What a crazy week. After the training from last weekend I really needed my rest day. I was also travelling to Toronto for work. Here is a summary of my week.
Monday, September 17, 2012 - Rest
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - I was to run 3 miles (4.86 km). I woke up early at the hotel and got ready to run, off headed to the gym to find that the gym which had been empty the night before was now full and all the treadmills were used. I waited around for about 20 minutes, but after non came free gave up. I tried again after work that day and found the gym mostly empty. I remembered very quickly why I dislike treadmills, I managed to run 1.86 miles (3 km) before I became far too bored to continue. I found it really hard tracking my pace without being able to see myself moving past objects. I will hopefully be avoiding treadmills from this point forward.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 4.5 miles (7 km) I met a colleague who was also training for a half marathon while in Toronto and we agreed to meet up for a run. This run made up for yesterday, I ran two of my fastest km's I have since starting training and went about half a mile further than I should have, but given the lost days this seemed fine.
Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) But this did not happen, instead I had dinner with my in-laws and was surprised with a birthday cake, much better than running on a cold windy run.
Friday, September 21, 2012 - Rest. As an added bonus the city turned off my office building's water supply and we had to go home for the afternoon, what a shame. I had dinner with my dad to again celebrate my birthday.
Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 8 miles (12.9 km) and Happy Birthday to me! Again, I found thinking about this long distance very intimidating, but I eventually worked up the nerve to get out in the rain and run. And boy did it rain, at one point I could hardly see it was running so hard, a day later my shoes are still a bit damp. Despite the weather I had an amazing run and ran this about 10 seconds faster per mile or 7 seconds faster per kilometre than my previous long runs! I also came home to find the house decorated for my birthday party.
Sunday, September 23, 2012 - cross training, which I have not yet managed, this may turn in to a rest day instead.
A bit of an odd week but I still managed to get in my long runs and have some fun.
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Half Marathon Training Week 4
With this post I will be all caught up and making a greater effort to provide weekly updates on my training.
Monday, September 10, 2012 - 3 mile run (4.86 km) A wonderful run, my fastest pace over this distance and my fastest km since beginning training. I did some strength and core work after my run as well.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 - 4 mile run (6.46 km) It was incredibly windy for this run, providing a great deal of resistance. I ran my fastest pace yet since beginning training.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Rest
Thursday, September 13, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) It was very humid today and I was struggling to control my asthma before my run. I ran part of this distance with a coworker, it was nice to have some company. After about a kilometre I was on my own though. No records today, but I was happy I was not struggling to control my asthma and felt like it was a solid run. No strength training today as my husband surprised me by taking me out for dinner.
Friday, September 13, 2012 - Rest
Saturday, September 14, 2012 - 7 mile run (11.3 km) I must admit I was very afraid to attempt this run, I was lacking confidence and worried I would not be able to run this distance. Once I finally worked up the nerve to get out and try I had an amazing run and ran this at a faster pace than any of my previous long runs. I felt great and am really pleased with the progress I am seeing.
Sunday, September 15, 2012 - 60 minutes cross training. My husband and I went out for a bike ride at a nice easy pace. We made it about 15 kilometres in this time. I anticipate some soreness tomorrow as I had not ridden my bike yet this year. I am now really looking forward to a rest day, I never anticipated wanting/needing these days as much as I do.
This week went well and I managed to complete all the training. Early to mid-week I noticed I was feeling very tired and sluggish. I am making an effort to get more sleep now and have increased the amount I am eating during the day, which has been making a difference. I am trying to have a bigger breakfast and lunch to help provide me with the energy I need.
I ran a total of 17 miles this week (27.2 km). This is the longest distance I have run in a week and that 7 mile run was the longest distance I have run at one time since beginning to run again 2 years ago, it may also be the longest distance ever for me, for now anyway. I am really pleased with my progress and finding the novice 2 app an invaluable investment in my training. It seems having faith in the program and my ability is what I need.
On the road again for work next week, I hope to complete my runs but will be using a treadmill. I have never been a fan of treadmills, but I don't want to sacrifice several days of hard work just because I find running on a treadmill boring.
Monday, September 10, 2012 - 3 mile run (4.86 km) A wonderful run, my fastest pace over this distance and my fastest km since beginning training. I did some strength and core work after my run as well.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 - 4 mile run (6.46 km) It was incredibly windy for this run, providing a great deal of resistance. I ran my fastest pace yet since beginning training.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - Rest
Thursday, September 13, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) It was very humid today and I was struggling to control my asthma before my run. I ran part of this distance with a coworker, it was nice to have some company. After about a kilometre I was on my own though. No records today, but I was happy I was not struggling to control my asthma and felt like it was a solid run. No strength training today as my husband surprised me by taking me out for dinner.
Friday, September 13, 2012 - Rest
Saturday, September 14, 2012 - 7 mile run (11.3 km) I must admit I was very afraid to attempt this run, I was lacking confidence and worried I would not be able to run this distance. Once I finally worked up the nerve to get out and try I had an amazing run and ran this at a faster pace than any of my previous long runs. I felt great and am really pleased with the progress I am seeing.
Sunday, September 15, 2012 - 60 minutes cross training. My husband and I went out for a bike ride at a nice easy pace. We made it about 15 kilometres in this time. I anticipate some soreness tomorrow as I had not ridden my bike yet this year. I am now really looking forward to a rest day, I never anticipated wanting/needing these days as much as I do.
This week went well and I managed to complete all the training. Early to mid-week I noticed I was feeling very tired and sluggish. I am making an effort to get more sleep now and have increased the amount I am eating during the day, which has been making a difference. I am trying to have a bigger breakfast and lunch to help provide me with the energy I need.
I ran a total of 17 miles this week (27.2 km). This is the longest distance I have run in a week and that 7 mile run was the longest distance I have run at one time since beginning to run again 2 years ago, it may also be the longest distance ever for me, for now anyway. I am really pleased with my progress and finding the novice 2 app an invaluable investment in my training. It seems having faith in the program and my ability is what I need.
On the road again for work next week, I hope to complete my runs but will be using a treadmill. I have never been a fan of treadmills, but I don't want to sacrifice several days of hard work just because I find running on a treadmill boring.
Half Marathon Training Week 3
Wow, week 3 already. I am going to work harder to follow my training schedule. In fact I am so committed that after a weekend at the cottage I drag myself out for a training run.
Monday, September 3, 2012 - 3 miles (4.83 km, although the GPS tells me I ran 4.86 km) This was a tough run post camping, I didn't feel great, my time was consistent, but far from impressive. I suppose there will be days like this. I did some strength and core work after my run as well.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 - 4 miles (6.45 km) I was under the impression I may have been having an allergic reaction from my lunch but headed out anyway. Not smart. I felt incredibly sick and had horrible stomach pains, and yet I kept running thinking this was an amazing training opportunity (CRAZY). This run involved some walking but amazingly I managed it all. Likely as it was an out and back run, and I had to get home. After a few benadryl and sleep I was on the mend.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 - rest day, was out for dinner with friends.
Thursday, September 6, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) This run went well, but was very windy. These 3 milers are staring to get easier. I did some strength and core work after my run as well.
Friday, September 7, 2012 - Rest
Saturday, September 8, 2012 - 6 miles (9.68 km) It was raining and cool outside, but I didn't want to miss my long run, or have to go out running right after getting new highlights and my hair styled, so I had to suck it up and get out there. It was actually quite nice, the path I normally run was free of other people. I felt really good, and happy with my progress, I ran this strong and felt comfortable. I am really starting to feel like I can manage 13.1 miles on race day.
Sunday, September 9, 2012 - Took a walk with Natasha, the other crazy chick as she was in town. I am feeling really confident and possibly delusional about my abilities, but I sure hope not.
This is the first week I manage to complete all the runs and it felt great.
Monday, September 3, 2012 - 3 miles (4.83 km, although the GPS tells me I ran 4.86 km) This was a tough run post camping, I didn't feel great, my time was consistent, but far from impressive. I suppose there will be days like this. I did some strength and core work after my run as well.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 - 4 miles (6.45 km) I was under the impression I may have been having an allergic reaction from my lunch but headed out anyway. Not smart. I felt incredibly sick and had horrible stomach pains, and yet I kept running thinking this was an amazing training opportunity (CRAZY). This run involved some walking but amazingly I managed it all. Likely as it was an out and back run, and I had to get home. After a few benadryl and sleep I was on the mend.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 - rest day, was out for dinner with friends.
Thursday, September 6, 2012 - 3 miles (4.86 km) This run went well, but was very windy. These 3 milers are staring to get easier. I did some strength and core work after my run as well.
Friday, September 7, 2012 - Rest
Saturday, September 8, 2012 - 6 miles (9.68 km) It was raining and cool outside, but I didn't want to miss my long run, or have to go out running right after getting new highlights and my hair styled, so I had to suck it up and get out there. It was actually quite nice, the path I normally run was free of other people. I felt really good, and happy with my progress, I ran this strong and felt comfortable. I am really starting to feel like I can manage 13.1 miles on race day.
Sunday, September 9, 2012 - Took a walk with Natasha, the other crazy chick as she was in town. I am feeling really confident and possibly delusional about my abilities, but I sure hope not.
This is the first week I manage to complete all the runs and it felt great.
Half Marathon Training Week 2
Started the week by flying across the province to land in Fort Frances for business. I was lucky enough to have someone show around town a bit and show me where people tend to go for runs. I am determined to keep running despite being on the road.
Monday, August 27, 2012 - this should have been a rest day, but I wanted to run. Big mistake, I was exhausted and could tell within the first few minutes of starting my run. I made it about 2 miles or 3.72 km to be exact. The scenery was beautiful.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - Rest
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - I had hoped to run but found it far too hot outside and was still feeling quite tired, I never sleep well in hotels. I did some cross training instead, some core work and strength work.
Thursday, August 30, 2012 - I flew home today, and had a rather turbulent flight, got home nauseated and around the time it got dark. Rest day.
Friday, August 31, 2012 - 5 mile (8.13 km) run. I moved my weekend run to this day as we were heading out to a cottage and I knew I would not be finding the motivation to go out running when I could be relaxing. This run went well and was done at a faster pace than my long run last week. Duct tape solution is still working.
All in all I seemed to have salvaged the week with my long run, travelling for work really isn't great when trying to train, I will have to find better ways to fit my runs in when on the road.
Monday, August 27, 2012 - this should have been a rest day, but I wanted to run. Big mistake, I was exhausted and could tell within the first few minutes of starting my run. I made it about 2 miles or 3.72 km to be exact. The scenery was beautiful.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - Rest
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - I had hoped to run but found it far too hot outside and was still feeling quite tired, I never sleep well in hotels. I did some cross training instead, some core work and strength work.
Thursday, August 30, 2012 - I flew home today, and had a rather turbulent flight, got home nauseated and around the time it got dark. Rest day.
Friday, August 31, 2012 - 5 mile (8.13 km) run. I moved my weekend run to this day as we were heading out to a cottage and I knew I would not be finding the motivation to go out running when I could be relaxing. This run went well and was done at a faster pace than my long run last week. Duct tape solution is still working.
All in all I seemed to have salvaged the week with my long run, travelling for work really isn't great when trying to train, I will have to find better ways to fit my runs in when on the road.
Half Marathon Training Week 1
It is finally here time to start training, take 2. I attempted starting a week early in case I needed to repeat a week but made that darn blister worse. Thankfully with the help of google I learned that duct tape stays in place while running, what a great invention. The blister is now mostly heeled and I am running along pain free. I had hoped to post weekly but feel a few weeks behind, I will attempt to update all weeks and we will all be amazed at the progress this crazy chick is making. I am using the Hal Higdon Novice 2 training app. Here is a breakdown of what my training schedule looks like.
If you would like more information about Hal Higdon's training plans please refer to his website http://halhigdon.com/
Monday, August 20, 2012 - rest
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 3 mile (4.83km) run - I found this run hard and struggled to maintain a constant pace, but I did it. I did some strength and core work after my run as well.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 3 mile (4.83km) run - Today was much better, but my blister was acting up, it resulted in a blood blister, which led to my discovery of duct tape and a few days off. On a happier note, my pace was much more consistent and I ran it minutes faster than the previous day. I also ran my fastest km in training to date! I did some strength and core work after my run as well.
Thursday, August 23, 2012 - recovering the blister
Friday, August 24, 2012 - rest
Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 60 minutes cross training, I did some core work and strength training
Sunday, August 26, 2012 - 4 mile (6.47 km) run - Duct tape discovered, I had put some mole skin for protection over the blister, cutting out a hole for the blister and then put duct tape around my foot. Ran without problem, I was also overjoyed at finding such a cost effective solution. Is there anything you can't do with duct tape?
Week 1 survived and hoping to survive the half marathon.
Half Marathon Training Schedule: Novice 2
| WEEK | MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rest | 3 m run | 3 m run | 3 m run | Rest | 4 m run | cross |
| 2 | Rest | 3 m run | 3 m pace | 3 m run | Rest | 5 m run | cross |
| 3 | Rest | 3 m run | 4 m run | 3 m run | Rest | 6 m run | cross |
| 4 | Rest | 3 m run | 4 m pace | 3 m run | Rest | 7 m run | cross |
| 5 | Rest | 3 m run | 4 m run | 3 m run | Rest | 8 m run | cross |
| 6 | Rest | 3 m run | 4 m pace | 3 m run | Rest | 5-K Race | cross |
| 7 | Rest | 3 m run | 5 m run | 3 m run | Rest | 9 m run | cross |
| 8 | Rest | 3 m run | 5 m pace | 3 m run | Rest | 10 m run | cross |
| 9 | Rest | 3 m run | 5 m run | 3 m run | Rest | 10-K Race | cross |
| 10 | Rest | 3 m run | 5 m pace | 3 m run | Rest | 11 m run | cross |
| 11 | Rest | 3 m run | 5 m run | 3 m run | Rest | 12 m run | cross |
| 12 | Rest | 3 m run | 2 m pace | 2 m run | Rest | Rest | Half Marathon |
Monday, August 20, 2012 - rest
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 3 mile (4.83km) run - I found this run hard and struggled to maintain a constant pace, but I did it. I did some strength and core work after my run as well.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 3 mile (4.83km) run - Today was much better, but my blister was acting up, it resulted in a blood blister, which led to my discovery of duct tape and a few days off. On a happier note, my pace was much more consistent and I ran it minutes faster than the previous day. I also ran my fastest km in training to date! I did some strength and core work after my run as well.
Thursday, August 23, 2012 - recovering the blister
Friday, August 24, 2012 - rest
Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 60 minutes cross training, I did some core work and strength training
Sunday, August 26, 2012 - 4 mile (6.47 km) run - Duct tape discovered, I had put some mole skin for protection over the blister, cutting out a hole for the blister and then put duct tape around my foot. Ran without problem, I was also overjoyed at finding such a cost effective solution. Is there anything you can't do with duct tape?
Week 1 survived and hoping to survive the half marathon.
Monday, 20 August 2012
Operation Mudder
Hey all,
I know I've been MIA for close to a month now but life has been crazy! I've been in the process of moving from my home in Southern Ontario into my moms home in the Muskokas while she was also moving into a new home. Yes it was crazy chaos. Somehow in all the craziness I found time to train for the Tough Mudder. Coined as 10+ miles of mud, fire, freezing cold water, and electric shocks. Oh and don't forget ski hills....many many ski hills.
The Tough Mudder was absolutely amazing. I had the honor to have my brother as my teammate for this true test of stamina and mental grit. He was nice enough to fly in from out west to help me check this of my bucket list. And check it of I did - completed in 3hrs 42mins.
We ran the course at Mount St Louis, Moonstone. The course was 16km long and don't forget the hills and mud. In order to even get to the starting gate you were required to scale a 6 foot wall - this should of been an indicator to turn tail and run but up and over I went - although not graceful much more graceful then the walls to come. Once in the starting gate we had an amazing MC there to get us pump for what was to come. Together we recited the Mudders Pledge, gave thanks to the Big Mudder watching us and then with a HOO-RAH we were off.
Obstacle 1 was kiss of mud - no big deal here hit the ground and belly crawl under barb wire through the mud oh and watch out for the guys with the giant water hose spraying you as you crawl. Like I said piece of cake!
Obstacle 2 Arctic Enema - one of my most feared. The obstacle sounds simple enough - jump into a dumpster full of water, start the walk across, duck under the barrier, walk to the other end and climb out - nothing to it right? But did I mention said dumpster full of water is also full of ice - giant truck loads of ice. The water was freezing - instant shock when you jump in and you feel all your muscles and organs curl up into the fetal position and abandon you now duck under the barrier - experience a feeling similar to an ice cream headache, keep walking now climb out. Not as easy as it first sounded is it?
Now that your muscles are in shock and clenched tight whats awaiting you around the corner but the first of many, many steep hills climbs. Oh the hills.
Obstacle 3 Berlin Walls - Just up and over the 12 foot high walls - twice. First round of Berlin Walls pretty simple. A little boost from my partner and we where off and running again.
Obstacle 4 - Under water Tunnels - Swim or walk through the man made lake - warmer then the last water bath, under the floating buoys and out the other side.
Obstacle 5 - Cliffhanger - Can't say I remember Cliff Hanger but Tough Mudder website tells me its a steep vertical slippery slope of mud I had to climb - I'm pretty sure this happened repeatedly throughout the day.
Obstacle 6 - Hangin Tough - Swing on the rings across the icy cold water below or in my case one good swing and down into the water below for another swim to the other side.
Obstacle 7 - Mud Mile - Self explanatory a mile of the course completely mud, sticky gooey, lose your shoes mud. Great for the leg muscles that aren't already burning.
Obstacle 8 - Spiders Web - Up and over the cargo net suspended between two trees with only tension at the top. Thanks to the folks keeping tension at the bottom otherwise - yikes!
Obstacle 9 - Trench Warfare - Crawl through dark, narrow underground tunnel . Yes this is great for the claustrophobic. I did make it but I came close to panicking a few times.
Obstacle 10 - Walk the Plank - By far the most mentally difficult for me. I do not like heights - at all nor do I like jumping from heights into water below. I took the 15 foot jump into the water below with some coaxing from my teammate. As I paddle my way back up from the jump - my teammate said I had a look of pure panic and I busted through the water with such speed he thought I was trying to walk on water. I made quick speedy work of the doggy paddle to the other side and had a 5 minute break to collect myself and regroup before I could continue. Talk about mental grit.
Obstacle 11 - Boa Constrictor - Crawl through narrow, tight dark tubes downhill into the water then uphill the other side.
Obstacle 12 - Log Jammin - Up and over down and under the log obstacle course. I learnt that it's easier to roll under then belly crawl - also saves the knees. Wish I'd been given this tip sooner - thanks fellow Mudder
Obstacle 13 - Greased Lightening - A giant slip n slide down a ski hill into muddy water below. Using my Warrior Dash training I did not run and dive. I slid nicely on my backside into the awaiting water.
Obstacle 14 - Funky Monkey - Monkey bars on an incline then a decline oh and they've been greased. I made it about a quarter of the way across before taking yet another swim. There was a lot of swimming for someone who doesn't really swim.
Obstacle 15 - Electric Eel - slide on your belly through a small amount of water and oh did I mention the electric wires hanging down waiting to zap ya. Ya that was fun.
After this we took a little break in Tough Mudder world and climbed up a double black diamond ski hill. Only a km long and about a 60 degree grade. No bigs after 13.5 kms and 5 hills. Except for the cramp that started about half way up, I knew if I stopped it would be worse so I kept trudging upward and onward - I did crawl for a bit but I made it to the top and the view of the valley was amazing.
Obstacle 16 - Berlin Walls - Now the second time around not quite as easy. Your legs are jello at this point from the hills, you're exhausted and your balance well it into hibernation sometime around Arctic Enema. It took a little more work and assistance from fellow mudders but up and over the two walls I went. This time with no pretence of grace - it was all about getting over.
Obstacle 17 Hold You Wood - Carry a log or stump....up a hill...yep that's right a hill and then back down the other side.
Obstacle 18 Everest - The toughest obstacle for me by far. A slippery quarter-pipe you have to run up after scaling 7 hills, completing 17 prior obstacles and running 15km. I literally had nothing left in my by this point - I was exhausted and hungry but I hadn't not completed an obstacle yet and I had to at least try. So off I went at something resembling a spring and up the wall I went I made it to the outstretched hands of fellow Mudders waiting to help pull me up. It was tough I had no strength left to assist in hoisting me the final bit but somehow I got to the top. I scaled Tough Mudders version of Everest.
Now here was where Tough Mudder got mean. As you scaled down the other side of Everest you could see the finish line it appeared to be just around the corner. Out of no where comes a 5th wind - because any competitor knows you cross the line running. So off you go around the corner at a run excited for the finish you look up and theres another F**&^*^& hill. Really?! Not necessary and you feel the that last wind of energy disapate and you dig deep and climb that damn hill, down the other side through the final obstacle - Electroshock Therapy. A wonderful gauntlet of mud, water, and electrical wires. They hurt simple as that but at that point you are exhausted and all you want is to cross so you keep pushing barely noticing the electrical current coursing through your body burst through the other end and across the finish line. Happily accepting you Tough Mudder Orange Headband, t-shirt and beer. All this was completed in 3hrs 42mins.
Congratulations you are now part of an elite group of Tough Mudders. Piece of Cake! An amazing race focused on camaraderie and team work. Without the help of others many obstacle would have been near impossible or at least much, much tougher. For anyone looking for a true challenge I strongly recommend this race.
Cheers, Natasha
I know I've been MIA for close to a month now but life has been crazy! I've been in the process of moving from my home in Southern Ontario into my moms home in the Muskokas while she was also moving into a new home. Yes it was crazy chaos. Somehow in all the craziness I found time to train for the Tough Mudder. Coined as 10+ miles of mud, fire, freezing cold water, and electric shocks. Oh and don't forget ski hills....many many ski hills.
The Tough Mudder was absolutely amazing. I had the honor to have my brother as my teammate for this true test of stamina and mental grit. He was nice enough to fly in from out west to help me check this of my bucket list. And check it of I did - completed in 3hrs 42mins.
We ran the course at Mount St Louis, Moonstone. The course was 16km long and don't forget the hills and mud. In order to even get to the starting gate you were required to scale a 6 foot wall - this should of been an indicator to turn tail and run but up and over I went - although not graceful much more graceful then the walls to come. Once in the starting gate we had an amazing MC there to get us pump for what was to come. Together we recited the Mudders Pledge, gave thanks to the Big Mudder watching us and then with a HOO-RAH we were off.
Obstacle 1 was kiss of mud - no big deal here hit the ground and belly crawl under barb wire through the mud oh and watch out for the guys with the giant water hose spraying you as you crawl. Like I said piece of cake!
Obstacle 2 Arctic Enema - one of my most feared. The obstacle sounds simple enough - jump into a dumpster full of water, start the walk across, duck under the barrier, walk to the other end and climb out - nothing to it right? But did I mention said dumpster full of water is also full of ice - giant truck loads of ice. The water was freezing - instant shock when you jump in and you feel all your muscles and organs curl up into the fetal position and abandon you now duck under the barrier - experience a feeling similar to an ice cream headache, keep walking now climb out. Not as easy as it first sounded is it?
Now that your muscles are in shock and clenched tight whats awaiting you around the corner but the first of many, many steep hills climbs. Oh the hills.
Obstacle 3 Berlin Walls - Just up and over the 12 foot high walls - twice. First round of Berlin Walls pretty simple. A little boost from my partner and we where off and running again.
Obstacle 4 - Under water Tunnels - Swim or walk through the man made lake - warmer then the last water bath, under the floating buoys and out the other side.
Obstacle 5 - Cliffhanger - Can't say I remember Cliff Hanger but Tough Mudder website tells me its a steep vertical slippery slope of mud I had to climb - I'm pretty sure this happened repeatedly throughout the day.
Obstacle 6 - Hangin Tough - Swing on the rings across the icy cold water below or in my case one good swing and down into the water below for another swim to the other side.
Obstacle 7 - Mud Mile - Self explanatory a mile of the course completely mud, sticky gooey, lose your shoes mud. Great for the leg muscles that aren't already burning.
Obstacle 8 - Spiders Web - Up and over the cargo net suspended between two trees with only tension at the top. Thanks to the folks keeping tension at the bottom otherwise - yikes!
Obstacle 9 - Trench Warfare - Crawl through dark, narrow underground tunnel . Yes this is great for the claustrophobic. I did make it but I came close to panicking a few times.
Obstacle 10 - Walk the Plank - By far the most mentally difficult for me. I do not like heights - at all nor do I like jumping from heights into water below. I took the 15 foot jump into the water below with some coaxing from my teammate. As I paddle my way back up from the jump - my teammate said I had a look of pure panic and I busted through the water with such speed he thought I was trying to walk on water. I made quick speedy work of the doggy paddle to the other side and had a 5 minute break to collect myself and regroup before I could continue. Talk about mental grit.
Obstacle 11 - Boa Constrictor - Crawl through narrow, tight dark tubes downhill into the water then uphill the other side.
Obstacle 12 - Log Jammin - Up and over down and under the log obstacle course. I learnt that it's easier to roll under then belly crawl - also saves the knees. Wish I'd been given this tip sooner - thanks fellow Mudder
Obstacle 13 - Greased Lightening - A giant slip n slide down a ski hill into muddy water below. Using my Warrior Dash training I did not run and dive. I slid nicely on my backside into the awaiting water.
Obstacle 14 - Funky Monkey - Monkey bars on an incline then a decline oh and they've been greased. I made it about a quarter of the way across before taking yet another swim. There was a lot of swimming for someone who doesn't really swim.
Obstacle 15 - Electric Eel - slide on your belly through a small amount of water and oh did I mention the electric wires hanging down waiting to zap ya. Ya that was fun.
After this we took a little break in Tough Mudder world and climbed up a double black diamond ski hill. Only a km long and about a 60 degree grade. No bigs after 13.5 kms and 5 hills. Except for the cramp that started about half way up, I knew if I stopped it would be worse so I kept trudging upward and onward - I did crawl for a bit but I made it to the top and the view of the valley was amazing.
Obstacle 16 - Berlin Walls - Now the second time around not quite as easy. Your legs are jello at this point from the hills, you're exhausted and your balance well it into hibernation sometime around Arctic Enema. It took a little more work and assistance from fellow mudders but up and over the two walls I went. This time with no pretence of grace - it was all about getting over.
Obstacle 17 Hold You Wood - Carry a log or stump....up a hill...yep that's right a hill and then back down the other side.
Obstacle 18 Everest - The toughest obstacle for me by far. A slippery quarter-pipe you have to run up after scaling 7 hills, completing 17 prior obstacles and running 15km. I literally had nothing left in my by this point - I was exhausted and hungry but I hadn't not completed an obstacle yet and I had to at least try. So off I went at something resembling a spring and up the wall I went I made it to the outstretched hands of fellow Mudders waiting to help pull me up. It was tough I had no strength left to assist in hoisting me the final bit but somehow I got to the top. I scaled Tough Mudders version of Everest.
Now here was where Tough Mudder got mean. As you scaled down the other side of Everest you could see the finish line it appeared to be just around the corner. Out of no where comes a 5th wind - because any competitor knows you cross the line running. So off you go around the corner at a run excited for the finish you look up and theres another F**&^*^& hill. Really?! Not necessary and you feel the that last wind of energy disapate and you dig deep and climb that damn hill, down the other side through the final obstacle - Electroshock Therapy. A wonderful gauntlet of mud, water, and electrical wires. They hurt simple as that but at that point you are exhausted and all you want is to cross so you keep pushing barely noticing the electrical current coursing through your body burst through the other end and across the finish line. Happily accepting you Tough Mudder Orange Headband, t-shirt and beer. All this was completed in 3hrs 42mins.
Congratulations you are now part of an elite group of Tough Mudders. Piece of Cake! An amazing race focused on camaraderie and team work. Without the help of others many obstacle would have been near impossible or at least much, much tougher. For anyone looking for a true challenge I strongly recommend this race.
Me and my brother Aaron: Team Operation Mudder
Always remember "Nothings impossible, the word itself says I'm possible" I proved that to myself this weekend. Until next time happy running!
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
2012 Sundridge Triathlon
If you have ever thought of trying a triathlon and live in Ontario I strongly recommend giving this one a try. Last year I did the Try and Tri, which is a much shorter triathlon and all very realistic distances to complete. They also have a sprint tri, relay tri and events for kids aged 6 to 15. Sundridge is a small community just a few hours north of Toronto. I am always pleasantly surprised with the hospitality when I go. People from the community watch the event and cheer you on with such amazing enthusiasm, you will not see this anywhere but in a small community. If this interests you check out www.sundridge-triathlon.com
This year I was part of a relay team. My husband was our cyclist and my coworker was the swimmer. Here is a picture of our team post event. I ran a good pace for the half we plan to do, not so great for a 5k, but who cares, I did it. Knees were good and without pain, blister on the arch of my foot, not so good. But for me to participate in an event without some crazy injury would just be wrong.
This year I was part of a relay team. My husband was our cyclist and my coworker was the swimmer. Here is a picture of our team post event. I ran a good pace for the half we plan to do, not so great for a 5k, but who cares, I did it. Knees were good and without pain, blister on the arch of my foot, not so good. But for me to participate in an event without some crazy injury would just be wrong.
Now one would think I would try to rest as not to make the blister worse, but they would be wrong. I attempted to officially start my half marathon training tonight but 1 km in could really feel the blister. Much to my surprise I actually opted to turn around and come home, a week off will do some good and I can try again next week.
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