Hills in the a.m.

I set out this morning like any other road run, unethusiastic about the same old scenery. It was colder than I had anticipated and my legs were chilled with just shorts covering them. I forgot my gloves.

Continuing on, Potters Rd. came upon my right, a road I usually avoid unless I'm in the mood for pain. The road is long and straight, with three massive hills spread throughout it. I decided quickly that today was not the day for a long, exploratory run, so down Potter I went. The road was light this morning, sun shining through the thick line of trees along each side creating a beautiful, calming view.

The route creeps me out usually, it's dark and uninhabitated. It seems weird, coming from someone who enjoys long runs through wooded areas and yet something about the space between houses, intimidates me. I become nervous, on edge and wary of any cars that pass by on the thin road.

The sun added a beautiful change to the difficult course I was about to take.

Hills, I decided to do some hill repeats this morning as a wake up and exercise insentive. As I stated above, the road is divided into three massive, steep hills with long plateaus in between each. The first hill I powered through, feeling confident in my ability to keep a continuous fast pace, I went back down the hill and ran it again.

I was feeling it now, legs a little tired and lungs a little weezey. It doesn't help that I have an infection in my lungs.

I jogged lightly through the plateau, and decided on my mock starting line for the next hill. I noticed that this hill was the steepest, and longest of the three. But, it also did not start high up, beginning with a slow incline. Magically there was a crack in the pavement at the exact spot I had chosen to begin sprinting. The hill was exhausting, I tried to go fast but efficiently, breathing well and not focusing on the pain in my tightening calves.

I reached the top, feeling joyous, I went back down the hill. Running back up was easier, I had already done it once and knew that if I put the effort in and stayed positive, it would be no problem.

The last hill made my legs feel like jello, it wasn't a long hill, just short and extremely steep. Again, powering up it I felt incredible, on top of the world though I was exhausted. I only ran that hill once and had to crouch at the apex to catch my breath and stop coughing.

It was ridiculous, I have such a difficult time breathing but I didn't give up. 5 hills later and 4K I was feeling the workout that I had set out for.

Tomorrow, 10K run through the wilderness. Should make for an interesting blog, sure to include mud and many hills.

Leaves, rain and mud...

It was dark this morning for an uncharacteristically long time.

I finally decided it was light enough to drag myself from bed around 8 a.m. when the sun finally crested the backyard treeline. It was warm in my room, though i hadn't opened my window throughout the night which may have accounted for some of the heat.

Donning leggings, a base layer shirt and my trail running shoes, I headed out the door to the local conservation area for a mid-morning run. I knew it would be damp, as the roads were dark with freshly fallen rain. But I persisted anyway.

I chose a difficult path, the same my cousin and I went last time, except this time I took the route backwards. Usually I start with the Junior Loop to warm up and then continue along, but today I took the Esker Trail right off the bat. The hill on this side is different than the one my cousin and I climbed, it's steeper, longer and has less plateaus to rest your calves that will undoubtedly be screaming.

I made it to the top, and stood for a moment looking over what I had achieved. Then continuing along.

Two men passed me going in the opposite direction, running at a faster pace than I could ever hope to achieve. I continued along, reaching a post with a map on it. I contemplated where i wanted to go, simply finish the loop, or add the Junior Loop onto the end. While staring at the map, the men passed again, this time going the other way. I can't understand how they did it, I wasn't running that slowly and it would take longer than five minutes to reach the end of the Esker Trail and come all the way back. I conclude that they turned around at the halfway point.

The rest was downhill, and this is where the mud began. The leaves covered most of it, making it hard enough to run along. But when the leaves were sparse, the mud splashed behind me, sucked my shoes in and soaked my socks. It was terrible. It wouldn't be so bad if the mud were simply wet dirt, but this was thick mud. It swallowed my entire shoe, covering my ankle in its thick sludge.

I found myself hopping from dry space to dry space, hoping to find someway to be able to run efficiently in this condition.

At least I wore my long leggings, instead of my running shorts. Kept my legs dry.

I finished the run feeling on top of the world, and wanted t continue along. Unfortunately I ran for longer than I had originally allotted for, and was out of time.

I walked back to my car, mud drenched and soaked from the light rain falling.

Running in the rain

I hadn't run in four days, it was driving me mad. Looking out my car window as I drove home, rain drops spattered my window, blocking my view of the beautiful farmland.

It wasn't raining hard, just enough to be a nuisance and dampen my good mood.

Donning shorts, a long sleeved shirt and my trail running shoes (Adidas trail shoes, amazing shoes), my cousin and I headed out for a short run through the woods. The canapy of trees over head allowed us to run smoothly without being pelted by the rain.

We chose a trail with a higher difficulty level than last time, conquering the large, steep hill of mud. We began the run with a light jog through the woods, a relatively flat surface as far as trails go. Mud flew as we ran and coated our calves. Then, we decided upon our challenge.

The hill branches off of the main trail and continued along a higher level. Surprisingly, the trail up the hill was relatively dry and not too slippery. We managed to make our way up safely by stepping on rocks and roots for support. The trees grew thinner as we climbed, leaving us exposed to the now hard falling rain.

We were drenched by the time we finished, but felt amazing. Our run had been short, only 4K, but the hill added some difficulty. We sped back to the car, legs pumping as we ran between the rain drops. What a run.

Dragging my butt out of bed before dawn

So I had it all planned out. I would wake around 7 and be out the door for a 6K run by 7:30. It was perfect, the sun would be shining, it would be warmish with minimal frost on the ground.

It was all a dream.

I awoke freezing at 7:20 to the pitch black sky outside my window. It had snowed, not just frost but a light dusting of snow and for some reason, the sun had not risen yet. Grudgingly, I stared at my alarm clock, willing it to yell 'Just kidding!' and show the real time of 4 a.m., but alas it was just wishful thinking.

Rolling out of bed, I shivered into my winter running tights and two shirts. Usually, I try to run in as little as possible, knowing that my body will warm up quickly and I would be too warm with more than one layer on. Today, I could not help but indulge my shivering body with an extra layer and some mittens before heading out.

It was not as cold as I had anticipated and was pleasantly surprised that when my cousin and I started out that my nostrils did not immediately stick together while inhaling. That is my biggest annoyance, being unable to breathe due to cold nose hairs and nostrils that clump together.

I have yet to discover a way to save myself from the ordeal.

We set out for the first half of our run; a short 3.2K through a small country road, as her ankle was bothering her and we didn't want to push it. Looping back around her house, she stopped in to pick up more clothing to warm her cold body and we set out again for another couple of K's.

The sun had breached the trees now and we ran towards it, feeling the warmth make our faces glow in the welcomed heat. We didn't feel tired anymore, as we did when it was cold.

We continued for another 3K, bringing our entire morning run to 6.2K. No matter how grudgingly you step out the door in the morning for your run, that run will make a great start to your day as you know you have done something active and exciting when others are still asleep in their beds.

Trails as far as the eye can see

My cousin and I were finally got together and ran through the local trails. We had never run together and were tentative to start, but the only way to do it is with one foot in front of the other.

We took it slow, jogging casually as the leaves rustled up around us and crunched under our feet. She had never fun through wooden trails before and was have difficulty remembering to keep an eye out for roots, branches, rocks, nuts and anything else that could cause a run to fall flat on their face.

The trails were divided into loops of different difficulties and lengths, we decided to complete the 'junior loop' which was the first loop and only about 1 1/2K in length. We stopped for a drink break while assessing the map to decide our next path.

Lucky for us we had gloves on as the wind managed to find us as it whistled through the trees.

Why is it that the hands are the last thing to warm up when on a run? It makes an unprepared run uncomfortable.

A running meet had been hosted just before we had arrived, leaving behind a trail of yellow ribbons marking the route and litter all over the ground. Bits of ribbon and candy wraps flew with the leaves as we ran past. Had they never heard of a garbage can? Or the idea of NOT littering at all?

We finished our run feeling amazing, 5K in 35:00 with many leisurely breaks to look at the scenery around us. We're meeting again tomorrow for a run along the road.

Hills, hills and winter leggings.

After a tough day at school, I couldn't wait to get home and run as far as possible.

I went out, donning my winter running leggings, a long-sleeved shirt and mittens. There was frost all over the ground and the wind did not make the first 15 minutes of the run enjoyable. The cold wind made my nostrils stick together and my breathing laboured. I decided to persevere, veering from my usual, mundane route and chose to tackle the country hills.

My usual route is flat, with minor hills and small turns, but this time I doubled my length and difficulty factor. It started with a massive hill, well massive to me, that ran 1/2K down the 'highway' on a gravel shoulder. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but in roadrunning shoes and a freshly laid gravel shoulder, it was like running on marbles.

I made it down and felt amazing, usually after running downhill my quads feel like they've been beaten with a meat cleaver but I took my time and remembered to breathe calmly.

The next road depicted a classic fall scenery, beautiful trees with colourful leaves falling gently to the asphalt road before me. The leaves flew behind me as I ran through them. On the other side of the road were leaveless trees and uninhabitated houses with barking small dogs.

Somehow, my feet had moved in my shoes while travelling down the previous hill and my toes were being driven against the toe of my shoes. I continued along slowly, wriggling my toes as I went to aleivate some of the pressure placed on them.

A group of leaves flew through the air, I stopped to watch them gracefully fly around me.

One hit me in the face, making me double over with laughter before continuing along, wary of the many vicious leaves circling me.

My next road came up slowly on the right and guided me along empty farm fields. It was a short gravel road that led to my greatest challenge yet.

The next road was a hill. One giant hill of about 1 1/2K with tiny plateaus in the hill to allow for breathers. I thought my calves were going to shrivel up, they were so tight and tired. The hills were not your average, gentle sloping hills. They were 90 degree hills, okay... maybe that's an exxageration, they were 85 degrees. Those, combined with the cold and my tiredness made it feel like hell.

Finally, I could see the top, air peeked between the top of the final hill and the bowed trees.

It was amazing. I now understand what people mean when they talk about a 'runners high'. I couldn't catch my breath when I reached the top of the hill, but I turned around and looked down at whence I came. It was breathtaking. I had just climbed a hill that I didn't think I would ever be able to.

Wow.

The rest of the way home was a blissful blurr as I thought about my accomplishment for the day. 6K, that's a 1K more than I have ever run. And it's 3K more than my normal runs. I tend to avoid hills, but was looking for a challenge today to regain my motivation. It had been found.

Motivation

I have not run in three days, today would be the fourth but I am forcing myself to get out on my lunch break.

One day of rest and your body thanks you.

Two days, you feel like your limbs are leaden.

Three days, and you just can't seem to find that motivation that used to drive you out every morning in the winter, snowstorm or not.

Today, I set my alarm clock for 6:40 and was excited to finally get out. But when the alarm went off, it was snowing and pitch black. Snowing! It's the middle of October and there was a light layer of snow on the ground. I went back to bed.

Now, I'm sitting in class with my base layer running tights underneath a pair of jeans, ready to head outdoors at the first break I get.

Running shoes, check.

Warm leggings, check.

Sweater, check.

Mittens, check.

Wait, mittens? Yes readers, I am wearing mittens for a run and it is only October. For some reason, my hands are the last thing to warm up when I'm out for a run and can make a seemingly enjoyable run, miserable.

I already have my run planned out, in two stages. There are two trails around here, both by the water and both beautiful to run along. But you have to drive from one to the other. So first I will run at Zwicks park, a slow 3.5K of solitude before heading back into my car for another 3K behind the local hospital. I'll let you know how it goes when I'm finished.

... 4 hours later...

Okay, so while I did go out for my run... I only went 4.5K instead of the 6.5K I promised.

Running through unfamiliar territory

I was supposed to get up this morning and run at 6:45, and I really should have. But the bed was calling to me and the idea of running in the dark, through streets I didn't know, did not appeal to me. Back to sleep I went.

Around 2:30 I began to feel the effects of my choice this morning. I hadn't run yesterday, and my legs were feeling stiff and life-less. I needed to get out.

I wanted to just run, find my own way as I went and return when I decided I was ready. My boyfriend had other ideas, he went on Google Maps, searched Fonthill and found a route that would bring me on a decent run, clocking in at just under 4K. He also argued that my cell phone had to be carried with me.

Out I went, uncharted territory with little more than the memory of a computer screen map in my mind to guide me. It was exhilarating. I made sure that I kept an eye out for the streets I was supposed to turn onto, but while in the middle of a hill, I took a side street to avoid the rest of the grueling climb.

The plan went downhill from there.

I had to cut the run short, sharp pains clawed at my left calf with each step I took. I knew that I had to go in a certain direction, my ending point was somewhere to my right, just a few streets away. So on I ran, in the way that I thought I had to go.

I was completely lost.

I ended up standing in front of a park, I could go in either direction but nothing looked promising. I stared down at the cell phone I unwillingly carried with me, and called my boyfriend. After much debate of where I was, he told me that I was only two streets away, five minutes from home.

This town was so different than where I normally ran, people stared... actually, they gawked at the unfamiliar female running amok through their streets. They actually stopped what they were doing, turned and watched me pass. I felt like I was running like Phoebe from friends, like a child having the time of their life. And that's how I felt, but knew that my form was a little more controlled than that.

Soon, things began to look familiar. A trail came up to my left that would lead to his house and to where I could get water. Oh yeah, failed to mention. This was my first run without carrying a drink with me. Not the best of ideas, no matter what the distance.

I found the house and the end of my adventure.

What I learned: Carrying a cell phone is not necessarily as bad a thing as I originally thought. I like to get away from technology when I run, revelling in the feeling of having my alone, quiet time; having the cell phone took kilometres and much pain out of my exploratory run.

Training, week 1

I've recently decided to take on the most prestigious, and lengthy race so far; Nike's Human Race 10K.

It is not time based, there is no crowd to worry about, simply myself and the road for 10 kilometres (five kilometres longer than I have ever gone.)

Somehow, I got it into my head that I should train towards something. Five K's do not require much training, with proper shoes and hydration it doesn't take much. But a 10K is different, it's about endurance, slowing the body down to withstand the distance.

Last night I went for my first 'training' run, a grand total of 4.5 kilometres. I began at dusk and by the time I completed the 4.5, I was revved up for more, but it was pitch black and there are no street lights. Plus, there have been bear sightings. Just to be safe, I went home.

The run itself was great, started with a 4 minute walk to warm up my cold muscles and then ran at a casual speed along the roadside. There weren't many cars, only a few off-leash dogs, whom I had to stop for so their owners could catch up.

Tip #1: If you see an off-leash dog coming towards you, from any direction, always stop to let it smell you. Running will provoke the dog, even if it had friendly purposes in mind. Then, stop to make sure an owner is around. There is nothing worse than a run being cut short because you had to babysit a stray dog for 45 minutes before someone shows up.

I continued along, around half way through the run, when my feet are usually good and sweaty (not to mention a little swollen) I realized that I had the wrong socks on. My New Balance 805's fit like a glove, absolutely beautiful shoes, though on any run longer than 3K will cause problems if thicker socks are not worn.

Tip #2: When in training, blisters can be the biggest nuisance to hold up your progress. Always wear proper socks when trying to make progress. If it's just a fun run then it doesn't matter. But with a race in 3 weeks, this blister will be a pain.

Coming around the last bend before my final stretch home, I contemplated going farther. My muscles weren't exactly tired but not fresh. I looked down the road, forest on both sides, no street lights, not a car or house in sight. It was close to pitch dark out. I didn't have anything reflective on me.

Tip #3: If there is even a chance that your run will go late, wear reflective gear so that vehicles will be able to spot you easily on the road. A cell phone would also be a good idea if you are not near houses.

The run was good, I managed to push myself to complete the run at a comfortable pace and did not burn out quickly. The next few 'training' runs will be crucial for completing the actual Human Race 10K on Oct. 24.

For more information on Nike's Human Race 2009, see http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_humanrace-en_GB/2009/07/27/run-the-human-race-2009

Run for the Cure, Kingston.

This weekend was my first major race and it was intense. Anyone who remembers, fondly or with terror, their first race, it is always terrifying.

I had run one race before, which drew a crowd of a grand total of a hundred people, and I thought that was nuts. Sunday was a hundred times more insane. There were at least 500 hundred runners, and each brought their entire family and the pets for support. A mad house. I stepped away from my own small support group and mingled slowly into the anxious runners.

The Run for the Cure is completely different than the run I did the weekend before. This was filled with supporters, fundraisers, even people who had beaten cancer stood in the pack. They cheered in the right places, whooped outrageously and when the starting gun blasted, walked across the starting line. That's right fellow runners, they walked. Granted, the run had a walking portion to it, allotting for those who could not have completed the five kilometres expected of them. Walkers were supposed to stay to one side, and allow the runners to pass before beginning their journey. Somewhere that was thrown out the window and everyone started at the same time. It took almost 50 seconds to cross the line.

Once the pace picked up, and the crowd dispersed the race truly became enjoyable. It had stopped raining, the lake was in view and I was passing people without even thinking about it. The course was relatively flat, with one water station and a few minor hills. Until the last kilometre and a half. Right smack in front of me was a giant hill that runners disappeared over. I stopped, staring weakly up at it, wondering if I had the strength left to tackle the hill properly and decided that I might as well finish strong. I sprinted, huffing and puffing the entire way before making it to the top.

Best feeling in the world, I think I even laughed a little in the process at the awestruck faces of people walking the hill.

Slowly, the end came within view and while I had only completed a 5K race, I felt amazing. I could see my excited parents and boyfriend waiting at the finish line for me to cross, mother with her camera poised for the perfect, unflattering finish photo. And at 37:00 I did it.

The Run for the Cure happened all across Canada on Oct. 4 and raised more than $26 million this year for breast cancer research.