Nova Scotia

2018 Running Wrap Up (Late, I know)

/ Anna @ Piper's Run / 5 Comments

I’m not very on top of wrapping up 2018, am I? It’s almost the end of January and I’m just getting around to it now.

2018 was a year of trying to avoid injury and get back to enjoying running again. I signed up for two half marathons, one 5 miler, a 10k and paced a 10k race as well.

The Bluenose Half Marathon was my first race of the year (May) and mainly signed up because a friend of mine convinced me to (well in advance). We both started our training plans in February and both managed to get through it all. The course was in reverse direction from previous years so that intrigued me for some reason.

I’m not going to lie, it was rough! Well, the first 11-13km was great – really great and then it all went downhill for me. Actually, it was literally all uphill from 13k on…hill after hill, after hill but I sure wasn’t ready for some of those climbs. The rain wasn’t a problem – even the downpour of rain didn’t bother me during the last few kilometers but those hills were a killer. In the end, we both had a great run. I finished in 2:25 – not awesome but I was happy to finish.

Then came summer with no races planned but lots of soccer, swimming and cycling. I started training for my next half marathon which I’d run later in October.

September brought two races my way. I ran the Berwick 5 miler which I feel this could be one of my favourite routes to run in a race. It’s super flat with an incline that lasts forever but not bad. I hope to run this again in 2019. I look like I’m dying in the photo below, that’s because I was. I pushed the pace in this race, something I haven’t done in a long time. I was literally trying to catch my breath when this was taken. Note my kids on the right hand side of the photo are clearly NOT concerned about me!

In September I also ran the Maritime Race Weekend 10k and felt great during that run – another great event! It was an extremely hot morning once the fog lifted but a great course on run on by the ocean! Finish line photo from my running buddy Krystol, (the only race we ran together.

During the month of September I managed to run 123 km training for my October half marathon. I’ve never run this much before in a month and most of these runs were done at 5:30 am or 6 am. I was finally doing some speed work and seeing the result during my runs.

October arrived and I was lucky enough to be a pace bunny for the 10k (1:10 finish time) at the Valley Harvest Marathon with True North Pacing. This was my third time pacing this distance and time and finished in 1:10:06!! I’m pretty sure I love pacing races more then I do running them for myself. It’s a lot of fun, motivating and inspiring.

A week later, my husband and I drove over to PEI (4.5 hour drive) to run the PEI Half Marathon together. Well, not really together since he runs so much faster than me but you know what I mean.

We both had awesome races. Saï finished in 1:46 and I in 2:16. I managed to knock off 9 minutes from my May half marathon. We had a great weekend away with our kids – yes, we run races while on vacation without our kids. I’ve already said to Saï that we have to pick our race for this year to run together.

So, 2018 was a great year for running some great races in Nova Scotia and PEI. Though some were rough, challenging, some were amazing experiences and an chance to continue being active in the sports I love.

How was your 2018?

Have you planning out your 2019 races? (I have not)

Anyone repeating a race from last year? (I will be – likely many).

The Book Gift Guide (from a non-reader runner)

/ Anna @ Piper's Run / 26 Comments

Let me preface this post with the fact that I’m not a big reader. I enjoy reading but it’s not something I usually make time for. I value reading and appreciated it but I don’t always love it. Unbeknownst to me, this past year I’ve read more books then ever.

I thought I would share with you some of the books I read as they all are great books (and great gift ideas for the holidays). This is not a sponsored post, nor was I asked to promote these books. I either bought the book or went to my local library and loaned it out. Most of these books I saw through social media shares from people I follow as recommendations. You know what they say about like minded people? Well, you tend to like the same things.

Fitness Junkie: I’ve seen this book time and time again on social media and figured I’d give it a go. My local library didn’t have it in stock so they ordered it and I was the first one to read it. Nothing like cracking open a book from the library for the first time. It’s a funny read about the fitness world and all the crazy (yeah, crazy) trends out there and the length people will go to obtain “the look”. It’s a fun and easy read that I think anyone would enjoy. 

Strong – Kara Goucher. This is one book I will use and reuse year after year. I’m only half way through it but I can see how it can be used over and over again. It’s a very goal-oriented, motivational tool you can have in your back pocket as a runner. But also, not just as a runner. I think any sport / athlete could use this book to help you set goals and reach them. 

I highly recommend reading it and taking the time to sit down to write out your goals. When I read it on my car ride to the city last weekend, my mind was popping out goals and ideas for next year with excitement. Since 2019 is approaching fast, now’s a great time to set you goals for next year! I’ve started to set mine because of reading this book. Some are lofty goals but ones I want to reach as a runner.

North – Scott Jurek. I was able to snag the audio book this summer from my local library. Over a period of three weeks, I listened to the book while driving around to meetings. Sometimes, I’d be in my car for 1-2 hours one way, so it was easy to listen to the book and get through the chapters. 

This book is an amazing story to read (listen) to. It’s about Scott finding his way while running along the Appalachian Trail, along with his wife being his support crew. He tells it like it is, honest, funny and engaging. I loved that his wife…Jenny was part of the storytelling. It brought a whole other perspective when hearing a female voice telling her part of their story. To be honest, it was “their” story that was told.  I’d love to buy the actual book and read but really enjoyed listening to the audio book. I’d really recommend the audio book as a nice change and a bonus to hear their actual voices tell their story. 

Redefining Realistic – Heather Moyse. Nothing better then reading a motivational book from a “local” Olympian. By local, I mean from the Maritimes, not Nova Scotia.

Heather is an extremely inspiring Olympian (bobsled) but successful in other sports: rugby and track cycling. Her book dives into redefining your realistic perspective, your potential and how to own your story. It’s the kind of book you feel like your just having a conversation with her and learning about her life experiences and how they brought her to where she is now – in a realistic kinda of way. I liked hearing about the impact people made on her life – whether is was good or bad. It’s not just for the athlete, her knowledge can apply to anyone.

Sweet Ride by Ann Barry. Now this is local! It’s a really cute book about these four women who ride their bikes from the South Shore in Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island and back again through the Annapolis Valley back in the 1943 (World War II). Not an easy trek by any means. 

It shares their story along with some adventures and challenges they faced. I enjoyed reading about their adventures but also knowing the routes they took and the communities they road through and places they stopped. If you are from Nova Scotia, are a cyclist or just enjoy local authors, this is a great little book to read. 

If you are like me and don’t always love to read but kinda enjoy it and want to read more, give one of these books a try. I’m hoping my new interest in reading this past year will continue to grow and I may actually love it one day. I’m always looking for book suggestions so feel free to leave me one of your favourite books in the comments. 

What are you reading right now?

What’s the number one book you’d recommend right now?

Any favourite local books you want to share?

Maritime Race Weekend 10k Recap

/ Anna @ Piper's Run / 11 Comments

It’s been a while since I’ve done a proper race recap, so I thought I’d do one from this weekend. I ran the Maritime Race Weekend 10k Saturday. Though I’m training for the PEI Marathon (HALF marathon – Oct 14th), this 10k didn’t actually fit into my training plan…..but I made it work anyway.

In previous years, I go in Friday night and run the Tartan Twosome (5k sunset, 5/10/half/full sunrise Saturday) race but with both of my girls in school and my husband working, I just couldn’t pull it off this year. It’s hard getting to the city with two kids and a dog after working/school all day. This year, I decided 10k Saturday would be enough. I’m not going to lie – I missed running the 5k sunset but I quite enjoyed not stressing out about getting into the city on time!

I had a horrible sleep the night before at my parents place, basically awake every hour and one my daughters woke up with a night terror – yeah, those still happen. I got up early and was out the door by 6:10 to get over to the race about 30 minutes away. It was smooth sailing over and I got a decent parking spot which is about 1 km away from the race line.

Fisherman’s Cove fog!

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I met up with my running buddy, Krystol and we hit up the extremely long yet fast moving porta-potty line. I saw lots of people I knew but didn’t get a chance to say Hi to everyone. The fog was HEAVY but the sun was trying to blast through and it sure did. In a matter of minutes it was hot and humid – like hot summer running.

Happy runners!

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The gun went off and off we went with the rest of the crowd of runners. My first km was around 6:26 and that’s a faster start then I would do for a longer run but also felt in control sandwiched in-between runners. In the past, I’d likely get frustrated running with so many people close by and unable to move around them but this year I just didn’t feel rushed to get out there. I zigged zagged when I could around runners and eventually felt comfortable running.

Just before the 3km mark, you start running up this hill. It’s the hill that never ends and almost doesn’t look like it’s a hill until you get to mid way and then you start working really hard. I don’t dislike it but I definitely worked hard getting up it. I thought I’d have to walk at the top but was able to recover enough to keep my feet running.

As I hit the second water station before coming down that big hill, I grabbed a water, took a sip and then poured the rest over my head. I figured if it was this hot now, I’d be super hot towards the end of my run. I repeated this at every water station – minus the time I was given Gatorade. The cold water felt wonderful on my head. I cruised down the hill, rather fast and got going into a pace the felt really good. I was running around 5:45 – 6:00/km. Not going to lie – I was shocked at how fast I was running for me.

At the bottom of the hill you turn left and run along a very flat road beside the ocean. It was super bright as the sun was shining directly at us. I enjoyed seeing friends pass on the other side and high-fiving them along the way. I was working really hard and pulled off a few decent paces: 5:52/km, 5:59/km and 6:01;km (km 5 – 7) then I started to slow down.

At the turn around point all I could remember is how beautiful it was. The warm sun on my back and the beautiful blue ocean to my left and I remembered why I really loved this race – the views! I was on a bit of a struggle bus in trying to keep that 6 min per km pace and just couldn’t do it. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other knowing that after the race I still had to run another 6k.

As I was nearing the finish I thought I could make an attempt at a sub 60 but it was just too far out of my reach. I was trying to push hard but it just felt like it wasn’t there until I turned the last hairpin corner and passed a handful of people to the finish line. My whole body hurt and I thought you could see if all over my face. I was lucky enough to finish 2 minutes or so behind Krystol who captured my finish.

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I really love this race and will do it again and again! Great job to Michelle (Race Director) and all her volunteers! Krystol and I hung around for a bit, grabbed a yummy bagel, tones of water to hydrate and took a few photos along the way.

10k Finsher at Fisherman’s Cove – sunshiny day!

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I left Fisherman’s Cove around 11am and headed back towards my parents house to run my next 6k. I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to do it and almost backed out. I’m not sure what inside of me made me do it but off I went to run another 6k. I had changed out of my sweaty clothing and ran along the COLTA trail (Chain of Lakes Trail Association). It was such a beautiful place to run and so many bikers and walkers! I think I was the only crazy one running in the HEAT of the day. Good lord it was H-O-T!!!

This run was much slower with paces of 6:52 to 6:11/km. I think towards the end of my run I just wanted to be done and picked up my pace somehow! It was a hard run but I was able to jump in my parents pool to cool off with my girls – so worth it! We also snuck in a trip over to Peggy’s Cove – so beautiful!

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I had to look up my race etc today as I didn’t look after the race. My chip time was 1:01:27, gun time was 1:02:38, 50th in my age group (out of 187). Not too bad!

How was your weekend?

Anyone race?

Have you done a double day run on race day before?

 

Johnny Miles Half Marathon Recap 2017

/ Anna @ Piper's Run / 42 Comments

Just like that, another half marathon done! It’s been a full year since I’ve run a half so it was kinda nice running the same race/course again. It was great, it was hard, it got a little ugly but got better again and I finished!

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Pre Race

Since it was a family trip, we took our time getting on the road Saturday and left just after lunch. It was raining and the girls weren’t loving the 2.5 hour drive but we only had a handful of “are were there yet?”. My friend picked up my race kit so I didn’t go to the expo. We went directly to the hotel, had birthday cake as Krystol’s son was turning 7. We went down to the pool and swam and hung out in the hot tub with all of the kids – three families, 7 kids. No photo’s were taken at the pool but I’m pretty sure the THREE DAD’s had more fun then the kids did on the twisted slide! (They went back Sunday morning too…with the kids).

We had dinner and tried to take it easy that evening but with bunk beds and a tv in their room it was a much later night for the girls then we wanted. I had a horrible sleep – not sure why but that’s just life sometimes.

Morning of Race

I went and had breakfast with Krystol and Melissa, who were running the half and 10k, respectively. My husband and girls came down after and then we left for our race around 8am. This was probably the best weather a runner could ask for! It was cool but about 18c with an overcast sky. The marathon started at 7 am (lucky!!!) and we started at 9:05.

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Half Marathon

The first 10k was really awesome! My pace was better then I expected (6:20 – 6:57)/km, I felt really good and I was enjoying the course. My plan was to run and walk when I have to. It was a 10k loop, so I had to run it twice and since I ran it last year I felt good about it. I knew where the hills were, where the trail was covered in shade and when I would be in direct sunlight.  The humidity started to increase around 13k which didn’t help me.

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I want to say the wheels started to fall off between 10-13k but they didn’t really fall off. I just felt like I didn’t have anything left in me to give. There were a few moments of “I hate this”, “I’m NEVER running a full marathon”, to “I hate the half marathon distance” but also many moments that I loved.

The times I loved: when I wasn’t expecting to see a friend of mine at the race but she passed me on the route and we quickly chatted. Or the time when an older guy passed me coming in the opposite direction. When he saw me, he put on this big smile and I smiled back. He reminded me that I do love running, that I can love running during hard times and that I’m lucky that I can run right now. It was a good reality check.

From there, I didn’t care if I walked or ran. I powered up all the hills so strong I’d make anyone proud. However, after I’d get past the top and try to recover I struggled so much. I walked on straight stretches feeling a little sour that I was choosing to walk and that I didn’t come here to walk the race…so I’d run again.

I also saw another friend who was volunteering at a water station so it was fun to quickly chat with him and run on. After 15, I was kinda done. I drank my Nuun in between water stations, grabbed Gatorade and a glass of water as well at each aid station. I’d take a swig of water and poor the rest over my head to cool down – relief! Gu’s, chew’s and even a fruit to go bar made it’s way into my mouth over the course.

 

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I noticed a blister forming on my left pinky toe (and later my right) and that wasn’t really all that fun. It’s pretty big (I’ll spare you a photo) but from 15k onwards that pain of a blister forming was zapping me in the toe. (I normally don’t blister).

I wasn’t give up but I surely was done by 17k so I just kept thinking that I only had four more kilometres to go. Then 3k. Then 2k. As you ran, you would see people on the other side of the road – essentially ahead of you. There was so many people saying “great job”, “way to go” and I was saying it back as well. There is something about the running community that can lift you up when you need it OR, you can lift someone else up.

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I had the finish line to myself. There was no one in front of me and I don’t remember anyone behind me. It was kinda fun running in by yourself and hearing them call your name. I was happy and relieved I finished. High fives and hugs from strangers – you know, those people who volunteer at races are awesome people! They hug you when you are extremely sweaty 😉 But seriously, thank you to all those who volunteer!

I finished the race in 2:27:11 and was happy it was under 2:30. Was I disappointed with my time, hell no. I finished a race 12 weeks after a winter car accident with no pain. It was great, it was hard, it was was ugly and I finished 🙂 After finishing, we made our way back to the hotel were the girls were enjoying father’s day with Saï. We eventually made our way home but not before lunch at Subway and then ice cream sundae’s and a milkshake for me!

Happy kids!

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Today (Monday), my thighs hurt the most and I’m really hating stairs. All stairs. They – Are – Everywhere! I’m hoping to get in a short shake out run but that’s on the fence as soccer season starts for both girls tonight and Saï is on shift. Even if I walk around the field tonight for a walk, I’ll consider that a win!

How was your weekend?

Anyone race?

Did you enjoy Father’s Day?

Today, I’m linking up with HoHo Runs, MissSippiPiddlin and Run & Live Happy. Don’t forget to check out their blogs!

WWGuest-Tara