Tag Archives: glenmore reservoir

09.06.12
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Day 18: 3 mile run through Glenmore Reservoir with stroller – YEAH BUDDY!

Today was a perfect morning for training. The temperature was around 12 degrees, the sun was shining and Felix and I had an awesome run through Glenmore Reservoir. We went the hilly way and survived (surprisingly.) I didn’t wake up thinking I wanted to do hills today (or any hill), but when we hit the trail I just felt like I could handle it (even with the stroller.)  I do believe that it was all due to my amazing mathematical skills. I worked out how far I needed to go so that when we turned around I would only have to do one really steep hill and get to finish at the top. It worked out perfectly.

That hill was a real bitch though (excuse the language.) I didn’t even want to look up because I was scared I’d lose steam so I just looked at the ground, pushed with one arm and prayed to God that if I passed out they’d find me before the bear did. Oh yes. There’s been a bear out on the reservoir. I truly hope I never see him (I do have bear spray, though I have no idea how to use it.) We made it to the top and I really wanted to do the Rocky move but thought the old fella I met up there would think I was a total nutcase, so I did it in my head. Todays run wasn’t fast but I really enjoyed it.

I continued “Project Morning” and said “Good morning” to everyone we met (some we met twice); I have to say, 99% of the folks we met today

were smiling and cheery. I talked to a few people along the way. One older man asked me if I planned to do the whole trail; I asked him if he was crazy. But did say “maybe some day!” There were lots of dogs and bikers; Felix loves seeing both. We snapped this picture of the pond as we were nearing the turnaround point. Yes, for my Nova Scotia friends, this is exciting for us here in Alberta. Water. It actually looked really nice; despite a little voice in my head telling to keep checking to make sure there are no moose, cougars or bears around it. I don’t even know what I would do if I saw any of the three. Surprisingly, I am most scared of moose.

I have to say that the runs and recovery are getting easier, but I do know that in the coming weeks my mileage will go up quite a bit. I’m also dreading the hilly runs that are also coming up in training e.g.: 5 x 200 yards uphill. Ouch.

Here are todays stats:

  • Distance: 4.81 km
  • Time: 32:07
  • Pace/km: 6:41
  • Best pace: 6:05

Anyway, as you can see the time wasn’t the best, but I’m not a bit sore and had a great run – it’s all about the journey, right? Here’s a picture of me and Felix after we finished. YAHOO! Big Smiles all around.:)

09.02.12
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Day 14: 3.5 mile run through Glenmore Reservoir with Wedgie

Today we had an awesome run through Glenmore Reservoir.

We started at 8:30 a.m (the earliest I have run in a long time) but it was nice and cool. We decided to be adventurous and go the opposite direction on the trail; it was a mistake (kind of). Besides seeing the bear warning signs, we learned after about 2km that it was a tad hillier than we had anticipated. Neither of us were particularly interested in hill training today, so we decided we’d run out 4km and run back the next 1.; then walk the remainder (which turned out to be a little more than 2km). When all was said and done, I felt great! A little more sweaty than usual, but it was a really nice run; didn’t feel like we were even in the city.

I also continued with my “Project Morning” and said good morning to pretty much everyone I could. People are definitely more friendly on Sunday mornings I think. Not sure why? Just seemed that way. Maybe more laid back; out for the enjoyment? Lots of smiles today, anyway.

Anyway, thanks to Susan for being an awesome running partner today. And for anyone else out there who wants to do group runs on Sunday, let me know (aka: Lorrainne & Andrea)

Here are todays stats:

  • Distance: 5.6 km
  • Time: 37:15
  • Pace/Km: 6:39
  • Best Pace: 6:04

I also wanted to include this picture from the bridge. It was a gorgeous morning – nothing a beautiful as running along the Bras dOr Lakes, but pretty nice for landlocked Alberta.

P.S: Wanted to share this article: Is pregnancy an ‘excuse’ to let yourself go? with any moms out there. What do you think? I think it’s total bollocks.

08.30.12
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Day 11: It’s all a mental game!

Today I ran 3 miles, pushing one 27 lbs kid in a stroller. As you know I wasn’t really in the mood for a run this morning, but with all the support I’ve had and by the time I got to the Glenmore Reservoir things turned around. Now, I’m not going to sit here and tell you it was all lollipops and sunshine (well, it was actually sunny out). There were moments where I had to chant “you run because you can” in my head; tell myself not to quit etc…but I did it and I’m pleased. I wasn’t too far off my time last night and I was pushing a stroller!

Here are todays stats:

  • Distance: 4.80 km
  • Time: 30:21
  • Pace/Km: 6:19
  • Best Pace: 5:45

The trail wasn’t too busy, there were lots of people young and old running, biking and walking. The best part of the day was during cool-down when Felix & I passed by a bench with three older women on it (guessing late 70’s) – they were bubbly, smiling and wished us a good morning. Oh one thing I wanted to ask was this: do you put on perfume/cologne before your morning run? Felix and I rounded a corner and I hit a wall of Chanel Mademoiselle; much to my surprise it was a man wearing it. Then not two minutes later, we hit the smell of what can only be described as Brut. Now, I can’t be sure because the last time I would have smelled it was when my brother was in junior high – it’s nasty stuff!

Not too much more to report. Felix felt totally left out of the action, so when we got to the parking lot I let him do a lap pushing the stroller -he was loving life! I then had to bribe him with cheerios to get into the car.

On the way home he dumped 2/3 of the bag out – silly me for giving him the whole thing. However, all I could do was laugh! He’s a great little running buddy 🙂

 

 

 

08.25.12
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Day 6: my first 3 mile tempo run

Today was day 6 – a 3 mile tempo run. I went out on my own and ran at Glenmore Reservoir. It’s a beautiful day out there; the suns shining and there’s a really nice breeze. The trail was packed with runners, walkers, bikers and roller bladers. Saw lots of dogs (one weird looking one) and a squirrel greedily running away from other squirrels with a full corn on the cob. Kids were having their sailing lessons at the club and the park was packed with kids already playing!

Despite having an awesome run today, I have lots of these days too! ->

Thanks to Runkeeper (awesome app) + a friends advice to track it, I have an accurate time – YAHOO! I completed the run in 29:11; with a pace of 6:05 min/km, not my best, but certainly not too bad and I’m happy with it. I’d love to get my pace down to 6 minutes, or less if possible but it will take some time. I did enjoy the tempo run; it was interesting to focus on breathing and adjust everything – I had never been that aware before and can certainly see how it would benefit a runner.

So needless to say, I really enjoyed the run today. It was nice not pushing a stroller and despite not being an evening run, I found it fairly peaceful. However, at one point I was in competition with a woman who didn’t want me to pass her. At first I thought it was just my imagination, but then my coach came on over music to tell me my pace had changed by 10-15 seconds, meaning that I was trying to pass her, but had to keep speeding up. Why do people do that? First of all, I gladly move to the side if I know someone is behind me and wants to get by; secondly, it wasn’t a race. It was so awkward! I knew she meant serious business though, because she was wearing one of those running belts. At any rate, I awkwardly passed by.

I’ve been keeping up with the pre and post-run stretching – definitely helping me but my left shoulder is killing me; not sure what type of stretch is going to help it – anyone have any ideas? My legs feel pretty good and not as sore as I thought they would be after this first week of training; one more 3 mile run tomorrow and I’ll have successfully completed week 1 – YAHOO!

Now…off to enjoy the sunshine. Keep the feedback coming – love hearing from everyone!

 

08.24.12
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View of Glenmore reservoir from recumbent trike ride – amazing.

Okay – saw this video while googling the reservoir. Looks like fun. Do you think the dog is having a good time or wants to jump? I now want one of these trike things… F & I could get up to a lot of shenanigans!