Summer Run Fun!

We are in the throes of marathon and half marathon training and hoping the entire summer doesn't turn out to be as hot as the last week! Those early morning runs are more appealing by the degree! SO glad to be back into training as it keeps me honest and my body and mind need those long runs!

Big news is that finally a dream is coming true for me....the first annual Muskoka Half Marathon event will become a reality on Sunday Sept. 5th. Distances include the 21 kms half, a 5 kms and a 1 km kids run. All events will start and finish at Santa's Village. Lots of community interest in these events so far and a great organizing committee should surely make this race a great success!

Next Learn to Run program also begins next week, July 12 at 7 p.m. Join me at the club to start working toward your health and fitness goals!

My quote of the month: "the only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is attitude!"

Great performances abound

The glorious performances at the 2010 Olympics are inspiring all spectators across our great country. I think these events are particularly meaningful for those of us considered by most to be 'average' athletes.....once you know what it takes to add regular, vigourous exercise into your life; once you understand the commitment and perseverance required to improve your fitness thus enhancing your lifelong well being; well, it's hard not to admire and completely appreciate the efforts of the Olympians.

Last night I was truly inspired by the 'average' athletes that are a part of my current running group. There was nothing average about the commitment they each demonstrated just by showing up in such great Canadian winter weather. Nothing more inspirational to me than being greeted by a full and eager bunch - all bundled up for extreme weather and ready to go in the dark, not one complaining about what we were doing out there. We all knew what we were doing.....giving our minds and our bodies what they need to thrive - no matter what the conditions, and I couldn't have been prouder....you all deserve a gold medal in my mind! Thank you.

The time is NOW!

The spring season is upon us, REALLY, and it's time to dust off those running shoes and get outside! Days are longer, snow is crunchy, and the time is here....perfect conditions are the ones you recognize. And they are RIGHT NOW! No more excuses. No other program in Muskoka offers this much personal support! YOU can do this!

Half Marathon program begins February 8th - Mondays & Thursdays 8 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.

Learn to Run program begins April 12th - Mondays & Thursdays 7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.

Group Training

Those first few kilometers can oftentimes seem laborious at best, particularly in the cold. However, when you get beyond that....that is my favourite time during a run. When you get beyond the swirling thoughts....your own body questioning what you are asking of it, then the real fun begins. Sometimes that never arrives during a run. Sometimes, you never allow yourself to relax, to stop questioning, to get lost in the fun. But if you have experienced it before, you know that that time exists, and is worth continuing for. That is what happened to me last night during a cold run.....I was able to get lost in the conversation, the great company and just be pleased to be out there! I have been so fortunate in my running career to have great running buddies who help pull me, sometimes even drag me, through those tough spots. THANK YOU - you know who you are!

Nothing compares to a group run to energize me on the coldest or messiest of days. Our 16 week half marathon group training program will begin the week of Feb. 8th. Sign up! See what the group can do for you! I promise it will be a great experience! Register at Muskoka Fitness or email me for more info!

Do you run in the winter?

Of course! Winter running is one of my favourite things to do actually......as long as you have the right gear and you get moving, there is nothing stopping you to keep going all year long. I do admit that I need the downtime that I generally take in Nov. and love my easy running in Dec. But once January is upon us, I'm ready to get back to more structured training, my group runs, and looking ahead to spring racing! I am just not a treadmill sort of runner, however, there can be a time and a place for that if you find the icy roads too treacherous. I have had many a season on those roads, but this year has been sweet. No snow to speak of in November and then some cold weather together with a pile of base snow are really great conditions. REALLY. I don't even have my yaks on yet this year and if the colder temps keep up, I won't need them until spring! Crunchy snow makes for awesome grip and the cold just makes me feel more like a real athlete!! ARGHHHHHH! Of course, it helps immensely to have another real athlete waiting for me in the dark on those cold mornings!! So, my advice to winter running - keep at it! Invest in some yak traks (be sure to get the running version not the walking ones), a tight fitting hoodie shirt (MEC's version is awesome) or balaclava, longer socks (Smart wool are my favourite), a headlamp and off you go! Oh, and if you don't have any of that gear, it's still all good.....find a buddy who enjoys the winter warrior status as much as you do! Happy trails!

Fall fun

Plenty of ideal running weather out there this November! Hopefully everyone is taking advantage of it and keeping up their fall fitness regime. I know that after the Sept. race I certainly slowed down on my running program and am just now rev-ing back up for the winter....with a little help from my friends! So many people 'lose' this time before the holidays by scrapping their exercise plan and getting caught up in the overdrive that this time of year brings. While I am looking forward to the Christmas season, I am also planning the spring racing season by making my new and ongoing fitness goals a priority NOW. Not waiting until the New Year to do this. This is a great time of year to try something new, but for those of us 'diehard' outdoor runners, we've surely been blessed by slip free streets and warm temps and sticking with what you love brings many rewards. If you have let your regime slide like I have throughout November, lets make a pact together to get back into it now, TODAY - who is with me?

How to do that......I've set my week up with a variety of different running friends and put my runs in my calendar....this is the only way to 'make it so'! Don't despair, there are still great running days ahead and lots of run gear to put on the Xmas list for Santa and his elves to surprise us with! I just bought a fabulous head lamp for those dark mornings that I love.....tiny, powerful and comfortable to wear - with or without other headgear. Try out the 'black diamond' headlamp at sporting stores. Will be great for snowshoeing (yes, I love snow too!!) also.

Happy trails everyone and take advantage of these next 6 weeks to keep active, manage stress and enjoy our love of our sport!

Strong mind, strong legs

Recently I rode all the way up a sandy hill that has been on my "to do" list in recent weeks since acquiring my new mountain bike. Initially when I realized I had to walk up this hill, I was relieved there were no witnesses around to view this self-labelled 'lack of leg strength'. I recently heard a fellow runner lament that her legs were 'not strong', and in her opinion never had been. This was during her third of four runs of the week, at the end of week 6 of a half marathon training program. I smiled to myself thinking how ludricrous a statement that was and began to protest, when I realized that I have had those same thoughts at various times over my running years. Thoughts that sometimes have slowed me down, made me question my belief in my fitness, my strength, my resolve. Regardless of the training miles logged, the messy stack of running clothes in my closet and the racing bibs I collect, there are runs during which my body seem to be laughing at me, imploring me to stop - to admit to myself and everyone around me that these legs are just not strong enough to be doing this mile after mile.

So what keeps me going? If my legs 'aren't strong enough', what else is propelling me forward 4-6 times each week? Strength, I believe, is a complicated notion. The mind and body connection can be easily demonstrated in running as well as in most other sports. We have to be ready for the times when our bodies simply don't have enough to get us through the next kilometre, the next hill or seemingly the next step. That is when we need to allow our minds to pull us along. I recently read a simple, yet poignant quote that described the power of our thoughts and the actions (or inaction) that follow:

"The mind can be a bull crap creating machine and will continue to do so unless you get involved - by learning new things - and fill up with what you want to create".

Let's all be more creative.

Celebrating accomplishments

It's been too long since I've written....not because I haven't been running, but more because it's always challenging to fit the time in to do both! I always opt to run when possible, and what great runs I have been fortunate to complete lately! Post race runs give me a different perspective on the sport, and on my own world around it. It's been a time for maintaining my own fitness and strength, while celebrating my capabilities and sharing my joy of running with others.

Meeting my group this morning in the glorious sun was yet another one of times I am reminded of how lucky I am to be a " runner"....after the run when I asked everyone how they were feeling, one of the participants said - "it always feels good now when I run, I always enjoy it and feel so happy afterwards". I smiled to myself....that is exactly what I feel and love helping to bring out in others...that feeling of accomplishment, passion and self satisfaction! All in a simple exercise of putting one foot in front of the other for an hour or so. Those joyous moments are what life is all about and certainly worth celebrating! And the group surrounding me this morning inspires me to continue this great journey.

Toenails are for sissies!

Two days post race and I feel great!  Yes, my quads do remind me when I walk up the stairs that they worked hard for me on Sunday, and, my toenail is gearing up to fall off yet again, but already, the heat and the upset gut after consumption of large quantities of Gatorade are a fading memory!

The race itself was busy to say the least - it is hard to truly prepare yourself for the crush of people at the start - literally making adjusting one's shoe (or undergarment!) an impossibility. You really only know when to begin when the massive pack around you starts bobbing up and down in an attempt to move forward without stepping on anyone.  Tripping is the biggest worry at that point, so far away from the start line that you can't even imagine the finish!  

The heat - well, I heard many a runner echo our own complaints, that while the majority of the course is a beautifully scenic one, the hot sun melts away thoughts of a personal best time for many 'average' athletes.  And while personal best was not my goal this year, finishing strong was, and I did do that to the best of my ability.

This race was a bit of an experiment for me - didn't start off that way, however, by the time the month of April was all but done I recognized that my training and nutrition plan were going to affect my race.  That is, my lack of training and somewhat lax attention to best odds nutrition that had done me well in previous pre-race months.  However, I was confident in my ability to finish the distance, and, finish with a smiling flushed face I did.  Proud of the months of training I did do, the dedication to maintaining my fitness level in spite of juggling all of life's physical and emotional peaks and valleys, and the knowledge that when needed, I can 'dig deep' and keep my body moving through positive self talk and sheer mental fortitude!  Quite honestly, my proudest feeling about completing this race was that I hardly had to stretch my mind at all to reach the point where I knew I would keep going and finish.  Now that pure genuine contentment and confidence of knowledge is worth more than any number on the time clock! 

The Race

As I sift through the ever growing mound of running gear piled high on my bedroom floor this morning, I reflect on the upcoming race and the preparations I have done this time 'round.  I am preparing to travel to the Ottawa Race Weekend and this will be my fourth 1/2 marathon in the last few years, with a full marathon thrown in last fall in celebration of my fourtieth year. Something feels different this time - a feeling that I have yet to name.  I'd like to think it is confidence in my running abilities, but that may be a tad naive, as I well know that every run is different - bringing with it unforeseen challenges and potential obstacles.  Every race is unique - the travel, the weather, the food, the accommodations all affect one's performance in often surprising ways.  Simply running in a group as large as the Ottawa 1/2 marathon race attracts is a challenge, after spending months on an open road with sometimes one running partner and often times just my new dog and the flies to contend with!  But everything I have learned in recent years - about both running and myself, and every run I have experienced, have given me a different sense about what this race is about for me.  Very simply, it is about another training run in a different place.  It's about reminding myself that running is my passion and that I am in this sport for the long haul.  It is about knowing that I am an athlete through and through.  It is about setting personal goals and accomplishing them.  And it's about the knowledge that I will continue to do so.  

The race is also about the people - the wonderful friends I am privileged to go away on this weekend with, and the unknown many that I will share the experience with along the beautiful route.  Perhaps too, it is about those who might be inspired in some small way by my journey to get here.

Practically, I will start off Sunday morning with the pace bunny that my mind tells me is the 'right' pace for me as I sit here typing!  Tune in next week to see if my body and mind will come together during those few hours as I run toward the finish line with thousands of others....good luck to all!

NEW Half Marathon Training program begins week of June 8th

The NEW Half Marathon training program will begin the week of June 8th* and continue for 16 weeks, with group runs 3 times each week. Times are:
Tuesday & Thursdays 8 - 9 p.m.
Saturdays 7 - 8 a.m. (longer runs begin 6 or 6:30 a.m. as distances gradually increase)

This is a *16 week program preparing the group for the 1/2 Marathon Scotiabank Waterfront race in Toronto Sept. 27th (not mandatory to attend).

**Cost: $179 members or those who have just completed the LTR. $199 for non-members.

***Fee includes: before & after group fitness assessments with Andre - owner/operator of Muskoka Fitness; 6 x pass for Muskoka Fitness to use during the program or give away; AND a team t-shirt for the race in Toronto!
Please pass along this information to all those you know who may be interested - friends, family, co-workers.....registration can be done at Muskoka Fitness directly. Inquiries please send to me at katherine@muskokarunning.com

Learn to Run new session beginning!

I am thrilled to now be offering two programs - an 8-week Learn to Run (LTR) AND a 16-week Half Marathon (1/2 M) training program.

The Learn to Run program will begin the week of June 2nd and continue for 8 weeks, with group runs 3 times each week. Times are:
Tuesday & Thursdays 7 - 8 p.m.
Saturdays 8 - 9 a.m.

Cost: $89 for members* or $99 for non-members. *Those who have taken the previous LTR can join again for $89.

This is a progressive & supportive program beginning with 1 minute run and 4 minute walk leading up to a continuous 5 kms run.

Group running

I always learn something new when I run.  Often it is something about myself.....discovering what my body can (and sometimes cannot!) do on any given day; learning how my sleep, food and stress level impact my running; exploring new ways to look at a problem.  Recently I have discovered many new things about other people while running too...firstly I had the fortunate opportunity to meet someone new - and have them join me for a 18 kms training run!  What better a way to get to know someone than running early in the morning on a long road for 2 hours!  I look forward to more hours on the road with my new friend and many more stimulating minutes of new conversation!  

I also saw a different side of one of the participants in the Learn to Run.....A. wowed us all by showing her strength at the track this week - as a high school track star, this woman carried herself around that track with great form, energy and focus of a true athlete.  What a pleasure to see her glide around in what looked like an effortless manner - obviously well versed in life at the track!  

The journey of running on your own can be a lonely one, and I have always used it as a time to reflect, working out my emotions as well as my body.  Running in a group provides a welcome change in pace, attitude and experience....it can even provide the opportunity to meet life long friends!  Come join one of our running groups at the end of this month to find out what group running can do for you and what new things you may discover about yourself or those running with you!  Sign up at Muskoka Fitness for a Learn to Run beginners program or a 1/2 marathon training program - both begin the week of May 25th.  Full details available at the gym or by emailing me at katherine@muskokarunning.com

The Glory of Hills

I had the pleasure of leading and participating in our second group hill training session.....my love of hills stems from the fact that it requires you to be completely in the moment - listening to your breathing, propelling your legs one after the other when they are screaming at you to stop, basking in the glory of a full on effort once you are at the top. Most of my day is spent planning meals, planning outings for my kids, and looking to the future when life will become less of a roller coaster. But while on the hill, it's all about me, my body, my will. Yes, there are moments during hill training when I attempt to go outside myself in order to not feel the pain in my legs, to instead visualize myself at the top, arms up, a satisfied smile plastered on my sweat streaked face. And at the top of the hill are sweet moments, made even more satisfying when I get to look around at my group and see the smiles of satisfaction on their faces. Nothing I quite like more than a heart pumping workout done with friends.

I read a quote this week that was related to weight loss and it transcends very well to the hill training we did last night or any of life's challenges: "If you kind of try, you will kind of succeed, but if you REALLY try, you will REALLY succeed".

It's all about options folks. Enjoy your success!

A snowy April run.

What a run y'day! What we thought would be a nice April spring weekend turned into a blowing and extremely snowy adventure run! My group were troopers though and we braved through, literally holding onto our hats - upright and smiling at the end! Nothing can quite compare - in my mind, to putting your head down during a tough run and using Lance Armstrong's mantra - "Anything is possible, but you have to believe and you have to fight." Well, we fought the weather yesterday and returned victorious - a sincere congrats to everyone who participated. I am honoured to run with each of you.

More spring like weather this week......! Looking forward to it!

A mom AND a runner.

A funny thing happened as I was on my way to the gym tonight.....my hubby called me roughly 4 minutes after I left our house to tell me that our son had hit his head (running head first into the couch and misjudged by a whisker - I don't know where he gets the running gene from!) requiring a trip to emergency. I could hear my boy shrieking in the background while on the phone and made a quick decision to abandon the gym and meet them all at the hospital, where we were taken in immediately and well attended to. Turns out he only needed one staple, no sign of concussion and we were on our way home in just over an hour. Phew.

Sorry to all who met at the gym tonight expecting their leader to guide them through the rain....I was with you in spirit. Kudos to all of you for heading out there regardless and a big thank you to Dr. Nick for stepping in when required!

My family is safe, I feel grateful to have such great opportunities in life and for all the fantastic people I have met through this wonderful sport known simply as 'running'. I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

Running and friendships

Had a great cool night run with an old friend, what a perfect way to reconnect. Because you know for me, it's not all about the workout my legs and heart achieve....that's the bonus, it is also very much about connecting with people I enjoy being around. We talk about our lives, our kids mainly, as we are both at home with them, and we get real about what we want in life for both our families and ourselves as women and athletes.

I recently read an article in the new "Canadian Running" - www.runningmagazine.ca about a group of moms who meet weekly with their children to connect with peers, talk about their challenges of being at home with children and develop their own friendships with like minded people. This group decided that while one morning a week would be dedicated to them meeting with their kids, they also needed an outlet for making active living a part of their lives. So they began to meet once each week during an evening after the kids were on their way to bed. At the end of the article the author, Arlene Barr, states about this group self named the Runaway Moms: "these are women who choose to nourish friendships and healthy living. And nothing makes a mom run home faster than first running away". That resonantes loudly with me in my own world, and I am sure many of you moms (and many dads too!) can relate.

On that note, if you want to do something important for yourself and ultimately for your family, in a fun and supportive environment, our running clinics begin this week with the Learn to Run starting on Tuesday March 24 at 7 p.m. Meet at Muskoka Fitness with outdoor gear prepared to go outside. Sign up is still available prior to the class at the gym, so feel free to show up early to do so! Look forward to seeing everyone! Bring a friend!

Muskoka Fitness - LEARN TO RUN -

Our Running Clinic is for beginners interested in participating in a motivating and supportive fitness program that promotes a gradual run/walk approach.

We will meet at Muskoka Fitness (this is an outdoor program -

join us in rain & shine!) for 3 sessions each week for 8 weeks. Tuesday/Thursdays - choose mornings or evenings & Saturday mornings.

**Begins week of March 23rd**

Cost: $ 79 members. $ 89 non members.

Please register in person at Muskoka Fitness.

For More Information: Contact Muskoka Fitness at 646-1848 or email katherine@muskokarunning.com

Learn to Run

SAVE THE DATE: The next Learn to Run program is set to begin the week of March 23, that is the week following March Break. Registration will be at Muskoka Fitness beginning later next week...more details on cost etc. to follow. This session will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m.

An info night and shoe clinic will take place before the sessions begin, dates to be confirmed shortly.

If anyone is interested in 10 kms or 1/2 marathon programs, please let me know. More info will be available shortly on all sessions, and as always you can email me directly with any questions. Look forward to getting out on the roads with all of you soon!

Just 10 minutes...

After foregoing my run y'day morning, I had promised myself last night that no matter what, I was heading out there this morning. During a restless night, I found myself up many times, lamenting the promise I knew I had made for the fast approaching morning. However, once morning arrived, I pulled on my running clothes regardless and headed out the door, telling myself I would only run for 10 minutes. As I opened the door, my hubby caringly asked where I was going and I barked back, "OUTSIDE". He's been married to me long enough to know that a second question asking for a specific route, would be unwise.

I headed across the icy deck, my left knee hurting, my right achilles aching, my shoulders up around my ears. I turned left out of our driveway, reasoning that heading down the hill would be much easier on my aching body, and flipped on my music. Immediately a smile spread across my face as the sun flooded me with warm light. A sunny -10 has got to be my most favourite temperature to run in. As Tears for Fears sang in my ear, my warm up swagger began. My route took me across the river, and I stood on the bridge for a minute reveling in the beauty of it all...the river quiet and glorious. My negative self talk had quickly been replaced by gratitude - I was grateful my legs were able to propel my tired body along, that the sun was shining, and that I lived amongst such gorgeous landscape, and that I had these few minutes of solace before the busy day.

I continued my run and as 10 minutes turned into 20, then 30, my aches and pains forgotten well before the bridge, immersed in my music and the natural surroundings, I recalled something I had recently read - Sound Body, Sound Mind. This morning, that is what I gave to myself and that will guide me through this glorious day!

The Person I Am

Well, there are no excuses now folks....check out the weather we experienced out there this last week! I had a fantastic SUNNY and SOCIAL run outside on Sat. a.m. Back out on the road with my favourite running partner (thank you S.H.) and feeling the sun on our faces was exactly what I needed after a seemingly long and arduous few months of winter. I was reminded again of why I love this sport and I smiled all the way home. I am sure my family would agree that I was a much more pleasant family member this weekend after taking that short hour for outdoor exercise and meaningful chatting!

Whether you are beginning training for a spring race, simply tired of being indoors or itching to re-connect with your running buddies, NOW is the perfect time to get back out there and become one with your running shoes once again!

One of my favourite quotes from George Sheehan says it all: "The more I run, the more I want to run, and the more I live a life conditioned and influ

enced and fashioned by my running. And the more I run, the more certain I am that I am heading for my real goal: to become the person I am".


Enjoy!

Uncovering The Road

What a thrill folks, this week I can actually see pavement! No predictions on whether or not it will last, but I am going to use it as much as possible while I can! I have enjoyed snowshoeing this winter.....I am fortunate to have awesome trails right out my back door and have utilized them whenever possible - an effective way to keep the cardio up and not worry about slipping on the ice or running into the snowplow! I even invested in a headlight so I can go out at night....what a trip being out there 'on my own' under the stars!

Back to road running this week though....with the Ottawa Race Weekend coming up quickly, my training is about to begin full swing.....one week behind I'll admit! Lots of time though, and the fees increase this weekend (Feb. 15) so everyone interested in the 5, 10 kms (Saturday events) and 1/2, full marathon (Sunday) events, should sign up now! This event is a great way to begin an active summer!

See http://www.runottawa.ca/ for more details.

Feel free to email me should you want more motivation than the sun and tulips our capital has to offer or check back for training programs!

Happy spring everyone!

She's Got Legs

In this weather cross training is a must, and I continue to do this at Muskoka Fitness. My favourite current indoor activity is spinning....an exercise that requires all the intensity and strength I can muster and makes me feel as alive as being out on the open road. Spinning also helps me appreciate my legs and quite frankly, that is a new feeling for me! I used to hate my legs - for what they look like primarily - no knobbly knees here! And my calves, well, trying on long boots was unsettling for me at one time. Now I would confidently say I "like" my legs and am happy with what they can do for me, not how they look. A mental shift that took me 40 years and 1 marathon to grasp and truly believe.

My legs have served me well over my life - when I pounded them into the ground with 50 extra pounds on my frame and when I fell numerous times on rocks and ice, they kept me going.

Yes, Nic, I'm 'in heaven' on the spin bike and look forward to more! I'm riding for all I'm worth during that 45 mins and genuinely internalizing the mantra on the wall, "Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better!"

Running and Health from CNN

Source: CNN

Why Run?

I had an interesting discussion yesterday with an old and fascinating friend about why people run. Some may say, if it hurts, as long distance runners often complain it does, why continue? Why put your self through that? Good questions, especially from non runners who have not experienced the freedom running brings, the tranquility of being the only one on a road or trail early in the morning. But there are other reasons. I run to be fit, to challenge myself - mind and body, to see what limits I can overcome - mainly my own self doubt, to be an active role model for my children, to meet like minded people. Very simply, I RUN BECAUSE I CAN, and in that simplicity is the joy, the self transformation, the awareness of my strengths and weaknesses. And pain can put you in the moment like nothing else. My question is, if I can, why wouldn't I run?

First Snow!

The first significant snowfall and don't you just feel like a puppy experiencing it for the first time? I do, feeling all floppy eared and big footed, running down the road with a silly grin on my face (ok, and some drool too)! Get your yaks out everybody, this looks like it might be here for awhile!

OK, if you don't want to go outside, there are many other creative options for cross training during the winter months. One such option is the new BOOT CAMP program at Muskoka Fitness which began last week but will have ongoing sessions throughout the year to join. Check out their site http://www.muskokafitness.com/ and look at the Boot Camp information to find out if this is the program for you! It's fun, challenging and most importantly, keeps you moving during this time of year!

Happy cross training!

The Marathon Experience

My first entry in awhile and I find navigating the technology more difficult than the marathon journey that I am attempting to write about! Perhaps it is simply a memory issue.....ah, save that for another page.

A few weeks post race and I still feel the glow of participating in and completing my first 'marathon experience'...and what a great experience it was...gruelling, exhilarating, painful and totally unique. We had fantastic weather on October 19th in TO and a 1700 eager and friendly marathon crowd. Different to be at the marathon start vs. the much larger half in that and other races I'd run. Nerves in the beginning on that sunny Sunday made me feel nauseous, but that disappeared as soon as this pure energy was transferred to my feet to propel me over the start line almost automatically. I felt prepared....thankful to the many friends and mentors who had begged me to rest in the few weeks prior despite my jittery energy. I like feeling prepared at the start of any new challenge....and that smugness lasted until about 2 mins into my run when a tap on my shoulder indicated I had unknowingly lost a water bottle! A few cautious steps later -after checking and re-checking my belt - found me bent over retrieving more belongings as my stash of food, meant to carry me through the entire 42 kms, spewed everywhere on Yonge St. with other marathoners dodging and weaving my rolling sport beans and precious fig newtons. OK, they were more likely dodging my backside as I scrambled to pick up what I could and regain some self composure as it seemed all 1700 participants marched unfazed passed. Thanking two very nice gentleman who helped this frazzled newbie retrieve what we could, I once again trotted on, perhaps a tad less confidently, hoping that the rest of the race would go slightly more as anticipated so many times in my daydreams. And the first 21 kms were just that - predictable, enjoyable, meaningful.....waving to my dad viewing from a bridge high above River st., I felt free, alive and certain that I would finish strong.

I once again felt prepared, most importantly mentally, for the time when my body parts would begin screaming at me to stop running. This did happen of course, at around 25 kms, and again more intensely at 28 and 29! The turn around at kilometre 30 was a huge mental boost, much needed at that point since the pain was evident on everyone's face around me. From the 'official' photos my pain was clearly evident as well! But what is a marathon after all without a little pain?

Cheering me from the sidelines at kilometre 41 were my sister, niece, nephew and friend....adding a much needed warmth to my last steps. Excitement overtook fatigue knowing the finish line was mere steps away. The crossing feeling was indescribable.....a culmination of years of myriad struggles, real and perceived. A deep sense of self satisfaction to be there, to get myself to that point...no big grin or whoop of victory, but an inner smile that lit to my core. And the immediate realization that I'll do it all over again.

The tulips are blooming.

Spring has definitely sprung and we're up with the tulips, and up and up some more.....logging lots of miles these days. Our last 'official' hill workout was last night....lots of hot and heavy breathing going on out there, but mission well accomplished. Next week is speedwork, well, speed for some of us, for myself, more heavy breathing to give the impression that I am going faster!!

The race is one month away today with some big runs between now and then...so far the group is holding up well. Just now trying to figure out what water bottle to bring! The stainless ones are heavier for sure....

With spring also brings the desire for new running clothes! Mine are all too big for me this year, so a much needed spring shop fest is in order, won't my hubby be thrilled. But who can respectively run with a baggy butt? Not moi my friends.

Enjoy the sun and charge on!

Muskokan spring?

Ahh, the glorious days of spring are GONE! What's with all the white stuff again, we just took our yaks off! I am sure it's not going to last....we did get one hill workout in y'day morning before yet another snow storm. Not sure what tomorrow mornings run will bring........

14 kms this weekend, getting up there.....the race is in sight now!

I am experimenting with more protein in my diet to see how that helps my running......anyone else done this?

Happy trails everyone!

Never stop

It's been a great running week! Hill training began, folks, don't do this without friends. Good friends. Friends you can laugh with, scream at, puke with....ok, we try to minimize that! A good diversion is to teach one of your group to spit (I did it!!). Thanks friends.

A few other short and wet runs this week too, dodging cold puddles covered with a thin sheet of ice is the name of the game for the next while I suspect. Get used to taking your inner soles out to dry between runs!

I ventured out on my own this morning and it was good.....used to think I was such a 'pure' outside runner, just out there for the fresh air. But let me say there is nothing wrong with getting a little help up the Tim Horton's hill by Mick Jagger......never stop, never stop, never, never never never"!! (yes that was me doing a little air drumming)!

Happy trails everyone!

Still going.....

Well, it's been a long while since I signed in, but don't take that to mean we haven't been running....through snow, cold, ice, snow and more snow, we have continued to persevere and increase our mileage slowly but surely! Went to the gym today (after a 2 week hiatus!) and had to increase all my weights, so I know I've been working! Last weeks LSD was 10 kms and I had a nice kick up the final hill, racing the sidewalk clearing machine to boot! Felt good. This week marks the beginning of hill training, yahoo! I know our group is excited (!)......necessary evils.

Keep tuning in running friends and the snow will be gone soon enough (be grateful, no bugs!). Cheers.

warmer New Year days

A great run this morning, perfect temp. and streets not too bad. Is that it for the cold snap? I guess we'll see, but it was nice to be running in the warmer temps for sure so we were able to do a little longer distance.

It's January already folks and the Ottawa race weekend is not far off......have to get training next month. Happy trails!

You froze what??

Yes, call me a newbie runner (not!), inexperienced winter weather athlete (huh?) or just plain in a rush! Went out last Sat. under a beautiful crisp cool morning sky with THE STREETS PLOWED and froze my ears.....was in a rush and couldn't find 'the' hat and went with a poor substitute....had hot aching ears for a few days followed up by the flu....had a GREAT run that day though!

Wed. not so great.....beach running with long johns on it was.

Back at it once the streets are a tad more manageable! Happy sliding everyone!

And more snow......

Last week's warm weather made for some interesting running....Tues. a.m. was a great one actually with decent temps and no wind. Wed. morning was another story.....jumping snow banks on the sidewalks was no fun, but sure wakes a person up! We spent some time walking and we were definitely slower than usual, but perseverance makes you feel good this time of year continuing to do a sport you love!

Glad to be tucked in bed this morning listening to the wind howling out there, we'll see what tomorrow a.m. brings! Happy trail running folks!

Frosty morning!

We had a great run out there in the clear dark and moonlit sky this morning. Certainly frosty but through stiff legs and stiffer breaths, we persevered and ended up enjoying our early morning jaunt through the streets (would have like them more consistently plowed though!). Saw some walkers out there too....feels like a strange sort of bond with them even though we don't know them! Have to be a special kind of person to be out there this morning. Ahhhhhh that hot shower felt good! Happy running!

Ottawa Race Weekend

Those of you still running on these blistery mornings, and dreaming of races afar, check out this link for the Ottawa Race Weekend next spring.

Bundle Up!

Muskoka Running

Welcome to the Muskoka Running Blog! The is about running, as a way to keep fit, meet friends, and enjoy the health benefits of running in Muskoka, Ontario.

This blog will interest people who are either casual or serious runners. You will find thoughts and information on running, training for 5K, 10K and half and full marathons, as well as training, fitness, proper eating and exercise.