Sticks and Stones may break my bones, and a Year of Halfs might too!

With 9 races down and 5 to go I think it's time to touch on the dark and painful side of our journey. Although running has impacted our lives in more positive ways than we can count... It's not all sunshine and rainbows!

Before Oakville Nutrience Half, Race #9, I was having some pulling on the inside of my knee. After an evaluation this turned out to be pulling caused my excessive IT band tightness, and was putting me at risk of tearing my meniscus. I was told to be cautious, rest, ice, tape, and foam roll as much as humanly possible.

After a week of this routine I had made exceptional progress but expected this to cause me some grief during the next race. Although the pain was minimal during the Oakville race, the pulling came on strong around 12km. I was concerned about the possibility of tearing my meniscus, and took some time out of the race to have Melissa try to loosen up the IT band (with her elbow...Ouch!). We still finished in good spirits with a time of 2:22.

I saw my miracle worker today, Dr. Sapna Sriram, a Chiropractor at Emkiro Clinic in Toronto. Today she did some extensive acupuncture in my hip, IT band, and knee; then followed that up with some Active Release Therapy and a stripping of my IT. It was far from pleasant but with some Advil, Ice, and continuous foam rolling I should be back on track. 

Over the past 8 months Dr. Sapna has effectively been able to minimize the wear and tear caused by our continuous racing with a combination of Acupuncture, ART, Chiropractics, and strengthening exercises. She has also managed to alleviate some chronic ankle and hip pain that I have struggled with for years... She must be an angel! If you live in Toronto and struggle with a chronic injury she's definitely the best around.

http://www.drsapna.com/

The moral of this story is that injuries are inevitable UNLESS you take the time to balance your training schedule with running, strength training, stretching, and recovery. It also doesn't hurt to have a superstar on your team like Dr. Sapna. Take care of your body you only have one!

Until next time :)

- Kaitlin 

Back on Track

Typically, Kaitlin and I write these posts together, adding insight and experiences that the other may not have thought about. Since we're experiencing this "Year of Halfs" together, we figured that we would blog about it together.

Today, I am writing this blog by myself. Not because I'm rebelling, or because Kaitlin and I aren't getting along. Simply because I am.

The past few months have been very difficult for me. As Kaitlin and I completed our 7th Half for 2014, we began a two month "downtime" to give our bodies a bit of a break, and allow us to focus on the preparations for Kaitlins wedding.

At first I though that taking a break was going to be "just what I needed"......I was wrong.

Although I continued to run a few times a week, there was no longer a focus. No longer a goal in sight for me to be excited about. I continued to stay active by teaching Zumba a few times a week, but quickly started to notice that my body was changing. I was bummed out that my fitness levels were deteriorating, but not motivated enough to do anything about it. I'm sure many of you can relate to the downward spiral that can happen when you're feeling like this. My eating habits slowly changed, introducing foods that were once forbidden and occasionally "cheating" on my gluten-free diet . My mood started to change. I felt GROSS.

My wakeup call was the Canadian Evening Half. The same distance that Kaitlin and I had already ran seven times this year, was EXCRUCIATING. My hamstring felt like it was on the verge of tearing. My body felt so tired and heavy. The worst part was that I knew, 100%, that how I was feeling was entirely my fault.How could it get this bad, this quickly?

Following this run, Kaitlin and I spent some time creating a training plan for the second half of our "Year of Halfs". I spent a lot of time looking at the habits I had formed and devising a plan to get back to the way things were a few short months ago. I had to change my frame of mind.

Finally, a few weeks into my re-focused training; I am staring to feel normal again. My energy levels are back, my focus has increased (not only on training, but also life in general). I am putting the appropriate food into my body, to allow me to train and teach and live my life.

This blog post is for anyone who is feeling like I was a few short weeks ago. Forget about all of the bad choices that you made yesterday. Find something to work towards, devise a plan, and do it. Ask for help if you need it. It doesn't have to be fitness based, it can be kicking a bad habit, performing better in school, being a better wife or husband.

And then inspire others to do the same!

Until next time.....
Melissa

4 Months - 6 more Half's

After a few months off, instead of feeling well rested and ready to embark on the second half of this adventure; we're finding ourselves under-trained and a bit nervous for the upcoming Canadian Evening Half. It seems crazy to think, after already running 7 Half Marathon's so far in 2014, that we could be feeling under-trained......but it's true!

This race will be one of the hardest races for us this year. Not only is it the hottest temperature that we will race in, it is also at night (which Melissa despises) AND to top it all off, it is a series of 4 out and back loops. As experienced in the Hypothermic and Winterman races earlier this year, out and back loops are torturous!

Regardless of how we're feeling, tomorrow night, at 7:00pm, we are going to lace up those running shoes, put our best foot forward, and finish race #8 of 2014.

Wish us luck ;)

Kaitlin & Melissa

A 50 Yard Finish for Race #7

We're back!

After a couple of months away to focus on Kaitlin's wedding (Aug. 2, 2014), we wanted to give a quick recap of race number seven before we jump into our last six races of the year.

For our seventh race we traveled to Buffalo, New York to fulfill our NFL dreams (or other peoples dreams!). The 50 Yard Finish started outside the Buffalo Bills Stadium, otherwise known as the Ralph Wilson Stadium, and finished on the 50 Yard Line of the official NFL field... Awesome!

Melissa went into the race feeling strong and eager, but Kaitlin was struggling with some health issues and was feeling nervous about how the race would pan out. Melissa reassured her she would carry her for 5 kilometers...5?!?! Kaitlin convinced her to try 1 kilometer near the end of the race. This goal quickly turned into a hilarious 500 meters of laughter which entertained all of the other racers around us immensely.

Silliness aside, we ran the race together and had the opportunity to have some of the best conversations we've ever had together. Life sometimes throws us some curve balls in our health, relationships, and careers but we have each other and running to help us come out on top!

It brings an important question to light when we look back at these memories. What does running mean to you? Has it changed your life like it has changed ours?

Until next time!

Happy Running :)

- Melissa and Kaitlin

A Fun Run in The Falls

We can't stop thinking about the Niagara Women's Half Marathon! What a blast!!
We will be recommending this race to every friend, sister, mom, colleague, and anyone else who will listen; for a very long time.There were bands, buff boys, a lot of encouragement, and of course....The Falls.

This was definitely a "fun run" for us; with no goal except to stop and take a #selfie at least once per kilometer. We had a lot of fun, and even ran the last kilometer or so in our sock feet. Taking the time to step back from "racing" every half marathon has allowed us to fall in love with running all over again. We would recommend it to anyone.

The only thing that we would change about our day would be Kaitlin's choice of footwear. Although she ran a few of her longer training runs in her new Mizuno's, she hadn't broken them in. This proved to be painful throughout the entire race. Although it might be tempting to wear new shoes/pants/shorts/underwear/shirts etc. on race day; don't do it! Just don't!

Until next time!
Kaitlin & Melissa

A Personal Best at Toronto Goodlife!!

After 2 unsuccessful PB's at Spring Fling, we decided it was time to take a different course of action. With only 3 weeks to recover and prepare for Toronto Goodlife, the focus was on tending to any lingering issues/injuries and working a bit on speed.

Since Kaitlin tends to run faster, and not give in to the mental"ness" of a run when she and Melissa are running together and chatting; Melissa decided to be Kaitlin's Pace Bunny for this run.

The day couldn't have been nicer and the course was amazing. We first expected fast and flat, but it turned out to be a nice combination of uphill/downhill and flat surface. Thanks to Corey Turnbull and Mike Stashin, we have been practicing leaning forward, using shorter strides, and running through uphills; as well as bending our knees a bit more and avoiding heel striking on downhills. At certain points on both up and downhills, we were flying by people, weaving in and out of the crowd. The most amazing thing about our running communities (especially our awesome coaches), are all of the tips and tricks that get passed on and knowledge that is imparted from one runner to the other; that is often used on the course.

So, Kaitlin did it! With a previous PB of 2:15.....Her Toronto Goodlife time was 2:09.16!!! Six minutes off of last years Army Run time, and 11-25 minutes better than our other 4 races this year!

This didn't come without some interesting events en route though. At 8k (and every few km's after that), Melissa became Kaitlin's massage therapist; as her neck and shoulders were very tight (time for a run effortlessly clinic). At 17k Kaitlin threw up after we took our last gel. And throughout the race, not wanting to risk her PB by stopping for the bathroom,   Kaitlin peed her pants numerous times. The situation was certainly not ideal, but she was definitely not embarrased by it. Sometimes you just need to leave it all on the course, AND even though we ran hard, we still managed to fit in a little bit of fun!

Next stop Niagara Women's!!!

K & M

Well, that didn't go as planned!

This past weekend, we completed our fourth half-marathon of 2014! This was the first time, in 2014, that we split up and raced separately, in seek of a couple of PB's. This race was especially important to us, since it was held in Smiths Falls; spear headed by Corey Turnbull and supported by hundreds of friends and family who were both racing and volunteering. (There are too many to mention, but you know who you are, and we appreciate every one of  you from the bottom of our hearts!!)

The organizing committee had to make a last minute change in location, due to our never ending winter. Typically, the race is held on the Cataraqui Trail, but was moved to Carrol Rd. Our first reaction to this move was pure exhilaration! Neither of us had the opportunity to train on a trail surface prior to the race, so this reduced some of our anxieties. However, when we set out, Sunday morning, and started to experience the Carrol Road hills, I'm certain we were both dreaming of that flat(ish) Cataraqui Trail.

In the end, we trained hard, followed strict nutritional plans (including not drinking alcohol for 5 months!) and gave it everything that we had! We left every ounce we had in us, out on that course. In the end, neither of us hit our goal times; but we’ll be damned if we didn't try our hardest.

There will always be an excuse that you can muster up. It was too cold, too hot, too rainy, too hilly, too early….. We have decided not to take this escape route for the entire year. This is an experience that we are going through. We will celebrate the highs and conquer the lows; together, without excuses! After a few days off, and a few tips from our coaches (running, nutrition, sports therapists, etc.), we have resumed our training; as our next race is only 16 days away. 

In light of the emotional nature of Sunday's run. We're leaving you with this quote.

“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory.” 
― Mahatma Gandhi

Kaitlin & Melissa

Countdown to Spring Fling

We are closing in on our fourth half marathon of 2014. In five days Kaitlin and I will be running The Spring Fling Running Thing in Smiths Falls, Ontario. This race is typically held on the Cataraqui Trail, but because of this years’ endless winter, it has been moved to a road race. Although part of me is happy about this change, the competitor in me wanted to see how much time I could take off of last years’ race, on the same terrain.

This weekend will mark our first RACE of the season. We are coming off of a much needed six week break, which has felt like an eternity. During this time, Kaitlin and I have ran some amazing long runs together in Toronto (including a PB for Kait). To top it all off; this past weekend, a group of us spent some time working on SPEED with Michael Stashin of runeffortlessly.com which was fantastic (as usual)!!  The only thing that would have made it better, is if Kaitlin could have been there too.

So, we’re off, in search of that coveted BUFF and handmade medal to add to our collection. Rested, and injury free......the butterflies have already gathered in my stomach!

Happy Running!

Melissa & Kaitlin

A Little Strength Training Never Hurt Anyone!

Running can become your excitement on a good day, your stress relief on a bad day, your familiar routine, and your best friend (or worst enemy) throughout your training. We live in a world built on the premise that we must spread ourselves thin to achieve all of our goals. On any given day most of us balance our work hours, family time, social commitments, and fitness goals.

For Kaitlin, with so many races scheduled to start the year, a strict training schedule, and a job with the RunningRoom that requires regular running it has been difficult to find the time for some good old Rest, Recovery and Strength Training. After the Chilly Half we were left with 6 weeks before our next race! What are we going to do with all of our spare time! Although feelings of guilt lingered during the first two weeks "off", taking the time to rest and fully recovery from gruelling winter months has changed the game! During the two weeks "off" Kaitlin cut back on km's running only a few small runs, and focused on building strength. Committing to a running focused cross training program to work on building strength, correcting muscle imbalances throughout the body, and loosening tight and damaged muscles was the key. 

After the two weeks of Rest, Recovery and Strength Training it was time to build back in regular runs with increased distance, and the results were shocking. Less pain, shorter recovery times, and way faster pace! I am a believer, and a cross trainer for life. I know runners are used to hearing people chirp about the benefits of strength training but I really am shocked with these results and with how weak I was when I started strength training. Its scary to think I can run a half marathon but can't do 10 Clam Shell exercises without nearly being brought to tears. Get to know your body, find your weaknesses and make them your strengths! You will never regret it.

Happy Running :)

Kaitlin and Melissa

3 halfs in 36 days

This weekends race brought an end to the three closest races that we will run this year. With only 14 days between Winterman and Chilly half, we thought it might be a tough run, but it ended up being the best run of 2014 to date.

One very important experience we had on Sunday was the differences in how welcoming ( or unwelcoming) businesses are to the runners who invade their town or city for a race. Bathrooms are of particular importance during these events. Since the Chilliy half doesn't have an indoor venue for the runners to congregate in (with washroom facilities) before the race. This meant that the Tim Hortons and Starbucks had very long line ups to use the facilities. Kaitlin and I tried to go into a No Frills to use the bathroom (while Kaitlin's fiancée purchased some things), as we weren't certain that we would make it through the Tim Hortons line up in time. The bathroom was practically boarded off and as we left, we walked by a group of employees who stated loudly that they didn't "need" to have a bathroom available to the runners; that it wasn't against the law. We then rushed out of No Frills, jumped in the car and drove around the corner to a Longo's. As we entered the store, I asked a young clerk where the washrooms were and he responded "right this way, let me show you". I'm sure we weren't the only ones who experienced the differing service levels between businesses. I know it is a large group of people to deal with and clean up after, but I don't think it's too much to ask, that you band together create a welcoming community.

After all of this bathroom stress we made it to the start line on time, and we were excited to run our last cold run of the season. The route was fast and flat, and the temperature was considerably warmer than our first two races so we decided to pick up the pace. As a result we managed to finish almost 10 minutes faster than our Hypothermic Half, and we still managed to squeeze in a bathroom break and a lot of laughter!

We are very grateful to have 6 full weeks before our next race, which should allow for a full recovery of any lingering injuries. Our next race is at Spring Fling in Smithsfalls on April 13th.

3 down, 10 to go, and feeling awesome!

Until next time,

Melissa and Kaitlin

We Conquered the Winterman!

Gearing up for the Winterman 1/2 Marathon we heard plenty of frightening stories from runners who had braved the course in the past. So naturally we were excited to try it out for ourselves!

We ran Winterman on February 16th in Ottawa. The race was set up at the Canadian War Museum, and the route was set up along the parkway. The Half Marathon distance was created by having participants run out to a turn around point and back 4 times! Not very exciting. The course was challenging, and the temperature made it hard for us to dress appropriately. We found ourselves very cold on the way out, with the wind in our faces and hot on the way back. 

Kaitlin had a tough run. The gradient or slant of the road along with a few surprise potholes created significant pain in her previously injured ankle. Thank goodness for Melissa who was able to help her talk and laugh through the pain! In the few days after the race Kaitlin has been using the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) technique, and trying to make a game plan to reduce lower leg tension and tightness (stretching and foam rolling are your friend!). Kaitlin is having her leg checked out this week just to be safe!

Although Melissa's IT band had been giving her trouble following the HYPO Half, it was nice to be able to run on the dry pavement this race, and luckily didn't cause any issues for her. Regardless, she has a visit to Kim Ethier at Restorative health booked for this week, to make sure its ready for next race.

We probably weren't prepared enough for the constant, endless, rolling hills of the route, but we made the best of it. Overall, we agreed that the race was much easier than Hypothermic 1/2 and we know they are just going to keep getting better! We made the best of it with a little singing, a lot of laughing, some Salted Caramel GU's and a little massage to finish off the morning. 

Our next race is in less than 2 weeks! At the Chilly Half Marathon in Burlington. 

Stay Tuned!

Until next time,

Melissa and Kaitlin

One Down, 12 to go!

Well, it's been 1 week since our first half marathon, and 2 weeks until our next. 

After 21.1km of snowy, slippery, pot holed trails at the HYPO 1/2, my body was left feeling a bit sore; to say the least.

My muscles were more sore than usual, from the uneven surfaces and slipperiness of the tunnels.  I also experienced a bit of superficial frost bite on my face and legs. One thing that I didn't predict, was how sore my toes would be. 

In hindsight, I would have purchased, and practiced in a pair of yak-tracks (or similar product). I didnt think it was a good idea to try them out for the first time on race day, so we powered through the snow an ice without them!

Despite the challenging experience of the past race, both of us got back out on the roads this week to keep up with our training. Our races are 2 to 4 weeks apart so it's important to stay on schedule. With 28 kms spread out over this week including a slow and steady 15km run on Sunday, this will be our heavest week before tapering for race day. We are right on track and feeling good! Lets hope we can keep it up.

Our next race is the Winterman 1/2 at Ottawa's Winterlude Festival on Febuary 16th. We will provide an update with more details closer to race day.

Until next time,

Melissa and Kaitlin

Ottawa Hypothermic 1/2

21.1kms in a blizzard?... Yes Please!

As we wind down on the night before our first half of the year, we are full of mixed emotions. Although we are overwhelmed with excitement to get our year of running  started, we were recently informed that our route for the Hypo 1/2 will NOT be cleared or grated before the race. For obvious reasons the idea of running in a foot of snow for our entire race does not thrill either of us. Living in Toronto, Kaitlin does not get much training in the snow and she's feeling particularly unprepared for this challenge. Tomorrow will be a lesson in patience and perseverance!

We will wake up brave and ready for the fight! The Ottawa Hypothermic Half is being held at The Marshes Golf Course in Kanata. We chose a 1:00pm start time in hopes the sun may come out to cheer us on (and warm us up!). The race consists of four 5km loops, and a 550m out and back (Yuck!). We will not be running to achieve a goal time this race, so we will have each other for encouragement (and a little tough love) along the way.

Nerves aside we both can't wait to get out there and do what we love! 

On your mark, get set, GO!

Until next time,

Kaitlin and Melissa

Melissa's 1 Year Runniversary

It is officially 365 days since I arrived home from our family cruise, on Jan 20, 2013, and started training for my first half marathon under the esteemed guidance of Corey Turnbull. When I think back, I can't believe the transformation that running has had on my life. It has been a stress reliever, a source of therapy and occasionally a very cold pain in the butt.

It all seems like yesterday......when I couldn't run 5 kilometers without feeling like I was going to throw up; the day I first ran more than 10k and also hit my first "wall"; the feeling of accomplishing my first 18 kilometers, and finally feeling a sense of preparedness.

I can remember the excitement of crossing the finish line at the Spring Fling Running Thing; the disappointment of not reaching my goal time at the Army Half or Road2Hope; the pride of loosing my first toenail; and most of all, the look on my little sisters face when I finally caught a glimpse of her at our first half together (I'm so proud of her!).

So, on my 365th day of running I would like to thank everyone who has inspired, guided, coached, supported, and put up with my running over the last year (there are way too many to mention, but you know who you are!). I couldn't have gotten here without you! To quote Kaitlin Marie Hillier "I don't remember what my life was like before I started running, but it couldn't have been this awesome!"

Happy Running!

The Excitement is Building!

Well, our first taper has arrived. Only 10 days until our first half-marathon of 2014. This was the last full build/taper that we will be doing for a while, as we have three half-marathons scheduled within 36 days.

One of the neat parts of going through this training and racing together, is being able to understand how different our bodies are. This is important to keep in mind when you have a training partner for anything; you likely won’t both excel in the same areas, and your bodies may not have identical reactions to the exact same training schedule.

I’ll explain…

For Melissa, the last 10 days have been AMAZING! I had a great 16k in the slush and snow to start last week off. On Wednesday, I had an appointment with Kim Ethier of Restorative Health in Smiths Falls, to work on any areas of my body that were giving me trouble. On Sunday, I worked on a new running technique with Michael Stashin of www.runeffortlessly.com; we focused on form and perfecting my technique. And to top it all off, I registered for my first snowshoe race! Yes, that’s right; my first time trying them out is going to be a 6.7Km snowshoe race in Frontenac on Sunday. You know what Eleanor Roosevelt said about doing something that scares you!

As for Kaitlin, the last few days (including my 18k) were AWFUL. I have a severe gluten allergy and a dairy sensitivity. Sometimes this, in addition to a very fast paced lifestyle, makes it hard to get enough calories during heavy training. This is something that several coaches had warned us of when we were first discussing our goals for 2014, and I had to find out the hard way this week. After several days of feeling faint and nauseous, I began adding extra protein (chicken and harmonized vegan protein powder) into my diet and eating small portions many times throughout the day. These changes seemed to help, but it's probably time that we visit a nutritionist to make sure we're ready for the next 11.5 months.

There will be times when this happens, it’s inevitable. However, our hopes are that the AMAZING weeks that we both have, will outweigh the others. Essentially, this is the reason for our blog. We have committed to a goal of running 13 half-marathons in one year and we want to be able to share our highs and lows with you. Things that worked and didn’t work; problems we encounter; and celebrating our accomplishments.

Until next time,

Kaitlin & Melissa