Showing posts with label great run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label great run. Show all posts
Monday, 12 October 2009
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Sixty, Sunny and I'm Smiling...
Heehaw!!! What a fantastic weekend and fabulous weather! Oh thank you, thank you, thank you running weather gods....
Last year at this time we were freezing cold and up to our ass in snow! Remember this from March 9, 2008??? It was just crazy cold and snowy and just so hard to stay motivated for marathon training. What a difference a year makes. Today was GORGEOUS OUT for our 26K run! Everyone did really well and stuck really close to the 8 minute pace, good for you, you guys ROCK!! This is the longest distance some of the group have ever run, so I am just so excited for them!!!
Not too much else is going on and I'm soooo far behind in blogging
I didn't get a chance to post about the Sport-Wash that Tom from the Runners' Lounge was kind enough to ask me to critique...but so many of you already have that by now if I did mention something I would just be parroting what you've already posted. I'm SO sorry Tom!
Will you ever forgive me?
Plus, I didn't get a chance to compile my running story for the book that Tom and Amy are putting together. So, I will be absent from the book, but I'm looking forward to reading all about the rest of you!!
Again, Tom, I'm soooo sorry. xoxoxox
On another note, cycling has been going really well and thanks everyone for bringing me up to speed about clipless and shoes. I found a really nice pair of Shimano RT 80 shoes.
Recessed cleat design with slim-line walkable outsole
Last year at this time we were freezing cold and up to our ass in snow! Remember this from March 9, 2008??? It was just crazy cold and snowy and just so hard to stay motivated for marathon training. What a difference a year makes. Today was GORGEOUS OUT for our 26K run! Everyone did really well and stuck really close to the 8 minute pace, good for you, you guys ROCK!! This is the longest distance some of the group have ever run, so I am just so excited for them!!!
Not too much else is going on and I'm soooo far behind in blogging
I didn't get a chance to post about the Sport-Wash that Tom from the Runners' Lounge was kind enough to ask me to critique...but so many of you already have that by now if I did mention something I would just be parroting what you've already posted. I'm SO sorry Tom!Will you ever forgive me?
Plus, I didn't get a chance to compile my running story for the book that Tom and Amy are putting together. So, I will be absent from the book, but I'm looking forward to reading all about the rest of you!!
Again, Tom, I'm soooo sorry. xoxoxox
On another note, cycling has been going really well and thanks everyone for bringing me up to speed about clipless and shoes. I found a really nice pair of Shimano RT 80 shoes.
Recessed cleat design with slim-line walkable outsole- Non-slip smooth rubber sole for off-the-bike activities
Micro-adjust buckle and straps allow for subtle adjustment
Large nylon mesh upper provides high breathability ,
and yes, Blue I can walk around in them, but they are not for mountain bikes. I'm going to have to save up for them....they are tres expensive!!! But hey, at my age, you'll be able to bury me in them...and YES Judi, I'm loving the bike!!! It is what I'll be doing for all of the summer and during the early fall this year getting ready for my Half Ironman.
Oh and folks, speaking of Judi, she is collecting donations for Northcoast Doberman Rescue....please help her with this worthy cause!
That's it for today, I was just so happy to out in the warmth and sunshine, especially at this time of year here!!
Life is fun if you don't weaken,
Lily
Sunday, 14 September 2008
When opportunity knocks
For over ten years I had a home based business selling Weekender Ladies Wear, which was very proudly Canadian owned, unfortunately the company closed its doors this summer after 25 years of business. Very sad.
Being a S.I.NK. (single income, no kids), I'm finding it more and more difficult to maintain my meager lifestyle, what with gas prices soaring, well let's face it, just about everything soaring.
Just like all of you, I work hard for my money (If I knew how to do it, I would have put in Youtube, Donna Summers singing "She works hard for the money", but I'm not blog savvy enough)... oh, wait a minute, I take that back! LOL.....
With the Weekender doors closing it left thousands of people out of work. Not being the kind to sit back and wallow in self pity, many of these women found other jobs and home businesses to work at. Last week I was introduced to a at home business called Silpada. My long time friend called to tell me about it and of course would I like to book a home party...well, why not.
I'm all about the Bling as you know, so why book one party when you can book two....hey, why book two parties when you can do the business....Now the wheels are turning....So, yes, once I get the Half Marathons over with, I'll be back in business (no, I'm not quitting my day job), as a Silpada Independent Sales Representative to supplement my income....Once I'm fully signed on, October 1st, I'll be throwing a link to my new business and you can oooogggeeellleee the jewellery, give me a call, drop me a note...whatever...sorry there is no cross border shopping! Sorry.....but if you come to visit........LOL.
Anywhoooo, back to my passion.
I got two really nice runs in this weekend, after not being able to get my butt out the door during the week. Saturday's 6K run was awesome, no garmin, just me and the sounds of nature.
Today was hot, humid and sticky, but it didn't deter the many runners and walkers who were participating in the Terry Fox Run today.
Just in case you've never heard of Terry,
About Terry Fox
Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and raised in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, a community near Vancouver on Canada's west coast.
An active teenager involved in many sports, Terry was only 18 years old when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his right leg amputated 15 centimetres (six inches) above the knee in 1977.
While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients, many of them young children, that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
He would call his journey the Marathon of Hope.
After 18 months and running over 5,000 kilometres (3,107 miles) to prepare, Terry started his run in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980 with little fanfare. Although it was difficult to garner attention in the beginning, enthusiasm soon grew, and the money collected along his route began to mount. He ran 42 kilometres (26 miles) a day through Canada's Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario.
It was a journey that Canadians never forgot.
However, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because cancer had appeared in his lungs. An entire nation was stunned and saddened. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at age 22.
The heroic Canadian was gone, but his legacy was just beginning.
To date, more than $400 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world.
Many of the participants today were wearing survivor shirts, ribbons, T-shirts with the photo of lost loved ones, some were being pushed, some were on bikes. There were families holding hands, groups of kids, people young and old. It was truly amazing to see. And also amazing were all the young volunteers at the water stations along the 10K route, young people riding their bikes offering support, first aid and kind words....
So nice to see that Terry will never be forgotten and that what he started so many years ago has grown worldwide!
I got my 12K in today and it felt great...
Life's fun if you don't weaken,
Lily
Being a S.I.NK. (single income, no kids), I'm finding it more and more difficult to maintain my meager lifestyle, what with gas prices soaring, well let's face it, just about everything soaring.
Just like all of you, I work hard for my money (If I knew how to do it, I would have put in Youtube, Donna Summers singing "She works hard for the money", but I'm not blog savvy enough)... oh, wait a minute, I take that back! LOL.....
With the Weekender doors closing it left thousands of people out of work. Not being the kind to sit back and wallow in self pity, many of these women found other jobs and home businesses to work at. Last week I was introduced to a at home business called Silpada. My long time friend called to tell me about it and of course would I like to book a home party...well, why not.
I'm all about the Bling as you know, so why book one party when you can book two....hey, why book two parties when you can do the business....Now the wheels are turning....So, yes, once I get the Half Marathons over with, I'll be back in business (no, I'm not quitting my day job), as a Silpada Independent Sales Representative to supplement my income....Once I'm fully signed on, October 1st, I'll be throwing a link to my new business and you can oooogggeeellleee the jewellery, give me a call, drop me a note...whatever...sorry there is no cross border shopping! Sorry.....but if you come to visit........LOL.
Anywhoooo, back to my passion.
I got two really nice runs in this weekend, after not being able to get my butt out the door during the week. Saturday's 6K run was awesome, no garmin, just me and the sounds of nature.
Today was hot, humid and sticky, but it didn't deter the many runners and walkers who were participating in the Terry Fox Run today.
Just in case you've never heard of Terry,
About Terry Fox
Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and raised in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, a community near Vancouver on Canada's west coast.
An active teenager involved in many sports, Terry was only 18 years old when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his right leg amputated 15 centimetres (six inches) above the knee in 1977.
While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients, many of them young children, that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
He would call his journey the Marathon of Hope.
After 18 months and running over 5,000 kilometres (3,107 miles) to prepare, Terry started his run in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980 with little fanfare. Although it was difficult to garner attention in the beginning, enthusiasm soon grew, and the money collected along his route began to mount. He ran 42 kilometres (26 miles) a day through Canada's Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario.
It was a journey that Canadians never forgot.
However, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because cancer had appeared in his lungs. An entire nation was stunned and saddened. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at age 22.
The heroic Canadian was gone, but his legacy was just beginning.
To date, more than $400 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world.
Many of the participants today were wearing survivor shirts, ribbons, T-shirts with the photo of lost loved ones, some were being pushed, some were on bikes. There were families holding hands, groups of kids, people young and old. It was truly amazing to see. And also amazing were all the young volunteers at the water stations along the 10K route, young people riding their bikes offering support, first aid and kind words....
So nice to see that Terry will never be forgotten and that what he started so many years ago has grown worldwide!
I got my 12K in today and it felt great...
Life's fun if you don't weaken,
Lily
Monday, 26 May 2008
Sun burn, blood blister & Port-a-potties ~ oh my!
Well, I’m a Marathoner! WOOOO HOOOO!
You couldn’t have asked for a nicer race to lose your Marathon virginity to!
Let’s start at the beginning of the weekend. Friday afternoon my Woo Hooo running girlfriends and I went to the Sports Expo, which is just getting better every year. Though I must admit, I was disappointed with the Marathon Jacket, I do love the funky new race kit bags they gave out when you picked up your bib number and timing chip . . . tre chic.
We of course tried on everything imaginable, I ate my way through the various booths and of course learned and saw a ton of ‘new’ racing inventions . . . yes Bob, the Tiger Tail was there although I didn't get one! Yet.
After spending a wad of dough and many hours there, we headed off to carb load at a wonderful Italian Restaurant called Capone’s. We laughed and chatted and laughed some more as we ate our dinner and swilled down a glass or two of red wine . . . We always have such a blast when we get together.
Saturday for me was busier than I had anticipated but that was okay, however, I didn’t get the chance to go back downtown to watch my Woo Hooo girlfriends and families run the 10K race Saturday evening. The weather was warm and very windy, but they all had a great run.
Saturday evening I set my alarm clock for 4:15 a.m. and headed off to snooze-ville. Luckily, I woke up at 4:15 automatically because I had forgotten to re-set the volume on the alarm . . . that could have been a disaster! Woo Hooo Anne and Dean were at my place at 5:30 sharp, we loaded up the car and headed downtown.
The downtown area was already teeming with runners and well wishers by the time we parked the car and off we went to meet up with my five hour running friends, Jen and Shirley, Rick and Teena, by the time we were done with the port-a-potties, they had already played the National Anthem and the elites were off and running, which meant we had to haul ass to get to our respective corrals.
We had a chance for a quick high five and hugged all round and the gun went off and away we went.
No, I didn’t take my camera folks, there were just too many other things hanging off my belt as it was, but I do have pictures!
Anne and I headed off at a very comfortable pace, the day was bright, cool and very sunny. We could not have asked for a better race day. Truly the running gods were looking down upon us, in more ways than one!
The course took us past the Parliament Buildings, along Wellington to our War Museum then over the bridge to Quebec. This is the same route I described to you earlier so I won’t take too much time explaining it again. Heading back to Ontario over the bridge was exhilarating because we knew that we would be heading back to the throngs of spectators.
Once back to Ontario we were at the 10K plus mark and we were heading down into Rockcliffe.
As I headed up the hill, I saw my Phoenix Phenom’s standing there with a HUGE run LILY run sign!
How awesome is that?! Thanks so much my friends, you truly made my day!
As we were heading down toward the Prime Minister’s house, the elite runners were on their way back and past the 21K mark, they were flying....and so were their paparazzi, it was incredible to see the leading female fly by as I was trundling along, it was a magical moment for me.
On we went meeting up with runners that we knew along the way. With a quick pit stop, we were heading back toward downtown and the 21K mark.
When we got back to downtown Ottawa we turned left and headed down the canal, amongst a huge throng of spectators, so many so, they were choking up the race route plus the really fast half marathon runners were gaining on us. I headed over to the right-hand side of the road so the flying half’s could zip on by . . . even with doing that we were being jostled a lot by the speedy speedsters . . . one guy commented that why do they let "these old slow runners on the course," to which I replied, I’m doing the marathon chum, "leave a lung on the pavement if you wish, have a great race", aren’t I Ms. Sportsman of the Year?
I was trying to stay out of their way as well has hydrate and take my gels, I opened my pouch to get out a gel and got bumped causing all of my carb-booms to spill out onto the pavement. There were so many runners coming it would have been dangerous to try to retrieve them. Another live and learn while on the run, so to speak. Luckily I had tucked a couple of Vector Bars into my other pouch (told you I looked like a pack horse), so that was my saving grace to keep up my energy.
We finally got down along the canal to where the Half Marathon runners split off to continue along their route and we head down toward Hogs Back Falls. Off to my left I spotted a port-a-pottie tucked underneath one of the over passes, so I crossed over the roadways to, well, the obvious. Much to my surprise Anne was coming out of the pot, just as I reached for the door . . .
Once ensconced I couldn’t get out!
The door latch was stuck, oh crap, pardon the pun, I’m wasting time in the crapper!
You couldn’t have asked for a nicer race to lose your Marathon virginity to!
Let’s start at the beginning of the weekend. Friday afternoon my Woo Hooo running girlfriends and I went to the Sports Expo, which is just getting better every year. Though I must admit, I was disappointed with the Marathon Jacket, I do love the funky new race kit bags they gave out when you picked up your bib number and timing chip . . . tre chic.
We of course tried on everything imaginable, I ate my way through the various booths and of course learned and saw a ton of ‘new’ racing inventions . . . yes Bob, the Tiger Tail was there although I didn't get one! Yet.
After spending a wad of dough and many hours there, we headed off to carb load at a wonderful Italian Restaurant called Capone’s. We laughed and chatted and laughed some more as we ate our dinner and swilled down a glass or two of red wine . . . We always have such a blast when we get together.
Saturday for me was busier than I had anticipated but that was okay, however, I didn’t get the chance to go back downtown to watch my Woo Hooo girlfriends and families run the 10K race Saturday evening. The weather was warm and very windy, but they all had a great run.
Saturday evening I set my alarm clock for 4:15 a.m. and headed off to snooze-ville. Luckily, I woke up at 4:15 automatically because I had forgotten to re-set the volume on the alarm . . . that could have been a disaster! Woo Hooo Anne and Dean were at my place at 5:30 sharp, we loaded up the car and headed downtown.
The downtown area was already teeming with runners and well wishers by the time we parked the car and off we went to meet up with my five hour running friends, Jen and Shirley, Rick and Teena, by the time we were done with the port-a-potties, they had already played the National Anthem and the elites were off and running, which meant we had to haul ass to get to our respective corrals.
We had a chance for a quick high five and hugged all round and the gun went off and away we went.
No, I didn’t take my camera folks, there were just too many other things hanging off my belt as it was, but I do have pictures! Anne and I headed off at a very comfortable pace, the day was bright, cool and very sunny. We could not have asked for a better race day. Truly the running gods were looking down upon us, in more ways than one!
The course took us past the Parliament Buildings, along Wellington to our War Museum then over the bridge to Quebec. This is the same route I described to you earlier so I won’t take too much time explaining it again. Heading back to Ontario over the bridge was exhilarating because we knew that we would be heading back to the throngs of spectators.
Once back to Ontario we were at the 10K plus mark and we were heading down into Rockcliffe.
As I headed up the hill, I saw my Phoenix Phenom’s standing there with a HUGE run LILY run sign! How awesome is that?! Thanks so much my friends, you truly made my day!
As we were heading down toward the Prime Minister’s house, the elite runners were on their way back and past the 21K mark, they were flying....and so were their paparazzi, it was incredible to see the leading female fly by as I was trundling along, it was a magical moment for me.
On we went meeting up with runners that we knew along the way. With a quick pit stop, we were heading back toward downtown and the 21K mark.
When we got back to downtown Ottawa we turned left and headed down the canal, amongst a huge throng of spectators, so many so, they were choking up the race route plus the really fast half marathon runners were gaining on us. I headed over to the right-hand side of the road so the flying half’s could zip on by . . . even with doing that we were being jostled a lot by the speedy speedsters . . . one guy commented that why do they let "these old slow runners on the course," to which I replied, I’m doing the marathon chum, "leave a lung on the pavement if you wish, have a great race", aren’t I Ms. Sportsman of the Year? I was trying to stay out of their way as well has hydrate and take my gels, I opened my pouch to get out a gel and got bumped causing all of my carb-booms to spill out onto the pavement. There were so many runners coming it would have been dangerous to try to retrieve them. Another live and learn while on the run, so to speak. Luckily I had tucked a couple of Vector Bars into my other pouch (told you I looked like a pack horse), so that was my saving grace to keep up my energy.
We finally got down along the canal to where the Half Marathon runners split off to continue along their route and we head down toward Hogs Back Falls. Off to my left I spotted a port-a-pottie tucked underneath one of the over passes, so I crossed over the roadways to, well, the obvious. Much to my surprise Anne was coming out of the pot, just as I reached for the door . . .
Once ensconced I couldn’t get out!
Finally I got the freeking thing to open and I’m now looking out to the rest of the Half Marathon group and I can’t get back across the road to my route . . . well, after standing there for what seemed to be an eternity I dodged my way across through the Half runner’s and continued on my merry way. I could see Anne way a head of me at this point, I waved and kept on truck’n. The good thing about running with friends is that we start together but run our own race.
Anne was really settling into her zone and I was so happy for her. We were now heading into no man’s land, there were few to no spectator’s, lots of inclines and a few less water stations. We had to do some strange loop under an overpass and then up a huge hill, I could see quite a few of the runner’s slowing down to a walk. For me, it was perfect time to reflect upon all the training we had done, all the crappy weather we had run in, all the great friends we had made along the way and all the knowledge that was being put to the test. I was enjoying every moment! Sometimes it is just great to have to dig deep and reflect upon how lucky we are.
We were now heading toward the Experimental Farm and the Arboretum. Again we did a little loop through the Arboretum and then back out onto the road past Dow’s Lake and back along the other side of the canal.
You have to understand Ottawa is built around several water systems and is a lovely area with grand old homes with a lot of history, it is a spectacular location for a race with beautiful sights to take in as a runner and a spectator. You should run Ottawa sometime, you won’t be disappointed!
There were only about 6K to go when I, along with everyone else start to make their plan for the finish. Mine was to conserve a little energy so I could run in looking strong, upright and smiling. I met two very nice gentlemen who had the same plan, so we walked and ran together up to and over the Finish Line. Thank you so much for the wonderful company!
Upon crossing the finish line and having my chip removed, I headed into the recovery area, where I came upon several of the Running Room runners that I know quite well, we had our pictures taken and exchanged stories. Then I headed off to get some oranges and a recovery drink. Once I left the food tent I headed off to find my Woo Hooo friends, but found one of the gentlemen I ran the last 6K with.
We sat on the park bench and had a really nice conversation, he was headed off to get his medal engraved and I went on to meet my friends. Thanks Henk, hope we can run together again some time soon!!
When I came out of the recovery area, there they were, patiently waiting for me, all of my Woo Hooo friends with my tiara, a lovely bouquet of flowers and several congratulatory hugs, kisses and cards. What an outstanding day!
Life’s fun if you don’t weaken,
Lily
Anne was really settling into her zone and I was so happy for her. We were now heading into no man’s land, there were few to no spectator’s, lots of inclines and a few less water stations. We had to do some strange loop under an overpass and then up a huge hill, I could see quite a few of the runner’s slowing down to a walk. For me, it was perfect time to reflect upon all the training we had done, all the crappy weather we had run in, all the great friends we had made along the way and all the knowledge that was being put to the test. I was enjoying every moment! Sometimes it is just great to have to dig deep and reflect upon how lucky we are.
We were now heading toward the Experimental Farm and the Arboretum. Again we did a little loop through the Arboretum and then back out onto the road past Dow’s Lake and back along the other side of the canal.
You have to understand Ottawa is built around several water systems and is a lovely area with grand old homes with a lot of history, it is a spectacular location for a race with beautiful sights to take in as a runner and a spectator. You should run Ottawa sometime, you won’t be disappointed!
There were only about 6K to go when I, along with everyone else start to make their plan for the finish. Mine was to conserve a little energy so I could run in looking strong, upright and smiling. I met two very nice gentlemen who had the same plan, so we walked and ran together up to and over the Finish Line. Thank you so much for the wonderful company!
Upon crossing the finish line and having my chip removed, I headed into the recovery area, where I came upon several of the Running Room runners that I know quite well, we had our pictures taken and exchanged stories. Then I headed off to get some oranges and a recovery drink. Once I left the food tent I headed off to find my Woo Hooo friends, but found one of the gentlemen I ran the last 6K with.
We sat on the park bench and had a really nice conversation, he was headed off to get his medal engraved and I went on to meet my friends. Thanks Henk, hope we can run together again some time soon!!
When I came out of the recovery area, there they were, patiently waiting for me, all of my Woo Hooo friends with my tiara, a lovely bouquet of flowers and several congratulatory hugs, kisses and cards. What an outstanding day!
(Anne, me and Nancy (who ran the 1/2 marathon), just a few of the Woo Hoo Friends
The afternoon concluded with a big brunch at D’Arcy McGee’s with several BEvERages and of course a ton of laughs . . . tall tales, great renditions of the races and just being happy with a great group of friends.
I walked away with wonderful memories, great friends, old and new, a fantastic sunburn, a blood blister on one of my toes and a really funny port-a-pottie story. Does it get any better than this?
ING Marathon 2008 Memories!!!
Life’s fun if you don’t weaken,
Lily
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