Carlene & Jacquie’s Excellent Half-Marathon Adventure Web Site!
Oct 10/01 — Carlene: North Bay run
Training summary:
Sept 24 - Swim 1 hr, approx 1900 m
Sept 25 - Club run, approx 5K
Sept 26 - Spinning 1 hr
Sept 28 - Off - sick
Sept 29 - Off - sick
Sept 30 - Off - sick
Oct 1 - Run 6K
Oct 2 - Off
Oct 3 - Club run, approx 5K
Oct 4 - Off
Oct 5 - Travel to North Bay
Oct 6 - Off (Family obligations)
Oct 7 - LSD run, approx 12K**********************************
I had high hopes for September. When I wrote my last journal I was on my way to a record breaking month. I expected to log another 40 K before September ended. Then I got sick. The dreaded taper cold had found me and I was miserable. I did a little running and managed to barely squeak past my previous high mileage mark. Quite frankly I was disappointed as it really wasn't the month end I was hoping for. Instead of glory (logging more miles and hours of crosstraining than any other month), I was forced to focus on getting well. Health became my primary goal. I missed many planned workouts and my spirits began to sag. Unfortunately my race date continued to approach and I began to worry. I was sick and my body needed rest so I slept a lot and missed some time at work. Slowly I began to get better.
This past weekend I was out of town celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving with some of my husband's family (grandmother, aunt, uncle and cousins). Yesterday I logged my last LSD run before the big race. This run was a study in contrasts for me. I have only visited North Bay a few times before and have never run there before. I had no idea where to run. The weather was also a bit gnarly with lake effect snow and strong winds alternating with periods of beautiful sunshine. I dressed in tights, jacket, mittens and headband and headed out. I also brought my Camelback and money to catch a taxi back to the hotel if I got really lost. Then I hit the trails. Although I got slightly lost a couple of times, I ran for a while along a beautiful trail and saw lots of great fall colours on display. I managed to run all the way to Lake Nippissing. As I ran along the lakeshore in the snow I was one of the few people braving the poor weather conditions. I felt strong and victorious. (I only saw one other runner all weekend.)
Just past the 40 minute mark I turned around to head back to my hotel and was stopped by a family. They were on a scavenger hunt and needed to sing O Canada in the park bandshell and have it witnessed. I turned off my watch and listened to them sing our national anthem. They raced off with their signed papers to accomplish their next task and I began to run again with a bit more spring in my step. It was a nice interlude in a nice winding run. Towards the end of the run my energy began to wane and so I promised myself a treat from Colonel Hoagies restaurant which was conveniently located at the trailhead and across from our hotel. I finished my run by zipping in to buy a big date square to munch on. It was the perfect treat to hold me over till our Thanksgiving dinner celebration with all the trimmings.
Although I haven't run much in the past few days I had a glorious run despite some challenging weather. I am now looking forward to a few more short runs, including one with visiting Penguin Paul P. from northern Ontario, and then my big race in Toronto. I hope my last few days of tapering bring good running and continued health. Despite my recent illness I am dreaming of a good half marathon. I would appreciate good wishes and Penguin prayers on Oct 14th. A little extra on race day help never hurt anyone.
Happy trails to you all!
Carlene-30-
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