Stepping it up!

After my slow race last week, I was determined to get to work this week. And I did.
I was steady in accomplishing a 10 km (middle 5 km tempo) tempo run, 11.5 km (8x250 m hills) hill run, and 21.5 km (strong finish) long run with some easy runs between to total 84 km. I did over 2 hrs of swimming/pool running, and a 45 min bike. This is likely my highest mileage in over a year. Sweet. Finally.
And there will be more, God-willing!
Oh, my foot is about the only thing that is a problem. Stretching and the Strassburg sock continue to be the methods to manage.
The kids are doing great. They are growing, a real joy, and a great blessing. One more week of summer until we get into our fall routine. Micah will be in SK (full time at his school) and Seth will do one morning of Preschool. Seth and Leah will be w/ Maureen and Jeanetta at the gym 3 mornings each week while I train. I will also run with Seth and Leah in the Chariot a few mornings each week. Leah is sitting up and soon to start solids! What a big girl...6 months Sept 5!
The plan is to do the Toad Oct 1 and the STWM Oct 16.

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Rock the Road 10 km - London, ON.

Well, I wanted to see where things are. Now I know.
Today I ran the Rock the Road 10 km in London. Brandon and Chantelle and gang put on a great race (thanks, guys)! Not a PR for me, that is for sure. But not a disaster either.
It's hard to articulate how I feel about today. On one hand, I should be pleased with my performance considering my mileage has been super low the last 6 weeks (only averaging 31-60 km per week due to recovering from my wonky leg), I gave birth 5 months ago (and have two other wonderful kids...they did the fun run - my 5 yr old is on the far right), and still have a nasty case of plantar fasciitis in my right foot. On the other hand, running a 10 km at a pace slower than marathon pace just stinks.
But, I am super glad I raced. I really needed it to get my head back into the racing world. I had no goals in mind (hmmm likely should have) and just wanted to test the legs...and that is what I did. So, I pause to pray, ponder, and plan. I believe the best thing will be to simply consistently increase my mileage over the next 6 weeks, pain-free. Not sure about racing. Might just wait until October for that.

Ouch!

Last Sunday I was bending over against the seat in the van while trying to hook up a car seat. In doing so, I heard a "pop" in my ribcage... and felt it. It didn't seem so bad at first but has gotten worse. Let's hope it doesn't interfere too much w/ Sunday's race?! I can hardly blow my nose without pain...oh dear, can a 10 km race be much worse?!

Rock the Road...Here I Come

Well, it's time to race again. This Sunday, Aug 21 is the Rock the Road 10 km in London. It's been a fun and busy summer in which I've managed to do some ok training. My mileage is still super low and my right foot is still a nuisance so I hope the cross-training comes through for me! I have no idea what to expect. I have no goal time in mind ... just want to race and see how I am. Looks like the whole family will go so it should be a fun day.

Lots of time in the Pool!

So, I just finished another decent week of training; the leg is feeling better and better w/ each run. I'm stretching, seeing Donnie/France, and wearing the Strassburg sock, which is helpful. I'd love to ramp up the mileage right away but am choosing to be safe and not sorry.
I've been getting in a tonne of swimming (treading, running, laps) this summer at the cabin, in our backyard, at our cousins', and the gym...it's so great! The bike continues to get great use too. Runs have been split between the road/trails and the treadmill. I'm so glad Maureen and Jeanetta can watch the kids Mon, Tues and Thurs mornings at the Gretzky Centre so I can train. I'm slowly getting back to workouts.

I was at the Saucony (can't wait to get the new recovery shoes, shown in the picture) booth at the Run for the Toad practice run on Saturday. It was great to see so many people and familiar faces. Leah was giving her cute smiles to those passing by and the boys joined us after soccer. I must say I am becoming more interested in trail running. Maybe you'll see me at the real toad race, Oct 1st. It might be a great practice run for the STWM 1/2 I hope to do Oct 16th.

The last picture here is a great snapshot of my life. After a morning bike ride and quick backyard dip in the pool, making pancakes and lunches, and spending a full day at African Lion Safari (we have a seasons pass) I'm nursing the baby, keeping the sleeping 3 yr old from falling off the couch, entertaining the 5 yr old who is ready and waiting in his uniform for soccer, checking email while drinking another coffee (this time iced), and waiting for dinner to cook so that we can eat it right away when my husband gets home before heading out the door again. Did you follow all of that? FUN!
So, another week begins. Can't wait!