It’s about time

By

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June 8, 2009

“I don’t have enough time!”

Anecdotally, that’s got to be the number one reason people give me for not running. Well, here are some very good reasons why that one just doesn’t fly.

3. You’re not taking time away from your family by taking care of yourself. You are investing. You know how on an airplane, you’re supposed to put on your own oxygen mask before you help someone else with theirs? The idea is that you are better able to take care of others if you care for yourself first. If you have more energy, more ability to cope with stress, and are generally happier, the time spent with your family will be more enjoyable. Bonus: you are being a good role model for your children, both in caring for themselves, and engaging in an active lifestyle!

2. Running is less efficient than less-vigorous exercise. That’s a good thing! It means you don’t need to do it as long to burn the same number of calories!

According to Public Health:

“Scientists say accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity every day to stay healthy or improve your health. Time needed depends on effort – as you progress to moderate activities, you can cut down to 30 minutes, 4 days a week.”

1. It’s just not that much time.

You don’t have to commit to a gruelling training plan that will take several hours per week. You just need to commit about 30 minutes, most days of the week to getting healthy. Half an hour. For about the price of a cup of coffee a day you can save a child…hang on, let me try that again: for about the length of time it takes to watch an episode of The Simpsons, you can save your health.

Don’t waste another minute thinking up excuses! Just go do it! Go on! What are you waiting for?

Extreme Inspiration

By

Tyler Chase

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June 7, 2009

If anyone out there ever needs some inspiration I know exactly where you can go. This weekend I watch my wife along with a hundreds of other complete the 60km walk that is the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. This is the second year out of the last 3 that my wife has completed this event. (She took last year off as she was a week overdue with our second child…..lame excuse I know 🙂 )

Watching this event is quite the experience. Much like a race you see people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Today I saw my wife finish, 1 year after having our daughter. I saw a Women with her daughter and granddaughter (The grandmother was 81 years old!!), a women who was due to have her 4^th baby in 2 weeks, no that is not a typo, and many others who have taken it upon themselves to make a difference, take some initiative and raise some serious money for cancer. (In case you were wondering everyone who walks in the race has to raise at least $2000.) For others there were different reasons for taking part in the event. Two that I can think of really stand out.

First off there is the guy who was the last to cross the line today. Not because he was the slowest but because he has become the unofficial face of the event. This guy (not sure of his name) has taken part in 30 of these events all across the country. Think about that for a second, he has raised over $2000 for each of these events and travelled, I assume on his own dollar to walk the 60km in each of the cities that host the event in Canada. Today he walked across the finish line last holding a pair of shoes that from what I heard from my wife, belonged to a woman that has completed the walk before but recently within the last year passed away from breast cancer. I almost cried when I saw that but not quite.

The second group that stood out was the survivors. These are women who have battled cancer, won, and have found it in themselves to do something about it! I am not sure how many of them took part this weekend but they sure looked great in their pink survivor shirts! (Again, tears were close but I managed to not cry.) And talk about inspiration! How can you even think about complaining that it is too cold, hot or rainy to go out for a run when there are people out there with the determination that these survivors have?

Overall it was a very motivating weekend for me one which I will remember and use during my training.

It was a weekend that also made me very proud of my wife for completing this event for the second time. An event which I know is very close to her heart. Seeing my son hand her a small bouquet of roses on the finishing mat was pretty amazing. (In case you didn’t notice Andrea, I had my sunglasses on when you were finishing even though it was cloudy out.) Did I shed a tear or two…..maybe but I’m good with that. 🙂

They started it!

By

Karen Karnis

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June 7, 2009

It’s funny how talk of running seems to bring out the guilt in people.

While it can happen anywhere, at any time, this usually has a habit of happening in the lunchroom at work. I don’t know if this is related to people looking at what they’re eating at that moment, or thinking about their habits as a whole; maybe it is simply that the lunchroom is the one place where you can bump into anyone. Anyway, it usually starts with a Future-Runner asking me how far I ran last weekend, or something like that. I’ll answer with the distance of my last long run, then wait. Maybe I am a bit of an instigator, but I always enjoy those moments. It is a bit like handing someone a lit stick of dynamite; everyone stares at it for a moment, then the chaos begins while they try to figure out what to do with it.

First, there is one or more comments of shock. Then, you’d think I walked in there and said “Alright you lazy schlubs! Those of you who haven’t participated in any physical activity today, what is going on?!”

“Well I could never do that, my joints won’t take it.”

“Yeah, but you have to remember, this is Karen and she likes to run.”

“I don’t have time.”

“I would just die.”

“I run errands, does that count?”

One after the other, the excuses fly, and each person agrees with the last, and they all work together to assuage their self-imposed guilt. All I did was give a 3-word answer to a direct question!

The woman who goes to the gym every day doesn’t say anything at all; like me I think she’s secretly amused. I think, like me, she can remember what it was like to be was almost completely sedentary. When someone else did something that seemed amazing, I’d feel the need to figure out how I was different, why I could never be like that.

Anyone who recognizes themselves in the above dialogue, remember, I don’t judge. You crack me up, but I don’t think any less of you. What I can say is that you can be like that. Seriously, if I can, anyone can.

Do I Really Look Like the Tin Man When I Run?

By

Terri McGillivray

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June 6, 2009

random-runners — We all have our own special running style

Martina Navatrilova made the news recently. She has said that tennis players who grunt are cheating. It has something to do with the grunting drowning out the sound of the tennis ball hitting the raquet. The really good players can tell from the sound how fast the ball is travelling and all kinds of other really useful information.

We all have our own special running style

I was daydreaming that since I make a lot of noise when I run that I might be sanctioned by the governing body of running. I imagine that I have been summoned to appear before the judges to face charges of excessive noise making.

Judge Number One would look over his special anti-glare runners sunglasses at me. “Terri,” he would say, “Your crime is making too much noise when you run. What say you?”

Judge Number Two would glance up from the most recent copy of iRun magazine – the issue announcing the winner of the blogging Idol Contest and say “Terri, your fellow runners say they can’t even hear themselves think when you are running. What do you say?”

Thankfully there is no governing body of running – I think.

I really try to be light on my feet when I run. It just isn’t working out that way. But no one isn’t going to run with me because I make noise when I run. I have been accused of taking steps that are too small however. Oh and when I swing my arms I look like a wood cutter.

I admit I’m not the most attractive runner, but am I ever having a lot of fun!! And isn’t that what its all about? Doing something that stopped being work a long time ago?

Compare Your Commute: Driving

By

Vicky and Grant

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June 6, 2009

VICKY:
How has the drive in to work been for you lately? Mine has been super busy and definitely not what I expected for this time of year. I wish I lived closer to work so I could just run or bike in.

GRANT:
Mine has been pretty typical, except that the other day I brought my camera, GPS and heart rate monitor.

VICKY:
Why did you do that?

GRANT:
I’ve been wondering what the physical differences are between driving in and biking in to work.

VICKY:
That’s a pretty neat idea. Any results to share with us yet?

GRANT:
Well it took me 30 minutes to drive in, which is pretty much the average. On the bad snow or rain days it can be worse. I live over in Gatineau, Quebec as you know, and we work here in Ottawa, Ontario so the big problem is always the bridge. There are so many cars that get backed up. We really need another couple of bridges, or a much improved transit system, but that is the subject for another blog. Anyways, I am interested in what I physically get out of driving in to work. The distance was 12 kilometers. 30 minutes for 12 kilometers. That’s not so good. According to my Garmin I burned 466 calories. That number seems really high though maybe it’s a technical error. I’ll try it again another time and see if I get a similar number. My average heart rate was 71 which is fairly high for me, but the first couple of kilometers I was up in the high 70s probably because of walking to the car. My max heart rate was 90. All in all it was pretty mundane.

VICKY:
How fast do you walk to your car? Just kidding. So what next?

GRANT:
Next week I’ll bike to work and we’ll compare the numbers.

How do You Train for a 21,000 km Trek? Ask Steve

By

Terri McGillivray

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June 4, 2009

steves-pic — Steve is getting ready to run across Canada. Why don't you join him?

Can you imagine running 21,000 kilometers? Actually running and some swimming?

I was speaking with a colleague from work the other day. We had been talking about how she is getting ready to run a race in October. The conversation quickly turned to her fiancée, Steve Gaul. He is planning to run across Canada next June or perhaps earlier in honour of the May 24 weekend.

Steve is debating whether he is going to run the traditional route others runners, including Terry Fox have taken. Or whether he is going to take the Rail Trail. He figures running the Rail Trail will mean running for eight months. He will be running across Canada from Cape Fear Newfoundland to Victoria British Columbia through some of the most incredible scenery. And maybe some of the most difficult. Using the Rail Trail will mean there are a lot more runners who will be able to join him.

“I first came up with the idea while running one day. I was distraught over my sister’s battle with cancer and found it impossible to deal with, thinking there was nothing I could do.”

Steve is getting ready to run across Canada. Why don't you join him? — Steve is getting ready to run across Canada. Why don

And the idea morphed into a cross Canada trek. With the goal being raising awareness of the benefits of physical activity.

And with that a plan was set and a goal put in place.

He doesn’t see himself a lonely runner on the road with only his support crew as company. Steve sees Canadians across the country joining him.

“My dream is to have everyone run/walk at least 1 km with me. 1 km from every Canadian. I figure a great way to meet every Canadian.”

I told Steve to sign me up. I might even keep him company for more than a kilometer! Check back on the blog. I would like to keep track of how things go while he gets prepared! And even while he runs!

Drop Steve a line at his email. He would love to hear from other runners. If you would like to join Steve and help make history, his email is beatcancer@stevegaul.com.

Who Needs Reality TV When You Have Shopping for Spandex?

By

Terri McGillivray

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June 3, 2009

new-stuff — Is running really about the right fashions?

I was thinking of reality television today. I’m going to work on my very own running reality tv. But sometimes you can have just too much reality.

It got me thinking about what has up until now been alluded to. The winter running pants disaster. Not too many people know this story. And what better place to ruin my reputation than right here on the internet?

Is running really about the right fashions?

You see, I decided that I needed to buy winter running pants. I had been running in a lovely pair of spandex pants that seemed to do the trick. But I thought since the Gazelle had the proper running gear that maybe I should invest in a nice pair of winter pants.

So off I went to the Runners Den. Where I learned a hard lesson. Spandex comes in different types. I had walked in with the idea in mind that I wanted a pair of those nice tighter fitting pants.

So I told the helpful person that I wanted spandex tights. I should have known I was in trouble when he took out a few pairs. And explained how one pair was good for up to -20 and that the next pair was good for up to -50.

Things took a definite turn for the worse when he handed me three pairs of pants and told me to go and try them on. And didn’t ask my size.

The Gazelle and I looking quite fashionable on our way to the start line.

I thought running was about setting personal goals and acheiving them. Maybe being fashionable while running is important too.

Stay tuned for part two tomorrow ….

They’re Not Laughing at Me, They’re Laughing With Me

By

Terri McGillivray

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June 2, 2009

mountainstore3 — A place for friends and family to gather

Imitation is the sincerist form of flattery. That’s what my Mom said. I guess she hasn’t had fellow runners doing an imitation of you inspiring other runners while you are standing there. My copycat got the biggest laugh from me. If you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?

I made it to the Den tonight. As always, I stayed behind to help Esther with the beginners. I have figured out what motivates her – or at least I think I figured it out.

Esther told the beginners that we were going to do something a little different today. Something that she promised them they would all love. Kind of like hills, but that is a whole other story. Today they were going to practice fartleks. Some of the beginners looked at each other and mouthed, “a what?”

And off we all went to do fartleks. On the way there, Esther explained what she wanted me to do. Run and try to count to 30 without fainting. Actually it was as easy as it sounds. We ran for 30 seconds a bit faster than our normal pace. Then walked for about 45 seconds.

We all managed to make it through to the first half of the run. Esther asked if I could ensure that I ran at the back and make sure that we all stayed together as a group. Unfortunately, my little group got separated from the main group.

A place for friends and family to gather

We were slower than the first group, but we had a great time and made it back in one piece. You know you have arrived when you get made fun of along the way!!! I think I’ll have to work out an even better imitation of myself for the next run.

But what made it even more thrilling and hence the reason for understanding Esther’s motivation, as we stretched and made plans for Thursday, one by one my little group thanked me for the encouragement on our way back. Pshaw I said humbly.

A smart IDea…

By

Karen Karnis

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June 1, 2009

Don’t want to carry your ID on a run? Afraid of losing it? Too inconvenient?

Well maybe you have some points, but really, running without any ID or contact information is just a bad idea. If you are ever in a situation where you can’t communicate, you need to have something on you that identifies who you are, how to get in touch with your emergency contacts, and any important medical information.

If you want to keep it really basic, slip a piece of paper with the pertinent information under the insert in your shoe. Emergency services should know to look there.

There are other options. Personally, I have a “dog-tag” style ID from Road ID. On one side it has my name, phone number, my husband’s cell number, my parents’ number, my blood type, and that I have no known allergies. The fun side is the back – you can get any number of cool pictures on it – mine happens to be a Canadian flag. (In retrospect I think I would like the shoe-ID better, but the dog-tag just looks so cool!)

Less pricey are the dog-tags from Artscow, also customizable with artwork, and though not as nice as the Road ID, it is excellent for the price.

Or another option is simply to get a pet tag engraved at your local pet store that you can attach to your shoelace, keychain, the drawstring of your shorts, or anything like that.

It was a long time before I finally got around to getting an ID tag made. I just never seemed to get around to it. No one plans to be in a situation where they’ll need one, so consider this a “gentle reminder”: do it right now! Or add it to your to-do list, but make sure it is the list of things to do before the end of the week, not the list of things to do “sometime”!

SSShhhh Don’t Tell the Gazelle My Secret

By

Terri McGillivray

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May 31, 2009

Sshhhh …. I know I’ve asked you this before, but I really hope that I can count on you for this. Whatever you do, don’t tell the Gazelle. He won’t be at all happy with me. And truth be told I’m already unhappy with myself.

You see, I didn’t run all last week. It all started out so innocently. I really had planned to run all week. I was looking quite forward to seeing Dave before he went off to have surgery. And I was looking forward to seeing Jim too. But like Susan Boyle, it went off the rails.

Sadly, my children’s great grandmother passed away on the weekend. And even though I am divorced, I really like Great-Grandma. And I knew that I had to go and pay my respects to this remarkable lady.

Unfortunately, the only time that I could go was Tuesday night. I had seriously thought about running before and then bringing a change of clothes. But one whiff of my running shirt from the week before convinced me that might not be such a great idea.

And so I missed Tuesday night’s run.

I doubled my efforts to ensure that I got to go run on thursday. I talked to my colleague Tina who has taken up running at the Runner’s Den too. I told her I would definitely see her there on Thursday night.

I got my clothes ready Wednesday night, just so I didn’t waste any time. And then disaster struck.

My allergies. And even though I take a prescribed medication for my allergies, it wasn’t enough.

I was going to drop DemonDog off with her grandparents and go back home and get changed. My dad took one look at me, listened to the stuffy nose sounds I was emitting and said, “I hope you aren’t going running tonight.”

I didn’t. Tuesday night for sure. Just don’t tell the Gazelle.