tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9780728671891661982023-11-16T02:17:53.086-05:00See-Mo-RunTrail running, running, and other items of importanceMomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-88910837131083787732010-01-24T13:23:00.004-05:002010-01-24T13:37:10.387-05:00The Rideau CanalYesterday we took part in a unique Ottawa activity--skating on the Rideau Canal. If I have one thing to say it's that I'm so glad that Brent is a good skater. We had the kids with us plus a friend. I can skate but not great and we had two non-skaters with us, that being Nathan and Shelby's friend. Shelby would just go off by herself and Brent would have to skate way down the canal to find her. She was having a great time. This is a really cool experience to skate outside on a huge ice rink with hundreds of people. It really is amazing to see all the people.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-63419225422421214182010-01-24T13:08:00.005-05:002010-01-24T13:50:05.321-05:00Sunday, January 24Gear: MEC full length bra top, red Sierra Designs base layer (this being my race shirt I got last weekend, NB thermal and outer layers, two pairs of Sugoi tights, Running Room socks, Asics trail shoes, hat and gloves.<br /><br />Weather: -7 Celsius and sunny. Feels like -14C. When I say "feels like", this is always a direct quote from The Weather Network--not my own words. I'd probably always say it feels like minus 50. <br /><br />Conditions: Sidewalks--bare, trail--hard packed snow <br /><br />Workout: 1:15 minute walk/run/walk with April<br /><br />We walked to the Trans Canada trail head and then began our 25 minute out and back run. It was a gorgeous morning with the sun shining brightly. Lots of people out too--familys walking, several snowmobilers, and a couple of cross country skiers but, strangely enough, no other runners. It was a bit cold to start but I really believe I'm finally starting to aclimatize as I was able to get rid of my gloves and hat on the way back.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-88589919236713747232010-01-24T12:47:00.003-05:002010-01-24T13:33:28.082-05:00Tuesday, January 19Gear: Only 2 upper layers, one pair of tights, socks and gloves and Asics running shoes. BUT no winter trax, no balaclava, no hat, not even a headband.<br /><br />Weather: -1 Celsius <br /><br />Sidewalk conditions: Clear and wet with a couple of slippery sections<br /><br />Workout: 40 minute out and back on the Trans Canada Trail with April<br /><br />Woohoo! It felt almost like Spring tonight. It was great to finally shed some layers--amazing how even light extra layers make you feel so much heavier. This was the best run I've had all year. I know it's only mid-January but, hey, it was a good run.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-40222383513254869212010-01-18T22:42:00.006-05:002010-01-24T12:47:31.049-05:00Finish Line Photos<a href="http://events.inmysights.ca/viewphoto/11988-806-11458244/17/">In My Sights Photography :: View Photo - 11458244 :: Powered By Zoomphoto</a>Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-65263012197106929812010-01-18T21:54:00.011-05:002010-01-24T12:47:10.741-05:00Richmond Road Race - Sunday, January 17th at 10 am<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVWqboeAiHRQdq-_y9wXYmUHQ_RsHNfKW3BgdkWjy4vooN1J5zFXnanGHnimnxUuWmj8YPIziJNCvbXCnMwN7p1V1ox3NhNFiW_p7BI9LRdNJ3WbVZG-um3l6bTVMLc4zlQDDPRKalrk/s1600-h/RichmondRoadRace_0479%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVWqboeAiHRQdq-_y9wXYmUHQ_RsHNfKW3BgdkWjy4vooN1J5zFXnanGHnimnxUuWmj8YPIziJNCvbXCnMwN7p1V1ox3NhNFiW_p7BI9LRdNJ3WbVZG-um3l6bTVMLc4zlQDDPRKalrk/s320/RichmondRoadRace_0479%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430364126309765202" /></a><br />Gear: Nike bra top in really bright green; base layer, mid layer and outer by New Balance; short tights by Elleswear with Sugoi firewall tights over top, Balega socks; Asics trail shoes; Hotfingers gloves and Running Room head band. Did I forget anything? Well, yes. No make-up (Why bother? Not even bad hair Lynn lipstick), legs--not shaved, toes--not polished (hey, it's winter), lips--Blistex. <br /><br />Weather: -3 Celsius. With windchill feels like -9 Celsius. Apparently this was the second warmest day for this race since it began in 1983.<br /><br />Road Conditions: Mostly bare with icy patches. <br /><br />Race: 5K (out and back)<br /><br />Finish time: 29:07 <br /><br />I drove the 20 minutes out to Richmond to take part in my first race this year. Given my training, or really the lack of it, I felt it prudent to register for the 5K rather than the 10K race. I knew I'd end up walking if I did the 10K. I wasn't sure what it might be like out in Richmond so wore my trail shoes which actually turned out to be fine. There were lots of people--I'd say at least 300. It was held at a school and there was a festive mood, this being the first race of the season. It reminded me of the Harrier's Pioneer 8K race held the first weekend in January back in Victoria. I ran from my van to the gym and went inside to tie my shoes, adjust all my layers and put my race number on my jacket. It was weird not to see one single familiar face--this isn't like a big city race--it's a small community race where you usually know a lot of people. I did some stretching and just watched the goings on--everyone layering up. When the 10K participants went out I did too and decided to do a bit of a warm up. I'm not a "warm-up" kinda person as most of you know, but as it was too cold to stand around I kept moving. We were just about to start the race when I realized I didn't have my my running watch at home. THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE FOR ME. Most people who've run with me know that I rarely do this and that I'm actually quite AR about my watch and timing (like if we plan to run 45 minutes, I don't stop at 44, unless of course we're trying to beat last week's time). So, NO WATCH. Well, it was too late now. Then the race director stood us down so we didn't run into some straggling 10K walkers. Another 3 minutes bouncing up and down on the spot. And then we were off. I won't bore you with all the details but have to say that I really had to work this race as the course was very flat. I ran hard, hard for me that is, the whole way. I ended up removing my headband and gloves because I got so warm but when I tried to take my jacket off, I was stuck--the race number was holding it closed. Now I know why some people wore their race number on their thigh. I was neck and neck with a couple of other ladies who pulled away from me at less than a KM to go. I couldn't stick with them--I had nothing left. I finished in 29:07 which is a bloody miracle given the amount of running I've been doing. After the race they served soup along with a paper plate containing a juice box, a banana, a muffin, 3 cubes of cheese and a package of crackers for either the cheese or the soup. Soup was yummy. I ended up chatting to a couple of old fellers, one who placed 2nd in the 70-79 age group. These two guys, drove from Montreal for this race and they try to fit a race in every other weekend. Certainly something to stive for whether you're in your 40's or 70's.<br /><br />I went home for a hot shower and shaved my legs.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-58247623542198952432010-01-16T09:52:00.002-05:002010-01-16T09:55:29.913-05:00Posting CommentsI just figured out how to change the settings so that anyone can leave comments on my blog. Please leave your comments--I look forward to reading them. I see that lots of you read the blog and replied on Facebook, so I know you have stuff to say. And please share your stories. I know some of you have funny things happen to you. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. So please share.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-60381495165109958192010-01-16T09:49:00.005-05:002010-01-16T10:07:46.112-05:00Brentism #1As my friends know, my husband is known for his forgetfulness, "what he'd do" stories, coffee stained t-shirts and other crazy stuff. I'm going to share these with you as and when they happen. So here is the first of, likely, many Brentisms. <br /><br />The other night I baked brownies for the kids' lunches (though Brent and I ate most of them). So, there I am cleaning up the stove and I move a pan which I notice was hot to the touch. I lifted it up and realized the middle gas burner was on. I turned to Brent (sitting on the couch playing Nathan's DS) and asked him what he had cooked for supper. He replied that he hadn't "cooked" anything but had heated up soup in the microwave. Well, I said, the burner is on. He looks up at me, tearing himself away from some racing game, and sheepishly says "Oh, that must have been from last night". What the???? Sure enough the gas burner had been on for about 28hours. Does this remind you of anything? Like when he left the van running overnight?Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-59410317684333390012010-01-12T22:42:00.000-05:002010-01-12T22:46:43.719-05:00Ottawa Gothic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF6jeemG2ho33hR_O-n3b1q9znua5URshVKfcwcLkSR92r6MhMeAwLaL0V580eOadSgTxssdcjp7NvREtkby-zESrXpGLS9LAqUKy4SINWMk6VNxJWDfY8CfOGYByWacKjyddg-OwBk0/s1600-h/Ottawa+Gothic+cropped.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF6jeemG2ho33hR_O-n3b1q9znua5URshVKfcwcLkSR92r6MhMeAwLaL0V580eOadSgTxssdcjp7NvREtkby-zESrXpGLS9LAqUKy4SINWMk6VNxJWDfY8CfOGYByWacKjyddg-OwBk0/s320/Ottawa+Gothic+cropped.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426065779686240258" /></a><br />Here's our version of the famous American Gothic--the typical family suffering through a Canadian winter.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-84088306687081161722010-01-12T22:34:00.000-05:002010-01-12T22:41:23.867-05:00January 10Gear: The usual three layers plus a fleece vest, two layers of Sugoi tights, new iMAN socks, Asics Trabucco trail shoes, winter trax and new balaclava from Santa<br /><br />Weather: -12 Celsius and sunny <br /><br />Sidewalk conditions: packed snow but kinda slushy<br /><br />Workout: 38 minute out and back on the Trans Canada Trail with April<br /><br />Great to get out and enjoy a sunny morning. Although it was chilly it was refreshing and actually felt warmer than it was--must have beeen the sunshine. Met lots of people on the T-C Trail who were out walking, running and cross country skiing. Must have been too early for the snowmobilers. Out on the sidewalk it is a sight to behold--it looks and feels like you're running through a tunnel with all the snow piled high on people's yards and then even higher on the boulevard. This is why there's no parking on the roads here in the winter.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-14686770657104766082010-01-12T22:21:00.000-05:002010-01-12T22:32:55.717-05:00January 4Gear: Base, mid and outer layers by NB, two layers of Sugoi tights, Asics Trabucco trail shoes, winter trax, gloves and balaclava<br /><br />Weather: -9 Celsius<br /><br />Sidewalk conditions: Packed snow with 3" of new powder<br /><br />Workout: 42 minute out and back <br /><br />It was a cold one tonight. And slow. Slow because of the snow and because of the temperature. I needed all my layers tonight. On the way back I had to jump up 2feet onto a snowbank to avoid being run over by two snowmobilers. I think they were as surprised to see me as I was to see them. I was coming around a corner and the two headlights looked like a car. Didn't hear them either because of traffic. Just another thing to watch out for here in Ottawa.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-88252913878204689002010-01-12T22:11:00.000-05:002010-01-12T22:31:10.846-05:00December 29Gear: Three top layers, two bottom layers, trail shoes and new balaclava from Santa. <br /><br />Weather: -14 Celsius Feels like -22C<br /><br />Sidewalk conditions: packed snow over ice with a skiff of fresh powder<br /><br />Workout: 37 minute out and back <br /><br />It was a cold one this afternoon. This snow is hard work. If you've ever run along a beach, not near the water but in the soft sand near the high tide line, then you'll get an idea of what it's like to run in snow that's not hard packed. You have to take small steps and it's a lot of work. With the windchill it was great to have the new balaclava. You want to have no bare spots.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-20079202232860961002010-01-12T21:41:00.000-05:002010-01-12T21:43:48.364-05:00December 27Gear: Light layers<br /><br />Weather: +2 Celcius and sunny<br /><br />Workout: 35 minute out and back <br /><br />A great afternoon for a post-Christmas turkey dinner run. It was so warm today that I had to navigate between snow banks and puddles.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-59028465889432548912009-12-27T19:35:00.000-05:002009-12-27T19:58:27.635-05:00Man with gunSo, here I am, new to the Ottawa area and looking for running routes. I've found a running partner, April, who is also new here, having come from Cold Lake, Alberta. We head out from our neighborhood and down the Trans Canada Trail, heading East through downtown Stittsville bypassing the Golbourn Rec Centre. We turn north and head down a trail between the houses. It's quiet here and very pretty. Half a kilometre down the trail we run across a bridge over a small creek which I later learn is Poole Creek. The trail comes to an end at a neighborhood street which we follow across Hazeldean Road and continue north into another subdivision. We see bush ahead and I've noticed when driving that there appears to be an old road. We run over the heaps of dirt stopping vehicle traffic and end up on an overgrown dirt road. We run about a kilometre heading towards Carp Road. We round a bend in the road when April suddenly says "I'm not very comfortable with this". I then notice an adult male about 200 or 300 metres ahead of us. At first he appears to be walking and I'm thinking that there are 2 of us and just 1 of him. Suddenly he raises his right arm level with his shoulder and pops off 4 or 5 shots into the bush. We stop and I'm thinking "holy shit, is this for real". Yes, it is real. We back up, turn around and start running hard. I glance back as we reach the bend in the road but his back is still turned to us so it appears he is unaware of our presence. We run for another 5 minutes until a new housing development is in sight. We stop to catch our breath and then realization sinks in. <br /><br />Follow-up: I later report this incident to police who advise not much can be done given the elapsed time. I know this but just wanted it put on the record. I've never run with a cell phone but perhaps it's not such a bad idea.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-20577586147306061042009-12-27T19:31:00.000-05:002009-12-27T19:34:22.295-05:00Freezing Rain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWKhtgwVFQS4WVXF_1wRCuyKHqqS-FaXNuvaDNgmefpA2jfgsY0JJKZ5YGUqr3hjsJPmiGv_pdv3EJXL9Ubn8dX6P-YHqtTffEbFaGHwE0hqIkoeCVp6a17SOnJW_ah9hSNU0LrVt3bI/s1600-h/233.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWKhtgwVFQS4WVXF_1wRCuyKHqqS-FaXNuvaDNgmefpA2jfgsY0JJKZ5YGUqr3hjsJPmiGv_pdv3EJXL9Ubn8dX6P-YHqtTffEbFaGHwE0hqIkoeCVp6a17SOnJW_ah9hSNU0LrVt3bI/s320/233.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420078296667633266" /></a><br />Just wanted to share some photos of what it looks like here. It rained last night and then froze. The driveway is a sheet of ice, as is the deck. Our icicle lights have turned into icicles.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-11951583192469651622009-12-27T19:17:00.001-05:002009-12-27T19:21:58.232-05:00December 22Gear: Snow pants and ski jacket, boots, hat and scarf<br /><br />Weather: -11C and windy<br /><br />Workout: Walk on the Trans-Canada Trail. <br /><br />It's cold one today, but bright and sunny. It was me and April, her sister and mom. We drove to the trailhead so "mom" could drive home as she only wanted a bit of fresh air. The trail was busy with lots of dog walkers and even a couple of snowmobiles. We were all glad of our heavy jackets and snow pants because it was cold with the wind chill. Great to get out and enjoy the sunshine though. Still hoping for that balaclava from Santa.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-65301283039141229782009-12-27T18:47:00.000-05:002009-12-27T19:24:18.239-05:00December 20Run gear pretty much the same as last week--lots of layers. Today I added a light fleece jacket as I was walking not running. My trail shoes sure do the trick on the packed snow--no need for the yack tracks.<br /><br />Weather: -5 Celsius<br /><br />Road Conditions: Packed snow with bare spots. <br /><br />Workout: 6.5 KM walk with April. <br /><br />It was a bright but brisk morning. We walked down the street until we reached the Trans Canada Trail and headed west. It was easy walking as the snowmobiles had packed down the trail. What a beautiful day--everything covered in fresh snow! On our way back the wind really came up and we sure felt it on our faces. Sure hope Santa brings me a balaclava.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978072867189166198.post-57390893250740483962009-12-16T13:17:00.000-05:002009-12-16T13:35:49.922-05:00December 14thThis is my attempt at blogging. I hope to get through the next 2 years in Ottawa sharing my running stories and maybe some family antics. So here's my version.<br /><br />What I wore: Bra top-Nike, base layer-New Balance, Thermal layer-Drylete (This shirt is old and I mean really really old. I bought it at the Running Room in 1996 or 1997 and it is a favourite of mine. It's seen many races. And, yup, it's stinky but not too gross.), jacket-New Balance (the 2005 RVM committee jacket), base layer tights-Mid Zero by Sugoi, outer tights-Firewall by Sugoi, shoes-Asics Trubuco trail shoes, headband-Running Room and gloves from Costco.<br /><br />Wow, all those layers take awhile. Almost makes you feel like you did as a kid getting your snowsuit on.<br /><br />Weather: -4 Celsius<br /><br />Road conditions: Cleared sidewalks (in most places) with slippery sections. Watch out for teenage kid using Dad's snowblower--almost too much for him to handle. <br /><br />Workout: Ran 4km in Stittsville along Westridge Way. Just a short out and back tonight. Who knows how long it took because I forgot to start my watch. For those of you who know me, this will come as a surprise and a delight to those who either forget their watch altogether or fail to start it. It was a cold evening but crisp and great for running. I think a balaclava might be my next purchase so I don't have to move my headband from my head to my chin, alternating every 10 minutes or so. <br /><br />A good start to the winter season and my blog.Momohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03453749151512029383noreply@blogger.com0