See Nat Run

Out with a Bang: Resolution Run Report

Resolution Run 10K (again)
Temperature: -1 C (about 30) no wind (Perfect)
Running Mate: The most excellent Ms. K
Time: 79 minutes

Usual out and back (which is all I would have done for a training run). My goal was just to get over Saturday's run from the inner circles of hell and see 2007 off right. Ms. K is lovely company. We chit chat about nothing. Easy 10K. At the turn around at the half. The hard work is done. And we see this off in the distance.

Here's to more great runs in 2008.

See Nat Run Awards

Amy over at Runner's Lounge listed her favourite runs for 2007, I have definitely been some very happy moments out there on the pavement. This the year I got over myself and could officially declare myself a runner. The year I realized that life is a heck of a lot better because I run. And my running is heck of a lot more fun when I connect with the running community "out there." Thank you for the advice, the support, the laughs and the virtual high-fives. I appreciate it all. In honour of your large contributions to my running habit (is that the right word?).

Without further ado, I bring you...**** DRUMROLL PLEASE****

(Sorry about the flab if it's early in the morning.)

The 2007 See Nat Run Awards

• Most Inspirational Story: Standing in my back-of-the-pack coral waiting for the Distance Run to start, I met a woman who was running for her husband. He'd passed away in a plane crash the year before, and they'd planned to run this together. He'd done a lot of halves. The plan was that he would help her get through training. It was not to be. And in his honour, she trained wihtout him. She left her two children back at home to a chorus of "Mom, you will come back won't you". She got on a plane and flew to Philly (She got on a plane!). She couldn't figure out how to get her running watch to work, but she new her egg timer did. (R2/W1) So that's what she did. She reminded me that in spite of all my gear, of all my stuff, and all the stupid things I worry about. Deep down all you need is feet and that some things are much more important than running.

• Knock me down but I'll get back up Again Award: Derek and to Jaimie who both survived Chicago this year but who both went on to try again and successfully complete marathons. Well done. When I run Knee-ache hill, I think of you.

• Running song of the year: The Pretender , Foo Fighters. I dedicate it to all the non-runners who have given me odd looks. (Honorable mention to Jique, Brazillian Girls and Downtown Mayors Godnight Alley Kids Run, by You Say Party! We Say Die.)

• Best cheering squad: My men. (Seriously, there is nothing better than hearing "I love you" as you turn down the home stretch.)

• At A Boy! Award: Goes to my (not-so) little runner in training for not giving up and doing his own thing, his own way.

• Race with the most heart: Where's Franktown? 5K (It's half way between Ottawa and Perth Ontario. It's so small Mapquest doesn't register it.) It's run by a small private school, the kids sing the national anthem for you, then they have a little cheer. The guest get to start first, and at the end, hand crafted medals. Really really really cute. I'll be doing that next year. (The post-race bbq looked awesome too but I didn't have time to hang out.

• Race with the best categories Nancy for the virtual 8 on the 8th. (I am still wearing my Tiara.)

• Best Spectators: Turn for Worse New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon. At the 8 mile mark, there is a sharp turn, where the neighbours have set up their own water station. It's actually more of a watering hole offering in progression: water, beer, margheritas, hotdogs, cigarettes. And yes, they did have beer on hand. (This was a hard run but the spectators in New Orleans really made a huge difference.)

• Favourite running-spot: Gatineau Park in the fall. Absolutely stunning. And the hills provide one heck of a good work out. I usually run with the ladies who make it a lovely long run.

• Officially a runner Award: The lovely Ms. K who finished her first 5k, 5-miler and 10K this year. I would have given this award to Nancy but I suspect she already knows she is a runner.

• Runner most obsessed about shit: The very smart and Talend Ms. M. (She also finish an Olympic Tri this year. I am so not worthy.) We talk about pooping... a lot!

• The Canadian Runner Award: Ms. G. who moved here from Mexico to be with the man of her dream (so romantic.) Part of genes must be part Polar Bear she says she loves running in the snow.

  Tonight the last 10K of the year -- here is hoping for a much better run than on Sat.

Splish splash I was taking a bath

Distance: 12 miles
Time: About a week, may have been longer.
Weather Update: Slush with dry patches with strong wind gusts.
Realization: No matter how hard I try, I will still land in the puddle.
Blisters: 2 under my foot in the big toe crease. (Why can't I get blisters in normal places.)

It's The Boy's birthday today. I tell you this because if I was given the choice between going through his 24 hours of induced labour followed by a massive postpartum hemorrhage and redoing today's run, I would pick labour.

It was that bad. There was slush, wet feet, unplowed sidewalks, massive wind. I gave up on Oliver Sack's new audiobook because with every step I decided I hated the narrator and wanted to give him a brain injury. I switched to my usual run mix, and that seemed to make things less hateful.

Music helped a bit. First two songs to play were Running Up That Hill, Kate Bush and Born to Run. Slush, wet feet, wind, a bit of cold... and now the iPod is laughing at me.

Look Ninjas!!!

Distance: 4.4 miles
Intervals: R4/W1 x 10 + 5 form drills
Kicking in the ass for wet feet: Iris, Live
Why did I ever delete this in the first place moment:Tainted Love, Soft Cell.
Realization 1: It is sometimes easier to run in the snow than to walk in it.

It snowed all day today. I didn't even bother to dust off the car. We weren't going anywhere. Kind of nice that. Wish I had that luxury more often. The Man had to work. So, the run was my usual pre-supper deal. Left to my own devices, I would have happily sat on my ass ignoring the gnomes and eating chocolate chip cookies. (Homemade... the gnomes REALLY like them. With pecans.... mmmmmm... I like them too.) But you know sugar is important on a run, so had two or four and off I went.

Did I mention the snow? So with snow covering everything, I head off. Slowly. Gingerly. Leaping small snow banks like a spry 90 year old. See I was wearing my super slick Ninja running gear. (For fitting black from head to toe.) Whoosh... there goes Nat... did you see her? Of course you did. Splooosh! There she landed in a slush puddle. Nat, not a ninja. Arent' you glad we cleared that up. Me too.

So it was a technically challenging run, the goal was not so much to go fast and far. Just play with the surfaces under foot. A bit of ice, a lot of snow slush and rain. All requiring slightly different tactics. All slightly different leg work out. (The gnomes were a little less smug tonight.) Tomorrow, we tackle skating with The Boy. Maybe a game of tag in snow shoes.

There was a point to this post. I just have forgotten what it was... gnomes ninjas... tomorrow ... trolls perhaps.

Who has messed with my scale

It's the lull between Christmas and New Years. One thing has become painfully apparent, during our merriment we have had our backs turned. We have not been paying attention. We have let our guard down. Our enemies have not been resting. No, they wait. Deep in the trenches. And while we were eating our figgy pudding. (Ok, not me but someone was eating figgy pudding) they took advantage of the situation and invaded. Entered our homes and settled into our closets, they have danced on our scales, during extreme invasions they may even steal your socks. (But only half a pair.)

I myself have never seen a closet gnome but I bet they look a lot like this.

Help me fight this by sending your moral support as I give up cookies (oh the cookies), and the cream (oh the cream), and return to the standard of lots of fruits, veggies, lean meats and all thing good for me. ETA for commencement is January 2.

It was half my fault, half the atmosphere

Distance since last update: 13.75 miles
Number of runs: 2
Number of days since last update: 9
Number of scheduled runs since then: 6
Song of the moment: The Traitor, Martha Wainwright (Leonard Cohen cover)

I meant to this earlier but somehow life escaped me these last two weeks. Think of me as the friend who hook up with the during the break between Christmas and New Year (even though you called her before.) I'd be remiss if I didn't sent a massive shout out to everyone out there in the running community. This was going to be quiet little blog about my obsession about going really far on my two legs, and doing it at my own pace, on my own terms. (There is a story here. It's long boring and speaks of a time and place I am no longer in. It bores even me.)

Not sure how but the community found me (it started with Amy from Runners' Lounge I think), and you've been wonderful, supportive, inspirational. Honestly, if anyone needed a reason to get into this, a community filled with people like you would be it. To you all a belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough. I hope you found lots of chocolate mint Gu and other running essentials under the tree.

Bit of health set-back, I ended up back at the doctor's office on Friday because my throat was feeling streppy again. (Trust me there is little out there that feels like Strep throat.) Convinced it was all in my head, I decided to get it checked just so the doc. could tell me to be I was being a hypochondriac. Unfortunately, it is strep. So another course of antibiotic which is making me feel crappy. But I did get my 3.65 miles on Christmas day (nice run) and my long run last Sat (10.1 miles). Why? Because, I am stupid. (I also need to work off the poundage from the non-stop food fest that are the holidays.) I am not entirely sure if I should have run as much as I did last time. Soooooo.... taking it easy.

I also have the Resolution Run on the 31. A little 10K, hopefully the lovely and talented Ms. K will run with me. The Man still not running, has decided to sit this one out.

I raise a glass to you all: "May the wind be at your back. May the Body Glide reduce chafing, and may the bushes be where you need them."

See Nat Shovel

Distance: Two runs. A 4.5 mile training run and a long run at 6.2 miles
Entertainment: The lovely Gabriella
Temperature: -18C/ OF
Gear: Wicking full balaclava, gloves, long sleeved tech shirt, Lined running jacket and wind break, lined running tights, and winding break toboganing pants. (You wear what you've got.)

So it's been cold, and it's been snowing. So I didn't get to the long run report because there just aren't enough hours in the day it seems.

My clothing options are still not right. Last year I wore my capris until December. This year, there aren't enough layers. No matter what my ass gets cold. But the windbreaking pants help. (I'm open to suggestions here.)

Today, I skipped the run but did have to shovel. And shovel some more, as we clean up after a record 37 cm snowfull (about 15 inches, I think.) I reckon that counts. I also had too much Bailey's last night so I am being a pansy and not running with a hang-over. See. The wussy seeps in. But now I just feel dehydrated and yucky. It's the yucky I don't like. So me, the wind, the snow bonded.

Tomorrow back on plan. I'll decide in the a.m. if it's going to be inside or outside running. (I like outside but we'll have to see.)

That's Lady to you bub...

Workout: R4/W1 x 9 (plus warm-up and cool down)
Distance: 4.27 miles (not bad)
Song that should have played: Frosty the Snowman
Song that Played InsteadMeltdown, Live

What kind of lesion in my brain caused me to put on a pair of unlined running tights and forget my hat and gloves tonight? Really it is a bit beyond me. But all the signs point to winter:
-- I can see my breath.
-- Definite accumulation of snow
-- Large number of people walking around today saying "My, it's a bit nippy out there."

So it was good run. It was what I needed. But I also needed a pair of mitts, and a hat. All in all it makes the treadmill workout seem a little less of kilter.

P.S. Well a huge huge thanks to Nancy and Vicky for the fun reading that 8 and the 8th was. :) Here's to making this an annual event. I would like a fanfare and to be addressed as Nat, a Lady of Longevity. Too Funny.

8 on the 8th: Race Report

Distance: 8 miles +1.36 (tacked on to make up today's Long Run)
Time for 8 miles: 1:38:51 (49:14 at the split.) - R5W1
Total Time: 2 hours
Average Speed: 12:51 (including the 1.34 mile walk.)
Mileage for the week: 21.46
Mileage to date: 95.51

Realization: I need dumber running music.
Bad advice: Run to the Water, Live
Wrong Time for this lyrics: "I journey through the desert." (As I am dealing with a snow squall and heavy winds.)

I now know what it's like to be covered head to toe in road salt. I was so covered that it you could feel the crystals on my Garmin. Once I hopped in the shower, I spit out the water from my mouth because it tasted like ocean water. Aaaaaah to be on beach somewhere...

Looking back on the week, Tuesday the sidewalks were fine. By Thursday, they were difficult. Today, the sidewalks were unrunnable. As a result, when even remotely possibly I ran on the roads. This helped. I was making smoking good time until I hit the farm. The farm roads were plowed but still very snow covered. Ick. But then the wind, (I hate wind) picked up. Whoooooooooooooosh.. I noted every one else was running in the OTHER direction.(It's a popular spot.) They are smart. I am not. But the two Innu men I crossed, looked very happy. No hat... guess compared to Iqaluit, Ottawa is a piece of cake. (Many people from Iqaluit come down to Ottawa for services (like health care) they can't get up there. ) Me, I was struggling.

Slowly and with determination I managed to make it around the loop. (The half I run in January is there. So I need to build up to 13.1 of that. (Ack.) Back to the roads. And the cars. Wow. Cars. What a good idea...

Whooooosh splat! Whoooosh Splat!
Where's Nat?
Whoooosh Splat!
There's Nat.
Whoosh splat!
Nat is in the hat.
Whoooosh Splat!
Let's spray salt on Nat in the hat!
Whoosh Splat!

The last bit of my run was along the Canal and that side walk was nicely cleared. But by then my legs were gone. Sore and acky. I walked most of the way home after 8 miles. All in all I'm happy with the run, it's much faster than last weeks. And well. I got it done. Every single work out this week. Done.

Great idea Nancy. But I'm with Amy. How's September next year.

Not like yesterday

Workout: R4/W1 x 9 + Form work
Distance: 4.13 miles
Pace: Long slow slog
Time: One hour
This should be my mantra song: I love myself Today, Bif Naked

This run was all about balance, and tripping over things. Odd, uneven running surfaces. And really it sucked ass. It was work. The temperature climbed a closer to freezing. And as a result the nice snow packed surfaces have become all sticky and granular, and oh yes slippery. I should be Way closer to 5 miles than I am. However, I really don't need an injury to slow it is.

Guess after Tuesday's run, pretty much anything would be a let down.

Looking forward to 8 on the 8th organized by the Lovely club bearing Nancy. Supposed to be warm... if the paths don't get better it may be another long slow slog.

Happy thoughts for Saturday.