Cape to Cabot - My Experience

Let me tell you a story about my Cape to Cabot (C2C) experience or as they like to advertise it as the "toughest race in Eastern North America." That should've been a red flag right there.  

When I first started with the club I kept hearing all the race talk, Tely 10, Huffin Puffin and Cape to Cabot etc..  With each new running goal that I set and achieved I got confidence to take on another. So I thought Cape to Cabot that sounds like a challenge I'll put that on my bucket list, at the very bottom of the bucket. 

Fast forward to registration day 2014 and I'm all pumped and can't wait to register and even talked Andrew Tobin into doing it with me, only 400 spots so the rush is on before they are all gone.  YES, there are 400 people wanting to register for this insane race and they always end up with a wait list; go figure.  So I happened to be at the mall all in a panic when registration opened, phone was ready to go, hubby was on the computer at home ready to go; my girls are eating pretzelmaker so as not to disturb this important event.  So many people tried to register at one time that they crashed the system; I know insane right.  Speaking of insane, I get a bit crazy when its race day registration especially when races are capped. The mall trip gets cut short, I have to go home to see if I was one of the lucky ones that was able to register. Whew, I made it, now for the fun part to begin....training. Let's see if you like those hill repeats now. 

That year brought a lot of training for me - Half Marathon, Tely10 and then right into Cape to Cabot.  A month before the race I found that the longer runs were leaving me limping with severe shin pain and on my last 18K I couldn't walk without pain for three day's.  So here comes the multiple doctor visits, the pleading to my GP to send me to anyone that's gonna tell me what I want to hear.  You don't understand I said I have a race in 4 weeks I can't be injured but "Nooooo" all I got was you really shouldn't run. Pffff what do they know anyway, I was like a child throwing a temper tantrum; health professionals must really dislike Runners. Finally my husband said I think you should listen to all the people telling you it's not okay to run; you need to make the decision so that you can mourn the fact that you're not able to do it this year - he's a brave man, I give him that. 

Hats off to all those that did run it in a hurricane though - ROCKSTARS!

After months of therapy and ortho appointments I was finally able to get back to running and Cape to Cabot was always in the back of my mind.  When the 2015 C2C race chatter started again a new rule got created in my house "NO Cape to Cabot talk." I guess I was told. :(

I was apprehensive in signing up again as I didn't want to be disappointed if I couldn't run.  On registration day I was up two hours before it opened still pondering if I should register as I still wasn't fully recovered. I reasoned with myself that the Tely10 was done and I felt good afterwards and I was registered for the Huffin Puffin Half, so why not. Decision was made, I just couldn't talk about in my house. LOL

The closer the race day came the more excited I got that I was actually going to get to do it this year.  Now I didn't finish the race in 1:18 like Ed Durnford but I finished and that was my goal.  That race was the most physically and mentally challenging race I have ever done and I learned so much about myself from it that in the end it was worth it.  The moment I ran out of Shea Heights and could hear all the people cheering was the moment I realized Holy (bad word) I just ran from Cape Spear, I became overwhelmed.  Kudos to Colleen Sager for helping me through the hardest 10K ever, you rock! The fact that I still had Signal Hill left could not have dulled that moment and when I got close to the top of Signal Hill and could hear the best cheerleading group ever cheering me on, I knew I could do it especially since they had beer!

Will I do it again? We'll see, I do know that the feeling of accomplishment was amazing and throughout the day I had several moments of "what did I just do" and felt like crying I was so happy.  Crossing that finish line and having my family there to greet me was fantastic, after all they put up with all my running craziness :)

I would just say that if you ever have this race on your bucket list, you won't be disappointed.  Anything is achievable and if at first you don't succeed, try try again.

Happy Running :)

Learn To Run

This week its back to learn to run, only this time its with my 13 year old daughter. What a group of people, there is never a shortage of participants in the LTR program; they must hear about how awesome we are (wink,wink). It's so nice to see so many people come out and I applaud you all; you have a super group of leaders to take you through the program for the next 8 weeks. I wish I had a LTR group when I started running, my only company was the voice from my iPhone app "Couch to 5K" - which I could change from a male or female voice depending on my mood.

My daughter often expressed interest in running. I think it's more about following me than the actual running, but that's okay at least she's active. I have tried to encourage her interest and hoped she would catch the running bug too.  In the past I registered her for some 5K races like the Five and Dime, Uniformed Services Run, and the Santa Shuffle. However, conversations usually consist of "I have a stitch, can we walk, can you slow down" (said no one ever) - and that comment would actually feel good if it wasn't coming from my 13 year old. After the Santa Shuffle it was "don't ever ask me to do that again." Oops no Mom of the Year Award for that one. I obviously didn't scare her off - she's back for more.

The first week of LTR and we're off to Neil's pond.  I answered more questions throughout the run that she was almost done before she realized what was happening. I haven't heard I don't wanna do this anymore, I'm impressed! She's more interested in when she can get a PRC shirt and now she found a running buddy, thanks Connie for signing Kiera up.

So for all the new LTRs (my daughter included) keep going and with patience and hard work you will be running 5K before you know it.  Everyone has to start somewhere and this is just the beginning to a great running experience with the support of an entire group behind you.

Next week Cape to Cabot will be behind me (Thank Goodness) and I'll be a consistent member of LTR for the next 7 weeks.  Good luck on your runs and see you on the trails.

Running is my Therapy

Hi everyone, my name is Tina Barry and I will be writing the blog for October; as I was voluntold by Andrew Tobin.  Many of you know Andrew, he is the membership coordinator for PRC and was my friend - Past Tense LOL

Running has become such a huge part of my life and I love it. It is funny how I now plan my life around running with my friends. Things such as drink nights, children's activities, socializing; nothing interferes with run days.  Running is my therapy :)

I started running in 2008 and my first race was the 5K Centennial Cup race in Grand Falls-Windsor, time and pace unknown, as I was more concerned with making sure I made it to the finish line and didn't die. When I moved to Mount Pearl in 2012 I continued to run with a friend of mine until I joined the Paradise Running Club in February of 2013.  I found out about the club from a co-worker, who told me that she was going to join and I thought I should too. My hope was it would get me out to meet new people and motivate me to run more.

I went to the trusty Google search engine to view the website for more information and soon I had the date and time for the PRC Club registration.  Excitement and apprehension set in as I was still new to the area and did not know a lot of people, but I felt comfortable knowing I would know at least one person there.  Fast forward to registration day, where I find out that my co-worker didn't even register; oh dear what have I done.  Oh well, too late now! Armed with all the details of the scheduled run times and directions from Susanne Ivany Blundon, I set out for PBD. For those who know me, I'm a directionally challenged individual and 2 1/2 years later Susanne and my other running buddies are still providing me with directions. The common joke amongst us is don't let Tina lead and someone make sure Tina's knows where she's going!

"Happiness is running with a friend" especially friends who make sure you don't get lost :)

It's been an awesome 2 1/2 years. I can honestly say it was a great decision to join the club.  I have made fantastic friends, who I can't imagine my life without and I have pushed myself physically to places I didn't think possible. Since joining the club I have run several 5K and 10K races, the Tely10 x3 and just recently completed my first half marathon.  This would not have been possible without being part of a fantastic group, who support and encourage one another with their running goals.

One of my goals has been to run the Cape to Cabot, crazy I know, but I think it's the challenge that entices me.  I felt last year was my time to take on this crazy adventure, but unfortunately a month away from the race I got injured and had to withdraw; that's another story for another time. Here it is, one year later and the Cape to Cabot is right around the corner; here's hoping my training and the support of the club can get me through.

Happy and healthy running! I look forward to seeing you all on the trails or at the pond!

My last blog; Kiara’s last run:

Today, as I (Andrea) laced up my sneakers, I watched for a response from my all time favourite running partner.  I waited to see if Kiara would perk up her ears and start following me around eagerly.  There was a time when she would get excited as soon as I pulled a certain type of shorts out of my dresser, knowing what that meant.  Since we started running together in 2007, Kiara has always loved going for our runs.  In the beginning,  there was a lot of pulling and resisting.  She would pull, and I would resist.  Her fitness and excitement levels were clearly unmatched by me and I could not keep up.  Slowly, as I learned to claim the dominant role and she learned to run beside me;  we became an awesome running duo. 

Boerboel’s need a lot of activity and I was happy to provide it for Kiara.  Apart from the occasional challenge from the un-leashed dog, our runs would go pretty smoothly.  Over the years, our runs changed from her pulling me, to us running in sync, to me pulling her.  As she began to slow down in the last 6 months or so, I wondered if it was due to laziness, bad timing, lack of interest on her part, among other things. It wasn’t until we took Kiara to the vet for a check up that we began to see differently.  The vet mentioned that we should soon consider putting her on a “seniors diet”. That blew my mind. Kiara is our youngest dog.  We knew Kobe (our almost 14 year old Choc. Lab) was a senior, but Kiara too???   Yes, the vet said a 9 year old Boerboel is considered geriatric and that we shouldn’t run much with her anymore.

Sadly, I wanted to go for just one more run with her. After that, I agreed I would walk her to her hearts content.  So, today, I laced up my sneakers, and waited; hoping to see the familiar excitement.  She didn’t appear thrilled, however she did saunter over and agreeably went outside with me.

What started out as a brisk walk, quickly turned into a smooth jog.  I started thinking, maybe she’s not too old and maybe she really could keep running with me.  Shortly thereafter, she wanted to sniff and pee. So, as per usual, I let her, but without complaint this time.  It was an interesting run.  Jog, sniff, pee, repeat.  Not quite the fartlek we were used to, however we enjoyed it much the same. 

I will certainly try and keep Kiara as a part of my runs as long as possible, even if it means simply having her walk with me during the cool down after the run.

So, tonight was the last time Kiara joined me on one of my runs and tomorrow will be the first time I join her on one of hers. Her pace; her direction. I follow. Just like in the beginning.  

Huffin And Puffin for 42K!

Roseanne here.

I registered for the marathon weeks ago. I had every intention of doing all the training.

Did I stick to the plan? Not really.

But I got many runs in and I was going to run the full, with no time goal in mind.

When I registered, I remember entering the information for age, run group, visa and shirt size. What I don’t remember is the check box that says “Leave your ego at the start line.”

I’d like to make the recommendation that any future races that I enter, should definitely have that check box.

I was excited to start. The first 10km flew by as Ron, Juanita and Madeline chatted. The second 10ish, slightly more challenging.

Crossing the mat at the 21.1km felt awesome and sucked at the same time. I loved the first loop, but was not at all excited about repeating it. The second go-around saw my pace slow down, which I anticipated, even though my ego was not impressed. It was around 30ish km mark that I started to think I don’t like running anymore.  Right around the same time that one of the five-bandaged toes started to throb. At the 35km mark, my back started to feel achy. I can remember looking at my watch at 37km and cursing – a lot. In order to tune out the achy complaints my hips were screaming, I started to count footsteps at the 39km mark. I counted to 100 and then started again. Those numbers got me through to the park.

Then a stranger cheered me on at the bridge and said, “Almost there, you look strong. Finish strong.”

Maybe it’s a good thing that my ego wasn’t left at the start line, because I’m sure his words spurred whatever of my ego was left to help carry my sorry behind the last few steps.

Finishing my first marathon was amazing. Within minutes of crossing the finish line, I texted Andrea and said I will never do one again.

Several blisters later, one less toenail, a shaky walk in the office today, and I’m slowly starting to wonder if I’ll stick to what I said to her. Maybe my ego will get the better of me again and I’ll find myself entering another one….

Until we meet again, Huffin and Puffin’ers.

Andrea here.  First off, I want to say a huge congrats to all the PRC’ers who ran the races this weekend!  Although I was in Bermuda and not able to watch, I was certainly cheering you on!  There was however, a few similarities in my weekend and yours.  Yah sure, you say! Let me explain…

As you were laying out your running gear the night before the race, I was drying out my swimming gear preparing for another late night dip in the pool.

As you were hydrating all day Saturday, I was also consuming copious amounts of fluids. Some of which was water (the ice cube portion), the rest was rum and whatever else goes in Bermuda’s famous Rum Swizzles.

As you were inspecting the damage on your feet on Monday, I too, did some damage.  All that running in the Toronto airport to catch our connecting flight has left me with one fewer toenail. One that was hanging in for dear life after the Tely 10, has been left behind somewhere in the airport. (eww!)

As you are feeling pretty stiff today from the race, I too, am feeling muscle pain.  Brad and I rented a Ski Doo one day and he so mischievously took a sharp turn and sent me flying into the ocean.  I suffered some whiplash and lost my sunglasses, but certainly enjoyed the flight. 

All jokes aside, I am very proud of all that you guys have accomplished! Enjoy the post race pain/stiffness and let it remind you of your hard work and determination.  As for Roseanne, I am elated to see that you have joined the group of Marathoners.  One thing I will say to you is that I’m certain EVERYONE says they will never run another marathon right after they finish.  But, they will, and you will. Next time will be alongside me!!!

ITP runs

ITP Season

Back to school means a lot of things in my (Roseanne’s) house. It means packing lunches, homework, resuming tumbling, karate and all the other activities and responsibilities that fall to the wayside during the summer. Plus, fall is a busy work-travel season for me.

Biggest on my bummer list is the ITP runs – translation “If time permits”.

I texted my friend Lisa. “Want to run Sunday?”

Response “Sure. What time?”

Between the two of us, we had two birthday parties, one swim team meeting, one hockey game, karate, tumbling, groceries to buy, meals to cook and a few drop-offs.

See where I’m going with the ITP run? Neither of us are competitive runners – we are competitive with each other and have our own goals, but not expecting podium finishes.  

We’ve been friends for a long time and value the social part of running together just as much as the exercise benefits. So we have to be flexible in our run times and lengths if we want to squeeze it in and run together.

There have been times where a quick coffee together in between meetings and events was all that we could fit in. And this is just fine with me.

Luckily, Lisa was fine with forgoing the only morning she can sleep in to help me on my run, which started at 6am.  

She ran 11km in the midst of my long run. Heading back to her place, I was ready to drop out of the marathon training. I had even asked her to drive me home, rather than finish the last leg. Sitting in her porch, as she is looking for her keys and she says, “Are you sure you don’t want to try and finish the run?”

Just that one question. And I was off running again.

Here’s to friends and family who pass on the extra zzz’s just to run and know when to ask the right questions!

Speaking of missing some zzz's, I (Andrea) planned on getting on the treadmill once the kids fell asleep tonight. As they are both still awake, I know I won't care to complete a run later, even if I started. I will most likely be cracking open a bottle of wine instead.  Now that, I can finish.   ;) 

34 K? Yes, sure. Wait…what?

34 K? Yes, sure. Wait…what?

Last week,  the marathon group was talking about the route for Sunday’s long run.  As soon as I (Andrea) heard mention of the long run, I laid claim to providing the refreshments somewhere along the route. It was my turn to set up the “lemonade stand” as Leah put it, and provide water/Gatorade and snacks. So, my husband and kids volunteered to park alongside the road and wait for the groups of PRC runners to stop by for drinks.  When the time came, I asked Ron where Brad and the kids should park along the route. He suggested around the 23-25km mark in Killbride.   Wait, what?  How long was the route?  34 km! Oh shit.  Leave it to me to volunteer to be a key part of the longest training run they had planned.   

So, Sunday’s run started off cold; reminding us that the summer we barely saw has left already.  As usual, I complained for the first ten minutes; wishing I had worn warmer clothes. I had follow my tried and trusted method of deciding what to wear, named “WWJD” or rather, What Would Janice Do. She said capris and a shirt.  It was about the 3rd km in when I realized she was right (once again) and we didn’t need gloves.  Janice 300 : Andrea 0.   

Apart from a near miss with a little mouse around Neil’s pond, the first half of the run was easy-going and we settled into an average pace of 5:30.  I managed to keep up with them for about 16k, then as the fatigue set in, I started to plan my escape for the 25km mark.  Surely Brad would need help passing out the Gatorade and the kids would be upset watching me leave again so quickly with the group.  I had myself convinced I had to stay.  Why not, I wasn’t running the marathon… just out for a long run and 25k was good enough!  I was quite happy to see Brad, the kids and the candy at Tim's in Killbride and was ready to haul off the sneakers when the girls said I had to keep going; only a few km more!   I’m not sure why I agreed at the time, but I did, and kept on running.  

I am glad I did.  The last part of the run was certainly the hardest, having to run uphill to Coffee Matters for the finish.  As I was questioning my decision to continue with every step, Randy must have heard my thoughts.  He was chatting with John and ever so timely, said how enduring this part of the run is what makes us stronger/faster.  Thanks Randy, that gave me the motivation to keep going just long enough to finish the 34k.     

I, (Roseanne) have a Randy, too.

I have a habit of taking my lack of thought (see last week’s blog) and just agreeing to runs and races. A marathon is a bucket list for me. My husband thinks it should be on the f&*k-it list. Note to self – husband is not a Randy.  So a few weeks ago I signed up for the full thinking I can do it!

Well…. I’m still wondering if I can.

I haven’t put in the diligence that Andrea has. I’ve missed a lot of the runs, shortened some, and well, just plain-old said “Not going at it today.”

With the plan for yet another long run looming, I told Andrea I was heading to the cabin for the long weekend and would have to do it in cabin country. I’m sure she thought I would bail.  

But this time, I had some accountability. I asked my husband and a few friends to each take a 10km-ish leg and help me run it. Well, they did. And I did it. 30km in Deer Park, on the Saturday morning of a long weekend.

The first 8km flew by. When I stopped to tag out partners, I started to get a little hungry and grabbed some fuel. By the 25km mark, I was covered in dust from ATVs, thirsty and hangry – you know so hungry you are angry – hangry. Another bit of fuel, some water and off I went again. I passed an older gentleman sitting on his deck four times in the span of 3 hours. The last time I ran by, his beer looked so cold, maybe I should stop…it would be the polite thing to say hi… Hmmm what do I smell on the bbq? 

Thankfully, Randy (aka known as Justin for my run) said, “almost done, Rose. This will be the longest I’ve run so far this year. Thanks for pushing.”

Well that did it. I had to finish it. And I did.

Funny how a few words at the right moment can make all the difference.

Thanks to all the Randy’s – whose words of encouragement can spur us on that much further.