Long run today… better late than never

I didn’t run on Sunday because my legs were very tired after shooting a wedding all day Saturday. Then Monday just didn’t work out, so this morning I ran my 16 km run that I had planned for Sunday. It was a hot, sweaty run, but I got it done.

Running to go Running

Today I ran from work to Runners’ Choice for Quality Workout night. It’s not that far, just about 2.5 km, so it only made sense. I had to run with a backpack strapped to my back, though, so that made it a bit more difficult. I’m sure I looked wonderful as I showed up at the store all sweaty before we started our workout.

Tonight’s workout was a race simulation type workout. We warmed up (even though I was already nice and warmed up) but running a few km to the trails where we were doing our real workout. We did 10 km at a bit faster than easy run pace (to simulate the start of a marathon), then 10 km at goal race pace, then a final 5-10 minutes at “shut up and run” pace (to simulate the run to the finish line with any remaining juice you have left). After I finished this, I did 5 hill repeats, then headed back to the store.

Today’s Run:
Total distance covered: 14.25 km
Weather: 19 C, sunny

Running in the Morning

I’m attempting to get myself used to running in the morning. I’ve generally been an evening runner, but this week I’ve been getting up early and running in the AM. At least I’ve done this twice so far this week. Tomorrow is clinic night, so I’ll be running in the evening tomorrow. I hope to someday get used to getting up early and running, but I know it’s not going to happen immediately.

Today’s Run:
Distance: 6 km
Weather: 10 C, clear

I’ve been slacking…

…in the posting that is, not the running.

Even though I run several times per week, I’ve only been posting about once. My whole idea with this blog was to write a post after each and every run. It was to be about the run, be about something I thought about when I was on the run, or something alltogether random, but still mention what I ran that day.

So… I now make my August resolution (‘cause it’s not New Years) to post after each run once again. Hold me to it.

Today’s Run:
Distance: 10 km
Weather: 17 C, clear (early morning)

I ran to the finish of the ENDURrun marathon!

But I wasn’t actually in the race. Yesterday, I ran from home to the finish to watch people who were competing and to photograph the runners. It was a very hot and humid day. My run to Conestogo was tough and I only ran 13 km. Congrats to all the runners who ran the marathon yesterday and especially to those who ran the entire 160 km, 7 stage event. You truly are tough runners!

Reverse Duathlon

Last night was another “Quality Workout” night at Runner’s Choice. We were to meet up at Bechtel Park at 6pm and then start our workout. I rode my bike from work to the park (6km), then did the workout (8.5 km of trail running 3 min hard, 1 min recovery, repeat), then I biked home (5 km). 

So, I did bike-run-bike: a reverse duathlon. I can’t say that was really my plan, but it was a fantastic workout.

ENDURrun

Yesterday, I ran Stage 1 of the 8 day, 7 stage race. I was part of a relay team for Runner’s Choice. Stage 1 was a half marathon on a nice course starting in Conestogo following roads and trails over rolling hills. The weather was good (except for a nasty headwind for a while near the end of the race) and race organization was fantastic. The group of runners are great as well. I find that at so many races people don’t really talk to one another. This race is an exception. There is a group of 50ish runners who are taking part in all 7 stages, completing 160 km over the week. They become a bit of a tight-knit group.
I’m considering doing the whole ENDURrun next year, but we’ll see. I’m going to watch a stage or two more this week and cheer on the runners. I’ve given myself a deadline of the end of January to decide if I’m going to sign up for the Ultimate Challenge.
Click here to see Ryan’s photos from Stage 1.