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Wednesday 21 November 2012

Friday 16 November 2012

Last Chance Half

I guess its something about numbers this year.

November 11, I ran my 11th half marathon. The Last Chance Half Marathon...nice name especially since it really is the last long run we can do her in Alberta...


Holy cow! With the winter that had set in early here, I have to say I was struggling with the desire.

Especially when I woke up and checked out the FREAKING temperature.

Wait...it might be unCanadian to bitch about the temperatures.

Oh but it's cooooooooooooooooooooold!


So she picks me up and we are ready to go. But we stay inside until the last second...gotta keep those engines warm.


But as my pal Sherrey says, you gotta get off your ass. You'll be happy you did! She is a regular ass kicker and motivator...and someone who i chase. She can run a Marathon in close to 4 hours. I cannot. I aspire to run alongside this crazy woman!!

And then we are at the starting line!!!

It was a slippery mess. The first half went well. I had a great time. Pace was decent. but with the temperatures in the -10 Celsius range it was HARD to keep warm, then not be too cold. And of course drinking ice insteadof water at the aid station sucks.

The second half was difficult. I will admit to maybe not being trained up enough. I lost my pace, my concentration, my drive for a moment.

But I got back in the last 6 km i battled back and gained momentum. Not my best time, but I was proud of the miles and the ability to keep going.


Afterwards a great breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, cran juice...and hot chocholate....mmmm...I spent an hour in the tub. Then needed a moment of rest so my hydration choices (both of them) came for a wee nap,


I figured that 11 halfs deserved a we celebration! Then we nap. Winter does that to ya sometimes.

Then a few hours later Sherrey called and said lets go get a coffee!!! So off we went. For coffee and some laughs.



Wednesday 14 November 2012

Wordless Wednesday

OMG This made me laugh. OUT LOUD.

And even if there is a lotta words on this picture!




Sunday 4 November 2012

Winterstart!

This past Saturday Night booked outta work 2 hours early to jet (drive like hell) to get out to Banff for a race.

Banff WinterStart is a night-time 8 miler. FUN times. Both Sherrey and I got our bibs from

Just a quick jaunt. Holy driving on a timeline can be stressful. Are we gonna get there BEFORE the race starts. OMG I have to pee.



Get to the start and there are a LOTTA glowsticks.

Holy crap it is dark!

But is glorious weather.

Clear, warm, no SNOW.

Wait its the mountains.

Things can change.

But its only 8miles.

We can do it!!


The race itself is a hoot. No lights. Running up a mountain, but its so dark you cant tell that is what you are doing. Hard labouring but loads of peeps around. And then it starts. Snowing. Or is that rain?

Coming down the mountain face first into a whackload of sleet. I can't see. But I run hard, except there are too many crowds to get around. But still it feels good.

Not too bad I come across the finish in under about 50 some minutes. The gun time says 53 minutes. So not bad. Soaked to the bone but in great spirits! What a high. A must-do race for next year!

BEER
at the finishline means VICTORY! 


Thursday 1 November 2012

Winter running inspiration

I've been seeing all these running quotes...so I thought I could use it on of MY photos for a little inspiration! 

My pal Lisa took this while we were running a half marathon last March! Bring on the Canadian winter for training.