After 3 years... still learning and amazed!

Well we began week two of the training this evening... week two started with a steady run.  Yes a steady run and I definitely had a bad case of the pre-run jitters.  I didn't think it was possible.  I've been running for three years... I can't even begin to imagine the number of training runs I have completed... from the first time I completed 5 km to the first hill repeat sessions, there has been more things to be nervous about then a steady run.  But here's the secret... I've never done a steady run (shh... don't tell those pro-runners out there), yup I might have been a huge poser until now.

So we set out, a small group to complete the 8-ish km steady run.  I think the most I've run in the past without taking a walk break is probably 3 or 4 km.  So here we go 8 km.  The run began with Murray (we will now refer to him as man with running-god legs) said its easy... just don't stop.  Right, greatt advice... just don't stop (why hadn't I thought of that one in the past... geeze!) and then his next comment... just take lots of small steps, make sure your feet land under your body, not too far infront.  Okay, the trust level is beginning to grow at this point.  So I take off... with people hadn't run with before and I put my trust in their ability to pace me through this (no official group leader, just some smiley people - true RR style!).

We headed down Saskatchewan Drive towards Emily (she's getting shortened... because those who know her, don't need her full name!).  And it wasn't too bad... nice and easy off the top, I didn't even notice the warm sun!  Came to the top of Emily and admired all those other runners moving it up and down and thanking the running gods that I was just running down her.  At the bottom there was slight confusion about making our way totally down to the river, but the man with running-god legs yells stay on the road (much to my dismay... I much prefer to Get Off the Road!) we headed towards Hawlrek.  Yup one lap around and that's when the real running chatting began!  It was all talk about pacing, and racing.  Apparently the people I was travelling with are aiming to finish the full in 4 hours, maybe 4.15 if its a bad day.  I almost stopped dead in my tracks there!  But we'd made it this far, no walk breaks and the legs were feeling good!

So around that 2-ish km loop we went (we didn't see any BBQ-ers as promised... but)... and then to Groat Road Hill... not as nasty as Emily, but pretty freaking long.  Without dwelling too much I took the advice - lots of little steps.  Just one at a time.  And we all made it to the top without stopping! Holy cow, now just the home stretch left!  Down 87 Avenue to the store.

Of course, all happy and giddy that we made it... the steady run turned into we did it, now let's finish as quickly as possible.  We finished 7.8 km in 49.51 mins... average pace 6.26 min/km.  Not too shabby and I was so proud that I completed it!  It is amazing to learn that even after so many many training runs, you can have an amaing run where you learn you can do something different, new, and challenging!  Also makes tomorrow's 6 km steady run seem easy-peasy!

Week One of many where I will attempt to train for the marathon.  The goal race is the Victoria full in October - luckily I think we have a long way... and a lot of distance to cover!

My reason for completing the full - to support a running friend in his quest.  As of this week, training has begun.  I will be working within the Full Marathon clinic out of the 109 Street running room store.  This week was the first clinic night and it would appear the clinic leader has run longer than I've been alive!  This is slightly reassuring; however, he runs so much, I'm hoping that I'll be able to get by.

Also this week was 5 Peaks run #2 - the race didn't go super well for me.  It took me awhile to warm up and then something was not right with my shoes - two large blisters on my heels to prove it.

At the end of week one, total distance 20 km.

Quote of the week: My sport is your sport's punishment

Here is the link to the Sunridge race I just completed: http://www.5peaks.com/assets/downloads/Racer%20Bulletin_Sunridge%202012.pdf

http://www.5peaks.com/maps/5%20Peaks%20Sunridge_2011.pdf

Pictures to follow!