tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30132955606427230792024-03-13T01:37:18.174-06:00Play hard, have funPassionate and proud mama and wife, living life in health and happiness. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-30522843680390369462017-04-11T13:40:00.004-06:002017-04-11T13:40:49.425-06:00Fighting like a MF<div>
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Hell is (loosely) defined as:</div>
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1)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The place or state of punishment of the wicked </div>
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2)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Any place or state of torment or misery or something that causes torment or misery </div>
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3)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The powers of evil</div>
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4)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The abode of the dead</div>
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5)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Extreme disorder or confusion; chaos</div>
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Yes, that would accurately describe my past many months; a year now in fact. Chaos, extreme disorder, confusion and most likely powers of evil at play. This accurately describes my body and mind as to what is and has been going on inside of me for the past year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj3-vghyphenhyphentc8vDzUgMcbNK9Anc2DjiNtSeTe6S9HkhKZzW65_cmXJXGDv7Zot3L6M6AfcjrN0pBvUN5sGy_NwrEXRgJt1QGhHSJvpoM_ebRRTvG_hjIlo_LTTG03tjVET0PvkZjDamlX8/s1600/389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj3-vghyphenhyphentc8vDzUgMcbNK9Anc2DjiNtSeTe6S9HkhKZzW65_cmXJXGDv7Zot3L6M6AfcjrN0pBvUN5sGy_NwrEXRgJt1QGhHSJvpoM_ebRRTvG_hjIlo_LTTG03tjVET0PvkZjDamlX8/s320/389.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the last year I have:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Seen 5 different rehab type practitioners (physio, chiro etc.) more times than I can count. </li>
<li>I have been in and out of my GP's office each time feeling like I'm wasting my time.</li>
<li>I have had 4 bouts of blood work done, with more to come.</li>
<li>Have had x-rays on 4 different body parts, an MRI, full-body bone scan and 4 different ultrasounds all with no tangible results. </li>
<li>I have seen 2 specialists, and am on the wait list for a few others. </li>
</ul>
There is no answer for what is going on; no defined treatment or solid direction to travel. Most people just look at me like I'm crazy and ask if I want medication rather than to keep digging deeper to figure out what the root cause of this "injury" is so I can get back to running; and back to life.<br />
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I'm going in circles trying to figure this out.<br />
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This is my definition of hell.<br />
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It's really hard to rehab an injury, to cure whatever is wrong with you when nobody knows "what" is exactly wrong with you and "why" you are getting the symptoms that you are. Yes, I have been strengthening what is weak, learning what I'm able to handle without flaring up and what will send me backwards - all this through trial and error, which is a very frustrating way of doing things. Sometimes certain exercises or movements, even the gentlest of ones, will send me through distress, and pain; sometimes they won't.<br />
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Frustrating doesn't close to describe it. And 'losing my mind' ... has already happened.<br />
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Getting better, faster and stronger is all about testing limits; this is true in health, performance <b>and</b> recovery. I have been doing this quite well for the past 3+ months. Sometimes it leads me to strength, power and encouragement; sometimes it throws me back on the ground, kicks the crap out of me and leaves me a physical and emotional mess on the floor. This journey has tested my limits beyond imaginable. It has tested my patience and tossed it out the window.<br />
<br />
But what can you do?<br />
<br />
You either keep fighting or give up - and no freaking way am I giving up!<br />
Have I thought that I was not strong enough? Yes.<br />
Have I freaked out (more than once) and completely lost it? Yes.<br />
Am I terrified. You bet.<br />
Angry, mad and sad all at once? Yes.<br />
Depressed? Most likely.<br />
Determined as hell to beat this shit? Abso-fucking-lutely.<br />
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I remind myself, DAILY, that I am strong enough to see this through; even though at times those words are hard to say.<br />
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I can't wait to get back to racing, back to running (!) and back to "my normal". It's painful not doing what I love, with who I love. It's painful telling Little Cheetah that I can't do something. My heart is ripped to shreds each time I have to say no. I want to move again, any which way I choose, without fear. Until then, I do what I am able to each day; dealing with my "here and now" and not playing "what if" games, which for me is very hard to do. Luckily this is where Javelin Daddy comes in, telling me what I may need to hear, even if I don't want to hear it at the time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk0Ia_MWnZqjExL9JF4Xy2iGbBi3JJnnpnAUqkw9I0sUJED6iXUF4xlZ49LmxGWwP3WodfOu9GXA18n2vYDYwyrJOL4cfdIEWCpQ7o7oY2bec4LSzSLq1NYOqQgHfPJ-aTGIVZwrypUE/s1600/388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk0Ia_MWnZqjExL9JF4Xy2iGbBi3JJnnpnAUqkw9I0sUJED6iXUF4xlZ49LmxGWwP3WodfOu9GXA18n2vYDYwyrJOL4cfdIEWCpQ7o7oY2bec4LSzSLq1NYOqQgHfPJ-aTGIVZwrypUE/s320/388.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I am strong. And stubborn. And I figure that's a good combination. There's an answer around some corner...I just need to find it. Until then, I'll keep going around corners, fighting for strength, balance, answers and peace; because the next one might just be "the one" that gets me running, but more importantly able to breathe and back to life again.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-34439604343934095352017-01-31T13:47:00.000-07:002017-01-31T13:47:25.524-07:00Believe <div class="MsoNormal">
Humph. It’s been a while.<br />
<br />
Honestly I kept putting off writing my next blog because I
thought I’d wait until I was all better; healed up and I could write about my
return to regular training and competition with a bang! …<br />
<br />
But that hasn’t
happened yet, so I figured I better get my butt in gear and write!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the early part of 2016 I suffered an injury. I don’t know
what brought it on, and to date I am still not really sure <i>what</i> my injury is. My back was / is messed up and most likely
the root cause of my tornado of symptoms. I’ve had more tests done than I
can even keep track of, and have seen more specialists, doctors, and therapists to try and conquer this beast (most of whom look at me like I’m psycho
because of all the wacky symptoms I describe).<br />
<br />
To date, I feel strong in areas where I
once felt weak and fragile; fragile to the point of fearing to take a step
walking – yes, it was ugly. I have improved (greatly) and it continues to get better as time goes on ... <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wET8-xof817F77GxJ3OS7FrI1AgUjgUU3ukGyywIpgn0mclGdSmS2RcPO2eRx2w4nWx0u1Qi2lvkks-jkfqQfIEHDtrVcEJBHjNUq5cHMVX3dOtFnkfuhP3mUgv7z8WNQpM9gLdRHBs/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wET8-xof817F77GxJ3OS7FrI1AgUjgUU3ukGyywIpgn0mclGdSmS2RcPO2eRx2w4nWx0u1Qi2lvkks-jkfqQfIEHDtrVcEJBHjNUq5cHMVX3dOtFnkfuhP3mUgv7z8WNQpM9gLdRHBs/s200/download.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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It’s occurring at snail’s pace mind you, with a few steps
forward and some back, but still better and still moving forward. When going through hell...keep going right?<br />
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So where the heck have I been and what have I been up to? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7_17JrYfd6fwBREKVzVlPRRjJpU3UiBEYvd-XIRjZ6KV1WgwGz6k-yS5fQ9yT6O7mr0KigWomx2Ny4pESn-T8bWGVBjpiZHPBTT-f6cVbl1aglVVvNESgXOGfk_gB4zG_SvMeLpQNEs/s1600/373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7_17JrYfd6fwBREKVzVlPRRjJpU3UiBEYvd-XIRjZ6KV1WgwGz6k-yS5fQ9yT6O7mr0KigWomx2Ny4pESn-T8bWGVBjpiZHPBTT-f6cVbl1aglVVvNESgXOGfk_gB4zG_SvMeLpQNEs/s320/373.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8L61TWEWjXMz_iRQIoGUwwPIiu9jbKUzkgOjOREmKJVLcmyA1Rru4IvRbmW-01GtEzwHLIhKmlFP85zDB6HUEmB0MMfOtuE1BJIUpfjz9NUiU-cZRdJJjinCwEMGGmPuLjnaD2ygNGpY/s1600/cadence+cross6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8L61TWEWjXMz_iRQIoGUwwPIiu9jbKUzkgOjOREmKJVLcmyA1Rru4IvRbmW-01GtEzwHLIhKmlFP85zDB6HUEmB0MMfOtuE1BJIUpfjz9NUiU-cZRdJJjinCwEMGGmPuLjnaD2ygNGpY/s320/cadence+cross6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While I wasn’t able to run all these months, I was able to
ride and so I did. I rode lots, and had lots of fun; I even raced fairly
consistently (mountain bike and cyclocross).<br />
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I was also able to deepen my love
for mountain biking; amazing rides with Javelin Daddy and Little Cheetah
through mountains, well off the beaten trail.<br />
<br />
Incredible, marvelous and awe-inspiring do
not even begin to describe the beauty we witnessed and experienced throughout
our rides together.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJm0GEd71I-1scfGoRkzZM3xy2iz_OGfLjadRSsz8Cbe-t5Tx94jDmmL4Xxccvxt6_ySbC6IKRcUMWGN3fOv3XKTTjA2wK2m0VvHO7OF1ktLfn5EFyJJOoqfEjEPYNlPfPzZOq93s7sU/s1600/375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJm0GEd71I-1scfGoRkzZM3xy2iz_OGfLjadRSsz8Cbe-t5Tx94jDmmL4Xxccvxt6_ySbC6IKRcUMWGN3fOv3XKTTjA2wK2m0VvHO7OF1ktLfn5EFyJJOoqfEjEPYNlPfPzZOq93s7sU/s320/375.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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2016 finished up with a great season of cyclocross with my
boys and a few winter mountain bike races in November and December just for
fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz16MGIBoEtNo8E6MQXIFnPnCV8M4sYeeD_HLZZVHEA1BF3BEFoSSuDBFukiPUK4SSZvjrlZdMPlpPgF60XfVuShL1Z1Bju3Epz2lUzGgLOI9APhkP2vQHIFikWIkmLqvHY4wYltednZs/s1600/PUNCHEURow+%2528186+of+227%2529-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz16MGIBoEtNo8E6MQXIFnPnCV8M4sYeeD_HLZZVHEA1BF3BEFoSSuDBFukiPUK4SSZvjrlZdMPlpPgF60XfVuShL1Z1Bju3Epz2lUzGgLOI9APhkP2vQHIFikWIkmLqvHY4wYltednZs/s320/PUNCHEURow+%2528186+of+227%2529-X2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSy0PnCsuY2TqBsKJZQrJY-AiWEoaZHd4bEWPZuAIRgWBi52LSUru7Lt_GuNCiH1-AESbir_Fu9ZLz4Xmd53cCYTn0Aq4T7UoGsSsmGvODL6Mx5WJ90U70JxXwXVmrKSbBOOoIyFoqEmE/s1600/369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSy0PnCsuY2TqBsKJZQrJY-AiWEoaZHd4bEWPZuAIRgWBi52LSUru7Lt_GuNCiH1-AESbir_Fu9ZLz4Xmd53cCYTn0Aq4T7UoGsSsmGvODL6Mx5WJ90U70JxXwXVmrKSbBOOoIyFoqEmE/s320/369.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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2017 is going to be a “let’s beat this eff-ing injury” and
run again kind of year. It's my year of belief and resilience. My constants of doing the little things; focusing on
the simple goal to run. Starting each day knowing I am stronger than the day
previous because of all the little things I’m doing everyday. I’m also working hard on my
mental game – this is new and a real struggle for me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELEDMzOLitnWsRsVkBhhFrD1aBzbhaZfIQShtlc3e6u8SjP7wxZ47nfi5uTVVuwIO4_qtZcKuEyqmn8I2LBd5376CNryvo9pG_bDz0x5TBt2rQeKBjCsd3_1L-UjESGasPUCvTPX4XKs/s1600/377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELEDMzOLitnWsRsVkBhhFrD1aBzbhaZfIQShtlc3e6u8SjP7wxZ47nfi5uTVVuwIO4_qtZcKuEyqmn8I2LBd5376CNryvo9pG_bDz0x5TBt2rQeKBjCsd3_1L-UjESGasPUCvTPX4XKs/s320/377.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Injuries suck, let’s not sugar coat it. Somehow, and for reasons I may never fully know, my body decided it was going to internally blizzard,
hurricane and earthquake all at once. I can’t wait to get back to running and
training normally again. And back to normal life. I miss it – a lot. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Not knowing when is the hardest part, but each day I fight because
one day, I’ll knock this injury on its ass. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-71935669979022154072016-08-18T16:04:00.000-06:002016-08-22T09:55:31.380-06:00Race Report: XC Mountain BikingIn the <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2016/08/here-we-go.html">first part</a> of this post I told how I was both nervous and excited for my races a few weekends ago (how was this already 2 weeks ago?). Finally able to write my race report, here's how it all ended up going down:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Race Day #1 - Saturday</u></b><br />
<br />
Up early, we loaded up the truck and were off to race! It was about a 3.5 hour drive and my race start time wasn't until 11am, so we had plenty of time to drive it that morning and save a night in a hotel. It doesn't seem to matter if a race is 15 minutes away or 3 hours, I'm always anxious until we actually arrive at the race location - just confirmation that we will actually get there in time I guess?!<br />
<br />
The drive was smooth, until we were about 30 minutes away when we hit some very unexpected traffic delays on the highway. There was no way around, no other route to take. All we could do was sit there - this did not help my anxiety levels. Luckily we left the house early enough that we made it to the race on time - with about 20 minutes to spare before my start time. Nothing like racing on legs that have been in a car for more than 3 hours and anxiety levels maxed out from being nervous that we'd be late! BUT...we parked, I signed on, changed and headed to the start line! <br />
(I even had time to pee - huge bonus!)<br />
<br />
Saturday's race was a 3 lap, short course with 160m of climbing per lap and plenty of mud through one section of the trail. Right off the start my legs were on fire, no doubt from sitting in a car and then trying to ride. That and lack of mountains in my neighbourhood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM4gyJHhSB02jQ-6QJbE4_E2iIujXrKoLdgOUsyM_ZxDu-3cw8QxUV0nNF4uhgD49b2i4u2YA8BAgvMxkYnQ6LzKnxTV_W4j3k6nk3eLGK7oyGC4DufJdV0XSKgVjPXpUfz5msktQGp0/s1600/342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM4gyJHhSB02jQ-6QJbE4_E2iIujXrKoLdgOUsyM_ZxDu-3cw8QxUV0nNF4uhgD49b2i4u2YA8BAgvMxkYnQ6LzKnxTV_W4j3k6nk3eLGK7oyGC4DufJdV0XSKgVjPXpUfz5msktQGp0/s320/342.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PC: Jim Uffelmann</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once the first lap was over the legs calmed down a little, but I definitely don't have the legs for tons of climbing. Being injured I haven't done much high intensity training, so this was definitely challenging! Although I suffered, and was about 5 minutes slower per lap than I was hoping/thought I'd be I was very happy to be racing. Happy to be healthy enough to be riding. And happy to be surrounded by the beauty of the trails. Both the beauty and the suffering were very welcomed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpyzQ5T9iZEexw_Jv7cDjPUDXBbFTsjV8eVFVJk4kqBJU_vuMzyk-1neC50xl7499sMAcET8THCTIxYIN3H-2u-1UN0dJrgbRoeXJPw4ue6kAEmQIxOoN8wb4tQBRKkFEcQrRc0rRKno/s1600/347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpyzQ5T9iZEexw_Jv7cDjPUDXBbFTsjV8eVFVJk4kqBJU_vuMzyk-1neC50xl7499sMAcET8THCTIxYIN3H-2u-1UN0dJrgbRoeXJPw4ue6kAEmQIxOoN8wb4tQBRKkFEcQrRc0rRKno/s320/347.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PC: Jim Uffelmann</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a *little* muddy!</td></tr>
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After the race we hopped in the car and it was back to the hotel to do some cleaning - my bike was a muddy mess, as was I!<br />
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Once that disaster was all cleaned up I did some stretching and heating on my back, a quick trip to the pool for my littleman and then we were off to dinner to refuel for the next day. BBQ and beer - so, so delicious! Followed by some cool soft serve and it was lights out for me!<br />
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<b><u>Race Day #2 - Sunday</u></b><br />
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I didn't sleep well the night before. I was really quite nervous about this course - both in it's distance and difficulty. Today's race was the long course; the marathon with over 800m (2600 ft) of climbing each lap.<br />
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All leading up to this race in the weeks prior I knew how many laps I wanted, but realized quickly that I may need to adjust my expectations based on my (lack of) technical abilities and the course conditions. While I had ridden the front half of this course before, I didn't know what to expect on the back half. I wanted to complete 2 laps going into the race, however when I learned the really super fast, shredder types would complete three...I realized I may only get in 1 lap before time cut-offs. But I was ok with that - today was a learning experience and believe me, I was about to get schooled.<br />
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Loaded with my a few tools, hydration and snacks I set off for the start line. Unlike yesterday, today's marathon race was a mass start. As we started our climb up I could feel my legs from the day before. They weren't on fire, but they had nothing in them. Nothing at all. I figured going in this would be a grinder of a day, and I was right. After just a couple climbing miles that felt very long on rough legs, I realized I would need to focus on knocking off one mile at a time, refocus and knock off the next.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7dkx2x6S-oIPBdAQcNV9l53D4yJonQl5Pg6ik3_4GnYoKiHFkluRGIq8qej6ziPpV-VF85Nv66LZej6cxG3RD5CVfGu8hffqaTclZHt8mxYm0iSbBIbCXFNvAyiOWo9IhJ57w_d6jIc/s1600/349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7dkx2x6S-oIPBdAQcNV9l53D4yJonQl5Pg6ik3_4GnYoKiHFkluRGIq8qej6ziPpV-VF85Nv66LZej6cxG3RD5CVfGu8hffqaTclZHt8mxYm0iSbBIbCXFNvAyiOWo9IhJ57w_d6jIc/s320/349.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful for my Run Gum and Picky Bars!</td></tr>
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When I reached the top of the first climb I was thankful for a little rest on the downhill; but on this course that rest didn't last long. Lifting my head I could see where we were climbing to next. Up, up; way up. Huge climbs, gnarly descents - this was a monster course - but I loved it! The ups and downs continued; through rock gardens and twisting trees; overlooking valleys with switchbacks and swooping trails. Although I was suffering, the race course and this trail truly was in the middle of spectacular wilderness.<br />
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Other than knowing I was still actually on the course by tell of the race signs here and there, I had no clue where I was or what part of the trail I was on. I knew how far I had gone, but no clue of the terrain ahead. My legs continued to drag their butt the entire course, but I just focused on the mile I was in until I reached a point in the trail where I knew where I was - and it was mostly downhill; I was almost done.<br />
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The very last checkpoint - checkpoint #7, was where Javelin Daddy and Little Cheetah were volunteering. They saw me before I saw them - and the sound of my littleman's voice was awesome!! I stopped for a quick kiss and hug and continued on to the finish.<br />
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Race done.<br />
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Although disappointed that I didn't get 2 laps in, knowing full well that my original plan of 2 laps for my current state was potentially unrealistic, I know that next year, I'll be stronger and healthier to tackle it how I want and know I can.<br />
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After the race I grabbed some much needed and desired food and water, wiped the mud off my legs, changed and started the ~1km climb up to checkpoint #7 to see my boys and watch the final few racers go by. My bean had requested that I climb back up once I was done - so even on tired legs, how could I say no to that!? It was a slow climb!<br />
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The final few riders were exciting! For your lap to count you have to make it back to the finish line by the cut off time - if not, your entire lap doesn't count! The last 2 were quite close together, and when they passed us they only had a few minutes to make it back. Once they passed our checkpoint, we packed up and walked back down for awards. When we got back we heard they made it back with less than a minute to spare!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxF4oG8HCDBANaLSVY-Q5aAsIDSpJCPO67ukbDBUUXjR-O4EUaeH-P-0HuBd80V_2iAJILixwHKcSbelK2x2pO_Sx1TRMAAAEgkx7JrrHIoKu10jyGSyI9PITdpdCtnvVij4YmDSWlng/s1600/330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxF4oG8HCDBANaLSVY-Q5aAsIDSpJCPO67ukbDBUUXjR-O4EUaeH-P-0HuBd80V_2iAJILixwHKcSbelK2x2pO_Sx1TRMAAAEgkx7JrrHIoKu10jyGSyI9PITdpdCtnvVij4YmDSWlng/s320/330.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy: 70 years young and hauls ass!</td></tr>
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Mountain biking is hard; those who excel at it are total badass beasts and I have mad respect for them. It is also so much fun. The combination of exhaustion, thrill and enjoyment is one of the many reasons competition is so rewarding - and with mountain biking, it's no different. (Added bonus of getting to do it in some of the most beautiful locations!)<br />
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Post race we had a quick dinner that consisted of a seriously desired and delicious, salty, hand-stretched, multiple-meat pizza and ice cold beer. Then we were on the road again for home. A great weekend, lots learned and can't wait to do it all again next year!<br />
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Until then ... #crossiscoming!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-20340107099754988682016-08-04T15:21:00.000-06:002016-08-04T15:21:19.790-06:00Here we go ... 2016 has been an interesting year for training and racing, with an injury that has thrown me for more loops than I could have imagined.<br />
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Looking back I first became "aware" of my injury in the winter, early 2016; but like any typical idiot I decided to train through it, telling and willing myself it was a twinge and will go away, until one day I realized: I am injured. The following months and still to date, I am not yet injury free. I'm doing daily PT exercises, strengthening and nerve flossing (yes, I floss my nerves). I've also done traction, IMS, massage, osteopathy and a host of other stuff to get better. And while these past few months have brought fear (more on this later), freak outs, a whirlwind of emotions and actions they have also brought me opportunity to dive into something different and 'old is new again' though mountain biking.<br />
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I have always loved mountain biking for it's purity (credit to my husband for getting me into it). To be out in nature, on a trail and just ride. No expectations or schedules, just being. Rubber to dirt, explore the beauty on the trails, through the woods, around each and every bend and up and over every climb.<br />
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When I wasn't able to run, I turned to cycling more and more in both an obsession and a need, to keep training. Road and off-road cycling received a volume boost in training, as it was pretty much the only thing that I could handle. Running was definitely out, and strangely enough so was swimming; both aggravated my body quite a bit.<br />
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However, like any typical A-type personality I needed and wanted that feeling you get only from racing. All I could do through this injury was ride, but I worried about <i>racing</i> (XC) mountain biking in case the competition side of it, <i>of me, </i>took over and away from my love of just being on the bike; for nothing more than to ride through trees, over logs, through puddles, dirt, roots and rocks.<br />
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But it didn't.<br />
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What I found was that I loved, respected and appreciated them both; in their own unique ways. A perfect balance between loving the adrenaline and rush of racing and still "just being" out on the trail.<br />
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I loved both sides. I loved the "O<i>h my god this is exhausting and I can't climb that hill again...Oh I'm done, when's the next race?</i>" as well as the "<i>Wow, look around at how amazing it is here</i>" and that sense of just BEING. I didn't loose any of it, they both just lived in different compartments.<br />
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So here I was, months into my injury with improvements happening - but very slowly. I had a few small mountain bike races under my belt ... and <i>it</i> happened.<br />
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A while back I was looking for more XC mountain bike races to do when I came across a couple on the same weekend. One, being a mountain bike marathon, something I had never done. The marathon was the day after the "regular" or short course mountain bike race. I had thought about doing them or maybe even just the short course, and then put them out of my head for a few weeks - until they came back.<br />
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And I thought to myself "hmm, maybe...?".<br />
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Before long <i>*maybe*</i> turned into "perhaps...I think so", and that turned into "holy shit, I'm registered for both".<br />
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It all goes down this weekend. I'm both jumping out of my skin excited, and totally nervous. But nervous in a good way. Race reports to follow next week - if you're curious to see if I make it up and down, up and down, and up and down the mountain.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-13539501739308405592016-07-13T13:53:00.000-06:002016-07-13T13:54:30.206-06:00Hills for breakfast. Hills for lunch. Gelato for dinner!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Yes, it's been a while since my last post and yes I'm <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2016/05/breathing-is-good.html">STILL injured</a> but that didn't stop me from having an epic training camp in the Okanagan a few weeks ago! While I'm still not running, I can ride; and I take full advantage of that - believe me! </div>
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Vacation (AKA training camp) started with our traditional mountain ride to break up the long drive to BC. It was beautiful as always, with the turn around point being at a beautiful lake surrounded by mountain views. It was a hot day, and with the assistance and pressure from Little Cheetah, I stripped down to bibs and dunked into the icy cold mountain lake. It was insanely "take your breath away" cold, but unbelievably refreshing! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before "the dunk"!</td></tr>
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The following day, the real fun began with a 1.5 hour grind it out climb...but the view was all worth it!</div>
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The hills in BC are awesome and I just don't get that elevation change on a regular basis back home so it's a nice switch up for my legs; although absolutely exhausting as well! Riding through vineyards each day with the view of the lake is unbelievable. There is just something about being by the water that energizes you. </div>
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It was a solid 9 days in a row of hard, HARD riding. That being said, it was of course mixed in with plenty of local food and beverage intake. Have you ever had fresh cherries on a pizza? It was a local twist on the traditional Hawaiian! I highly recommend it!</div>
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It also included the occasional gelato...</div>
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It was also track meet time for Javelin Daddy - and one of my favorite meets to watch! The weekend part of our trip was jam packed with both throws pentathlon as well as individual throws events. I will fully admit, being at the track I was a little bummed to not be <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2015/07/i-came-i-steepled-i-survived.html">racing steeple</a> this year, but I'll be back!<br />
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While I am hoping to be running this month I am focused on a fall cross-country season. Until then it will be riding my little heart out, perhaps trying some new adventures (more on that to come!), and doing all I can to rehab my body and return it to it's normal healthy, strong self! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-27530067513906378112016-05-31T15:53:00.003-06:002016-05-31T15:53:27.735-06:00Breathing is good. Sigh.<br />
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And ... breathe. </div>
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Now that that's out of the way, I can write. I'm injured, no doubt about it. I first thought it was a twinge, or maybe just an irritation, but I am injured. And it makes me mad. I know it comes with training; we push, push and push and sometimes our body pushes back. I know that I should be getting all the negative crap out of my head, and let the positive thoughts flow in (because we don't need the negativity floating around in there!), but it's hard. I know healing takes time, and I'm working to remind myself of that.<br />
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My injury isn't really defined. It's a roller coaster of ups and downs and an encyclopedia of events. All my symptoms and pains come and go, improve and get worse with no patterns or correlations that I can find.<br />
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My last run was 4 weeks ago today, and that is killing me.<br />
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However ... I'm re-building.<br />
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I'm rebuilding my foundation so that when I can train like I want to train, I'm stronger than ever. I'm in the weight room more (a very good thing) and working on my mountain bike skills - because I have none! I'm focusing and doing what I am able.</div>
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I'm even doing some racing this year!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTO CREDIT: Redline Photography</td></tr>
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I've readjusted my goals and race calendar for the year, however even that I'm not certain of.<br />
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But it's a plan.<br />
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I'm taking things day by day because some days I feel horrible and the next day is an improvement. This is new territory for me, and while I may not like it, I'm not letting it push me around! I'm longing for the day when I can run again, but until then I'll be on the trails - attempting to shred one dirt path at a time!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-38513195847551286842016-04-20T08:22:00.001-06:002016-04-20T08:22:20.049-06:00How do you define amazing?<div style="text-align: center;">
For me, it was last Sunday afternoon.<br />
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It was my boys; my family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8AUFcoSdqu1pKRCdMllBoa-Hp8W7sqN0aohrPFNks0NznHMrymUIjh5AQiYhoJBuf6nLsyKbpi3WhOGE_QxVLXpM_jSVAbKZABkKulq9It5pJCuuPy2XLS028JrnZ8PBXtUtZH_Mm6k/s1600/260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8AUFcoSdqu1pKRCdMllBoa-Hp8W7sqN0aohrPFNks0NznHMrymUIjh5AQiYhoJBuf6nLsyKbpi3WhOGE_QxVLXpM_jSVAbKZABkKulq9It5pJCuuPy2XLS028JrnZ8PBXtUtZH_Mm6k/s320/260.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was nature, nothing but nature.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was the singing, quacking and honking of birds, ducks and geese. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was mountain bikes and endless trails.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was the unknown rustling in the underbrush as we rolled past.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OiwX1T2XTs895vwuBIsae2ipEdr1MgvVYVWk9acwgOoAavBWAV1ijGGPOs1yZPvskSy2RiEgzAuoWsS0xpV3o9jFM1MUckfjuovkJS8V7oSN33fgLnBg37iwnitO3uVAzhq8fibzSKA/s1600/255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OiwX1T2XTs895vwuBIsae2ipEdr1MgvVYVWk9acwgOoAavBWAV1ijGGPOs1yZPvskSy2RiEgzAuoWsS0xpV3o9jFM1MUckfjuovkJS8V7oSN33fgLnBg37iwnitO3uVAzhq8fibzSKA/s320/255.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was beautiful weather and sunshine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was water breaks and deciding where to venture next.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was freshly chewed trees and beaver dams galore. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44ev619y28bzJs1VHk1V2vFDjMyKPaX5YXrq68L-OUdGgR72z_QAOKSxALJA58NCnQIK5TdDSKIUeCJsF8wsgJkZjFRSgB0yBDDfGVi8t9xnpQ8AtZEw0mIfMB5r5PGqCM8PBHoXMB6A/s1600/263.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44ev619y28bzJs1VHk1V2vFDjMyKPaX5YXrq68L-OUdGgR72z_QAOKSxALJA58NCnQIK5TdDSKIUeCJsF8wsgJkZjFRSgB0yBDDfGVi8t9xnpQ8AtZEw0mIfMB5r5PGqCM8PBHoXMB6A/s320/263.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was scat on the trails and fun identifying it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was leaves crunching and crackling underneath our tires.<br />
It was trail mix and carrots.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10AC_UUYswOcXCK1z3p7U8iU8qWeouIjikkVlRZE6O8kdobS3w3nt1IP4p4LvLSCHKdur03mG5HgEFRmTSXPm37ycJeazwS3gR__LljbH3tDjDOebaa4TxYWAznyY_MglwQR57d_892U/s1600/261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10AC_UUYswOcXCK1z3p7U8iU8qWeouIjikkVlRZE6O8kdobS3w3nt1IP4p4LvLSCHKdur03mG5HgEFRmTSXPm37ycJeazwS3gR__LljbH3tDjDOebaa4TxYWAznyY_MglwQR57d_892U/s320/261.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was climbing and then cruising down!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was adventure and exploring.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was discovering and learning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ettN1s9C3P0ltT7v0dKvi4Uf8UAaGlIHF_X0Uk4sU39rGC__XpI3CD9b1vmHEB1zioG7kBqW8rK0gMRsETWo15H695TwWVhHNIb48hUOYrJPzA5nT9Ne82pURf2o9FMtMpoqq2LtKwc/s1600/262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ettN1s9C3P0ltT7v0dKvi4Uf8UAaGlIHF_X0Uk4sU39rGC__XpI3CD9b1vmHEB1zioG7kBqW8rK0gMRsETWo15H695TwWVhHNIb48hUOYrJPzA5nT9Ne82pURf2o9FMtMpoqq2LtKwc/s320/262.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was pure joy.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHfktSOMXcaRkxcvzPnUYIItBQWkHXLl_MbfArPWzfai4UURnrFLeNguu9AH6C2Bz1PfjhPLuiXddGiZGjO6AAuxxQkrgwZ5qgqDhyfGVNWSxb31jPamefLDLAVFxRxO22BW2QqeD2Ug/s1600/256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHfktSOMXcaRkxcvzPnUYIItBQWkHXLl_MbfArPWzfai4UURnrFLeNguu9AH6C2Bz1PfjhPLuiXddGiZGjO6AAuxxQkrgwZ5qgqDhyfGVNWSxb31jPamefLDLAVFxRxO22BW2QqeD2Ug/s320/256.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And it, was amazing. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-54423184882209127632016-04-08T14:16:00.000-06:002016-04-08T14:16:26.998-06:00Operation Don't Be a Chicken<div class="MsoNormal">
Fear can be tricky. Sometimes I think a little bit of fear
can be a healthy thing, in certain situations; a balance between weighing what
may or may not be safe vs. taking an important or exciting risk. However, I also believe fear can cause negative stress
when we (*cough, cough* ME) tend to analyse, re-analyse, over-analyse and analyse
again everything to death. For myself, I do this in many areas of life, as Javelin Daddy can 100% attest to, but as
it relates to sports and athletics, I definitely have a few areas of fear that I'm hoping to over come, or at least reduce...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<u>Leading up to a big race </u><br />
I lived this during my absolute <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2014_09_01_archive.html">raceweek meltdown in 2014</a>. I had so much stress leading up the race, that come race
day I had absolutely nothing. While I'm racing lots this year, my 'A' races this year are a trail and road race in July and an off-road duathlon in August. I then want to head into cross-country season strong and healthy for the fall. I'm hopeful I can take what I learned back in 2014 so that history doesn't repeat itself.<br />
<br />
<u>When I have an injury </u><br />
Right now I’m dealing with some Achilles, lower leg, calf, tibial tendinitis issues that have risen from making some "questionable" decisions with my training. My fear with injury (other than injury itself) is not knowing exactly what it is or how it will react to anything and not being able to do what I want to do, when I want to do it. I have a bad habit of jumping to the worst case scenario and working backwards, over obsessing about every little detail. I know with injuries we need to be cautious and listen to our body, but all that fear and negative energy can’t be good either. I'm trying to shift to a "it's an injury - they happen, it will heal with rest" mindset. (And in the future listening to my body better!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>When I’m mountain biking</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last weekend we got out for our first trail ride (thanks to a mild winter with little snow!); complete with
roots, mud, flowy turns and fun features. It was on one of my favorite trails, one
that I’m fairly comfortable on and it was beyond awesome, but it was also the one I sprained my knee on last
fall and coming back my confidence is a little shaky.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ckSfD7xF4ePpagTytYUl6tth_PChi7HXm8ZlUIiubzG5GJQ39q5sXslVsEvszaiklkez3JABIrw8CHYK7kInVte8E7tetOYSwntP3pLk75F-IuJxdrUR6h_2q3aNO5h250xmqDIE3Hg/s1600/251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ckSfD7xF4ePpagTytYUl6tth_PChi7HXm8ZlUIiubzG5GJQ39q5sXslVsEvszaiklkez3JABIrw8CHYK7kInVte8E7tetOYSwntP3pLk75F-IuJxdrUR6h_2q3aNO5h250xmqDIE3Hg/s320/251.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see the problem with fear is that sometimes it takes
over your body, gets in your head and then you do things you wouldn’t normally
do. Fear can mess with your confidence, and for someone like me who
doesn’t have much to begin with when on a mountain bike, this is pretty big to
overcome some days. There are days when I ride a trail and I’m relaxed, fluid and smooth. I can ride the features, bridges, logs etc. with confidence! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZzDpacHheAa0zarnfaJGBc4vrWfQMY9xis8Fadfo7XtUrndWzUD6BXp_JVR-Oy149WlIgkAtKAwogm7epSPKKF-JPWkEkv5BtS7EsUPN25vzDpHbxjVqYhNdsQZsMpC6lVfBjPjKTjo/s1600/skippy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZzDpacHheAa0zarnfaJGBc4vrWfQMY9xis8Fadfo7XtUrndWzUD6BXp_JVR-Oy149WlIgkAtKAwogm7epSPKKF-JPWkEkv5BtS7EsUPN25vzDpHbxjVqYhNdsQZsMpC6lVfBjPjKTjo/s320/skippy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My goal when mountain biking: Smoother than a fresh jar of skippy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On
other days I’m not. I let fear take over – on things I know I can do. I get in my head and my body becomes tight and rigid – not good things for balancing
on logs and avoiding trees.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My bottom line: I must stop being a chicken. I’m not saying
a little bit of fear isn’t a healthy thing, I strongly believe it is; but in
matters of play, training, racing and injury I’m working hard to not be so chicken-like,
go for it and trust in what I know!<br />
<br />
Race season really heats up in May and I have big goals; I have distances and times I want to nail and have no room for injury, negative crap or other. It’s hard to shift your mind set,
but I’m working on it one bridge, one race, one injury at a time. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXvT_9Mtk2fqrcYEyH3XnWLOpBA8T6MIe53joso0Wpb6WDLdp8GZQ4nv3flZHDjQ9-WOr2iXAr0Az70ha7QZdqjvzYmU6UpFMWY0mDnGf0ajAm4K1vUbuW8uPmVQm9g-Yo_mNnio-UNs/s1600/jonathan-livingston-seagull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXvT_9Mtk2fqrcYEyH3XnWLOpBA8T6MIe53joso0Wpb6WDLdp8GZQ4nv3flZHDjQ9-WOr2iXAr0Az70ha7QZdqjvzYmU6UpFMWY0mDnGf0ajAm4K1vUbuW8uPmVQm9g-Yo_mNnio-UNs/s320/jonathan-livingston-seagull.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my all-time favorite books and all-time favorite quotes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Operation DON'T BE A CHICKEN is on. I'll let you know how it goes. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-47176470444940711582016-03-11T12:58:00.002-07:002016-03-18T10:04:46.388-06:00March is here!I am so excited, and at the same time cannot believe that March is here already! I remember thinking back in December that spring seemed so far off, and now here we are, with it on the horizon.<br />
<br />
Spring is one of my favorite times of year; it's the time when all the colors of nature come back to the Earth, the geese return home, the birds nest in our back yard, the roads dry up, the ice melts away and race season starts to heat up!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhXKTHjLji6MxAXsdGpMJ8Am_qEjBP6hpMn53kz4NfroRxvX-oqzLkigvJGsvq9-Y5u04a913NwQ2Km_mnnsEXJFR6YyDFCQ7f6wsdI_POUIELODU6UPxao4iWjrozhCKgkYwmH5Sz7E/s1600/238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhXKTHjLji6MxAXsdGpMJ8Am_qEjBP6hpMn53kz4NfroRxvX-oqzLkigvJGsvq9-Y5u04a913NwQ2Km_mnnsEXJFR6YyDFCQ7f6wsdI_POUIELODU6UPxao4iWjrozhCKgkYwmH5Sz7E/s320/238.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Last weekend was race weekend and a 5km was on tap! For some reason I was really excited for it. Not because the weather was going to be great (the forecast was for freezing rain and temperatures just above zero) or because I was peaked for a PB or anything, but because I've been longing for a race as I was really curious to see where I was at in a 'race situation'. You can simulate all you want, but as we all know, race days are different; and you just can't replicate that in training.<br />
<br />
With my <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2015/12/to-say-past-month-has-been-interesting.html">knee injury</a> back in the fall, it set me back a little or perhaps gave me forced rest that was necessary or needed. However since then I've been able to nail some really great training sessions this winter with some solid strength and speed foundation work (thanks in-part to our very mild weather this year). Seeing how that would all play out with an early/start-to-the-season race had me really excited!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPqLKVKjvCpnw4cNS43Hzf7IjkiW6hFbIETtPaWkRJuZGIC9dZ2zKVeFfdVgu7NJ788pB2JBGxp1e90g9Ix3_mhm2MHgWNm0vBqY9TOVHga20pqJT2GTgff3eSzNEMvwWamPtnNbe3Oc/s1600/237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPqLKVKjvCpnw4cNS43Hzf7IjkiW6hFbIETtPaWkRJuZGIC9dZ2zKVeFfdVgu7NJ788pB2JBGxp1e90g9Ix3_mhm2MHgWNm0vBqY9TOVHga20pqJT2GTgff3eSzNEMvwWamPtnNbe3Oc/s320/237.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2015_04_01_archive.html">This race last year</a> happened a month later, in April. In it I did meet my 'C' goal, and was at peace with that. But that was last year; this year I knew I wanted more. Here's my kilometer by kilometer breakdown of how it all shook out for me this time around:<br />
<br />
I warmed up well and come race start I was both anxious and excited to get going! Perfect little combination of nervousness and adrenaline!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlJbJJm3OrbHcKwL-wErSaMvzjRjH1ddakrtt5SeQxiX-F4sGvkbkq1qXj9YN9qRvEKBGJC0icz4r41Feqr-pU1Uo8goYxtFGBfEz2egCENxzCXm2X9j-cVwL4t5FG21IjLeIEz6bbSc/s1600/25064975623_9647aee77a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlJbJJm3OrbHcKwL-wErSaMvzjRjH1ddakrtt5SeQxiX-F4sGvkbkq1qXj9YN9qRvEKBGJC0icz4r41Feqr-pU1Uo8goYxtFGBfEz2egCENxzCXm2X9j-cVwL4t5FG21IjLeIEz6bbSc/s320/25064975623_9647aee77a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in the purple coat - trying to stay warm!<br />Photo cred: MEC race series</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Gun goes off, I toss my warming coat and go! The first kilometer was a gradual to increasingly steeper uphill climb, and against a slight wind the whole way. I had a thought to maybe tuck behind some other runners to block the wind (something I never do) but didn't like that at all. I wanted to see where I was going, so out I went. My pace was ok, but since this first kilometer was mostly uphill I was more focusing on sustained hard effort, rather than pace obsession.<br />
<br />
From the 1km to 2.5 km mark it was mostly downhill, with some flats and it went by really quickly. I had to actually double check my watch as I didn't believe the race signs. Pace check: good or a little fast, but no worries since I knew my first kilometer was slower. Why not, I thought, - let's see what happens?<br />
<br />
Between the 2.5km and 4km mark it was pretty icy and trying to maintain a solid, consistent pace was challenging. Having to slow down and penguin run, dodge ice, leap over sketchy sections or detour slightly onto the snowy grass made for not the best conditions, but what can you do right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrCBj3ZizprfJVRWW2TSnT6ahtm4kDQsdRxfmivDoRhuRBOxa7Lj7nfpMTdE1ZiaSPGywTD_1QenDPphCAb1teepMIaNlTuE4rDMBG3IT5j1yxJnPOZ55X85TZ-K01E7lcZzUIhRTB-U/s1600/waddling-penguin-thumbnail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrCBj3ZizprfJVRWW2TSnT6ahtm4kDQsdRxfmivDoRhuRBOxa7Lj7nfpMTdE1ZiaSPGywTD_1QenDPphCAb1teepMIaNlTuE4rDMBG3IT5j1yxJnPOZ55X85TZ-K01E7lcZzUIhRTB-U/s1600/waddling-penguin-thumbnail.png" /></a></div>
<br />
For some reason, whether it's road or cross-country I have my biggest struggles between kilometer 3 and 4, and this race was no different. I find doubt and fatigue start to creep in, if I let it; but I'm working on keeping that crap out of my head!<br />
<br />
4km mark - almost done. While I thought I knew the finish I quickly saw ahead that we had one more hill to climb. Crap. This hill I pushed, I wanted to finish hard and spent and was definitely pleased with how I attacked that hill. Finish line in sight I pushed hard; jumping over some last few ice and snow patches I crossed the line satisfied. I reached my 'B' time goal, and for a March race, I'm very happy with that. I felt I pushed well, but also know I have more to give and faster times to come as I build my strength and speed through the season.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWt_15iP8e5g2bjtOtnw7kCSMET7kpkbIGqV_npCVfcAsQekhJonRq0ElhdPXzeAws-a0pUIfFnYIi_QwUoTGGsDWlQG94WZJhIZNKI1fjdzInkhyphenhyphen71YWs8J478aqWp9EaVM4Uxj3f44/s1600/228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWt_15iP8e5g2bjtOtnw7kCSMET7kpkbIGqV_npCVfcAsQekhJonRq0ElhdPXzeAws-a0pUIfFnYIi_QwUoTGGsDWlQG94WZJhIZNKI1fjdzInkhyphenhyphen71YWs8J478aqWp9EaVM4Uxj3f44/s320/228.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I know I have more speed in me. I know I will get stronger. I know it. I know I have more to gain, learn and give. This is my last year in this age group so my plan is to make the most of it. No regrets. Leave it all out there.<br />
<br />
Bring on 2016. I want it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-51281439668619292142016-02-16T16:38:00.003-07:002016-02-16T16:38:46.042-07:00Friday night lightsThe early part of any calendar year usually doesn't have me racing all that often. It's a time to focus on my strength and base training so that I can enter the upcoming season injury free and tough!<br />
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My past few weeks of training have been solid. The best I've had in a while, and I'm very thankful for that. Let's be clear, they haven't all been sunshine and rainbows - some were downright terrible. But each one made me stronger.<br />
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This is also the time of year that I'm just itching to race. I can't wait for triathlon season to start, for my favorite trail running series to start, family road trips and adventures. So...last Friday night when I had the opportunity to race indoor track, I figured why not? Javelin Daddy was already throwing, and my race would be right after. I was there anyways right?<br />
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Track races are not natural to me; in fact they scare the crap out of me. Plunk me in the middle of a road or trail run and I feel at home, comfortable and ready.<br />
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Heck you can even dump me off the coast of Alcatraz (one of my absolute favorite triathlon adventures) to race and I feel more comfortable than I do on a track. And that's saying something; I'm terrified of sharks and other creatures that may or may not be swimming beneath me.<br />
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I dabbled in track last year, and this year I will be adding more; but to say it's a strength of mine would be the exact opposite of truth.<br />
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Race day, last Friday night, came and I was excited and nervous all at the same time. While pizza and beer sounded like a much easier night, I knew that was most likely just the fear talking. First up, however, was to cheer on Javelin Daddy for throws. It was a huge flight - 16 throwers. Unfortunately Javelin Daddy did not have his best day, but I know it's still coming. I can't wait to watch him this summer - I have a feeling of good things to come!<br />
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Once throws were done and the dust settled I warmed up with my Littleman at my side on a very crowded track; legs feeling ok. I had the lap times in my head and knew what I needed to run to meet my goal.<br />
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I was late getting to the start (or at least late for name/number call) and forgot my hip number in my bag.<br />
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Oops. Still getting the hang of the timing ...<br />
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I was in the third heat of women so that let my nerves build up nicely for the start of my race. Just before the start I gave my Littleman a kiss, reminded myself of the times I wanted and prepared myself to be ready to hurt like hell.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I'm looking at ... I have no idea?</td></tr>
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Race start:<br />
The gun goes off and as I round the half way mark of my first lap I can already tell I'm out way too fast. I check the time coming through the 200m mark and have two simultaneous thoughts:<br />
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1) "OH crap, I'm going to seriously suffer, I went out way too fast!"<br />
2) "But if I hold this pace ... OH the possibilities!!"<br />
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I often argue with myself when I race.<br />
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As I came around for lap 2 I knew I was in trouble, but was still ahead of pace. "Ok" I'm thinking, "Just hold this pace, hold this pace". Lap 3 hurt, it was ugly. I was just trying to survive. On lap 4 I could hear my husband and Littleman yelling at me to pick it up - the only sounds I could hear in a pavilion full of people screaming and an announcer calling the play-by-play. <br />
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"Pick it up, pick it up..." The only words I kept saying to myself over and over, "pick, it, up". As I rounded my final corner and came down the home stretch I saw the time. I was fixated on it as I tried to push through the final 30m. At the finish my lungs burned, my throat was on fire but I beat my goal time by 2 seconds. YESSSSS!<br />
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After the race I did get my pizza and beer, and boy oh boy did it ever taste good! Getting out of your comfort zone, doing things you don't normally do is a good thing - I can't wait to do more of it as 2016 unfolds!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-23178987706288878482016-01-11T10:47:00.000-07:002016-01-11T10:47:47.307-07:002016 is here - how did that happen so fast?While the end of 2015's <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2015/12/to-say-past-month-has-been-interesting.html">little mishap</a> set me back about 6 weeks I've been excited to dive into 2016 and all the potentials that lay within my reach.<br />
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My race schedule is coming together; although not finalized. On the plate will be tri's, trail runs, road races and more!<br />
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Coordinating family race schedules with Javelin Daddy and Little Cheetah is becoming more and more elaborate and complicated, but also more and more exciting each year! Taking turns cheering each other on, coaching and sometimes even racing together is what I live for each weekend. We each race and compete in multiple events (running, triathlon, throws, mountain biking to name a few); in multiple locations, often on the same weekend.<br />
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Planning our race year sometimes feels like coordinating a shuttle launch, but we always pull it off successfully and it always makes for wonderful family (although sometimes crazy jam-packed and insane) weekends! Running, biking, xc-skiing and more!<br />
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This past weekend kicked off our official start to racing with aquathlons for me and Little Cheetah. It's a fun low-key race series and a wonderful way to spend an early Sunday morning! Coming into this race I wasn't sure how it would all play out. The last week my training sessions had been less than spectacular (to say the least!) and I wasn't sure how my knee would like running around the tight turns of a 200m track.<br />
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Sunday morning Little Cheetah was up first and absolutely swam his little heart out! This was the first year he was swimming with the "big kids" and doing a full lap, rather than starting at the 1/2 way point. He cruised through the swim, had a wicked transition and crushed his run - I was so proud of him! Also, his first time using baby powder in his shoes ... rocked it like a season veteran!<br />
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Next up was me. My swim started out strong and I was with the lead pack for a while. Then, for whatever reason, I started to loose the rhythm in my breathing. I felt myself having to slow down to control it and at that point I could feel myself losing contact with the leaders. Grrrrr.<br />
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I do not feel swimming is a strength of mine, but I do work hard at it, so when I'm up with the "fasties", I don't want to lose it! Once I regained my breath, I tried to pick up the pace, although never caught the lead pack again. For whatever reason, I could feel my knee on the swim, not a lot, but enough for it to get me thinking that the run could be interesting ...<br />
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Out of the water, into and out of transition and onto the run I couldn't feel my knee at all - good! And, I actually felt strong on the run at a comfortably uncomfortable pace.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many laps left Mama? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Cheetah coaching me: Run MAMA!</td></tr>
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I felt smooth and was holding my pace; picking it up just slightly each lap (with excepting of one?!) and finishing with a PB. Seriously! I couldn't believe it. It was a 31 second PB; I had to work for it - but MAN, did it feel good!<br />
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After the race we went to our favorite post-race breakfast spot, the <a href="http://thesugarbowl.org/">Sugar Bowl</a>, for a gigantic cinnamon bun - they are dangerously good and I highly recommend them! Next race for me isn't until February, but I get to cheer on Javelin Daddy in a few weeks for some indoor throws. Love our family adventures!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-2083316169792578472015-12-21T12:04:00.000-07:002015-12-21T12:05:31.283-07:00What a month! <div class="MsoPlainText">
To say the past month has been an interesting one is an understatement! I went from being on a total runners high at the end of my season, to this ... oops!<br />
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The beginning of November I had my final XC race of the year - the weather was beautiful (I got to wear capris and we had no snow!) and it was on a new course. It was hilly, tough and ugly; but I loved every minute of it.<br />
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Then we took a trip to the mountains for the Winterstart Night Race and my husbands birthday. It's one of my favorite trips to the Rocky's because we have so much down time to ride, run and have fun! The Winterstart Night Run is one we've been doing for years; it's a 5 mile out and back route that happens, you guessed it, at night. It's pitch dark, with only glow sticks to guide you and it's a blast!<br />
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This year marked my best year yet as my Littleman joined me for the entire 5 miles! He did so good and I was practically in tears the whole time running beside him! Serious Mama pride!<br />
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The days post race were filled with wonderful family rides on our favorite trails. Including one where we got caught completely surrounded by a huge herd of elk. Following the trail, on the watch for bears I all of a sudden looked up ahead and yelled stop. Elk flanked us on all sides; it was beyond awesome!<br />
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Slowly, slowly making our way out as to not entice the daddy elk to charge we finished our trail ride on a serious high! Our other adventures? We hiked, ran and ate ... our favorite things!<br />
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The week following our mountain adventures officially started my off-season, and since we had no snow we decided to head out on a Sunday morning to ride our favorite family trail close to home. A nice easy ride, right? Then it happened.<br />
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How did it happen? Well I stopped peddling; and we all know what happens when you do that! I was out for a nice easy mountain bike trail ride going over some bridge features and for some reason decided to stop at the highest point. And guess what, I fell over! I fell over onto a straight out-stretched leg and sprained my knee. I spent a week on crutches and a brace, had x-rays and got all the ligament tests done (thankfully nothing serious!!) and for the past weeks have been rehabbing like a crazy person.<br />
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But let's face it, being injured sucks. </div>
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I mean it really
sucks. For me thankfully it doesn't happen very often (*knock on wood*) because it makes me a
very, very grouchy person. I'll admit it, I'm not pleasant to be around. However, if there was a good side to this lovely knee injury it's
that it happened when it did. I am very thankful it
didn't happen beginning or mid-season. <o:p></o:p><br />
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That being said, over the last weeks I have worked very hard to rehab and strengthen my knee.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single leg cycling - not fun.</td></tr>
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I was good and didn't run (with one minor exception, where my stubborn stupid self just had to physically see if I could run - it was not a happy ending). I progressed to some "run walks" at a very slow and pedestrian pace, in a controlled environment (i.e. the treadmill - my personal hell) to see how my knee would handle it. This past week I was able to get in two successful runs (although slow), and even a cross-country ski! The knee held up good, and I enjoyed every lung sucking step and stride!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy run face!</td></tr>
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As I look to 2016 and what goals and races I'm planning for, I'm grateful for my health, my family adventures and everything else in between! I'm looking forward to crushing some races in the New Year - assuming I can keep the rubber side down!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-44220338577672236522015-11-05T12:13:00.000-07:002015-11-05T12:13:43.665-07:00Bye-bye cross, see you next year!Last weekend marked the final 2 cyclocross races of the 2015 season, and what a great weekend it was!<br />
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Saturday's race location was a really fun course layout. It had lots of off-camber, short ups, quick downs, twists and turns. Although it wasn't typically the type of course I usually do well on, I was really pleased with my race.<br />
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I was able to have some smooth lines, power up where I wanted to/needed to and felt comfortable on many of the tight turns; WITH EXCEPTION TO ONE SPOT!<br />
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This hill (above) should have been totally ride-able, but on each lap I either had someone in front of me blocking my line and stopping me OR my bike kept bouncing off the line I was going for! I always ended up getting only so far before having to dismount and run up. Regardless, it was a really fun day with beautiful weather! (last year, there was snow!)<br />
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Saturday's race was also on Halloween, and some racers dress up for the race. While it was fun "finding nemo" as he rode around the course, my favorite was this guy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ET Go Home - So awesome!</td></tr>
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The final great thing about Saturday's race were the money grabs, and this year I got one! An American dollar too, so it's practically worth 10 dollars Canadian! (HAHA) Post race we were rewarded with a delicious bowl of homemade chili and an ice cold beer. So good.<br />
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Sunday's race location was in a different spot. We were located just out of town on an AG society property. When we pulled up we could see most of the course and it did not look appetizing. It looked fairly flat and dull, not really what we'd hoped for for our last race of the season. Sunday also had some different weather. It had cooled off from the day before and more layers were needed - but as they say, that's cross weather.<br />
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While I was not feeling this course at all on pre-ride, it turned out to be one of my better races over the entire season. It wasn't very technical but did have some sections where I could shift into my big gears and hammer it; rare for cyclocross!<br />
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Sunday I was also lucky enough to have a sweet battle going with this chick, which was really fun! Some days in cyclocross (or any race for that matter) its all about the race within the race. You battle back and forth with someone for much of the duration until one of you finally pulls away or ends up winning it at the line.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of 4 logs spread out on the course; <br />
they got bigger and bigger!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head down: hammering it!</td></tr>
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While I have no problem pushing myself to the limits, it's always fun to have someone to chase or stay ahead of! Since moving up categories this year, I haven't had the opportunity for many battles - open women is a tough-ass category and I'm still finding my legs to keep up! On this day I won my battle and finished the last race of the season strong and completely exhausted! On that, I call it a successful season!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll take mountains in the background any day!</td></tr>
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Cyclocross is such a short, intense season but it's SO much fun! While I'm sad it's over, finishing off the season with two solid and strong races is a great way to end it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy face: won the battle!</td></tr>
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Coming up next weekend is cross-country provincials - my final cross-country race of the season; as well as my official last race before entering into off-season. While I'm still planning my off-season training and finalizing my 2016 race schedule; I'm looking forward to building up my strength and power over the next year so that I will be able to push my limits even more! What will you be working on in your off-season?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-3689757798501859462015-10-27T09:27:00.001-06:002015-10-27T09:27:16.462-06:00Fire and tearsI honestly don't even know where to begin on this one; so let's just start...<br />
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A few weekends ago was much like any of our recent weekends: jam packed with races and family time fun! I had a cross-country race about an hour drive from our home at noon, then we all had evening cyclocross races about another hour from home, but in the other direction. If home was "A", my cross-country race was "B", and our cyclocross races were "C".<br />
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It didn't make sense to go home after XC so we look advantage of the time and my husband got to squeeze in a throws session at a track en-route to our evening races. It meant we'd be out all day and well into the night, but we're used to that! Pack all the snacks and clothing for every possible weather scenario and we're good to go!<br />
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This cross-country race was at one of my favorite locations in the province. Cross-country races in Alberta are few and far between, but the locations are always totally awesome. The course was in a small town on their XC ski trails; it was lots of up, down and some flat. A really tough course that never fails to push you hard and make you dig deep to do well.<br />
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I knew the course, I knew the hills; and my plan was to attack and maintain. Attack the hills and maintain a hard consistent pace for the race. While my pace was in the range of what I wanted, I just couldn't attack the hills and lost time because of it. This I know, is due to a "slight" lack of hill and strength training over the past months. (However, this will be a focus of my 2015-2016 off-season training plan.)<br />
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While my time at the finish wasn't horrible, I wanted more. I wanted a faster time yes, but I also wanted to feel better feeling worse. Anyone who runs xc knows what I'm talking about. You know you're going to hurt running those miles, but you always hope for a good strong hurt, not a weak ugly one.<br />
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With no time to dwell, I had a quick stretch and banana and we were off to our next destination: throws facility. The weather was absolutely beautiful and Javelin Daddy had a great weight throw session! Once throws were done we headed off to our last destination of the day for cyclocross! Finally we all get to race!<br />
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Our Littleman races in the adult categories, either "C" or novice men depending on the race. At this event there was also a kids race, which sometimes is not very exciting and why our bean enjoys the adult races much better. However, this weekend the races were in Bike Town Alberta and they know biking! They know the kids want to do barriers, sand, and all the fun stuff they see their parents doing! As our Littleman knew this, he decided he wanted to do the kids race as well - sweet!<br />
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The kids had a blast ripping it up on the course through the sand and over the barriers. Our Littleman did awesome, coming second place; but it was what he did after that got me to tears. He stayed until the end, until all the kids were done their laps and cheered them on. He even helped the last little dude over the barriers on his last lap...sportsmanship at it's best. I was in complete tears. Serious Mama moment.<br />
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Once I gathered myself together, it was almost time for our race. As this race was a "little" outside the rules for cyclocross (it may have had a jump, some fire, a sketchy downhill gravel section and a smoke tent), categories were more casual with A, B, C or Newbie. Which meant we all got to race together in Cat C (whereas normally I'm with the women and Javelin Daddy and Littleman both race in men). It's so much fun to all be out on the course together!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race: No clue what we were talking about! </td></tr>
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The race was so much fun! As the night went on it became darker and darker and the fire barriers became all that more electric! There are 2 night cross races in Alberta and they are definitely out of this world!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Nancy St-Hilaire</td></tr>
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Before we knew it the darkness became pitch black, we'd had our food truck burger (pulled pork for me - delicious!), watched some of the elites and it was time to drag our butts home so that we could get up early and do it again!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMwTOL5yJEAWJJLcC7BqIBa59BFxKCeiWmMEimhYQ6L2s69xxSA5PuaUh1BBZ1_qqDr5_nmHif_n4GOkOe2-cgEmMWpIDE_P4KBRc7FHtYXb1-qKrahUdShwDfERBjD3W6-vbhzMX9eY/s1600/12045397_928106927271500_2653023774951364434_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMwTOL5yJEAWJJLcC7BqIBa59BFxKCeiWmMEimhYQ6L2s69xxSA5PuaUh1BBZ1_qqDr5_nmHif_n4GOkOe2-cgEmMWpIDE_P4KBRc7FHtYXb1-qKrahUdShwDfERBjD3W6-vbhzMX9eY/s320/12045397_928106927271500_2653023774951364434_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burger on the podium? Why not?!<br />Where am I looking? No clue?</td></tr>
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That next morning came fast! But since we didn't really unpack from the night before we were pretty much packed up and ready to go.<br />
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It was provincials on the Sunday and we were back to our regular race categories of the boys going first and me later on in the afternoon.<br />
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Cyclocross is a sport where the number of laps you do is based on the leader's time during the first few laps; only after that do you find out how many total laps you'll be doing. Everyone finishes on the leaders' lap, which means if you get lapped, you end up doing less laps than the leaders. Our category race time is usually 40 minutes, which typically means 5-6 laps in a race.<br />
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Our Littleman usually gets in 3 laps, which is pretty insane considering he's racing against adults. On Sunday however, he got 4! As he came around on his 2nd lap he shouted to Javelin Daddy on the course "I think I'm going to get 4 laps"!! He busted his butt on that 3rd lap to not get passed, and managed to get in that 4th lap! Me at the finish: more tears.<br />
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After a few hours of downtime between races (meaning play time outside!) it was my turn to tear it up. My race was not bad, considering it was my third race of the weekend. One minor wipe-out, where I wasn't paying attention to the upcoming gravel on a tight turn; other than that I managed to keep the rubber side down and put in a solid effort.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Courtney Rosborough</td></tr>
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Being with family, playing outside all day and racing your butt off ... what a seriously great weekend!<br />
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Top it off with a delicious beverage and home cooked meal and all is well! Cheers to the next one!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-1022299561965492172015-10-14T12:08:00.002-06:002015-10-16T10:06:27.667-06:00Thanksgiving weekend racing fun!Last weekend was Thanksgiving, and for us that meant extra family time; one of the things I'm most thankful for. Our extra family time this past weekend was spent doing what we love - racing and having fun! It was a jam-packed race weekend with not one, not two, but THREE cyclocross races and a turkey trot thrown in just because we could. With it being Thanksgiving we had the bonus of that extra weekend day, which allowed for another race day; so why not right?<br />
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It all started Friday night with an eliminator style cyclocross race. With it only being one lap at a time, you pushed yourself harder than you would if you had 4-5 laps together; but that was ok. It was only 1 lap and then time to recover right? Well, the recovery ended up being much shorter than anticipated, so it was sprint like hell, rest a minute or two and go again! It was crazy fast but so much fun! The way the heats worked out, with all ages and categories mixed, we even had a heat with all three of us together!<br />
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Saturday was a great race day. The boys were up in the morning, and I cheered and cowbelled my little heart out for them both until it was my turn. The weather was beautiful that day and I had some fun battles with some strong chicks out on the course. I felt in the groove (as much as I can for my lack of cyclocross skills) and my legs felt strong. I finished hard, exhausted and with carnage at the finish. Just what it should be; and I couldn't wait to do it again the next day!<br />
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Sunday, much to my dislike, ended up NOT being a great race day for me. While I woke up excited to battle it out again, I just didn't have that cross flow in me come race time. I felt slow, legs heavy and seemed to be hitting every root I could find which rocked me all over the place. Let's just say Sunday was not a smooth race. I find cyclocross funny that way, some days you rock it and some days it rocks you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZlCL2D8tBPf7rQpse_X8A14wqa5Te54UGCrjX_TlGp-1IVa8iQzN3dpbN7peYidUyT2Imb7GUplDGz5_KzSvY6elv0YyeFy84EXCI-DFdIegezAbUbWuHqbljRp6MkTJeLdP2TtXwk4/s1600/12094932_10156049751160456_2922048630303935168_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZlCL2D8tBPf7rQpse_X8A14wqa5Te54UGCrjX_TlGp-1IVa8iQzN3dpbN7peYidUyT2Imb7GUplDGz5_KzSvY6elv0YyeFy84EXCI-DFdIegezAbUbWuHqbljRp6MkTJeLdP2TtXwk4/s320/12094932_10156049751160456_2922048630303935168_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pain face - photo credit: Bill Quinney</td></tr>
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My boys however, both had a great race day on Sunday, battling the insane 90-100km/hr (!!) gusts of wind as they powered through the course. That crazy wind did however make for some wicked giant leaf piles. Can you spot the feet?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New pre-race warm-up: leaf pile jumping!</td></tr>
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Monday's race was my favorite day of all! It was a family race that we were all doing together, so I was thinking it would be a nice easy run on the trails with my boys. Little did I know my littleman would crush the course and the leisurely 5km I had pictured was a full out race! Running side by side my bean I was fighting back the Mama tears. I couldn't have been more proud of him! It was the best run ever.<br />
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We rounded out the weekend with a great home-cooked family meal sharing the many things we're thankful for. (No pictures, we ate it too fast!)<br />
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Moving onto next weekend...I'm looking for redemption. Saturday is a double-header for me with a noon cross-country race then evening cyclocross. Sunday we wrap it up with cyclocross provincials for one great weekend! Another triple header and I love it! Race, <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/p/blog-page_17.html">refuel</a>, rest, repeat! <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2015/09/friday-five-fall-favorites.html">Fall is a wonderful time</a> of year and I'm so thankful we get to do it all as a family!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-26436490447202065502015-09-29T15:13:00.000-06:002015-09-29T15:13:50.463-06:00SMASHFEST! <div class="MsoNormal">
Racing twice in one weekend is never easy. You know the pain
you feel on the Saturday race is only going to be exponentially increased in 24
hours when you do it again on Sunday with tired legs. So why do it? </div>
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Because it is SO much
fun! </div>
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It’s not very often that I get to totally smash myself with races so
close together. Therefore when I can I take advantage of it, I do - and
cyclocross/cross-country running season is the time to do it!</div>
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This past weekend was double cyclocross; one Saturday and
one Sunday. I was totally pumped on Saturday and ready to just hammer it, but
first I got to cheer on my boys, who usually race a few hours before me.</div>
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LittleCheetah was amazing out there. For those of you who
know cyclocross, you know it’s a beast. You know it’s 40 or 50 or 60 minutes of
pain and suffering that you have to have a lot of heart, grit and determination
to do. But most importantly, you have to enjoy doing it. </div>
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Running all over the
course cheering for <a href="https://twitter.com/javelin_daddy">Javelin Daddy</a> to catch the racer in front of him, and at the same time holding
back proud-mama tears watching my littleman try ... and try ... and try again to get his bike up
some of those crazy hills, then finally succeeding! It completely melts my heart. </div>
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Family race weekends are the best!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once my boys finish and have gathered their breath again,
there is usually a few hours gap before I race. We’ll usually kick back, grab
some snacks and talk about how fun the course was, what lines to take and where the crazy parts were! I
resist the urge to dig into one of the delicious smelling post-race burgers, while my boys chow down. A post-race
burger is absolute satisfaction, a pre-race one … well, let’s just say that may not go over well come lap 3 or 4 of my race.</div>
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A few hours go by and cue my race time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xrlbwbJcxXib_QUw17KRBwBPMeaDUBY529MJS82YyP_y0yqKd1uv362fsjV6UeWP0SKH2VxZ8dRiIFMjyzgd5FhqFBVT13rgj3r7vo7OBh4xEfHtyriGmEVBHVgzmhX4tNZeyzorINA/s1600/117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xrlbwbJcxXib_QUw17KRBwBPMeaDUBY529MJS82YyP_y0yqKd1uv362fsjV6UeWP0SKH2VxZ8dRiIFMjyzgd5FhqFBVT13rgj3r7vo7OBh4xEfHtyriGmEVBHVgzmhX4tNZeyzorINA/s320/117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Saturday’s pre-ride of the course went great and mentally I was ready to put myself through some serious pain and suffering to try and get the results I wanted. I lined up and off we went. Within the first half lap I was wondering what had happened to my legs? Did they take a wrong turn? Did they fall down a hill? Whatever happened, they clearly didn’t get off the start line along with the rest of my body! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Wwr9HYdFC9vyCZnqd0q8_LEGZB8zmedchZ7yaloSiU5vPNpZZN42QZbSvmrZg-0fSgzQXVLprZU33yHk0yrwZP1V6h_yvQhYj3HEVTSlkTgh1uI_LDdIwLO1qGkuVQGFs1D5zHPC1YU/s1600/118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Wwr9HYdFC9vyCZnqd0q8_LEGZB8zmedchZ7yaloSiU5vPNpZZN42QZbSvmrZg-0fSgzQXVLprZU33yHk0yrwZP1V6h_yvQhYj3HEVTSlkTgh1uI_LDdIwLO1qGkuVQGFs1D5zHPC1YU/s320/118.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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While I did go through pain and suffering, it didn't exactly yield the results I wanted. A few washouts here and there followed by some slow, ugly turns and hills made for a great sufferfest, but not a speedy one. My legs definitely had a different idea of what they were doing that day. Around lap 3 I'm thinking "crap, maybe I should have had that burger"? No worries, always tomorrow.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXUjLJhCo6ZIDL-berWXdnlu8PmITjf9d1BwsoawVunQnsX9PyIQGxrGjJjb4a4V-X416tw3XfoeSyvQZGJt9gYYuSMB44Z7c3nKUjTxkDXUdSaQvgJAfDjAT9sJ00SuT32B5mF52mZw/s1600/116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXUjLJhCo6ZIDL-berWXdnlu8PmITjf9d1BwsoawVunQnsX9PyIQGxrGjJjb4a4V-X416tw3XfoeSyvQZGJt9gYYuSMB44Z7c3nKUjTxkDXUdSaQvgJAfDjAT9sJ00SuT32B5mF52mZw/s320/116.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race pain face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sunday’s race pretty much followed suit, with my legs left
wandering around off course, clearly not attached to my body. Some days you
have it and can hammer it, and some days you lose your legs. What can you do?
That’s racing and I love it.</div>
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Next weekend is a triple header; cross-country at noon on
Saturday followed a few hours later by cyclocross that night. Then, another cyclocross race
on Sunday. Bring it. And maybe the burger too!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-50425804231215729692015-09-18T10:43:00.002-06:002015-09-18T10:43:30.031-06:00Friday Five: Fall FavoritesAt this time of year I can't believe it's already mid to late September because I know it will be November before I can blink. Fall is one of my absolute favorite times of year for many, many reasons - but my top FIVE are below:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Number 1: Fall is x-country running and cyclocross season which usually means lots of lots of double header race weekends until the snow falls. Sometimes this means 2 races for me in one day (a noon and evening race) and a serious smashfest of my legs.</li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9g9o5I6DRSCyNsHVdN-owqoWcOaVsZ5dwSE0Ubigm5NYfmoCn3AwROCIAT4uSrk_pxg405A8sbpNnrGaTPcBXqBfYoveqkdYWWDumdeoSphCSXzHNpjwPdeZvSQwaVOA2Vb0b-B_Jj8/s1600/96.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9g9o5I6DRSCyNsHVdN-owqoWcOaVsZ5dwSE0Ubigm5NYfmoCn3AwROCIAT4uSrk_pxg405A8sbpNnrGaTPcBXqBfYoveqkdYWWDumdeoSphCSXzHNpjwPdeZvSQwaVOA2Vb0b-B_Jj8/s320/96.png" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmLPEP4eTg9pgYQZxZDvZQMD1VAPWsjTWCofRnzcddnfhtx3X241WWoTepOKA-JBz-2gC6nlAKLNYMt25mAPYQ-mZhI7vTKhdoVmd0fMcIqpKZmIV5sGyjIzl9ziZWRQiyuqqP2jeylg/s1600/102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmLPEP4eTg9pgYQZxZDvZQMD1VAPWsjTWCofRnzcddnfhtx3X241WWoTepOKA-JBz-2gC6nlAKLNYMt25mAPYQ-mZhI7vTKhdoVmd0fMcIqpKZmIV5sGyjIzl9ziZWRQiyuqqP2jeylg/s320/102.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Number 2: NEW this year, I get to play support crew chief to BOTH my boys, as our Littleman has entered the world of CX along with his crazy parents. There is no better way to spend a weekend than cheering your lungs out and racing your butt off.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLx0EqmIHtN3zyCkPcis61RmpAE93Mtky9yXBnAlQ6LcFej6cxOGEOSxJhm4mn5RCBF1RIo_u8pi9mQZJgjJevXOQDHnMk1VkuyS1GTtWwYT4UgRdxul4jS_y7cOVxDvifasaoVrt8sA/s1600/97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLx0EqmIHtN3zyCkPcis61RmpAE93Mtky9yXBnAlQ6LcFej6cxOGEOSxJhm4mn5RCBF1RIo_u8pi9mQZJgjJevXOQDHnMk1VkuyS1GTtWwYT4UgRdxul4jS_y7cOVxDvifasaoVrt8sA/s320/97.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78X93bpE1y6jwYHsF6Pj6n81KT4z35ZXAqIUlvU4V840TCcd6zyrt-MiVTPZAulEMnDdBEUmqoA2Ld2T5vGnL8YjUng9sV0S0OzX26jiqx2iKzbCG-jnFKCUEBqrKo9ZNVqciO1jsrck/s1600/105.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78X93bpE1y6jwYHsF6Pj6n81KT4z35ZXAqIUlvU4V840TCcd6zyrt-MiVTPZAulEMnDdBEUmqoA2Ld2T5vGnL8YjUng9sV0S0OzX26jiqx2iKzbCG-jnFKCUEBqrKo9ZNVqciO1jsrck/s320/105.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Number 3: The weather is usually beautiful, as we tend to retain some warmth before our long stretch into winter. I say usually because so far this year we've had a chilly fall. But I'm hoping it doesn't last - I'm not ready for winter yet!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMynTCRrgt9wUaDCfPcnnJ3IZArGXwnnOzYBdYsdJvwm13DKURo_UU6a_4zwzzP2madRHoV952Mnp1dxrovMrWFOjP616ro5aMSPUpDlsAH5ZXJYRmcTuzUJvurMTXKNpLO7MdKZNo7SI/s1600/110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMynTCRrgt9wUaDCfPcnnJ3IZArGXwnnOzYBdYsdJvwm13DKURo_UU6a_4zwzzP2madRHoV952Mnp1dxrovMrWFOjP616ro5aMSPUpDlsAH5ZXJYRmcTuzUJvurMTXKNpLO7MdKZNo7SI/s320/110.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Number 4: Post race rituals! We usually find ourselves heading home after a day of racing to cook a long relaxing family dinner. We put the tunes on and have some great conversation over tasty beverages and a good ol' game of Uno or Yahtzee! </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOVynn0kiapYkHSPnkOtLzlXb2aV2a4p6flzj1hatxLQBdRhamGn11m6GdrqhehHyqvi0Kr8ydt7ImQoPxmrk60eNlG1xtpkVChLgssX5q7sOBOA5tOLAic6Zmrq0Wrdr1QxyFBLgyqQ/s1600/112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOVynn0kiapYkHSPnkOtLzlXb2aV2a4p6flzj1hatxLQBdRhamGn11m6GdrqhehHyqvi0Kr8ydt7ImQoPxmrk60eNlG1xtpkVChLgssX5q7sOBOA5tOLAic6Zmrq0Wrdr1QxyFBLgyqQ/s320/112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
<ul>
<li>Number 5: Fall is {more} family time. This means extra time for playing, riding, cooking, chillin' and whatever new adventures come our way.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wy_u2JcpYGkmqSCsorD6BxkeLftHQNUurlbsOp5rp1yM8pLwVrQl5PAjdcWYc9eKvRFGCpgiz2m6qazbJDZAGLD8eUjnDL6EHuObO9jLIp4NbQnF44pFqv8w2sNr53OBTnw5hegJeXU/s1600/109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wy_u2JcpYGkmqSCsorD6BxkeLftHQNUurlbsOp5rp1yM8pLwVrQl5PAjdcWYc9eKvRFGCpgiz2m6qazbJDZAGLD8eUjnDL6EHuObO9jLIp4NbQnF44pFqv8w2sNr53OBTnw5hegJeXU/s320/109.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What are your fall favorites? Post race rituals? How do you celebrate a great weekend of family competition?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-53047580257353868552015-09-09T10:34:00.000-06:002015-09-09T10:34:29.660-06:00The unexpected potentialI understand the body quite well. With an exercise physiology and science background I know how the body works and how it adapts to physical activity, at least theoretically. What I sometimes don't understand is MY body.<br />
<br />
Last Friday night I decided to race a 5km. I wasn't going to, but then my husband asked if I was and I thought "sure, why not"?<br />
<br />
About a month ago, my "A" race for the season didn't <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2015/08/back-from-runcation.html">quite go as planned</a>, despite feeling great leading up to it and ready to race. So why not race a 5km that I wasn't planning for and see what happens?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQzQ78FP05rfGJzKTgFVgeun3ldJcA7JLNy1IL3LWlT8-yD-lq-YeFums3SiXEVKu3yiFumMvWZ1ChJAVs_gj5wYdTnEUnxmP0PP_cOAO8pse9xL-jX30f1rRXX9k_jNWUu_XSUpU924/s1600/93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQzQ78FP05rfGJzKTgFVgeun3ldJcA7JLNy1IL3LWlT8-yD-lq-YeFums3SiXEVKu3yiFumMvWZ1ChJAVs_gj5wYdTnEUnxmP0PP_cOAO8pse9xL-jX30f1rRXX9k_jNWUu_XSUpU924/s320/93.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to the race start with my best man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Race morning arrived and I was not at all in the mood to race. As I approached race start I was hoping my race-brain would kick in, but it just wasn't there. Going through the motions, I lined up just before the archway and got ready to race; when the gun went off away I went.<br />
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I checked my pace, as I always do in the first few hundred meters, to make sure I wasn't heading out too quickly. It was a little quick, but I figured I'd run with it (pun intended) and see what happens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlJW6FdvqELfTyLEQoZKsRdE8GTkZy9Ru6PDmQvgnNzwrZKcuSCEkB1WFD7rjUkZmGUL6mffG8cWYJUAw6icOE2h5ItcwCzAWfsr_84PPMJCrxYZMrtRyKmbGHrs1r7GhQTdZQaHvHA8/s1600/94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlJW6FdvqELfTyLEQoZKsRdE8GTkZy9Ru6PDmQvgnNzwrZKcuSCEkB1WFD7rjUkZmGUL6mffG8cWYJUAw6icOE2h5ItcwCzAWfsr_84PPMJCrxYZMrtRyKmbGHrs1r7GhQTdZQaHvHA8/s320/94.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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As the kilometers clicked by I kept checking my pace and thinking "am I really still at this pace" followed immediately by "wow, I'm going to crash hard". However at the same time there was a little piece of me wondering what would happen if I just keep this pace going? I was unexpectedly feeling good at this pace; it was hard and uncomfortable, but do-able. Alright I thought, why not <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2015_01_01_archive.html">take the chance</a> and see where this goes; I'll either PB or explode and I was curious what one would happen.<br />
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As I approached the last 500m or so it was getting ugly, but I was also very aware of my time and it was on track for a PB. As I rounded the last corner of the course I saw my littleman, ready to pace me to the finish. When he was younger this meant that I would slow down to enjoy the run into the finish with him, or when he was really little I would scoop him up and carry him across the line - not these days! I now have to pick it up to keep up with him in those final few hundred meters.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitumhxVRg2Ae2o-dWzzdjwIEdsrneP7WQxWY6Nu-b_Iai-d8AGYlqoht0EcRXm_7u4H12s6Qkh2oKTIR6rXXg5wJ0lFIewe7PUlPyj128bf5bY9307eVBjf83K1IhyphenhyphenVKq1CE-1-Ljwrf8/s1600/91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitumhxVRg2Ae2o-dWzzdjwIEdsrneP7WQxWY6Nu-b_Iai-d8AGYlqoht0EcRXm_7u4H12s6Qkh2oKTIR6rXXg5wJ0lFIewe7PUlPyj128bf5bY9307eVBjf83K1IhyphenhyphenVKq1CE-1-Ljwrf8/s320/91.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I crossed the line and stopped my watch. Officially it was an 11 second PB, and 14th OA woman. I don't understand it, I definitely didn't expect it, but I'll take it. Sometimes my body decides when it's going to kick-ass, or when it's going to feel awful, despite how mentally or physically I plan and prepare for it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn30y7FejXc2tX2zmxhPoDEQk7ux_8z1xJ9DAbIdTKc2dbAyPsm2-m3juATFxqHA4IkG7Uyn6zBsEH068l1sLzEefX-Fdikn8KM06bNYw2Km-nuQFaia_JVPAlAgCQdKYQHJzUNRzm1cs/s1600/90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn30y7FejXc2tX2zmxhPoDEQk7ux_8z1xJ9DAbIdTKc2dbAyPsm2-m3juATFxqHA4IkG7Uyn6zBsEH068l1sLzEefX-Fdikn8KM06bNYw2Km-nuQFaia_JVPAlAgCQdKYQHJzUNRzm1cs/s320/90.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race refuel! <br />A delicious burger from <a href="http://driftfoodtruck.ca/">Drift Food Truck</a>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The thrill of competition and the unknown of what is possible. Our bodies are amazing machines, capable of endless limits; and even though I may not understand my body all the time, the unexpected potential is always in there!<br />
<br />
On tap this weekend is a double-header: XC running on Saturday and CX on Sunday! I absolutely love this time of year - so many races, so many opportunities for unexpected potential!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZsa1u57_XEvTMPMBnR2lYdD65hoUM7l3sAVJsSNQd02F8cEGW6EQ71vJpFuAZQ2Uusc5azujoBkrCJB2xPfcYOYd9kHb_9CFgu7f37slnGLWuOgqkYIoMZwu0imu9AtkDqQZA4tg8q0/s1600/20933076749_5fa09e188d_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZsa1u57_XEvTMPMBnR2lYdD65hoUM7l3sAVJsSNQd02F8cEGW6EQ71vJpFuAZQ2Uusc5azujoBkrCJB2xPfcYOYd9kHb_9CFgu7f37slnGLWuOgqkYIoMZwu0imu9AtkDqQZA4tg8q0/s320/20933076749_5fa09e188d_h.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Eric Carcoux of United Cycle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-68263790525979982652015-08-31T10:35:00.001-06:002015-08-31T10:35:50.664-06:00Back from runcation!Any opportunity I get to run in a new location, I dive right in; and running in France and Switzerland for the past month was definitely a blast! Summer in Europe is hot, hot, hot AND humid and I absolutely loved it!<br />
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Finishing a run being completely soaked in sweat from head to toe is my idea of a wonderful way to clock some miles. Maybe it's because we spend 8 months in winter, but the heat and me agree! I've never been able to run so many days in shorts and tank tops! I even got new runner tan lines!<br />
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Although we were there for a family vacation I was also there to compete; my 'A' race for the season. It was an 8km cross-country and I was excited and ready to race. Training leading up had been going well, paces were hit and lead up races felt great.<br />
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And then race day hit. My legs were heavy and I had nothing. My 'A' goal time was out the window fairly early on, then the 'B' goal. In the end I had to settle for my 'C' goal time, not at all what I had hoped for. I just had nothing, even though I gave everything.<br />
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Those days happen, you just never want it to happen on race day, and especially not your main race for the year.<br />
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After race day I had some wonderful training sessions while over there, and loved running on new trails, through different neighborhoods, along rivers and around lakes.<br />
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Back in Canada now I've found my legs again and am looking forward to double cross season! Cyclocross and cross-country running. My favorite time of year!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-28014903774759174692015-07-28T09:59:00.000-06:002015-07-28T09:59:09.133-06:00What's a PB without a painface?This past weekend I had a double header with steeplechase on Saturday afternoon and a 5km road race Saturday night (best way to spend a weekend!). Saturday morning, as planned I did "supposedly easy" shake out ride to keep my legs loose and race ready for that night. They did not however feel very good. I was tired and my legs felt heavy and slow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put on a happy face and the legs will feel good right?</td></tr>
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Not much I could do at that point, so I shook it off, and went about the day. My husband was also competing that weekend (throws) so it was a busy, busy day - but pretty normal for us!<br />
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First up: steeple.<br />
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Warming up felt pretty good and surprisingly come race time my legs didn't feel like lead (always a good thing). The gun went off and away I went, working at my paces best I could and counting down the steeples in my head!<br />
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I'm very new in this event and still learning my pacing around the track all while jumping over those black and white barriers. The water hazard is a technical event to it's own that I have yet to discover the best way to tackle it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty sure this is not the best technique for speed</td></tr>
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Even with my stumble in the water I crossed the finish line, saw the time clock and was stoked with a PB time! I was thankful my legs decided to come around!<br />
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Once steeplechase finished I had about an hour and a half until my road 5km! Enough time to catch my husband's final hammer throws, pack us all into the car, down a <a href="http://pickybars.com/">picky bar</a> and drive over to my next race!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting under my umbrella to start; <br />
excited to get going!</td></tr>
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I really wanted a good time at this event. I felt as though I could PB, but had to expect to hurt.<br />
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Throughout the race I kept checking my pace and telling myself to "pick it up, just a little". Over and over: "just a little". <br />
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At the 2km mark I was thinking "good I'm on pace", but also wondering how I was going to keep this up as I was hurting and still had 3km to go. At the 3km mark, I had my doubts but just kept grinding. At the 4km mark we had a slight downhill and I just gave it all I had, knowing the hurt was going to get really ugly.<br />
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At the finish chute I had my littleman running across with me, who brought me home in PB style! I was thrilled! A 40 second PB and hug at the finish. It took this face to get me there, but what's a PB without a painface right?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-23595127833659825522015-07-17T11:42:00.001-06:002015-07-17T11:42:57.570-06:00I came. I steepled. I survived.<div class="MsoPlainText">
I wish I was exposed to track when I was a kid, but I
just wasn't. I played sports, but they were team ones: soccer and basketball were my thing. Track
and field was never even on the menu.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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My running passion started in University with triathlon,
Ironman mostly, and grew from there. Over the years since (which have been many...) that
passion has only grown. Both from the love of being a spectator and the fire that ignites with being a competitor. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOToNv2BbTnX-Mpa1nk-hGlNjiRDOVNNHQAeJG9pO9lt21Uqu2OuW0wNG1QXUIO0xCKjv9VN2Ox-iIhyFGTa79qf6tTGEQ7PzTg3OxlinAE7vATGXl8LEVHdPEOl0sBwV44HLECr3v-8/s1600/Starting+the+Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOToNv2BbTnX-Mpa1nk-hGlNjiRDOVNNHQAeJG9pO9lt21Uqu2OuW0wNG1QXUIO0xCKjv9VN2Ox-iIhyFGTa79qf6tTGEQ7PzTg3OxlinAE7vATGXl8LEVHdPEOl0sBwV44HLECr3v-8/s320/Starting+the+Run.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> IMCanada 2002 - <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Heading out on the run</span></td></tr>
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My training and racing over the most recent years has become *a little* wiser; I hope. I am I taking
chances and trying new distances or events that I never did in my
"younger" years in hopes to keep improving into my future ones. I'm playing with pacing on
roads, trails and most recently the track.</div>
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A few Friday's ago I had my most unfamiliar race to date:
steeple chase.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race thoughts: yah, I can jump this</td></tr>
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I toed the line with a bunch of ladies who looked at me
behind my sunglasses trying to guess my age. Let's just say I was older, much older. </div>
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The gun went off and away I went.
Steeples wear on you; you think pacing is going ok, but legs get heavier and
heavier with each steeple. And I swear the steeples got taller. Steeple chase is an event that requires some serious respect; and I love that about it.<br />
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Did I survive my steeple race? You bet I did. Do I need to work on my steeple technique? Oh yes. Will I do another one - you bet! I learned a new way to experience pain, and I really, really enjoyed it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHkQ67YW4q0FsM-d6i3EKYOC_TrrT9Awi1yHFFi0tcI6Q7DWQzDtVu5eCrZI_ueJHgaA7b3t7Nw94Kfw5qglpHa8QGf79yAkqNODra9VORzIrwvj0e-lXoi0PpRnuWpjbwZVVu36saIY/s1600/52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHkQ67YW4q0FsM-d6i3EKYOC_TrrT9Awi1yHFFi0tcI6Q7DWQzDtVu5eCrZI_ueJHgaA7b3t7Nw94Kfw5qglpHa8QGf79yAkqNODra9VORzIrwvj0e-lXoi0PpRnuWpjbwZVVu36saIY/s320/52.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish line hugs: no better feeling!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vertical again - pain face.<br />
Loved every minute of it!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-35659792409941401522015-06-23T11:24:00.004-06:002015-06-23T11:24:50.520-06:00Taking chances ...While I've always been a road or trail runner and racer, there's much to be learned from taking chances with different events and stepping outside of our comfort zones.<br />
<br />
At least that's what I'm going to be telling myself on Friday night as I give myself a self-induced suffer-fest around a 400m track with some precisely placed black and white obstacles in my way.<br />
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Steeple chase is one of my favorite events to watch, but I have never competed in it. Well all that changes in a few days. I'm spiking up to race my first ever steeple race and I hope I survive to tell about it!<br />
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<a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2015_01_01_archive.html">This is the year I</a>'m working to break barriers, push limits and make myself uncomfortable. Let's just say I expect plenty of that on Friday night!<br />
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What have you always wanted to try, but haven't taken the plunge just yet ... ? Maybe this is the year you ...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-38151674890623094552015-06-16T14:10:00.001-06:002015-06-16T14:10:45.103-06:00Race recap - Heat and Hills for breakfastThe <a href="http://5peaks.com/">5 Peaks race series</a> is one of my favorite race series around! Trail races, with a low-key casual atmosphere and a race organization that has increasingly made improvements to reduce their race-day footprint and impact on the environment.<br />
<br />
A few weekends ago was the 5 Peaks race at Rabbit Hill (a local ski hill) and although we were warned about the hills pre-race, you never really get the full picture until you're in the race itself. The course was brutal, but fun and very challenging. My strategy from the start was to find a comfortable pace and {try to} stick with it.<br />
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High five's to start the race!<br />
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The course started off with a bang as we climbed straight up (so much for easing into it!) and across the hill, from there it was up and down 3 more times until the finish. Nothing like taking 10 minutes to climb a hill and 1 minute to get down (or something like that)! EEK.</div>
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About half way through ... So far, so good!</div>
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No matter the race or the pace, always time for mid-race hugs from my Littleman!</div>
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It was a beautiful hot day (which I love!), sun shining and very little wind - It was perfect! And once I had finished, the watermelon never tasted so good - #bestpostracefoodever.<br />
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When the results were posted I was shocked to learn that I was 2/43 in my AG and 5th overall female (in a field of 85 chicks!). Does this mean I like heat and hills for breakfast? I guess so ... ?<br />
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This bird is all smiles at the finish!<br />
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My training has been different this year - more a focus on the running and less on triathlon. I've been *trying* to ensure that my hard days are hard, but that my easy days are easy and that my rest is actually taken. Easier said than done, but so far seems to be working!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-82487920816423105772015-06-09T09:37:00.002-06:002015-06-09T09:37:32.084-06:00Always remember to breathe ... Seriously.<br />
<br />
The last two months have gone by so fast, I don't even think I had time to blink. Gone for three weekends in a row in May, extended weekends at that, was insane - even for us. It was a come home, unpack directly into the laundry machine, take out of the dryer, put back in bags and off to the next adventure all trying to fit in a few days of work, some sleep, juggle soccer, school run club, mountain biking program and entertain company.<br />
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Breathe.<br />
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We're now home for a while and although they're jammed with racing, training and track meets at least we're home and I have my own bed and my own food.<br />
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As I mentioned, racing season is in full swing for us and for me that meant finally getting dirty and seeing where training was at. Being in the mountains and away so much gave me some really great stress-free training sessions. No worries of time, other commitments or schedules. Just eat, train, eat, sleep and repeat.<br />
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I need to retire soon. To the mountains. *dream*<br />
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The end of April was a night trail race and just a few weeks ago was a duathlon. Both races I was super stoked with the results, and happy that even though my training has been a little different this year, performance-wise I was on track.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREiprnZFxQIztNangvh2i9X_El8oQpuG27RZCSFKpqJmxwKfNomlHDliALYHDcv2t3U-iu52rkz6xZNG7KxZeX5djk32Zq0DcTgzgZT5zlnjiPRDdV0HS2oKPQm3vXNEbG441aUrgwGo/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREiprnZFxQIztNangvh2i9X_El8oQpuG27RZCSFKpqJmxwKfNomlHDliALYHDcv2t3U-iu52rkz6xZNG7KxZeX5djk32Zq0DcTgzgZT5zlnjiPRDdV0HS2oKPQm3vXNEbG441aUrgwGo/s320/16.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite races of the year - night trail race! </div>
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Ended up placing 5th OA female - super stoked!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D59akyduImFzJ8QA2pf5nEjijwGCEi1eE22r_b9g2zUgQyIufZHw1ThtCeZ9uvSoidU-LuY_HvWYVQiBpZFYg4wqWEOq4R3A0ZK4GXGC8W25IdR52wL_MocyxovLUK6P6taTIqaBwnA/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D59akyduImFzJ8QA2pf5nEjijwGCEi1eE22r_b9g2zUgQyIufZHw1ThtCeZ9uvSoidU-LuY_HvWYVQiBpZFYg4wqWEOq4R3A0ZK4GXGC8W25IdR52wL_MocyxovLUK6P6taTIqaBwnA/s320/28.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Beautiful sunny day to race!</div>
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You hear that time flies once you have kids and holy man is that ever true! Before I know it, I'll blink and summer will be over. Until then, I'm onto the next race and looking forward to our road ahead ...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013295560642723079.post-88110585825793181912015-04-14T12:12:00.000-06:002015-04-14T12:12:43.565-06:00Rust buster re-cap: season opener 5kmMy official 2015 running season opener was this past weekend. A rust buster 5km, through the <a href="http://www.mec.ca/AST/Navigation/MEC_Global/Community.jsp">MEC</a> series. My body was feeling pretty good pre-race (which is good considering where I was just a <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/2015/03/bring-on-spring-baby.html">few months ago</a>) although tired; which for me is pretty normal. As scheduled, I actually took Saturday as my rest day which was very difficult: I do not enjoy to <a href="http://runmamalamb.blogspot.ca/">rest or recover</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKJ1YkrMBJKVPRIDxch66HBMSK7ozxD4VC7MrTIIC9AXD9HPZN_HaahTq34bFi8CP9O9P8WfwK_CgbxKVEWTIIO5QAe1CV4SmspcWCdHnn2PXGg403yd9Ft-MrOvB-9Lx-X5pSlURJvY/s1600/run+gum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKJ1YkrMBJKVPRIDxch66HBMSK7ozxD4VC7MrTIIC9AXD9HPZN_HaahTq34bFi8CP9O9P8WfwK_CgbxKVEWTIIO5QAe1CV4SmspcWCdHnn2PXGg403yd9Ft-MrOvB-9Lx-X5pSlURJvY/s1600/run+gum.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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My pre-race must have's: <a href="http://pickybars.com/">Picky Bars</a>, <a href="http://getrungum.com/">Run Gum</a> and <a href="http://www.mec.ca/shop/?q=nuun">Nuun</a>! </div>
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Race day my legs felt pretty good, and although I didn't get the warm-up I would have liked, I was ready to rock and roll, and see where I was at.<br />
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The start felt good, and at the 2km mark I was on my 'A' time goal; feeling good at the pace I was at. The course was an out and back, and by the time I reached the 3km mark my pace had slowed dramatically. Into the wind the rest of the way home was a fight, and my pace just couldn't keep up to what I wanted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9biYD0JPldWN8Gn1qy_s3WeNZ_ApidyJhYKIB3xnFDdToDjdbAUES0t035ffbC1iLZbshFz3NHcSp4Isfpo8lefcL-hHgiDfLIBeWY_cKTQgRWGsTnDjyrqPiz-_MP2DYMqbwOE_y_k0/s1600/26.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9biYD0JPldWN8Gn1qy_s3WeNZ_ApidyJhYKIB3xnFDdToDjdbAUES0t035ffbC1iLZbshFz3NHcSp4Isfpo8lefcL-hHgiDfLIBeWY_cKTQgRWGsTnDjyrqPiz-_MP2DYMqbwOE_y_k0/s1600/26.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure if I went out too quick, or if the wind won that day, but I ended up finishing with my 'C' time goal. Definitely slower than I wanted, but not a total wash as it's still early in the season and I have lots of time to build my speed back up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_tOrC8tiILBgCoyR5vc7xYHTOo9vpPOq1bVJmBLagXM5oMCdckewQTYCya-mF7uTd57jwKLw5N0zZyMxuxgusjZk9jZRjOWCdLQIB-bHaBUa28jgJ9vQkc09l-TxVud_tVF0vbToqOo/s1600/27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_tOrC8tiILBgCoyR5vc7xYHTOo9vpPOq1bVJmBLagXM5oMCdckewQTYCya-mF7uTd57jwKLw5N0zZyMxuxgusjZk9jZRjOWCdLQIB-bHaBUa28jgJ9vQkc09l-TxVud_tVF0vbToqOo/s1600/27.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Almost at the finish </div>
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My signature finish photo!</div>
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The happy finish photo</div>
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I'm already looking forward to my next opportunity to race at the end of the month. I have a double header race weekend with two races in less than 12 hours!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04507382146950708621noreply@blogger.com0