Beginnings at PRC

My Beginning at PRC

Since I turned 40 each April I pledge to myself that I would lose the amount of weight according to my age...40, then 41, then 42  and so on.  This year again I pledge to do 45.

I have done this over and over and over again and again and again and again.  Am I sick of it?  NOPE  I am determined at some point to get to a goal that I am comfortable with.  And each year I work and work and work at it.

I think this is the largest I have ever been in my life, but I am a work in progress. I swore to myself that once I reached 50's that I am going to be stronger than I was in my 40's.

So in 2011 I started a journey that I had myself convinced that "I am not a runner"  you keep telling yourself that for years and it's simply not do able..... NEVER SAY NEVER as they say.

Give me a sign, give me a sign to tell me what is next to my weight loss journey???  At the stop sign next to coffee matters was a SIGN.   Paradise Running Club WANTS YOU!!!!!!  No... Paradise Running Club Figure 8 Race...   I told my husband that's what I am going to do join a running club... YOU he said YOU RUN????  Ooops now the dare is before me   YUP I am gonna join.  I got a few weeks before they start their fall session I will get started now...... OH DRY HEAVES,  Where are my lungs and my heart?

September 13, 2011 I started with the group Brian was my leader and he stayed with me all throughout my run, probably thought this lady is gonna collapse.  Thursday was day 2, Brian said to me... he didn't think I would show up.  Well I kept up with it, not because of the determination but because of the support and leadership and fellowship I had with the group.  We have become great running friends !!!!

New To Blogging

New to Blogging

I have been inspired by past blogs in hopes someday that I can write something that will inspire and motivate like the blogs I have read.  With a little coaching from Renee here I am.
When I meet up with PRC I get shivers not because it's cold but because I am amongst elite runners that have went leaps and bounds with their training, hoping one day I can keep my body intact to run as long and fast as my PRC family.  Yes family I know more about them and their families than I know about my own family. I set out with my spirit wanting to run hard and fast and more than just 5K tonight.  Once I get going with my sole mates they are off and they are faster than I.   They are down by Angels Road long before I am then I reach the three way stop I am alone but not for long I see the headlights turning around to come and check on me.  That's one thing I can count on with PRC is that there's always someone to come check on you.  No one is left behind.    Sincerely  Mother Hen

PRC in the community

As this is my last post I'll say it has been fun and insightful doing a weekly blog for PRC. November has snuck off into the night and we are now well into the month of Christmas prep. Last Sunday's we ran the amazingly popular Bell Island Ferry run. We don't cross the cove of course. But the 16k from Paradise to Portugal Cove was spectacular, with snow-covered evergreens and picturesque ocean views most of the way. The soon to be renamed Tucker' Hill Rd was a test as always. The gathering at the ferry dock could be heard from the main road as we neared the finish...the 10k group were happy to see us and soon get in from the cold. A trip back to Coffee Matters in Paradise warmed everyone up shortly after.

Our group runs this past week have taken on new meaning as one of our own has been sidelined after major surgery. We run with heavier hearts these days but our spirits are always brightened by a FB posting or news of a recent visit. PRC members have even started a meals on wheels to help our sister. The kindness in the group knows no bounds. It seems to me that the founding members truly laid a solid foundation for a running club with a community and social conscience. Just yesterday I participated in the Salvation Army sponsored Santa Shuffle. It was a fun 5k (or 1k for toddlers) which has now grown to an astounding 800 runners and walkers. The number of families, small children, pets and school and community groups participating was impressive. Once again PRC was a major supporter, providing registration and marshalling for the event.

As we head into the Christmas season, be mindful of inattentive drivers and slippery weather. This can be a busy time for all. It can also be time to slow down a little. Take in the scenery as you run in Paradise and the surrounding areas. We are fortunate to have some of the best running trails anywhere in our own backyard.

Merry Christmas to you all...and as always, see you on the road!

Epic Bun Run

About one year ago a little group of us proposed a 14k run from the Woodstock to Three Island Pond turnaround then to Topsail Highway via Buckingham Drive ... finishing with a 2k gentle incline back at the Woodstock. We figured it might be a good idea to have some muffins and coffee at the finish after the gruelling climb up Topsail Hill. And so the 'bun run' was born.

It is amazing how little ideas often grow to take on lives of their own. It was zero degrees this morning as I approached the Woodstock parking lot just before 8AM. There were quite a few vehicles there already. There would be more to come from Paradise and surrounding areas. We did a brief warm-up. No that would be a lie. Most of us just hopped out of the cars and took off.

We had to face an incline to begin our journey. Not long but a tough way to start a run. Calves were cold. Definitely need to warm up for this one next time. Once we got to the duck pond at Topsail Pond the route flattened out. It was a glorious morning for a group run. Of course isn't it always? Pace was checked and re-checked. 5:45 to 5:50. Just right. We reached the turnaround at Three Island Pond in about 25 minutes. The lead group had waited for us and we in turn waited for the next group. This helps keep everyone together and makes for a more enjoyable run for all. No one is left behind.

On our return to Buckingham we passed a couple of teenagers having a chat by the guardrail ;-)
They seemed to know us from a recent trip to Niagara. Pace was again checked - 5:35! Time to rein it in just a little. The run was flying by this morning. The promise of food and coffee at the end is a always great motivator.A brief regroup at the base of Kinder Drive and we were off for the last 6k. A quick uphill and we were on Fowler's Rd headed for Topsail and our final leg back to the Woodstock.

Topsail Hill seemed to know we were on a mission today. There was very little traffic and the road seemed to flatten out a bit as we ran. Our uphill portion was run at a steady 6:20 pace. Once we reached Marie's mini mart we could see our destination. The lead runners decided to continue past there to round off the kilometres. Not us. 14.7k was a perfect number this morning. 1:25 was our time for a 5:48 pace. We were quite pleased considering this is somewhat hilly route. The lead group finished at a 5:30 pace. Those behind us reached the Woodstock only a minute or two later as well.
It was a great run by everyone.

Those who ran an 11k today were at the parking area to greet us and to share coffee, muffins and buns. 20 runners in total were on hand for the tailgate party.  Runfies were taken but they weren't needed today as Kiley D joined us for this special group run. Our little bun run has become an event that PRC looks forward to! We may soon have to ask the Woodstock to cater it for us.

Have a great last week of November and as always...see you on the road.

Sunday morning solo run

No group runs planned for early today. First time in months. I decided to get out early anyway so I could spend a bit of quality time with my wife later in the day. I dressed in my winter gear - glad I did. It was cold in the Pearl - especially heading north into the wind on Commonwealth Ave. A road crew was making repairs near Sunrise Ave. A water main break left slushy ice on the road side...Below zero for sure.
As I headed towards Topsail Rd, I was looking forward to having the wind at my back. When I turned eastward it was a different day with sunshine peeking out from behind the dark November clouds. A toot from a red Civic reminded me that there are lots of friendly drivers out there. Not sure if the driver was a PRC member. The car was past before I could look.
My pace was easy today after two consecutive group runs with the faster PRC members. We did our coffee run yesterday at a 5:35 clip. It was a brisk run into a gusty wind. While the trees around the ponds sheltered us from the winds, we were disappointed to see debris from the daycare demolition near the new Sobeys flying down the trail at Neil's Pond. A construction fence might have been a good idea.
When I turned off Topsail to head down Brookfield Rd, the cold winds returned. I accessed the trailway at Edison Place and had the route to myself. It had taken me 42 minutes to this point so I figured I'd be home in under an hour. Most of the glorious fall colours had become brown and black mulch along the trail by now. The sky had a foreboding pre-winter look as I headed home near the Smallwood soccer complex. No players out on the fields this morning. Winter must be near!
Today's run took 60 minutes even. I didn't wear a Garmin so I guess I went approx. 10k. It was nice to finish an early run by 8:30. Sure felt lonely out there today. After running with my PRC marathon group since June, it seemed a little strange not to have at least one of them with me.

See you on the road (or trail) ....

Remembrance Day Run

The annual PRC tradition of a morning trail run on November 11th was alive and well this morning on several routes. All involved some time on the trails and roads in the welcome sunshine. The thermometer didn't want to hit double digits today but it was perfect running weather.

Most members wore a poppy during their runs today to commemorate the brave veterans from the past and honour those in our midst. Recent tragic events made this Remembrance Day one for somber reflection. We noticed that every runner we passed along the trail to Water Street was proudly wearing a poppy. Many PRC members were anxious to finish their coffee this morning to get back home for parades and 11AM ceremonies.

It was remarkable how many club members posted pics on FB of loved ones who had gone to war or served our country in some other capacity. Such moving rembrances are what this day is all about. As we enjoyed friendship and commaraderie along the trails this morning, many of us stopped for a moment to give thanks for the freedoms that we enjoy. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for.
See you on the road...  

Coffee does matter

On Sunday, while the winds were still gusting in the metro area, two large groups of PRC runners met at Coffee Matters in Paradise for our Sunday long runs. As there are no races in the immediate future, these long runs are only around an hour. Quite a treat when compared to our two to three hour Sunday runs just a short while ago. It was great to have some old friends back with us on this day as well.

One group headed east towards Bowring Park. My group ventured west into the prevailing wind. The loops around Neil’s Pond and the Octagon were over wet terrain. The trees along these trails helped shelter us from the wind for a while. Earlier last week we were out in shorts and tee shirts. Today it was gloves and hats. Next thing we’ll be dodging snow flurries. No one wants to talk about that just yet but it is our reality in this part of the world.

Once my group exited the Octagon Pond trail, it was downhill almost all the way. On Sunday mornings, light traffic makes the Topsail Highway a joy to run. The view over Conception Bay is always spectacular! The rough pavement and shoulders of this road can still bring about an ankle twist as one of our members discovered yesterday. No major damage - thank goodness.

As we wound our way past the CBS soccer pitch kids were on the field practicing. The sound of their voices made it feel like we were still in summer (almost). The 11 plus kilometer trek was going quickly. A little further and we reached our destination at the Manuels Bridge. The new Coffee Matters overlooks the Manuels River and is an ideal place to relax with friends over a tea or coffee after a run.

When I returned to Paradise to pick up my car, the Bowring Park runners were back at Coffee Matters. Sitting among friends, they too were relaxing with a coffee after their Sunday run. Somewhere in between Craig Pike was doing his return leg from Manuels to Paradise, along the Trailway. Hope he had coffee in his thermos! See you on the road - or trails...