Wait! One more album for the playlist on Sunday!

I MUST have my favorite album from 1987 (I'm old, what of it!). I love the Tango in the Night album by Fleetwood Mac. I actually wore out that record I played it so much. this was one of my favorite songs from the album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOYIGntnS7o

I'm going to be that really annoying girl running the 5-5 and a half hour marathon belting out tunes at the top of her lungs! Another reason I love having Great Big Sea on my running playlist, especially for races! Like this one, hehe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_LEBZHP2OA

This one especially had gotten me up the Grouse Grind a few times last year (that and the thought of the delicious California Salad and Raspberry beer at the pub!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVTsoOO581w If you heard someone belting Great Big Sea out at the top of their lungs, yes, that was probably me!! As well as this one (had enough yet?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqz6mLRYHj4 Oh me or my I think I'm going to die! I wish I'd never taken this excursion around the bay! HEY!

OK, there is another one, but I won't post it, go look up Old Black Rum! the Old Black Rum's got a hold on me like a dog wrapped around my leg, and the old black rum's got a hold on me, while I live for another day....hey!! while I live for another day! IIIIIIIIIIIIII drank 16 doubles for the price of one trying to get the courage to talk to one....(you can see why I like belting these songs at the top of my lungs??)

Really, I'm just playing on youtube procrastinating. If I don't go to sleep the week will stretch out and Sunday will come later rather than sooner, right? (no, I've not been into my scotch, that's being save for Sunday night!)

Working on my marathon playlist

For those that know me know that music is very important to me. Probably comes from the fact I was born in Cape Breton, love and feel of music is in my blood. Music has gotten me through many hardships, helped me celebrate joy, this time, it's going to help me run!

My playlist so far contains some ACDC, Hed  Kandi, Great Big Sea, bellydance music (that is for when I'm bored and need to create a new choreography to keep the brain distracted) and for sure the entire Book of Mormon Musical soundtrack! You only don't know what that is if you live under a rock and are not fans of South Park. Never heard of it? Check this out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhRwxCm7bV8 Hasa Diga Eebowai!! Or this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ltwEJgqXQw Turn it off! Like a light switch, just go click, it's a cool little Mormon trick!

One week to go!

Last long run today before the marathon. If you said to me even a year ago I'd be running the marathon I'd say you were nuts!! It's also been on my bucket list to do but I never realized that I'd love it so much! Who knew this sort of endurance running would be satisfying and even liberating! Using the word liberating might seem strange to you but liberating as in I really feel like I can do anything. Getting to the start line it's the biggest thing I've ever done. Finishing it will be the second biggest.

Song of the day

Daft Punk is back! Love their new song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NV6Rdv1a3I

Got my bib number!

Excited. Got my bib number today for BMO Marathon! Terrified and excited about it. Terrified because I always feel that way before a race and excited because it's my very first marathon! I've not even done it yet and I'm contemplating doing a 50km race next year. What the hell is wrong with me! Well. I know what's wrong with me. Mid life crisis! Well. It's too late now to get the little red sports car!

One more reason I don't like the medals

Well, two, they're gender specific, why I don't know. The man looks happy to have crossed the finish line and just completed either a half or full. The woman looks like she could care less! I'm probably going to ask for a man's medal!

Don't really like the medals for my first ever Marathon

Alright, I'll be honest here, when I got the sneak peak of the medals last night for the BMO Marathon I thought, wow, that's ugly. I don't like the distinction between male and female runners (I can't remember if it was the same last year for the half) and I don't like that the male runner looks happy to cross the finish line and the female runner could care less. Maybe its the way they were photographed but I think they look on the cheapish side.

Maybe I'll feel differently when I cross the finish line and the medal is (universe willing) placed around my neck but for now, I'm not impressed.

Don't even get me started on the shirts......

Vancouver Sun Run....harder than I wanted to let on.....

My run today proved to me how much harder the Sun Run was for me than I first thought. I'm not saying the Sun Run is a very difficult race for me now with my Marathon training, just that after almost two weeks off and only running one 3km before the Sun Run, I could feel the 10km in mu run this evening. My legs were like wood for the first 4kms of my run then I was able to relax into it. It was a beautiful night tonight, first run with just a tank top on! 15 degrees and gloriously sunny! Along with cherry blossoms, as you can see behind me on this street in my 'hood!

Vancouver Sun Run fun!

The Sun Run was a blast today. I managed to run the entire thing without on break (injured/weak toe), didn't PB but did extremely well! They got going slowly with letting everyone across the start line but all and all, very fun day!

Hurrah! Running is back

I FINALLY went to get my for checked and now I'm kicking myself for not going earlier. I need to strengthen my foot. Nothing broken or fractured! Woohoo! I went for a run last night and it was fantastic. My foot is currently taped to hold it in proper position and I have a few exercises I need to do but....back to running! BMO marathon back on track! Frick....two weeks to go.

I can run!

At least I was told to try a short run and then try the Vancouver Sun Run! Weak muscles are the culptet. If I can strengthen them I might be on track again. Amazing.

I went for a celebration coffee after my physio appointment and was told I was glowing......that's how happy I am! Here's hoping my short run tomorrow is ok! I have a feeling it will be. I guess that means no more sulking and no more junk food to make me feel better!

V02MAX test done.......

This time on the bike. My ass hurts! It was pretty interesting though. Can't wait for the results on Saturday!

Vancouver in its splendor

You know, there's nothing like a gorgeous Vancouver sunset to make you forget everything. What a fantastic night! I still can't run but I can still bike and with this current weather I plan on being on the bike A LOT! And maybe hanging out in Deep Cove a bit. Have you seen the eye candy over there? AMAZING! There was some good food but.....the eye candy! Yummy!

have fun out there! Don't give up, or, just sulk for a little bit like I did and then get back at it. It apparently gets better....or sik I've been told. If not, there's always vodka.

Faith in humanity restored completely!

http://jezebel.com/the-people-who-watch-marathons-473405924

Not only should you read this article you should read the comments that follow, amazing!! And so true! When I did my first half marathon last year I had so many people cheering me on all over the route, up the street to the finish. Its an amazing experience!

Thoughts of the day....

Wow, I am still in shock over what happened in Boston today during the marathon. Why would someone want to do this? I don't understand this and maybe that's a good thing. I don't understand how someone could plant up to three bombs during a race, all seemingly at strategic locations. Will it scare me off my marathon in May? No, even if I'm injured I plan on limping my way along the route, even if it takes me the entire time the course is open, I'll do it. I'll do it because I can, even injured.

Hell, I still want to try for Boston one day, it's a distant pipe-dream, but even when I wasn't a runner I always thought one day I would do the Boston Marathon. It could be the mid-life crisis talking but it's something in my bucket list to at least try to qualify for before I turn 50.

42kms done today

Probably more like 45 or 47 because I kept forgetting to turn the Garmin back on! Good ride, finally found New Westminster!!! Woohoo! Thank the universe for a phone with GPS on it!

Won't be running tomorrow, but, that's ok, will be biking with the girls I normally run with and hopefully I'll be able to run with them after the Sun Run (and hopefully I'll be able to run the Sun Run!)

Scratch that last one

I found an even better song, and I can't wait to be able to do speed work again (foot still too store to run) because this song will help! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX2n3k2jl9Q

What can I say, I LOVE house music, what I listen to first thing in the morning, what I listen to before I go to bed.

Song of the day

I LOVE this song!! I can't remember where I heard it but its been in my brain for a couple weeks now. Love it!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUUivXgJ2S4

Bad habits are calling my name

Day five, still injured foot and still waiting for a miracle and have it be healed for this coming Sunday. We're running to Deep Cove this Sunday. After my last 32km run I was really looking forward to this one. I'm very bummed, sad, a little depressed that I probably won't be able to run it. I'll consider biking it with the girls that I run with but I know emotionally it won't be the same.

I'm starting to get worried I won't be able to run BMO. What if I don't heal and I miss my first major event of the year? This is a prep for Ironman, it'll either be very harmful to my training for that, or, it could be best thing that ever happened, I just haven't decided yet (but I'm really hoping the later).

Now that I can't train though, the beer, scotch, vodka, and anything else delicious sure is calling my name, and its getting louder. I spent a week pretty much drunk (not really but you get the picture, I was drinking more than a normal amount of alcohol for myself) and really have the taste for the booze again. As well I can feel the ice cream calling me. Whenever I had a bad day, before I got into training, I'd turn to ice cream for comfort. I'm feeling the lure again but because of my lack of ability to train. Even cycling hurts. Swimming, not so much, I'll go for a long swim tomorrow.

The grumpy is growing!

Less than a month to BMO Marathon!!

I went for a "surprise" bike ride last night. Actually, I left the house fully intending ONLY to bike to Superstore and back (not far from home) and ended up close to Burcoquitlam instead. Had to finally go home because I was hungry and didn't take my bike lights with me, mainly because I didn't actually plan on being out past 730pm. It did put me back into a good mood. I was bitchy on Monday, really bitchy. The bike ride helped me to let it all go.

Tonight I have speedwork and am feeling some pain in my foot (top left) while I walk. I'm a little worried its going to side-line me so I'll see how I go. I've got it taped up right now (I love the Kinetex tape! That stuff works miracles).

I also feel like I'm back on track with my food and training in general. I think this Sunday will prove how far I've really come. We'll be doing a one-way run to Deep Cove. I'm excited! I've been told its rather hilly so that should be interesting since I'm training to my heart-rate. I have a feeling I'll be throwing that whole thing out the window for this day only! I want to run with the girls but have fallen very far behind. I've been told it won't last long but still, feels like I've taken a step or five backwards just when I was really starting to improve.

Get me back on the train

I got off my training in a big time in the last week and a half. It all started with the Canucks game the Thursday before the long weekend. A vendor took myself and one of my friends from work to the game. Many and drinks and bottles of wine later I was off the training wagon and onto the party wagon, in a big way.  The Canucks game though, so much fun! Great seats, great people around us (for once in the club seats!) and great company.Went out afterwards and danced my ass off. At least I got a good workout with my trainer in the morning!

Bad date Friday and then did manage to bike for a few hours on Saturday. Discovered a great trail in Burnaby called the Sea to River, did about half of it before heading down Kingsway to Kits then back home. Its getting more difficult to find areas to cycle for my long rides! I've decided I'll just be seeing more of the Lower Mainland as the rides get longer. I meet up with some friends for early dinner and many pitchers of mojitos.

Yummy, afternoon beer

Sunday we had a 23km run. We did a couple hills, everything was going great and then BAM! I fall. Not only did I fall but I propelled myself off the sidewalk onto my hands. Apparently I looked like I did a military tuck and roll! The bruise on my hand was the worst of it, a couple scratches on my arm but no blood, nothing. Not even a giant bruise on my leg! So, because of that I had to have some beers afterwards to nurse my non-existent wounds! Hey, it was warm and I was with my evil friend that likes to go for "coffee" on a Sunday afternoon and I end up at home at 3am hammered and have to be up in three hours for work. Thankfully I didn't end up too hammered in the afternoon and still made it home at a decent time.

Energy bars

Evil free beer

Only one swim in last week, not good, and it was a short one. The arms were a bit tired and sore from the fall the day before (the brunt of the fall was taken into my shoulders). I'm also not entirely happy that my pool is closed for a month for renos!! It's the only one close to me and work that opens at 6am.  I also experimented with my energy bars on Monday. Finally got them to stick together! And, yummy!

Tuesday we started our speedwork. Owie. We'll be doing that on Tuesday's now. The speedwork is supposed to help me improve my endurance, lungs, etc. Its hard but, if it was easy, I probably wouldn't be doing it!

Wednesday, unfortunately the drinking continued! I went for a drink with some coworkers (we just submitted a proposal) and well, there was free beer at the bar!?!?! Seriously? When do you get free beer at a bar? Needless to say, I didn't make it to my swim that night and got in about 830pm. Great. At least I worked out on Thursday morning! Plus my evil RMT thrashed me on Thursday evening. Wow, could barely bike home afterwards (and I can coast all the way home from my RMT's office).

Friday morning ended up being a rest day as I couldn't get out of bed! My legs were sore from the massage, very sore, as well as my feet. I'm glad I have a great RMT that can get rid of my aches and pains but sometimes I get more aches and pains for a couple days afterwards. Friday went for drinks after work, yes, I did have the delicious dessert (peanut butter and chocolate, how could I say no) and then more shooters then I've had for a while.Yes, that's me at the Bourbon. Pretty much did double shots of fireball every time I went for a drink. I think I did a number of them because the bartender would see me and just set up two shooter glasses and start pouring. Oh god, how many shooters did I have!!

My Saturday bike ride, well, I managed to NOT throw up when I did my hill repeats. I biked to Burnaby and back a number of times, and at one point had a little break under a cherry tree in full bloom!

I'm finally recovered and almost re-hydrated from my Friday night. Staying in tonight and drinking a pot of herbal tea. Staying in on Saturday night, running 29kms on Sunday and that's not even the stressful part. The stressful part is I'm running across the Lion's Gate Bridge TWICE!!!!

Thank god for rest days

Normally on a rest day I'll do something, today, not so much. I was killed my massage therapist last night. Told him my aches and pains, now my aches and pains are bruised! Two days though, I'll be amazing again.

New song of the day! This one will always be my song of the day, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIC0aQ56ASE This one is the official video for it. THIS version is my favorite and has helped me out with many of our hill training sessions, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxiRWaIGLKA

Song of the day

This is a regular on my running iPod. Bringing a house classic back, and still one of my favorites if I'm out for a rare night at the club. Brings back memories of the World when it was still at the end of Richards, dancing my ass off until 6 or 7 in the morning. That place would get so hot inside that the walls would sweat and the ceilings would drip. In the summertime during our couple weeks heatwave we'd go outside to cool off in 30+ degrees as, I'm pretty sure, the temperature would get upwards to 50+ degrees inside. But, the music was so good back 1999-2002 you didn't want to stop, couldn't stop! I'm not talking about top 40 music, but house music, good, sweaty, beat driven house music! Look up Hed Kandi if you need hints on the good stuff, or take a listen below!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-G7w8Njwjc

Speed work started!

Stand aside reindeer games! Watching The Avengers this morning while writing this. I don't think there's a more brilliant writer/director than Joss Whedon!

Well, we started speed work last night. Wasn't that fun (no). Well maybe not fun but interesting. We did repeats of a little over 800 metre "track" (in a park). I have my base for speed work now, averaging 4.28 for the repeats we did. Would be great if I can get just below 4 minutes for the same track before the race. Could happen, good goal! I'm looking forward to the next month going very slowly. It's one month and two days to the marathon, I'm getting a little nervous now! OK, getting A LOT nervous now. 42.2kms. Crazy!

Meet my nutritional consultant!

There's no way I'll make it through all of the events I've signed up for this year (my first marathon, first half ironman, first Ironman, sprinkled through-out some 1/2 marathons, 10 kms and the Tour de Victoria) without someone helping me with food, so, meet Alison Smitten! You can check her out at her website.

If you need help with food for anything crazy like me, or to just get your eating back on track, she can probably help you.