rest or run

My scheduleas of late has been bonkers, reading and writing for my masters degree.  Perhaps you relate, but being up until late and trying to fit in a run in the morning becomes problematic.  To rest as you need it to function well or to run to take care of stress and get the blood flowing, that is the dilemma.  I am trying to squeeze in at least 30 km per week to keep fitness levels, and sanity.  The number looms over me, making me dread my running lately.  The joy for me is sucked out from obligation, I respond poorly to obligation, you see.  Ill do it, but you cannot make me like it as much!  That being said, I never regret a run.  What I do realize is that I may get stuck in my agenda, my to do list as I run, trying to figure out my day, my problems.  What I love about running is that it forces me to think about these things and gain back some perspective.  Rest can be good for recovery, for avoiding burnout, but it must not be confused with neglect of taking care of yourself and making up excuses is not doing that! 

Black Sox

I ran the other dayfor 10 k.  When I got home, I looked down while undressing, getting into the shower and realized that in my hurried state to get out of the house, I forgot to wear my running socks, rather I ran with my DRESS SOCKS ON!    That was weird.

Wild Horses

Went for my 15 k today.2 K in, I saw an unusual site.  On the rural road there were a few ponies and horses wandering on the road, I guess they escaped from whereever their field was.  They would run in front of me on the road, stopping 100 feet ahead and then waiting until I came nearer and then take off again.  Horses are amazing.  This went on for a good kilometer and I envisioned myself as one of the herd.  What it must be like to be powerful and beautiful like that.  Pretty cool.

SOWA Half Corked Marathon 2012

Oliver and Osoyooswill be hosting the third annual Halk-Corked Marathon here in he heart of the desert of BC.   This event has sold out within 24 hours of opening, so tickets are hot!  It will meander between 8-12 wineries, sharing the best of fare between wineries and local restaurants.  A pasta meal will also be held that weekend.  Tickets go on sale on February 7th.

Here is the link to the information.  

Its a time to get dressed up, to run a fun and very beautiful terrain amongst the local vineyards and sample Canada's best in wine and hosting.

Here is the link to the ticket sale site with info on packages.

SOLD OUT!!   
"ANNOUNCEMENT: SOLD OUT IN 3 MIN- We're as surprised as you are!"  For more on this click here.

This is crazy but true.  I have looked at the traffic patterns of my blog and the SOWA Half Corked Marathon has been one of the top viewed blogs, so there is no doubt that it would be popular, but 3 minutes is ALL IT TOOK!!

Illusive Goal 4 Minute Km (6:44 min mile)

Like Wile E. CoyoteI have my prey.  My illusive goal is an under 40 minute 10 k.  This requires a sub 4 minute km (6:44 minutes per mile).  Some are able to do it better quicker, easier than others.  Yesterday, I went on a 10 k and attempted a sub 4 minute km.  I DID IT!  Second km in, I booted it.  Exactly 4:00 minute km on my Garmin.  Then, I not only bonked, but my time was slower than my last run at almost 47:00!  Not good.

Now I am much like Wile E Coyote, I am a fool in my own genius way.  I did not eat breakfast for example.  I also HATE speed training, which is a part of the task I must face.  Can I do it for April when our local 10 k race comes to the Wine Capital of Canada?
Could it be that like my father before me, these buttocks have disappeared thus giving me little meat to charge forward in?  Do I need a boost of some sort, like a rocket or Marty McFly's futuristic shoes?  Or do I need to do intervals, hill repeats and fartleks, the BAIN of my existance, without getting injured...

Or will I hear that sound that makes the coyote cringe with self loathing, the sound my brain makes when my friend Jeremy Cook passes me just as we enter the last stretch of the race, hand out grasping for the glory.... MEEP.  MEEP.  How I hate that bird and love him with the same breath.  MEEP MEEP indeed.
Stay tuned...