Back to Work and Back on Track! :)

It's amazing how quickly things can change. Since being laid off from work back in October last year, I have been applying for endless jobs but nothing was proving fruitful - no interviews, no  phone calls, nothing. It was starting to get me down, but I was able to keep myself busy by focusing on my running, walking the dogs for a good hour three times a day, and making videos for my YouTube channel . Whilst I was having fun with all this time on my hands to do all the things I was enjoying doing, I didn't really have a sense of purpose for quite a while, and some days I did wonder why I was even bothering getting up in a morning. I had to keep telling myself that other people were in the same boat or an even worse position, so I should quit complaining.

Then out of the blue, I ended up having three interviews within a matter of days of each other, and then I received two job offers - both a similar job, both similar pay, both with good reputable companies. It was a hard decision, but I eventually opted to accept the job closer to home, and so it was that on April 19th, I was back in the workplace.

My first week back working knocked me for six, and I was definitely feeling more mentally tired than anything. It's so hard learning a new job with all this Covid stuff going on and most people working from home, but I am very happy to be persevering, and whilst there is still a whole host of things to learn, I do feel like I am making progress and started to pick things up.

Of course, working full time does mean that I am back to running later in the evenings, whilst my weekends have once again become very precious to me as I make the best use of time fitting my in runs, in between dog walks, dog snuggles, and just generally doing things with the family.

Now that my 100k is out of the way, my focus has moved back to the track, and the past couple of weeks have seen me completing my longer runs at the local high school. I've been really happy with how things have gone, and despite a blip last week when attempting a speed session which I later abandoned due to just not being in the mood and feeling somewhat exhausted, I'm starting to feel more confident about my 24 hour race in June.

My first track run was a 10 miler. It was meant to be easy, but I was curious to see what my comfortable pace was on a track, where I could just focus on my momentum, and zone out as I just ticked off the laps. I ended up running around 1 hour 17 mins at what felt like a comfortable pace which averaged out at around 7.43  minute miling. Of course that is much faster than what I will be doing in a 24 hour race, but even so, it did give me a little confidence.

It was also good practice that Saturday in that I had had less sleep than normal. A red alert for the aurora borealis the night before, saw us heading out after midnight to see if we could capture sight of the northern lights. We arrived at our secret spot by about 12.30am, and within 20 minutes, we were treated to the most spectacular showing, and probably the best we have ever seen since moving to Canada back in 2012.

Come Sunday, I did take things much easier and caught up on some of my sleep before heading out to nearby Devon to run some trails. It would be my first day back in the office on the following day, so I decided to take Wilson with me for a nice and easy 10k. The trails were pretty muddy in places with snow patches still remaining in others, but both Wilson and I had so much fun and we ended up muddy, stinky and somewhat wet, and both of us had huge smiles on our faces! I've said it so many times, but Wilson really is an amazing dog, especially given that he is now 10 years old. He's not as fast as he used to be and he does stiffen up sometimes, but that love and joy he has for everything he does is infectious, and he always brings a smile to my face :)

Having been to see my coach recently for a good sports massage - it had been almost 6 months since I had last been! - we had a chat about where  my training would be going over the coming weeks, especially with me doing a track race in June, and a mountain race in August. I needed to make sure I trained on both track and trails, so we agreed that my longer runs would be on the track whilst my Sunday recoveries would be on trails. It sounded great, and I was ready to crack on and get going.

Last Saturday was my first real long run on the track again with 2 and a half hours planned. I was told to aim for 8.03 minute miling which would give me between 18 and 19 miles. I was a little concerned that maybe that would be too fast for me this week, especially due to the tiredness I was feeling with being in work and not sleeping too well, but I was really chuffed to hit the nail right on the head - I ended up with 18.7 miles for an average pace of 8 minute miling. It had again felt relatively comfortable but then I do find track running far easier as  I can and do just zone out, get into a rhythm, and don't really think about things. I did change direction every 45 minutes to ensure I didn't overdo things on one side, and I'm pleased to say that so far, the old body has been coping with things pretty well.

This coming weekend I have to complete 3 hours and I am actually looking forward to it again. It's 6 weeks until Survivorfest 24 hour, and I am getting excited about the thought of racing again. Of course, there is still the possibility that it will not go ahead - much still depends on the Alberta Health Service and any restrictions still in place due to Covid. But even if not in person, I will still be doing the race virtually, and I'm really hoping that having been chasing that elusive 210km, I can finally hit my goal this time.

"Beat Sinister" Virtual 100km

Sinister Sports organises three awesome races every year - Sinister Seven, Canadian Death Race, and Black Spur Ultra - and despite races being cancelled in these Covid times, they have done an amazing job in offering a range of virtual events throughout the year to help with motivation for runners where needed.

As mentioned previously, my initial plan was to run the 6 hour event at Hill of a Race, but with that having fallen foul of the ongoing pandemic, I switched my sights to the Beat Sinister virtual event. 

The idea behind this event is to choose one of 5 distances ranging from 10k up to the full 100k, with the aim of "beating" the carefully selected "agents". Despite "Agent K" setting an outstanding time of 8 hours 40 minutes for the 100km distance, I still decided that I wanted to give the 100k a try - it's been a few years since I did exactly 100k, and I thought it would be a good benchmark to see where I'm at fitness wise, as I prepare for my 24-hour track race in the summer.

Being a virtual event, we could once again run wherever we liked. I decided to stay local and opted to run loops around the local Telford Lake - each loop was around 10km, there were a couple of parking lots on each lap which meant easier access for my support crew, and it also meant that friends living nearby could join me for a lap or two throughout the day.

I started my run at 7am on Easter Sunday, and although I'd had some tightness in my glutes the past week or so, I was still feeling pretty good. I knew I wasn't in proper race shape, and I knew that I wasn't as fit as I was this time last year when I ran a good 50 miler during April, but I was still hopeful and indeed confident, that I could run something between 9 and a half to 10 hours.

The morning started cool and it felt like conditions were perfect for running, and over the first 5km or so, I got into a nice, steady rhythm and was feeling relaxed. Although a paved trail, the route around Telford Lake is quite pretty and whilst not exactly hilly, there are some rollers that started to feel more like mountains as the day progressed. I was really enjoying the run, but as I crossed the bridge at the top end and started my return to the transition area, the wind hit me full force and literally took my breath away! I hadn't noticed how bad it really was on the opposite side, but now I was having to lean into the gusts as they buffeted me back and forth. It was hard work, and I slowed my pace slightly to save some energy. The flag by the Peace Park was flapping about violently as I passed, and the tree tops leaned considerably as the wind whipped them back and forth.

I always say that I can handle any kind of weather EXCEPT for windy conditions, and although I was only on my first loop of the lake, I really wasn't looking forward to fighting the conditions later on, when I knew I would be far more tired.

I completed my first lap in just over 56 minutes, bang on target with what I wanted, but it had felt much harder than it should have done, having spent the best part of 20 minutes running into a headwind. 

Heading out onto loop 2, I felt much more prepared for what was to come, but 10 minutes into that lap, I started to feel quite chilled on my back, and couldn't understand why. I had been warm but not sweating, and yet it felt like my shirt was wet. I reached behind and gave it a tug, and sure enough, it was sopping wet and liquid was dripping on to my now wet shorts. What the heck?! I tried to ignore it, but the dampness really started to bother me and I really was starting to get cold from the wind, so when I hit some shelter, I stopped to check out the problem. 

It appeared that my water bladder in my backpack had split at the seams, and all the Tailwind I was carrying was now trickling over my clothing and leaving a wet trail of fluids behind me on the pathway. I was so pissed off! I'd bought a new hose and mouthpiece the day before as I didn't think two soft bottles would be enough, and STILL these fricking bladders were giving me grief! I tightened things a little, thinking maybe the hose hadn't been attached properly, but as I started running again, the fluids really were flowing out now so I stopped yet again to empty the entire thing. There was no way I was going to carry all that extra weight and tolerate being soaking wet at the same time! I called Andy to come meet me at the dog park with warm, dry clothes and more fluids, but when he didn't answer after three attempts, I gave up and was even more pissed off. I'd already lost 5 or 10 minutes faffing around and that sub 10 hour goal was starting to slip away after less than two hours of running!

Fortunately, Andy did pick up my message, and half an hour later, I was sitting in the car changing out of wet clothes into something warmer. I left the bladder behind and resorted to the soft bottles - I should have just taken them anyway!!!

Lap 2 understandably took me much longer, and I was so annoyed as I set off on lap 3 almost 20 minutes behind schedule. Physically I was feeling great, but the drama with my backpack and the relentless wind did nothing for me mentally and I was so wound up!

I did get back into my groove, and as I finished lap 2, I had clawed back a couple of minutes - maybe I could claw back some more over the remaining laps? I doubted it, as I knew for certain I would end up slowing down in the later stages as the fatigue started to set in.

I had been fuelling really well too and so far, had been keeping my energy levels up by taking regular swigs of Tailwind and using energy gels. I took a few jelly beans and salted nuts, and I ate a banana and half a protein bar later on, but for the majority of the race, I stuck to fluids including 3 protein shakes, and this appeared to keep the sickness at bay, yet kept me energised at the same time.

The next few laps brought some well appreciated company as friends started to join me for the run. First off was Dave who has been an acquaintance through Strava and FB, but I had never actually met him despite living in a nearby town. It was great to finally meet, have a chat, and get to know each other a little better. He also helped to get me back on track as we knocked out a good, strong but steady pace, and that 10k went so quickly, I couldn't believe that 30k was now already in the bag.

Lap 4 and 5 were amazing as I was joined by two more very good friends - Jessica and Barbara. We chatted, we laughed, I moaned and swore lots about the wind, but spirits were high and we maintained great progress. We celebrated the half way point which I passed in just over 5 hours - that's when I knew that my finish time would be closer to the 10 hours 30 minutes as I usually lose a half hour in the second half of a 100k run.

As I hit the 60km mark, I was joined for the next two laps by good friend Pawel, and once again ,there was constant chatter which helped to take my mind off the running and the miles just passed me by. I was still fuelling well but the fatigue was certainly starting to set in, but the good news is that despite walking some sections, I really did not walk as much as I thought I would and on reflection, I'm really happy with that.

My husband Andy had been so good, meeting me at different parking lots around the lake to make sure I had everything I needed, and it was always so good to see him and the pups as I passed by having taken everything I needed.

After 80km, I was left alone and I set off on my first solo lap after what seemed like a few hours. It felt strange being on my own all of a sudden, and I suddenly became more aware of the heavy footfall on my tired legs, my rather laboured breathing, and the realisation of just how tired I was now starting to feel. With just two laps to go though, I knew all would be good and even if it took me another 2 or 3 hours, I knew that I was going to finish.

As I closed in on the final lap, another friend - Julie - messaged to say she was on her way over and would be joining me on her bike. Whilst I had enjoyed having some solo time to regather my thoughts and refocus on finishing this race, I was also very happy that I would be having some company for the last 10k. The timing was perfect, and having decided to leave my backpack with Andy on that final lap, Julie happily carried some fluids for me so I could at least stay hydrated, but I didn't have to carry all that weight. My back, neck and shoulders were starting to get tired, and I was so glad of the break!

The weather hadn't been too bad for most of the day - windy yes, but a mix of sunshine and cloud had meant no sunburn and no issues about overheating. But as we came into the last couple of km, the clouds that had been bubbling up over the past half hour or so decided to finally release their wrath, and we got caught quite the hail storm with just one mile to go. Things went crazy wild whilst I just put my had down and battled away, and some 5 or 10 minutes later, I finally crossed my finish line - 10 hours , 33 minutes and 20 seconds, and 100.15 km on my watch.

I was so happy and relieved to finally be done - the hunger was setting in, and all I wanted was a nice hot cup of tea.

As suspected, the 100km distance didn't quite give me the full 10 laps of the lake, so having hopped in the car, we headed back to Telford House where it had all started earlier in the day, just to take that finish photo. As I hobbled over to the boardwalk, I spotted a few friends who had ran with me earlier, and they had been awaiting my arrival at the finish. I felt a little bad that they had been there to surprise me but I'd completed the distance a mile or so further up the pathway, so we did a second finish where I was greeted with the cheers and celebrations of others - I felt humbled and so honoured to have these people as my friends, and it ended my race perfectly.

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last, You can still say, "I have finished." There is a lot of satisfaction in that."

Changing Plans ....

March was a good month in that my training started to incorporate some speed work, and with a target pace of sub 7 minute miling, I'm very pleased to say that I've been running around 6.36 average pace in the rep sessions over the past few weeks. It hasn't been easy - it's been many years since I've ran as quick as that - but I am certainly starting to feel the benefits, and combined with more regular strength and mobility sessions, it really feels like I am back on track to being a (slightly) better runner than of late!

The past couple of weeks have been crazy but very enjoyable, and at present, I am feeling really happy with things in my life.

I've been applying for jobs for a few months now, but interviews have been short in coming, but I am very happy to say that this past week, I've been for two interviews. I feel like both went pretty well, and even if I don't get either of the jobs, at least it's been good experience and has got me back into interview mode ready for the next one if it comes to that. I am still waiting to hear whether I am the best candidate for the job, and not wanting to put all my eggs in one basket, I have been applying for other work and am still pursuing the idea of the dog walking/pet sitting service as a fall back if necessary.

My YouTube channel is also building quite nicely and I am now approaching 30 videos with a mix of running, dogs, hiking, and gear reviews. The views are increasing and my number of subscribers is still building gradually, so if you're reading this and haven't yet subscribed, check out my channel "Del's Jogs with Dogs" here, let me know your thoughts, and let me know if there is anything else you would like to see on there :) Regardless as to whether I find work or not, I still intend to keep this channel going as I am having so much fun doing the videos and trying out new things, and I'm hopeful that it will continue to grow over the coming weeks and months.

Last weekend, we had a little weekend break before the Easter rush, and went somewhere different for a little bit of outdoor fun. we had never been to Nordegg, so decided to visit this area of Alberta to get a feel for summer breaks, and we were the sole visitors at Chungo Creek Outfitters, where we rented a wood cabin for a few days. There was no electricity, no cell service nor wifi, and with a snowstorm moving in during our visit, it really was tons of fun. I did fit in some trail running and dog walks, and we also did a couple of other little videos whilst we were out there which will of course be uploaded to my channel over the coming days.

It was just what was needed to recharge the batteries and have a change of scenery, and on our return back home, I was ready to get running again.

Talking about my running, last week we heard from the organisers of Hill of a Race, and sadly the event has been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. It was kind of expected but still very disappointing, and it kind of knocked the wind out of my sails for a couple of days. I had psyched myself up and had done lots of hills and trail running this past few weeks to prepare for HOAR, and now it felt it had all been in vane.

Thankfully, I did have a backup plan of some sorts, and having checked with both the hubby and the coach, I made the decision to register for "Beat Sinister" - another virtual event - and to run 100km on Easter Sunday around the local lake. Combined with this, I will also be completing a virtual run around Easter Island which spans approximately 62 square miles, so it seemed apt to do that too with it being the Easter Break.

The idea of Beat Sinister is to beat the agents who have already completed a given distance. My agent time to beat is 8 hours 40 minutes, and whilst a few years ago this would have been possible, nowadays I am not as fast nor as fit and I will just be happy to get under 10 hours. The plan is to run 10 laps around the local lake this weekend, and a few friends will be joining me at various times to keep me company and to keep me going! This will also be ultra number 62 for me since I first took up ultra running back in 2007. I never realised how many ultras I have competed in over the years, and when somebody also asked how many miles that would be, it was an estimated 8,500 miles or close to 13,500km which I find somewhat mind boggling.

As a result of doing the 100k in a couple of days, it does mean that I have had an easier week of running this week as I start to taper. My mileage hasn't exactly been high, but I still needed that few days rest to get my body ready for the distance. I did do another 5k time trial on Tuesday and it was soooooo windy! March has certainly lived up to its reputation for having strong winds, and every speed session this past few weeks has felt like I've been in a boxing ring with how intense those winds have been. Tuesday's time trial was no exception, and I ended up with a bad stitch thanks to the effect it had on my breathing. I ended up having to stop a couple of times, but I was still very happy to run 21.56 - a couple of seconds quicker than last month, and I know for sure that when I am more mentally prepared, I can easily knock another 10 to 15 seconds off that based on how things have been feeling this past few weeks.

Of course, doing the 100k does mean that I will need a couple of recovery weeks, so I will need to work on that speed again once my body has recovered and I am ready for speed sessions. I've actually been enjoying them and am a little sad that this ultra will interfere with things, but I know it'll only be a couple of weeks and I can get back to it.

So that's was March in a nutshell, and as we enter April, who knows what will happen over the coming weeks. I may be offered a job, I may be running my own business, but one thing is for sure, I will be keeping myself and the pups busy, and trying to make sure we all stay positive, happy and healthy.

Until next time, happy running!