30 Runs....Done!

I am finally getting around to updating how the 30 runs went. This is the second year that I have done this challenge, last year I got to run number 20 and cursed myself for committing to something so silly...well no different this year....once I hit my 21st run I was wondering why I thought this would be a good idea... I had some pain starting in the bottom of both feet (the dreaded P.F. wanting to become full blown) but I was able to stay on top of doing yoga and SV even got me to roll out my calves and I am happy to say that it never became more than a pesky buzzing. I may not have done all 30 runs the way that was planned but I did the best that I could with my and the girls schedules.So here is how it all worked out in the end:

Week 3 (runs 15 to 21) 57.96 km. Week 4 plus (runs 22 to 30) 109.50 km. 30 Day Run mileage total=291.67 km {total calories for the 30 runs=21, 193 kcal}.

I have to admit that I am glad the 30 runs are over. I did enjoy doing them for the most part but doing that many runs has made me want to take a break. Maybe doing the challenge should be something we do in April/May because it would probably be more enjoyable to head out 30 days in a row when you don't have to face -20 degree temperatures and icy roads. Just a thought.

So now I have moved onto the next challenge....becoming a triathlete again.

Getting back on the trainer for a workout was an eye opener the other day. I have been on "riding" but more to loosen up my legs which were getting sore and stiff from all the running. However, the other day I got on the trainer with SV and we did a ride...if we had been outside SV would have gone back to get the car and pick me up. It was ugly. However, at the same time it felt great to work hard on the bike again. I have never done such a hard ride on the trainer(it helps that SV found it killer too) but my heart was ready to explode, I couldn't catch my breath, my legs were burning, and I was cursing out the tv... I loved it!! I can't wait to do it again this week and hopefully it will be slightly less ugly.

I also found my way back to the pool this weekend, unfortunately it had been awhile since I was last in the pool but I got back in the water (I will admit I did try to talk SV out of going because it was early and I had a convincing argument for the benefits of extra sleep, but SV ignored my great arguments) It ended up being a good swim and I was surprised by how smooth I felt. It turned out to be a long set of 4x800 which I was dreading when I saw it written on the board but I put in a good effort and my last one was pretty solid. Planning on doing more swimming in the next few weeks so hopefully I can get myself into a routine and get used to new pools.

SV and I also did a tough run later that day and I was struggling, felt like I was going to cough up a lung and that my legs had cement blocks attached to them but I hung in for the 12 km and was so happy when it was all over. The body felt alright the next day, tired and the good sore but man am I feeling out of shape.... I got back on the trainer for a 2 hour ride and the legs were fatigued, it was a struggle the entire first hour, but in the end I was glad I stuck with it and put in a good aerobic effort.

So the getting back in shape and becoming a triathlete again has begun. I am back in training and doing only a few runs a week and I have to admit it makes me look forward to going for a run rather than having to go for another run. I have committed to giving some shorter races a try this season. I spent last summer on one race and it was my first triathlon in over 4 years but this year I think I am going to shorten things up. SV has encouraged me to try some new things and we are going to be doing these races together so I know it will be great. Plus we will be able to chase each other down at certain races so that will add some extra fun to the race experience. This year is about doing new things, pushing myself and having a great time while doing so. I have done only a handful of races as a triathlete and I am looking forward to seeing what shorter distances racing can be like. I know it will hurt and I know there will be many things that I have to learn but I am looking forward to the new challenges and pushing myself outside of my comfortable long distance box.

Love and the Olympics

Happy Valentine's Day...hopefully today finds you with someone that you love with all your heart. There is no better way to spend your time than with your loved ones and I am happy that I am able to be with my loved ones, not only today but everyday!

Another great thing that I love has come around again, the Olympics! I love turning on the TV to watch people push themselves to reach their goals. I have always loved to watch the Olympics and although I prefer the summer Olympics to the winter Olympics, I am fascinated by many of the winter sports. The elegance and speed and precision of all of these events is breathtaking. Many of the sports I find terrifying because there is such an element of danger (something that isn't really present in the summer events, or less so) and my heart broke when I heard the news about Nodar Kumaritashvili and watching the accident brought me to tears. What a horrible and tragic accident, the loss of such a young man. But the Olympic spirit and love has surrounded his country and his family and the games have gone on.

It is truly inspiring to watch such talented individuals compete and support one another. I find myself cheering on our athletes and enjoying the emotions of those as they accomplish great things! I do find it sad when the reporters look at anything other than first place as a disappointment, these are the best athletes in the world and getting to the Olympics is a huge accomplishment and the extra pressure that is put on these athletes is so intense. I think that they should be celebrated for being the best in the world. However, I do realize not everyone looks at sport this way...(this summer a person said to me that I was the first loser when I placed 2nd at Ultraman...said by a small minded unimportant person)..these athletes dedicate most of their time and energy to their goals and even if they "only" place second, or fifth or twenty-fifth...they are the best there is in the world and they are better than all those who never push themselves to be the best they can be.

So for the next 2 weeks I will be tuned in watching the best there is in the world compete in some scary and beautiful events and I will be inspired and I know I will get some awesome trainer rides in while I watch these athletes push themselves to do their best.

Still Running..

I know I haven't updated how my runs are going, but I am happy to report that they are going well and that I am almost at the end. I have failed slightly in the attempt of 30 runs in 30 days, but I am still going for it, I will complete all 30 runs but with 2 kids and getting the flu, sometimes I just can't make it all happen.

This weekend though, I had 2 really great runs. I got to meet up with a friend that I hadn't seen in so long. KVK came back just as I moved away but we got together on Saturday and it was nice to chat about the events of the past year that had happened in both of our lives, almost to the point that we didn't notice the cold temperatures, almost.

Sunday, my sister and I headed out on a run together, something that we haven't been able to do enough of. She is training for ATB so it was nice to go and be there for her as she got her mileage in. It was extremely cold and we were able to get through all the mileage, we tried to get as many hills into the 14 miles she had to do. It was a great run and she did a great job. I was frozen by the time we got back and I had a hard time untying my shoelaces, it made me wonder what we were thinking. But a hot shower and a coffee and I was good to go!

I am about to head out now for another run, only a few left. I have been enjoying all the running but I am looking forward to not feeling like I "have" to run...