Thank You
I want to take an opportunity to say a special thank you to the Interim Place Board of Directors this week. This is an absolutely amazing group of women (past and present) that I am so proud to be a part of. Every time I walk into a meeting that involves the board, someone takes the time to ask how my training is going, and the support these women have shown this initiative has been a great inspiration. Thank you for your dedication to the work of Interim Place and for demonstrating all the amazing qualities and perspectives that women bring to leadership roles.
I also want to thank the incredible people I’ve come across on my training route. From the neighbours and other runners/cyclists out on my route that seem to always take a minute to cheer me on, to the drivers that move to the other side of the road to give me enough space, I’ve witnessed so much generosity of spirit while out training and some days it’s what keeps me going. Thank you!!
Training Update
So, I had moved up to 16 and then 19 km training runs, but felt like I had hit a wall doing the 19 km distance. I’m not sure if it’s been adjusting to the heat or what’s going on, but I had major struggles with my 19k run. So, I consulted with my running mentor, Mike, and he suggested that I dial it back to 16 for a week or 2 and then try again. I’ve been doing 16 km for 3 weeks now and have been struggling to take on 19k again. After my 16k this week, my daughter Hannah asked, “How far did you go, mom?”. “16k”, I told her. She asked why I hadn’t increased my distance again and I admitted that I thought I might still struggle with the increased distance. She said, “Pull it together, mom, it’s only another 3K”. From the mouths of babes…so next Tuesday, I’ll be attempting 19k.
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Okay, so in one of my first posts, I said that I would eventually post more about the psychology of running, but because I’m among friends, I feel like I should admit that the only running psychology that I’ve ever studied is my own and, well, I wouldn’t say I’m representative of a broad population of runners. So, I’m going to compromise and let you in on what goes on in my noodle when I’m out on the road. This week’s blog is a sample of the honest-to-goodness things I have said to myself while training. True story…I’ve actually thought each of these things at least once:
-Hi there, pain. Nice to see you. Thanks for running with me. (I got this how-to-stay-happy-while-wanting-to-collapse ditty from the Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer)
-Well, at least I’m at zero risk of getting a ticket. (While passing the 60 km/hr speed limit sign)
-I’m counting, what, like 450 clouds in the sky right now. And not one of you can float your fluffy selves in front of the massive ball of burning gas currently searing the top of my head?
-Ignore the squashed animal on the side of the road…just ignore it…pretend it isn’t there…forget it, I’m crossing to the other side.
-Interesting choice I made doing this run at high noon in the middle of July.
-Taylor Swift, you are so right. Today WAS a fairytale!
-How much further than this is a marathon?! (Or there are multiple variations of this, e.g.:) If I ran from here to Copps Coliseum would that be equal to a marathon? (or) If I added up all the times I’ve walked to work in the past 10 years, would that be equal to a marathon?
-Thank you, God, for the side of the hill that goes down….and for the Freezie I’ll enjoy when this is over.
-Here comes a pack of 20 super fit cyclists, gliding quickly and effortlessly straight towards me in their slick racing gear. This definitely isn’t going to be awkward.
-Wonder what the chances are that Eric and the girls will swing by in the car in the next 45 minutes.
-Giggle. Giggle. (Every time I pass the deer crossing sign on Centre Rd. where someone has drawn a red ball on the deer’s nose)
-(As I approach my turn-around point) 50 metres…40 metres…30 metres…20 metres…10 metres…Can I get an AMEN…I’m now running home!!!!
-Terry Fox ran a marathon everyday while battling cancer and on a prosthetic leg. Quit your complaining, Corrie, and do this.
-Oh, no you didn’t! (To a mosquito I nabbed that was depleting my much-needed blood supply)
-Sure hope I make it home in time for the (insert event here). (e.g., conference call/dentist appointment/Mentalist).
-Sure hope people donate to Interim Place (this is actually more of a shameless plug…if you haven’t yet donated, please consider supporting Interim Place’s work with women that have experienced violence and their children by clicking on the link below )
-The iPhone is the greatest invention the world has ever known. Not only can I listen to my playlist while training, but if I experience heart failure/get attacked by a coyote, I can call for immediate help.
-I am so grateful for my legs.
-I wonder if any of the random strangers that live along this stretch of road would mind if I borrow their hose.
-Someday I hope to complete one of these runs in a time that I’d be proud to post on Facebook.
-(And, when the going gets really tough, I think of this quote)
Thanks for running with me!!
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