Snow Much Happiness

Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination. – Roy L. Goodman

December 15 Run: 45:17 (mm:ss), 5.47 km, 8’16″/km

Woah woah woah, let’s cover one thing with this pace, I was running in snow and my watch kept telling me I was running at 5’s and 6’s the whole time!! Not to fret though, I got out and completed my run after skipping the run on Friday night. I’ve been sick the last two days – not cold sick from the weather but bathroom sick which means no rapid movement allowed. Sorry if that was too much info for you.

Anyways, I got out to do the Friday run I had missed today since I felt a little better, my stomach is still not 100% back to normal but I managed. We got hit here with a LOT of snow and I’m sure all my fellow runners in Southern Ontario know what I mean since this is our first “Major” snowstorm of the season. According to the news we got hit with 25-30 cm of snow yesterday. My run today was wonderful. Very very tough but wonderful. This challenge was different from any other I have done as the issue was not with breathing or wind, it was with pushing my legs to go harder and faster because the snow felt so packed and tough to move through. I ran on the roads (against traffic) since most sidewalks weren’t done yet. I had to do mine twice yesterday and again this morning twice…. Cars were very kind even if they gave me crazy eye. Thank you everyone who was out shovelling and clearing up the sidewalks as well as to those cautious drivers who didn’t honk at me 😀

No, this did not stop me from starting my run 🙂

Eventually I made a path… then made my way to the roads!

I was dressed well and had the weather on my side. No wind!! Or not a lot anyways. My second layer of socks were soaked when I got back from my run but I didn’t notice during my run so I’m happy about that. My gloves were a tad too warm and so was my fleece buff headband. I wore the same pants I mentioned in last post and they were greats. Legs stayed warm!! 😀 In the end, it was all wonderful!! Some fluffy snow dropped a little bit during my run, oh how much I loved it!! ❤ Some shovellers were looking at my like I was crazy and they looked pretty angry and miserable… Not sure why some people hate the snow so much and choose to live in Canada? 🙂

So, I’m one run behind and I will make it up. I haven’t decided if I’ll do 3 runs in a row or if I will just shift my runs down one. The current plan I am running is run every other day. I know I have procrastinated with putting it up so here it is: Run For Fat Loss. I’ve been slacking on cross-training as well and there’s no excuse but Christmas. Hopefully I can jump back on a full strength/cross-training plan again on my days off soon! Right now I just need my days off to work and get holiday stuff ready 😀

Anyways, off to shower and get some food in this belly!!

Happy Running!!

rundmach

Run Calm, Run Happy

Keep Calm and Stride On. 

November 27 Run: 40:05 (mm:ss), 5.08 km, 7’53″/km

Today’s run was a steady run which means outside running!! Yay!!  I should have been a little faster but I chose to run outside since it wasn’t a speed/interval run. Yes, I chose to run in -5°C weather (feels like -11°C). I didn’t care too much for pace, (I barely looked at my watch), as long as I achieved the run goal of 40 minutes at a steady pace I would be happy. My heart rate monitor says I exerted a steady flow of effort (even though my pace jumped around a bit) which is good because I did slow down a bit going uphill against wind at a few legs of my run. I am very happy with today’s run except for making the wrong turn. I made an early right turn and missed an entire section I had mapped out prior to my run so I had to make a loop back around to complete the time. Besides being a little frustrated with not knowing where I was going in the dark, I had a wrist light and was just happy to be out. I stayed calm and just continued to run until I hit a major street. A calm run meant a very peaceful and happy run. I am so glad I chose to go outside – I hope you do too.

My legs were cold!! Burr!! I couldn’t feel my toes until 15 minutes into the run – they were tingly and numb but I didn’t mind. I dressed well upper body, just need some better running tights. Any recommendations for below 0?
I love the winter! Running over snow and treading carefully over ice patches made me feel like a champion!

I hope you’re enjoying the crisp weather as much as I am! White hot chocolates, scarves, toques, mitts, snow, and now running!!! 😀

Happy Running!

rundmach

Run It Off

Surprise!

It’s Tuesday and I’m blogging! What? I got out and did a run on a Tuesday night, woohoo! Finally pushed myself after work, dinner, and off the couch!

August 6 Run: 39:15 minutes, 5.22 km, 7’30″/km

Today’s run was amazing! I never stopped to walk once today. I kept a steady comfortable pace and sped up or slowed down when I felt, but constantly pushing. Best run in a very long time. God was testing me for sure. i stepped outside and it started spitting. I didn’t turn around and walk up the drive way, I said, fine, I guess I will run in the rain instead. I went out with the intentions of doing 3k then changed my mind to 4k and ended up doing 5k! Could this be because I did the run at night? Who cares! I feel great!

I’d also love to thank everyone for their support. I know I keep saying it but I truly mean it. Your comments mean a lot, likes, and follows. Thank you for everything!

I am definitely loving life as I had a pretty rough day at work today. I feel like this is déjà-vu and the same time last year I let the same work problems get to me. It’s not so much work because I do love what I do, but the people… There are quite a few who are dedicated and love the culture we are in and have a passion for our company, but then there are obviously the ones who are there for a pay-cheque and just don’t fit in. It does get to me how some people can make it through a job when they blatantly don’t care. I won’t rant too much because it has flown on and I’ve left it outside with my footprints.

I hope you’ve had a great Tuesday!

Love,

rundmach

Time & Money

Hey There,

What a shocker, another week another single run. I’m not disappointed though, I had a great few days off last weekend: one run, relaxed, cleaned the house, went to the Canadian Open, and enjoyed life. I have started making changes in my life again as I slipped and started eating what I wanted but tooooo much of it. It’s not about dieting, but it’s about moderation. Why do I need to eat a large bag of chips in one sitting, I don’t! Or an entire bag of gummy bears? I don’t! So, it’s time to go back to portioning my eating, like a small bowl of chips for one sitting, not the entire bag, or paying more for smaller portions (i.e. candy packages) to limit my consumption.

August 3 Run: 30:38 minutes, 4.01 km, 7’38″/KM

Okay, so it seems a little slower and a little less than 5 K, a whole KM shorter! But today’s plan was to run and meet a friend at a location where he would have his car. I got there at around 3.5 km and had to run up and down the street until I hit 4 KM then called it quits. My next run will have to be 5 K, I find that’s a great point to always achieve. With walking in between, I will get my 30 minutes of exercise in but also a distance that I can be completely proud of. Of course 4 KM is HUGE for a beginner runner… How long can I keep calling myself a beginner? It’s been over a year of steady on off running so I really am just a runner. I want to run more!!

They say money can’t buy happiness and I beg to differ. The image above sums it up. If I had money, I could work whenever I want and run whenever I want. I would have time to cook healthier meals instead of opting for fast food and pre-made meals. If I had money, I could buy more awesome running related product which is kind of happiness because I love that stuff… So, this might make me seem shallow or very materialistic to some but come on, you have to admit, when you get that awesome new shirt, all you want to do is take off the tags, put it on, and go for a run! You Run with this new shirt on with pride and somehow, you seem to go just that little bit faster on your first run with it, YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE! It happens to all of us, we get caught up in the things associated to what we love. We love to run and so we are consumed by the materials that surround running. What’s my point here? I just wish I had a bit more time!! Not necessarily money but more time and well, we all know Time is Money.

Anywho, I better get some fuel in me, I’m starving! Until next run…

Happy Running!!

rundmach

Good Start

Good Afternoon,

I am off from work today and tomorrow! Needed to take a mini vacation and here we are.

July 25 Run: 38:09 minutes, 5.01 km, 7’37″/km

I’d like to say this time off has been off to a wonderful start. Already got out for one run, hopefully another before Monday. Seems I am off to a great start on my runs in my new neighbourhood and then taper off. Stupid hills. My first km today was 6:06!!! It’s been a while since I’ve run at that pace but of course, I slowed down once the hills hit. I also ran at intervals today. 6 minute on, 1 walk, 5 run, 1 walk, then a series of 3 minute running and 1 minute walking until I hit 5 k at 38 minutes.

Some other greatness to share; my chest did not hurt the last two runs. This could be due to the inhaler or the heat wave leaving us. Or maybe it’s a combination of two. I still can’t breathe very well in terms of getting big enough breathes in so I’m struggling with huffing and puffing but the pain is gone, so that’s really good news for me! Super excited to run some more!!

I’ve also signed up for my next 10k and my charity, I’ll be posting about it more later one once I get some more info.

Hope you’re having a great summer as well!

Happy Running.

rundmach

Sheer Laziness

Hi there,

I’m a little lost for words today… I haven’t even started my run plan yet…

July 7 Run: 30:16 min, 3.69 km, 8’11″/km I couldn’t run…

I couldn’t breathe.. My stomach/lungs were clenched.. RunRChatts wanted to get out there today so I went with him… Bad choice for me sleeping in because when he showed up ready, I rolled out of bed, changed, chugged down some water and ate a few energy chews and off I went. I dragged held him back for about 1.5 kms (a little lost in the new neighbourhood) and he went off and cycled back to me later on. From that point on, I did 2 minute run and 1 minute walk until I hit 30 minutes. Could it be the humidity today? It’s 26°C, feels like 35 with 73% humidity.

It seems that mentally I get super motivated and then somehow I get discouraged and end up doing nothing. Mostly, there’s no excuse, it’s just accepting that I’m lazy. WHY?

So, I’m disappointed with myself for dying for the summer to come so I wouldn’t have to run on the treadmill… Summer is here and I don’t want to leave my couch. What’s going on and why can’t I fight this heat?

I was definitely too optimistic when I wanted to sign up for every run possible this summer. I struggle getting myself out the door in this heat. Especially when there’s no sun and it’s this hot!

We were planning to run 5k and I couldn’t even get to 4. On the plus side, I did just get out there and move. Although the running was quite slower than any of my other runs I can ever remember, I did run.

What do you do to stay motivated in this heat???

I hope you’re having better luck than I with your relationship with running!!
I know it’s not luck, it’s your dedication and willpower that keeps you going!!! Keep it up!! Thanks for reading, you’re and inspiration to me!!!!

rundmach

What’s Next

Hey there,

I haven’t blogged since my 10k Race last Sunday because I haven’t been out for a run. I went for a run yesterday!

May 19 Run: 43:52, 6.16 km, 7’07″/km

This week I let go and ate everything I craved and wanted… Well almost everything, I didn’t cave and have poutine or any of the other really bad foods I love. Pizza, chips, candy, and much more was in the mix. BUT it’s ok, I run. 🙂

Now, I’ve been really caught up all week with deciding what the next race will be. I want to sign up for all of them in June before it gets too hot but I am busy packing and moving. I want to make time to train but I also don’t want to stress myself out too much. I’ll decide when the time comes closer to the races… I feel like I’m addicted to races already! I keep looking them up and I’ve even written down all the options for June on a calendar. I don’t want to be overcommitted either…

Here’s the craziest thing… Last year, completing 10k would have been out of this world for me to complete before the September plan, but I did it in May, 4 months earlier! I would have never thought 10k would be so fun. But here I am…. Craving to finish this years’s races so I can train for a half marathon. Did I just really say this?! I think so. I’ve been dabbling with the idea ever since finishing the 10k last week. I WANT to finish a half marathon! I may be slow, but I will finish! 🙂

So what’s really next? A lot of running, I will make time. Packing, moving, and settling in a new home. Run some more. Sign up for some fun runs. Start my fundraising for the Terry Fox Foundation. Decided on which 10k to run in September (Terry Fox fun run or Toronto Zoo Run-timed). Maybe begin training for a half marathon for 2014?

Happy Running,

rundmach

New Gear

Hi there,

It’s a gorgeous Sunday afternoon here as I blog from my balcony soaking up the sun.

I did it! I got the Nike+ Sportwatch GPS. I ran with it today and beat my last 5K best of 2013 by almost 30 seconds! Since I now have this GPS watch, my run recap line will feature date, time, distance, and pace. I’m so happy to finally have something I can rely on! To those who commented/sent me info, Thanks for the feedback on your GPS watch. I know running is just going out and running but I like having goals set and measurable results to get me to improve.

May 5 Run: 33:54, 5K, 6’43″/km

I am having a bit of trouble syncing my watch instead of my iPod to get my true results (I ran with my Nano to have music and as a back up). Nike is working on helping me fix this right now so hopefully I’ll have what I’m looking for. I basically started my run at around a 6’24” pace. This is pretty darn fast for me. At around 2.5 km in, I was at 6’30” but somewhere I dropped off down to 7 minutes a km! This isn’t so bad, that’s still pretty darn fast for me. I’m hoping I can see my run on Nike+ soon: their dashboard shows a map and traces out your pace. I’m interested in seeing where I slowed down since the entire run I thought I had kept a steady pace.

It has dawned on me that my runs earlier this year were tracking my warm ups and cool down walks which could be what’s making my average pace seem so much slower for those first few months. I do not want this to be a negative and have it take away from my results now. I am still running faster, better, and smarter than I was 4 months ago.

Can you believe it, it’s May already! Running is no longer a task to becoming thin, it’s a life long goal and passion for me to continue because it makes me better, makes me a healthy and happy me. Almost one year ago I went for my first run with a dear friend. Unfortunately, she’s been injured since but still cheers me on. Although I took a bit of a break at the end of last year, this doesn’t change the fact that I’ve found a new Love in my life and I am very happy to be bonded with such a great community who share the same passion as I.

I love you running, I love you runners, and I love you for reading my blog.

rundmach

Speed Play

Happy Weekend!

Yesterday, I went for a run on my lunch break at work. It was great in the 21°C sun! Something about the weather just makes me happy and my body soaks up the energy!

April 3 Run/Fartlek: 19:16, 1.86 miles / 3 km (2.78 on Nike+)

This fun run, I tried something called fartleks… I’ve been trying to understand the difference between all the different training techniques and ways to improve. I found a very great article that breaks down the difference between fartleks, tempo runs, intervals, hills, etc. check it out if you need some guidance or clarification on different ways to run: The Runner’s Building Blocks. This was actually very helpful as I just never understood the lingo in running or what was different between tempo and interval runs. I’m not quite 100% sure I get it, but I get what fartleks are and I tried it out yesterday.

My goal was to run 3 km, no other goals. After running for a bit I decided I’d try this fartlek that I read about. I set trees and streets as markers of when I would run hard and where I would slow down. I did this a couple times making sure I gave myself enough of a “easy” pace between each burst. I’m not sure if what I am doing is “right” but as long as I’m running and not hurting myself, it’s perfect! 🙂 I did find this online as well to help describe a fartlek run:

I really enjoyed this run even if it wasn’t for the fun fartleks. The beautiful weather, my breathing, and pace was all pretty good. I also can’t complain since my pace is picking up when I run during the daytime, less than 7 min per km again! I’m a day person, I know this, I just never put it together with running until now.

I’m going to run a few more times this week during lunch before the race next Sunday. Yes, it’s next Sunday!! I’m excited for this one to be over so I can have that 10k under my belt and start signing up for more races…probably in the 5k region though.

Any-who, time to enjoy the weekend! I hope you have a wonderful weekend yourself!

rundmach

Friday Funday 10:1

Good Day!

It’s a beautiful day outside. Today, is Good Friday and I get the day off work. Couldn’t have been better planned, 5° C outside. Perfect for getting back out for the first outdoor run of the year!

March 29 Run: 66 minutes, 5.22 miles (8.40 km, 9.06 km on Nike+)

I’d like to thank fellow runner and blogger runrchatts for coming out here and running with me today. He obviously kept pace with me but it was great having someone who knew my pace and kept it for those moments I needed to step it up a little bit.

After my last blog things were challenging in life. By things I mean everything and I even had the split moments considering if I should just quit running. I stumbled across this inspirational image/quote to the right and just realized, I’m a runner!
I would also like to thank everyone for the encouragement and support after my last blog. It honestly helps knowing that I’m not quite alone here, you are motivating and helping me stay strong. Thank you thestripedstrawberry, diannegray, I’maRunner?, and Emma D. They all have great blogs you should check out too! Thank you everyone who follows, reads, like, shares, and support. 🙂

So, let’s talk running. Today’s run was my longest distance and longest time. I will be repeating this run two more times before increasing the time again. The run was as follows for 10:1, 5 minute walk, 18 minute run, 1 minute walk, 18 minute run, 1 minute walk, 18 minute run, and 5 minute cool down walk. All in all, I had a better run than last but kept the same pace as if I was on the treadmill (if you work out all the details and math). Pretty sweet!

This is also my PR for 5k this 2013 I think… 37 minutes to complete 5k. It’s not the best time compared to other runners or to my past, but it feels great now! It’s a good steady pace and if I had pushed harder, I could have done it faster. Hello Harry’s 5k next week, be ready to see me at my best!

Tomorrow is going to be another beautiful day out and I’m a little stiff now but I definitely want to get back outside to run some more! I’m glad the neighbours complained; I didn’t run last night on the treadmill because I didn’t want to a nuisance. Instead, I ran outside this morning and I feel wonderful! Hopefully I can get out again for a run, if anything a smaller 30 minute jog or 5 k total. We’ll see what tomorrow has in store.

One more thing I’d like to share. Before running this morning I made a healthy breakfast and watched a very inspirational documentary done by PBS. It is available below. If you have some time this weekend, watch it! 🙂 It’s a good one.

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend.

Cheers,

rundmach