The Middle Aged Runner

The Bluenose and Cabot Trail....Nova Scotia is an Awesome Place to Run...

2010-05-31T16:06:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was registered to run the Bluenose Half Marathon in Halifax. I love this race - I've done the full twice and was happy to return this year. It is such a great race - awesome city, mega energy, community support, great volunteers and superb organization. What made it especially meaningful to me was that my daughter was running her first half marathon and I was really looking forward to that. Of course, the middle aged runner has a middle aged body. I had been struggling the entire week prior to the race with pain in my great toe of all places. Had a lot of pain and hoped that it would resolve prior to the race. Unfortunately, it did not. I finally went to the KV After Hours clinic the Friday before the race because I had been limping around all week. Thought maybe I had a fraction in my toe. "Well, doc, what do you think it is?" "Oh, you have quite an inflamed joint there....hmmm, osteoarthritis, I think"....I was happy to hear that there was no injury but very unhappy to hear it was something from which a middle aged person would suffer :o(

Long story short - I filled my naprosyn script, deferred my race to next year and cheered my daughter Siobhan in her very first race. She came in under 2 hours - awesome race. That's her with the great form on the right. She says she'll never do another one...hahahahaha...I said that too! She's hooked.

My good friend Claire ran her first full marathon in Halifax too. I so admire her choice for her first race. Halifax is challenging - it's not easy and it's not a walk in the park - Pt. Pleasant or otherwise. Here's to you and your gutsy decision Claire!

Cabot Trail is an Incredible Experience

I had an opportunity to join all all women's team - the Fredericton Femmes Fatales - to run in the Cabot Trail relay this past weekend. If you don't know anything about this race check out the website: http://www.cabottrailrelay.com/ This 24 hour, 17 leg relay takes you around the famous Cabot Trail in Cape Breton. Great fun, great scenery and fantastic athletes - it was an amazing experience and one that I hope to repeat next year if I am still living and able. I ran leg 8 which was quite an easy leg, certainly in comparison to the rest. Hope to challenge myself next year - maybe do 9 or 10. If you want an idea as to what the legs are like the website describes each of the legs and offers a graphic representation of the elevation of each but you cannot appreciate this until you actually see it and drive it and run it. What a blast! Kudos to the organizers!

We don't have to venture far from home to experience great races!

The Middle Aged Runner

Gastro Update and Other Unpleasant Consequences of Being a Living Organism.....

2010-05-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

You may remember last week I thought I had my GI problem solved by cutting out dairy. But, dang, as luck would have it, I ate soup at lunchtime that contained, you guessed it, cream. Of course, this has plunged me into a frenzy of label reading all week, obsessed with not allowing dairy products to enter my colon. Today, my Wednesday running group, was the test! Ran tonight AND....drum roll please.....NO ISSUES! No cramps, no stopping, no "gotta go" sensation, no need to stop at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church or the Irving. Thank you DS! Sorry, yogurt, you're out!

My experience with sharing this rather intimate issue has been interesting. I noted previously that an estimated 20 - 50% of runners suffer from this yet very little is written about it and what is out there, is reiterative. I found most of what I read to be too general and lacking in enough specifics to really be helpful. But, you know what? This is something that runners do not typically talk about. There are few who are willing to say, yeah, I suffer from this. But, ironically, runners talk about black or missing toenails, injuries, toe fungus, bloody urine, noseblowing techniques and a whole host of other distasteful ailments. What's up with that? Not that I turn my nose up at these conversations...far from it. I do object to marginalizing some issues though like, yes, the trots. I have also found out in the last two weeks that many many of my fellow running partners suffer from runner's trots - many during races. Yet, not one comment on my blog. People have spoken to me and I've received emails but there is a reluctance to talk about this issue in the public domain! Collectively, we are a vast inventory of individual experiences - we have all faced similar challenges in our running. Can we be more open about sharing how we overcame those challenges? We just need to talk about them. Let's be honest folks. We are all human and basically no different from the bear who sh**s in the woods.

Sorry if this seems like a lecture. I guess, the moral of this story is: the next time someone you're running with says: "I gotta find a bathroom" do not silently wait for them or keep on going. Say "it's the dairy dummy!"

The Middle Aged Runner

omg MOM! "Runs" Part 2..

2010-05-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

The title? Oh, that was the reaction of my daughter upon reading my last entry. Obviously, a youthful GI tract! I, quite frankly, was very surprised to see the lack of response to my last post considering that up to 50% of runners suffer from this condition. Apparently, they suffer in silence or they just don't give a sh** (lol) when they have to run into the bushes to, you know, sh**.

Shortly after that post I had a colleague send me and email. He said, "Dairy! That's the culprit!! Cut it out!" I honestly didn't think I consumed that much dairy. But then I started to think - cream in my coffee, milk in my cereal, yogurt always at lunch. Hmmm...maybe I'll try it - I had always thought my fibre intake was the bad guy. So, my two cups of coffee in the am - black. Breakfast - no cereal for this chick - toast with peanut butter. Lunch - NO YOGURT, NO CHEESE. OK colon - your move! Sunday run - morning - not my high risk time - no problem. Monday - 10 k run at 6pm - high risk time period and history of problems (Superstore stop!) NO PROBLEM - not even an inkling, not a rumble, not a twinge, not a thought that turned into something else!

OK maybe that was an aberrant day. Tuesday - track day - high risk time - 5:30pm - history of problems (but it was at the University so access was no issue). NO PROBLEM - no inkling, no rumbling, nada!

OK - the big test - my Wednesday running group!! Historically, my biggest challenge! Here was the test. Groooaaaan....started feeling that bloatiness before I went...waaahhhh, it's not dairy. But, I bucked up, I went out for my 8 k run with my club. As I pointed out last week, however, when you run with someone they become a little more familiar with your colon than you or they ever wanted to be. Cramps, etc. had to stop a few times!! Oh, I was so disappointed!!! But, because, you become so obsessed with this horrid feeling that is all you talk about on your run. My running partner asked me what I had for lunch. Well, I had Butternut Squash soup - it must have been the fibre! "Was it homemade?" "No, Knorr". "Anytime I ever made that soup I put cream in it"......"AHA!"...Of course, the soup was made with cream! How stupid was I to not check the label! Thanks Sharon!

So, my conclusion this week is the problem is, in fact, dairy. My true evaluation will be next Wednesday though. Will look forward to my ultimate test next week.

Here's to your colon - if you're over 50 and are of average risk for colon cancer talk to your doctor about a fecal occult blood test - it's a screening test for cancer, and, no, it's not a blood test. But it can a problem early!

The Middle Aged Runner

When Your "Run" Becomes Your "Runs"

2010-04-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

Runner's trots, runner's diarrhea...whatever you call it, it's a recipe for a ruined workout. It is estimated that 20-50% of runners suffer from this problem. I am one of them. My problem occurs when I run after 5pm. Not in the morning, not in the early afternoon, not when I run at 4:30. Thankfully, it has never happened during a race which typically are in the morning (oh, I hope I haven't jinxed myself!!) It happens when I run with my running club. You know, when you're running with someone it's difficult to be discrete. You are forced to tell your running partner what the problem is and your running partner is forced to listen to you talk about your cranky colon. When the "discomfort" sets in, it's all you can think about, it can lead to panic and can lead to desperate measures. Desperate measures for me, by the way, is ...errrr....solving the problem outside a conventional bathroom. Ahhh, in the the woods, if you're lucky enough to be running in a desolate enough area. Seems to be an easy thing for men. But, man, for me, it is extremely difficult and has only happened on a few occasions when there was no other alternative.

So, what causes runner's trots? Well, most sources cite two common theories. One is the diversion of blood from the GI tract to the legs which results in a lack of oxygen to the tissues. This, in turn, interferes with normal function and causes irritation to the bowel wall - cramping. The second theory is the simple "jiggling" motion of running stimulating peristalsis (muscle movement of the digestive tract) and subsequent cramping. Some runners begin to feel peristaltic contractions (cramps) shortly after they begin running which supports the "jiggling" theory. I start to feel discomfort about 3-5 km into my run which supports the blood diverstion theory. Who knows? What I do know for sure is that it is extremely distressing regardless of the cause.

So, what do you do about it? I was hoping to recommend a source that provided really good information about this issue but, despite how common the problem is, many running sites and mags give short shrift to the problem and advise most to ensure your route has public washrooms :o(...From my reading and my own experience I found that avoiding dehydration is crucial, don't eat within 2 hours of your run, don't chew gum EVER, I once thought a banana an hour or 2 prior would be helpful - wouldn't swear by it though. If you find one time of the day is better for you run then. Unfortunately, my schedule does not allow that during the week. Some runners are aggravated by caffeine - I have coffee in the morning and that pretty much takes care of everything! No applicable in the evening. Journal what you eat and see if there are any irritants, dairy, fibre, etc. The type of food does not seem to matter for me.

The most ridiculous piece of advice that I have heard is "go before you go out on your run". Oh, I haven't thought of that!! Geez...Oh, and then there are the folks who, when they're racing, decide that stopping is just not an option and, well, just go....YouTube has left the memory of many of these poor schleps to posterity. Just search "poopy runner" and you'll see what I mean.

It's amazing to me that a problem that is so prevalent does not seem to have a solution. We have genius engineering for shoes and clothing why not for a problem that seems to affect the majority of us? Asics? Nike? Fuel Belt? Where are you? I have never taken a medication for this but I have tried everything else. Am going to take Immodium next week (about an hour before my run) just to see, just to see IF IT WORKS!

Done.

The Middle Aged Runner

Outside the Comfort Zone

2010-04-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the first night of interval training for me. I have been running all winter at the same pace - quite comfortably - never pushing the envelope, never wanting to get uncomfortable, never upping the pace. Tonight at the track was a different story. Coach Daryl was very kind in his routines tonight, knowing we were all gradually waking from our winter hibernations. So, I ran my 400s and 800s. And I honestly tried to run faster than I usually do. Around and around the track. High School rugby team practicing in the field - I didn't even notice them - so intense was my pace checking. Of course, didn't have my glasses on so i couldn't see anything on my garmin anyway but judging from the heaviness in my legs and my rather rapid respiratory rate I would guess that I was running faster than my usual pace. That's a good thing right? Don't intervals increase your VO2 max or your anerobic threshold or something? Improves performance, right? Isn't that the bottom line? But, should middle aged runners really care about performance?

This is something I have grappled with for a long time. Can I actually achieve PRs at my age? Or has that ship sailed? Should I just continue to run because I enjoy it and it keeps me fit? Or am I able to improve my times if I work hard enough? I am just not convinced that is my reality. I remember being in a spin class one day thinking that the workout was great - I was working hard, really hard. Then I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror and it looked as though I was moving in slow motion. I started to question why I was doing this - why was I working so hard for so little return? Then I wondered if I was in fact working hard. I honestly don't know if I was then or I am willing to now. Am I really willing to cross over the comfort threshold? This is the season's challenge.

Back to the track. Here's a little honesty - I gotta tell ya - I hate interval training - I hate the track - I hate the discomfort I feel - I hate that I hate this workout. And as the Spring turns into summer and the days get warmer and I am ready to spontaneously combust right there on the track - probably in front of children - the point is I will be there on the track. Truth is - this workout doesn't help me to get any faster but it does help me survive the races. I know I'll go back week after week because of that. I'll also go back for the comraderie and support of other runners, for the incredible generosity of our coach Daryl Steeves who so willingly shares his knowledge and limited time, and for the opportunity to push this old lady butt around the track at a faster pace than usual. And, I will hate it!

See you next week everyone.

Yes, Brent, there really is a blog written by me!

2010-03-24T17:10:00.001-07:00

OK, I know it's been a while since I've had an entry. Geez, I talked about motivation last time, remember? Still dealing with it....But, after being razzed so subtly, in a merciless way by a few of my running buds I thought I had better make an entry tonight...

Topic for tonight! The weather. My running group goes at 6pm. Well, as you know I am coping with a lack of inspiration, motivation and probably a few other "ions". Even the last few weeks of lovely weather has made me just want to barbeque and do crosswords on the deck perhaps accompanied by an alcoholic beverage. But, tonight....oh, cold, blowing, wet...if there ever was a night I DID NOT want to run, it was tonight! But, I made it to the door! Out the door I went. Met my group...hey, let's do some intervals! OK, that's OK - I know I have to do some real training before Halifax so i'm OK with this. So, out we go - now it's raining and cold. Down to the Rothesay commons we go - 4 intervals. No defibrillator intervention required. I was surprised that I was able to maintain my time reasonably for the first 3 (then died on the 4th but that's OK). So, back we go - my running guru, Alex, has another group going at 7 and I think, yeah, I can run with them too. May as well get the mileage in while I can.

Well, started out again at 7 - now it's snowing. Ran about 5 or 6 K with my good friend Tim. Snow, rain, sleet, cold, drivers splashing you like they think they can get you any wetter. (NOTHING WORSE THAN KV DRIVERS - BAD, WORSE, WORST, RUDE, INCONSIDERATE, PROBABLY FROM TORONTO, STUPID, OBLIVIOUS TO PEDESTRIANS AND COMMON SENSE!!!!)

But, wow, what a fantastic run...there is nothing better, nothing more fun than getting out into the slop and the mess and just running. It is a close to a childhood moment as you're ever going to get. I felt fabulous when I got home. Not only had a great run but had to blog about it too! Crappy weather = really satisfying run. The fact that I was nuts enough to go out in this and run is an accomplishment in itself. Loved it.

Wanted: Dummy's Guide to Motivation

2010-02-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

OK...so it's February...mild winter, days are getting longer, street are dry and clear, temps are nice. So, why is it like pulling teeth to get my butt outside in my running gear? Even though the collective activity level of the entire country has, ironically, been at a standstill during the Olympics (Yay for the women's hockey team, btw) I am not warming the sofa in front of the TV every night! I get out there! But, I whine incessently before I go, I look for any excuse not to go - "I'm tired", "I don't feel well", "I'll go to the gym tonight", "I'll go to the gym this afternoon", "I went to the gym last night", "I'd rather eat". Adding to the frustration of not going is the lack of desire to go any type of distance - Should go 10 but go 6, should do an hour on the treadmill but do 40 minutes. I guess the most demotivating word is should. The "shoulds" are highly demotivating, by the way!

So, how will I get myself out of this funk? I tried going to Runner's World - they have the monthly trio - shoes, diet and motivation - in the current issue. One of the articles was how Kara Goucher has negative thoughts about her performance and that effects her motivation. You know, I am just not inspired by world class athletes - I don't identify with them - they don't run in my shoes and I certainly do not run in their's. I DO, on the other hand, identify with the experiences of local runners. I follow a blog called the KV Challenger - A Writer with a Running Problem: http://kvchallenger.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-race-schedule.html
Chuck's latest entry lists the 2010 races he intends to run - for the whole year! He also has his targets identified in each race. I read this and it hit me: For the first time in a long time, I have no goals. I've been drifting - using a lot of euphenisms to describe my running. "Running for pleasure" means "I do not want to run hard". "I love running GarminLess" means "I am running really slowly but I don't want to know that I'm running really slowly".

Goal setting will start...hmmm....tomorrow! Naahhhh...maybe tonight..who am I kidding? Tomorrow. Looks like I've made a good start at least.

Accountability - now that's a long blog entry. Won't get into that tonight. (not motivated).

Getting back into the right frame of mind, I hope, will be a short process. I'll keep you posted.

How about you? How do you regain lost motivation?

The Middle Aged Runner

Hey, Dog Owner...That is not a snowball that just hit you in the back of the head!

2010-01-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

I'll be honest. I did some polling before I did this entry. It is very distasteful - anything of a scatological nature seems to make people uncomfortable. I asked people...are you offended by dog shit left in your neighbourhood? " Well, er, ah, as long as it's not in front of my house! " Geez, it's in front of someone's house but as long as it's not your's I guess it's not horribly inconsiderate and offensive. Hmmmm....is it because I am a cat lover and I am not a dog owner or lover, and I have I have no desire to be a dog owner (yes, really). Runners are users of their communities - we care about clear roadways and we care about clean roadways. We also run at night. Mounds of dog poop is not always easy to see!

What has initiated this seemingly sudden spew of wrath? I was running in Rothesay (the capital of dog shit left on the road) a few weekends ago. It was a few days after a snow...white, fluffy, moderate temp, the veritable perfect storm of the winter run. I ran from my house in Quispamsis into Rothesay and ran along a lovely route called Rothesay Park Rd. It is quite beautiful, a small hamlet hidden away from the main road, along the Kennebecassis River....I love running there because it is a microcosm of our greater community, if only for five minutes...fresh air, no traffic, water, and the sounds of nature.... When you enter the street from the Church end the street is fairly congested for the first half of the street. Homes are close together and, surprisingly, there are few walkers. As you run along the loop you become aware of the birds, the river and the majestic trees aligning the route...an oasis in the middle of a busy community - I love running there - even if the loop in only .6 km long. I always include it in my weekend long run.

As you approach the end of the loop the street is less populated, there are fewer homes, fewer people and GUESS WHAT? Lots of dog shit!! This has me totally perplexed. This area is affluent - I mean affluent - there is one property there that has a name - Neverland! I won't tell you what I call it. It is mind boggling to me that community members, neighbours, probably friends, take their dogs, let them shit in front of someone's home, offend walkers and runners using the route, and, obviously, are oblivious to the the consequences of their actions.

I have complained about this issue for a year, much to the chagrin of my family, as they have been the recipients of my rants! I have been thinking about what I can do to remedy this. I have thought about mobilizing the residents of Rothesay Park Rd. Showing them pics of the dog shit in front their homes and telling them that this is what their community members, their neighbours are doing - but, that would require me to take picture of dog shit - not what I consider to be photographic art. Hence, the rationale for this entry. I am not sure if all runners are as offended by dog shit as I am, I am not even sure if all runners are as AWARE of dog shit as I am. I am not even sure if the folks who live there are aware of what I perceive to be a problem!

So, here is my pitch! Are you offended by this scourge too? If so, let me know. This is not just about Rothesay Park Rd. - it is about the beauty of all our communities. Submit your photos and the address where you have captured them. I had this idea as I was writing this week's entry. Let's really talk to the neighbourhoods in which we run - don't let this happen...I don't want to blog about this...gawd...I want to talk about Runner's High...not Turds in Rothesay...

Better still - when you submit your photos I will go to that HOUSE, show them the pics and tell them that this is what their neighbours have been doing! This must stop!!

If you have read this entire entry - thank you - I have wanted to get this off my shoulders for a long time. If I receive photos I will post them along with responses I get from home owners. But, I promise I will get back to real running issues next week.

Now, am I whacked or what? Anyone else notice this?

The Middle Aged Runner

Funny Thing about Runners.....

2010-01-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

What motivates a runner to just do it? During the week when I get home from work I want to have a glass of wine and watch Judge Judy. On Saturday mornings I just want to drink coffee and do the crossword puzzle. Usually the last thing I want to do is get dressed (in layers) and go out in the cold, get sweaty, slip and slide sometimes, fall sometimes to run. But, most times I do go out. All I have to do is get to the door. Once I am out the door I'm fine. But I often think about what gets me to the door. Is it one of those annoying "motivational tips" that Runner's World provides every issue? No. Is it my desire to maintain my health? Maybe but that glass of wine contributes to my good health too. So, what truly motivates me to run? I love the social aspect of running. Most of my running friends I only know within a running context - some don't even know who I am if I am not sweaty and in spandex. But I love them, I love talking to them, discussing training problems, celebrating triumphs and sharing disappointments. They are a tremendously generous group of people who enrich my life. They inspire me every day.

For example, I have a friend - let's call her Sherri. Sherri did the Goofy challenge last weekned at Walt Disney World. I won't talk about her training regime which is quite remarkable - that's another blog. Unfortunately, I don't get to see Sherri much as we live in different parts of the city and train with different groups. She is a fervent Facebook fan, however, and utilizes this medium to communicate with a variety of people. Well, I kept abreast of Sherri's trials and tribulations as she prepared for this race - the challenges of running a household, caring for a family, doing her job, training for a long distance race and trying to juggle all those balls in the air. Anyway, Sherri wrote a facebook note the night before her race. She thought very carefully about each mile of the 2 races she was going to run and dedicated a particular mile to particular people or groups of people - those thoughts were what got her through those miles. I was honoured to be on that list. Such gratitude and passion is what motivates me - it's more than having a running buddy - it's a running community. And nowhere will you see a more generous spirit.

Ghandi said be the change you wish to see in the world. I think Sherri is taking that philosophy to heart. She is doing the Goofy Challenge again next year and has initiated a veritable dominos game of running buds who will do it with her. I am one of those dominos and I can't wait to fall next January.

So, here's to Sherri and her ilk! Thank you!

The Middle Aged Runner

Top Ten Running Songs

2010-01-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010 Everyone! I have had quite a hiatus over the Christmas holidays which I thoroughly enjoyed. Hope everyone enjoyed their time with family and loved ones. This is actually the first chance I have had to think about this blog although I have been running fairly regularly over the last 3 weeks.

So, let's talk music! This is a very odd topic for those of you who know me well. I have always been a rabid CBC radio fan and listened to Jian Ghomeshi not because I liked his musical guests! I prided myself on running only with my thoughts - solved every problem and puzzle in my life while I was running - it was great. Then someone gave me an Ipod Shuffle and I was sold; completely! Funny thing: I started to notice that some types of music really impacted my runs - fascinating so I have spent a year adding songs to my Ipod that I think improve and, at the very least, facilitate my running. I have also accumulated some favourites and identified where they are most useful in my runs.

Here goes:

#10 Kanye West Stronger - A new way of looking at the old adage - " that that will not kill me will make me stronger" Dr. Seuss does Hip Hop. I love the music in this piece but I have to ignore the nonsensical lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsO6ZnUZI0g

#9 James Brown Living in America - I can never decide if I want to run or dance when I hear this really old JB song. Love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHqUipinDyw

#8 Jackson Browne Running on Empty - Of course, the year of this song (1979) may have a nostalgic quality for me but I find it energizing in the last third of a long run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bww2prhAWEA

#7 Eminem Lose Yourself - Got hills? This song is fantastic for getting up and over them with energy to spare. My children were very surprised to discover this was on my Ipod. "Mom, do you know there is some pretty foul language in his music?" Really? All this time I thought he was singing "mothapluckin' option" ;o)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFYQQPAOz7Y

#6 Bryan Adams The Only Thing that Looks Good on Me - Really don't know what I like about this song - not a big fan of BA. It's a great song for the beginning 20 minutes of a run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEclDV-C1hU

#5 Motley Crue Kickstart my Heart - Wow...this is the biggest surprise - who are these knobs anyway? Gross! But, geez, this song is fantastic when you are feeling fatigued and need a pick me up. It gets my form back in shape. You can't think about what these guys look like though...ewwww...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0Y2g3zOzZM (This is not a video - I found the videos of the live performances did not capture the value for running)

#4 The Killers Human - I love this song. Great to listen to when you're in the zone!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIZdjT1472Y

#3 Diane Birch Fools - This is on the list because I love this song. I challenge anyone to listen to this song and NOT love Diane Birch. Another one for the zone and great for pace because you have to sing along with it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDpAPbPMPIA

#2 Elton John I'm Still Standing - Totally inspired by this song - those long slow inclines I hate so much - this is the perfect song to get you up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QjS0AbRpAo

#1 Billy Idol New Future Weapon - Trying to run faster? This is the tune that will make you pump your arms harder and lift your knees higher.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieNUilnUmCI

Thoughts on your tunes? Thoughts on mine? Hate 'em? Love 'em?

The Middle Aged Runner

Middle Aged Ligaments Suck!

2009-12-21T16:36:00.000-08:00

So, I am out tonight intending to have a lovely 10 km. Let's talk about the weather first - temp is mild, there was some snow last night and this morning but the sidewalks, for the most part are clear. There are, however, hunks of ice, on the sidewalk, leftovers from the last plowing. You know what I mean, the kind that, somehow, regardless of where your foot is and regardless of wherever they are, they wind up under your soles like some podiatric intergalactic missile. Well, that's what happened tonight. One foot, one ice hunk, one twisted ankle. Dang! And only 7 or 800 metres into the run. So, with the help of my buddies I hobbled back to the car. Didn't feel that badly but I did not want to slow them down. I did have a secret thought that, perhaps, when I got back to my place I would test the strained ankle in my own neighbourhood after it had an opportunity to rest (on the drive home)!

Got in the car and wouldn't you know it...when I had accelerated (gas ankle = hurt ankle) it hurt like hell. I think the slight plantar extension required in depressing the gas pedal is the same plantar extension that is utilized in running. Hmmm...nix the Plan B run. Anyway, I got home and decided to give my daughter, the physiotherapy student, an opportunity to do a clinical assessment and write a plan of therapy. She said, "where does it hurt?" I said, "right across here". "Does it hurt when you do this?" "Yes." "How about when you do this?" "Yes". "Hmmm...I think you should put ice on it and rest it for a few days...oh, I would recommend that you not go to spin tomorrow." "Is that it? Is that all you're going to tell me?" "yeah, that's what we tell everybody!"... Bottom line is I have a 51 year old ankle. Came to that realization when I was sprawled on the Hampton Road. Gawd! I feel so betrayed - my ankle has failed.

So, what's an old gal to do? Those ligaments, tissues, muscles, bones and such become so vulnerable. Something I would have totally ignored not that long ago, an ache or a pain, is now a source of hand wringing for me. I must now think about bone density, degenerative changes consistent with age, that intense fear of infirmity. I hate it when I am reminded of the frailties of the human body. Gosh, if running did anything for me, it was to facilitate the complete suppression of that fact.

K, this has been my cathartic moment. Tomorrow I will skip my spin class and apply ice to my ankle 3 or 4 times daily. And I will be out with my running group Wednesday night. Or not...

The Middle Aged Runner

Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa

2009-12-14T16:44:00.000-08:00

I was raised in the Catholic Church. I was accustomed to the structure and the ritual, to the smell of the incense during feasts and celebrations and to the lyrical droning of the community reciting the Apostles’ Creed – never in unison. I dutifully received my sacraments – baptism, communion, confirmation, marriage – without any doubt that this was the way things were done – whether I liked it or not. I brought my children up in the Church, taught Catechism, was a lay reader and was generally quite involved. I was a good Catholic, always felt somewhat tainted about being human – generally lived with a good sense of guilt every day. Well, I don’t attend mass anymore – no longer meets my spiritual needs. Running now fills that void - I believe I have alluded to this in one of my earlier posts.

What’s my point? This is what is curious - over the weekend, on two successful beautiful days – Saturday and Sunday, I thought about running but decided that the need to do some Christmas shopping was more immediate. So, that’s what I did – I went Christmas shopping and did not run – didn’t even go to the gym. How did I feel about that? GUILTY! What is going on here? Evidently in the transfer from one spiritual vehicle to another – that old RC guilt came with it. Dang! So, did I flog myself mercilessly? No, but that constant pang – so comfortably settled in my gut for most of my life - remained. "Bless me Father, for I have sinned; it has been 5 days since my last run". Until tonight! I ran with my friend Brent . "I am only interested in 10 k", he said. "Me too", I replied as we walked out the door. Our 10 km turned out to be 14 and hilly as hell. The ice was trecherous in some areas so we took a few turns here and there. Let's go down here, less traffic, less ice. It was glorious. We parted at the school and as I drove home, listening to As it Happens talk about abandoned Chihuahuas in California, I felt a sense of relief - similar to the feeling I had during the penance I was given as a child. Tonight, as then, I felt purged of my transgressions. Only tonight it was combined with the endorphin high.

Sweet redemption. I can live with myself yet again.

As I read this entry I am reluctant to post it - it seems so intimate and kind of nutty too. But I think we all live with guilt in one form or another and I think many of us are motivated by the need to eliminate that guilt.

Any other guilty runners out there?

The Middle Aged Runner

ps - Thanks Brent...

The Love Hate Relationship..

2009-12-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

I have run without my garmin since October. The tyranny of training is over until the New Year anyway. I have been able to run the entire month of November without checking my pace, suffering through 800 metre repeats, hills, tempo runs nor have I burst into tears on a long run. I have been running socially, enjoying the company of friends and rediscovering why I started running in the first place. So, why don't I just run for fitness and fun? Running has never been particularly competative for me - races have never been venues for me to compete against other runners. I competed against myself only. So why is it that when I train for full marathons I absolutely detest running by the time my race rolls around.

The training is tough - always tougher than the race itself. It's expensive, I sure don't need another Tshirt, sure isn't to see those horrid photographs at the finish line they publish online, I don't expect to qualify for Boston - I know I don't train hard enough for that anyway. Every full marathon I run is my absolute last! There is a definite positive correlation between mileage and hatred - the higher my mileage the higher the hate metre! So why do I race? What is the attraction? Perhaps it is the manifestation of a middle aged crisis - my corvette. Perhaps it is an attempt at preserving my own self esteem - to gain a sense of accomplishment when many of my careeer and family goals have been met.

While I continue to ponder these questions I will revel in my current love affair with running and enjoy until the training begins and the garmin makes its appearance again. I haven't decided yet but I suspect something will pique my interest in the Spring. This hate relationship is like your memory of childbirth - an exhilarating experience (which, just like training, is never consistent with my husband's memory).

Does anyone else have this contradictory relationship with running? Love to hear from you....

The Middle Aged Runner

Deterred by Rain?

2009-12-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

Monday was a gray day, raining by the early evening. One of those days that enables you to easily say, "forget it, I am not going out in this mess!" Too wet, too cold, too dark, too dangerous, too wetcolddark&dangerous. However, I had told my running bud earlier in the day that I would be there - in my galoshes if I had to be. All I had to do was get to the door - a much more attainable goal than getting to the high school. I agonized about the attire - what jacket, what shoes, a ball cap (most definitely for rain), gloves (in November, for sure), drive home jacket - finally decided what would be most comfortable and in the car I went.

Met my friend and off we went. Not pouring rain but rain nonetheless. It was a little cold starting out but warmed up in a short period of time. As we moved along we picked up another runner and continued on. Off the beaten path, the swish of the passing vehicles is lessened and I hear the slap of running shoes on the wet pavement, the sound of the rain bouncing off my jacket and see individual drops of water trickling from the brim of my cap. As we run uphill conversation decreases and the steady sound of our breathing is in rhythm with our footsteps. As we make our way around the route we are back on a more traveled route. Vehicles roar by, one by one, creating seemingly tsunamic waves catapulting towards us on the shoulder. In reality, of course, we are splashed sporatically but even small amounts of water is magnified to biblical proportions when you're wet already.

15 km later we ended our run and parted. I took off my cap and gloves and changed my jacket and set out for my 10 minute drive home soaked down to my socks. Yet I felt a curious sense of well being as I always do when I run in the rain. It is not about braving the elements. It's like a cleansing process - ridding the mind and body of all the negativity that has been absorbed during the day - and becoming whole and healthy again ready to take on the next day.

The Middle Aged Runner

The RPM Thong

2009-11-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

I started spin classes about two years ago and found that they were a great cross training activity. I usually try and take in one class per week while I am training and a little more often in the off season. Of course, the middle aged muscles need some time to warm up so i have to get on the treadmill and run about 20 minutes or so before my class so i am ready for the rigourous workout. The warm up facilitates my focus during the class.

So on Thursday in my class I go, get on my bike, spend some time warming up. Oh, by the way, I like the back row, why? Don't know, have never really analyzed why. Maybe it's because I am an INTP, maybe it's because I don't want anyone behind me checking out whether or not I am actually applying load where I should, maybe it's because, at my personal core, I am an observer of people. At any rate this issue of the back row may or may not be germane to my topic, however, my back row position enabled me to observe this phenomenon. Young woman (early 30s) gets on her bike about 2 rows in front of me. I have a clear view since she is in front of the instructor. Our class starts, warm up track, interval track starts - ok let's do it I am thinking. As i start increasing my pace my eyes are drawn to the rear end of this young woman and what do I see? The top of a thong protruding from the top of her capris. OMG, i could think of nothing else for the rest of the class. There went my focus. How can she stand it? That must be uncomfortable! That thong is GONE! Her arse must be killing her! Of all the places where thongs should NOT be worn this is on of them. Do you think I was being judgemental? I don't think so - perhaps others have a different opinion. As I get older I am increasingly concerned about comfort. (Hence Naturalizer shoes and Northern Reflections full of aging baby boomers). It took me two years to buy the appropriate shoes for spin. I also recently purchased shorts that are designed for triathletes - just enough padding to make the saddle a little bit more comfortable. My mantra when i was younger was "I'd rather look good than feel good" - not so now. Although I am still addicted to high heels the notion of comfort is becoming increasing important to me. So, I seek out solutions to discomfort.

Even in my vainest hour, however, I don't think I would have worn a thong to spin.

I would let you know if the same woman wears it again but, of course, don't be surprised when I tell you that I have no idea what she looks like! Hope she is beside me instead of in front of me though!

The Middled Aged Runner.

Sharing the Olympic Spirit

2009-11-25T16:31:00.000-08:00

November 25, 2009

Tim, one of my running friends, had the experience of a lifetime yesterday. He carried the Olympic torch in his own hometown. We have known he was going to be a bearer for a long time...since the summer but, at that time, I don't think any of us could have anticipated the tidal wave of excitement and pride that would overtake us as the moment grew closer.

For those of us who know Tim, he is a man of few words, not one interested in idle chit chat during our group runs. A stoic runner - rabid in his training but certainly not adverse to a few Alpines on his off days. Basically, the best running partner - a listener - one who would let you blab on ad nauseum about this ache or that pain or some other mundane issue. I knew him for 2 years before I found out he played the fiddle - and plays it as a regular volunteer at a local nursing home.

As the time for Tim's torch bearing grew closer I started to see a different side of Tim. One that was so expressive and vocal in his anticipation of this experience. He deadpanned 3 weeks before the run that he would be beginning his taper for the 300m which I found extraordinarily funny (since it was past my own marathon - oh, enough about me). Then the time came and went. The torch is now on to other parts of the province and it is a memory for most of us.

For Tim, it is something much more. I asked him what was most memorable about his run - he said seeing all the children from a Daycare Centre out on the road to cheer him on was very gratifying. I was reminded of someone who told me they always remembered seeing Terry Fox run through their community and not realizing at the time that they were witness to what would be a historicial moment in Canadian history. I wonder if any of these children will always remember seeing Tim with that torch and, if they do, I hope that they will have been inspired in some way during their lives. I know I have.

Proud to know you Tim!
The Middle Aged Runner

Nighttime Running: What a Feeling

2009-11-23T16:04:00.001-08:00

November 23, 2009

One of my running buds has a few spare hours on Monday evening and suggested this was a good opportunity for a group run. I took him up on it. Three of us started out at 6pm and ran 10 km in the dark. I adore running in the dark of night (or early evening). What do i love about it? Rarely any wind, the temperature is perfect, you can't actually see the hills in front of you and you can see inside of homes through the windows (if you're looking for decorating ideas or if you're just nosy - I won't say which describes me). I certainly don't like the traffic and, as is the custom in the Valley, the traffic doesn't like us but when we turned onto the less traveled road the quiet was wonderful. The three of us running but chatting too - during the uphills there is no chatting though - the only sound the echo of our feet on the pavement in concert with our breathing.

I feel strangely anonymous when I run at night. Nobody knows who I am, no tooting of horns to acknowledge my presence, no recognition - just a dark figure glowing with reflective tape one with my surrounding. There were a few points where I felt strangely disembodied - like i experienced a fugue state. Maybe that happens in the daytime too but I seem to be more conscious of it at night.

Thank you to Brent and Claire for a great run! We'll do it again Wednesday night too!

Til next time.
The Middle Aged Runner

What has running given me?

2009-11-22T05:13:00.000-08:00

November 22, 2009

What an exciting day! My very first post on my very first blog. Why did I start this? Well, good question. I am a runner and I am 51 years old and I am a woman. I found there were plenty of websites that gave women tips on running skirts, on breaking 3 hours in a marathon, on organizing your workouts around your childcare, on just about everything that does not apply to me.

I want to create a forum that talks about my reality: fatigue (I mean real fatigue), aching joints, running with bunions (gawd), coping with my times getting slower when everyone else's are getting faster, the fact that there just aren't that many women over 50 who are running (who I know anyway). Most importantly, however, I want to articulate the incredible gifts that running has given me - appreciating the beauty of my environment, meeting a most wonderful community of friends and supporters and the incredible strength of spirit that comes with being fit and healthy.

So here is my first post. In future I would like to share the trials and tribulations of running at middle age - I will be discussing winter running, treadmills, running fashion (hehe), ageism and a myriad of other topics generated from my own thoughts and experiences. And I would like to share the experiences of others (ah, men and younger folk welcome).

Hope to hear from others. And away we go...
The Middle Aged Runner