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Monday, August 23, 2010 @ 10:08 PM
With Fires burning near Opal, Redwater and near Lac St. Anne they contributed to poor air quality in the Edmonton region. I flew into Edmonton on Friday afternoon once I stepped off the plane I could smell the strong smell of smoke. The visibility was bad almost like a fog in the air. The weather was calling for showers Saturday afternoon/evening so I was convinced this would clear the air for Sundays race. The race director Brian Torrence had put Marilyn and I in a room together at the Sutton Place Hotel. A big Thank You to Brian for taking such good care of us in Edmonton ( he even put up with our stupid safety pin request the night before the race we are dumb dumbs) Marilyn arrived around 11:30 pm that evening I was already sleeping but was excited to see her so got up to have a small chat.
The next morning we both slept till 9 am which was such a treat. We had breakfast in bed Thanks to Marilyn who travelled with her Bodum French Press/Toaster/honey/almond butter/squirrelly bread. She really cracks me up! Around 10 am Jonathan Withey picked us up and took us out on the Edmonton trails with Mark Armstrong for a 30′ shakeout and some strides. I felt fine I wore my HR monitor my legs were a bit stiff from the travel the day before but after 15′ I was feeling good with normal pre race excitement.
We had lunch a short walk through a mall not very exciting and went back to the hotel. Marilyn and I slipped into our hotel robes and lounged in our room from 2-6pm. My good friend Emma had just arrived from Calgary for the race so she came over to the hotel to join the good times in our room.
Another Exciting Saturday night!
For dinner we headed to Pazzo Pazzo a really great Italian Restaurant that happened to be right next to our hotel. The pasta portions were a little bit too much but extremely tasty!
Race morning we woke up early, really early. Race morning routine: oatmeal,banana, small coffee lots of bathroom time! Mark and Jonathan aka Alias Basil were so kind to come and pick us up at our hotel. It is so nice to be chauffeured to the starting line. Thanks Guys!! During our warmup I got a bit worried as my hr was 10 beats higher than usual. I asked Marilyn and she said her’s was the same. I tried not to think about it to much but my body felt tired as well and my breathing felt different. The race started and from the gun I felt I was using more effort than usual. I relaxed and tried not to look to much at my watch. At 3k I knew something was wrong I decided to look at my hr it was 163. I decided to not look at it again and keep my legs moving. At 5k my time was 19:40 and I knew I was way off and wanted to drop out. I could not take a deep breath and was wheezing really bad at this point. I felt a bit panicked as this is not normal for me until usually the end of a race. I got to 10k and saw Marilyn and by the look on her face I knew she was having a bad day as well. I decided to keep moving and thought that this is going to be a good for me mentally! I managed to find a few guys to pace with through to the finish. I was a bit shaken up at the finish as I have never struggled so bad for that long with my breathing. I spoke with a few of the girls at the finish and they all seemed to have a tough day on the course.
I quickly changed and cooled down with Marilyn and rushed back to the finish line to see Amazing Ellie Greenwood win the Marathon for the women in 2:49:54 a big PB for her! Way to Go Ellie! You are such a inspiration! I also saw Mike P come through with a strong finish! It was so nice to see them right at the finish in their Marathon High!
Ellie Greenwood 1st female Edmonton Marathon!
Another Amazing Athlete over the weekend Kirsten Sweetland placing second at Nationals in Kelowna this weekend! Check out her blog
I don’t know if it was a combination of pre race jitters too much pasta or too much time in a Hotel Room in Edmonton but Marilyn and I laughed just a little bit at this….this is posted for you Marilyn……….
(1) comment
Thursday, August 12, 2010 @ 05:08 PM
We are so excited to be offering another Mindful Strides Workshop at Lululemon Robson Aug 29th. If you have not been able to make one yet this is your chance. Marilyn and I will be focusing on the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in September so this will be our last workshop until October.
Bring a friend Come and See What Mindful Strides is all about! August 29th 2-5 pm!
Sunday, August 8, 2010 @ 08:08 PM
We had a amazing turnout today at our Victoria Mindful Strides Workshop today . I will be posting more information about the workshop with pictures soon. I came across this great Video of Dr. Romanov explaining the Pose Method Check it out!
Come and see what Mindful Strides is all about Sunday August 29th 2-5pm @ Lululemon Robson. Sign up at Mindful Strides
Saturday, August 7, 2010 @ 09:08 PM
Marilyn and I are gearing up for our next Mindful Strides Workshop this Sunday August 8th. Thanks to Lululemon for all the support it looks like we are going to have a good turnout! It also looks like the sun will come out as well!
We will be holding our next Workshop in Vancouver August 29th at Lululemon Robson. You can sign up at Mindful Strides
Here are some pictures from our last workshop in Vancouver
Marilyn Teaching Alexander Method Awareness
Marilyn Teaching Drills
Everyone Practicing Drills
Yoga For Runners
Pranyama
Uttanasana-Standing Forward Fold-Great Hamstring Stretch
Abdominals
Bhujangasana-Cobra Pose- Spinal Strengthening
Saturday, August 7, 2010 @ 09:08 PM
I am in the heart of my training and so far everything is going smoothly. I have been doing a lot of my workouts solo which is a great feeling of accomplishment. Last Sunday was another big 160′ progression run it was nice to have Meaghan with me for 75′. She helped set me up on a 4:00/km rhythm. The last 15′ I had to buckle down and focus and got it done. I think I actually threw my arms in the air I was so happy to complete the 36km run. WoW! I was happy to have my Buddy Garmin along for the ride.
I have decided to go to Edmonton Aug 22 to race the Edmonton Half Marathon. The race director was quick to respond to my email and very supportive. It is really good timing for a pre race to Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Emma and Ellie will be there to race so even better reason for me to go and catch up with good friends. Emma is a talented runner and good friend that I have not seen in months and have missed training with her in Vancouver. Ellie is a inspiring ultra marathoner. This year alone she has won, set course and world records at many ultra and marathons. Only one word for her AMAZING! Check out her Blog!
Carmen from Lululemon will be there as well for the Expo and part of the Lululemon cheering squad for the race. Lululemon is always so supportive Thank You Lululemon! It will be a Very Exciting Weekend!
This Weekend is Another Exciting weekend! I am in Victoria for another Mindful Strides workshop with Marilyn. Lululemon has helped us advertise for this event Sunday August 8th and it looks like we are going to have a good turnout. Friday I had a 60′ tempo at 3:50-55/km pace. It was a beautiful morning and even though I was solo it felt good! I think knowing that I was having a massage from Bobby Crudo following the tempo and a day off Saturday helped me get it done!
I know this sea wall very well
I flew out of Vancouver on Harbour Air Saturday morning at 8am. Another BIG Thank You to Laura Biffen! It is such a luxury to fly 30′ to Victoria. Love It! Even though it was overcast and rainy it is scenic and beautiful! Marilyn her friend Kim and I went and checked out the Farmers market. I bought some date, banana chutney and spring mix greens.
I met with Jon for a latte and a marathon training discussion. Everything seems to be going as planned!
After dinner Marilyn and I headed to Clover Point for a Saturday evening ice bath! Pretty Exciting Saturday night!
Saturday Night Chillin!
Its a bit colder in here than in Vancouver!
Tomorrow Marilyn has a progression run and I will be running 3 hours easy/steady. It will be a nice change of scenery! We will be heading back in the Ocean after those runs!
Thursday, July 29, 2010 @ 05:07 PM
Last week I covered about 80 miles or 130km. When I got my schedule last Sunday and saw that this week was a easy week my legs were smiling. Last week any chance I had I was lying down or in the epsom salt bath. When I am covering that many miles it feels better to be running than not. I know crazy but true. This week has been a real treat 60′ runs Monday through Thursday I am feeling great! I am gearing up for another big progression run this Sunday.
For some people Marathon racing/ training is inspiring. When I watch Ironman I am so inspired and am amazed at these great athletes….
I am finishing up a series of three Running Into Yoga Workshops. They were well attended and I had some really good feedback. If you missed the first two you can still attend this SATURDAY JULY 31st. Hope to see you there!
RUNNING INTO YOGA This SATURDAY JULY 31
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 @ 04:07 PM
I have finally decided to commit and run the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I was tossing around ideas of running some more 10k and half marathons to achieve faster times. In the end Jon and I decided I would race in Toronto. I am really excited to travel to Toronto and see my family and friends in September and they are excited to watch me run the marathon. I have been offered a elite entry/accommodation and I am waiting to hear if I make the Canadian Team. They still have not picked the women’s team yet. After the marathon I will be taking a short vacation as well which is also something to look forward to. Every time I start marathon training the miles slowly creep up and next thing I know I am in full swing.
Not this time it seems I have jumped right into it and here I am over the past 3 days covering 74km WoW!
Last week was a big week of training Sunday I did my 2 hour long run with Kevin O and Johnny A before my Yoga Workshop, Monday was a double 50′, Tuesday I tackled a 60′ tempo at 3:57. I felt really good about that tempo as it was a controlled pace and comfortable HR.
That night I went to SFU with Kevin to watch him race 1500m. It also happened to be the night that Kapil was racing the 800m. Kevin ran a incredible strong race finishing 3rd and gearing up to break 33 min in this weekends VFAC Summerfast 10k.
Kevin racing 1500m
Kapil ran the 800m and ran 1:59!! His first time inside 2:00!! It was amazing to see him before, during and after. Way to go Kapil!!
Kapil breaking 2 min 1:59
Sunday Marilyn had travelled over for our Mindful Strides workshop. We did our long run together which was a crazy progression run. We started out at 5:00/km for 45′ picked it up a bit for 30′ @ 4:15/km, then picked it up even more 30′ @4:00/km We then started the next 30′ @3:50/km we ran about 10′ together and Marilyn headed back to her hotel. I continued on for 10′ more I felt as though I was at the end of a marathon last km totally fried. I decided to pull back and run the remainder 20′ @5:00/km. Wow what a tough run! Jon assured me that I nearly completed the run and I will be able to handle this load soon and more.
I met Marilyn at YYoga Flow to do our Workshop. We had a great group of people. We headed out to towards English Bay. It was such a beautiful day, Marilyn and I had a tough time with the warm up after our crazy run earlier that morning. Marilyn shared with us a few drills and we practiced them with her guidance. Marilyn has such a clear way of explaining them and everyone seemed to get a good understanding of the drills. Next Workshop we do togther will be 3 hours because 2 hours is not enough time to get all the information.
Marilyn explaining the drills
some hands on adjustments with Sean
After our cool down we headed back to YYoga Flow on Burrard/Smithe we were ready for some Yoga for Runners. I went through a 30′ Flow of Yoga Poses designed for Runners. We went to the tea lounge to answer any questions. Everyone was excited to learn more so our next workshop will be August 8th in Victoria at Lululemon. Marilyn and I are going to put together a series of workshops that are geared towards advancing with the drills and Yoga. Look out for this progressive series coming soon!
Check out our website for upcoming workshops
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 @ 10:07 PM
Baron Baptiste
A few months ago I heard through the yoga vine that Baron was doing a Canadian Tour. I have completed both my Level 1 and Level 2 teacher training with Baron so I was so excited to be part of his workshop in Vancouver. I am inspired by Baron’s teaching as he is such a real authentic teacher. He encourages me to step out of my comfort zone, speak authentically and face my true fears.
At the beginning of the workshop I made a commitment to myself to get involved. Anytime we were asked to share or speak in front of the group I was to raise my hand. There was about 200 people in the workshop a lot of people traveling to Vancouver from Seattle, Florida, New York, and even Australia. Every day I stand up in front of a group of people and teach but for some reason when i stand in front of 200 strangers I feel like I might throw up, faint, and burst into flames it is so SCARY!! That is what I was to work on during the weekend! Facing my fear of looking stupid, my fear of not being liked, my fear that what I have to say may sound dumb and not important. Turns out I was not the only one that weekend that felt this way! During the course of the weekend I got up to the microphone 3 times and stood up many times to share my thoughts and ideas. It was extremely empowering and I cleared space for my new way of being!
Baron had asked us at the beginning of the workshop what we can give up to make some space for something new?
I was willing to give up my high expectations of myself in all areas of my life and replace it with Santosha
Santosha (सन्तोष) (contentment) is one of the niyamas of Yoga as listed by Patanjali. Acceptance for all of it, get present to what is here. I also have been working on a daily meditation practice. I always have good intentions and then get lazy about it. I have committed to a daily meditation practice once a day! It is amazing how grounded I feel even if I sit for only 15′.
Feeling good after a 3 hour Baron Power Class
We practiced 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. It felt so good to practice the Journey in Power sequence and more. I woke up early Sunday morning 6 am and ran with Kevin O and Johnny A. We did a 2 hour tour of Stanley Park and English Bay. I found myself thinking how am I going to get through a 3 hour yoga practice after that run. The practice started and I was still running those thoughts through my mind. Baron started to talk about how there is no such thing as a tough practice and that we make it complex. I settled in and had a good breathe and realized what was possible in that moment. I needed to let go and listen do less! Who knew!
Demonstrating Handstand
After Saturday Afternoon Practice
Erin, Lara, Baron, Me Foundations in Actions Complete!
Physicalness { Possibility { Empowerment { Paying it Forward
Thank You Baron Baptiste for a Inspiring Weekend!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 @ 07:06 PM
Race Day is so exciting I love everything about it! The preparation, excitement, nerves, the unknown even waking up at 4:30 am well maybe not that part. My alarm went off at 4:30 am I was happy that I slept the whole night through. I ate brown rice with honey and banana I know weird but I have been eating that in the morning before training runs so I stayed in the routine. Nat picked me and Jennifer up in a cab and we headed towards kits and picked up Meaghan. We arrived up at UBC really early 6am! After walking to the starting line we decided to warm up on the track. After 20 min and a few bush breaks we headed to the starting line. I cant stand waiting in line for a porta potty so I prefer the bushes!
Race starts and it feels like we are running quite quickly. I keep telling myself to run my own race but my mind keeps getting pulled towards the thought of keeping up with the group ahead. After a 3:32 downhill 1st Km I decide to ease back a bit and keep reassuring myself I have 20 more km to go. Coming through Spanish Banks around 9-10km is a big downhill and feels so good. Even though I know my legs are getting destroyed. I stay relaxed and keep my head and eyes up on the uphill and before i know it I am coming through kits heading towards Burrard. It was so great to have Suzanne Evans and Katrina Driver really good competion we kept each other moving through the whole race! I repeated positive affirmation as I went over Burrard and tried to stay relaxed through to the finish. the last km I was hurting and very happy to see the finish. 1:21:16 6th Female overall 2nd in my age group. Being the competitive athlete I am I am not satisfied with my result. The last few days I have been working on accepting and moving forward. I am taking this result and using it as motivation for the next race.
I am not sure as what I will be racing over the summer and fall I am taking the next few days to think this over.
All of VFAC had great results! Way to go! Especially Kevin who ran a impressive and inspiring 1:10!
After crossing the finish line I cooled down with Lisa Harvey Isabelle and Suzanne. Suzanne and Lisa had amazing races. Lisa was 1st Female and Suzanne finished in a very strong 4th pace 1st B.C. women Way to go Ladies!
Catherine Watkins
The next few days I will be recovering running 30′ easy Mon, Tues, Wed, Thursday I will run 90′ easy steady! I will be hitting the trails! My legs and feet are a tad bit trashed! My body has been enjoying the benefits of Hot Yoga.
Way to go David with a new PB!
1:21:16 6th Female
A big Thank you and shout out to the talented Photographer Mr. Rick Horne Thank you for always being at every finish line capturing the moment!
Thursday, June 24, 2010 @ 09:06 PM
ScotiaBank Half Marathon Elevation Profile
This week has been a taper running week for me. Yippeee I am ready to Race. I have not raced a half marathon since this race last year. My training has gone really well and I am feeling healthy and strong. Monday I ran a double 40′, Tuesday was a workout 2 x (6′ @10k 1.5′ rest 3′ @5k 1.5′ rest) in the afternoon I had a treatment on my ankle by Rob Neilson @ Peak Performance Health it seems I have a bit of tension now in my achilles. It does not bother me to run but I have been feeling it in yoga, Rob is treating it before it gets any worse. Wed I ran 60′ easy. Today I have the day off. I had a massage from Bobby Crudo yesterday so my body was happy to have a nice sleep in and a day off from running. The next few days I will be resting and getting excited for a early 7am start up at UBC. So early I will be finally waking up when I cross the finish line.
Marilyn and I will be doing another Mindful Strides Workshop at YYOGA FLOW
If you missed our weekend workshop you don’t want to miss this one. It will be a 2 hour workshop with emphasis on running drills and a simple yoga practice designed for runners. All levels are welcome! I know a lot of the yoga teachers are going to sign up and are excited to start a running routine! It is going to be a fun afternoon!
I found this quote on kirsten Sweetland’s blog
“Excellence can be obtained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, expect more than others think is possible.” ~Unknown