I can't help this feeling, deep inside of me: it's four weeks till race day!
Not to mention, it's the Blue Nose 10th anniversary race weekend.
It will be my eighth half marathon since 2009.
I've been feeling strong lately. Today I had a good 18kms, preceded by a strong week (with a good 12kms/tempo/9 hills).
And the events at Boston last week have made me appreciate: I am alive - I have blood coursing through my veins. I am breathing. My muscles are straining. My feet are pumping.
In the past week, we have struggled to gain some sense of perspective of the week's events. I have been humbled by those of you who told me that my post on Monday where I struggled to put my feelings into words helped you.
In the last week, all of my runs have personally been in tribute of those at Boston. I have pushed myself harder for them. I have run my nine hills, with the last four in honour of the victims of this week's tragedy. My muscles were screaming, but I couldn't stop, for them.
I have realized that if it hurts, it's because I am still alive.
Tomorrow, I plan to head to Point Pleasant Park with many, many other Halifax runners for a run in honour/memoriam of Boston.
So on race day, there will be no excuse: it may prove difficult at times, but I hope to make it a day of celebration and tribute. I'm sure standing at the starting line in four weeks' time will feel bittersweet. Still, I feel excited about a race for the first time in a long time.
In fact, I can't wait!
See you at the start line,
~ HRG
Showing posts with label Blue Nose Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blue Nose Marathon. Show all posts
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Thursday, June 16, 2011
HRG Runner Profile: Bruce Bowen
When I moved to Halifax to be with my hunny almost three and a half years ago, the first thing I did was sign up for a 10k clinic at the Halifax Running Room. I didn't know a soul in the city, apart from Steve, and I certainly didn't know my way around. I figured the clinic would be a great way to get to know the city, meet people and feel connected to my new home.
That's also when I first met Bruce Bowen - manager of the Halifax Running Room and our instructor. Little did I know that my long-held curiosity with running (I'd been running laps around my neighbourhood and taken the 5k clinic when I lived in Ontario) would soon become a passion, and that from that 10k I'd gradually progress to longer distances - the half, and eventually full marathon. The Halifax Running Room has become my home base, and I've since spent many hours there, either gathering with other runners for a Sunday morning long run, or attending clinic sessions and learning from other runners and sports professionals.
This year, I took my second marathon clinic at the Halifax Running Room. I figured there was still so much for me to learn, and that I'd benefit from the group atmosphere of the clinic. Our instructor was Bruce, making this the second clinic I'd take with him. I learned a lot from Bruce's experience and enthusiasm for running, and I'm sure you'll enjoy getting to know him better in this HRG Runner Profile.
Without further ado, I give you Bruce Bowen, today's HRG Runner Profile. Take it away, Bruce!
HRG: How long have you been running?
BB: What century is this? About 35 years.
HRG: How and why did you start running?
BB: One of my friends' father passed away after a stroke. He said "I have to change my lifestyle or I could be next." In order to hang out with my buddy I had to start running. It was start and stop for the first year or so then pretty much I have not looked back.
HRG: Favourite part of running?
BB: Getting outside. The feeling of accomplishment. If a run is going poorly, I know that I will feel good when I have finished because I did it.
HRG: Least favourite part of running?
BB: Believe it or not, trying to find THE RIGHT shoe. In my job you would think it was easy but maybe I am just picky. Also I have a hard to fit foot.
HRG: Favourite time of year/weather to run in?
BB: As long as it is not too hot , any time. But the most favorite time is September October and early November.
HRG: Favourite route (training or race) to run?
BB: I would have to say that it is split between Point Pleasant Park and the Dartmouth Waterfront Trail from Woodside to downtown.
HRG: Favourite distance to run?
BB: 10 to 16k.
HRG: How do you keep motivated?
BB: Knowing that I am doing my body good.
HRG: Best pre-race meal?
BB: Spaghetti Bolognese the night before. Toast and tea in the morning.
HRG: Best post-race meal?
BB: Steak and beer.
HRG: Upcoming race goal?
BB: Cross Border Challenge 10K – I want to break a 5-year PB for the distance.
HRG: Tips or words of wisdom for new runners?
BB: Enjoy it. Get that feeling that “this is something I want to do.” Don’t push yourself right out of the gate by setting unrealistic goals and being able to reach them tomorrow..
HRG: Anything else you want to add?
BB: Regardless if it’s four minutes or ten minutes, a mile is still a mile. One more body being active is one less body the health care system will have to look after at some point.
HRG: Thanks, Bruce!
~ HRG
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Week 17-18: Look how far I've come!
Eep! It's T-23 hours and 35 minutes till the starting gun goes off, and I've definitely got little butterflies and ladybugs flitting around in my tummy!
Today's going to be a rest day, so I'm taking the time to reflect on all the training I've done, as well as my personal milestones in my running history, all the way back to my first 5k at the Toronto Waterf ront Marathon in 2004. It's a great way to remind myself of just how much I've accomplished.
As for my training for this marathon, the last two weeks in Ontario have been a little busy, what with visiting family and friends throughout southeast Ontario, and working out of our National office in Toronto. Surprisingly, I did manage to get most of my runs in last week, including what felt like an amazing 16k race pace run in Orléans, Ottawa.
Unlike last fall, when the runs leading up to the Legs for Literacy Marathon in Moncton were painful, sluggish and had me wondering how the heck I could manage to run 42k when I couldn't keep up the pace for these smaller distances, last week's 16k felt amazing. Effortless.
As I wound my way through Orléans, the cars whizzing by me at a much busier rate than in Halifax, and trusting my Garmin and my sense of direction to get me back to my brother's house, I finally felt like all of my training was coming together. It took me a good 15-20 minutes to warm up, so my calves in particular were a little crampy at first, but I knew that if I just kept going, eventually they'd work themselves out. And once they did, it felt magical.
Looking down at my watch after the first few kilometres, I was surprised to see that I was running below my goal pace of around 5:40. I told myself I could hold off a bit, but even when I relaxed and "slowed down," my pace gradually increased to about 5:20ish, then even down to 5:11.
I couldn't believe it. There was no lactic acid buildup, my breathing was relaxed, and my legs felt FANTASTIC! After coming back home, pink-faced and sweaty, I spent most of the rest of the day on a cloud, proud of myself and all the work I had put into this training program, and confident that I could now accomplish what I have set out to do: run the GoodLife Toronto Marathon (and hopefully accomplish a PB over last race).
The following day, I did a slow 6k, and my legs felt much more sluggish, but I took most of the rest of the week off to relax (in any case, my work and social schedule were so busy last week, I had little or no time for running).
I've come so far since those first steps on my journey of 952.2 kilometres. To be honest, I haven't run all 952.2 kilometres in this training program. In fact I've built in a lot more cross-training into the program, with Zumba, Body Pump and yoga. But I feel ready.
Thinking back on my first Blue Nose 10k race in 2008, when that run from the Halifax town clock, over the MacDonald Bridge and back felt like a huge accomplishment (and it is - no doubt about it), I've come so far. I've made new friends, trained really hard, and run farther than I've ever done before. I also owe so much to the support and encouragement of my husband (who says he'll be virtually holding out the chocolate milk and chips for me at the finish, even though he'll be watching from Halifax), friends and family who believe in me and will be cheering me on.
In fact, on that night more than 10 years ago when I headed out for a short run through downtown Toronto, and kept running simply because I wanted to get home and out of the Riverdale Valley before it got dark (because at night in Toronto, the critters and the Don Valley tent dwellers come out) I could never have imagined I'd one day be prepping for my second marathon.
But no matter the highs and lows, the aches and pains, the nights that I don't want to pull on my gear and head out for that run...I've gotta say, I've been bitten by the running bug.
And no matter what happens tomorrow, whether I accomplish a PB or not, the important thing is the journey. And by golly, it's been a tough one, but I'm here, baby. Bring on the Toronto Marathon!
~ HRG
Today's going to be a rest day, so I'm taking the time to reflect on all the training I've done, as well as my personal milestones in my running history, all the way back to my first 5k at the Toronto Waterf ront Marathon in 2004. It's a great way to remind myself of just how much I've accomplished.
| Look how far I've come! | Time |
| 2004 Toronto Waterfront 5k | 39:20 |
| 2008 Blue Nose 10k | 54:14 |
| 2009 Halifax Hypothermic Half | 1:59:49 |
| 2009 Blue Nose Half | 1:56:48 |
| 2009 Valley Harvest Half | 1:54:46 |
| 2010 Blue Nose Half | 1:57:44 |
| 2010 Legs For Literacy Full | 4:39:51 |
Unlike last fall, when the runs leading up to the Legs for Literacy Marathon in Moncton were painful, sluggish and had me wondering how the heck I could manage to run 42k when I couldn't keep up the pace for these smaller distances, last week's 16k felt amazing. Effortless.
As I wound my way through Orléans, the cars whizzing by me at a much busier rate than in Halifax, and trusting my Garmin and my sense of direction to get me back to my brother's house, I finally felt like all of my training was coming together. It took me a good 15-20 minutes to warm up, so my calves in particular were a little crampy at first, but I knew that if I just kept going, eventually they'd work themselves out. And once they did, it felt magical.
Looking down at my watch after the first few kilometres, I was surprised to see that I was running below my goal pace of around 5:40. I told myself I could hold off a bit, but even when I relaxed and "slowed down," my pace gradually increased to about 5:20ish, then even down to 5:11.
I couldn't believe it. There was no lactic acid buildup, my breathing was relaxed, and my legs felt FANTASTIC! After coming back home, pink-faced and sweaty, I spent most of the rest of the day on a cloud, proud of myself and all the work I had put into this training program, and confident that I could now accomplish what I have set out to do: run the GoodLife Toronto Marathon (and hopefully accomplish a PB over last race).
The following day, I did a slow 6k, and my legs felt much more sluggish, but I took most of the rest of the week off to relax (in any case, my work and social schedule were so busy last week, I had little or no time for running).
 |
| My race bib and the Toronto Marathon t-shirt! |
Thinking back on my first Blue Nose 10k race in 2008, when that run from the Halifax town clock, over the MacDonald Bridge and back felt like a huge accomplishment (and it is - no doubt about it), I've come so far. I've made new friends, trained really hard, and run farther than I've ever done before. I also owe so much to the support and encouragement of my husband (who says he'll be virtually holding out the chocolate milk and chips for me at the finish, even though he'll be watching from Halifax), friends and family who believe in me and will be cheering me on.
In fact, on that night more than 10 years ago when I headed out for a short run through downtown Toronto, and kept running simply because I wanted to get home and out of the Riverdale Valley before it got dark (because at night in Toronto, the critters and the Don Valley tent dwellers come out) I could never have imagined I'd one day be prepping for my second marathon.
But no matter the highs and lows, the aches and pains, the nights that I don't want to pull on my gear and head out for that run...I've gotta say, I've been bitten by the running bug.
And no matter what happens tomorrow, whether I accomplish a PB or not, the important thing is the journey. And by golly, it's been a tough one, but I'm here, baby. Bring on the Toronto Marathon!
~ HRG
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
HRG Runner Profile: Erin Poirier
I first heard about Erin Poirier on a long slow run through the streets of Halifax one Sunday morning while chatting with one of my running buddies. "She's running 430 kilometres across The Gambia to raise funds for HIV and malaria education. At least a half marathon for 17 days," said my friend Wendy, who I've profiled in a previous Runner in Profile spot. Wow, I thought! There's another person with dedication!
I checked out Erin's blog, http://www.love4gambia.com/, and I became even more impressed -- not only does she have this amazing goal on the horizon, she's done volunteer work in The Gambia before, she's a nurse and a coach, along with being a great blogger with a good sense of humour and one of the city's top female runners. So much to be inspired by! I'm always amazed by all of the amazing people and athletes who live in our small city.
I contacted Erin, and she was generous enough to agree to answer my HRG Runner Profile questions, even though she's busy training for the Boston Marathon and raising funds for her charity through the Blue Nose Marathon in May.
Without further ado, I give you Erin Poirier, today's HRG Runner Profile. I hope to continue following her progress after Boston, the Blue Nose and as she sets off on her journey across The Gambia.
Thanks, Erin!
HRG: How long have you been running?EP: I’ve been running since high school. My first race was the 2005 Blue Nose Half Marathon -- the crazy weather year where the full marathon had to be re-routed.
HRG: How and why did you start running?
EP: I played high school basketball and my coach was serious about us showing up in shape at the beginning of the season. I used to run in the off-season for fitness. Looking back, I enjoyed running and had more talent for it than I did basketball. I’ve been running since.
HRG: Least favorite part of running?EP: I wouldn’t actually call any part of running my “least favorite” part but when you’re training for a marathon or a big event like my Gambian running expedition, some runs are more work than others. When I talk to people about my running, I think that some falsely believe that I love every single run that I do. That definitely isn’t true. This cycle, I’ve been training 6 days per week and I certainly don’t love all 6 days. Some days my body feels poorly. Some days I simply don’t want to. I run alone 1 or 2 days out of 6 and these days are usually the most difficult. But I have race goals and a bigger Gambian goal and running 6 days is what I do. So I get out and do it, even when I don’t want to and even when it feels bad. A difficult run is always better when it is over.
HRG: Favorite distance to run?
EP: Either the half or full marathon, I can’t decide which. This fall, I focused solely on the half-marathon and really enjoyed the shorter race distance, especially the specific speed training that I did with my coach. Least favorite distance is definitely the 10km! I find 10km harder than a full marathon -- it’s a long distance to run fast for.
HRG: How do you keep motivated?
EP: I love to run. It’s what I do. The last turn, that left hand turn onto Boylston Street, in the Boston Marathon feels pretty unbelievable. High fiving kids, soldiers, drunk college students and grandmothers along the Boston route is pretty awesome, too. I love my time alone on the roads during training. I love the
camaraderie of my training partners. I love the thought of the money raised by my 430 km Love4Gambia run and how it will make a real difference for youth and communities in The Gambia; how it will keep kids alive through HIV and malaria education. All of this is wrapped up in my motivation. Especially during early
raining mornings.
HRG: Upcoming race goal?
EP: Set a big PB at Boston Marathon. This will be my third consecutive Boston and I’m really happy with this training cycle so am in good shape to do this.
HRG: Tips or words of wisdom for new runners?
EP: My first tip is about training plans. If you have a training plan, even if it was made by the most respected runner you know, remember that it’s just a piece of paper. It doesn’t have to rule your life. Let your body and your enjoyment of running rule your life. My training plan was made by my coach, Cliff Matthews.
In my opinion, no ones knows more about distance running than Cliff. We make adjustments to my training plan all the time based on how I am feeling and how my body is responding to hard work.
My other tip is for race day. When you toe the line at your goal race, make sure you smile and enjoy every (or at least most) kilometer(s) of your run. Remember that, when you show up, you’ve already done all of the hard work to prepare. Getting to run the race- that’s the reward for all of your hard work in training. It’s
the fun part. So go out there, listen to people cheer for you, have fun and enjoy.
HRG: What are you most looking forward to as you run across The Gambia?
I’m really looking forward to the people who will join me along the way. I ran almost every day when I volunteered in The Gambia 3 summers ago. Where white girl from Canada runs, people usually follow! I’m looking forward to being joined by kids and youth. I’ve heard from several Gambian runners who wish to
join me for parts of the 430km road from the Senegalese border to the Atlantic Ocean. This is going to be really inspiring for me.
I’ve also been thinking a lot about how the money that we raise for the Nova Scotia-Gambia Association through my run will make a difference. When I am running those 430 kms, I know that I’ll consider that almost 1,000 kids under age 5 died of malaria in 2010. In a country with the population of Nova Scotia. And
when I look at the child or the big brother running next to me, I’ll know what the NSGA may be able to save that child or that guy’s little brother’s life.
I’ve already got my sights set on the Atlantic Ocean. It’ll take me 17 hot, humid, sweaty and hopefully-not-snake-filled days to reach it. Jumping into the ocean on the shore of Banjul is going to be pretty special.
I checked out Erin's blog, http://www.love4gambia.com/, and I became even more impressed -- not only does she have this amazing goal on the horizon, she's done volunteer work in The Gambia before, she's a nurse and a coach, along with being a great blogger with a good sense of humour and one of the city's top female runners. So much to be inspired by! I'm always amazed by all of the amazing people and athletes who live in our small city.
I contacted Erin, and she was generous enough to agree to answer my HRG Runner Profile questions, even though she's busy training for the Boston Marathon and raising funds for her charity through the Blue Nose Marathon in May.
Without further ado, I give you Erin Poirier, today's HRG Runner Profile. I hope to continue following her progress after Boston, the Blue Nose and as she sets off on her journey across The Gambia.
Thanks, Erin!
HRG: How and why did you start running?
EP: I played high school basketball and my coach was serious about us showing up in shape at the beginning of the season. I used to run in the off-season for fitness. Looking back, I enjoyed running and had more talent for it than I did basketball. I’ve been running since.
HRG: Least favorite part of running?EP: I wouldn’t actually call any part of running my “least favorite” part but when you’re training for a marathon or a big event like my Gambian running expedition, some runs are more work than others. When I talk to people about my running, I think that some falsely believe that I love every single run that I do. That definitely isn’t true. This cycle, I’ve been training 6 days per week and I certainly don’t love all 6 days. Some days my body feels poorly. Some days I simply don’t want to. I run alone 1 or 2 days out of 6 and these days are usually the most difficult. But I have race goals and a bigger Gambian goal and running 6 days is what I do. So I get out and do it, even when I don’t want to and even when it feels bad. A difficult run is always better when it is over.
HRG: Favorite distance to run?
EP: Either the half or full marathon, I can’t decide which. This fall, I focused solely on the half-marathon and really enjoyed the shorter race distance, especially the specific speed training that I did with my coach. Least favorite distance is definitely the 10km! I find 10km harder than a full marathon -- it’s a long distance to run fast for.
HRG: How do you keep motivated?
EP: I love to run. It’s what I do. The last turn, that left hand turn onto Boylston Street, in the Boston Marathon feels pretty unbelievable. High fiving kids, soldiers, drunk college students and grandmothers along the Boston route is pretty awesome, too. I love my time alone on the roads during training. I love the
camaraderie of my training partners. I love the thought of the money raised by my 430 km Love4Gambia run and how it will make a real difference for youth and communities in The Gambia; how it will keep kids alive through HIV and malaria education. All of this is wrapped up in my motivation. Especially during early
raining mornings.
HRG: Upcoming race goal?
EP: Set a big PB at Boston Marathon. This will be my third consecutive Boston and I’m really happy with this training cycle so am in good shape to do this.
HRG: Tips or words of wisdom for new runners?
EP: My first tip is about training plans. If you have a training plan, even if it was made by the most respected runner you know, remember that it’s just a piece of paper. It doesn’t have to rule your life. Let your body and your enjoyment of running rule your life. My training plan was made by my coach, Cliff Matthews.
In my opinion, no ones knows more about distance running than Cliff. We make adjustments to my training plan all the time based on how I am feeling and how my body is responding to hard work.
My other tip is for race day. When you toe the line at your goal race, make sure you smile and enjoy every (or at least most) kilometer(s) of your run. Remember that, when you show up, you’ve already done all of the hard work to prepare. Getting to run the race- that’s the reward for all of your hard work in training. It’s
the fun part. So go out there, listen to people cheer for you, have fun and enjoy.
HRG: What are you most looking forward to as you run across The Gambia?
I’m really looking forward to the people who will join me along the way. I ran almost every day when I volunteered in The Gambia 3 summers ago. Where white girl from Canada runs, people usually follow! I’m looking forward to being joined by kids and youth. I’ve heard from several Gambian runners who wish to
join me for parts of the 430km road from the Senegalese border to the Atlantic Ocean. This is going to be really inspiring for me.
I’ve also been thinking a lot about how the money that we raise for the Nova Scotia-Gambia Association through my run will make a difference. When I am running those 430 kms, I know that I’ll consider that almost 1,000 kids under age 5 died of malaria in 2010. In a country with the population of Nova Scotia. And
when I look at the child or the big brother running next to me, I’ll know what the NSGA may be able to save that child or that guy’s little brother’s life.
I’ve already got my sights set on the Atlantic Ocean. It’ll take me 17 hot, humid, sweaty and hopefully-not-snake-filled days to reach it. Jumping into the ocean on the shore of Banjul is going to be pretty special.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)