Tag Archives: training

09.04.12
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Day 16: 4 mile Fartlek Run with Stroller

YAHOO! Day 16 –  4 mile Farlek run is done and it was terrific!

I wasn’t too sure what the run would be like today. I woke up feeling tired and felt like it may be a struggle to get motivated. I didn’t sleep that well last night (may have been the cappuccino I had late yesterday afternoon) and therefore, was wired until the very wee hours of the morning. However, I got up, pumped myself full of oatmeal, an apple, water and a cup of hazelnut vanilla coffee and out the door we went!

It was a gorgeous morning; the sun was shining, there was a strong breeze and I had some fantastic company: Felix. This morning (for added challenge) I took Felix with me in the stroller. It was great fun and he enjoyed himself. He was smiling and grabbing at all the bushes and trees he could along the route. At one point we were running straight into the wind and he had his head tilted back, taking in the rays, he looked so much like this photo it made me laugh out loud.

I was really thankful to have a good run day. I’m starting to get into the heavier distances and training, so I want to keep my momentum going! We didn’t see too much else on our route. I did say Good Morning to most people; and most said it back, except for the Grouch (she lives in the neighbourhood) and I wasn’t surprised when she ignored us. 🙂

 Here’s a breakdown of todays training:

  • 1.5 km warm up run
  • 2.5 km steady race pace
  • 0.25 km slow
  • 0.25 km fast
  • 0.25 km slow
  • 0.25 km fast
  • 0.25 km slow
  • 0.25 km fast
  • 0.25 km slow
  • 0.50 km steady pace
  • 0.25 km slow

I even went a little bit further than I was supposed to (not purposely, of course!) Anyway, hope everyone else is having a good week of training. Happy Trails!

09.03.12
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My September 3 workout for those who want to give it a try!

Below is a link to the workout I completed today. Additionally, I did about 30 minutes on the elliptical. I should add that I did stretching both before and after (nothing special, just the usual).  If you have a workout you want to share, please share!! 🙂 And if you have any feedback or additions you would make to the workout, I’d love any feedback!

Sept 3 RunningKatTales Workout

Happy Trails!

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.

08.31.12
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Avoiding injury: good ankle stretches

Ankle injuries suck. 

And realistically, who wants to hobble around if they can avoid it? If you weren’t already aware, the ankle joint is one of the major weight bearing structures in the body; which is why it’s important to stretch it. A few days ago I mentioned that my ankle felt tight while running (even after stretching.) I’ve had many rolled ankles in my day and want to avoid it if at all possible. So in an effort to take all proper precautions, I came across these from the Livestrong website. Hope it helps someone out there!

Ankle Roll

An ankle roll is a basic ankle stretch that can help warm the ligaments both through the top of the foot and along the back of the ankle. It’s easy to do as part of your regular warm up. From a standing position, spread your feet shoulder-width apart. Plant your left toe into the ground while your right foot remains flat. Rotate your left ankle forward and back, as if you were drawing a circle with your heel. Repeat five to eight times before stretching your other ankle in the same manner.

Stair Stretch

A stair stretch makes for an ideal conditioning stretch for both the ankle and the calf muscles, but it is not recommended if you have poor balance. Stand at the edge of a bottom stair, with your body facing the flight of stairs. Move backward until your heels hang off of the stair. Carefully drop your heels downward while still supporting yourself on the stair with your toes. Hold for a count of 10, suggests the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. Repeat 10 times if possible.

Ankle Alphabet

Try an alphabet stretch for the ankle, which is especially effective for children. Sit on the ground with your legs straight out in front of you. Using your big toe as the “pencil,” write out the alphabet in the air in front of you, suggests the American Academy of Family Physicians. To make the stretch a game for younger athletes, have participants stretch in pairs and write letters and words to each other while they take turns guessing what the words are.

Band Stretch

For a deep stretch before exercise, use a resistance band to direct your ankle gently and get a full, all-encompassing stretch in every direction. Sit on a weight bench with one leg straight in front of you and one leg supporting you on the ground. Leave your foot and ankle dangling off the front of the bench. Wrap a resistance band across your instep, gripping the ends in your hands. Very gently move the band to the left and the right, getting a good stretch in each direction, suggests “Stack” magazine. Hold each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds before repeating on your other leg.

If you have any stretches that will help, please send them along – I promise to post!

08.30.12
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Stroller advice: how to entertain a toddler while you run

Anyone who knows me would say it’s karma. A child that is busy 24/7 and throws down temper tantrums more often than Naomi Campbell and Mel Gibson combined. However, knowing that I have a kid who would rather be busy and on the go, I make darn sure I’ve got the necessary supplies to endure our running adventures. Plus, I love how independent and dramatic my kid is!

Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan to run with a toddler:

  1. If your kid is prone to tantrums, make sure you don’t go just before nap or prior to meal time. Always try to organize runs around a well-rested and fed child. Trust me. Learned the hard way.
  2. Make sure you have plenty of snacks. Even if your toddler isn’t hungry, bring snacks along for the run. I know you shouldn’t encourage kids to play with their food but if s/he isn’t screaming, who cares?
  3. Bring toys. Think about this for a minute. We don’t go ANYWHERE without our phones, iPods, iPads etc., so imagine that you have to sit through the most boring 1-hour lecture of your life; maybe something along the lines of public health policy. Now, imagine you have to sit through it without some form of entertainment. EXACTLY!
  4. Engage your child throughout the run. Now, I’m definitely not saying you try to carry-on a conversation, but point things out along the way. “Wow – look at the pretty trees. What colour are the trees?” etc. Nothing is more boring than hanging out with someone who (a) pretends you aren’t there, and (b) won’t talk to you
  5. Keep your stroller activity to an hour or less. Seriously people. Your child is definitely not interested in running with you for longer than an hour. Let’s remember that at this young age, their attention span is that of a hummingbird.
  6. If you want to listen to music, put it on so you can both hear. In my case, I put my iPhone in the cup holder and crank the volume. Yeah, I know it’s a little disrespectful to the people around me but it’s better than being disrespectful to my little running buddy. Plus, I NEVER listen to 50 cent in mixed company!
  7. Make sure you praise them for good behaviour throughout the running adventure; and treating where appropriate.
  8. Finally, be respectful of their age and development. Your four/five year old does not want to be pushed around in a stroller anymore. They want to run WITH you.

Now, I can’t speak to #7 from experience, but I was at Sobey’s grocery shopping one day when a woman strolled in with what appeared to be a kid of AT LEAST six, maybe seven. He wanted to get out and walk; she wouldn’t let him. It was weird and creepy. At that point, I’m sure the kid could’ve kept up during the run anyway…

Anyway, hope this helps on your running journeys. It has helped me! Happy Trails!