (about 4 degrees when we started) but it was raining (pouring, actually, at one point) so that was kind of miserable. It stopped by about the halfway point so at least that was a good thing.
I was doing great up until about the 22-23 km point and that’s where the real hills started. I struggled a bit up until the last km and then really pushed myself.
Since I’ve never done this distance before, my real goal was to finish in under 4 hours without having to call a taxi to get me there and I did it!
Now I just have to decide whether I want to take the next step and do a full marathon or not….
I haven’t been training nearly as much as I should have been so I was a little scared about this race – the longest I’ve even run at one time prior to today was 24K so doing a full 25% more was a bit of a concern. I have to admit that it was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I made it through and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be.
The temperature was perfect (about 4 degrees when we started) but it was raining (pouring, actually, at one point) so that was kind of miserable. It stopped by about the halfway point so at least that was a good thing.
I was doing great up until about the 22-23 km point and that’s where the real hills started. I struggled a bit up until the last km and then really pushed myself.
Since I’ve never done this distance before, my real goal was to finish in under 4 hours without having to call a taxi to get me there and I did it!
Now I just have to decide whether I want to take the next step and do a full marathon or not….
Around the Bay 30K Results
Place: 4617/4915
Bib: 3016
Time: 4:03:45.0
Chip time: 3:58:29.7
Pace: 8:08
Category: F35-39
Category place: 346/371
Gender place: 2154/2295
10K split: 1:20:38
15K split: 2:01:11
20K split: 2:40:23
Bib: 3016
Time: 4:03:45.0
Chip time: 3:58:29.7
Pace: 8:08
Category: F35-39
Category place: 346/371
Gender place: 2154/2295
10K split: 1:20:38
15K split: 2:01:11
20K split: 2:40:23
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Chilly Half Marathon
Today, I ran my second Half Marathon – the Burlington Chilly Half Marathon. And the race lived up to its name – CHILLY!
It was -15 overnight, so when the race was starting at around 10:00am, it was probably around -11, plus there was a windchill. I stayed huddled in the hotel until there was about 10 minutes to go, then ventured out with an extra scarf tied around my face to protect it from the wind. And, of course, as I was heading toward the start line, there was a guy dressed in shorts! I actually saw a few people wearing shorts over the course of the race and seriously questioned their sanity.
I, on the other hand, was fully prepared in my winter tights, long sleeved shirt, sweater and windproof jacket (and gloves, earmuffs and scarf). It wasn’t too cold waiting for the race to start… lots of bodies huddled close together.
We started right at 10:05 (not sure why 10:05 for the start time…) and within 10 minutes, I was nice and toasty. My scarf has a new home on a tree somewhere on New Street – I’m sure some homeless person will appreciate it.
I was really hoping to finish this race in under 2:30. I was only over that in Miami by less than 2 minutes and I figured the conditions were perfect for a new PB – flat, cool, I was feeling good… Things were going great for the first 14km. I hit the halfway mark in 1:13 after not really pushing myself that hard and was planning to continue coasting till about the 16 km mark and then really push it.
Unfortunately, at around the 14km mark, I developed a cramp in the muscle on the outside of my left leg (I believe that would be my glute, but could be wrong). I tried every stretch possible (well, except for the one I should have done) to get rid of it but nothing was working. I was able to continue running, but I stopped 3 separate times to stretch, plus I had to walk way more frequently than I otherwise would have. My pace for the last third of the race was pathetic.
Anyway, I finished in just under 2:35 which, considering the fact that I wanted to stop and sit down at about 19km, isn’t bad. I guess I just wasn’t meant to get under 2:30 today. I’m not sure what I did wrong. I probably didn’t drink as much water yesterday as I should have, so that may have been the problem, or maybe I didn’t drink enough on the course. Regardless, it’s done… on to the next.
The next HM is the Blue Nose in Halifax in May. I’m not even going to try for a PB there, as the course is somewhat hilly. My next big race is the Around the Bay 30K at the end of March. At least there I’m guaranteed a PB since I’ve never done it before!

It was -15 overnight, so when the race was starting at around 10:00am, it was probably around -11, plus there was a windchill. I stayed huddled in the hotel until there was about 10 minutes to go, then ventured out with an extra scarf tied around my face to protect it from the wind. And, of course, as I was heading toward the start line, there was a guy dressed in shorts! I actually saw a few people wearing shorts over the course of the race and seriously questioned their sanity.
I, on the other hand, was fully prepared in my winter tights, long sleeved shirt, sweater and windproof jacket (and gloves, earmuffs and scarf). It wasn’t too cold waiting for the race to start… lots of bodies huddled close together.
We started right at 10:05 (not sure why 10:05 for the start time…) and within 10 minutes, I was nice and toasty. My scarf has a new home on a tree somewhere on New Street – I’m sure some homeless person will appreciate it.
I was really hoping to finish this race in under 2:30. I was only over that in Miami by less than 2 minutes and I figured the conditions were perfect for a new PB – flat, cool, I was feeling good… Things were going great for the first 14km. I hit the halfway mark in 1:13 after not really pushing myself that hard and was planning to continue coasting till about the 16 km mark and then really push it.
Unfortunately, at around the 14km mark, I developed a cramp in the muscle on the outside of my left leg (I believe that would be my glute, but could be wrong). I tried every stretch possible (well, except for the one I should have done) to get rid of it but nothing was working. I was able to continue running, but I stopped 3 separate times to stretch, plus I had to walk way more frequently than I otherwise would have. My pace for the last third of the race was pathetic.
Anyway, I finished in just under 2:35 which, considering the fact that I wanted to stop and sit down at about 19km, isn’t bad. I guess I just wasn’t meant to get under 2:30 today. I’m not sure what I did wrong. I probably didn’t drink as much water yesterday as I should have, so that may have been the problem, or maybe I didn’t drink enough on the course. Regardless, it’s done… on to the next.
The next HM is the Blue Nose in Halifax in May. I’m not even going to try for a PB there, as the course is somewhat hilly. My next big race is the Around the Bay 30K at the end of March. At least there I’m guaranteed a PB since I’ve never done it before!

Chilly Half Marathon Results
Place: 2074/2259
Bib: 230
Gun Time: 2:36:50
Class: F35-39
Class Placing: 189/218
Gender Place: 1111/1262
Pace/km: 7:26
Chip Time: 2:34:55
Bib: 230
Gun Time: 2:36:50
Class: F35-39
Class Placing: 189/218
Gender Place: 1111/1262
Pace/km: 7:26
Chip Time: 2:34:55
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Getting closer to my 2nd half!
Only 5 days to go till the Chilly Half!
I did 10km today, and felt REALLY good, so I think I should be in decent shape for the race. I'd love to beat my time from Miami but with the lack of training I've been doing that may not be realistic, but oh well.... not the end of the world!
I did 10km today, and felt REALLY good, so I think I should be in decent shape for the race. I'd love to beat my time from Miami but with the lack of training I've been doing that may not be realistic, but oh well.... not the end of the world!
Friday, February 20, 2009
I have resigned myself to the fact that...
I'm just not going to be as prepared as I should be for next weekend. I got out Monday and ran a whole 4.5 km (and was miserable the entire way), then didn't run till yesterday. I did 7 km yesterday and it was actually a really good run so at least I know that I haven't completely un-done all my hard work!
No running today... too cold and windy. My plan is to get out Sunday for 6, then 10 Tuesday, 6 Wednesday and 4 Friday. We'll see if I actually manage to do them all.
No running today... too cold and windy. My plan is to get out Sunday for 6, then 10 Tuesday, 6 Wednesday and 4 Friday. We'll see if I actually manage to do them all.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
So much for that
My last post, that is. Since those 14K I've been sitting on my behind and doing nothing. I had a terrible weekend in terms of eating and feel like I've gained 10 pounds.
I am going to FORCE myself to get out and do my long run (18-20 km) tomorrow. The Chilly Half is only 2 weeks away so I should be starting to taper, but the fact is, I've been tapering for the past 2 weeks... not good...
Why am I feeling so unmotivated these days????
I am going to FORCE myself to get out and do my long run (18-20 km) tomorrow. The Chilly Half is only 2 weeks away so I should be starting to taper, but the fact is, I've been tapering for the past 2 weeks... not good...
Why am I feeling so unmotivated these days????
Sunday, February 8, 2009
My second half marathon!
Is coming up in exactly 3 weeks!
I slacked off a bit with the running this past week, as the weather was pretty yucky, plus I was away for 2 days, but got back to it today and did my 14 km I was supposed to do. It was actually pretty nice for running - around 0 degrees and sunny - but the sidewalks were a bit slippery, which is never a good thing.
I plan to get in ALL of my training runs for the next few weeks, in the hopes of shaving that minute and 39 seconds off my time!
I slacked off a bit with the running this past week, as the weather was pretty yucky, plus I was away for 2 days, but got back to it today and did my 14 km I was supposed to do. It was actually pretty nice for running - around 0 degrees and sunny - but the sidewalks were a bit slippery, which is never a good thing.
I plan to get in ALL of my training runs for the next few weeks, in the hopes of shaving that minute and 39 seconds off my time!
Monday, February 2, 2009
First real run since Miami
Other than our pathetic (1 mile) attempt to run on the cruise, I haven't been out at all since the half marathon. I got out and did 11km today and it felt really good. The temperature was above freezing for a change so that was nice... the sidewalks were in pretty icky condition... slushy/icy in some places and 6 inches of water in others, but it was still a good run, despite the wet cold feet.
I have my Chilly Half Marathom coming up on March 1st, so I'm trying to basically continue my training without taking too much of a break or a reduction in mileage. I'm cutting back a bit on my shorter runs, as I don't want to end up with an injury but I'm trying to keep up the distance with the long ones.
It's supposed to be ok weather tomorrow but then Wednesday is supposed to be a high of -13. Yuck! I think Wednesday might be my day off for this week!
I have my Chilly Half Marathom coming up on March 1st, so I'm trying to basically continue my training without taking too much of a break or a reduction in mileage. I'm cutting back a bit on my shorter runs, as I don't want to end up with an injury but I'm trying to keep up the distance with the long ones.
It's supposed to be ok weather tomorrow but then Wednesday is supposed to be a high of -13. Yuck! I think Wednesday might be my day off for this week!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Miami Half Marathon

I can now say I'm officially a Half Marathoner! What an amazing race!
We started out before dawn (had to be in the corrals by 5:55) but neither of us could sleep anyway so getting up wasn't a big deal. There were 15,500 people running so it was a bit of a zoo near the start line, although it was very well-organized. The atmosphere was great - everyone was excited to be there. The temperature was also perfect - about 13 degrees.
The race started at 6:15 but because of the number of people, it was almost 6:30 before we even reached the start line. The first part of the course was incredible, running across the bridge beside the cruise ships. Because it was so early, it was still dark but the ships were all lit up and looked so pretty! The support along the course was good too - there was a police boat in the water along beside us, sounding its siren at everyone. There were 3 helicoptors hovering above us as we ran across the bridge. Really neat!
Running along Ocean Drive was fun - all kinds of little cafes and restaurants, with people sitting outside cheering us on.
At about the 18km mark, I was starting to get really tired. I knew I'd be able to finish but my pace was starting to slow down and I felt like I needed more frequent walk breaks. Luckily, it was also at about that point when there started to be more people lining the course and cheering us on so that motivated me to keep moving.
I finished in 2:31:39. I had been hoping for 2:30 but since it was my first one, I was happy just to have finished it.
All in all, it was a great race and one I wouldn't mind doing again some year.
Miami Half Marathon Results
Bib Number: 20479
Chip Time: 2:31:39
Place: 6415/9677
Gender Place: 3002/5250
Division Place (F35-39): 544/849
Chip Time: 2:31:39
Place: 6415/9677
Gender Place: 3002/5250
Division Place (F35-39): 544/849
Thursday, January 22, 2009
3 days and counting
I'm now less than 72 hours from starting (and finishing) my first half marathon and less than 24 hours from leaving for Miami. Everything is packed except for the last minute stuff and I'm ready to go!
The weather in Miami is still looking good for the race - lots of sun and not too hot.
Getting really excited now!
The weather in Miami is still looking good for the race - lots of sun and not too hot.
Getting really excited now!
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