Lesson 8: Sometimes You Need To Turn Around To See The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Couple things about me. I live an hour from the training runs by car...on a non-congested day.

I also am a believer in the fact that you only have yourself to question when you don't achieve something when you don't put the time and effort in. The "what if's"....
This is something I have learned through life experience.
Another "major" is that I have made some major changes in my life to get me on the path I am heading...Major.
Anyway, point is that I have a lot on my plate. Which, I like to be honest because it is all positive, good and quite frankley, it is the way I roll. 
There is a difference between doing the right thing and doing the thing you think you should be doing...
Yesterday was training day. I had my bag packed, even organized my food. I was good to go!
I completed a program at the JI and was leaving there with a certificate and a big smile with my gear on.
But that didn't happen....well it did, just without the smile.
I felt totally bombarded with all of the elements that I have to complete or have just completed this week.
A Physical Challenge for a career opportunity, kiddies, deadlines, tests...blah blah blah...I drove alllllllll the way to the North Shore feeling stressed, knowing "if I just got my foot on the trail"...but what if I got injured and couldn't compete saturday? When will I find a babysitter for next week? When, where, who, how, what....I was mentally bagged.
To make a short story long, I parked about 800 meters outside of the Dam and tried to make a smart decision.
Was it in my best interest to risk myself this week? Or would my pride and stubborn self get in the way and go anyways?

I turned around with BIG tear drops and all. Sounds silly, I know...but I did it anyway. Drove an hour and a half home without even a sweat. I had salt all over my face, which I would have had if I had run anyways I guess....

Ironically, I thought of what I wrote last week...I didn't follow it. Or maybe I did. Depends how you look at it...

Heading home I took a  picture. (I always do this type of thing) to remind me of days when I might need reminding (weird, I know)...when I looked at it later, I realized you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even if I am heading in a different direction.

Got home pealed off my gear all puffy, frustrated and a little disappointed in my behavior. I went to throw it in my laundry room where I keep my pin board and noticed there was something of my daughters on there. It's MY little place of solitare. I put all my maps for upcoming events and bibs etc on it. I think it is my favourite room! She had tacked up her shirt and bib from the Kids Sun Run from a couple of weeks ago. Something we did together and we were both very proud of.Miraculously I feet 100 % better on my decision.

Lesson 8 Therefore is: Sometimes you need to turn around to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Lesson 7: What goes down must go UP FIRST....

Im not sure why it didn't even cross my mind that the runs would become more and more technical, but apparently it is something I should mentally prepare myself for each week.
Therefore: Lesson 7 It is NOT going to get easier....


We started in the parking lot of the Cleveland Dam and RAN up the pavement to the start of the Grouse Grind which was a good 1.5k away...where we hopped on the trail. This was a very steep trail we did, It was extreme compared to last week. In fact to me, last week was a cake-walk in comparison.


More often than not it seemed I was climbing using my hands to get up, up, up...I have been wearing gloves which are so great for this kind of sport.
Many climbing obstacles this week LOTS like... literally rolling my body over trees to get back on the path and lots of edges...Yikes!


I was reminded again of the importance of staying tight in a group. I have picked up on the way they roll here...basically, if the person in front of you starts running, you better pick up your heels or you are going to loose them.


The training started off dry, but about half way through boy oh boy did the sky open up. The rain was incredible. But the sound of the rain in the trails with the sound of nothing but pitter-patters, panting and raindrops is truly something you can only experience to appreciate.


Last nights run was very special as my friend Chelsea (who is training for Ironman this year) came for the "Experience" although she did run by me at one point with a dirty look and say "You are @*%#ing crazy"  by the time she was done, dusted, showered and had a little beauty rest...she wrote me a nice email today saying how great it was. I knew she would love it...I just knew it.


Everyone is so helpful and friendly, they were helping my friend with some technique ideas and just so encouraging. I greatly appreciated the welcome hand.


Some people consider Running an individual sport. I guess it is in many ways. But there is a very special bond amongst people in general that run. An understanding. They are just happy to be there. And to be honest, I have never met a bitter, nasty or negative runner and I don't think I ever will.
It is very rewarding to do something that you really love, appreciate, where you can encourage, be encouraged, learn from, teach and achieve...

First Trail Run for my mate. 11km, 2000 vertical incline and decent.

Not the best picture, I was trying to run and use my phone camera...but you get the drift.

If you ever have the opportunity to join something you have an interest in, then you should do it. I'm serious. Sure it is a bit out of the box to sign up for something that you don't know anything about or aren't particular good at, but who cares? We sign our kids up for stuff all the time with kids they don't know....what is your excuse? If you want to do something, go for it. Whatever it is.


One super awesome thing I found this week were biodegradable baby wipes. Halafreakinlula. I can sleep now knowing that I have back up (ha ha) if needed.


By the time I rolled in my driveway it was 9 pm. I was freezing, muddy, soaked and just totally bagged. I pealed off my gear and hopped in the hot shower, shook off my shoes, placed my high heels back in their home from work that day, painted my toes to hide the brused ones and slipped into bed. I was very happy.

"OH BALLS" I say....

Please note: Wine is only deserved AFTER a train...or while in the kitchen.

So Friday night my mate came over and we had an agenda...to make Energy Balls.
They turned out great, super easy (even I can make them as no oven is required...I can cook, but not bake - pancakes are considered baking fyi)
Anyway, these little babies are fantastic! Much like a "Cliff Bar" but instead of a $3 price tag do a dance for $0.40 per ball. Yes! AND Delish.


INGREDIENTS:
1 Cup Sunfower Seeds, Toasted
1 Cup Sesame Seeds, Toasted
1 Cup Rolled Oats
1 Cup Chocolate Chips
1 Cup Raisins
1 Cup Dried Cranberries
1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder
2 Cups Almond or Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup Honey
1 1/2 Cups Toasted Coconut


METHOD:
Put everything except coconut in a large bowl.
Mix together with your hands. Add more honey if you need them to hold together more.
Roll into "Tim bit" sized balls and roll in coconut
Store in ziplock for up to a couple of months in freezer if needed (but you won't, cause the are too damn yummy and you will be so energized you will want to run more...:) )


NUTRITIONAL INFO PER TWO BALLS:
Calories: 180
Carbos: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fibre: 2g
Fat: 10g

Unofficial Training Part 2 Lessons 3,4,5 & 6...

This weeks run "Almost" didn't happen. As I had some crazy super bug 24 hours before to the point that I let the kiddies make their own lunches that consisted of Nutella Sandwiches, an easter bunny and 1 (yes ONE carrot) but I couldn't be bothered to argue, as I was not in any shape to, and very grateful that they pulled it off without any help from me.

I went to work Wednesday and drained by the time I got to the top of the stairs. (Oh boy...how the heck am I going to make training tonight?) It was just a whisper though... Although I was told all day by my co-mates at work that it wasn't a good idea and I should go home and rest...
I just couldn't accept that...I looked forward to it for the past 7 days!

Got to the meeting place, Cleveland Dam I looked around at all the super heros in their awesome capes..."Ironman" shirts, "Boston Marathon" shirts....soooo cool. Although I am always happy to roll out my lululemon gear as it "lifts and seperates" like no other. (EVERYONE has a great ass in those pants.) I still strive to be like them when I grow up.

The rain was coming down, the brim of my cap was a constant roll of water. We were told where to go and the most important rule...STICK WITH SOMEONE (preferably whom knows where they are going)

Lesson 3: If you wear a hat, make sure you look up high enough so don't run into a tree that has crossed the path at head level (lesson learned)

Lesson 4: Went you are told the route...listen to it. Infact, print out the directions so you can find your way independently if necessary.

Lesson 5: Run in the pack. I did try, but dragged a little with some of the super heros. By the time I turned the next corner, they were gone and I went the wrong direction, losing a minute or two...then burned back. Luckly found some new super heros to follow.
It is hard at the moment, because I really don't know my pace in relation to anyone elses as this is all new for me. Fortunately, everyone has been very accomodating.

Lesson 6: Don't be a wimp. If you are going to sign up for something, then do it right. If you are going to train, train hard. If you want an excuse to get out of anything (in life) you will find one if you want too. Be it through the voices of others or the one in your head. I don't want any of that. That is not the way I roll. This is a mental game. So if you want to change something or learn something or be better at something then leave your excuses at the door, infact toss them out. You won't need them -You will never regret a workout.


On a side note: I came to the realization this week if I didn't already know, that I am an ugly runner. My nose is always running faster than my legs, I sniffle the entire time, my eyes water to the point that I can barely see the ground infront of me and I breath like a porn star. I question how the women on the feminine hygene commercials do it? It boggles my mind. White pants, no bloating...skipping without missing a beat...amazing.

Something to strive for next week. Definitley.

It is so beautiful on the North Shore. I feel like I have just been given a big gift and it is full of little presents inside. Individually wrapped. This week worked out to just over 9km, it was a great run.

Home just past 8pm for a glass of well deserved wine.

"Unofficial Run" Lessons 1 and 2

Woke up last Wednesday and I swear my feet didn't hit the floor until oh...maybe the end of my first training session that evening. Boy, I was so excited. For starters, it was a dry day. Dropped the kids off at school, full day of work, the bell went at 4 and I quickly changed and headed West to The Cleveland Dam, which is on the base of Grouse Mountain. I had never been there before and was quite relieved to make it in time for our first "unofficial train".
Everyone looked so happy and healthy and EXPERIENCED...Yikes, could they tell that I was fresh out of the gate?? Probably. But the fact that they were all looking like excited little puppies made it totally worth it. I was standing inbetween two ladies and started a little small talk. The first lady said that it was her 5th Knee Knacker. Wow, that is awesome. What a gal. The second lady said that she is really excited, that this was her first, her goal is to finish.
I stood there and thought for a second. Then my unfiltered mouth said "My goal is to finish without shitting my pants" They both laughed and agreed that can be an issue.

I signed in like we were all asked to do, just to keep record of whom had made it back. Our distance was to be 8km. Brother's Creek and return.
It was awesome. I tried to stay in the middle, don't know if that actually happened or not...who cares. I was there. I didn't know a soul. (or Sole...ha ha) Not everyone there was lucky enough to have had their names drawn for the Knee Knacker race this year and they were all still smiling.

The trail went up 4km incline then straight back down...it was fast on the way down, I could not stop smiling...I was running with a man whom had loads of experience under his belt, told me about some of his racing and training. Even about some good drinks etc...all was going well until the last 2km when I saw the wet wooden stairs...but...couldn't..stop-p-p....
Swoosh! I must have flown down 5 of them easily. Ugh.

Man, that hurt and I had the mud all over to prove it. Yikes, lesson learned. C-O-N-T-R-O-L.
Took me a second to shake it off, but then found myself trying to keep up again with the experienced guy in the red coat, sucking up the tid-bits of information he would share.

The other thing I learned was to prepare my dinner before I get home. I just stood infront of the fridge at 8pm when I made it there and ate like a teenage boy. Fridge door open, double fisting whatever I could find to stop that famished feeling.

It was a great first training session.