Because I have so many photos from this month, I chose to compile them into one post, both for my sake and for yours.
January 15th
I started out with a goal of just running 10km but at about 9km, Laura sent me a picture of her 22km that she had just completed. 22km...more than a half marathon! FOR FUN! I thought she was crazy, but at the same time, my competitive nature burned inside of me to run farther than I was planning on. I didn't go all out for the 21.1km of a half marathon, but I finished at 15.3km, my farthest and longest run. I guess it goes to show that a sense of competition can drive you to do better (even though it wasn't meant as such).
January 17th
Laura invited me to try a new trail with her at Fish Creek Park in SE Calgary. We wanted to explore more of the pathways and trails but because of the awful snow and ice on the ground, we decided to play it safe and stick to the path at the top of the crest. To make ourselves feel better, we took a trip to IKEA afterwards and got ourselves some ice-cream. Ice-cream makes everything better, doesn't it?
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| Laura decided to take a petite break in the tub at IKEA. |
January 18
Laura and I signed up for the MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) Race Series #1 5km. I have no idea what we were thinking because we both worked night shifts right before the race. We basically got an hour of sleep beforehand. I'm pretty sure if we hadn't signed up together, we probably would have bailed. That being said, we got up and headed down to Shouldice Park near the Bow River. The entire race, we hustled like crazy so we could finish and go home to bed. I was exhausted by the end because Laura is a running ninja but I was proud of myself when I was finished.
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| I decided to make the run a little more interesting by adding self-adhesive moustaches. At least we entertained our fellow runners. |
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| I moustache you a question...but I'll shave it for later. |
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| Laura and I finished in 27th & 29th place out of 128 people! |
January 24
On my phone, I have a nike app that I use regularly to track my running. A new feature was added recently that gives you a coach to help you train towards a goal. I entered in my half-marathon for March 22nd and it created a training program for me until the big race. As a result, I did my best to get out there and make my digital coach proud!
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| Ran Day 2 of my nike half marathon training. |
January 25
My nike app coach instructed me to run 19.31km this day. I was a bit doubtful that I could accomplish anything near as far, but I put my sneakers on and gave it a go. I decided to try running around the Glenmore Reservoir and, what do you know, I accomplished it! It was very difficult and my knees and hips were cursing me, but I was proud that I could push myself this far and long.
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| My view of the Glenmore Reservoir at sunset. |
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| Running over Glenmore Trail. It was interesting to see a busy highway from this perspective. |
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| So happy to be done that run! It was pitch dark by the time I finished. |
January 27
Day 4 of my half marathon training schedule. I ran around the neighbourhood by my house. It was still really slippery so I did my best not to fall. Working towards the big race.
January 28
I decided to give my poor purple running shoes a break and bought some new ones at Sport Chek. They are the Nike Free 5.0 + Shield if that means anything to you. The lady at Sport Chek showed me the built in reflectors on the front of the shoe that add some extra pizzazz. They were super light and comfortable when I tried them on so they were an instant purchase! So worth it! I decided to try them out for the first time on the treadmill at my gym (Spa Lady). I didn't want to get my brand new shoes dirty just yet.
Anyways, that's enough about my boring run updates. I try to document them for my own purposes just to see how far I've come and the progress I've made. It's also a nice way to remember the places and people I've ran with. It reminds me that running can be difficult at times, but is always rewarding.
