21 Weeks to Half Marathon

My goal is to run the Valley Harvest Half Marathon, on Sunday, October 11th, 2020 in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. 21.1km.

Back on Track…

Week 7 of my training was the week I aimed to run my first 10km. However, plantar fasciitis put a stop to that. The next 2 months transitioned into taking a break from running, to heal my foot.

Once I was able to start running again, I yearned to be back on my schedule of 6km, Monday – Friday and Sunday – Long Run.

This week, I was almost there. I’ve a new variable added to my daily self-care routine – I’m taking CBD for anxiety. The side effects I’m experiencing are lethargy and decreased appetite, therefore my energy levels are lower and my body isn’t getting as much fuel as before. I’m adapting to this.

During Saturday’s run, my goal was 8km. When I reached the 5km mark, I decided why not add the extra 2km and go for 10km! I felt strong, with body awareness, a knowing I could achieve it!

…But Different

My life is not as scheduled now, as it once was, before COVID-19. I work in education, and with schools closed, I don’t have to set my alarm clock or be anywhere at any specific time. I also don’t feel the extreme push as I once did while running, because I’m mindful of my foot. I’m taking it easy now as I settle into finding my running routine.

My extreme push happened this past January through March, when I was running in snow and temperatures ranging from -10º Celsius to -20º Celsius. I was pushing myself through tough weather and my own mental game to run further and faster.

I felt alive and inspired!

However, upon reflection, I feel a cautiously, optimistic push ignited within as a result of achieving my first 10km; a push to run just a little further and just a little faster!!

Total Kilometers: 35.36km

Beautiful Vancouver Island

This Nova Scotian gal, now living temporarily in British Columbia (long story!), is not accustomed to such large, TALL trees, so many pink, flowering trees and snow-peaked mountains!

British Columbia is Nova Scotia on steroids! Everything is bigger here!

I’m enjoying running the trails, as opposed to concrete or asphalt sidewalks. Some trails feel like an obstacle course with exposed roots, rocks, loose gravel and snakes!! I watch the trail, so I don’t trip and what was a stick, came alive and quickly slithered away!! Scared the “*&^%” out of me!!

Positive Embrace

Rocks painted with positive messages line the trails I run! I soak up every bit of this positive energy, offered so beautifully by local artists!

Next Week’s Goal

• Monday – Friday – 6km
• Sunday – Long Run – 11km

It was a great week! I hope you had a great week of running, too!

S, 🏃🏼‍♀️

Half Marathon Training – 2020

Half Marathon Training – Week 1 – In Total, 30km Goal Achieved

Half Marathon Training – Week 2 – Goal – 6km Achieved

Half Marathon Training – Week 3 – Goal – Each Run Holding at 6km Achieved – Goal of Speed Increase Not Achieved

Half Marathon Training – Week 4 – Goal – Long Run – 7km, Holding at 6km & Speed Increase – Achieved!

Half Marathon Training – Week 5 – Goal – Long Run – 8km, Finding My Pace – Achieved!

Half Marathon Training – Week 6 – Goals – 9km & Yoga Achieved – Week of Mishaps – Yup!

Half Marathon Training – Week 7 – Plantar Fasciitis Halts Running – So I Bought a Bike!

Half Marathon Training – Week 8 – Plantar Fasciitis Continues to Halt Running, The COVID-19 Pandemic & My First Time Spinning!

Half Marathon Training – Week 9 – Plantar Fasciitis Continues to Halt Running, Adapting Exercise Habits During These COVID-19 Days With Indoor, Low Impact, High Cardio Exercise & We Bought a Bike!

Half Marathon Training – Week 10 – Plantar Fasciitis Continues to Halt Running & Finding My Exercise Groove During These COVID-19 Days

Half Marathon Training – Week 11 – Plantar Fasciitis Continues to Halt Running: Indoor Cardio & Outdoor Fun

Half Marathon Training – Week 12 – Plantar Fasciitis Continues to Halt Running; Stress & Anxiety & The Body

Half Marathon Training – Week 13 – No Running. Week 14 – RUNNING!!

Half Marathon Training – Week 15 & 16 – Getting My Groove Back

Half Marathon Training – Week 17 – My First 10Km!

Half Marathon Training – Week 18 – My First Race!

Half Marathon Training – Week 19 – ‘Till I Collapse Kinda Week!

Half Marathon Training – Week 20 – The Significance of Music

Half Marathon Training – Week 21 – The Importance of Stretching and Laughter

Half Marathon Training – Weeks 22-24 – Badass and Heart Centered

Half Marathon Training – Weeks 25-27 – New Sneakers, Warrior Walk & Gluteus Medius

Half Marathon Goal – Postponed to 2021