Temp -25C, windchill -38C
Truly a hypothermic half!
I finished it in 1:59:5X, I think (I'm not sure where the finish line was)...It was kind of funny.
Total run/jogged: 16.31 miles.
I would like to write a report but I'm totally useless now so I'm not quite sure what will emerge.
It was so cold that I waited in the car (my husband dropped me off) until I saw people running, and I wasn't the only one who started their race in the parking lot.
First 5K loop: cold, had to warm up. I didn't quit and get on the bus (the route went right by the Tunney's Pasture bus stop). Didn't take water at the end of the loop, too cold. I'm not sure what went on, except that I didn't want to pass people, but I did because I needed to warm up. I was in a bubble.
Second 5K loop: warmer but harder. Limbs warmed up and got sluggish. I didn't quit and get on the bus (but it was very tempting!). Mentally rough. To pick up my spirits, I decided to take water and a gel at the end of the loop but it took a while to get to the gel and it was frozen. I spilled the water on myself but it froze quickly so that was fine. Unfortunately, during the minute or so that I had my balaclava pulled under my chin, it froze in that shape. It felt uncomfortable when I pulled it back over my face. But otherwise I felt much better. I reentered the bubble, the protective bubble. The sun was shining, I was going to thank each and every volunteer and enjoy the experience and not think about how much further I had to go, or whatever. So I took a bit of a vacation.
Third 5K loop: Surprisingly pleasant. I decided to enjoy it. It was easier to pass the bus station this time. Despite my lassitude, nobody passed me except for a couple of guys who lapped me. LOL. My balaclava thawed enough to get soft, which was downright luxurious. I took more water but I couldn't throw the cup in the bin! I tried twice but I had too much ice on my eyelashes or something, plus my arms weren't in the equation somehow. finally a nearby volunteer said she'd take care of it. Thank goodness because I didn't want to bend down and pick it up again. I finally figured out where the race clock was--I wasn't wearing a watch or Garmin, but I'd assumed that there would be a race clock but I was too much in my bubble to see it before. At 15ishK, it said 1:26. I was still too much in a bubble to process it: it was a curiously abstract number. Pace? whatever
Fourth 5K loop: I somehow found more energy. It went by quickly although by this point I knew where the really cold stretches were, right in that brutal wind. I came out of the bubble a bit and it finally felt like a race (the rest of it didn't exactly). I passed a few people and one guy passed me.
Last 1.1K: seemed so long going out and then I went around the turn-around and it ended pretty quickly. The clock said 1:59:XX, and I think I managed to get through before 2:00...but, whatever! Someone handed me a medal and I thanked her, put it on, and started to jog home.
I tried to put on my windbreaker (I wore another for the race with mesh gaps), but the zipper was frozen open, couldn't zip it up until I warmed it up with with my hands.
The biggest test of the morning (apart from failing to get the empty cup into the bin) was trying to get into my house! I had to unzip my windbreakers to get to my key, but they were frozen shut by that point. My hands were warm though my mittens were frozen into fist-like shapes, but once I took the wool liners off, they got cold. But I got my key.
Success! But I had to let my clothing thaw out a bit before I could take it off. There was ice inside my windbreaker sleeves too. LOL
Warm bath, pajamas, snacks...my brain is fried and I feel really really tired, but it doesn't feel like I actually ran. It was kind of like an out of body experience.
I think I'll sign up for the Winterman 1/2 and hope that the temperature will be a little bit warmer.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Day 353
Wednesday, speedwork, but on my own. 7.09 miles, 5X 1000M: 7:08/mile, 7:02/mile, 7:07/mile, 7:16/mile, 7:40. The last two were mostly into the wind. And the wind was strong. I wasn't very happy.
Thursday: 4ish mile recovery jog with the dog. He wasn't very happy.
Today: 8.19 miles, 2 X 20 minute tempo. And then once I found out how cold it was, I decided to drop the second tempo run and put everything into the first, one and only. The two intervals don't seem to work in the cold; things seize up and it's unnecessarily unpleasant. I'm not sure why shorter intervals work better in the cold, but the long repeats degrade much more. Just running one interval was much better. My average pace was 7:40/mile. I'm very happy with that considering the cold and hills (the run took me over two bridges). The wind didn't feel like much of a factor, though, thank goodness! There wasn't much of it!
This was a much more satisfying 'tempo' workout than last week's--the effort was a bit more than tempo, I guess, but I like to do shorter and harder tempo runs anyway and maybe I should just stick with doing 20 minutes hard instead of trying to do 40 minutes or whatever at an easier pace. It doesn't work as well. I've done many many more 20 minute hard 'tempo' runs than 30 min, or 2X 20, or 45 min, or whatever...why not do what I don't have to think about?
I jogged home and grabbed the dog and finished off a few more miles. It felt really good. After a while, the tiredness wore off and I was coasting pretty nicely. It made me remember that 8ish miles used to be my favourite jog distance (just like 20 minutes hard is my favourite tempo workout). 8ish miles is a very satisfying distance for some reason. -6 miles is so-so, tiring without being transcending, and 10ish+ miles can be really cool too, but is sometimes tiring as well. Around 8 miles usually hits the spot. I'm not in good enough shape for that to be an easy workout anymore, but I will be.
Not only did I combine two of my favourite workouts today, but the sun was shining!
Thursday: 4ish mile recovery jog with the dog. He wasn't very happy.
Today: 8.19 miles, 2 X 20 minute tempo. And then once I found out how cold it was, I decided to drop the second tempo run and put everything into the first, one and only. The two intervals don't seem to work in the cold; things seize up and it's unnecessarily unpleasant. I'm not sure why shorter intervals work better in the cold, but the long repeats degrade much more. Just running one interval was much better. My average pace was 7:40/mile. I'm very happy with that considering the cold and hills (the run took me over two bridges). The wind didn't feel like much of a factor, though, thank goodness! There wasn't much of it!
This was a much more satisfying 'tempo' workout than last week's--the effort was a bit more than tempo, I guess, but I like to do shorter and harder tempo runs anyway and maybe I should just stick with doing 20 minutes hard instead of trying to do 40 minutes or whatever at an easier pace. It doesn't work as well. I've done many many more 20 minute hard 'tempo' runs than 30 min, or 2X 20, or 45 min, or whatever...why not do what I don't have to think about?
I jogged home and grabbed the dog and finished off a few more miles. It felt really good. After a while, the tiredness wore off and I was coasting pretty nicely. It made me remember that 8ish miles used to be my favourite jog distance (just like 20 minutes hard is my favourite tempo workout). 8ish miles is a very satisfying distance for some reason. -6 miles is so-so, tiring without being transcending, and 10ish+ miles can be really cool too, but is sometimes tiring as well. Around 8 miles usually hits the spot. I'm not in good enough shape for that to be an easy workout anymore, but I will be.
Not only did I combine two of my favourite workouts today, but the sun was shining!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Day 350
Monday: 3 miles with the dog, 3 very slow miles. There was too much slush still so I made him wear his booties.
Today: 5.88 miles. It wasn't cold! There wasn't much wind or slush! It was nice to get a bit of a reprieve. Hopefully tomorrow will be as nice for speedwork. In general, running has been going well this year so far. I'm definitely enjoying my easy run pace again. I don't run to feel discomfort most of the time: I run to go about and see things. That's mainly it. Now that I can run without breathing hard, it's more relaxing. Maybe I simply could do that everyday and not bother about 'training' or races anymore? Maybe next year, next decade? Ah, but I still want to challenge myself!
Accordingly, I may or may not have started a 40 day yoga challenge yesterday.
Today: 5.88 miles. It wasn't cold! There wasn't much wind or slush! It was nice to get a bit of a reprieve. Hopefully tomorrow will be as nice for speedwork. In general, running has been going well this year so far. I'm definitely enjoying my easy run pace again. I don't run to feel discomfort most of the time: I run to go about and see things. That's mainly it. Now that I can run without breathing hard, it's more relaxing. Maybe I simply could do that everyday and not bother about 'training' or races anymore? Maybe next year, next decade? Ah, but I still want to challenge myself!
Accordingly, I may or may not have started a 40 day yoga challenge yesterday.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Day 348
Saturday: 5 miles in the snow and wind with the dog. No problem.
Today: 0.25ish miles in the salty greasy slush and wind with the dog. Problem!
Why do they put salt and grit on the rec path? It's winter and supposed to be snowy and icy. It's good that they clear it somewhat--I can run by the river if I want to experience uncleared snow--but the salt and grit seem unnecessary.
I set off in my new shoes but the path was clearer than I'd expected. It was damp; it was -8C, but the salt had melted the snow to slush. The dog faltered after a few minutes and we turned around. His feet are slightly webbed and the slush sticks and packs in between his toes. It's not comfortable for him. There wasn't enough snow/slush to make his booties comfortable so they weren't an option either.
We went back to the house, I dried him off and switched my new shoes for a more worn pair. I don't want to wear my new ones out. They are for snow.
Sunday, part two: 12.27 miles in 2:03. I had some snowy stretches (arboretum, river)which were pretty slow, but most of the run was on a thin layer of greasy slush. It was ok, I guess. I wish that it was snow, though, so that I could have taken my dog for an honest outing.
It was a tiring run and didn't yield much in the way of neurotransmitters, or pleasure, or novelty, or beauty. Rather discomfort and boredom, mostly. I'm pleased that I got through it, at least. I was wavering about it, but set my mind to half hour intervals, and got through each of them.
And thus ends my last hard week! I still have one more daunting workout, 1200M repeats, and since I won't be able to go to run club, I will have to do them alone. That doesn't seem too bad.
Today: 0.25ish miles in the salty greasy slush and wind with the dog. Problem!
Why do they put salt and grit on the rec path? It's winter and supposed to be snowy and icy. It's good that they clear it somewhat--I can run by the river if I want to experience uncleared snow--but the salt and grit seem unnecessary.
I set off in my new shoes but the path was clearer than I'd expected. It was damp; it was -8C, but the salt had melted the snow to slush. The dog faltered after a few minutes and we turned around. His feet are slightly webbed and the slush sticks and packs in between his toes. It's not comfortable for him. There wasn't enough snow/slush to make his booties comfortable so they weren't an option either.
We went back to the house, I dried him off and switched my new shoes for a more worn pair. I don't want to wear my new ones out. They are for snow.
Sunday, part two: 12.27 miles in 2:03. I had some snowy stretches (arboretum, river)which were pretty slow, but most of the run was on a thin layer of greasy slush. It was ok, I guess. I wish that it was snow, though, so that I could have taken my dog for an honest outing.
It was a tiring run and didn't yield much in the way of neurotransmitters, or pleasure, or novelty, or beauty. Rather discomfort and boredom, mostly. I'm pleased that I got through it, at least. I was wavering about it, but set my mind to half hour intervals, and got through each of them.
And thus ends my last hard week! I still have one more daunting workout, 1200M repeats, and since I won't be able to go to run club, I will have to do them alone. That doesn't seem too bad.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Day 346
I am getting tired. I keep reminding myself that this is when things start to happen (for the good!)
Yesterday: jogged for 2 miles (stiffly) then walked for 6 later on with Matt.
Today: ran/jogged 7.33 (ok, a bit of walking in there too). The workout was 2X 20 min tempo.
It was especially daunting because of the snow and wind. I looked out and saw white sidewalks and more white...perfect for my new shoes! Yes, I got new running shoes for Christmas; I picked them out from the sample sale rack at Bushtakah. They're Adidas, which usually doesn't fit me, and they're heavier and stiffer than what I'm used to, but they do fit me, and they're also gore-tex and grippy. I have a few other pairs of trail shoes for the snow, but they're all at least two winters old and not so grippy or water-resistant anymore.
But we haven't had any fresh snow for a while; I haven't worn the new shoes until today.
I was a bit concerned that wearing new shoes for the first time during a tempo run might not prove advantageous, but I figured that the snow would muck things up anyway and provide some cushioning.
My shoes usually don't have much cushioning or weight or stiffness. These shoes, however, were Cadillacs. I usually like feeling the ground and all that, but it was a neat change to be a bit removed. And the soles gripped the snow well.
The first tempo interval went better than expected: 8:06/mile. I had some energy, the shoes were great, and the interval actually almost felt nice, although the snow stung my eyes. It was cold, -17 windchill (the wind was strong); I considered not taking a break after all. Laziness prevailed, however. I mostly jogged during the break but it was enough to make everything seize up. The 2nd interval was slower and harder. 9:07/mile. Maybe there was more wind--there was definitely more snow--it was kind of miserable. I couldn't move my legs much. They were so heavy. I think part of that was adjusting the new shoes--they seemed to make my calves stiffer. But I was tired overall.
However, somehow, I kept pushing for 20 minutes. I kept tempo effort at least. Isn't that the point? I'm not really sure. I thought about breaking the 2nd interval up, but I decided that it would be most productive to keep going. This would make me stronger.
But did it?
Hopefully, there will be less wind next Friday. That will be my last tempo workout before the race. I will do a long run on Sunday and then things will be a little easier! It's been kind of neat to revisit the peak/taper experience, albeit in a more limited fashion.
Yesterday: jogged for 2 miles (stiffly) then walked for 6 later on with Matt.
Today: ran/jogged 7.33 (ok, a bit of walking in there too). The workout was 2X 20 min tempo.
It was especially daunting because of the snow and wind. I looked out and saw white sidewalks and more white...perfect for my new shoes! Yes, I got new running shoes for Christmas; I picked them out from the sample sale rack at Bushtakah. They're Adidas, which usually doesn't fit me, and they're heavier and stiffer than what I'm used to, but they do fit me, and they're also gore-tex and grippy. I have a few other pairs of trail shoes for the snow, but they're all at least two winters old and not so grippy or water-resistant anymore.
But we haven't had any fresh snow for a while; I haven't worn the new shoes until today.
I was a bit concerned that wearing new shoes for the first time during a tempo run might not prove advantageous, but I figured that the snow would muck things up anyway and provide some cushioning.
My shoes usually don't have much cushioning or weight or stiffness. These shoes, however, were Cadillacs. I usually like feeling the ground and all that, but it was a neat change to be a bit removed. And the soles gripped the snow well.
The first tempo interval went better than expected: 8:06/mile. I had some energy, the shoes were great, and the interval actually almost felt nice, although the snow stung my eyes. It was cold, -17 windchill (the wind was strong); I considered not taking a break after all. Laziness prevailed, however. I mostly jogged during the break but it was enough to make everything seize up. The 2nd interval was slower and harder. 9:07/mile. Maybe there was more wind--there was definitely more snow--it was kind of miserable. I couldn't move my legs much. They were so heavy. I think part of that was adjusting the new shoes--they seemed to make my calves stiffer. But I was tired overall.
However, somehow, I kept pushing for 20 minutes. I kept tempo effort at least. Isn't that the point? I'm not really sure. I thought about breaking the 2nd interval up, but I decided that it would be most productive to keep going. This would make me stronger.
But did it?
Hopefully, there will be less wind next Friday. That will be my last tempo workout before the race. I will do a long run on Sunday and then things will be a little easier! It's been kind of neat to revisit the peak/taper experience, albeit in a more limited fashion.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 344
Speedwork! 5X 1000M. 4:32, 4:18, 4:22, 4:19, 4:23.
It was kind of hard. I'm tired in general from running more. Then I did strides and resistance exercises; I've cut down the exercises a bit, and will do even less next week and none the week after. Hopefully that will freshen me up for the Hypo 1/2.
Meanwhile, I have to get through this week and one more 1:45-2-ish hr run.
It was kind of hard. I'm tired in general from running more. Then I did strides and resistance exercises; I've cut down the exercises a bit, and will do even less next week and none the week after. Hopefully that will freshen me up for the Hypo 1/2.
Meanwhile, I have to get through this week and one more 1:45-2-ish hr run.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 343
Monday: 30 min run, kind of brisk for a recovery run, but ok.
Tuesday: very leisurely 4.85ish mile run with the dog. Much of it was on loose snow on ice, a valid excuse to go slow. It was quite slippery at points. We ran by the river on the Ontario and Quebec side (bridges loop, and we met just one person on each side of the river. The snow was still falling and it made everything look different. I like it when the weather cloaks the familiar: cheapest voyage ever! There were fresh animal tracks in the snow betraying slip and slides--even the rodents were losing footing.
Tuesday: very leisurely 4.85ish mile run with the dog. Much of it was on loose snow on ice, a valid excuse to go slow. It was quite slippery at points. We ran by the river on the Ontario and Quebec side (bridges loop, and we met just one person on each side of the river. The snow was still falling and it made everything look different. I like it when the weather cloaks the familiar: cheapest voyage ever! There were fresh animal tracks in the snow betraying slip and slides--even the rodents were losing footing.
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