Half Marathon Training

 Last Training Run!!

Today was my last training run before the big day. I can't believe it. When I signed up for my first half marathon ever I had 288days 11hours and 39minutes for my training till the 50th Annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon (June 1st, 2014) and now it's only 001:06:45:20. Woohoo! I am so excited. Can't wait for Suuuuundayyyy!!

I took a step back from running in the last couple of weeks of my training. I just didn't feel a 1oo% and didn't want to push myself to hard. I did go biking and rollerblading and walking beside my training.

I started my half marathon training on March 4th with a 4K run after my partially torn ligament was healed. I did my first 4K in 38:05min (Pace 09:16/Km) and today my last run 3K in 18:15min (Pace 06:01/Km). I wasn't always happy with my daily results but I am damn proud of how far I have come.

Here are a few photos of where I have been training.

 

I started my training at a gym because I was still a bit scared running outside. I sprained my ankle running outside and slipping on ice. After the pathway was clear - I loved running outside.

 Running through Winter Wonderland

 Running along Legacy Trail - Sunshine :)

 I am so happy to be back in the world of running =)

Big THANK YOU goes to my awesome friend and mentor Michelle. You are the best. I couldn't have done this without you. I've learned a lot about myself through running. THANK YOU!

Already signed up for my 2nd half marathon :) September 7th, 2014 Rocky Mountain Half Marathong! Yay.

 BUT FIRST

Calgary Half Marathon Here I Come

Horseback riding - Adventure Wednesday May 28th, 2014

Another Amazing Adventure Wednesday

Like every Wednesday Georgia and I had to work till 3pm. I could not wait to finish. I was so excited to go on another Adventure. This week we signed up to go Horseback riding in Banff. After work we had only 10min to get changed and to get to the bus. As soon as we got on the bus it started raining and didn't stop - so we decided to go for coffee before heading to the "Warner Stables" for our Bow River Ride.

It was still raining when we finally arrived at the Stables and were afraid the horseback ride would be cancelled. We were the only 2 that showed up and could decide if we still wanted to go. Hmm, let me think - Yeah!! ... After like 10min on the Horse it finally stopped raining. 

I loved every minute of it and could do this all day long. I'm actually thinking about applying for a position there - maybe next summer. Everyone should go on a horseback ride to get away from stress, work and busy schedules and trade them for fresh mountain air, a good horse, and a trail that leads you to one spectacular view after another.

Here are a few photos that I took along the way :)

 

Bow River Ride

 Bow River                                Mt Norquay

  On our way back to Warner Stables along the 

Marsh Loop following the Bow River!

 

 

Georgia having fun!

We were the smalles group ever. Georgia, me and 2 Guides :) I didn't care that it was cloudy and that is was raining in the beginning. I had a fantastic time.

  

 Awesome afternoon - I'm going to do it again very soon.

We had an amazing hour. It was so peaceful. I was very happy and it looks like Delta was very happy too - Big smile!

Warner Stables

Dinner Time!

When we got back home we had dinner & watched 

"Dirty Dancing".

 

Sooo much fun! Love my new roommate!!

Canadian Tire Fun - Adventure Wednesday May 21nd, 2014

New Week - New Wednesday - New Challenge

This week we decided to get out with our rollerblades. I did bring mine from Germany in 2009 and Georgia got so excited of the idea to try something new that she bought new rollerblades for herself. I know in my last blog I said we would try to do something new every week ... Well rollerblading is new to Georgia. She really wanted to try it and I sometimes love rollerblading more than biking :) So no brainer for me :)

First step - buying rollerblades! Uhhh Canadian Tire is awwwweeesooommme! Awesome because:

 Perfect place to find the right helmet for an amazing bike tour!!

OR

 

 For some Baseball!!

OR

 For finding new friends OR  for some skateboarding!!

All we really wanted was to buy new rollerblades for Georgia BUT after walking around for a bit it felt more like a big playground. An hour later we finally left Canadian Tire and got home for dinner. After dinner we went out with our blades and had some fun. First we tried getting around in the parking lot and then moved to the Skateboard Park in Canmore.

 

Thumbs Up at the Skateboard Park!!

We stayed at the park till it got dark. So much fun. I can't wait for next Wednesday. Yay!!

Love Adventure Wednesdays!!

Biking alone Legacy Trail - Adventure Wednesday May 14th, 2014

Running is great but biking is awesome too.

My roommate and I decided to call Wednesday our Adventure Wednesday. We are going to try something new and fun every week. Georgia is from Australia and just started working at the hotel a couple of weeks ago. May 14th was our first Adventure!!

We both had to work till 3pm and decided to go on a nice bike ride afterwards. We biked along Legacy Trail from Canmore to Banff. It was awesome. Loved it.

Ready to go biking - We left right after work - Georgia and I

I love running, biking, walking, roller skating along the Legacy Trail. Just have a look at the following photos and you know what I am talking about! Absolutely amaaazing!

 On our way from Canmore to Banff

 

 Canmore to Banff 21.46Km - 1:28:54

As soon as we got to Banff we locked our bikes and went for a nice walk along the river & to Bow Falls.

 The water was a little bit cold :)

Little visit to Bow Falls

Elk in Banff

After a 2 hour walk in Banff we got back to our bikes and headed home. It always seem to go faster going back. Legacy Trail Banff to Canmore.

 Banff to Canmore 22.32Km - 1:18:15

Beautiful sunset - Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge

We had a little party when we got home. We felt so amazing that we had to celebrate our 50K afternoon.

What an active afternoon! Wow!!

Half Marathon Training - 18K for the first time!

Running In Winter Wonderland

The past 2weeks have been crazy.

I went to Vancouver for one week & skipped my trainingruns ... When I got back I heard that the manager of the hotel wanted me to move into another staff accom ... That meant packing and cleaning my old room.

I finally found time on Tuesday to go for my long run. I was sooo excited when I had to do my first 16K ever but didn't feel the same when I had to do my 18K. Hope I feel excited till Sunday for my second 18K.

 

 

Legacy Trail Canmore to Banff

Tuesday was a real struggle for me. I did have company for the first 5K of my run - which I liked! After Georgia turned around I still had to run 4K before I could turn around. Somehow when she left my motivation to keep going seem to slip away as well.

 

Georgia heading home!

When I finally reach 9K I was extremly tired & just wanted to lie down & take a nap. I took a little break before turning around to run home. Km7 till Km11 was very hard for me & I almost gave up.

 Tired but glad I went for my run!

Beautiful Canmore - On my way home!

Usually when I go running - I am able to stop thinking about my day and everything around me ... lately I'm thinking more about my runs. How will I do. Am I going to fast or to slow. Do I really think I can do a half marathon? Why did I skip some runs? What will others think?

I know I shouldn't worry at all! I am doing great after a knee surgery and a partail torn ligament - Just feeling down lately. Running used to be my happy-place. Hope I feel better soon!! Only 23days till race-day!!

May 6th 18.41Km in 02.16.56 ... Average pace 07:26 /Km