Run Karen Run

Sunday Morning Run January 22 - 25 !

Well I survived Wk Two of the Running Room ( RR) half Marathon training. It is really going well. I am enjoying the group and the weekday runs are 3km and 4km runs. I am finding it challenging but doable. The steady runs are getting easier and God Bless the stop light breaks in the city ! LOL I have also decided that I like the cold winter morning runs. You dress in layers and when it is really cold it is generally sunny and no rain or snow ! Of course I have to steel myself that I will be running in all kinds of weather in the next few weeks. So far the weather and sidewlks have been clear so that is motivating and keeps me going. I even did one lunch time run this week which I am going to try to fit into my schedule.

I am a bit tired this Sunday but I did go out to Danielle's 40th birthday party last night at the Lower Deck ! Blaise teased me because I did not drink more then 3 beer " I have a long run on Sunday " Oh no I am starting to sound like a crazy runner ! LOL . I have made a commmitment and I am going to stick it out.

Blaise has been wonderful and very supportive with helpful with walking Piper and helping with meals and my planning. Thanks Blaise ! It is tricky to work full time, take online course work, run and spend time with Blaise and Piperdog and friends.

Of course I can't help but think how do folks with kids do this! So I am embracing my present space in life and when kids come into our home we will work it out and I am confident that being active as a family will come naturally. Of course things will change but how fun will it be to be cheered on at the finish line by kiddies down the road ! Now that is an example and picture that keeps me running.



Number of Runs this week: 5
Longest Run this week: 7km

Half Marathon Clinic Training ! Ready Set Go !

Well I did it ! I started Running Room half marathon training clinic. I am really looking forward to the next 18 wks ! I started running in fall 2009 with learn to run clinic. I have always been a " want to be runner " as they always had cute outfits and looked to fit ! LOL However I never really committed to trying running. I was hooked after the learn to run clinic when I realized that " I will not die after running 10 min straight! I had a mountain top experience in September 2009 after climbing the 2 hr hike to the top of Sulfur Mtn.in Banff. I was totally out of shape and was thinking of my uncle Doug who was living with cancer and how it was ridiculous for me not to live my live to the fullest and fittest! So I started and when I have a tough run I swear I can hear Doug cheering me on !

I did a few 5kms and last year did the 10K clinic twice and Bluenose 10 K and Cabot Trail Relay Leg 15 in Maragree. Now I have to clarify that the Cabot Trail Relay is a very competitive race with serious runners. I ran with my brother in laws team and there is always a mix of serious runners and folks just starting running so very laid back but everyone has goals. I admit I was not smart with my training so I was not really prepared last year and I was last in my leg watching " older " runners pass me and I had the St.John ambulance behind me ! I laughed and kept going and felt like Terry Fox I had my own support team ! LOL Sooo my goal this year to is to train smarter and keep my focus on the goal of making the mat and running the pace of 6km/min.

The Running Room clinic has 60 people enrolled of all shapes and sizes and ages. I am hopping that I will connect with a few folks in this clinic and started running with the 2:15 group. Unfortunately the Bluenose is the weekend before the Cabot Trail Relay so my first half marathon will have to wait for another race in the summer. I loved the 10K last year so many people cheering and so many people in the pack. The energy is amazing and it feels great to test your body and push the limits. Yes I admit I am a convert and love the challenge and feeling from running. However winter running in Halifax is a challenge however I have all the gear and even went out for 6km last Sunday with RR group run and the temp was - 25 !

NO EXCUSES and FOCUS is my motto for my training !

I plan to give updates on my training to track how I am doing.

Longest Run this week: 6 KM
Number of runs this week: 3

Here we go !

Images of Christmas

I enjoyed having the " second" holiday to relax and organize my house. It was a lovely day and I spend some time doing some researching and reading. I came across this secrets for success and I they really were cute and simple so I thought I would share.

Secret of Sucess

by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6. Be generous.

7. Have a grateful heart.

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12. Commit yourself to quality.

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

14. Be loyal.

15. Be honest.

16. Be a self-starter.

17. Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.

18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.

20. Take good care of those you love.

21. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mom proud.

I guess I will be busy trying to live up to these 21 steps ! My intention and theme for 2012 is

Focus & Breathe


All the best for the new year.

Nameste

Karen