Getting Stronger

Week 9 of Running Room half marathon clinic and hill training has begun. This week we did 3 hill repeats and it was tough. The hill training was on South Street from Barrington to Queen this week. The group leaders had a special surprise of hot chocolate for the group when we were finished. I survived and realized that I am getting stronger. The steady runs are getting much easier and of course the hills in Halifax you cannot avoid and ones I used to dread are very not that bad. It feels great to finish a run and feel strong and not like I am going to die ! We did a 5km steady run this week and I felt like I could have kept running for so much longer. Yeah I am getting stronger and turning into a real runner ! I still feel like an impersonator some weeks like " what the hell am I doing ? but I am doing it and I feel great.

I am even looking ahead to see what runs are coming up this summer and planning a few summer races.

Along with running and training I am trying to take some time during Lent to be quiet and reflect on the changes and ways I can make more room in my life for prayer and really let Jesus " walk with me " or run with me. I have always enjoyed the session of Lent and try to grow in my spiritual development. Blaise and I are in the middle of taking " Dogmatic Theology" a 8 week course at our church. We both enjoy the CD and the small group discussion. I have really been opened up and challenged and leaning closer to my Catholic roots. We have meet some people in our church and are taking on the role of greeter and after church cafe hosts. I am glad we are doing this together and not waiting until we have kids to get involved in our parish life. I have always felt that infertility in a way has been a gift to my spiritual growth because I went searching everywhere ( yoga, acupuncture, healing medications, herbs, stones borstals ) and was opened up and realized that Jesus was with me all along and welcomed me home when I finally got it! At present I am trying to truly allow God to lead the way and discover the purpose of our waiting in adoption. Developing a community in our parish is one of the gifts that Blaise and I are realizing. So as I train and prepare for the Bluenose Half Marathon I am also preparing my heart and soul to accept the challenge of moving forward in faith and real relationship with God.

My mantra for running is " I AM Strong, I AM Healthy, I AM Grateful to be doing this.

Number of runs this week: 4
Number of hill repeats: 3
Longest run this week: 10K


Cheers
Karen

Why I Run !

Well I have made it to week 7 of the Half Marathon clinic training. I even put in my registration for the run! I am extremely amazed at myself and how much I look forward to my runs. I can't honestly say that they are getting easier however I do feel like I am getting stronger. Running with the group has certainly helped push me on runs when I felt like I was going to die! My legs are strong but my breathing is still tricky and hills ! Oh my nerves I really have to change my mindset about hills. Each run we do has a hill after all we are in Halifax ! Last night on a 3k run we ran up Salter St. from Lower Water Street. Salter is the street that runs by the Maritime Center ! Wholly steep hill I literally thought my heart and lungs were going to land on the street ! Hill training officially starts next Wednesday with 3 hill repeats on Point Pleasant Drive. I know it is all about building strength and endurance and I have to figure out a way to not dread these runs. I recall that during the 10K clinic I did come to like the hill repeats however the most we did was 4 and for the half you work up to 9 !

Last week at clinic we were asked to reflect on " Why we run ? It seems like such a simple question but it really got me thinking. I was a person who thought I could not run and now I am running 4 times a week and have a goal of completing the Bluenose Half Marathon in 2:15. Sometimes I think who is the crazy running lady ? I like yoga which is slow and meditative and makes you feel alive and so relaxed after a good flow class. However with running I feel so alive after a run and very different from yoga. Yoga is about getting in tune with your body but hey go for a brisk 5 km and you don't have to try to hard to get in tune with your body! Your lungs are working hard, you can feel your heart beating and your legs are pulsating with fresh blood and energy. A good run is good for the soul and clears away any negative energy or self doubts. When I reflected on why I run here is my answer:

1) I run because I CAN
2) I run for all those who cannot run
3) I run to be fit and healthy
4) I run because it makes me feel so alive, vibrant and young
5) I run as a meditation and prayer of gratitude for all my blessing in my life
6) I run to experience nature in a new way.
7) I run because it makes me feel strong
8) I run to prove to myself that Yes I can be a runner !


Each runner has their own story. I am not a very competitive person so my running goal are very challenging but not crazy. I just hope that on May 20 that I do not puke on the finish line and that I am still running when I cross the finish line !

Nameste

Karen

A new nephew

The Curry clan has expanded once again. Welcoming Laughlin Joseph Curry to the family. Daisy and Glen are currently living in Wellington New Zealand. We hopefully will connect by skype this weekend to virtually meet the little man. Many blessings to Glen and Daisy on their journey of parenthood.

No Excuses

Just when I am on a roll with running I get a stupid head cold. Oh my nerves ! I mean I try to do everything right, I eat clean, take vitamin C and echineachea when I feel run down. Well it was a busy week last week and I had something every evening. I guess I am trying to be superwoman. LOL

I did not get my runs in this week and it drove me nuts! I guess I am hooked and running actually makes me more organized and focused. I did run today and it was crazy cold and I still had a bit of a cold but went and did it!

I have to listen to my body and not let myself get run down.

Meeting with our social worker this week to complete our update. Trying not to focus on waiting and just focus on living and the blessings in my life.


Longest run this week: 7 km
One run this week

Two Years

It has been two years since we have been initially approved for adoption. It seems like a short time yet a really long time. We are currently in the process of updating our profile and completing paperwork. It is just another date and part of the process. I feeling like we are just were we are meant to be. We are hopeful and living our lives and know that God has bigger dreams then we could dream for ourselves.

Karen

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 !