The Midlife Reframe

Category: runner

  • Post Half Marathon Chaos and My Next Race

    It seems like forever since my Half Marathon

    I recovered.

    I took some time off from running.  (Work and family stuff has kept me busy over the past little while.)

    Celebrated my Dad’s 65th Birthday in Cape Breton with a big feast at my Aunt and Uncle’s place in Boularderie.

     
     
    Then once I got home and settled, I sat down and thought about races.
     
    Not having anything to train for put me in a little bit of a funk.  Not unusual really.  But I forgot that feeling.  I had to take a step back because it took me by surprise and freaked me out a little bit.  Feeling that way makes me afraid I am getting sick again.  Once I was able to figure out that it wasn’t my illness creeping back in, then it was all good.  Of course, it did spike my anxiety a little bit….grrrrrrr.  That required a visit to the local marsh to see the baby ducks!


     
    I’ve made a decision that the remainder of my races this year would be shorter distances.  5k and 10k races to work on my form and speed.  That leaves more time for me to enjoy my running and the summer months ahead.  Early morning runs will be placed back in my calendar and weight training scheduled in the evenings.
     

    You said next race?

    I sure did!

    I am running a 10k on Canada Day.  The Epic Canadian is a local race I have yet to run, but I am familiar with the route.  Some of my local Twitter peeps will be there and I heard there is cake and sno cones afterwards.

    I will run anywhere for food, lol.

    2016 EPIC Canadian Course 10K
    Photo of race route courtesy of http://www.epiccanadian.ca

    Sprint Triathlons?? 

    Yes.  I am considering these in my future.

    But I need to do some things before I take on a swim/bike/run combo.

    I need to learn to swim again.  I can swim to save my life, but for technique and form, I need to take lessons.

    Also, extra gear will be required:  a road bike, shoes, swimsuit/cap/goggles, etc.

    For now, I will focus on the swimming aspect.  Maybe lessons in the fall.
     
    That’s where things are at now!
     
    What’s new with you?  Summer Plans?
     
    Feel free to share 🙂
     
    @crazymamaruns
     
     

     

  • BlueNose Marathon 2016 – Half Marathon Playback!!!

    I DID IT!!

    I am totally dying here.

    It was a greyish cool day for running.  Perfect weather.

    I played it safe with my usual coffee and oatmeal combo.  My nerves were ON FIRE.  It was super hard to eat.  I thought I was going to barf.  For real.

    I had everything laid out, so gearing up and heading out was super easy.

    I hopped on the public limo, along with a few other runners, and listened to my “Race Day Jams” playlist to psych myself up for the race.

    Once I was down there, my nerves eased up.  The atmosphere on Race Day is wicked amazing.  I ran into one of the Clayton Park Runners on my way in and we had a quick chat before we both went up into the Scotiabank Centre.

    I hung out and waited for my BRF so we could check our bags and gear up.  I fuelled with Cherry Lime Nuun and Chocolate Chip Clif Bar.  I had my trusty Brooks Glycerin 13s on my feet 🙂

    Every single volunteer associated with an event as this are WONDERFUL.  They make everything run like a well-oiled machine.

    Because my nerves were shot, I forgot my Garmin in my bag!  Good thing I had my phone with Strava ready to rock and roll.


    My BRF and I decided a while before the race that we would get with the 2:15 Pace Bunny.

    I am glad we did, she was awesome.  We did go out fast, but her plan was to bank us time for Point Pleasant Park and the HILL OF DEATH.  (Yes, there are a few hills along this race route, but PPP has the sloggiest one!)

    Blurry me! Just after we started.

    My Twitter friend Sarah caught me around the 5km mark.  I saw her on the sidelines and yelled at her, lol.  She got this picture of me.

    SARAAAAAAAAAAAAH!



    We had a great group running with the 2:15 Pace Bunny.  We laughed and talked and had a great time.  We actually caught up to the 2:10 Pace Bunny on Devonshire. Our group can be seen in the BlueNose Video on YouTube around 9:57 underneath the MacDonald Bridge.

    I was very lucky to see so many Twitter friends and other people I knew along the race route.  It made such a big difference.  I am also grateful for every single person that stood/sat along the race route cheering us all on.  It really makes a difference to those of us running, especially when we start to tire.

    I made it through Point Pleasant Park relatively unscathed.  We were able to walk up the hills and save up what energy we could.  I felt strong coming out of the Park.  I knew I was getting a little tired, but with most of the race behind me, I knew I could keep going.

    I fuelled a little too late in the race and had some nausea around 19ish kms.  I told my BRF to go and took a walk break until it subsided (a deal we struck previously – if something happened to one of us, the other would keep going).  I picked it back up at the 20km mark and ran like I was on fire.  Every step hurt.  My lungs cried and I thought I was going to throw up.

    Running down Brunswick Street is a surreal experience.  Every single person is cheering you on.  They are calling out your name, pushing you forward.  I put my head down and ran.

    It was not a PR, but pretty damn close (2:12:20).  Two minutes over my last half time two years ago.  Not too shabby for an old broad 😉


    I wanted my first half after surgery and recovery to be here, at home, in Halifax.  I am glad I did.  It felt great to pull this out with people I knew and a city that loves BlueNose Marathon Weekend 🙂

    As I recover today, I am now trying to choose my next race!  I think I will keep to shorter distances for the rest of this race season.


    Thanks for coming along on this journey with me.  Can’t wait to share my next race with you!!

    @crazymamaruns



  • The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training – Checkin In and Some TMI

    So Here We Are…

    20 days out.

    2 long runs left.

    During my 16k on the BLT
    It has to be said:  I was feeling SUPER NERVOUS after the plague and the calf strain about my runs.  I was even considering pulling down to a 10k because I wasn’t sure what my body could handle.
    After yesterday, I am feeling SUPER PUMPED about this half.  I felt great yesterday at the end of my long run with my BRF Kara.  I wore my compression socks, I had Nuun in my water bottle and took a Clif Bar for my energy.
    WINNING FUEL COMBO.  
    We also both commented on how great we felt coming back as opposed to heading out.  This bodes well, as usually it is the opposite for me and I want to either nap or die at 16k.

    Also, fueling up with a PB Parfait from DQ the night before – WIN 😉
    We made pretty good time for our long run, considering we felt like we slogged through the first half.  I also had to pee 3kms in on the trail, in the woods.  So that was my walk break, hahaha. (Note to Self:  Always take Kleenex in your pack.)  So no more orange juice AFTER my coffee and oatmeal.
    My legs are doing okay today.  I have my compression sleeves on and eating all the foods 😉
    Next weekend is 18k, then we are down to 13k the weekend before the race.
    Keeping my fingers crossed for decent weather!
    So, now I am going to ride this wave of feeling awesome.  Look out 21.1kms!
    Crazy Mama out 😉

    @crazymamaruns

  • Calf Strain, Compression Sleeves, and Recovery

    The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training:  Calf Strain, Compression Sleeves and Recovery

    Thinking Face:  On
    I’ve been all over the place lately.
    Physio, work, small runs and workouts.
    My motivation waxes and wanes, even though I have a half marathon coming up.
    I think a lot during my physio appointments.  Even when she is dry needling my calf, lol.  It is my first dry needling experience (I have had acupuncture before, for my IT band).  I am a big convert!
    A visit to my RMT last weekend also played a big part in my return to running this week…even though he did beat my leg up 😉
    I swing my right hip out more than my left.  He hurt my hips too.  But he rocks, so I take it all in stride.  The end result is worth the pain.

    Thinking.  About what??

    At one point, I had considered pushing my distance back.  The “You Can’t Do This” voice was strong.  Sometimes, that voice is hard to fight.  I told it to frig off.
    Then my thoughts went to prevention.  How can I NOT get hurt again before my race in May after my physio and massages?  (Outside of keeping my fitness regime intact, of course.)
    Answer:  Compression.  I have socks.  I was wearing them for recovery.  Now I am wearing compression when I run.   I have also purchased compression calf sleeves.  This way I can wear my regular socks while I have my sleeves on under my pants 🙂
    Before my knee injury in 2014, I really didn’t give a thought to compression.  None.  I trudged along after my runs and races.  Now that I have been wearing compression, I wonder how I got along all those years without it!!!  My legs feel better, and it puts my mind at ease.

    So, the recovery/race mission?

    My pretty Brooks Glycerin 13s
    I ran my longest distance in a while yesterday.  6kms.
    Compression socks on.  Ran with Clayton Park Runners.
    I tried to not think about my leg while I ran.
    This made me think MORE about my leg while I ran, lol.
    Both of my legs/hips are sore today, even with stretching and yoga.  But the compression is making SUCH a difference in my run recovery.
    I feel good.  I felt good running yesterday.
    So the plan is:
    • Down to physio once a week now.
    • Run slow and long.  Endurance is key.
    • Fuel properly.
    • Sleep well.
    • Strength train.
    • Remind myself what I am capable of.
    Sounds easy enough.
    What are your tips and tricks for squishing YOUR “You Can’t Do This” voice?  It doesn’t need to be fitness related.  Can be anything.
    Let’s share ’em.  We can all use a little help in that department 🙂

  • Post Plague, Burger Week, and a Pulled Calf

    Running


    Post Plague Amy had a couple of runs during the week with some gym time. Easing back into it.  I am loving my new Brooks Glycerin 13s 🙂


    The weather has been dicey here, but I lucked in with my timing.  Lots of core work and some legs/glute work (deadlifts anyone?).

    Ahhhhhh Burger Week



    The week when restaurants in Halifax, Nova Scotia, make some delicious burger offerings for us food lovers.  There are also burger combos with a portion of the combo donated to the local food bank!  TeenThing and I have had 3 so far.  I’ve been posting them in Instagram.  So good. Sooooo gooooood.


    Pulled Calf??


    Yes, at the end of my 5km run on Sunday I felt a pull.  By the time I got out of the bath I was limping *insert large sad face emoticon here*.  I pulled on my compression socks and put that calf on ice. Good thing:  no bruising.

    Today I can walk without limping, but I am getting this looked at.  Still a good amount of time out from my race, so I am not freaking out.  Yet 😉

    (Note:  When I saw the Doc last week, she gave me a note for physio.  Just in case.  Blargh!)

    So, March and I aren’t getting along right now, lol.


  • Those 10 Days I Didn’t Run

    Yes, 10 Days…

    I came down with what is being called “The Plague”.  Chest/head cold and lethargic.  Just downright GROSS.


    It all started with my Mom….then TeenThing…..then ME.
    Kicked my ass. 
    There was no way I was running.  None.  Especially with the chest cold.  So there really isn’t much more to say about the week that wasn’t 😉  I stayed home for the worst and then introduced myself back into the work environment.
    I am lucky that I started my training in January, and that my base has been built.  My training plan has afforded me the opportunity to run easy for a week after The Plague and then jump back into my schedule.
    Don’t get me wrong, I was anxiety filled the whole time.  I mean it’s MARCH.  I run my half in MAY.  It may seem like a lot of time, but it really isn’t.
    I am still not 100% heading into week 2, but feeling so much better.  Since I was done with the coughing and the hacking, I designated today as “get back to it day”.  I ran approximately 3kms.  A little too fast, but I was glad to lace back up, especially in my NEW KICKS!


    *Insert Angelic Music Here*
    I picked up my Brooks Glycerin13 sneakers on Friday during my long lunch.  I also picked up some Smartwool and Balega socks 🙂  I have run in Swiftwick socks before, but needed to try out some other options.

    Today I ran in my Smartwool socks (and capris!) and really enjoyed that my feet were not cold, nor did they get super hot.  Will try out the Balega socks later.
    That’s really it for this week my friends.  Come back next week for something a little more exciting!

    Run Happy 🙂

  • Running and Pink Ice Energy

    A Little Fitting.  The Weather, That Is…

    For those who follow me on Instagram, you’ll remember a post I made earlier this week, about running in warm weather.
    This is Mother Nature’s Revenge.  But very fitting to go along with my review this week.
    I haven’t run since Thursday.  I am in the “in between” with a head/chest cold (thanks Mom and TeenThing).  Fighting it as hard as I can.  So today’s weather didn’t really cause me any issues.  I have my base built, so missing some days is not going to derail my training.

    Okay, so what is this Pink Ice Energy?

    I was contacted a week ago and offered some samples of Pink Ice Energy to review.
    I am an information hound, and was provided with the details of what is in Pink Ice Energy, and happily accepted the opportunity to test the product out.
    I received a fantastic package in the mail with some extra goodies 🙂  (Thanks guys!)
    I am loving the hat AND the infuser!
    When it came to testing the product out, I tried to NOT think about it.  I took it as it is, a dietary supplement.  The packages are great to throw into your bag.  I am bad for remembering my vitamins, so it was great to have one of these around 🙂
    [As always, before taking any dietary supplement, read the liner sheets and get the advice of your doctor.  This product is for ages 18 and over.  You take 1 packet per day.]
    When I had my first packet, I was like, “Pop Rocks!”.  It snaps and pops once you have it in your mouth!  You let it dissolve and it gives you some minty breath afterwards 😉  
    (The pop rock sensation did take me back to my childhood, lol.)
    I carried on with my day, worked my regular 9-5, did my run at lunch and headed home.  Had supper, did my puttering around the house.  Felt good!
    The next day was my long run day.  I went through my usual morning routine, having a packet of Pink Ice Energy after breakfast.  I did 12ish kilometres (11.9, lol) that day and after I stretched, showered and snacked, we headed out to the Mall.  Usually I would require a nap on long run days, like not too long after I get home.  I made it until after supper before I got a little nappish, lol.

    With a couple of ladies from Clayton Park Runners 🙂

    Come Monday morning, the regular chaos of the work week resumed.  I forgot to throw a packet in my bag.  I had a lunch run planned and had to squeeze that in as it was a busy one.  I ran.  I hit my old 3:00pm wall. 

    Forgot it again on Tuesday (d’oh!) and hit Spin Class.  Tuesday was busy.  Hit my 3:00pm wall.

    Wednesday was my rest day.  I actually remembered my packet, lol.  Had a busy day.  Did not hit the 3:00pm wall.

    Thursday was my last run this week.  Had a great run, but man it was WINDY.  That was TeenThing’s first day home with the plague. She was full on plague by Friday morning.

    (That’s when I got the heavy feeling in my chest. Friday morning. So a few extra rest days for me!)

    I can say the following about Pink Ice Energy, as a mom and as a runner:

    • Pop Rock sensation.  Took me back to my childhood!  lol
    • Did have a minty after effect.  Cool, fresh breath.
    • I found I had extended energy, not just a boost.  As a working/running mom, this is great.  Usually when I get home (or sometimes on the bus home), I want a nap.  Not so much on the days I had Pink Ice Energy.  Being skeptical of energy products, this was a nice surprise.
    • No “come down” at any point of the day.  No sluggishness at any point later in the evening, and I went to sleep with no issues.
    Want to try it out for yourself?
    You can get your free sample here: http://www.pinkiceenergy.ca/free-sample/ 

    (Please note that when you sign up you will have to wait a few more weeks to receive their samples (The product is launching in Canada in April and they will soon receive their Canadian packaging.  20% off your first order too!).
     
    Come back again next week, because I need to update you on my training!
    #crazymamaruns
     
     

  • Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bar Review!

    A Little Break in my Chronicles…

    So we can talk about Hemp Heart Bars!

    (A little disclaimer here:  I was provided these bars for a review.)

    A while back I wrote about Hemp Hearts.  Which I love. Those little suckers are awesome.
    So, when the opportunity to review these bars came, I was all over it!
    As a mom and a runner, I am always looking for something to “get me by” after my runs or workouts OR something to grab prior to my runs or workouts.  (I am known to grab a quick sandwich or scarf down some raw veggies beforehand.  But both of those are not exactly portable!)

    It just wanted to jump into my gym bag!
    Now, for those of you who have issues with food texture, these may not be for you.  They are compacted bars of hemp heart, which means a bazillion little hemp hearts. If you regularly eat protein bars, then you will notice quite a difference in texture.  Where protein bars are dense, these bars are light and easier to eat.  (Each bar (45g) contains 10g of plant-based protein and 10g of omegas.)
    My “OMG I left it really late to go to Costco” face.
    I was given an apple cinnamon and chocolate as my review bars, and I must say, I enjoyed the apple cinnamon much more than the chocolate (insert shocking music here)!  They are filling, and can get you through the post workout to actual meal time no problem.
    I had my apple cinnamon bar before one of my lunchtime training runs.  It was easy on my stomach and provided me with what I needed to get my kms in without being ravenous afterwards.  I had the chocolate bar before I ran errands and it kept me sane (read:  less hangry) as I shopped my way through Costco!  (Costco can be a scary place!)
    So, if you are looking for something light, but filling, I would definitely recommend these bars.  They can be thrown in your gym bag or in your purse and are great to keep you moving through a workout or when you are out doing all your “mom” stuff!
    Wanna win a box of these to call your VERY OWN?
    Here is what you gotta do – PHOTO CONTEST:
    Tag @manitobaharvest #hempheartbar #fuelledbyhemp #sweatpink @fitapproach on social media for a chance to win!  (A winner will be chosen each month!  Eligibility: Open to US and Canadian residents)
    **If you want to get a discount on your order of bars, use code hhbarlaunch1016 to get 15% off (expires 3/31/2016).
    So, go on, get out there and be #fuelledbyhemp!
    @crazymamaruns   

  • The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training – Week 4

    So Far, So Good….

    Week 4.  23 kms.
    I had some great runs this week.  It is also my last week with Mondays off.
    Saturday was a wash running wise.  It was a day of running errands and yoga.  I don’t beat myself up for days like those.  Especially this Saturday, because I FINALLY got fitted properly for sneakers.  Have to wait for them, but WOOHOOO!  Luke and his staff at Aerobics First are WONDERFUL.
    I keep reminding myself I am not an elite runner.
    I am a runner that has recovered from knee surgery, ran a 5k in the fall and said – Half Marathon!  FTW!
    I stick to my training plan as much as humanly possible, knowing the limits of my body.  Knowing when I need to back off and knowing when I can push it just that little bit over my threshold.

    Sunday was 5 miles with The Goonies!
    Tuesday saw me pull out 3 miles at lunch.

     

    I was able to get outside on Thursday at lunch – had a great run!

    Friday was COLD.  My phone stayed INSIDE for the 3 miles, lol.  These are my feet pre-run 😉

    I have to admit, I am finding it harder these days to get motivated.  This time of year can be hard.
    Depression and anxiety are like little “me” voices in my head.  One telling me “No big deal, you can run another time.  You’re not THAT great of a runner.  Won’t make a difference really.” and the other immediately contradicting that saying “If you DON’T run, you’ll stop and NEVER run again! You’ll fail and everyone will be disappointed.”
    This is partially why I try to run as much as I can outside.  I need the air, to see myself moving forward.  Hibernating in the winter is my first instinct.  Cover myself up and make the cocoon.
    So, even though I may NOT make the miles I need to on the days I run, I take the victory on the days I do.  I also take victories on the days I don’t make it to my training miles.  Why?  Because, I need to be proud of getting out there and DOING IT.
    I’ve said it before in a few posts:  Mental illness hurts.  It can shut your body down.  The more I move, the more I get outside and connect with the environment, the better off I am in the long run.
    I AM running for me after all.
    No one else.
    For MY voice to be heard.
    For MY health.
    For MY sanity.

    @crazymamaruns

  • The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training – Week 3

    Some Knotty Glutes!

    That’s right.  My ass was in knots.

    So much so that my lower back hurt.  Quite a bit actually.

    I didn’t run on Saturday.  I did yoga, stretching and some foam rolling.

    TEARS.

    Heat.

    Advil.

    But I Did Have a Good Week!

    Sunday was snowy but I felt AWESOME!

    We’ve had some strange weather.  Snow and then some okay days.

    Tuesday was CRAZY windy! Nice and sunny, but Wooooo!

    Once we hit Thursday, it rained…..and rained until Friday night.  So I opted for the treadmill at lunch.

    Thursday was a 5km run at the gym at work.
    3 miles on Friday….I had a great meal at The Keg later 🙂

    There was a staff event put on by my place of employment.  We have it every year……KEG NIGHT.  We eat and eat.  I had a great meal!  Yay steak!  After I got home the rain had started to change over to freezing rain.  Big mess.

    And Then……Saturday

    When I say I had a knots in my glute, I mean I had KNOTS.

    Nasty.  Foam roller and I had it out.

    Now, if this was me a few years ago, I would have been like….MUST RUN….AT ALL COSTS.

    Now that I am older and wiser.  I knew I had to take care of the situation to be able to keep running without any further issues.

    I am building my base right now, which means a day taking care of my body is not compromising my training.

    So, I was pretty close to running a half this week with total mileage.  I am totally good with that!

    New kicks are in order this week, which means a trip to Luke at Aerobics First 🙂

    C’mon back next weekend, not only to check out my new sneaks, but to see if we really DID get the kickass storm they are talking about Monday night into Tuesday!

    @crazymamaruns