14 weeks

14 weeks pregnant and I got my cast off this week. We had an ultrasound at 11 weeks and baby is just fine. I started physio on my wrist. Wow it doesn't move at all! They are saying 3 months :( I can't run period during this pregnancy. Fast walking yes. Too much going on to risk it. I am finally starting to not feel like I am going to throw up every second of every day.

5 weeks - 2 to go

% weeks with my cast and 2 more to go. It's been tough. No running at all. period. I had an ultrasound today and baby is doing great. Me not so much. I am so sick all the time. I hate feeling sick and helpless. I have had to rely on God more then ever to bring me through.

Broken Wrist

I fell down my stairs and broke my wrist Thursday night. Baby is ok so far. Wrist no so much. I avoided surgery by 2 degrees this morning so that is good news. This is all according to His plan and I trust He will keep me and baby safe. I may never know the purpose and thats ok too. For now a lot of things are on hold including running.

Time for an update...

I have had a lot going on lately with running and work and bachelorette's and weddings and finding out I am pregnant...yeppers it's true - I am having a baby. I am officially a running pregnant lady :) Had some great 10km and under runs since finding out and although I have to take more walk breaks I am feeling pretty good. Hope I can keep it up for atleast a few more months. I have been walking a lot too. I am also VERY tired all the time. I spent the last week in Ottawa for work and was exhausted from the 14 hour days. So now I have a little one on my running journey with me :)

Collingwood Workout

My Collingwood work outs included La Scandinave Spa Thursday for 7 hours of amazing detox. I love that place. I got a RMT massage and baths for the day plus lunch and a water bottle. It was perfect weather - over cast but warm. Did a routine of 10-15 mintues of heat (hot tubs, sauna or steam room) then cold plunge in shower or pool then 10-15 minutes of relaxing in front of fire or in loungers. I stayed til close - 9pm then showered and blowdried and was out around 9:45pm. Friday was a 6 and a half hour adventure starting with 45 minutes of sprints for one minute and one minute of plyometrics of some kind then one minute light jog and repeat...it was intense but doable then headed for 2 hour hike in scenic caves and over suspension bridge then onto hiking up and down Blue Mountian. Got back around 3:30pm exhausted! Great day though. Saturday walked around village and shops for 2 hours then went dancing Saturday night. Sunday went to MAC warehouse sale in Markham for some much needed (not really) makeup...Tonight headed out for a 12 km with my friend. Great weekend for relaxing and banging out those thoughts. Thinking about starting a family...now...so that's on my mind a lot. I think it's good timing...is it ever?

Long Weekend to think

I am headed up to Blue Mountian for a much needed break from life for the next 4 days with the girls for a bachelorette. I look forward to no agenda, running and my thoughts. I have been on overload with work, decisions, running, friends and family and I am looking forward to focusing on all of that far away from it all. I look forward to some LONG runs this weekend to bang it all out. Also I HATE running in the rain because I have glasses...it sucks

It.Is.HOT

Yikes - I can't run in the heat...I am a cold weather runner for sure. This week was a struggle especially tonight's 10km - I struggles in at 59 minutes with a lot of walk breaks. I felt great after though. Had some eload heat endurance in my belt and after. I just need to adjust to the heat. Not expecting much from Sundays 10 km race except to finish...unless it's a cool temp. I am just doing these for fun. My real test is this fall if I don't get pregnant by then...

Compression Socks

I have been thinking about using compression socks and need some more research and opinions about them before I take the plunge and buy them. That's just me - research like crazy in a hopes to not fall on the tready bandwagon. I did my weight routine this week and kicked into high gear and paid for it by not walking much the next day! Loved it though - it's so worth the effort. I have been working a lot this week - 50 plus plus a 2 hour commute so it's been tiring but getting good work out and good sleeps. I am in workout mode for my best friends wedding June 26th. I can't wait :)

Times

While speed work is going well. It's a 3km warm up and cool down with 6x400m with 400m in between of slow jogging. First session was rough - best 400m was 2:08. Second session (with new shoes...) 1:46-1:57. Very happy with the improvements on that. I have a huge respect now for short distance running. It's hard!

I am looking forward to PB's this summer for the Runner Piker Series in 10km. First race is Woodstock May 30th!

Sprinting

Doing speed work is new to me...and it's hard...it pushes me in an entirely new way and it's good! I love the challenge and the pushing my body feeling. I have started RMT too with my new beenfits that I have. It's been such a blessing finally having benefits for my husband and myself. I can't wait to try accupunture and the works :)

Hillsong - Solution

On my heart at the race Sunday and tonight...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_3lckhnMdM

Saucony Hurricane 11

New shoes for me...finally. I have been running in Saucony Guide for 3 pairs and almost one year. As my last pair is on it's last legs I decided I can spend more money on some shoes and see how that goes...so double the price of my last pair later and upgrading to way more stability I am the proud owner of Hurricane 11's. The white, black and teal green pair. I am very excited about what I can do with them. Also today was my first of weekly speed training. Speed training is new for me and it wasn't pretty. It was tough. 6x400m with 400m recoveries in between plus a 2 km warm up and a 2km cool down. Much needed though but it's not the same as distance training that is for sure!

Hot Race

Drum roll please...well it was extremely humid today for the entire 10km race but that's ok because I beat my one and only other 10km last September 2009 by...3 minutes and 6 seconds so I am happy :) I am happy because God also super naturally made my mp3 work when I forgot to charge it last night, He super naturally made my friend have a watch I could borrow because I have lost mine apparently and God helped me through the 10km by not having any sun until it was over because I broke my sunglasses and didn't have any if it was sunny (prescription) oh and God is AMAZING because He also had Eload on the course which is my favourite drink in humid weather :) What can I say other then this one was for Him - the one who made me and saved me. I would recommend the Forest City race to anyone. My running friend ran the 1/2 and came 2nd in her age category :) She was a few minutes behind her anticipated time too because of humidity but still happy with her race. I am ready to start training Thursday with her for our 10km series this summer. Wanting to drop another 4 minutes this summer off my 10km.

Biking

I am thinking of biking...but that means $ to buy a bike. I think I would be good at it...I am thinking about trying a dual or tri someday. I think I might have a boke to borrow but I have learned recently from asking around to other tri people in my running group that buying a bike is worse then buying running shoes...so many kinds and so much $. I had no idea...and custom shoes??? And different clothes??? Oh well I think I should start by borrowing a friends to go for a ride. I love running but what a bad year for me and injuries although I am back up to running 40 plus km a week which is nice :) Looking forward to this Sundays 10km - rain or shine.

Race this Weekend

I decided to support my running friend while she is doing a half marathon this Sunday I signed up for the 10km. I am hoping for a PB this weekend - don't think it'll be too hard since I have only done one other one last September...

In other news my work has a rubberized track one block away and I plan on using it once a week after work :)

lulu love

I did it and it felt so good...I bought my first pair of lululemon capris. I should say my first lulu purchase ever in fact! I went out searching for new capris after my husband commented on the sagging butt in my old ones. I went to Nike, Addidas and Lululemon. Price wise all similar but the fit was incredible. So nice that I bought them on my lunch break and went to a staff party with free drinks - had one glass of wine and decided to go for a 7km run to break them in. Even left the party early to try them out! I.Love.Them!

Miles or Kms?

My friend I run with talks everything running in miles because she's from the US...naturally she says it is miles...well sometime I forget and she tricks me in to running a lot longer then I think because of it. Silly me! Today was a nice 8 miles. I thought it was kms...until we started out on the route. That's ok but in the winter she said we were doing a 18 miler and I thought kms and boy was I off...It's funny how I like to mentally prepare myself for every run and how off I get when the distance changes. I need to work on that. I think it's because I pace myself in my own mind...

Bliss

Monday I had the most peaceful run I have had since November. I felt the peace that passes all understanding the 11kms that I ran. I feel in such a good place with work and running and my life finally. Reflection is difficult as I come up to my birthday. Last year I was headed for Vegas with 3 single friends and myself engaged and now I am married and ALL my friends are not only engaged but one is getting married in April. My best God friend. Talk about God answering prayer! Wow. It always amazes me how much God loves us. Tomorrow it's a 10plus day for me then a long one on the weekend. Saturday I am hoping. I am looking forward to basking in the bliss...

It's a go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Went very well. Ran with another new running friend as well. She's running Boston in a few weeks so it was a taper run for her. I got that love back and feeling back for running that I so missed the last few months. The pure joy that comes out of running. No worries just running to worship and come to that place of submitting that I spent the last 10 months doing...it was a year ago this weekend my life changed when I prayed that God would help me get out of the rut I was stuck in and WOW - in usual God power the outcome was bigger and better and inconcieveable a year ago. I love being refined in the fire - it keeps me hungry.

Psalm 108

A song. A psalm of David.

1 My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.

3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.

4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let your glory be over all the earth.

6 Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.

7 God has spoken from his sanctuary:
"In triumph I will parcel out Shechem
and measure off the Valley of Succoth.

8 Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet,
Judah my scepter.

9 Moab is my washbasin,
upon Edom I toss my sandal;
over Philistia I shout in triumph."

10 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?

11 Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us
and no longer go out with our armies?

12 Give us aid against the enemy,
for the help of man is worthless.

13 With God we will gain the victory,
and he will trample down our enemies.

Test Day and Resurrection Sunday

Tomorrow is a test...8am with 2 friends that ran the Around the Bay in 2:30...23 kms. Can I do it? I think so - I am seeing if I can run with them for a spring half because if I don't run well tomorrow I am going to be upset :( I hope I am all better because it's a long way to walk home :)
Yoga makes me happy :) Had a great hour session so hoping for good things tomorrow. Remember the cross today.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Running with my dog

I have started trying to run a bit with my dog. She's bad...when she's with me so I tried last spring and stopped after a bit because of her acting up. Now hubby and I take her occasionally but mostly I run by myself or with my friend. Hubby is away so I have ran twice in the last week with her. Both times for 6kms with her then dropped her off then went out for 4km more on my own. It's been going well except for being attached by a Jack Russell! Did I mention my dog is 80lbs?? And a bulldog breed?? Anyways I yelled loud enough to get the other dog to run home. I worry about my dog attacking other dogs enough though she's on a leash. She is slow the last 3kms and I feel like I am dragging her but she's sleeping a lot better so I am happy. Other then that Around the Bay came and went and I didn't regret my decisions once. If you can't do it well I didn't want to do it. Glad to make that decision and move forward in my running goals. Looks like a spring half marathon for me which is just fine. I am going to focus on improving my 1:52 :)

New Goals

One week down - lots more to go! Now that I am back on the training path I am ready to commit to another half marathon very soon. I am thinking May 2 will be the date. I am sad still about my injury but happy its not permanent and I know it's God's timing not my own. I am blessed to even be able to run. I am not getting too caught up in times or distances but rather my purpose for running...through it I am at peace and that's all that matters. A peace that passes all understanding...

2 for 2

Check and Check. How long does it take to form a habit again???? This weather helps a lot. Stress fracture is still acting up. Looks like 10-18 km maximums....that's ok for me because I worked hard to rehab my knee and it's well now.

New Job equals new routine...

Aww I love my running friend. Saturday she dropped off tulips and a card congratulating me on my new job but it was a sad reminder taht we can't run as much together because she can only run when her kiddies are in school...or Saturdays if her hubby is home...and I don't work...so it's going to be a new routine for me starting with tomorrow morning. I developed a new routine I think will work well in my new working life. It is as follows:

All at 6am - 7am

Monday - 10 km
Tuesday - www.yogatoday.com free yoga class
Wednesday - 10 km
Thursday - Weight routine
Friday - 10 km

Saturday - Longer runs with my friend
Sunday off or yoga or weights (depends on how I feel)

I am starting tomorrow morning. Since I don't have to leave for work til 8am I think this is very doable for me :)

16km

Today was a good 16km day and I went out with my friend at a nice pace for a time of 1:30:30 for the total run. I am feeling better about deciding not to run Around the Bay. I was pretty down about it but between new job :), been sick for over 6 weeks in total since January, 2 stress fractures and ITB I think my body is saying NO in a big way. So I have reevaluated my goals to another half in April/May/June and then a race series of at least 5/8 events from May to October. This is doable. I love running. I run not to race but to facus on my faith so laying it all down has helped me to refocus on what's important in my life. Everything in moderation...

New job and healing

I love my new job - it's perfect for me. And funny enough - they have a running club! I will meet new people and share my love of running with others! Can't wait to get going full time starting next week. This week I am organizing and shopping for new clothes. I haven't really bought any since the weight lose but since it's stayed the same since November I am comfortable buying a few things. I need pants badly and shirts that aren't too big so that's my task this week as well as comfortable shoes. I have been running a little - 4km to 10km area and lots of yoga and weights but I am happy to have the time off for my knee and my stress fracture in my foot. I am happy to take a step back from the situation I got myself in by over training to get into balance again. Bad idea to run 65kms in 6 days - basically doubling my kms...I was frustrated about other parts of my life and took it out by running. Then I hurt myself and got more frustrated....so back to working up to my staple of 2 10kms a week plus a longer run...I am planning a run Saturday with friends so looking forwaqrd to being healthy and happy for it :) Today is yoga and tomorrow is weights.

It's back...

Job

So I went to a total of 7 job interviews for 3 separate jobs and within a week got all 3 jobs! God does answer pray all on His timing! So since it's quite evident I am going back to work I have some decisions to make! All while recovering from this knee problem. I have been doing little running (4kms) and lots of yoga and yoga fit. Tomorrow I am out for a 10km before diving into some heavy reading material (job offers :) God is Good All the TIME!!!!!!!!!!

Sick all weekend = no running

Yep I got what everyone seems to have - sore throat, can't swallow, stuffed nose, tired, just pain not well. I worked 27 hours in 3 days over the weekend so that's all I managed to do. I need the rest off to recover from this ITB thingy and I am pumped for a group run tomorrow night finally. I pushed myself too hard a few weeks back and really did I number on my knee and on my self. Nice to step back for a few days and be excited to get back out. I changed my shoes...again...with the Superfeet in them in a hopes to find a good match for me...just getting ready for an hour yoga class at www.yogatoday.com - free one of the week :)

Yoga is good

I did it! Knee is rehabbing well I guess because I managed to run and do a fantastic free yoga class online. My new favourite thing has been to do the free class of the week at www.yogatoday.com. This is my 4th week and it's great - can't beat free :) I feel it the day after every time too. Key bible was great today - the kids really loved learning about prayer. The power of pray is amazing and I loved sharing it with the little ones. Off to teach another class today and then work.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

24 km turned into a decent 10 km...

24 km with my group turned into 10km with myself as I take some time to get used to my superfeet and heal my knee. It worked out great so far. Tomorrow I am attempting a long run on my own - most likely a 20 km. Well 2 10kms in a loop around my house. Hoping to be back up to working speed. Knowing that God is the one that heals us has been a source of faith for me. I also am sitting on some job offers so I am hoping for some clarity tomorrow on that through my run.

Sunday Long Run

I am attempting Sundays long run with my new Superfeet insoles...24kms...if this doesn't work I have no clue what will...

17 hurtful kms

MY KNEE HURTS to the point of crying...just got back from 17 kms and can't walk...

My knee hurts...

I haven't ran since Wednesday in an attempt to heal my knee. I had this feeling in my left knee when training for the half but this is taking longer to go away...I also had a job interview and 20 hours of work in 3 days and Sunday I wasw supposed to run 20 kms but went to church instead. I felt God really wanted me at church today instead of running and WOW! What a powerful service both at 10am and 6pm. I am running the 20 kms Tuesday morning instead with a friend. God always makes a way :) Pray that my knee gets better because I know that God will heal me.

10 km Wednesday

Even though I ran a 59 minute 10 km WEdnesday morning, it was the most painful and longest of my life. I coulodn't breathe, I wasw sluggish, my knee hurt, I was cold. Funny how the week before I ran 20kms no problem. That's the joys of running I guess. I had another interview today for a job and an expecting a call my end of tomorrow about it as well as I have an interview Monday morning for another job. I need a job but it is stressing me out trying to find one and not make a bad decision. My husband is also job interviewing although this morning he got the job he wanted finally. 2009 was a crazy year for us. 2010 is starting off great so far. I know I just need to keep on running...

Tuesday Group Run

As I write this I am on a conference call for Team In Training. More on my participation next week...just ran 6.5 km at a nice fast pace with a great older man-I love running with new people! 16 km tomorrow. Also a JOB INTERVIEW!!! Finally after 8 months. I do know that God's plan for me are ALWAYS better then my own plans so I know a job will come in due time.

Treadmill running

I don't like running on a treadmill.PERIOD. I ran yesterday night at my husbands gym 4miles...it was terrible. I am off to run 6.5 kms with my running group tonight and a 10 miler tomorrow morning. Possibly a yoga class tonight too.

2009

Now that I am happily settled into 2010 I started reflecting on 2009...it goes a little something like this....Spent New Year's of 2009 in Whistler, BC visiting bf's brother for 10 days, came home and attempted to go to gym to lose weight for upcoming wedding....April got laid off from dream job and only job since University...went to Las Vegas with 3 of my single friends to celebrate...sort of...came back unemployed. 3 weeks later fiance got laid off - awesome we are getting married in November and we have no jobs...May 2009 started running to fill my boring day as well as started going to bible studies and teaching Key Bible to fill time. Started p/t job because it was all I could find. July decided I was going to train and run a half marathon November 1st - Road to Hope in Hamilton, Ontario. August moved back home with my parents til my wedding (hardest thing I have ever done but so many blessings came out of it!!!) September 2009 ran past 10 kms and foudn a running buddy in my town. November 1st - all by myself - no pace bunnies and no plans - also drank no water or gels or bars - finished the half marathon in 1:52!!!!! God is so good all the time! Lost a grand total of 37 lbs in 2009. Got 6 inches removed from my wedding dress 2 weeks before wedding and November 25th married my amazing husband in Dominican. 2009 was a crazy crazy year. Spiritual I was on an amazing journey in God's presence. Emotionally it was a rollercoaster and physically it was exhausted BUT I learned so much. I realized how how little material things in this world mean compared to the love of God. I would have never guessed ringing in 2009 at the base of Whister Mountian that I would have gone through such an amazing transformation inside and out. I run because God called me to run and through it my purpose is being revealed. I feel it. 2010 promises to bring greater things then 2009. I have been called to run a marathon and I I know the training is harder, longer and weather is more difficult but I am prepared as long as I stay in the word and path that God has for me.

Workouts this week

Monday I did an hour and fifteen minute runner's workout routine from Coach using weights and a yoga mat. It went by really fast by watching 100 Huntley Street the entire. It was a great full body work out of 7 pages of exercises. Easy to follow. I plan to do it every Monday night. I am not going to lie - Tuesday I was in a lot of pain from the workout and had to rest. Wednesday I wasn't feeling the greatest so I did an hour walk because Thursday was my long run of the week. 20 kms. We managed a 2 hour time with very even 10 km splits of 59 mins and 1:01. I felt great but my left knee is still pulling. I blame it on my work shoes so before work I went and bought new ones. Hope that's the solution!

Sunday Run:
Today was tough on my knee. I just came off 19 hours on my feet for work and couldn't walk. I have the cheapest work shoes I could find. Not the smartest thing when my job requires me to be on my feet on hard tile the ENTIRE TIME...I am fine when I am working but when I stop for a bit I really feel it. Right now its my right knee. It's throbbing - keep you awake at night - pain. So today I decided to go out after Fridays short and sweet fast 4km for a longer 14.5km run. I can't walk now...Like I said it's fine when I am active but when I stop I am hurting. Going out Tuesday night with no limit and spending the money on good quality work shoes. I spend more time in them then running so I should. Just hope that I don't take too long to recover from my own stupidity....I plan on going to a hot yoga class this week as that seems to really help me out. It's expensive but I like it.

Runs this week:
Tuesday was 10 km hills run on treadmill. It actuallywent by really really quickly.
Today (Wednesday) I ran 16 kms outside with a friend. My legs felt like trunks...but I made it...I put that in there today because I can't run this weekend and needed to get my long run in. Planning on running Friday morning for 10-12km. All and all a great week weather wise. My friend and I are trying to decide which marathon to enter. We are thinking Mississauga or Ottawa...I officially signed up for Around the Bay - big step for me as I have a lofty personal goal for that of 3 hours...training hard til March 28th....

Running Goals for 2010

Well I am only about 8 months into my running career if you can call it that. It's my first winter running which hasn't been too challenging so far...so I decided to set some goals for 2010 for running.

1. Run Around the Bay in Hamilton, Ontario (30kms) March 28th
2. Run a marathon May/June. Leaning towards Mississauga...
3. Focus on 5/10 kms in the summer months
4. Guide run a marathon in the fall

I am aiming for 3 hours or under for Around the Bay
I am hoping for 4 hours or under for the marathon

Question: Are these too unrealistic for a newbie runner?

Running for a Purpose

God called me to run so I would draw closer to him. In His true nature his plans for me were so much better then my own. He has blessed me so much and I have learned more since May about myself and God then in my whole life. I know that God loves me and has an amazing plan for my life. I will wait and trust in Him in the next step of my life (mainly a job) because I know He knows the desires of my heart. This is the song by Hillsong that has been in my heart and has kept me running since the seasons have changed to snowy white...until then I know I am to continue running as He called me to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE33ejdgWIY

Proverbs 3:5-12

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this.

Sunday Long Run

Wow today was a fantastic day to venture out with 21 other fellow runners for my first long run as a part of this new running group I joined. As you know I just started running in May 2009 so this is my first winter running...and I decided I needed back up. I had a great experience running all summer up to 10 kms on my own. In September God orchestrated a divine meeting with a fellow runner in my town to train with as I had it on my heart to run a half marathon November 1, 2009. We met up about 1-2 times a week for long runs mostly and I trained the other 1-2 times on my own. This worked out well for both of us and I am especially proud of my half marathon time of 1:52 but now that it's chilly out I am still running with my friend 1-2 times a week but really find it hard to run on my own. At the half marathon finish I ran into a family friend who ran a running group near where I live and suggested coming out. They run twice a week together - just what I need! I have some pretty heavy goals for a newbie this year so this is just what I need. Today was a hilly 18kms in -12 with a slight wind and half sun half cloud. Trying to find a person to run with has been a challenge. I ran Tuesday with someone then got placed with a person they thought was more my pace today and they are suggesting Tuesday another person. That's fine by me as I finished very strong today I feel I can step up more. After all I want these runs to count in my training process. I really enjoyed running and talking - it made time go by a lot quicker but I did miss my usual time of prayer and listening to Hillsong. I will make a point of taking time for myself to focus on the One who made me more next run. After all is the the Beginning and End - the Author of my Life!

How I came to run

It was May 2009, I just got back from Vegas for a week with my girlfriends to find myself laid off from my job I loved. It was my only job since University. It had become my entire world as happens to many people. For 6 years I let it consume my life and I had let my life outside of work pass me by. Spiritually and physically I was a mess. I was 30-40 lbs over weight and unhappy. I just didn't realize it until I didn't have to go to work anymore and I had to spend 40 plus hours a week with myself instead. I felt an overwhelming sense of despair until I woke up one day to a desire to run...I hadn't done much physical activity in the past 6 years let alone run but with a lot of time on my hands I started slowly but surely. The more I ran the more in God's word I got. God changed my entire attitude towards running and food. I give Him all the credit and all the Glory because He strengthens me and is with me every step of the way. Running is my way of staying in close fellowship with God. He definitely revealed Himself to me in the months since I started running. I am thankful every day that I can run to worship the King of Kings!