Wednesday, May 29, 2013

One For Bad?

Today's run: 6 km. Weather: overcast. Feeling: see grumpy cat meme below.

There are some days when I feel lousy, but then I go for a run and everything gets better. But then there are other days when I feel lousy, go for a run - and it makes everything worse.

Today was the latter.


I'm not sure if this morning's shitty run was due to bad diet, poor hydration, or just plain ol' tired legs. But it sure set the tone for the rest of the day. It's a shame, really, because there were some really great things that happened today. That bad run just poisoned the well.

In true John Stanton-style, he posted this quote on Facebook yesterday: 

"A tough run can destroy you, define you, or improve you...it’s your choice."

(Stupid John Stanton. He don't know what he's talkin' 'bout! Just kidding.)

Today's tough run definitely destroyed me but I know that good things always come with bad. Here's to hoping these bad runs vamoose sooner rather than later.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

It Begins...Again

Welcome to marathon training!

My marathon training schedule starts this weekend in earnest. So begins 18 weeks of steadily increasing mileage and trying to not hurt myself like I did last spring

Hmm, stairs. Not yet.
© photos.uc.wisc.edu
Starting a new training schedule always feels a little daunting. I know I've done it before, but yet there is still apprehension in beginning again. Each time I think, "Am I crazy to be doing this?" But because I've asked myself that question, I know that it's the right thing to do.

Today's run: 10 km. Weather: overcast. Feeling: a little run-down (still recovering from that nasty cough and cold I had these past couple of weeks) but overall, glad to have been out there today.

More updates to come! 

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Volunteer-ific!*

*Horrible pun absolutely intended.

One week later, I'm battling an extremely annoying summer cold. I'm parked on the couch, cough syrup in one hand and teaspoon at the ready. 

Psyched for package pick up.
But rewind to last weekend, and I was all smiles! I worked three volunteer shifts for the BMO Vancouver Marathon: a day and a half helping participants at package pick up, and an afternoon handing out medals at the finish line - and it was an amazing experience. I met runners from Spain, the Netherlands, Japan, and across the United States (Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and even Oklahoma!). Of course, there were plenty of runners from the Vancouver area, but I also got to meet runners from northern British Columbia, the island, and the interior. 

I met runners who were running their first half marathon and their first marathon; runners running by themselves; runners running with their sons or daughters; runners running with their friends. I met runners who were running to celebrate turning 21 and turning 30; runners who were running half marathons across North America. Runners who were nervous; runners who were confident; runners who weren't quite sure if they were ready for the race.

The full marathon medals station.
And then a lot of those same runners I saw cross the finish line with my very own eyes. I either put a medal around their necks or watched as a fellow volunteer did so. I saw runners who had to cross the finish line with some help - either supported by a medical volunteer, or pushed in a wheelchair. There were runners with bloody nipples (which was way more than I was expecting to see, and kind of gross, to be honest), runners carrying lots of gear, runners carrying almost nothing. 

I saw full marathon runners cross the line as early as two hours and 45 minutes in, and as late as five and a half hours in. I stayed specifically for those later runners because I kept thinking about how appreciative I felt that a volunteer had waited for me at my first marathon finish line (where I crossed at five hours and 27 minutes) and how I really wanted to do the same for someone else.

John Stanton was hogging all the medals ... just kidding.  
And ... it was hard work! I was on my feet a lot, pitching in wherever help was needed. I went home exhausted at the end of each shift. But I also had a blast. One thing that really struck me about it all, was the thoughtfulness of so many runners who went out of their way to thank me and other volunteers - at package pick up, but also after they'd completed either the half marathon or marathon. (Like, really? You just ran for five hours and you're thanking me?! Crazy, but cool.) 

Thanks to BMO Vancouver Marathon for the opportunity and to my fellow volunteers for helping out, and congrats to everyone who crossed the finish line last week. I'm so glad I decided to volunteer. 

If I can stay on track, #5 will be in Vancouver next year - and I'll get the chance to thank the volunteers that will be helping me along the way. 

This year's view of the finish line. Looking
forward to seeing it from the other side in 2014.

Friday, May 3, 2013

I Like to Stop a Lot and Take Pictures

Happy Friday, fellow runners!

I feel like I've been writing a lot about the sunshine and beautiful weather - but I'm going to do so again today because I caught some great stuff on yesterday's 12k run. Running in Vancouver is so incredible it is REDONKULOUS.

Inukshuk at English Bay
Stamps Landing

Fluffy little goslings! I literally stopped in my tracks and said "awwww!" right out loud. 

ADORBS. Am I right?

Artwork at Science World entitled: Choice.
What choices did you make today? What choices will you make tomorrow?

For all those running in BMO Vancouver Marathon events this weekend, have fun! and don't forget your water bottles and sunscreen 'cuz it's gonna be gorgeous out there. I'm volunteering at package pick-up tonight and tomorrow, so make sure to drop by and say hi. I'll also be on medal duty at the finish line. Hope to see you there!