I'm keeping up with my HM trail running plan but am failing miserably on crosstraining, stretching, strength training, although I did get out a couple times kayaking this weekend - perhaps I could call it a (short) cross training activity. The first was to get a closer look at a momma bird and her six little babies playing along the waters edge (I thought we maybe had a loon family but alas, it was a cormorant family instead) and the second was a rainy paddle because hubby had to see his dream jet boat take off once they left the marina and of course, it was raining, but it was a very nice soft rain and a lovely little paddle with my hubby.
I have been finding the longer trail runs really challenging lately, but I've lost my trail running partner this year so am doing them solo and have this ridiculous pressure on myself to try and complete this race in a certain time frame instead of just crossing the line. I know that is ridiculous given I haven't run this distance during this race before, but the competitive part of me wants to meet a certain time. I did an 11k trail "run" on Sunday with 450 m of elevation change (according to the race director's gpx file, although Runkeeper only called it 300 m; I'm finding Runkeeper struggles with the lack of cell coverage and roads, it often doesn't match my Garmin very well). It was hot, humid, and hard. Then I realized what was wrong. I wasn't just chugging along enjoying the journey. So I reassessed why I was doing what I was doing and what brought me all the joy in the past. I may not be able to convince my running partner to join me again on these longer runs and hubby has made it very clear that he doesn't want to run for that long, so I must take this time as my time and just enjoy what is given to me. I hiked the hills, laughed at the difficulty of some of them, swore out loud at them, laughed some more, giggled while going through the treed areas calling out to the wildlife that I was coming through, hopped over logs like I was a little kid, tried to stop to take a picture of one of the water crossings before the mosquitos and annoying biting deer flies, said "Yummy, meal time!" So off I took off out of the coulee trying to get away from the water and up where there was some breeze to blow the buggers away. I ran when and where I wanted to run, hiked when I needed to or wanted to. It was the slowest run ever culminating in power walking the final 500 metres along the dusty dirt road back to the parking lot instead of running (I was just so done and at risk of overheating) and felt so amazed that "Whoohoo! I did it". I may've hiked more than I ran (I wish there was some way to track this, although maybe I don't want to actually know), but I ran where I wanted, hiked where I had to, crossed some water crossings, went along some great side hill trails and got it done. I have a 12.5k trail race next weekend that is away and has maybe been playing on my mind a bit, but am looking forward to hitting my hills again the next week while on holidays. The runs may be slow, the hiking may be more hiking than power hiking lately, but the views are stunning and I get to spend a few hours each week taking time for me....and whatever wildlife is around to hear all that I have to say.
Written by
SaskAlliecat
Half Marathon
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I've really come to love those side hill trails like in the photo. They are skinny little animal trails, sometimes you can run and feel like a deer, other times slowly creeping along is all you can do, but the smells, sounds and scenery is breathtaking, if you allow yourself to stop and take it all in. I may have taken longer than I told my husband though, so he was thinking about coming out and trying to find me.....oops.
How tame my trail runs are compared with that whopper in the photo. You've hit the nail on the head with just enjoying and exploring. Wonderful post as always xx
I've ran about 12k of the 20k course so far in training, broken up during different training runs. I've been using the 2 loops that are part of my race for the last month (there is a 3k out and back and a 14k loop) and have found it a little repetitive so decided to branch out and explore a loop of the 50k race. It is nice to have some variety to change things up, it this one does have a lot of elevation change. In reality, all the loops have some silly hills in them but the larger loop of the 20k has a fairly flat section in the middle. After this shorter trail race next weekend, I'm due to run a 14k run so will run the remaining part of the course I haven't ran yet this year which gets me to the 3 big hills on the course, another water crossing and a forested area. Lots of variety 🙂
It took me a little bit to remember why I was doing it, back am glad to have finally decided to just take that pressure off. I have a Forerunner 10 so it doesn't automatically upload to Garmin connect but I should plug in and check it out. Runkeeper shows me the pace and steps per minute so I should be able to figure it out as well, but it's accuracy is pretty sketchy with these runs, I think
A lovely read! I thinknquite A few of us have seem to come to the same conclusion about backing off and enjoying it more. We’ll progress, might take more time but who cares? We’ll get there enjoying it
That's exactly it. My issue is knowing someone who ran the 20k last year and how fast she did it. I know these races are just about racing yourself and doing as well as you can, but sometimes we let the little competitive side of ourselves creep in...which can remove some of the joy. In the past I've been guilty of running my races like I'm just out on a training run so end with some gas in the tank. I'm hoping to race a bit smarter this year, but it is nice feeling like you could run it all again when the race is done. It has sucked me in to push further signing up for the next distance each year so it helped really build the passion with running. I know I won't be stepping up to the 50k next year but am hoping after the race is said and done, I still want to run the 20k next year again 🤞
Yes I know exactly what you are saying, it’s hard not to get a bit competitive! I think though a comfy pacing at the start is good in any case and you can always pick it up in the last 4km if you think you have much more in you. Saying that, you could run it and enjoy it and beat your time next year... just saying.
Great post! It must be really, really hard to have lost your partner in crime - it changes things hugely for you. You're still evolving from duo running to solo running and it really is all about what pleases you now. While you're adapting to that change, running to enjoy what nature offers sounds the perfect goal. Maybe one day in the future times will be important too, but it doesn't sound like it should be a priority right now. Enjoy! 👍
I've really missed running with my trail running partner, and her dog "Merle" - our trail master. We were a great pair - I'm a plan and rule follower while she is more free-style in her training. I reined her in and she helped me let go of the plan a bit. Oh well. I am adapting and will be spending more time just enjoying what I'm doing and ignoring the time and incredibly slow pace.
I'm glad you've found your joy Saskie. I'm loving the book Outrunning the Demons by Phil Hewitt. The stories of why people run are inspirational. Not too many run just to win a race. it's about time out from life and even from our own thoughts, mental health, the pleasure of being in nature and feeling strong. There are loads of reasons to run and enjoy it. I always feel sad for the people who say to me "Running is not my thing". I'm glad it's mine and yours and ours. Glad you avoided them bugs too
We've been dealing with so many changes at home right now so this time reconnecting is so important. I had signed up for another race just because and wonder if that unknown has ramped up my anxiety a bit. Time to let it go and just run, run, run (and hike, hike, hike 😁).
Unfortunately Sunday night I was trying to enjoy the lovely evening outside on the front deck of the boat and those darn mosquitos feasted on me anyways. I was heading to bed right away so didn't want to put on bug spray, guess I should have 🙄
Sounds fabulous to me😃💪👍🏃♀️ I ran with Nike Run Club yesterday a free download with Nike trainer and trail running guru Sally McRae. It was only 30 mins. I wish it could have been longer.
And why not Sask? You have jaw droppingly beautiful scenery around you, so why not enjoy it? You’re doing amazingly well anyway. Whatever you set out to do, you do. Enjoy yourself, good luck with your race, and embrace your hills! ❤️
Wow, looks and sounds amazing!!!!! Well done for the running, and for taking the time to smell the roses/sagebrush, best thing ever 💗💗💗
There are two types of runner, those who run to get fit, and those who get fit to run. I know people who can run a 10k in under 40 minutes and they don't actually like running, It's all about the challenge, they enjoy the accomplishment. Nothing wrong with that, challenging yourself is a good thing... But there are some lucky folk, who enjoy running, who connect with their surroundings, who feel more alive when they run. I think you're this type of runner.
Wow! what a view- go you! So great that you are loving the 'me' time and taking on these challenges! You seem to do whatever you put your mind to.
A very inspiring read too...i think we all get caught on time instead of enjoyment on occasion - taking a step back to appreciate the why is a great thing
So happy you have found the trail magic again. This is exactly what is drawing me to the trail side. Less competition and pavement, more nature and beauty. Last week I came across a mamma deer and her fawn cooling off in the river and they couldn’t hear me or didn’t care so I had a minute to just watch them. Those moments cannot be bought. Good for you Sask.
Those little moments where we get to see something that we would never normally get to see, like the momma deer and her lovely fawn in their natural surroundings, is so special. You're right, they can't be bought and sure make the heart happy 😊
Your photo is amazing! The landscape where you run is breathtaking. I just love your post. The description makes me feel like I’m there running with you.
You’re reassessment of why is such a good idea. It’s something we all should do from time to time. It’s sounds like you had a great time laughing, smiling, discovering your surroundings and just doing what you wanted to do. It’s so cool what you do! 😎
It is so hard to go from running with a partner to solo running and not getting a time goal in your head. I struggle with wanting to beat previous times or even times I've set lol but that are unrealistic maybe. I have to remind myself that it isn't the time I finish in but the distance I do! The runs when I ignore times and pace are usually the ones I enjoy the most and overall it is that thing of enjoying the moment you have found again. Great reminder to stop and enjoy.
What a lovely post SaskAlliecat ...however far you run, your posts about them make them sound exciting and you always seem to enjoy them...but I find, especially with my own running, when I'm aiming for something I put too much pressure on myself that I forget the reason I'm running...and the joy I get from being outdoors!!! I have to remind myself that it's not about the time I'm out there its about enjoying what I'm doing with that time..
Lovely photo and sounds like you had a wonderful time. We do sometimes need to remind ourselves why we started all this in the first place....sounds like you did!🙂
Thanks gog. It’s a scorcher today (and tomorrow 😫) so i’m trying to be a good girl and hydrate well, avoid the booze and eat ok despite being at the lake. It’ll be an early morning tomorrow to get to my race but I’m starting to get a little excited about it. Hopefully i’ll get enough cell coverage at some post to post about it. It is so patchy at the lake.
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