Practice Run

This past Saturday both Twins got together for a practice run with each of their co-workers who are running their first 5k race at the BLT run this Saturday, the 25^th (2 months until Christmas).

Twin 2 met up with her co-worker, CF at 6:50 a.m. at the BLT Elementary School where the race will start and end.  Even though the school is about a 5/10 minute walk from Twin 2’s house she got her husband to drive her (it was still dark and he was on his way out anyway).  It took a few drive bys in the school parking lot to find CF (did we mention it was still dark) but she happened to be standing right in front of us the entire time.  

As it was still dark at that hour of the morning Twin 2 had her head lamp on to light the way.  CF set her phone and Twin 2 set her Garmin and were off.  We were soon to discover that the head lamp didn’t really work.  We think it was positioned wrong as Twin 2 had a hat on and the lamp was sitting above the bill and kind of pointing upward as opposed to right on the forehead and pointing straight ahead.  Once we got in the trail it didn’t really seem that dark anymore so the light wasn’t really needed.  

Twin 2 had her Garmin set for run 10 / walk 1.  We ran the first set but then did a combo of whatever CF felt like as she was struggling from an onset of a cold.  The first 2.5 k we went into the trail and as it looks flat there is a tiny little incline the whole way.  Once we hit the 2.5 k mark we turned around and headed back.  The way back was much easier and before Twin 2 knew it we came out of the trail and back to the start.  To get to the end we had to run up a smaller hill so we each sprinted up and ran down the other side trying to visialize where the finish line will be.  CF had a 5k PB of 43:27.  We checked to see if her phone matched my Garmin for distance and time and they did then CF deleted hers BY MISTAKE but Twin 2 still has her record so all is good.  But what does it matter?  She’s going to BEAT that record on actual race day this Saturday anyway.

Saturday is calling for rain showers….of course.      

Twin 1 and her co worker CC were supposed to meet up with Twin 2 and CF but CC’s son moved up a level in Hockey and therefore had to change arena and practice times on Saturday morning.  We then decided to go after they were done and after running errands.   Twin 1 got a text around 3:30 p.m asking if she wanted to go.  We did the whole “we could today or tomorrow whatever you want” texting but it was settled that we would go that day as scheduled. 

We met at the start of the BLT trail at the Coke plant at 4:00 p.m.  Twin 1 of course had no idea what to wear as the weather is weird this time of year but knew it was above 0 degrees so a tank and capris would do.  CC had on capris and a ¾ sleeve COTTON shirt…Twin 1 said nothing.  

We followed CC's couch to 5k plan that she has been doing since Twin 1 signed her up for this run.  She is on the last week so the plan was to walk 5, run 35 and walk 5 hoping it would get them to 5k.  

We started off down the trail and there was a family out getting their fall pictures done which was nice in the trail as the leaves were so pretty.  CC brought her music she listens to and Twin 1 was excited for music but for some reason it wouldn’t work….so it would have to be either running in silence or chatting.  Twin 1 didn't mind either option but for the most part Twin 1 and 2 run in silence and get lost in their own world.  

After the first 5 k warmup walk we took off.  CC was doing really well and going a good pace.  We made it to the water falls which is 2.5 k and turned around.  On the way back this part of the trail is the “slight incline” that is unnoticeable until you run and until the very end where you can see the hill.  During the run CC made a comment about water.   Neither of us figured we would need it as it was 5 k but it was so HUMID and could have used some.   On the last 4 k we talked about what clothing to wear and what materials worked best.  We have now come to realize that anything you wear doesn’t stop actual sweating but particular materials do help.   At 4.5 k it was time to walk as the 35 min run was over so we walked the rest of the way back.   

We both felt good after, did some stretching and off we went our separate ways. 

Lessons learned: 

1-      Bring Water

2-      Do not wear Cotton when working out

3-      Outdoor running is harder than Treadmill

 

 Stayed tuned for the BLT 5k Fun Run Recap.

Tip Tuesday

Become a running mentor.  Once you get your neighbour, co-worker, or significant other hooked on your favourite sport, they'll be counting on your continued support and guidance - and company.

Are You Thanking God It's Friday?

We are!

Another post this week?  Whaaaaaat!

What and how have we been doing since Tuesday?  Pretty good.  Wednesday and Thursday evening we both got in our video 3 and 4.  We skipped running on Thursday and our only reason was because we just didn't want to go but we did our videos so that counts for something right?  

We are going running tomorrow morning with two other girls we talked into signing up for the BLT Trail Run on Oct 25.  Our plan is to run that route to see how we do.  We'll run again next Tuesday and Thursday and then the final 5k run on the 25th.  I think this run will be a lot like the Sole Sisters one just for the fact that it is more of a "fun" run and not timed (although I'm sure 99.9%  of people will have their Garmin's on) and we get medals at the end.  We love Medals!  And chocolate!  Will there be chocolate?

We forgot to show you these cookies that Twin 1 received from a lady that her husband is working for.   Can you guess what they are?

TURKEYS!!!  Fudgeo's, rice crispy balls and candy (forget what the candy is called).  They look simple but we all know how "simple" things turn out with the Twins.

We are starting to talk about getting a start on our Christmas Peanut Butter Cups as there are only 10 more Fridays till Christmas!   We can't believe how fast this year went by but I guess for 6 months of it all's we thought about was the Army Run and training so that made us miss half the year.

On a side note Twin 1 got a new Tattoo.

JUST KIDDING!!  This is her tattoo every day at work from laying her hand on her notebook after writing.  However, she did promise her husband on their honeymoon she would get one like he did with their names and date of marriage but she was too scared.  Then promised on their 1st anniversary but was still scared of it hurting.  This year (2015) will be their 5 year anniversary so maybe she will surprise him.  She has 10 months to make the smallest simplest tattoo she can so she won't have to sit under the needle for long....will we still be blogging in 10 months to see the outcome?  Stay tuned and find out.

 

Trail Running

We ran our 5km on Tuesday night.  It was humid but we did well.  We started out around 6 p.m or slightly thereafter.  There are not too many nights left to run in the BLT trail as it is getting darker and darker, earlier and earlier.  On our way out it wasn't pitch black but was getting there.  At the 2.5 km mark around the "waterfall" we stopped for a minute and took a few pictures of the "fall" but it looks like most of the leaves are now on the ground.  We started at the Coke Plant and went in 2.5 and back out 2.5.

On the run we started out fast because we both wanted to get it over with and 5km sounded like a "short" run and we wanted to get out before dark.  As a result from starting off too fast both of us had shin splints but after our minute rest at the water fall our legs were fine.  

We saw one of our protégés in the trail just finishing when we were starting.  We were both in our own world and didn't even see or recognize who she was until she waved her hands in the air and caught our attention.

In the end we ran 10 seconds faster then our last 5k even though it was more humid.  We are both strength training now on our off days so that will help us with our speed as our legs and core get stronger.  The last 5k was 40:46 and this one was 40:36...still 41 seconds off the PB but we will get there in time.

After the run Twin 1 went home and did her workout video which wasn't as bad as she had thought but doesn't want it to happen very often (but you know the rule, when we skip a workout we have to make it up).  Twin 2 was feeling dehydrated and wasn't feeling well so her's is doubled up tonight or make up for it on Sat/Sun.  Again even though the weather is cooler we still need to hydrate and that is something we tend to forget this time of year.  Also while in the trail we wear our brightest shirts so we can be seen in the dusk/dark.  Soon we will have to get out the headlamps.

On a side note - Twin 1's hubby went to Tim's for a coffee this morning and brought her back a "treat".....Happy Halloween

Its a little squashed from the trip into work but still good all the same.  Its basically a Boston Cream donut with decorations but she'll take it!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Did we run? NO.

No excuses.  Just didn’t.  Since we took a break over the holiday weekend (Sat run and Mon video) that now means we have to double up on workouts to catch up.  We never learn.

We all arrived in New Harbour on Friday evening and we did pretty good eating that night but then it all went down hill from then on.  Saturday there was just too much sweets, chips, sodas, etc in the house.  We also had a great turkey supper with the fam jam.  Both Grandmothers were there along with one of our Aunts who we haven’t seen in forever.  (Side note: we are trying to get one of our family friends to ask our Aunt out for coffee means they both live in the city….he got her number so we will see what happens.)

We didn’t do a whole lot of activity on Saturday.  Sister Wi took the dogs out for an hour walk.  On her way up the driveway after the walk Twin 1 caught her and intercepted her and the dogs and made them walk even further.  It was a great day.  The boys went golfing.  They didn’t tell us they were planning on going until we heard after we just got up “Did you wanna go golfing? We’re leaving in 20 min”…..that was their way of not having to take us.

Early Sunday morning Twin 1 took the dogs for another walk back up Wayne’s Road and we saw Coyote and Bear poo along the way so the wild animals down in Guys. Country are alive and well.  Later in the morning we went to church with the fam jam and then had some left overs and took the dogs to the beach for a few minutes in between the rain showers.  Sunday Twin 2 went back to Halifax as she had more turkey waiting for her in Windsor at the In laws.  For her Sunday was a lazy day of watching football and doing laundry, etc. Zumba was cancelled this week due to the holiday weekend as a lot of people were planning on missing it.  We'll tack that class onto the end of the schedule.

Monday was travelling day so the boys went golfing in the morning and Twin 1 took her doggies to the beach and ran them around the yard.  At this point they were tired from the weekend so after that they slept the whole way home and all night after we arrived home.  Twin 1 cleaned out her car and we had a great drive back as it was a beautiful day.   Twin 2 went to the In Laws for the day and had another turkey meal. 

And now it’s time to work out again.  As I said above we missed our Saturday run and Monday video so we now have to double up the workouts and this is what our schedule looks like this week:

Tuesday – Video 3 & Run

Wednesday – Video 4

Thursday – Video 3 & Run

Friday – Video 4

Saturday – Run

It’s a busy one but we are hoping to put a full week in and while we are doing it maybe it will help us remember how much we hate doubling up workouts the next time we want to skip one.  But as stated above, we never learn.

Also Twin 1 is forgoing the JM meal plan this week and eating/cleaning up what’s in her fridge/freezer and then will start a new next week.   Also her scale is broken so she will weigh herself whenever she is near one in the morning. 

We’ve also put in for vacation time.  We are off the week of Christmas so that should be fun and exciting!! It’s only a few months away.  Anyone want anything special for Christmas?

 

Tip Tuesday

Try drafting.  While not as effective as in NASCAR or cycling, drafting while running does work.  Pacing a few feet behind another person can reduce wind resistance by up to 50 percent.

There is a strategy to Twin 2 being the slower twin.  However, drafting probably doesn't work as well when Twin 1 is a kilometer ahead does it?

2nd Week Better Than The 1st & Happy Thanksgiving

Sunday, October 5^th – Zumba – Check for Both and the walk at Long Lake as per the previous post.

Monday, October 6^th – Video 1 – Check for Both - we both did this right after work before we sat down and didn't get back up and while our husbands cooked us supper.

Tuesday, October 7^th – Video 2 – Check for Both - Twin 1 had a hair appointment after work and she set her alarm for 5 a.m to get up and do it but the bed was more comfortable.  Twin 2 stayed downtown for a drive home and both got the video done in the evening.  3 for 3.  Twin 2 has a hair appointment tomorrow night and Twin 1 has puppy class...tomorrow will be the test.

Wednesday, October 8^th – 5k Run – Barmbarm on Run - Check on video instead.   Again it was puppy class and Twin 2 had a hair cut so we planned to meet up at 8 p.m and run.  That didn't happen.  On the way home from Puppy Class Twin 1 was contemplating on running herself but means it wouldn't be until 830 p.m by the time she got out she was scared some spookies might be out even though our neighbourhood is pretty safe, one just never knows.  Twin 1 has decided she either needs to switch around her training schedule on Wednesday's for now until Puppy Class is over, figure out a way to take both dogs out for a run when she gets home, or get un-scared to run alone in the dark.  It would be so much easier if our BLT Trail was off leash.  She is in the process of training Onyx to run by her side but until then she wouldn't take her on a 5k run just yet.  Twin 1 texted Twin 2 and advised her that we were doing our Thursday night video tonight and running on Thursday instead.

Thursday, October 9^th – Video 1 – this was rescheduled to our 5k run we missed on Wednesday and we both get a CHECK!  We ran at Twin 2's house and did 90% of the 5k BLT run we will be doing on Oct 25.  We did run the full 5k but we just didn't start and stop at the start and stop of the BLT run so that's why I saw we only did 90%.   We left the house around 630 p.m and in the trail we noticed it was starting to get dark and this is when the animals come out.  Luckily we didn't see any and we saw a few people still out in the trail like us but we wouldn't want to run in there any longer.  A few years ago when we first started running one night we ran in the trail and it was nice and light going in but coming out the dark came upon us so quick and it was pitch black dark and we were still in the trail.  That was dangerous because we had no lights and we couldn't see our path in front of us and we could have tripped, or someone or animal could have got us.  At that time we didn't have a phone or road id either.  It definitely made us run faster that's for sure.

At this time of year you always have to wear reflective gear and head lamps if possible  if there are no street lights so you can see and others can see you. 

It was a perfect night for running.  Twin 2 thought she would hit a 5k PB (since she has used her Garmin as we have never really kept track of our times before) but she was 1 min to slow.  We blame having to stop for traffic in the dark at the 4 way intersection.  Someday it will come.  Your time however certainly speeds up now that it's not humid and a little cooler.  Took 2 min off the 5k time compared to July/Aug but still not a PB which she got back in early April.

Friday, October 10^th – Video 2 – Check for both.  Twin 1 was travelling down home this evening right after work so she set her alarm for 4:50 a.m to let the dogs out then go work out....4:50 a.m rolled around, 5:00 a.m rolled around, 5:15 a.m rolled around, 5:30 a.m rolled around and she finally got up.  She let the dogs out and as she booked Onyx into Daycare for the day she skipped her walk and her hubby was gracious enough to watch and feed them so she could work out.  So YAY she got it done this morning.  

We are all off to New Harbour for Thanksgiving and will post when we return.  We plan on doing our 5k run down home so we will see how that works out.  The last time Twin 1 was down there she ran around the river.  We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving with their family and friends.

1 Week in, 11 to Go

The 1^st week didn’t go according to schedule but we are hoping the 2nd week will.  However, with Thanksgiving ahead we can’t make any promises.  (For your reference BarmBarm means a No Go.) 

Sunday, Sept 28^th - Zumba – check for both Twins

Monday, Sept 29^th – Video 1 – check for both Twins

Tuesday, Sept 30^th – Video 2 – check for both Twins

Wednesday, Oct 1^st – 5k run – Check for Twin 2.  As soon as she walked in the door after work she immediately put on her running clothes and walked out the front door before she even realized what she was doing, which is just what needed to be done.  If she had of stopped for a second the running would not have gotten done.  First run after the 1/2.  It felt short and sweet.  Combination of trail and road.  After running a few months with a water belt it was nice going without one although it was a little humid and a little driplet of water would have been nice.

BarmBarm for Twin 1 - Here is her excuse –  cooked supper as soon as she got home to have ready when puppy class was over as Wednesday’s are puppy class.  Got home and looked for her supper but her hubby ate it all.  She got tired and cranky and still had to make lunches for the next day, etc. so had Zoodles for supper and didn’t feel like working out after that.

Thursday, Oct 2^nd – Video 1 – Check for Twin 1 at 5 a.m as she was having company that night so got it over with early,  BarmBarm for Twin 2 as she had a retirement party after work and didn’t get home until 11:30 p.m and didn’t feel like working out.

Friday, Oct 3^rd – Video 2 – BarmBarm for both. No excuse other then its Friday.  This is our toughest day to get anything going exercise wise.

Saturday, Oct 4^th – 5k run – BarmBarm for both, Twin 1 took the dogs to Point Pleasant for an hour and then we both had our eyebrow appointment and went to our friends that night for a BBQ and we just didn’t get a run in.  The weather was crappy and we had enough of running in crappy weather.  We're still not over it.

So again, 3 for 7.  Not as well as we had hoped but we will try harder this week.  Wish us luck.

Sunday morning we took Pearl and Onyx to Long Lake and walked a trail we’ve never done before.  It is so pretty in the woods this time of year with all the leaves changing to orange, yellow and red. Most are on the ground now but pretty none the less.  

Here are a few pictures from our walk.

At the beginning all raring to go.

At the end.  Pearl was tired.  She needed a break every 5 minutes.

Tip Tuesday

Still drink water. Because it’s not as hot outside, you might not feel as though you need to drink as much water as you did during the summer. Wrong. Don’t let the lack of heat and humidity fool you. Staying hydrated before, during, and after a run is still important and shouldn’t fall to the wayside.