Habit

hab·it [hab-it] - noun
1. an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary
2. customary practice or usage
3. addiction

It has been a while since my last blog entry but as time gets closer to marathon day I feel I am constantly evaluating the way my body feels, what I'm eating and if I've have had enough sleep. I suppose that's natural for any athlete with a set goal. Those that have known me for a long time know that I enjoy my sweets however I feel I have knocked the problem and habit of stuffing my face almost every day to being able to enjoy a treat every now and again and not feel guilty. Running has helped burn the extra calories so I'm happy with that and feeling great because of it. Research has shown that added sugar to our diets is not healthy however I believe in moderation and with exercise it is.

I am now comfortably running three times a week which now seems to be a good habit. The goal for December is four times a week - Thursday becoming my fourth day. I am looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead of me. I have to think about increasing the distance of my long run from 8 to 10 miles which  will have to be enjoyable and comfortable by the end of the December. I am feeling great especially as running has now become my own time - away from the house, away from work, away from the kids. It has become a time when I clear my mind of the 'every day' and reflect on the goodness in my life. 

Who would have thought I would enjoy it this much? Some say running is boring and at times I definitely agree but what's better than fresh air, noises in nature, and peacefulness of the countryside all while exercising? It is time for my long Sunday run now, where should I go? hmm...

Scotland

I have previously read that running is a great exercise for those who travel regularly. After getting the body back to health, I am now enjoying a five day holiday with Mark in Scotland. I brought all of my running gear and funnily enough it hasn't been taken out of my duffle bag. I figure all the walking for long periods of time and battling the hills in Edinburgh was good training...right? I must say, it will be nice to get the running shoes on Saturday once I am home.

Victim

It's that time of the year when schools, public transport, supermarkets and even the gyms are full of sneezes, coughs, sniffles and tissues. I am now a victim...

We were warned this weekend in Brighton over the setbacks of the running routine during the winter months but I didn't think it would come this quickly. Unable to attend my running group this week, I am finding comfort under the duvet and with Jack, my fleece blanket...not to mention the delicious ice creams! It's hard to see the sun shining through the window and feel the beautiful fresh air through the window and not get out to enjoy it. However, I have to listen to the body and rest.

On the mend...

Training Day



Wow, what a weekend! I just spent a few days in Brighton for one of the most motivating days since registering for the marathon. Listening to experienced runners, elite athletes, physiotherapists, nutritionists and other experts in the running field my head is buzzing with excitement. Saucony completed a thorough gait analysis to ensure I was running with the correct support to prevent injury. I was happy to hear that my gait was really good and I was wearing the proper shoes. Since my current running shoes are at the end of their lifeline I bought a new pair anyway and in return received a forty pound goody bag, including a long sleeved running shirt, water bottle, energy bars and more! My new florescent top will make me noticeable from miles away especially during my group runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings - it goes great with my new flashing light arm band as well.

The biggest news of the weekend is that I found myself an excellent charity to run for! Teenage Cancer Trust is currently building a new facility to help teenagers with their treatments while having support from people their own age. I will update you more on this charity once I have been officially added to their system.

Thank you to Mark and Shirley for getting me to Brighton and home again safely and ensuring my nerves didn't get the best of me. The feedback I received from Mom and Dad about my charity of choice was so positive. Thank you for being so supportive! I love how excited Lindsay and Perry are to do a Brighton Pub Crawl around the marathon route while I run the 26.2 miles -- just remember, you will have to carry me back to the hotel when I'm done!  

Running Club

Finally, a computer that works! A computer that will let me add a post to my blog...

First off, Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Canadian friends and family. On Sunday, while you were all cooking and filling your bellies with turkey, I ran my first 8.5 mile run (approximately 13.5km). The sun was out giving off a 22 degree day which made it challenging at times however I won't complain as its the middle of October. I have a new, very practical water bottle designed especially for runners which was very handy. Shortly after the run, I found myself drifting off to sleep on the couch but being Thanksgiving and living with an Australian I did the best I could to prepare a decently cooked meal and it turned out to great...I think. I have a lot to give thanks for.

Tonight was my first official night as a Ricky Running Sister. So yes, I have joined the local running club. The friendly, inviting atmosphere was fantastic. I ran with the more advanced group clocking in 6 miles (approximately 10km) in one hour four minutes. That included a five minute walk with a girl who injured a leg. Tuesdays are club nights, but I have been asked to join a small group of ladies that run on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. They are currently training for a half marathon, so they will help keep me on my toes and most importantly help motivate me for future, cold winter night runs.

Thanks to my two new followers Mel and Lucy! It is fun to have such great people follow in what seems to be a tough personal challenge. Your support is muchly appreciated. xo