Tom Taylor Ten Miler

Boy, what a busy weekend! Baking cakes, attending a wedding and a baby shower, trying on bridesmaid dresses and running 10 miles. But I was able to do it all! My stomach was sub par this weekend, but not as bad as it has been at other times. Luckily I was able to manage it through everything. I'm just paying for it now.

But on with the race recap! This weekend I surprisingly did the Tom Taylor Ten Miler. I say surprisingly, because I haven't really been running lately. I picked up a 3 week Kindergarten teaching position that consumed my life and my energy. And before that my stomach was raging against me. So, I was surprised that I was a) able to run it with my stomach and b) able to stand up afterwards with my lack of exercise!

My mom picked up our race kits the day before the run. Inside were our chipped bibs, bright orange running shirts, some edible goodies, a magazine and a couple coupons. The bibs were late arriving to the running room (making the available 5 hours late) so we had to get them the next day with our tight schedule.

The race took place at George Richardson park in Newmarket. I arrived there around 8:30 and snuck through the 'road closed' sign to get to a parking lot. When I got there, I lined up for one of the two available port-a-potties (that were disgusting; they were permanent port-a-potties). There were limited bathrooms at this race, much to my dismay and disappointment. 

When it was shortly before 9:00, we went to the start line and began on our way. When I got there I ran into a few friends and chatted for a bit before the run. 

It was a beautiful day for the race. The sun was shining, the weather was warm enough but not too cold. A bit foggy in the morning too. But decent running weather. Running the route was lovely. I enjoyed running along a path that was shaded, especially since it was potentially 'pit-stop friendly' in a sense. Knowing where to go on the route for this race was absolutely TERRIBLE! There were volunteers at a few places to guide us, and at about three places handing out water (one of which was out by the time I got there). But I almost got lost and questioned if I had gone the right way a couple of times. I even had to ask volunteers instead of them directing me! That was the biggest let down about the race. Everything else was great.

Upon finishing my run, I was able to get some decent grub. Chilli, bananas, Cobb's bread, bagels and more. They definitely did well with providing food afterwards. And that was much appreciated. Check out my finisher's medal. It's ally about the bling!

Would I do this race again? Potentially. I'm a bit on the fence due to the lack of washrooms and poor marking, but otherwise it was a decent run!

CarrotFast with my better half

So today my boyfriend and I took the plunge into running a race together. It was a local and fun 5 KM run in our hometown on a muggy and cloudless Saturday morning. Last night my mom picked up our fabulous race kits from the Newmarket Running Room and the shirts were much better than previous years.

Take a look at what was in our bags:

This morning's race began at 9:00 at the Bob Fallis Arena in Bradford, ON. We got there a little later than anticipated, around 8:30 and the road had already been closed. So we parked on Artesian and walked over. The race began at the Arena and went south down the 10th Sideroad to Artesian, up artesian to the 8th Line to a turn around point and straight back to the Arena. It was a flat run which was nice, but there was NO shade relief! Pick your battles?! 

Doug and I started off a little quick, with about a 5:55 pave, well above my 6:30 avg pace. I thought I could keep up with it but about 2.5 KM in I knew I couldn't. I started to slow down and Doug was energetic and motivated. Lol. He stuck with me for 3.5 KM and then I encouraged him to try finish better than I and go ahead without me. His goal was to beat my mom and he continued on as I took multiple walk breaks to the finish. I didn't do terribly since we started faster than anticipated. When I got to the finish he ran with me through the finish line again. (What a good guy :)) Here was our post run selfie!

My overall time was 34:04. My PB time is 33:35, so it wasn't that far off. I could have definitely done better had I known and maybe kept with it. But there's always room for improvement :) It was well run this year, so i'm told. I only wish there were medals for everyone. I'm all about the bling baby!!! But this time I was all about running with my handsome guy. :)

Registering for the Glass Slipper Challenge

Today was the day! The clock would strike noon and the mad dash to register for the Glass Slipper Challenge (Disney Princess Half Maratron and 10 KM run) would happen. I was in the midst of a summer teaching course, that I was learning in, so I was able to sneak away to register. It was about 11:30 am when iI decided this half-wifi capable building wasn't going to do the job. So I headed to Tim Hortons. I asked about their wifi and they weren't very confident in it so after buying a small drink I headed to Starbucks just around the corner. I also bought a small drink here, to feel respectable, and plopped down in a comfy chair with my belongings. I opened up the website and kept refreshing on all the social media websites, active.com and rundisney.com so I had the best chance of getting into the Virtual Lineup. At about 12:03 i wa able to find the link and get in line. It only took about 30 seconds until I was on he registration page. Got my GSC registration, complete with GSC pin and I was ready to check in on my mom at home. After we got her 'tech problems' out of the way we were both fully registered. No problem! Both websites were slow refreshing and I did panic a bit thinking the wifi was inadequate but I survived the most stressful part of our 'Disney Princess' journey. :) now to wait until February.

(After about 50 minutes in these were the stats)

We also ordered our 'Princess in training' shirts and shipped them to our lovely relative, Debbie Miller, as they wouldn't ship to Canada. I can't wait to get them and am super grateful for her helping us out! They cost $36 to come out to about $45 each. Still worth it. Looking at the logo of a seahorse on the 5km and the seashell in the 10 km logo makes me think it's a Little Mermaid theme. And I can't be more excited :)

Nike Toronto Women's 15 KM

Today I surprised myself, and I ran the furthest I've ever been thus far. It began with a 4:45 alarm and a departure time of 6:15 from my house. I wanted to give myself lots of time to get on the ferry today. Because cramming more than 10'000 women plus spectators wasn't going to be a breeze to get through.

I got to Toronto shortly after 7 and found a public parking lot for $15.00. I didn't think it was a terrible price for being close and easy. The price you pay for your priorities. Anyways, I was on my way to the Ferry Dock lineup. When I got there, there were about 8 rows of lineups that seemed to be never ending. I will give Nike a big pat on the back (clearly they've done this before) because I didn't wait much longer than 20 minutes to get on a boat and make my journey across the lake. Good job Nike for the organization!

The ferry ride wasn't that long, maybe about 10-15 minutes or so. I booted it to the washroom as soon as I got there instead of finding prime seating. Prioritize.

When all of us got off the boat we were greeted with welcome signs and volunteers to guide us the right way to the start. Right at the entrance there were washrooms, whose lineups weren't THAT bad., but they were still pretty long. Luckily my stomach was playing nice today. Even with having pains in my stomach at midnight and 3 am.

Since it was early, about 8 ish, by the time I got to the island and situated I dilly dallied around and got myself to bag check. I waited outside the tent on the lawn for a while where there were food trucks and washrooms, but I don't eat before races, and I didn't have any company with me so I just sat with my phone and stayed warm and dry (under my poncho I stole from my mom, it was raining out) until about 9:15 came around. Then I checked my bag, which was also extremely organized, and I was on my way over the bridge. This was where the start and finish lines were.

 I wandered around to find another washroom, with no lineup I might add, then headed to my corral in Wave 8. Selfie time!

 It took us a while to get to the start line, but it was finally in sight when the first 7 wave's were gone.

 Then we were off!

The first 3 km were on asphalt before we got  to the Billy Bishop Airport strip. We ran for 2 km up and down the runway and then continued onward. It was pretty neat to be able to see the airplanes take off and land beside you, though not as cool as the Runway Run that i've done, and see the city landscape from a different perspective.

This was when is began to drizzle/rain out. But it didn't bother me. It wasn't a cold rain luckily.We continued to run through the island past the starting line area and continued onto Algonquin Island. There was a slight inclined bridge to get onto it, but i ran up it no problem. I felt good with my pace of 6:45 to 7:30 doing 4 and 1's and was waiting to 'hit the wall'.

After Algonquin Island we travelled through Ward island and passed the 13 KM mark. I knew on my map that once 13 KM was past there is only another 2 km, it would likely be the hardest part, but it was all straight to the finish line.  I passed 13 km and STILL felt pretty good with my pace so I picked it up slightly and enjoyed my wet run down the boardwalk.

14.2 km were done and a girl asked me how much further. I told her only 800 m left and that she could do it, which in turn motivated myself to keep going. Then, I did it. I crossed the finish line. I had the biggest smile on my face because I didn't know if I could or not. I had no proof from prior training as I hadn't gone more than 10 KM before. I walked through the finish line to receive my turquoise Tiffany & Co. box with my pendant in it and I was more than thrilled.

We got bottles of water, apples, and a bag of snack bar's and chips as well. I would have preferred a banana however. There could have been them on the other side though. I love my new Tiffany's jewellery! First ever!

Overall here are my split's. About 2 KM in I had to take a pit stop that cost me about 2:00, but I was quick and in dire need of a loo!

I would absolutely do this run again. But i'd definitely do it with my mom or a friend. It was extremely well organized, there were great race shirts and shirts to buy, and pretty Tiffany's jewellery. I'd much rather that than a medal for a rack. It was a pricey run ($120) but well worth the money. And now I'm motivated, more than ever, to do another race. As well as more sore than ever! Off to the hot tub!

Barrie Waterfront 5km

Today my mom and I ran the Barrie Waterfront 5 KM run. 

One of my worst run's ever. My stomach was crappy, and I regretted only getting up an hour before we left. I really needed more than that to get situated today. But I got my stuff together and headed out the door by 7:45 as planned.

The run began at Heritage Park at 8:30 AM. Along the way I took a pit stop at the Tim's on Dunlop and we continued our way to find free parking just East of The Ranch. We got there minutes before we started our run. In fact I didn't even have time to get my nervous pee out of the way when we got there. I was fine though. So we quickly lined up and were off on our run. Mom was set to do 10 and 1's, and I kept to my 4 and 1's. I should probably progress past that, I know. After next weekend perhaps. 

With my stomach being off, and my leg's beginning to cramp up I told mom good luck and she went off ahead of me. My leg cramps lasted for just under 3 KM, then mostly went away. I really hate leg cramps. I think it's because I was a bit dehydrated from the night before and also because I didn't eat breakfast.

The route for this race was nice. It was a bit chilly, but it warmed up nicely. We ran alongside the waterfront for 2.5 KM, slightly up hill near the end but nothing dramatic, and turned around for the remaining half. At the turnaround point we met up with the 10 KM and half marathon runner's. It was marked to tell who to go where, until the finish line. All of a sudden someone was screaming at you for half-er's to keep right and all others to keep left. It made me feel like I had to make a last minute decision to grab that last brownie before the person behind me grabbed it. I survived to figure out where I was to go, and ran through the finish.

Afterwards, I met up with mom near the washrooms...our usual meeting place if we break away from each other. There were some Clif/Builder Bar's to test (I enjoyed the Mint Chocolate ones!), some Domino's Pizza and some banana's. I obviously opted for the Pizza. Great choice that I will probably pay for tomorrow. Then mom and I headed to go get our Podium cow bell's. When we got there, there was only one left. But that's okay, because who really need's two cowbell's in the Jones' residence?!

Here was a picture of our post-race selfie after.

And here was the medal alongside my bib and race shirt, if you couldn't gather that.

Overall, it was a great race that I would happily do again since it is nice and close. There were only about 400 5 KM runner's. It was small, worthwhile, great route, and reasonably priced. Not amazing shirts, but I really haven't been too great with wearing those lately anyways.

Slow and Steady

After picking up my pretty race shirt's for my Nike Women's 15 KM run on the 14th I decided I had to wear them immediately. Plus it was laundry day. But I'm a sucker for wearing new things right away. I knew I had to go for a run today, and I knew it also had to be longer than 6 km. I decided 8 was a good idea, and so I went with it. I have a 5 km race tomorrow so I didn't want to go overboard.

I took my mom's advice and went for a slower pace than usual. My average running pace, without walk adjustments is usually 6:45. Today my average running pace was 7:04. I felt like if someone watched me run I looked like a turtle stuck in PB, but I did it anyways. My stomach survived. On my run I decided to use a different running app today, called Spotify, to listen to my music on. I am getting bored of my shuffle music, so I mixed it up and gave into buying 3 months of Spotify for $1. Why not! I quite enjoyed it. Not my repeated songs over and over again that I get sick of.

I quite enjoyed my run today with my slower pace. I did 4 and 1's, which isn't anything spectacular, but I ran. I could have gone longer, but I ran out of water and I also didn't want to push it.

Though 8 km is just about half of my 15 KM run I have set up for next weekend, I know I can do it. Well, I think I can do it. And that work's for me!

Race Kit Pickup day!

Today was a double race-kit pick day! And Boy was it exciting!

In the morning, I headed up to Barrie (Running Free) to pick up my mom and I's 5 KM race kit's for Sunday morning. I ended up getting to Running Free at 11:30, even though they said pick up began at noon, but they were okay with my earliness. I picked up an Appleby's bag with a bib, shirt, Cliff bar and a few pamphlets. The shirt's were nice looking, but very long and I didn't love the material. But it is a tech shirt and it's unique with Barrie's landmark pictures on it. I picked up a Large for myself and a medium for my mom, and the medium was millimetres smaller than the large. Perhaps it was a men's accidentally? Whatever it was, it was big for her. Mine fit me just fine.

Inside the bag was alto a 'spend 100 and get $20 off' coupon for the Running Free store. I believe it was also advertised that you received 20% off of Running Free items during race-kit pickup day too. Excluding electronics, however. The last pamphlet was for the Podium Group which, if filled out, provided you with a free cowbell! Very cool! So we filled those out!

My second race kit, I picked up on our way to Toronto to watch 'Once' the musical. Nike provided a few race kit pick-up day's over a week before the race. So I took advantage of that and picked mine up at the Sporting Life store on Yonge Street. I love this store and never walk away from it without a race kit or purchase in hand!

When I got to the store I saw the beautiful Nike Toronto 15 KM shirts and couldn't resist! I headed upstairs to pick up my race kit first then decided I would shop, while Doug waited for me. I was asked for a piece of ID and my confirmation e-mail (the first I have ever been asked, for a race kit) and they set me up with my kit.

Inside the kit were a ferry ticket, course map, race wave bracelet, bib with tracker, beautiful peach tech shirt and two packet's of 4 Nuun tablets. (The orange/lime I found out I was not a fan of).

I opted in to be searchable in the system by name for tracking me the day of the race and then headed over to the beautiful other gear. I ended up buying the $45 turquoise tech tee that says 'Nike Women's 15 K Toronto' as well. Because when again would I get a shirt like that! It was very pretty!

After I had my goods in hand I was out the door in a flash. Doug was happy about that. And we were off on our way to the Downtown core. 

Both places were well organized and I had no lineup to get to. Though I have heard the Nike one had a lineup of 25 people at one point of the day, around rush hour. Glad I went when I did!