Running – The Daily EO

The Daily EO: January 14th, 2014

It’s a miracle.

Yesterday when I sat up in bed, I lost my lunch. Well, I guess that would be the previous night’s dinner. But nonetheless, you get the picture. I felt bad lying down, but it got much worse when I was not prone.

I had the flu, and in moments like this I think my stark refusal to have a flu shot may not be a well founded as I think it is. But this was much much worse.

You see, I signed up for 3 race that are pending imminently – the 8k Spring Run Off, the 10K Vancouver Sun Run and the 10K Eastside run. (well, that’s not until September). Anyways, I then decided to start at the beginning of a training regimen because I have been lazy and focused on other things. So, I downloaded a free app – because why pay – and started a 10K training plan. Saturday was Week 1, Run 2. Sunday was Week 1, Run 3. At this point, you are running a little and walking a lot. So much walking that I thought doing some extra ab work and some squats were warranted. Sunday I was a bit stiff, but hey, not too bad.

But then the dreaded day 2 hit. You know – when you can’t move 2 days after working out. And this was in conjunction with the flu – an aching body flu. I managed to stand up and shuffle off to the bathroom with a mind to get into the bathtub to soothe my combined flu aches and day 2 stiffness. As I managed to get the water running, I stood in the tub and realized that I could not sit down.

I could not sit down in the tub. What am I going to do?

I managed to awkwardly get myself on to one knee by hanging weakly on the edge of the tub, and trusting that I couldn’t hurt myself more than I already did. At that point, when I put one knee on the bottom of the tub, I found that my feet hadn’t appropriately warned my knees about the temperature of the water. But there was no going back.

I hoped for the best and threw myself into the tub with the hope the water would break my fall – and it did. It broke it. And splashed the whole bathroom.

And here I am unable to even pick up a towel. I thought these baths were supposed to be relaxing! Now I don’t even know how I am going to get out of this tub. I’ll just laid there a long while.

Fortunately, the hot water soothed my muscles enough that I could bend, and I dragged myself to bed with 3 Advil and went to sleep.

And my day was a repeat of that (just sometimes it was Nyquil instead of Advil).

January 14th, 2014 Extra-Ordinary: Today, it’s like I wasn’t even sick. And I can walk again. Maybe it is really Monday today and it was just a bad dream.

The Daily EO: September 6th, 2013

Running with my husband is a gift and a burden. I decided to go for a run today, and Emile said, “Hey, I’ll come with you because I haven’t gone. . . well, I can’t remember when I last went.” And so we get out there, I my husband just skips by me – arms aflailing while he plays the drums along with what music he is listening to (trust me, it Is pre-2000 whatever it is). And that gives me a smile every time. And runs ahead. . . stopping only when he is just checking on me pulling up the rear.

What the hell? Why is it that he has this ridiculous natural stamina and endurance? Do I just drop into a walk much easier than him? Not as mentally tough? I don’t know. But suppose I like spending the time with him. Even if it is with his back.

September 6th, 2013 Extra-Ordinary: Who runs to Rage Against the Machine anyways?

The Daily EO: September 2nd, 2013

Getting ready for a run at my house is a long process.

First I put on running shorts, then a sports bra. Then a loose shirt overtop. Then I settle in to do something else. Like work. Or read. Clean. Eat. Or whatever. I eventually will then change into a running tank or shirt. And go back to whatever else I was working on.

Then I add socks and shoes.

Then later, headphones and iPhone.

Then I make sure I haven’t eaten recently. If I have, I have to wait a while.

So today for example, I started getting ready for a run at 7:30 am and came back to the house at 3:45 pm. You see – I have to mentally prepare myself to go outside and make my lungs hurt.

There is a process, people, and you’ve got to follow it.

Today, when I finally got out, I ran through Strathcona and I ran by the Hendrix house – which is a protected historic house that was owned by Jimi Hendrix’ grandparents. No, it is not a historic house because of Jimi Hendrix, but instead because his grandparents established part of the vaudeville scene long before Jimi was born or he even thought about playing a guitar.

I eked out 4.8 kilometres and came back to the building red-faced, sweating and feeling somewhat accomplished that my long preparation resulted in an actual run. (you can imagine that such a long process can often be thwarted by opposing forces). As I got back to the elevators, I was wondering why I hadn’t found the strength to go the last 200 metres when I ran into the same guy I rode down with when I left.

He congratulated me on my “long run”. I insisted it was not long, but rather slow instead. He told me he used to run ultra marathons – I then understood that I was dealing with a crazy person so I used my calm voice. I again stated that my accomplishment was paltry today, but he wouldn’t hear of it.

“You’re building and that’s all that matters”.

September 2nd, 2013 Extra-Ordinary: Fresh view from a stranger on the elevator.

The Daily EO: September 1st, 2013

I’ve told you before, September is the beginning of the new year for me. Time to move from the languid days of Summer into the more focused Fall. And time to sharpen my dedication to The Daily EO. Yes, I’ve been a bit spotty in my updates. Well, spotty is even a stretch.

But my mother told me “If you have to write, you’d better get paid for it”. So, since I don’t get paid, I write when I want to. And in August, I wanted to lay on lounge chairs, be outside, or doing things I actually do get paid for. So, you wondered! You checked your email often. When or When will she post today’s update!!?? I CAN’T STAND IT!

I am excited to move from August into September because somehow I gained 5 pounds this summer and I’d like it to go away. I say “Somehow” like it is a big mystery. Hmmm. Wine, Jelly Bellys, hamburgers, hotdogs, early mornings and late nights with reduced exercise? What could have happened?! This is so strange.

Well, to start me off right, I went shopping yesterday to get new running shoes. An aside here: I don’t call running shoes “sneakers”. That seems like such weird phrasing to me. Like saying “garment”s or something. It just feels like sneakers are what people wore back in the 1970s to play tennis. I don’t know what sneakers are. I just don’t say it so I don’t get caught in calling a non-sneaker a sneaker. How Embarassing.

Anyways, I need all sorts of stability and support in my shoes, so generally I can’t get the sleek cute, wonderfully coloured modern “sneakers”. (eep, is that the right usage) I asked the guy at the Running Room if I could get some really cute yellow & blue nikes, and he said “No.” Just “No.” So, I get left with the old style ones – from the 2000s. Sooo Yesterday.

So, I tried on shoes I needed – with some weird metallic blue with teal blue trim and laces – and frankly didn’t even like looking at my feet. And usually, I love looking at my feet. I do it all day long. What an awful colour! (the shoes, not my feet) Those laces! I hate them! We were going to try some others styles, when in the backroom, he found a different styling of the same shoe. In my size!

September 1st, 2013 Extra Ordinary: If you are going to turn over a new leaf, you have to look the part.

The Daily EO: June 23rd, 2013

Emile and I went to the ScotiaBank 5K this weekend. And it hurt me. My butt is sore, my legs are sore, my shoulders. My pride a little. What seemed like something I should easily do, was really difficult. But I did it.

June 23rd, 2013 Extra-Ordinary:

Scotiabank Vancouver 5K: Vancouver, British Columbia, June 23, 2013 (5K)

Emile Results:
Time: 26:14
Overall Finish: 99th
Gender Finish: 75th
Category Finish: 9th

Susan Results:
Time: 34:25 (weirdly tied with Chocolate Race Results)
Overall Finish: 517th
Gender Finish: 294th
Category Finish: 34th

The Daily EO: June 19th, 2013

On Monday, Emile asked me if I wanted to do a 5K this weekend – his company would pay the entrance fee. On Monday – as you’ll recall – I was being audited and feeling guilty about not answering my grandfather’s call. So, I said, “What the hell? Sign me up”.

June 19th, 2013 Extra-Ordinary: This doesn’t seem like the best idea today.

The Daily EO: May 10th, 2013

Recently I attended an Operations Off Site Strategic Planning meeting. This is a meeting where you go off site to plan your strategic direction – just in case you hadn’t figured that out from the name. These meetings can be painful, are usually hot (hotels, please get your thermostat adjusted for goodness sakes) and usually involve a team building function of some sort. Ours was not so bad – and I am not just saying that because my boss follows my blog.

During our meeting, our boss presented us each with headbands with a saying on it that she thought represented each of us on the team. We had some laughs and posed for pictures. Mine was to reflect my commitment to getting it done – and my challenge to the rest of my peers to move beyond obstacles.

Recently, I challenged myself to run/walk 130kms this month and I must tell you I am sorely off target. As of late, I am satisfied when I eat celery instead of chocolate. Which is surprisingly often because I really like celery. There is something about it so crunchy and yummy. Anyways, off topic.

What I am trying to tell you is that I aimed high and I am missing the mark so far. Phew. I feel better already, confessing is always helpful. But it is time to brush off excuses and get moving. I promise myself I will pull myself together and get moving. I am taking a couple of days off next week and I am going to run. I am going to hike, I am going to eat celery despite the temptations of endless tapas.

May 10th, 2013 Extra-Ordinary: I’m going to do it. Though part of me is thinking “What’s with the daffodil?”?

Cumulative May Total = 26.8 kms

The Daily EO: May 5th, 2013

I woke up at 8 am and realized that the BMO 8k that I thought about signing up for was already 1 hour done. I rolled over and snuggled back in for another 1/2 hour or so.

May 5th Extra-Ordinary: Some times I make really good decisions.

The Daily EO: May 4th, 2013

A gorgeous day and a forecast of more to come. I awoke determined to find both more items to throw out of my warehouse AND to get outside to run run run. I did the first while I waited for my running partner to get out of bed and get ready. Emile is good at being on time and reliable, but given a fluid schedule, he is the best futzer I have ever met. He could stretch anything into a 4 hour event. But nonetheless we finally got out of the house.

I should mention here that I changed my rules for my running month of May. I am not going to run every day – honestly Self! You are a Materials Manager you are busy – but instead run a cumulative amount for the month. This seems more realistic as I can definitely spend more time on weekends exercising then I can on my 12 hour days spent commuting and working. So, my goal for the month is 130 kms.

But back to Saturday. What a Day! Sunny. No Humidity.

But the Sea Wall was crowded. Really Crowded. I took a picture to show you:

Okay – that actually was a picture of my view at the Vancouver Sun Run, but you get my meaning. There were a whole bunch of people pouring of off the cruise ship and everyone was out enjoying the weather. It made it feel like a race picking your way around people. But I got in 9.2 kms.

Okay – that is another lie. I am a liar. I cannot claim 9.2 kms today. My shins. My poor poor shins. They hate me after pushing through the Sun Run and having recovered yet. So, I probably ran about 6. or 7 and then had to walk – at a lively pace – but walk nonetheless for the rest of the day. There comes a point that pushing yourself is stupid if it is going to result in injury or longer lasting pain.

But it was such a beautiful day that we decided to register for the BMO marathon on May 5th. Because we could. Because we were right there.

Okay – that is another lie. God – what is wrong with me?! There was never any intention of signing up for the marathon or the 1/2 marathon. Instead, we were going to do the 8k, but for some crazy reason whoever was in charge of the race – and it must not have been a sane person – scheduled it to start at 6:30 am. Wha?! The only thing I do at 6:30 is get out of bed into a hot shower. So sorry BMO – and all the charities that you fundraise for – forget it. I am keeping my shins in bed along with my 50 bucks. Because I always sleep with my shins and 50 bucks. Always.

But – the best part about not signing up for the BMO marathon was enjoying the “Expo” and getting free things like health bar samples, yogurt, weird BMO gloves that look like those gloves you buy for exfoliation in the shower rather than real gloves. I must say the Vega booth was pretty cheap on their samples though – you had to go up and request that they cut a little piece of a bar or give a little sip of a drink. If you are giving free samples – then don’t be cheap about it. That’s what I say! Put them out there – share your stuff. Don’t make them beg for it!

Any hoo, back home where somehow it was already 4:45 pm (I blame Emile with his futzing not my walking) to shower and eat healthy things like kale.

Another LIE! I am out of control! Instead, we used my hidden credit card and coupon to buy $2 sweet fries at A&W and since we were there you can’t not have a diet root beer or apple turnover while sitting in the sunshine. (not that I have a hidden credit card normally, it was just tucked away in my running shorts).

So, off we ran to see “The Manor” all the way across downtown as part of the Doxa film festival. It was good – but I found it hard to watch sometimes as I wonder how the director was able to show his family warts and all. (including his own warts). The filmmaker was there, and we joined in a lively discussion after the movie to learn more of his story, and went for drinks with the producers after the show.

Okay. Yep. That too is a lie. We left immediately afterwards – alone – and headed to Chill Winston’s (best location in Gastown), sat outside, had a beer and wine and shared a pizza and watched the world go by.

And that is no lie.

May 4th, 2013 Extra-Ordinary: The best day of my life! Okay. No. Really, what I mean, is there are no regrets moving to Vancouver today. And Oh! That heat lamp at Chill Winston’s was pretty freaking awesome with the sun setting and the temperature dropping. And the wine was excellent.

Run Today: 6.5 kms
Cumulative Total: 16.3 kms

The Daily EO: May 1st, 2013

I’ve not participated in enough exercise to merit the results I got in the Sun Run. When I looked up how fast I should have been able to run it based on my fitness level and training level, I got “the average time for runners to complete a 10K race generally falls between 75 and 80 minutes”. Not only that, based on a bunch of internet “calculators”, etc, considering my best time on a 5K (running regularly), my time was pretty darn good for a 10K (um, also considering it was the second time *ever* I have run a 10K.) considering the lack of training. 75 minutes is quick average and I feel pretty good about this.

So, I started thinking about what if I was actually training? What the hell would I be able to pull off then? Whoa. I could be sub 1 hour. That’s crazy talk I know, but . .. hmmm. . I wonder. . .

Aside here, am I the only one who 2 days after a race forgets the pain and only remembers the glory and starts looking for the next race? Really, how many technical tees do I need?

Anyways, since I really hate May for many reasons – though the Spring melt is not a May problem here in Vancouver, loving that – I thought that I need to do some exercise and training. So for the month of May, I am going to try to run every day (a min of 2 kms). Today I started out with 4.6 kms (shortened from 5k only because I was distracted by a big event in Victory Park with police presence and torches, and flags, and ambulances! I couldn’t take the long route home – I had to Check! This! Out!)

May 1st, 2013 Extra-Ordinary: A challenge to keep my superstitious mind occupied, and my ass a little tauter.

May 1st: 4.6 km
May Cumulative: 4.6 kms