These are my favorite pictures from the race, you can just see how happy I am.
This race got me so excited for 2010. I really feel like I can accomplish so much more and my training starts up again next week for the UBC triathlon in May. Now I’m setting my goals higher. I’m really excited to get back in the pool and really see what my body can do.
This week I’m resting, getting the house and family organized because next week I’m going to focus and also find that balance to make sure I’m not doing too much. I got really sick two weeks before the race, I was extremely ill due to stress which lowered my immune system. I want the next few months to really work for me instead of against me. I also want to find that balance with blogging and getting the day to day work done as well as my home duties done and see how I can fit it all in.
I’ve talked with Coach Kline already, we are going to start next week back in the pool and starting up a whole new schedule for the triathlon.
I’m stoked. Hope you are too! It’s winter training people!!!! Let’s chat!
- 1/2 marathon!!!
My first race, such an accomplishment. Not only did I finish but I finished strong and 4 days later I’m 100% and ready for more training. My body recovered so quickly and that is all thanks to the following who really held my hand through this whole journey that has absolutely changed my life for the better, thank you.
SUGOI 
My workplace for the last 10 years, my brand of choice. The clothing is phenominal, absolutely top quality and has made my training more efficient and comfortable and helped me rock my first race. The fact that I ran my first 1/2 marathon in 2.5 hours is really incredible. The race and recovery, compression items do make a difference. The technology of the fabric do make the workouts more comfortable which helps you train better and build your confidence. The support that I have gotten from my co-workers and JANE team has been at my side 24/7 through thick and thin, literally 
Special thanks to Aimee and Kara for their continual support. Aimee who is now like a sister to me and has helped me grow as a person and become an athlete again! So many people here have supported me, positive YOU CAN DO IT comments, viewing the site regularly and sharing their own stories to help me learn and encourage me. Thank you so much SUGOI! Thank you Aimee, Ev, Kara, Cara, Tanya, Brian, Maggie, Angela, Asantha, Kelly, Felicia, Rob, Pascal, Elana, Gary, Adriana, Ian, Chris, Melanie, Laura, Sara, Lilla, Erica, Barb, CTRL-P, Sergio, Megan, Dan, Rory, Gen, Michelle, Sabine, Vero, Kevin, Pearl, Alina, Linna, Kaleena, Gio, Scott Parr, Maria G, Daniel, Hanna, George, Ingo, Bonnie, Jennifer, James, Audrey, DDR, Tim G, Magnum GI, Murph, Chery, Kaleena, Andrea H, Andrea K, Jimmy, Wilson, Sonie. Hope I didn’t forget anyone!
How much do I LOVE my new bike?!!! It’s amazing, fits absolutely perfect. The spin in my training has helped my recovery so much plus has added strength. It’s such an important part in my program to get out there on the bike, not just for my legs and my core but peace of mind. Going for a ride really clears my head and replenishes me mentally, I feel refreshed, energized and strong. I love my bike! It’s AMAZING! I can’t wait to rock it out in the sprint tri and see what this baby can do! Thank you Cannondale I LOVE MY BIKE!!!!
What stops you from collapsing on the race….that’s GU. Seriously. I tried the new gingerbread GU gel out there on the course and not only was it tasty but went down smooth and my stomach really responded well to it. The directions are easy to read on how often to take and replenish and convenient size, fits in the back pockets well. While I was training I was a big fan of the RECOVERY BREW. This stuff is amazing, absolutely helped me after my workouts. Faster recovery for sure. The GU CHOMPS are incredible. I take those on my longer runs and had them in the race as well. Super sustained energy, easy to eat and sat well in the stomach. Not only is the GU product amazing but their customer service is top notch. They not only will help you perform like a rock star but you will feel like one too because they take care of you so well! THANK YOU GU!
I am in awe of COACH KLINE! In awe! What an amazing person, so generous, so caring and has more information on everything training and racing than anyone I have ever met in my life. He’s there for me, whenever I have a question, always prepared. His workouts are prepared individually to each person with such detail to your own life and personality, they are easy to read, easy to get and always updated. I think he may have cloned himself to keep up with everything so perfectly, he must be a robot, he must be superman! I love the interaction as well with the training logs, he really needs athlete feedback to help you progress, so you work together a lot and each workout is so exciting, you just can’t wait to get to the next even if it’s one of the harder workouts. I’ve never cursed coach in my head even on those 2 hour run days because it’s been such an amazing experience. In just a few short months I’m very strong, recover fast and can’t wait to KILL IT in the sprint tri in May. Thank you coach, thank you so much for your continual support, I just adore you!
Jason is a very smart caring individual with a great passion for self growth and bringing each person to the next level in fitness. He also knows when you need an extra push and may be dragging your feet some. He doesn’t take any guff when he knows you might be faking it a little…… I love this about Jason. His strength training and injury prevention training are so different from anything else that I’ve done. These workouts compliment the rest of my workouts in so many ways. I also noticed a massive difference in my body in a few short weeks, so much changed! He’s also keeps it interesting and changes up locations to train at times to keep you motivated. Very inspirational, very supportive and an extraordinary person. He also treats you like a rock star. Who doesn’t want that???!!!! Thank you Jason, thank you for helping me get fit and confident and also thank you for helping me through a few meltdowns.
Nutrition is the most important part of anyones lifestyle. This is where everyone should start to change their life. This is where I started and it’s the best first step. You need to find out why you are eating the way you are and how you feel currently. How would you like to feel? What do you think is normal? Adrienne sat me down, helped me feel comfortable and really assessed what I was doing in my life and why. I never felt ashamed, uncomfortable or frustrated. Adrienne really cares about you and knows how important it is to eat healthy and still enjoy yourself. She has different methods for different people, again this program is detailed to each person and personality. She not only helped me through challenges that I’ve experienced most of my life but she is such a great person, you can’t help but smile when you are around her. Such an amazing experience and what I’ve learned in a few short visits has changed my life for the better. I can’t wait to see her again! Thank you so much Adrienne and you really helped me be a better role model for my daughter, this is something that I appreciate so much. Thank you.
Imagine running in a race with shoes that fit you so well you never got blisters, pressure points and felt like you were running on clouds. That’s my experience training and racing the 1/2 marathon because of Paul at the Runners’ Den in Port Moody. These shoes are heaven. I have never had one uncomfortable spot on them ever. Period. I ran 13.1 miles on Sunday and my feet were completely happy the whole race. Never experienced any pain or fatigue. These shoes are absolutely amazing because of the expert advice that I got from Paul during the shoe fitting. He knows what he’s taling about. He could run 600 miles in his sleep. I absolutely recommend that everyone head out to Runners’ Den in Port Moody for their own personal shoe fitting and get the best service ever! Thank you so much Paul. I couldn’t have done it without you!
I’ve really started to appreciate how amazing Yoga is for recovery. These sessions have helped me avoid any type of injury training and speeds up recovery. Also gives me that much needed mental quietness from such a busy and hectic schedule. The people who go to YOGA ON 7th are amazing as well. Such a great experience, good energy in there. Gerie is really attentive to perfect posture and proper position when you are in the class. This has really made a difference in how I hold myself during the day, my posture has improved 100% and I’m not feeling the usual work at my desk aches and pains because of Yoga. I can’t wait to get back to the class next Wednesday at noon! Thank you Gerie, you are so much fun and I really have noticed a difference in my day to day stress level because of Yoga, you have helped me maintain a sense of calm
I wanted to give a very very very very special thank you to my husband and daughter who have been so patient, supportive and encouraging to me over the past few months. This journey has been a stress on my family with my schedule change, extra hours here and there put in for training, blogging….etc. They both have really made sacrifices in their time, and have been very patient when I haven’t been there for them as much to help me complete this journey and I wanted to thank them so much for helping me/mommy through it and I did it! I ran the 1/2 marathon! Mama did it! I love you two so much and you have helped me be a better person. This experience has really brought us closer together.
I was in the massive line up with everyone, pretty much numb from the cold, wasn’t moving much and I had a long way to go to get to the end (where my start was) and had to get to the washroom pretty badly. I ran back inside the hotel at 6:00am and saw how nice it was to be warm and not shivering uncontrollably.
Maggie, Brian, Aimee and myself decided to hang out in the lobby until the first few waves started to go off and run. There were so many people it was going to take such a long time before my group (29) would be leaving. So the fireworks went off and everyone started at 6:15am, 30 minutes went by and my line up still wasn’t near the front so we waited inside and stretched, hydrated.
We waited a little longer and Aimee said that I should head out. I ran outside and only one person was heading out to the starting line so I started to GO! GO GO! I went across the start, saw the white tigers which freaked me out and headed out with my pace. In a few minutes I caught up to the first crowd of people and noticed that I was still behind the pace cars which made me really upset. I felt like I failed already. I had to get in front of those cars at the very least.
Off I went, finally in front of those cars and started my journey.
Here’s my video from mile 4
I was feeling really good up until mile 8. My right knee felt like it was going to crack and I started to get upset, I didn’t think that this pain was going to be one of those pains that eventually work themselves out. It was strange because my right knee never bothers me. The road was pretty wavy so you really had to run in the middle of the road to stay on even pavement. I didn’t want to stop running so I decided to just go for another few blocks and if the pain got worse I would take a break. I made sure to pull my socks all the way up and the pain eased up and eventually disappeared. What was also bad was because I was so far back there was no water left for the first 4 miles, nothing, just empty tables and hundreds of cups on the ground. I had a water belt which saved me because I saw only four tables with water for all 13.1 miles.
I felt really strong until mile 11.5-12.5 that one mile between 11 and a half and 12 and a half was brutal. I was crying not just from exhaustion but I was really dehydrated, a bit dizzy and almost barfed. My legs wanted to stop but I wanted to keep going. I made the decision to walk for 5-15 minutes to see if my heart rate would come down.
I was also thinking that I was almost at the end, knowing that I was almost there, thinking about my family and how much I missed them and that I would be coming home soon. That as soon as this race is over I really completed something that I set my mind to finish, that it was all coming down to the wire. It was overwhelming. I was balling my eyes out.
At 12.5 miles I could see the finish and the perma grin on my face was ear to ear. I saw Aimee in the stands screaming out my name! I saw Brian and Maggie cheering me on and I was finishing strong. I had enough energy to get to the end with a massive grin on my face and there was my medal! YES!!!
I FINISHED!!!
18 hours of travel time
2 days at the expo meeting amazing people
Finishing my first half marathon
Totally worth it.
It didn’t really hit me until after I walked out race morning, the moon was out, people were walking around, some were stretching, everything seemed like an average morning until I saw the sky divers, the bands, the lights, the fireworks, the race numbers and then……woah….27,000 people….I’m going to race today!!!
I will tell you why the Rock N Roll marathon in Vegas is so amazing. At the start line not only was a blues brothers band but two white tigers in cages on either side of the beginning of the race. Where else in the world would there be two white tigers right beside you at the start of a race……
Where else would there be hundreds of Elvis surrounding you singing. Only in Vegas, only in Vegas!
At the expo SUGOI COMPRESSION was flying off of the shelves. I always knew how amazing the compression items were but never really appreciated exactly how magical, amazing and superb that these items are until I was at mile 10 in the race. I’ve never felt so strong running. I really think it was not just the training, not just the excitement from all of the support from my twitter friends but also from the combination of R+R socks and compression shorts. I felt so solid and stable. I’ve never run further than 9-10k in all of my training over the past few months and here I am running 13.1 miles!!!
AMAZING! I’m pretty much going to live in compression from now on.
We had a lot of technical difficulties at the show and at race day, we didn’t have any means of making our live feed available so I apologize for not having any blogs up for a few days. I’ll write more tomorrow because there is a ton of great stuff! Just got to get it all up on the site.
If you are in Vegas for the Rock N Roll Marathon Friday and Saturday, be sure to visit the SUGOI booth in Vegas to come by and say hello but also get a free giveaway for yourself! We will be rockin some Incredible Jane headbands!
The last few days have been really intense. So many emotions so much has been whizzing through my head. I have been getting so much amazing advice from all of my new friends on twitter and it really does help especially if you have any feelings of self doubt that you are working through, being scared about the race, about travel.
It’s so great to hear other peoples stories and relate to what they are saying, to know that you are not the only person going through these feelings. I totally forgot what it’s like a few days before a race, so much really goes through your mind. I forgot about how I used to just visualize the race and having fun, being focused and it really takes your mind off of all of the little errands that had to be done, the anxiety of being away from home for the first time in 7 years, all of the things that probably will not happen and completely forgot about the race. The fun that I’m going to have, the accomplishment, everything beautiful, fun and exciting! Because really it is going to be an amazing trip, I can’t wait to meet some of the people that I have been talking to online. Hearing about how proud my daughter and my husband is of me for getting there for seeing how all of the training has brought me to where I am today. My husband is so patient and amazing, he has really helped me through these intense few days before I go. Wiping my tears, helping me find my courage that was momentarily lost and supporting me. His words and kindness is helping me not focus on the negative but all of the great moments of what is yet to come!
I have to also give more props to CoachPRS really, the last two days he has been right at my side, making sure I’m not too sick to run, seeing how I’m progressing, helping me work through any fears that I have. He’s absolutely been a rock and has helped me maintain a sense of calm for these TENSE days before I leave. He never raised any feelings of guilt for missing any workouts, he pushes me when I need it and he supports me when I’m not able to workout. COACH RULES!!!
It’s close to race day, here is some advice from friends of mine that is helping me get through those last tense days. So strange how the closer you get to race day the more anxiety I’m feeling. I’m not usually like that. It’s worse for me now because I’ve been so sick for the past few weeks with the flu. Plus, it’s hard taking that first trip away from the family. I’m about 7 years overdue.
From Lisa: Before my half, I was freaking out. Then I decided that even if I walked for 3/4 of it, I still did it. The fact that you are going out there and doing it is awesome. I promise that there are loads of people worrying about the race. You won’t be first. You won’t be last either. The most important thing is, you’re going out there and doing … . Seriously. I’m still so proud of myself for having the guts to do it. And I’ll be faster next year.
From Sara: One breath at a time! Remember to breathe, a wise Yogi once told me “if you can control your breath you can control your mind!”
From Rekha: you have everything you need, my brave friend. everything you need.
From Kristee: I ran the Sun Run years back with Alina . It was my first (and only) 10K and we had been doing lots of training and I was feeling really good about it. Then I got tonsillitis and was in hospital for 4 days…oh and I had hurt my foot somehow. Anyway, I ran the race anyway and it was amazing. Someone, I just managed… It helped that I had Alina literally pulling me across the finish line, but that I even made it to within site of the finish line was something. You will do great; you have amazing strength to have gotten as far as you have. Remember that, remember how hard it was in the beginning, how you had to push just to get our feet in front of the other. That will help carry you through the race. Your strength of spirit is way bigger than your strength of body! Can’t wait to hear how it goes. Courage my friend!
From Paula: My only advice, from my experience, is just go at your pace, even if you feel with the adrenaline that you could go faster. My last half, I felt so fantastic that I went out way too fast, then ended up walking most of the last 5 K because my whole left leg was gimped. Have a great time!!!!!
From Lara: she’ll be soooo proud to see what her Mom is capable of the days will fly by and next thing you’ll know you’ll be home in her arms!
From Colin: I’ll have to remind you of this when she is 16! Stay strong babe ‘cos this is hardest for you to give the gift of the excitement and joy of looking forward to Mum’s return ….
From Raine: YEAY!!! Rock it in Vegas and kick bootie! SO happy for you!!!
Ironman!
I was so honored when Brandon at Brandons Marathon Podcast asked me if I would like to be a guest that will be shown/heard tonight! How exciting is that!!
I’ve watched a lot of his shows and they are amazing, super informative, hilarous and completely entertaining. I’m so so so so excited to be a part of it and so honored to have been asked. This is huge for me! I can’t wait! I’ve learned so much from him already will be great to throw in some new questions right before the race!
If you want to tune in check out http://brandonsmarathon.com/ tonight!
Once you start to read through Brandons blog you will see how much amazing information is on there and how much you will learn even from your first visit.
Tune in tonight to see Brandon and myself chatting about everything running!
Here is a sneak peek of my SUGOI CUSTOM clothing for VEGAS! Because it’s perfection, it’s immaculate, it’s amazing, it’s INCREDIBLE!
It’s Burt Reynolds.
SUGOI CUSTOM RUN T
All of the glory goes to Gary G-Rizzle for creating the design. One of our many great custom artists located here at SUGOI.
AMAZING!
SUGOI CUSTOM TANK
The fit of the womens RUN T (style CP04) and womens TANK (style CB52) is phenominal. So comfortable, moisture transfer, support in the tank with shelf bra and the back is contoured so well. Our custom process really punches out the colour, the graphics and detail are really outstanding.
If anyone has has questions on where to get your own kit please call our sales team at 1-800-432-1335 or email at customgear@sugoi.com
I’ll be in Vegas in 3 weeks. Nope this isn’t weird at all…
Ok it’s bizarre. Even looking at that poster is strange. Who the heck is that?
The day I took this picture next to the poster I went out on a run for 40 mins, felt strong. Ran fast and didn’t have any problems. The girl in the poster couldn’t run for 10 mins straight and full of self doubt about ever running. So different and it’s only been a couple months.
All the support that I’ve gotten has really brought me to another level. Especially from my husband, daughter and the rest of my family. SUGOI, Cannondale, Jason at BONDTraining, Coach at PRSFIT.com, Eating for Energy, GU, Runners’ Den, all of the new friends I’ve been talking to on Twitter, getting amazing advice. IronBrandon, Tridudes n more….
It’s so close! Vegas is almost here!!!! AHHHH!!!! (breathe)
My main goal right now is to do my best for training, be careful to avoid injury and most importantly have fun.
who's that?
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