May 2010 - Looking back

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

This month was a flurry of kilometres for me. I ran two half marathons, two 10km races and one 6km race. All in all, I covered 117.35 kms and burned 7031 calories doing them. So let's start at the beginning....
May 1 - the Big Run - this was my second time doing this organised run and "big" doesn't quite cover it. "Insane" maybe. "Bitch", most certainly. But I digress, it was not my most difficult run this month. 2:13:36
May 9 - the Mother's Day run - this is the biggest run, I think, in Calgary. I'm sure there were at least 10,000 people there. I know there were almost 2500 runners in the 10k. And I was one of them LOL. No breakfast in bed for this Momma, nope... I got up at 6 and stood in the snow, rain and cold with my fellow runners and clocked a 1:01:03 finish time
May 15 - Ok, this one I'm a little bitter about so bear with me. I found out about this "half marathon" last year when I participated in the RMSC 12km race. I figured it would be a beautiful course through the mountain trail and I wasn't disappointed. What I didn't figure was that the race committee couldn't count to 21.1 and I'd end up running over 23 kms. Not that big of a deal, I suppose, if I'd been expecting it OR if the last 4 kms hadn't been a steady uphill climb. LOL. I should have seen it coming when the first 4 kms were all downhill. This photo was taken at the "1 km to go" marker. Incidentally, this was at 22 kms and it was actually 1.21 kms. Total distance 23.21 kms - total time: 2:39:51

May 16 - a few months ago, my friend had a stroke. Unfortunately, this meant that she could not run the 6 km RMSC run. So she offered me her spot. I took it. I couldn't let her have a DNF on her racing resume..... I piled in the car again at a wicked early time in the morning and travelled back up to Canmore, AB. Total distance 6.25 kms - total time 45:32
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May 30 - the Calgary Marathon weekend 10 km race - Another chilly morning, another chance to get out of bed earlier than I'd ever imagine a Sunday starting. Paul and I (yes Suezette, he's my new beau) took the C-Train downtown and huddled with the other 5000 runners waiting for their turn to start. When it was our turn, we set a pace to beat Paul's last 10k finish time. Somewhere along the way, around 7 kms or so, I lost sight of him... I finished in 1:05:20, he finished in 1:08:11! He beat his previous time AND, for the hardest part of the race, did it on his own. I'm so proud of him! We've got a really sweet pair of medals for our hard work.
So what else did I do besides run this month? Well, Paul and I took the boys to his parent's miniature horse farm for the long weekend. Three days w/o highspeed internet... I was really roughing it but I had so much fun!


I also participated in the "Healthy Habits Challenge" and worked on some of my nutritional and organizational short-falls. Over the past 31 days, I've cut back on my calorie intake from Tim Hortons coffee. I've gone from one XL double double a day(ish) to having only five in the last month. Three of those had only half the cream and sugar that I'd usually have. I saved myself over 7000 calories! I've also stopped hitting "snooze" in the morning. I'll admit, I'm not perfect... I missed five days. In my defense, I fell back to sleep until Paul's alarm went off, I didn't actually HIT the snooze. I just snoozed. LOL OH! and my best new habit: I make my lunch & snacks for work the night before now. I've got perfect attendance on that one!! Yay me. I've found it super helpful for keeping on track at work. Now if only I could STAY on track when I get home. It was not a stellar month for calories when all was said and done. I've gained back the three pounds that I lost so I guess I've got some things to work on this month. Oh well, that's what the first of anything is for: fresh starts and new resolve. This month, I'm resolving to get more gold stars and do more strength training. I CAN DO IT!

RUNNING STATS FOR MAY:
117.35 Kilometres in 13 hours 39 minutes
STARTING WEIGHT: 59.4 END WEIGHT: 59.2 LOWEST: 57.2 ( kgs) Currently, I'm weighing in at 130. I don't have much to lose but I want it gone for good. I can do this, too. I just have to focus.

Oh well, it's late and I've been writing for a very long time. If I want to be a good girl and NOT hit snooze in the morning, I'd better make my lunch and take my butt to bed. Good night all!
Sweet dreams.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SAMMYSWEETPEA 6/1/2010 6:17PM

What an awesome month! Here's to a successful June too! Report Inappropriate Comment

BOBBYD31 6/1/2010 3:15PM

that sounds like a fun month. lost of racing, too fun! i like the way you kept your stats i may have to try that if i get back to running anytime soon!!!! no june starts, what are you going to do to top may? Report Inappropriate Comment

MIAMIA7 6/1/2010 2:04PM

All I can say is holy cow Penny! You are one crazy running girl! Anne Report Inappropriate Comment

PEHASS2 6/1/2010 1:54PM

Yeah I'm not sure how that loop hole with the snooze button works LOL.. BUT I didn't hit it this morning :) Thanks again for helping me get a PB, and for just being you :) Report Inappropriate Comment

GEOGIRL 6/1/2010 10:42AM

What a busy month! You are extreme with the running! Report Inappropriate Comment

CASSIOEPIA 6/1/2010 8:31AM

That's a BIG month of running Penny! Great blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

KAYAKID 6/1/2010 1:26AM

Penny - you amaze me! you rock my friend! Wow! I knew you had don alot of races but you need a go get a pedicure for those toes of yours - they so deserve it! Have a great Week and enjoy all those medals!! Mike Report Inappropriate Comment

"never let your mind limit your body".

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

My yoga instructor always said "never let your mind limit your body".
Coach Nancy posted this today in the healthy habits challenge team today. Great minds really DO think alike. I thought that I'd share because it's FULL of good information. Enjoy.

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/mind_ov
er_body_fat.asp

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SAMMYSWEETPEA 5/20/2010 12:52AM

It's good advice. I just need to follow it more consistantly! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONE*BUSY*MOM 5/19/2010 12:16PM

Thanks for that. And thanks for letting me know about that team. I joined last night! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 5/19/2010 10:14AM

We've all done that and hopefully learning not to! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 5/19/2010 9:08AM

I read that article yesterday and it really got me to thinking. Glad to see I wasn't the only one! Report Inappropriate Comment

RNSHARON 5/19/2010 12:17AM

So true...... Report Inappropriate Comment

Healthy habits challenge - End of week two

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Week two's challenge was to take one negative behavior and find a positive solution to it. I chose to correct my habit of leaving my lunch making until the last minute. It worked! I did it all five applicable days last week (read: work days). I stayed within calories every day except Friday when I went a little less than 100 cals over. I'm continuing with that this week

The challenge for week three is to really focus on one habit only and then develop a plan on how you are going make this work for you. My one habit to work on this week is: resist temptation during times of stress.

Thankfully, stress has been good to me in that I haven't had much but my first reaction when it does happen is to eat junk. I'm going to fight that urge with chewing gum. I figure if I can give up XL double/double by drinking Carnation light and regular coffee then I can do this, too.

Hurrah for healthy habits!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ONE*BUSY*MOM 5/18/2010 10:20PM

Great work, Penny! Keep it up. Report Inappropriate Comment

COOPSM 5/18/2010 8:17PM

Penny---you are doing so good...keep up the great work!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSPARKGIRL 5/18/2010 12:53PM

I have the same problem of waiting until I'm ready to run out the door and grab whatever I can find fast! Thanks so much for sharing your success with it. You gave me something to work on, too. I'm gonna check it out on the motivational section and see if I can get in on it, too. See you there and keep it up, girl! Report Inappropriate Comment

CASSIOEPIA 5/18/2010 9:07AM

Great job Penny. Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNNINGWILD 5/18/2010 9:01AM

Kate, I found this challenge in the motivational section of SP. Coach Nancy is leading this one. Last month, Coach Jen lead the Plateau Buster challenge and I was part of that, too. It's good for me to have something to focus on and these mini-challenges are just perfect. Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 5/18/2010 8:28AM

So Penny, is this a book you are reading or are you making these up on your own? I am intrigued and would like to "start at the beginning" on my own. Focusing on ONE goal per week seems so sensible, and it's working for you! Great job! Report Inappropriate Comment

Healthy Habits Challenge - End of Week One

Monday, May 10, 2010

Last week's challenge was to choose healthy goals for this month. I picked:
1) no more hitting the snooze button - it just gives me a broken sleep resulting in crankiness.
2) no "away" coffee. I figured my Tim Horton's habit is equal to 8400 calories a month. I don't need that. I'll just have coffee at home with light hot chocolate mixed in if I need a fix - it's only 45 cals.

I made it through week one meeting BOTH of my goals!!

This week's challenge is to take one negative behavior and find a positive solution to it.
~ ok, I can do this ~ I have a really bad habit of leaving making my lunches until the very last second in the morning. This leads to throwing "whatever" into my lunch kit. Starting tonight, I'm going to put everything together the night before. Not only will this ensure that I make healthier choices BUT it'll also give me more "relax" time in the morning.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BUGGYS 5/11/2010 1:45PM

The lunch thing is awesome...did that when my kids were growing up and it helped getting them the nutrious meals they needed. I try to track everything I want to eat the night before and try sticking to it and that seems to be helping me...planning ahead...as for the little goals, you are doing fantastic...week two should be a breeze! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIAMIA7 5/11/2010 12:21PM

Woohoo Penny, you sure are on a roll! Keep it up. Report Inappropriate Comment

COOPSM 5/11/2010 10:04AM

Penny---great goals!!! Love that you conquered the 2 last week.....I have to do my lunch the night before for the same reason....once you get into the routine with it, it will be a no brainer... Great job on moving that scale!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUNNINGWILD 5/11/2010 9:47AM

And the bonus... I'm down to 127 today! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 5/11/2010 8:55AM

Great work on your goals! I love them - simple, specific to you and your needs and habits, and very obtainable. You are making me think about some simple changes I can and ought to make myself! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKOUET 5/11/2010 1:41AM

Good job on meeting your goals! Baby steps :) I have the same issue with snoozing... Can't seem to trick my brain. Ugh! Good luck on week 2! Report Inappropriate Comment

CASSIOEPIA 5/11/2010 12:15AM

The lunch idea is fantastic Penny! Great job on week 1, now go get week 2! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Big Run - May 1, 2010

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Last Saturday, I ran my 14th half marathon. It was the second time that I ran this route. The route is pleasantly flat for the first almost 15 kilometres and then it goes to heck in a hand basket... the next three kilometres were uphill. The kind of uphill that crests and makes you think you've reached the top and then starts to climb again... good thing I was mentally prepared this year. Last year I wanted to throw myself off the ridge. The good news is that I finished in 2:13:36 which is just a little less than two minutes faster than last year. The GREAT news is that all my runners finished (I "teach" a HM clinic) with a PB for this course. Except, unfortunately, one. My best bud, Howard took a spill at the 2 km mark. Despite the fact that he had blood running down his leg and his knee and hand were road rashed AND he had a heckuva bruise starting on his shoulder, he finished in 2:40. He's my hero.
It was an amazing day for a run, too. BEAUTIFUL! I couldn't go stop for photos on Saturday so I went back and walked some of the route on Sunday... here are some pics.






I can't wait to run this one again next year. Maybe some of my H2C peeps will come join me How about you Suezette? You like hills, right?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MIAMIA7 5/8/2010 9:30PM

Penny-great job on your (oh my goodness) 14th half! Beautiful pictures too. So as soon as I am cleared I am going to start back at the hill running! I want the great butt AND be as excited as you about hills...don't know if that will ever happen! Maybe I will join Suezette and come run with you all. Report Inappropriate Comment

CASSIOEPIA 5/8/2010 9:00PM

Woohoo Penny on your improvement, in time and mentally!!! The course looks gorgeous, and that blue sky would be wonderful to run under. Great shots. Congrats on #14. Report Inappropriate Comment

COOPSM 5/7/2010 8:13AM

Penny---congrats to you and all your runners...course looks awesome!!! Feel bad for Howard.....looks nasty!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZSAZSA4EVER 5/6/2010 10:31PM

I did that run also. I injured myself about 3 weeks before the run. I did it...I crossed the finish line, when I wasn't sure I would make it. It was my first 1/2 marathon and I was upset about being hurt, but still glad I finished, regardless of my time. The second half of the run was tough. The course WAS beautiful until the latter part. Hole-Y!!!! LOL Next year I will know what I am getting myself into, at least. You made great time...congrats. I aspire to have 14 1/2's under my belts someday. Only 13 to go..... Report Inappropriate Comment

SUEZETTE-414 5/6/2010 10:08PM

Penny, those are some gorgeous pictures...well, except for the last one...I'm not a fan of blood. I'D LOVE to run this with you!! I am in the process of getting my passport. Wonder how long it would take me to convince my DH I HAVE to do these hills? Guess I got a year to work on him,huh? Oh yeah, and WAY TO GO on #14!! You are my hero! Gosh you are such an inspiration to me! Comment edited on: 5/6/2010 10:10:18 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

ONE*BUSY*MOM 5/6/2010 2:39PM

Congrats on your 14th HM! And kudos to your friend who continued on despite his fall. What an inspiration you both are. Report Inappropriate Comment

PEHASS2 5/6/2010 11:31AM

Congrats on #14 and a PB for the course :) Report Inappropriate Comment

GEOGIRL 5/6/2010 11:24AM

Congrats on your half!!! I wasn't even aware of this race until you mentioned it, I obviously have lots to learn about the race season in Calgary! I live somewhat near this area and I do lots of my training in and around Bowness Park, I'll have to keep this on in mind for next year. Great pictures! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 5/6/2010 9:46AM

Looks like a gorgeous day for a run! And Mike ought to come run with you since he likes hills so much..... Howard is a machine! If I took a spill like that I would want to sit on the edge and cry for the rest of the race. WAY TO GO HOWARD! And speaking of machines - 2 minutes off of your time is AWESOME! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKOUET 5/6/2010 3:13AM

Thanks for the comment :) And congrats on your 14th half! Thanks for the pics, it reminds me that Alberta can be nice... Report Inappropriate Comment

KAYAKID 5/6/2010 2:17AM

Penny, I love the pictures thanks for sharing them with us. You did great asnd congrats! Your 14th half! WOW! You are my hero congrats to your friend for sticking it out. Mike Report Inappropriate Comment