My running (and nutrition) has definitely been at a stand still since mid January but it is time to get back on track. I've registered for my 20k trail race in September and just returned from our final longer winter holiday. Work will be getting busy so running will be a must to help manage my stress. I decided to try the training plan on Runkeeper Go to try and reach the HM by the end of April. I figure this will then give me 4 months to focus on hill training knowing I can run the distance. The Runkeeper training plan is from My Asics and I know many have had success with their plans so my turn to give it a go. The longest run is only 17k and it goes from 10.5k to 14k to 17k which is ran twice before the recovery week followed by the HM. The jumps seem pretty big, but I've ran 16k just before my hiatus so I'll try to trust the programme. If it doesn't feel right at the time. I can adjust it as I go. The speeds for the runs are pretty slow and it has my finishing time slower than I wanted for a road run but given the time of year and ice/snow, it is probably a good starting point. The finishing time is more in line with what my goal pace is for my trail race (although in reality, I'm hoping for a to complete more than a set time).
I had hoped to get outside for my run today but we're back in an extreme cold warning. The sun was shining and the wind was light which was pulling me out but windchill was making -25C feel like -40C so I let my brain take over and went downstairs to the treadmill. I put on the semifinals of the Canadian Women curling Nationals (Team Saskatchewan vs Team Ontario -Go Team Sask!) kept the pace slow like recommended on the plan and managed to push through 7k on the treadmill. I upped the pace for the last km and it felt much more natural but running on the treadmill has always been a challenge for me. It doesn't look like we're going to get much of a break in the weather for the next 2 weeks so I better get used to it. I've planned some healthy meals this week and will focus on good food, exercise and drinking more water (but the Disaronno was a lovely way to end a busy day skiing and snowmobiling, especially with how cold our holiday was but it is time to break that habit now 😄). Run 1 done with a plan for the week to get my 3 runs in, plus some core work and time on the elliptical.
Written by
SaskAlliecat
Half Marathon
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So true. I find I naturally run slower on the treadmill so it really does feel like forever. I'm hoping the weather breaks enough next weekend so I can run the 10.5k outside but I'm not holding my breathe. I know I can do it; I somehow managed 14k last year on the treadmill but my motivation/desire/mood is lower than it was then so I'm not sure if I have it in me. Fingers crossed for better weather sooner than forecasted 🤞
I think that as soon as we can get out there we will get the bug again and will be as eager as ever to run for our legs and to clear our heads. You’ve sure got the ability. Roll on spring!
Blimey -1 would put me off going out 🥶 -25 would send me into hibernation and -40 well....no clue 🙂 well done though for getting back on track and I hope the weather improves for you soon so you can get out in what I can imagine being very fresh air👍x
Thanks Molly. Unfortunately those temps aren't unusual for where I am but we usually get a bit of a break here and there - not this year. It has been a very long month and a half. I'm dreaming of my first brisk run outside and hoping for sooner rather than later!
Thanks Linda. I'm surprised my legs are tightening up after this morning's run, but I haven't run more than 2-3k for the last 6 weeks, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I'm sure I'll lumber up after a go on the elliptical tomorrow. In these temps, it is nice to have a fairly well stocked home gym. Now, if I only didn't have to leave the house to work 😆
Oh how nice to hear from you Saskie. I'm glad you had a good holiday even if it was very cold. Good for you for registering for a 20km trail run AND a half marathon. I think you enjoy trails more than road races - right? Watch out for ice! I've been thinking of you as I run a lot on forest tracks. My hilly one is even becoming my new 'normal'. I use Runkeeper too although I do some of my runs on Nike Run Club with my watch . I shall try to find you there. It's nice to have a plan. Good luck
I'm just running a HM on my own, not a race. I initially had thought about trying to run the Hypothermic Half (there are 2 in my province) but the first one was last weekend and the cold and wind is so gross I just can't bring myself to commit to it. Most of the races I've ran have been in wind but at least when it is above zero, it is a bit more tolerable since you're not dealing with windchill. I definitely prefer trail races to road races but might have to look at running a road race one of these days. The parents of my son's friend have put some small local ones on but I'm always either working or away but one of these days it'll work out. I've put the bug in her ear that they should look at doing a trail race using the newly built mountain bike course. I've been running quite a bit on it when I'm home and it is quite fun, especially the banked corners 😁.
I'd love to follow you on Runkeeper. My picture and name are different on Runkeeper, it is my actual name (Alison Eltom) and a pic of my family. I'll look for you as well.
Just accepted your request 😊. Please do post some pics. I'd love to see what Spring looks like 😆.
So far the mountain bike course is still in development (we're hosting the Western Canada Summer Games this summer) so I haven't had to worry about cyclists too much when I'm on it but I'm sure that will change in the Spring. It is quite wide open so I should be able to see them coming most of the time. I'll pick and choose when I run. I usually prefer early morning runs so I suspect I'll be fine most of the time. As it gets closer to the Games it may get busier, but I'm hoping to be running at the lake more by then.
Try to hang on to your holiday vibes” for a while. Plans in place for events - exciting! I know your time is squeezed but don’t forget to factor in strength training too, it’s important.
Our weather is unpredictable. This weekend has been warm (saw 20 degrees in a nice secluded sun trap😮😀) and sunny. We have just spent the day on the beach...... in February..... what’s going on🙃
I've actually only registered for the trail race, the HM will be ran on my own. It is more just so I know I have the distance in my legs before I tackle the trail race which is really hilly and technical. I'd love to get a few more trail races in but the other one I ran last year isn't happening this year. There is another one a few weeks before the one I registered for that also has a 5k and 10k but I'm a little nervous to run another race so close given I've never raced this distance before. But we'll see, if training goes well and we can get camping where it is, maybe I'll give it a go. It's registration opens up next week, so I'll have to keep an eye on it.
I'm definitely going to be doing a mix of cross training and weights. My son informed my hubby yesterday that they have to get back to working out again so they have a plan in place. I'm planning on trying to get on the elliptical and was thinking more core work a couple times a week (I've had a few low back niggles) but will factor in some strength training too. At least we have a home gym so, in reality, I should be able to easily get some strength training in the evening, instead of flaking out on the couch. The weeks that I've got a lot of call will make it tougher, but I'll just do what I can.
Man, I can't believe you guys were up to 20! That would so awesome (well maybe not here right now, with our ground frozen, our basement would flood! We've had it happen when the snow melts too fast and the ground is still frozen, it has no place to go. Our windows are below ground so the window wells fill with water and into my basement it goes. Now we know to keep a really close eye on that when we warm up too fast). Enjoy your awesome weather though. Bring on the shorts and t-shirts!
Man it’s still so cold there. We’ve had a feeeze and thaw cycle so its not been too rough but -40 is nothing to joke about. The myasics HM plans are what I used for both my races and they were great for me. I remember finding it tough moving beyond 14k, but since you’ve already done 16, you are in a good position there. My friend that does ultras mentally breaks the runs down into 10k segments which seemed to help him. That 20k trail is an exciting goal! Ready set go!
Ya, this winter feels like it is never going to end, but in the blink of an eye Spring could be here so here's hoping! I'm pretty pumped about the trail race. I just checked their registration page and both the 10k and 20k have already sold out! There are still a few spots in the 5k and 50k. I knew the 20k was my goal this year so I registered as soon as it opened (yup, I'm that geek 🤓) and am I ever glad. It will be my focus this year. Can't wait to hit those trails again. Your 30k race is creeping up pretty quick I imagine. How're you feeling for it?
Just as well you signed up early! I am usually the same way too. You must be so done with that weather. Like you say Spring is near and the trails are calling.
I am mixed for the 30k. It seems doable but on my long runs I find myself stopping/limping around 20k. I would like to get a 25 or 30 in the next few weeks before taper time. Its an invisible border right now.
It is nice getting the distance in ahead of time but if you're struggling a bit it may be best not to. 25 would be close enough. See how things go. My fingers are crossed for you. Have you considered massage to help work out some tight spots? I was hoping my recent break would help with a tightness in my right hamstring but it looks like it didn't so I may be booking an appointment with my trusty Physio. I was using my foam roller and could feel the tight spot under my butt so Inwill be spending a bit of time rolling it out first to see if I can work it out in my own. Life is so busy to try and get in for an appointment.
Yeah I think I’d be ok with 25. That is the loose plan. Your hamstring sounds like my ankle scenario. My friend had a hamstring issue and she found rolling and focused strength work helped alot. The snow was changing her form to heel strike more too. I did do some quad rolling on sat on the advice of our run coach and the ankle was feeling good yesterday, so we’ll see. It’s hard at this stage for me to tell the difference between regular aches vs actual injury pain. When it comes in hard I take a couple of days off. I am considering physio too but I need to find someone I can trust. And I have no work coverage so I am trying to ensure it is actually something before going in. Hope your hamstring eases up soon too.
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Hope your hamstring eases up soon too.
HM Challenge!
Fully signed up, now all I have to do is prepare and run!
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