Stumbled but didn't fall

Last Saturday at the RBC Run for the Kids 15K I stumbled.  Badly it turned out.  But I didn't fall. In the process I learned a lot about mental toughness.  And how to change strategy quickly.  We can plan all we want...then life happens.

As you might have surmised I didn't have a great running day Saturday morning.  I've thought about it a lot...including the seemingly endless time out on the course while I stumbled along.  What happened?

Well...what happened is that I finished.  I raised over $500 for kids mental health with your support.  I got another Finisher Medal.  Probably the hardest one I've ever owned...well, maybe the second hardest...the Reggae Marathon Finisher's Medal back in 2009 was hard won.  Both tested me mentally and physically.  And that's life.  Despite the best made plans, some days it's how fast you adapt that keeps you alive.  So what did I learn?

• No matter how slow you're moving, keep moving!  
• Pay attention to what's going on.  When something doesn't work as planned, recognize it and adapt or adjust quickly.  
• Keep your head up and breathe.  It's the end goal that matters...
• Relax...you get to run again tomorrow.  Only death and taxes are certain.  So after you pay your taxes, and assuming you're not dead, you get to run again.

Potestas in meipsum!  That the Latin version of my personal motto:  Strength within self. That came to me around Kilometer 7.5 when I passed the sign noting we were half way home.  Yes I stumbled...but I sure didn't fall!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Hard Running

I had a week of hard running getting back to it. Some of the pain was caused by the realization that I had two weeks to get back into running shape for the RBC Run for the Kids on September 17.  I needed to ramp up quickly...that hurt as expected...but I also wanted to not break anything...that messed with my head!  Who knew hard running was so hard!

I'm pretty sure now that runners are high level narscisists.  Or is it just me?  On a run last Saturday I found myself on a stretch of Bloor West Village where every storefront was plate glass.  I spent more time looking at my reflection than thinking about running. There was a big disconnect between how I looked in my mind and what the mirrored windows reflected.  Whoa!

I'm watching my food intake this week as well.  As is my habit, I've cut out the beer and alcohol. Man is that cold one on Saturday afternoon going to taste great!  I've got some dry roasted peanuts ready-to-go as well.  College football Saturday afternoon here we come!  Sticking with chicken, rice and steamed vegetables this week as well.

It's looking like my type of running conditions this Saturday morning.  Temperatures are forecast for low teens at the 7:30 am start.  And no rain although I actually like running in the rain.  I'm going to use my hydration backpack for this run.  I like PowerAid and am pretty sure that won't be available at the aid stations.  Plus I can avoid the sloppy water-in-a-paper-cup drill.  Why can't every race hydrate like Reggae Marathon:  water and electrolyte replacement in a sealed plastic pouch?

OK, enough jabbering...back to some hard running.  Wait...supposed to be tapering for the rest of this week.  Can't wait until Saturday!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

First Run...again

I had my first run this past weekend.  And it felt great to be running again.  After an enforced break from running I feared I'd forgotten how to run.  Duh...left foot forward, right foot forward, repeat quickly.  Yes, it was good to be running again.

A big benefit of the 6 week break from running that the broken toe caused was that I got to work on my core.  More frequent planking workouts and regular running and swimming in the complex in our pool.  I didn't lose much leg strength at all!  On that first run I kept it slow for sure but I was itching to pick up the pace.

Another benefit:  The nagging hamstring injury in my left leg healed!  Funny how rest works.  And after all the Dr, Ho sessions and Voltaren Emugel slathered on.  As usual, rest is the cure for all running injuries.

And now that I'm back running, I'm looking forward to my upcoming runs.  First up is the RBC Race for the Kids on Saturday, September 17.  

Two weeks to go to get ready for this 15K race but it's special and will be worth it: I'm running to raise funds to help youth coping with mental health issues.  

You can join me every step of the way by donating at my page:  ThatRunninGuy Race for the Kids Donation Page.  I've got a ways to go and not a lot of time so any donation you can make will be greatly appreciated.

After that I'm teasing myself with the Half Marathon at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront event in mid-October.  I figure its a good training run for Reggae Marathon in December.  My plan is to run the first 11 kilometres at an easy pace then pick it up for the final 10 kilometres.  I haven't registered yet...still thinking about it.

Then the final race of 2016 is the annual trek to Negril for Reggae Marathon.  I hear rumors that a number of the gang are planning to run the 10K this December.  See...I can influence people after all! The biggest benefit to running the 10K at Reggae Marathon is that you get all the benefits of the Reggae Marathon Race Weekend Experience with little of the exertion.  And you're sipping a cold Red Strip by 6 am in the morning on the Beach!  Can't think of a better way to wrap up a running year.

First run over...now on to the next!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Racing for Kids Mental Health

I'm running for mental health on September 17 this year and it's not for me.  I'm running to raise money to help families and kids with mental health issues find the right mental health support they need when they need it most.  You can donate here at my personal page: ThatRunninGuy racing for Kids Mental Health.

Mental health in young people affects us all.  We may not talk about it our families because we're ashamed.  We may not know what to do or where to turn so we try to deal with it ourselves. We may ignore it and hope they grow out of it. Non of these is effective:

As many as two million young people in Canada are struggling with mental health issues such as an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, depression or addiction. Only one in five will get specialized treatment.  There are plenty of mental health services available for young people, but the system is confusing. It can be extremely difficult for families to find their way to the right program, especially during a crisis. Sunnybrook's Family Navigation Project partners families with professional navigators. These navigators are knowledgeable about what services exist, and become allies in guiding families toward the right care at the right time.

I've had mental issues as an adult and I've been fortunate to have had professional services easily available.  I can't imagine what it would have been like as a teenager scared to death to talk to family or friends and with nowhere to turn. I can't imaine it! I'm running to help change that and I'm hoping you will help me with your donation.

On Saturday, September 17 I'm running in the 15K RBC Race for the Kids event.  It's the longest of the three race events but you knew I'd do that.  I haven't raced a 15K event since the Bread and Honey 15K in Mississauga well over 25 years ago.  I'm looking forward to it and of course have some time goals...I'll share those closer to race day.  In the meantime, I'm hoping you'll donate on my personal page:  ThatRunninGuy racing for Kids Mental Health.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy