Friday Funny

BLT 5k Fun Run/Walk Recap

The morning started bright and early for a Saturday.  Race kit pick up was 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. and the run stated at 9:00 a.m.   Twin 1, being the early bird she was, assumed that it would be crowded and there would be no parking that morning so we all decided to meet at 8:00 a.m. (she had some difficult experiences trying to park at the school in the evenings last year running with the TTP due to Xmas concerts and parent teachers, etc on certain nights).  Not so on Saturday morning.

At 7:30 a.m. departure time the pups were in the windowing wishing Twin 1 good luck.  They themselves were waiting for their ride to Point Pleasant so they could do their run.

First stop was to get CC and then RC.  It only took her a few minutes to get to RC’s so she arrived earlier than anticipated but only waited a few minutes and he came out the door.  We then proceeded to go around the corner and pick up Twin 2. 

We arrived with tons of parking spots left and after a 10 minute back up session to get between the lines we were parked.  With the excitement of the parking we didn’t even notice they had a start and finish line like “real” races.  (By “real” we mean ones that aren’t the first year).  The medals were set up, speakers, the race director was there.  We proceeded into the BLT school and got our kits which included some coupons etc. from the local businesses. 

We stood around for about an hour when more and more people showed up.  Not long after we arrived we met up with CF and her family. 

This is the cake that we had to look forward to in the end.

At 8:55 a.m. they called us all to the start line and the Race Director said a few words and then handed it over to our MLA whom looked like he just rolled out of bed.  We had a moment of silence for the slain soldiers and got ready to run.  We started off around the middle to back of the pack as we knew the “fast” ones were all up front.  RC was kind enough to run with us even though he could have been up at the front as well.   It was CC and CF’s first race and we were glad to have them there with us. 

We started on an uphill which lasted the first 2.5 k (if some of you are not familiar with the BLT trail there is a slight incline all the way out that you would not notice until you ran it).   They did a nice job setting up the KM markers and at the turn around point there was a water station which was much appreciated.  The weather was rainy when we woke but by run time it was starting to clear up. 

During the race Twin 2, RC and CF where doing the 10’s and 1’s whereas Twin 1 and CC were running straight through.  We kept passing each other along with some other members of the TTP that we have ran with.  In the end Twin 2, RC and CF beat us but we were all winners for running and finishing.  We are so proud of CC and CF and I know they are proud of themselves.  CC beat her PB by a whopping 6 minutes and CF beat hers by 2 min.  I think they have the running bug as they are all raring to sign up for another race and can’t wait to do it again.  

We received our medals and took some pictures and then went in for some cakes and eats.

Our selfie.  Can you tell we're newbies?

We only stayed a few minutes afterward and then thanked the race director for all her hard work and went on our merry way. 

Tip Tuesday

We are having technical difficulties.  The tip is 'scheduled' to appear.  Let's hope it's today :)

Tip Tuesday

Evening runs mean cooler temperatures and less pollen, but don't head out too late or you could disrupt your sleep.  Your brain will be stimulated and your heart rate and body temperature will be elevated for two hours after your run.

Motivational l Monday

Friday Funny

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?