Well, it only took about three days after my first 10 KM run to have my legs feeling back to normal. For some reason my feet always start to get sore and swollen during any run after about the 7.5/8 KM mark. It's likely due to the fact that i'm not conditioned enough.

This past weekend I didn't run very much. MY mind kept telling me, "It's the holidays, just relax!" Too bad there aren't any holidays for your HEART! Anyways, I got a 3.5 KM run in with 5 and 1's. I've only done about two runs going by 5 and 1 intervals, so i might try another few with that.

I was going to sign up for the Newmarket Easter Seals run held on May 24th (i think), but I just had the Sporting Life run and it seems like i'm gunning it too much. I need to get my whole 5 KM timing down with 10 and 1's before I really get into it. The weather is finally smartening up enough that it's great shorts weather.

Well, another 4 day work week. And 10 days until I begin my first teaching LTO. Yay! My mom get's back from vacay tomorrow. Hopefully her foot is doing well enough that I can start running with her soon. She'd make a good running partner I think :)

Happy Victoria Day!

Total KM run to date: 89

I really need a water bottle like this.

Race Report: Sporting Life 10 KM 2014

I DID IT!

Yeah to some it may seem like not a huge deal, but I think it's pretty cool that I completed my first ever 10 KM race!

Here is how my race went and all of the details.
I set my alarm for 5:45 am, to give my stomach enough time to wake up properly. Luckily I didn't have any funny business going on inside my stomach so I set off on the road at about 7:20. I got into Toronto around 8:10 and parked near Lawrence Park. I didn't have to pay for it and it WAS legal! Lol. After I parked I started making my way to the start line. As you walk all you see is a sea of green shirts! I began to regret not wearing mine almost! Next time, I will!

I had a lot of time to spare so I took a trip into the Sporting Life store (which they have actually washrooms instead of port-a-potties! Noted for next time!). They have so much stuff in that store! Good thing I didn't have my wallet on me at the time! Anyways, At about 8:40 I started making my way into my corral. The thing that I really liked was that there were washrooms everywhere! I was stressed that there wouldn't be enough but they definitely did a great job at having enough!

So I got situated in my corral and enjoyed the moment!

Next thing you know the race had began. There is a slight incline at the beginning of the race but it is mainly downhill. It was great! I definitely plan on doing this race again next year! Near the end it seemed to never end with the loops and winds, but I was able to do it. And in 1:07:18 nonetheless! It's a PB for me so far, because it's only the second time i've ever actually ran 10 K! I attempted to do it in 2 and 1's, but I was just doing the run to complete it. Next time i'll try something else. I through enjoyed it. 

When we got to the end we were sent along a winding path and collected our medals. I'm so glad I went to this race alone because I would have NEVER found my family it seems! I grabbed a CLIF chocolate and PB bar (not too shabby!) and went along my way. They never called me to the stage to receive a price unfortunately ;) But Jen from BT Television was there so that was kinda cool to see her!

After that I made my way into the harbour/CNE parking where they had shuttles run us up to Union Station. Super helpful! The lineup for the shuttles seemed to be forever ending, but the lineup went fast. It was well worth the wait instead of walking 3 KM back. Fewf! And that was the race! I'm proud to have done my first race! I can't wait to do one with a friend or family member. I know my mom would have loved to be here (she's on vacation) but it was a great first experience nonetheless. 

Here is a closer look at my bling:

I hope everyone else had a great race and that my little part of raising some money for Camp Ooch helped. This run was ran in memory of Shawn Fenner.

Tomorrow's Race Day!

So the night before the race of the Sporting Life 10 KM run has finally come! I've been trying to eat 'healthy' today which has mainly consisted of lots of yogurt and granola bars, some chicken and grilled peppers. I took a pass on all that good tasting greasy food at the restaurant today. Hopefully that proves to be a good choice tomorrow! Today was the first day all week that I wasn't faced with a migraine headache so that was a nice treat. I hope that takes a rest tomorrow too. Fingers crossed for me!

I've laid all of my belongings out for tomorrow and pinned my bib to my shirt. I'm just waiting to feel a wink of tiredness come over me. There's too much excitement and nervousness going on. I'm definitely not nervous about physically running the race, i'm mainly worried about having to stop for a washroom. I really just hope I can just enjoy myself tomorrow.

I am definitely not going for a personal best or anything here. I'll be running 1 and 1's. I'm still working towards doing a 5 KM with 1 and 1's (i'm at 4 and 1's so far on the 3.2 range). But i'm getting there! So tomorrow i'll be doing a lot of 'moving to the side' so people don't pile into me. I just hope I don't tire myself out. I know i'll want to run for longer but not be able to finish the 10 KM. I'll just try my best and that's all I can do, right?! That'w what I tell my students at least :)

Wish me luck tomorrow! I'm bib# 21727. And good luck to everyone else running! See you at the finish line!

What beautiful weather we have had lately. It's about time after all of that white fluff that graced our presence with an unappreciated extended stay. Needles to say, I went for a run today. I hadn't ran the last two days due to my 'monster migraine of the century' on Monday. I continued with my four sets of 4 and 1's, that I almost couldn't do today for some reason! I was gassed. Those kindergartens must have stolen all of my energy and endurance today! But I was able to do it. And with a slightly better pace time than my last 4 and 1 pace time. I'm already dreading 5 and 1's, let alone 10 and 1's!!!

Anyways, I was feeling better yesterday so my dad and I took a drive downtown to pick up my first ever race kit! I went to the Sporting Life store parking lot to get my bib (#21727 if you're following along!), I went inside to get my medium ladies Nike DriFit shirt (which was too small, but the nice young gentleman allowed me to change it with a little coaxing) and lastly grabbed a 15% off coupon for May 5-12th.



I was able to raise a few dollars for this race, which I am very grateful for. It was only about $130, but every bit helps! I'm super excited for my first race! Only 4 days left until game day! It will be interesting to see how my stomach is. I'm also debating whether to park at the start or at the finish. So many questions. A few more days to keep (start) eating healthy to allow for a good race! See you there!