My husband and I are running the Halifax Hypothermic Half tomorrow.

The temperatures have been cold (but not frigid) and we’re supposed to get an indeterminate amount of snow overnight (5? 10? no one knows!).

This is perhaps the most relaxed I’ve ever been about a half marathon, as I’m really just looking at it as a good opportunity for a not-so-lonely 20k run. I have a time in mind that I’d like to get or beat (2:05), but it really depends on the weather conditions. And if I’m slower, than I’m slower. The most important goal is to enjoy my lasagne tonight and have fun tomorrow, right?

Why you running a triathlon tomorrow, Mom? my four-year-old asked.

Well, it’s not a triathlon, it’s a half marathon. And I’m running it because I think racing is fun, I told her.

Is it going to be hard? she asked, I confirmed yes. Are your legs going to be tired and your knees a little sore? Also yes. Well, she solemly stated, good thing you have strong muscles. But remember to eat vegetables to give you lots of energy!

So that’s what I’m doing! Making a lasagne for dinner tonight and going to bed early and drinking lots of water today. And honestly? Really looking forward to it.

“Those who partake of the difficult pleasures of the highly competitive runner only when comfortable, when in a state of high energy, when rested, elated, or untroubled by previous exertions, such dilettante-competitors miss the point.”  John L Parker

VICKY: We are finished the amazing book on Terry Fox.  I am both happy and sad at the same time.  How are you feeling?

GRANT: I also have mixed emotions because it was so well written that it made you want to keep on reading forever.  Let’s not dwell on it, instead, we invite you all to read our final review of the book in the next edition of iRun magazine.

VICKY: Great.  What are we doing in the meantime?

GRANT: I’ve been reading the classic, “Once a Runner” by John L. Parker.

VICKY:  That sounds familiar.  Is it fiction or non fiction?

GRANT: It’s fiction.  It’s about a track and field runner at a university in Florida.  It’s kind of a cult classic.  The book was self published in 1978.  That was back when self publishing was very rare and difficult.

VICKY: I bet. Self publishing is still a challenging way to get your book out there nowadays.  So, did you enjoy it?

GRANT:  Very much.  At first I had some issues with the book.  It is always difficult to read a work of fiction after reading non fiction for a long time.  You are like, this isn’t real, he’s making it up!  And I have a few problems with the prose style and characterization, but on the whole it won me over because the plot is novel.

VICKY: We should have done a blog series on it!

GRANT: Yeah, I thought about that, but there isn’t that much to say.  It’s a story.  It’s enjoyable.  It’s over.  And now I’m on to the next one.

VICKY: Next one?

GRANT: Yeah, he wrote a sequel years later called “Again to Carthage”.  I’m part way through that one.

VICKY: Enjoy!  Now should we talk about what our next book selection will be.  Any thoughts.

GRANT:  I dunno.  Maybe…nah, let’s wait.

VICKY:  You’re right.  Let’s leave it for the next post.

GRANT: In the meantime, can we ask that our previous contest winners, Sylvie, Regan and anyone else we forgot please email us at irunbookclub@gmail.com we need to reach you.  Thanks!

Preparing for your Team In Training^® (TNT) race is not only about the physical preparation but conquering the psychological and emotional barriers. As you look ahead to the season, begin to formulate a mental strategy. Remember, planning to race well is two fold; psychological and physical. Having self-doubt fear are too common hurdles for all athletes. The difference between the ones who succeed and those who fail can be offset by a psychological plan.

As you approach your race, take the final month in preparation to outline a plan. If you are within a month of your competition, take ten minutes, three times a week, to schedule mental programming. Training the psychological part of your event will clarify your expectations, reconfirm your objectives and goals and more importantly, allow you to deal with diversity during the race.

Fear: We all carry some “fear baggage” as the race date nears. An athlete’s fear towards competition can be categorized into three categories:

1.          Fear of the commitment to race to your training level

2.          Fear of a poor performance and not satisfying your friends, family, sponsors and coaches expectations

3.          Fear of the unknown race challenges in your event.

So, let’s take a look at each of these normal fear problems.

Fear of commitment comes back to your inability to reconnect and recognize your plan and training focus to achieve your most lofty goals. Don’t worry about what you might not have accomplished in your training routine – remind yourself of what you have conquered. Visualize yourself on the course with adjectives that describe your personal convictions to the upcoming race. List these qualities, e.g., if your coach or mentor has laid out an early season training program, recognize the steps that you master as the weeks roll by. See yourself in the training cycles noting your physical qualities in each sport. Long, fluid swimming strokes may be a phrase that you adopt in your training mantra and visualization package.

Fear of a poor performance stems from a psychological burden to not let go of your life stresses. If you cannot control the worry and cannot determine the fate of the worry, then let it go. Write a list of all your worries and determine which you can take decisive action upon and, equally powerful, is to eliminate the destructive problems which cause worries. Additionally, your friends and families will accept any outcome. They should be your ultimate supporters. If you have outside influences and pressures – send them a personal note and share your expectations with them. Don’t embellish your training, nor your ability – be honest and forthright with your comments.

Fear of the unknown in a race can be alleviated by knowing the course and dividing the race into sections. Having mini races within your big race restores the mental power to enjoy the moment. The process or mental games that you play during the event keeps your mind on the exact moment. Diverting your energy to what may happen diminishes your capacity to perform. Visualize the challenging and easy segments of your race.

Predicting a successful race should not be a mental knot of unfounded expectations. If you sit down and calmly evaluate your strengths and not dwell upon your limitations – the probability of a successful race is quite high.

Faith, Risk and Obligation

Faith: Restore your faith in yourself during the pre-race preparation. Savoring you successes along the journey will give you the highest probability of a brilliant race.

Risk: When you’re in the race, don’t be afraid to step slightly out of your comfort boundary. Feeling psychologically constrained even though your body may feel fantastic will limit your ultimate performance. Simply, when you feel good – go for it!

Obligation: As you reflect on your race – be passionate about your race vision and goals. You have an obligation to yourself to be the best you can be on race day – don’t be denied!

For all TNT athletes, the race is about the support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We all have a much easier agenda than the kids and adults that battle a real race everyday. Be your best.

Canada’s Team In Training Flex (TNT Flex), which is offered in English and French, is designed to bring all of the benefits of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada’s Team In Training (TNT) to people who do not live near an active TNT training location.

Currently, there are training sites in Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon , Toronto, Oakville, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax. If you don’t live near any of those locations, join us and train through the Flex program. Or TNT Flex may offer an event that isn’t available through your local chapter.

TNT Flex participants receive all of the benefits of TNT including:

• Everything you need to prepare for a full or half marathon
• Individualized training plan by our amazing certified coaches
• Weekly training and fundraising communications
• Personalized online fundraising page
• Flexibility and convenience to fit your busy schedule
• Transportation to, and accommodations at, the featured event along with race entry and exclusive TNT weekend activities
• Guaranteed race entry, even if the event is sold out to the general public

In return, TNT participants commit to raising funds to support LLSC’s mission of finding cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and improving the quality of life of patients and their families. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to complete a personal goal and, at the same time, to help cancer from taking more lives.

The English TNT Flex program is now recruiting for the following events:

Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon– Halifax, NS – May 22, 2011 – full and half marathon, walk and run

Ottawa Marathon– Ottawa, ON – May 29, 2011- full and half marathon, walk and run

Dodge Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & Marathon to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – San Diego, CA – June 5, 2011- full and half marathon, walk and run

The season has started so register now!

Request more information on Canada’s English TNT Flex by completing the form below, by emailing Cheryl Pollock or by calling toll-free (877) 668-8326 ext. 1067.

I had no profound thoughts or experiences on my long run this week. (Plodding along for multiple hours usually triggers some deep thoughts on my end.)

That probably had something to do with the route. I’ve been running on trails for my longer runs lately (easier on the knees and much more enjoyable than my gruelingly hilly neighbourhood), but freezing temps and freezing rain and snow have made them unfit for running this week. So I trudged up the steep hills and shuffled down the winding hills and eventually, made it to the halfway point with tired legs and hot knees, only to turn around and run home.

I hit my 3k to go slump again this week, and stopped at the bottom of my neighbourhood (yes, I live at the top of a hill, sigh) (also: Gah! Halifax! So. Many. Hills.) looking up. Took a deep breath and started running again.

Next week’s long run is the Halifax Hypothermic Half, which should be fun. A new route with the added bonus of race-day adrenaline. I have a goal time in mind, but I know that this race will be especially weather dependent. Apparently, a lot of the route is on a trail. Outside factors (snow storm, freezing temperatures, trail conditions) will all affect the speed at which we all run. This is just a fun race, after all, a lively way to spruce up my training. Regardless of the time on my clock, I think a race is a great way to keep training exciting.

So what about you? Has anyone out there run any Hypothermic Halfs? Is anyone running in Halifax next weekend? How are you keeping yourself moving through these cold months? Let me know your tips, so that I won’t lose my motivation either!

I played hookie this week. Only two shorter runs pushing the stroller and instead of my long run yesterday, I went snowboarding with my husband.

It’s no secret that I struggle with balance (I think we all do). Between all the different aspects and demands in our life, balancing pleasure and duty, activity and rest. This week I just wasn’t feeling my runs. I happily ran Sunday, went snowshoeing Monday, and forced myself out on Thursday morning with the stroller (even more difficult on snowy roads!). But when Friday came along with its promise of snow and the kids in daycare, I closed my school books and hopped in the car beside Steve, smiling all the way to the hill.

I don’t advocate skimping on important training runs, but some weeks days, you just have to be able to cut yourself some slack and play.