I have finally set about trying to salvage this month for running.  Illness, work and Christmas all managed to make me virtually give up any running.  No matter what I do now, it won’t exactly be a stellar month in terms of mileage.  Actually it will no doubt be my lowest monthly mileage of 2014.  But I am trying to get back at it in order to avoid feeling like a total beginner come January.

At the moment my training has taken a bit of a twist.  Last week I bought a pair of running snowshoes.  I already have a fairly cheap pair of all purpose snowshoes.  Two years ago I tried to add snowshoeing to my cross training.  I enjoyed it but found the change in my walking and running gait with heavy boots and snowshoes on caused knee pain.  It didn’t seem worth it to risk injury for the purpose of cross training.

My new running snowshoes are smaller and allow me to make minimal changes to my gait.  The springed area on which my foot rests encourages comfortable running.  Of course using my new trail shoes also makes the whole process “easier” than it was with my boots.

Why the quotations around easier?  Because I am not sure that snowshoe running could ever be called easy!!!  I know I have been off running for a few weeks but holy crap it is a lot of work to run on snowshoes.  Much of course depends on the type of terrain you are on and whether or not a path has already been made.  We have headed out as a family a few times now on our property as well as the properties around us, so some trails have been made.  We are very lucky to live where we do.  We can strap on the snowshoes right outside our house and head out for a lengthy trek.  We also have many trails that are only a short drive away.

As for the running part, let’s just say I am doing run/walk intervals, and I am not talking about the standard “ten and ones”.  This is more like, “Oh my gosh I can’t run another step and I have to walk right now” intervals.  So far the longest stretch I have done without a walk break is 1 km! Each time I head out though it feels just a little bit easier.

Perhaps the best part of snowshoeing is how light footed you feel when you go out for a road run.  On Saturday I did 5 km of walking/running (emphasis on the walking) on the snowshoes, then came in, changed into dry clothes and went for a 5k run, no walk breaks allowed.  That first km of the run felt amazing!  Admittedly it did not take long for my legs to realize just how tired they were so the next 4k did not feel quite as easy, but I managed.

Ultimately I think the snowshoeing will provide excellent training for my spring running.  I will have to get used to my mileage being lower each week if I replace one or two road runs with hitting the trails.  I do think though that the workouts will pay off and hopefully make me a faster runner.  Mind you I am going to need mother nature to help out – all those trails we have started to make will be washed away with the “Santa rain bomb” that is heading our way for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Best laid plans…

Does a winter half marathon sound appealing to you?  If the weather is perfect it sounds like a great idea to me.  But… if it is icy or if there are gale force winter winds I am not convinced a 2 hour run would be fun.  Throw in the fact that the course is that same rolling golf course that I ran in the fall and I am left wondering if I should register.  But there is a little part of me that thinks if I really want to consider myself a true winter runner ( or perhaps a true Canadian runner?) I should have one winter half marathon medal.  Particularly if it looks like this:

Now throw in a full brunch for the price of registration, and access to lockers, showers, indoor bathrooms and no lining up in an corral for ages before the race.  Those are a lot of perks that could outweigh the weather.

Average temperatures on February 7th here in Ottawa is a reasonable -8 C (about 17F) but lows of about -30 C (-22F) have occurred on that date.  The course is also very open, any kind of wind would definitely be felt.  Here is a picture from the website of what it looked like one year at the race:

Note what looks to be ice on the path.  But did I mention the brunch???  You also get these in your kit, neither of which I really need but it is always fun to get stuff:

If I ever manage to start my Prague Half Marathon training schedule (I should be in my third week but have done virtually no running due to being sick) I would only be scheduled to run a 16k on the Sunday of the Hypothermic.  This would be a much longer, tougher run than I would really need to do.  But I could treat it as a training run, keeping it slow, which let’s face it, if the footing is awful I won’t have a choice!

One way or the other I will have to make up my mind…believe it or not I think this race actually sells out.  Yes, there are that many crazy winter runners out there!

Anyone who knows me knows I do not shy away from winter running.  Sure it takes me a little while to adapt to sub zero temperatures, but not nearly as long as it takes me to adapt to the heat.  I only really become used to running in the heat and humidity sometime in late August, just in time for the temperatures to cool.

December, however, never manages to be a good running month.  I swore this year would be different.  Last December I managed a grand total of 52 km in the entire month.  This year I promised myself to double that.  I know it is only Dec. 12th but the writing is on the wall; there is no way I will be running 100+ kms this month.  I’m not sure I’ll even be matching last year’s somewhat sad 52k.  At the moment I have managed about 16, and a few of those kms I would be hesitant to classify as running.  Two weeks of a never-ending cold (or two different colds, I really don’t know) have knocked me down and I don’t seem to be getting back up.

I tried, I really did.  At the end of last week I was feeling better and headed out for a reasonable 10k trail run.  I was quite proud of myself getting out there, letting the fresh air get into my unhappy lungs, making my body do something other than slumping off to my bed after work.  Of course cocky things went through my head.  “Look at me, aren’t I the athlete getting out there and running when still sick.”  The next day I was miserable again, but I still tried.  My goal was 5k.  I ended up having to take a walk break after every km of running.  At one point I just wanted to lay down in the snow and have a nap.  The thought of running anything more seemed nothing short of impossible.  Rather than feeling amazing at the end of the run, I just ended up going home to bed… again.

The only good thing about these runs is I did get to try out my new winter trail/snow running shoes:

My new Salomon Speedcross 3’s with Climate Shield

I have only had a couple of runs in my new Salomon Speedcross 3’s CS but so far I am really liking them.  And it is a good thing too since I now have two pairs.  When I first went shopping I came home with these:

Salomon Speedcross 3’s without Climate Shield.

I was told that they had the “Climate Shield”, the equivalent of Gore-tex.  When I did my research though I discovered that this version, the exact same shoe, was water resistant but did not have the extra protection of C.S.  I have always run in my regular road shoes, sometimes with a bit of duct tape over the mesh, when winter running.  But this year I wanted all the warmth, dryness and traction I could get so I could use them on snowy trails for both running and snowshoeing.  Two days later I was buying the shoes with C.S.  I could have returned the pair without, but I love these shoes so much I figured I might as well keep them for spring and fall running as I am sure the extra protection of C.S. would make them too hot in any temperatures above 0 degrees.  It also didn’t hurt that they were cheaper than any of my regular road shoes.

My favourite things about both sets of shoes?  They are incredibly light.  I was shocked when I picked them up and even more shocked when I put them on.  They look heavy duty and therefore, well, heavy.  While they are certainly not as light as minimalist shoes, I have no complaints about the weight.  The other thing I love about these shoes is the traction on the soles.  Take a look:

I couldn’t get over the traction when I was on the trails.  Uphill and downhill these shoes dug right into the snow and I had no fear of slipping.  In some ways it was almost a strange feeling being so anchored to the ground.  The only downside of these soles –  you really don’t want to do any distance on pavement with them.  I am pretty sure it would not take long to ruin the treads.

I know colour is not at all important in shoes, but the great colours of both pairs also made me want to buy these shoes.  The colour adds a little fun to some hard working shoes.

So, if I actually manage to get rid of this cold before the snow melts, I will be looking forward to hitting the snow in my new shoes!

In this month’s Running Room Magazine you can find my article “Why kids Should Run”, a version of a post I originally wrote for the blog RunRodRun.  If you did not pick up a copy, check out the online version by clicking here. Needless to say my kids were pretty excited to be featured in a national magazine!

Happy Reading!

(And yes, this is what I would call a lazy post – just give you a link and let you check it out!)

Last week we attended the annual Somersault awards ceremony. Somersault organizes a fairly extensive list of running, triathlon and duathlon races in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. Their tag line is “Events for Everyone”, which considering you could participate in anything from a 3k run to a marathon to a kayak or canoe multi sport race, is certainly true.

One added bonus to participating in at least three Somersault events is you will collect points for your placing at each race. At the end of the season your top three race points will be added up and you can see where you rank in your age category.  Your race distance does not come into play so whether you focused on 5k’s or marathons or a combination of distances, you still “compete” against everyone in your age group. Awards, a nice certificate with a race photo, are handed out at the end of season banquet.  If you also manage to win, as Evan did, an overall top three spot you win a free race entry and a personalized bag with your name and placing.

This year Evan placed first in the boys 13 and under category and also won the top junior male award. Luke just missed the podium, coming in fourth in the 13 and under group. I won for my age category of 45-49.  And while it wasn’t announced, I’m sure my husband won best fan support and chauffeur award.

To be truthful, my award is also a bit of a participation award.  I know there are some faster runners than me who participate in these races but they did not complete the required three runs to qualify for points.  I consider my first place ranking a reward for some half decent times and for managing to roll out of bed and make it to an early morning race a few times!

So with the awards ceremony done, my last official race of the season complete and the changing of the month, it really does feel like the end of the 2014 season.  Next weekend I will do a fun run to earn my “A Christmas Story” medal that will be hung with pride on our Christmas tree.  That will be it until January, when I plan to start the new season with the Richmond Road Race.  Then there will be Winterman and not long after will be Prague!  Can’t wait 🙂

If you are a fan of the classic movie “A Christmas Story”, time is running out to register for a virtual run that will get you this awesome medal:

If you haven’t seen the movie, the picture on the medal will mean nothing to you.  But if you have seen it, you are giggling right now.

Thirty one years ago this movie was released in theatres, but its real success did not come until it was played on television.  It is now considered a Christmas classic.  Many (including myself) consider it to be one of the top Christmas films ever made.  In my opinion it was a movie that was a little ahead of its time, somehow managing a sweet, nostalgic feel, combined with a wicked sense of humour.

Last year the first “A Christmas Story Run” was held in Cleveland, where there is actually a museum  housed in the same home used for the movie.  When I read about this race, after the fact, on the blog Salty Running, I was so upset I had missed out.  Not that I would have made it to Cleveland, but the race also holds a virtual version, sending out the medal and shirt , plus some Olvatine (again, you have to know the movie) to registrants.  “Pepper” at Salty Running kindly offered up her medal to me (both she and her husband had one)  if I was willing to donate to charity and run 10k.  The boys and I went shopping for the local charity Toy Mountain and then our family went out for a winter run…

earning what is my favourite medal ever…

You may notice a leg lamp theme!  I am expecting one year to see a pink bunny, a bar of soap, Chinese food, and a Red Rider BB gun.  Again, watch the movie if you want any of this to make sense!

If you are interested in the virtual run, check out their website at http://www.achristmasstoryrun.com/

It took me forever to call myself a runner.  I understand that that is not uncommon.  For a long time if someone asked if I was a runner my reply would be “I’m trying to be one.”  Now though I have no issue with the moniker.

Happily holding my first marathon medal

I still however have a problem calling myself a marathoner, despite the fact that I have completed two.  Somehow doing just one, no matter how proud I was of myself, didn’t make me feel like I was truly part of that special group.  When my second fell apart due to nausea and dizziness – but I still crossed the finish line – I felt even less like a marathoner.  None of this makes any sense at all, and it even makes less sense that I somehow think a third marathon is necessary to change my mind.  Somehow though, in the last month or so, the thought of doing another marathon has taken over my running thoughts.

I know I am a better runner than I was when I first tried the marathon distance.  I think, maybe, I am a smarter runner.  I have realized that slow runs do make me faster, the logic of which still confuses me but I know there is science there to back it up.  I also know I spent a rather remarkable amount of time running really, I mean really, slowly this summer and fall and yet I had several P.B’s at races.  I have even managed to train myself to take a brief walk at water tables during my half marathons and still finish faster than when I ran with no breaks at all.  Though don’t try to tell me to run 10 and ones for a half marathon or marathon, it does nothing more than frustrate me mentally and make me want to walk off the course.

This urge to try again is why I have recently found myself reading everything about a race this weekend that I am not even in.  Tomorrow is the Philadelphia Marathon and I am reading everything I can about it, from the Facebook page to previous years’ reviews.  At the moment it is my number one choice for another attempt at 42.2 km.

Why Philly?  The main reason would be the date.  I have no intention of ever running a spring marathon again.  Unlike many, the issue is not the winter training.  I had no difficulty training in last year’s “polar vortex” and I never once hit the treadmill.  The problem with spring is that there is just too much risk of a sudden heat wave.  I don’t like running in heat at the best of times, but if it comes suddenly with no time to adjust I am essentially doomed before I even hit the start line.  I can live with that risk for a half marathon; if a half falls apart because of heat I will just turn around and run another in two or three weeks to make up for it.  That is never, ever going to happen for a marathon!

Philly is not the only marathon I have considered.  I have looked at the Niagara Falls International Marathon, but I am not sure I would enjoy the course.  The logistics also sound a little too complicated, what with starting in one country and finishing in another.  I’m sure the NYC Marathon would be a blast but I don’t feel like dealing with a lottery, it is crazy expensive and again there are the logistics of getting to the start line.  I found a couple of other small, low key marathons but at this point I think I still need the excitement of the crowds.  Mind you, I learned the hard way last spring way that when a race has gone south, those cheering, energetic spectators, no matter their good intentions, just make you feel worse.  I still feel guilty about the number of times I seriously wanted to tell a spectator where to go.  But for now I think I will avoid a marathon where there is a potential for me to run entirely alone.

Of course there is the option of doing the Toronto Waterfront, my first marathon, again.  It is only just over 4 hours away, it is relatively cheap, the crowds and course were great and I would be able to compare times on the same course.  But the downside is it is a month earlier than Philadelphia.  Running Toronto means starting to train in the summer.  Summer is when I like to keep my runs short and fast.  Summer is also when I want to enjoy weekends at the cabin and not have the worry of fitting in a long run.  To be blunt, I am very happy being lazy in the summer.  I may love running, but when the choice is a long, lonely run in the heat along deserted, hilly Quebec roads, in an area in which I have never, ever seen another runner (though there is no shortage of shirtless older men smoking cigarettes and driving ATVs) or sitting on a dock reading a book and enjoying a cold beverage, well the running is going to lose. Every time.

So I will be searching the internet for the next week, anxiously reading any Philadelphia Marathon reviews I can find, trying to decide if this will be the race that will make me officially feel like a marathoner.

The Philadelphia Marathon, photo from the race website.

There is no hidden sarcasm in the title of this post. Give me time, I’m sure at some point I will write about the difficulties winter presents to all of us who choose to run.

But for now… today was the first real snowfall of the season. If you listened carefully I’m sure you would have been able to hear the rhythmic sound of all of the treadmills starting up for the season.  But if you insist on climbing aboard the “dreadmill”, how will you ever enjoy this:

Yes, you have to slow down, pick up your feet, watch where you place them, but when you do you get to experience runs like no others.  It was nothing short of gorgeous today running in the woods.  It was exhilarating, calming, tranquil and energizing all at once.  How is that even possible?

My advice to all; remember the treadmill isn’t our only winter option.  I know I am lucky, I am able to fit in runs in daylight hours several times a week.  It makes it easier to get out there.  But I encourage every runner to get outside whenever possible this winter, let it offer what only the cold and snow can.  You can love it too.

It is only November, there isn’t even snow on the ground yet, but I am already thinking of next year’s running goals.  Why so early?  I think because this year I’m not feeling burned out. Last year at this time it hadn’t been long since my first marathon, followed by another half marathon. Truth be told I was more than ready for a break. This year, however, despite completing the most races I have ever done in a year, I am feeling rested and excited to run.

Here is the math for the 2014 race season:

17 races

1 marathon

1 30k race

4 half marathons

1 10 miler

1 8.5 miler

5 10k’s

1 8.5k

3 5k’s

1 personal best in the half marathon

3 personal bests in the 10 (faster at each attempt)

1 unofficial fastest 5k in one of my longer distances.

1 30k PB (of course it was my only 30k race…so far!)

1 disaster of a race – the marathon – but I completed it!

2 new cities visited in order to race: Vancouver and Philadelphia

1 great year of running

I also started trail running, orienteering and took swimming lesson.

So what are the plans and goals for next year?  In no particular order:

– a 1:55 or less half marathon

– a 51 minute 10k (I’ll take 51:59!)

– a third marathon

– and of course, the Prague Half Marathon, which may be the race in which I aim for that 1:55; other than some cobble streets it is supposed to be a very fast course.

What are your plans for 2015?

Today I finished my 16th race of the year and my third attempt at what I consider to be one of the two toughest half marathon courses in the Ottawa area.  Ironically, I have to say that these two difficult races are also by far my favourite.

One of them is last month’s Fall Colours Half Marathon.  I love it for the cool weather, the gorgeous colours, the free chili and massages and for the family feel of a Thanksgiving event.

Today’s race was the Mission Possible.  It is my third go at this course and it is on my must do list for each year.  I love it for its purpose, for its time of year, for its charitable spirit, and for the comfortable small race feel.  Of course it is not surprising that the huge breakfast buffet and the warm clubhouse with showers are major pluses for this race.

This race raises money for The Ottawa Mission.  The Mission provides meals, a place to sleep, job training and general support for the homeless men of Ottawa.  It also offers a Saturday morning run club as a way for the men to strive for goals and improve their daily life.  I believe that through today’s race over $10 000 was raised for the Mission.  A number of companies, including Telus, Mizuno, and Running Room donate and make this race possible.  The Marshes Golf Course allows the race to take place on its golf cart paths and is also the location for that tasty brunch I mentioned.

As a cold weather runner, I love that this race, which also offers a 5k distance and a marathon relay, is held in November.  The September and October race schedule in Ottawa is bursting at the seams.  You can easily pick one race or more for every weekend.  But November is a slow month as many people start to pack away the running shoes for winter boots.  When you think of it though it can be the perfect month to race.  With all of that fall training behind you this can be your fastest time of year.  Sure it can be cold but at least there is no fear of heat exhaustion or sunstroke.  Key though is having a nice location and the Marshes Golf Club has that.  At this race the only time you have to spend outside is when you are running.  Before the race you can throw all of your extra gear in a locker in the change rooms.  Then you wait inside until they ask you to move to the start line, about 3 minutes before the beginning of the race.  The finish line is literally right outside the doors of the club.  You cross the line, a kind volunteer hands you your certificate (no medals at this race) and you walk inside to grab a hot shower.  After that climb some stairs (the only disadvantage of the site!) and sit down to have a hot brunch.  No porta potties, no standing in crowded corrals (there were less than a 100 of us in the half), no debating if your running clothes will leave you feeling like an icicle as you stand forever waiting for a horn.  Honestly it is the most civilized of all races.

Each year there is also a guest speaker.  Two years ago Canadian marathoner Dylan Wykes shared his running experiences with us.  Last year Jodi Mitic, the Canadian solder who lost both legs only to go on to run the Army Run Half and to star on Amazing Race Canada, was the guest speaker.  When I read that this year’s speaker would be former politician Stockwell Day I admit I was a little disappointed.  I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to finish my half marathon sitting and listening to a politician speak.  It ends up though that Mr. Day is an avid runner and a Boston Qualifier.  He has also run the Great Wall of China.  His talk was gracious, interesting and humourus, particularly when he admitted that his final time was incorrect due to the unfortunate fact that nature’s call forced him to head to the indoor washrooms with only the last 4k or so to go.  He inadvertently crossed the finish line that otherwise was so conveniently was placed by the doors to the clubhouse.  He also noted that he now realized that Immodium isn’t just for full marathons.  Couldn’t agree more!

As for the course, in the past I have always compared it to a kids’ roller coaster.  No super steep hills, but no flat stretches either.  This course defines a race full of “rollers”.  The whole course is done twice and the hilly spots give a definite impression that they grow between your first visit and your second.  It is a very different hill experience from that other race I love, Fall Colours.  In that race you keep working your way up for 10 or 11 km and then start coming down again.  Technically I think it would probably be regarded as the tougher course (it certainly has the most elevation change of any road race in the area), but I have to admit the constant, never-ending rollers of the Mission Possible are my nemesis.

When I first ran the course two years ago it was my second half marathon, my first having been completed a month earlier.  I was feeling cocky, having completed my first in 2:04, well below my expected time of 2:12.  I was on such a high after that first race I came home and immediately looked to see if I would be able to get in one more half marathon before winter.  When I started on the Mission Possible course that year I thought nothing could stop me.  Those hills were babies, how could they slow me down?  The fact is by the last 3 or 4k they had completely kicked my butt.  I remember being very disappointed in my 2:06 finish.

Last year I ran it 3 or 4 weeks after my first marathon.  I thought I was feeling good.  I went out fast.  By 16k I wanted to cry.  I was hurting more than I did on the marathon.  Final time, 2:08.

So this year I had a goal.  Two goals actually.  Finish in less than 2:06 and finish strong, knowing I had beat the course, the course hadn’t beat me.  I kept telling myself that this time I would “run smart.”  And run smart I did, though I still ran the first 8k faster than I had planned.  I swear I kept trying to slow it down and then I would look at my watch and realize that I was faster than I should have been if I was going to run a conservative race.  In fact when my watch beeped for the 8k mark I was convinced I had slowed my pace way down, only to discover that it had actually been a 5:30 km.  Visions of my struggling body attempting to get through those last hills, the worst hills of the course,  finally was enough to make me slow down.  I ran the middle of the course a little more conservatively, carefully taking half pieces of Shot Bloks to avoid running out of steam.  I saved some energy and had little difficulty picking up the pace for the last 1/3 of the race.

At this point I have to give a shout out to the volunteers.  This is not a race with spectators but the many volunteers who were out to make sure you didn’t turn the wrong way off the winding course were so supportive.  With temperatures hovering around zero and some wind thrown in, they had to be cold.  Somehow they managed to tell everyone how good they looked.  A special shout out to the guy at the final turn to the finish line.  He yelled at me to get my eyes up and chase down the man ahead of me.  His encouragement gave me one last kick.

The good news, my final time was 1:56:15.  The bad news, by my watch the course was short.  I knew that was going to happen and I briefly considered the idea of continuing to run for another 500 meters.  Briefly.  I decided it didn’t matter, I had more than met my goals.  I finished strong with a negative split and I killed my previous times on the same course.  Even if the course had been the right length I still would have finished under 2 hours, making this my third sub 2 hour half marathon of the season.  For the first time in my three years of running half marathons, I completed the last one of the year happy and strong.  Perfect way to finish the 2014 race season.  What can I say, I love this race!

The boys loved the 5k too, though poor Evan, for what is at least the third time in his running career, ran an awesome race (25 minutes) only to have his time recorded incorrectly!  I think he has some magnetic field that interferes with chip times and at the moment the stats have him in last place with a 1 hour finish.  Our boys were the only kids 13 or under in the race, so race director Phil Marsh very kindly created a last minute 13 and under category, handing out a nice bag as a first place prize.  Of course the bag was handed to Luke, who also had a great 27 minute run, at the awards ceremony.  Let’s just say there have been a few arguments as to who really gets to keep the bag!

Even though I have one more race – a virtual race – to do, this definitely felt like the end of race season.  But my training is not going to take a holiday.  I have a few big goals for next year.  I’ll be posting about them soon.