Art city 5k. Some of you know I work with sex offenders. I signed them up for a 5k in March. We trained, today they run, walk, crawl to the finish. They hate me now, but they will all be bragging in an hour.
The Black Hills of Utah
If this is any kind of sneak preview of Chicago Marathon training, then I am in for a long long summer. I thought that I would try running at the hottest part of the day. Genius I know! It was 80 degrees outside. I thought to myself, that isn’t so hot. I surely will be fine to wear all black while running. I mean I need to look slender if I’m in broad day light.
Turns out that isn’t the brightest idea. Apparently the sun is attracted to it. Then you add the fact that you are running up hills made of asphalt and you get the idea. I was smoking hot. Morning and night runs for me for now on. But on the bright side I got some vitamin D.
I’ve got 99 problems but…..
A bad run ain’t one. If you are having run problems I feel bad for you son. I got 99 problems but a bad run ain’t one.
Had an absolutely amazing run last night. It felt so amazing! One of those where you felt you could just go forever. 3.3 miles in 35 minutes. Maybe not fast, but just what I needed!
The Manther!
Today was supposed to be a day of doing pure awesome! It got downgraded to just wonderous! Was supposed to go mountain biking, followed by water skiing, and then trail running. Thanks to some lovely weather and wind everything got changed up.
It all started alright with mountain biking. It was a nice 48 degrees and drizzle. Perfect for not getting hot, but on the flip side made for super slick trails. Right off the back I slipped on some mud, hit my pedal on a rock, broke part of it off and had my phone fall out of my pocket into a puddle. Talk a bout a spoiler! No awesome photos to take and a foot that kept slipping off! Still had an absolute blast doing that though!
We had to forgo waterskiing because the winds were howling and we didn’t want to capsize the boat! Nothing scares me more than being stuck in the middle of a lake with fish picking your toes off one by one, and trail running didn’t sound like a good idea because of the high winds and blowing dirt and debris, so instead we hit the streets of the city.
It just feel so good to be out running. I know I have lost some fitness, but I am super excited to get back out there and start marathon training! In fact on our little 5k run I had a thought as I passed a speed sign. It was one of those speed limit signs that tell you how fast you are going. What if I was fast enough that the sign was able to pick up my speed? Is that even possible? If I was able to do that could I earn the nickname the Manther? Oh the things that make there way in your head while running.
It’s not just ice and moose eh
What a glorious trip I had to Canada! Glorious I say! I wish that it wouldn’t of ever ended, but I guess that is part what it makes it special is knowing that it is only temporary! It was short, but I tried to make the most of every possible minute that I had while I was there. Only on a trip to meet a tumblr does getting exercise become a priority on vacation.
It all started out with seeing some big waterfall. I guess it’s kind of a big deal in these parts. They call it Niagara Falls. I have to admit that it is quite a sight and one that should be seen if ever in the area. Just so much water falling off that cliff! I totally could go in a barrel off that thing. You only live once is what they say eh?
The next day was spent at Canada’s Wonderland. Which is like this ginormous theme park in Toronto. It has so many roller coasters, and you better believe that Melissa and I did every single one. Oh she must of thought me a small child with wanting to do everything, and asking every question imaginable! Every ride we went on that took a picture of us was the same. There was me having the time of my life and Melissa having the exact same hands clenched to bar and face of terror look every time. I like to think that means she was having a blast. Plus walking around a theme park all day and standing totally counts as a workout.
Next day the goal was for both of us to try trail running. We had spent the previous night jogging the streets of Toronto and me having my little tushy handed to me on a platter, so I was very determined to not be left in the dust again. The first trail we went to was not the one that we intended to go to. Directionally challenged Melissa found the wrong trail. However we ran it and had fun, on our way back to the city we actually found the trail we were supposed to run. So of course what do you do? You get out and trail run again! So much fun! I found a new love! We did like 4 or 5 miles.
My favorite part of trail running was when we found a super steep hill to run up. I told her that we needed to run all the way to the top, even if it was a slog. As I got halfway up the hill and turned around to see if Melissa was close by I noticed someone laying on the ground nearly dead a quarter of the way up. So the hill was a little steep is what that body language was telling me. Steep hills are steep.
After running I had to go and check out Lake Ontario. I had to put my feet in at least. Next time we swim across Lake Ontario. Next time my friends.
The next day was spent checking out downtown Toronto and going to a Blue Jays game. I had so much fun! I love going to any major league game. It was an absolute blast. After the game we thought we would both try out Panera for the first time. So not to be super mean because I know everyone loves that place, but what is so great? Maybe I didn’t get the right thing. Still food is food and I love eating food. When we got home from spending most of day downtown I sort of pushed Melissa to head out for another trail run because I had so much fun the day before. She was an awesome sport and we had another great time!
So much else was done on the trip. I had an absolute blast! I can’t thank Melissa ( Beachyrunner ) enough for an absolutely unforgettable trip. I had so so so so so much fun. I found a total new passion in trail running and made what I hope is a lifetime friend in her dog Mosh. Oh and Melissa too. As my mom put it, she was the hostess with the mostess. If you ever get a chance to go to Toronto it is totally worth it, what an awesome city and an awesome time! Back to reality now!
And the home of the brave! Back in America and have cell phone service! Hello tumblr! But I do miss Canada!
C eh N eh D eh
I am absolutely loving Toronto!!!! Such a huge and beautiful city. Nothing that I thought it would be like. I have officially ran in another country! WOOT WOOT! What country is next…. Great Britian… Australia… Texas…. Beachyrunner is an amazing host and let`s be honest she is faster than me. Don`t ever let her lead you to believe she is slow. She will kick your trash. Tomorrow I trail run. Hopefully tomorrow Melissa will be a little more merciful and let me win this time. I also think that I like this idea of running by kilometers, I feel like I ran farther. I`ll take whatever I can get!
