Posted by: Karen | January 13, 2010

Runs

Contrary to my earlier post about the sunfish, I had run since the Silver Springs race. On one of my days off before Christmas, December 22nd, I dropped off the Little Runner at a friend’s and went for a nice, snowy run on the Jack Rabbit trail by the Glenmore Reservoir. It was chilly, but the single track trail is mostly sheltered with big trees. I ran the roller-coastery trail out and back for about an hour.

After that I didn’t run again until January 7th. I wasn’t injured, just busy with Christmas, and visiting with relatives, and too lazy to bundle up against the nasty cold weather in central Alberta. Even after I returned from the rellies I didn’t run. I went for a second appointment to finish up a root canal at the dentist, and knitted, and avoided blogging. Unlike me, I know.

January 7th I brought my running stuff to work and ran at lunch. It was -18*C, so I kept a brisk pace from the start. About 10 minutes from leaving my office I had made it to the curling club hill. I walked up the hill, but then ran back west along the bluff to the goat trails. It’s so cool to have dirt (now snow-filled) hilly trails just across the river from downtown. I went down and up those a couple of times before heading down 10th street, over the C-train bridge and back to work. The run took me about 45 minutes, and I went straight back to work after changing. I should have stretched, because Friday my legs were very stiff and grumpy.

Saturday I didn’t run a lot, but I did cover the course of the Nose Creek XC 4k with Dawn. More on that later.

Yesterday I brought my running gear to work again, but ended up covering the phones at lunch instead of running. Plan B ensued, as Carla had sent round a facebook message to our 10k group asking if we’d like to run outside (instead of in the olympic oval), since it was so nice out. Heck, yeah. I ran 4 x ~700m repeats with Liesbeth on the park path near the Children’s Hospital while the skinny-fasts ran 5.  There was some ice that made it an extra challenge, but nobody wiped out, and it was fun.

I’m bringing my running stuff to work tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll get to run again at lunch.

1 Comment

Posted in Running, Running Friends

Posted by: Karen | January 1, 2010

A Hat for 2010

Hey you running readers, this is mostly a post about knitting, but hang in there, as certain features of the hat are connected to my running.

Last year I picked up some thin yarn in a seasonal sale bin – very cheap.  The bright red and the solid grey together kind of reminded me of something from my dad’s old hockey gear bag. I knew i could knit something that looked totally retro with it.

I started the hat while visiting with relatives over Christmas. I wanted to knit something not very demanding while we chatted . I cast on 100 stitches and ribbed the edge, changing colours for stripes on a whim. I totally improvised the pattern, decreasing as best as I could to make a pointy top. I think I should have made the tip even longer and pointier to flop over even more, but this will do.

Hat for 2010

Hat for 2010

The hat has 10 maple leaves randomly embroidered on it. I borrowed the leaf pattern from a cute sock ornament, but wasn’t sure where I wanted to knit them in, so I embroidered them on later.

10 for 2010.

10 for 10 races in my favourite XC running race series.

On January 24, 2010, I will have been a runner for 10 years.

10 for my 10 years of running.

4 Comments

Posted in About Me, Knitting, Running, XC Races | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Karen | December 31, 2009

Weather, Shakespeare, Sunfish and a Million Bucks

I haven’t done much running or writing lately. Please bear with me as I pull some random thoughts together.

A friend recently asked why everyone always complains about the weather:

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
– Shakespeare

I found that quote in an entertaining TED talk by Tierney Thys on giant sunfish.

Sunfish aka Mola Mola

Sunfish aka Mola Mola

I’d never heard about sunfish before, but apparently they eat jellyfish. Did you know 100 grams jellyfish = 4 calories? The average sunfish weighs about 2200 lbs and gets that way by eating jellyfish and lazing around sunbathing.*

Lesson:  It doesn’t matter how “evolved” I think I am, or even if I’m saving the world from spineless masses by eating low calorie food. If I’m eating way too much of it, drifting and spending too much time in the net, I’ll still weigh 1000 kg.

It’s still flipping cold outside and I haven’t run since club night, Dec 17. Now I’m going to change my back bike tire, set up the trainer, and watch Million Dollar Baby from my bike seat. I might even pedal.

*Yes, I realize the mola mola is not a lazy fish; still more incentive to eat less and move more.

3 Comments

Posted in Bike, Cold | Tags: , , , , , ,

Posted by: Karen | December 22, 2009

Silver Springs XC 2009

I owe a race report for this one too, but perhaps this photo will do for now.

KC and LK run Silver Springs XC 2009

Heading into the east loop of the Silver Springs XC 8k

1 Comment

Posted in Calgary, Cold, Gravity, Running, Running Friends, XC Races | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Karen | December 22, 2009

Okotoks XC 2009

Remind me to write a race report for this. I didn’t race it full-out, but it was a lovely day for a XC race.

Finishing Okotoks XC November 2009

Finishing Okotoks XC November 2009

Comments Off on Okotoks XC 2009

Posted in Running, XC Races | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Karen | November 15, 2009

A Social Week and Food for Thought

Monday night I had a good swim with Liesbeth, Sarah & Todd.  As usual, I don’t know how far I went; just back and forth for about 50 minutes, with short breaks. My flip turns are getting better, but not instinctive yet. I still really have to think them through.

Tuesday evening I showed up with the 10k group for a 4 x 1 mile workout. I was feeling the effects of last weekend’s race, so didn’t push the “speed” part of the repeats at all. Liesbeth kept me running through them as we made the rounds of “Bruce’s Loop” near the Children’s Hospital.

Friday evening I consumed way too much chocolate at a fun party at Sarah’s house, and yesterday I should have tried to run those calories off, but I didn’t.

Impact Magazine Draw Prize

Impact Magazine Draw Prize

Last night I enjoyed visiting with more friends at the Calgary Roadrunners Annual General Meeting. As a co-race directors for one of their races, Jason and I were formally thanked for our efforts. The catered dinner was delicious, the speaker was intriguing, and I won a great big draw prize from Impact Magazine. Thanks, Impact!

Dr. Brown showed us a short film called “Runner”. He spoke passionately about how the film was made, and how the contributions of the Director (Don Owen), the Poet (W.H. Auden) and the featured Runner (Bruce Kidd) all came together to produce a piece of very thought-provoking art. Of course, he couldn’t delve very deeply into the topic in a half-hour after-dinner presentation, but it gave me lots to think about.

I wish I could watch the film again, but can’t find a link to watch it on-line. I did find Auden’s poem used in the film written out on Hugo Schwyzer’s blog, however. Whether you’re a poetry fan or “just a runner”, it’s worth a read.

1 Comment

Posted in Canadian Content, Running, Running Friends, Swimming | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Karen | November 8, 2009

Edworthy Park XC – Number 45

Yesterday I ran my 45th consecutive CRR XC Grand Prix race. I *heart* this series. All of these races begin at noon, so there’s time to sleep in, have a nice breakfast, warm up a pot of soup or bake some cookies, etc. before heading over to the parc-du-jour. I baked chocolate chip cookies and even remembered to pack my bowl, plate, cup and spoon for post-race lunch.

There was a long sign-up line-up in the parking lot at 11:35, but Leana kept me company and the line moved quickly. Check out her race report. It was her first time at one of our beloved soup races and we’re looking forward to having her back for more.

I started the race behind Dawn, with the usual penalty of having her snap a couple of photos of my backside as I passed her in the first flat loop at the top of the park. Les and I continued together through the dipsy-doodles of single-track dirt trails along the ridge.  Eventually I settled into a brisk pace between Julie and Barb, with Liesbeth close by and Helly a ways ahead.

We kibitzed back and forth as we negotiated the first switchback descents, and I tried not to think about what would happen if I fell on some of those roots and broken-off stubs of brush sticking out of the ground. In the trees half-way through the flat stretch along the bottom I said aloud to nobody in particular “This is where I usually get lapped.” As if on cue, the three front runners appeared behind me with a “HUP” and I made room for them to zip by.

I walked up the very steep hill, pulling over briefly for other faster runners to lap me along the way. I gasped for breath as I climbed and crested the hill, and then crazily headed back down through the switchbacks for more. Why just run one lap when I could enjoy two!

Halfway down the second time I remarked that I’d just died and gone to heaven, or was about to. Someone asked if that was because I was enjoying the race or suffering so much. I answered “Both.” You know how Calvin and Hobbes have those great conversations in the wagon as they careen off cliffs? Yeah, it was like that.

Near the bottom of the descent I had picked up a lot of momentum. I ran right over the single patch of ice without missing a beat and let out a whoop of joy as I barreled down the rest of the incline. Helly heard a couple of us coming and nearly pulled in front of me in a valiant attempt to get out of the way. I hadn’t given her any guidance as I was going too fast to decide, but thankfully I missed her.

Mowing down my role models is not a practice to which I aspire, but it’s happened before. Thankfully we all remained upright and I carried on with renewed motivation. I was sure that Helly would pass me back on the hill or up top on the plateau, but I still tried double-hard not to let her pass me back. She’s one heck of a competitor and stayed close on my heels. At one point I wasn’t sure which way to go due to ambiguous flagging. She caught up but pointed me in the right direction and off I went again.

The winding route along the top of the plateau back to the clock always kills me. I’ve always used so much of my breath and mental energy surmounting the hill that I feel like the race should be DONE! Just DONE! but it’s not. I chided myself with “Run now rest later” and worked as hard as I could to put a gap between Helly and me.

If Helly had fallen off the ridge or something, I would have gladly stopped to rescue her, but no, she dogged me mercilessly and I gave it more than what I thought I had left. We finished within seconds of each other, totally spent, grinning and grimacing with immense satisfaction.

Edworthyfinish2

Photo Courtesy of Dawn Henry aka "The Pink Chick"

Julie cheered us in, and we welcomed Barb and Liesbeth before heading over to the hall for soup, stories, and snacks.

2 Comments

Posted in Running, Running Friends, XC Races | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Karen | November 8, 2009

Hills and a Headlamp

Thursday night I showed up with my favourite motley crew for a run. I haven’t run much lately, so was happy to have the opportunity to get out with the gang. Only four of us met at the University’s Olympic Oval, but that was enough.

It was a gorgeous night for November, the high earlier that day having reached 20*C/68*F. It was dark and closer to 11*C/53*F by the time we met, so I wore shorts and a long sleeved shirt. I didn’t even bring my mitts or coat. The ground was dry and the wind didn’t pick up until I got home.

I had brought my headlamp for fun. I didn’t really need it, as we’d be running in well-lighted conditions, but I want to get used to the feel of it for when I do need it. As we ran south from the University I entertained Liesbeth by demonstrating the headlamp’s fun colours; red, green, white, blue, white strobe and red flashing, plus it has a rear red light that can remain solid or flash as well. It doesn’t have brake, reverse, or signal lights, though. It was very comfortable to wear. Several times I forgot I had it on.

We headed down to Hospital Hill by the Foothills Hospital and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and proceeded to run repeats. Speedy Sander mentioned he was aiming for four hills, so I set my sights on two, in order to be ready to head back when he and Mike would be.

I was faster than I thought, or Sander took it easy, because mid-workout I realized I could fit in more than two straight hills. I got the bright idea (was that the headlamp talking?) to do a triple after the first climb. A triple involves climbing up 1/3 of the hill, then running down. Then climb 2/3 of the hill and run down. Then climb the whole hill. Oh yes, lots of fun. I even tacked on another half hill towards the end because I had time. I’m not sure where all that energy came from (maybe too much Halloween chocolate), but it felt good.

Comments Off on Hills and a Headlamp

Posted in Product Placement, Running, Running Friends | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Karen | October 27, 2009

Flipped

In the last couple of years, I’ve gotten in the pool in the weeks leading up to triathlons mainly because I had set race goals and needed to make sure I’d survive the water course before getting to the fun part of the race. Now I have no triathlon looming for several months, but I’m still swimming at least once a week. I like it.

Last week I swam, but didn’t feel particularly strong. I still enjoyed the water, and the stress relief of moving through it.

It’s becoming less and less of a challenge to survive from end to end. I make less breathing mistakes and concentrate more on form.

Last night I decided it was time to incorporate flip turns into my laps. Flip turns are not a necessary skill for open water swimmers, but I have a long winter of pool swims ahead. Since reading Leana’s flip description I’ve tried to flip once or twice per swim session, but last night I flipped about 50% of my turns. Out of those, I estimate 50% again looked and felt successful.

All of my flips still feel like they’re in very slow motion, and for many of them I get totally discombobulated, but I’m learning to keep my eyes open and remember which way is up. I whacked my ankle bone against the top edge of the pool once. Ouch. Didn’t do that again.

When I flipped in a way that felt good, I flew to the other end to do it again. When my flip didn’t turn out so well, I still hurried to the other end to redeem myself with a better one. My laps became less of a long slog between ends and more of a short interval between the challenges of flipping. I also had the added benefit of not being tempted to rest at each end, so I swam more continuously throughout the 50 minutes in the pool.

I toyed around with flippers, a flutter board and one of those peanut-shaped leg float thingies in between regular laps. I’m looking forward to next week.

3 Comments

Posted in Swimming | Tags: ,

Posted by: Karen | October 22, 2009

Confederation Park Relay

Creek Crossing - Photo courtesy of Dawn Henry

Creek Crossing - Photo courtesy of Dawn Henry

This weekend we got to run one of my favourite races, the CRR XC 3 x 4k relay. I know I said earlier that the River Park Classic is one of my favourite races; so is this one. In fact, nearly all of the Grand Prix series are my favourites most of the time, except Nose Hill and Fish Creek, but those are growing on me.

This race is the shortest of the series, with most folks running one leg of not quite 4 km. The course seems deceivingly easy, as it is in a groomed, mowed park. We run on grass more than dirt and there’s only one particularly steep (but mercifully short compared to other courses) hill. I most enjoy the creek crossings, which come close to the end. The first crossing has rocks placed so that you can stay dry if you’re careful. I treat second crossing like a huge puddle and plunge on through.

This year I pushed strong and hard through the whole race, but still ended up with one of my slowest times. There was an extra dip somewhere out there, I think. The ground was damp and the air was chilly, but not really cold. I had two great teammates, Derek and Sander. They breezed through the course and we had a great time.

I had two bowls of soup afterward; one of Derek’s curry zucchini soup, and another bowl of something hearty with beans and peas and carrots in it. Yum. I love “soup races”.

1 Comment

Posted in Running, Running Friends, XC Races | Tags: , , , , ,

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories