Build strength, improve and gain confidence.

The weather was amazing Sunday morning for our 15K long run and I felt pretty lucky to be out enjoying it. It was a perfect day; the type of day where I swear I'm solar-powered.

We ran a 5K tempo in the middle of the run and everyone worked hard. We had to; a long portion of the 5K route was uphill and my brain stopped processing anything that didn't have to do with keeping my pace. It was the first time in a few weeks that I felt like I was running well and I was so relieved because it means I'm starting to come out the other side of the "mid-clinic slump". Thank goodness!

This week's workout is two-times the mile loop in Beacon Hill Park and two-times up the flagpole hill. We are meant to run the mile at half-marathon pace and the hill at a solid effort. 


Michelle, Christina and I ran the workout this morning and the first mile was only about twenty-seconds fast. Not bad at all. We ran the hill and then set out on the second mile. We were about halfway through the second mile and I was feeling pretty good, so I started to pick up the pace without saying anything. 


We kept running and talking and the pace slowly crept up. Nothing crazy, but we were moving. About two-hundred meters from the finish, Christina says, "This is way faster than last time." I chuckled and told her it was my fault; I had sped up - sorry. The funny thing was, they both stayed with me, even though we ended up finishing forty-seconds faster than the previous loop; a full minute faster than our goal pace.


OK, I know we were running together and talking, so it makes sense that they made the effort to stay with me, but I can't help thinking that it really speaks to how determined the runners in this group have become. These women don't think twice about pushing themselves, they just do. I'm like a proud Mama Bear. 


Fantastic work, Ladies.

Our SHE Runs program is really taking off! We've had several women join and although they mainly run Monday and Friday evenings at 8:30pm, a few of them have run with us from time to time during our 10am time slot. I've run with them a few times in the evenings, but it's always great to see people during the day, especially because I can take photos!

It's been a treat meeting everyone and seeing how willing people are to push themselves; I'm always amazed at the drive and dedication. I look forward to seeing everyone build strength, improve and gain confidence. Honestly, it's my favourite part of being a run leader. 

Remember: if you or someone you know would like to start running, but would benefit from a fun and supportive group, please contact me any time at runningmomsca@gmail.com!