My goals heading into 2016 were to take on the half marathon distance three times in hopes of achieving a PB, to see how my running developed with working with a coach, and to tackle some shorter distance races. While I nailed a couple of races, the rest of the goal attempts were somewhat soul deflating and incredibly frustrating, especially those that saw me having to walk yet again. I did learn a lot this year and think I really developed some skill while working with Michelle. 

​Here's a more in depth look at the year in review: 

​Achilles 5K: I was an ambassador for this race, so while much of my focus was on capturing photos and posting updates to social media, I had a secret goal at the back of my mind for the race. I told no one, and when Michelle asked me what I was thinking for the race, I was elusive and said, "We'll see." I went out hard and held on for as long as I could, which was an entirely different race strategy for me. Since trying this at the Zoo Run the fall before but petering out on the hills, I was excited to try on a relatively flat out and back course. I checked in with myself with each kilometre and when I reached the turnaround thinking, hmm, I might be able to do this. The small incline on Spadina was enough to make me lose steam, but turning the corner and seeing the finish off in the distance kept me going. It was one of the hardest last stretches I'd ever experienced. Knowing my friends were watching was a huge motivator and kept me pushing. I crossed the finish with a PB and opportunity to surprise Michelle with what my "We'll see" really meant! It was a confident, strong race, one that I would find myself looking back to for motivation much of the season ahead. 

​Chilly Half Marathon: There was definitely a domino effect in the planning of this race. Given that the race fell within days of Melly and my birthdays, the suggestion of wearing tutus came up, to add to the party atmosphere. This evolved to it being a JPsTeam event with five of us wearing tutus, matching socks and head bobber thingies. Race Director Kelly gave Jean-Paul and his Team VIP access, so we were able to give the elite runners a bit of a laugh before the race. I'm sure we were quite the sight at the start and received repeated smiles and comments as we went along. I'm not entirely sure what happened to me that day, but after about 3K, my energy was completely gone. My dear friends stuck it out with me through an embarrassing number of walk breaks. They were so wonderful in telling me jokes and stories, I will always treasure that time. Looking back, it may have been the first race I would've turned back and not finished had it not been for them. Instead, we finished together with smiles and memories (and a few hilarious photos!)

​Mississauga Half: This was to be my second attempt of 2016 to achieve a PB in the distance. My training felt good and I was excited to tackle this new to me course. The day before the race, our sweet little 16 year old dog Molly passed away. I debated throughout the day whether to race or not, finally deciding that I would race it for her. With her dog paw tag around my neck, very puffy eyes and an appropriately rainy day, I headed to the start. The first half of the race went well. It was when a song played on my playlist that reminded me of Molly that I broke down, crying and slowing to a walk. The last half was wind, rain, walking, running, feeling regret for racing and just wanting to be done. Having the hugs of my friends at the end helped. To me this race will always be grey, rainy and sad, making me unsure if I will ever be able to tackle it again.

​Mercedes Oakville 10K: As an ambassador for the race I was able to see that this was a well-loved race by locals, especially those with kids. As a participant, I was a little disappointed in some of the organization aspects of the race such as extreme waits at kit pick up and for shuttle buses. Overall it was a cool course through old Oakville and a fun, non-goal race morning with my friends. 

​Becel Ride for Heart Run: This was an entirely new event for the organizers of the popular Becel Ride for Heart on the Gardiner and DVP highways. Needless to say it is challenging to put on two entirely different events at the same time, and considering this, it went fairly well. I was a little disappointed with a few aspects of the day including a non-existent turn around point sign, but hopefully if they decide to run this event in 2017 they will have a chance to iron things out. Again, it was a fun opportunity to run with friends and see downtown from the closed highway. 

​Chocolate Run 10K: Although a long way to drive to from Toronto, this was a fun race. It was especially fun to watch the kids participate. Both of my friend Melly's daughters participated and did great! The volunteers along the course were exceptional, and the route varied and interesting, including a stretch along the lake. Neither Melly or I had any steam that day, so we ran easy and enjoyed the chatter instead. The post-race treats were definitely yummy, especially the cupcakes that Koren and Jodie brought! 

Beaches Jazz Run: This run was always much loved by the running community. This was the first year for it to be chip timed and have medals instead of being a training fun run. Given my past summer overheating experiences with the Leslie Street Spit, I chose the 5K route. It wound up being a huge JPsTeam party and everywhere you turned there was another Team member cheering and waving.

​Toronto Waterfront 10K: Having lost my favourite Toronto Yonge Street 10k, I really didn't want to love this race, but in the end, it was hard not to. I'd say the absolute only downfall of this race is the timing in the year with potential for a hot day, which is exactly what happened. Everything else was amazing, cheer stations, medal, vibe, route (besides that darned hill on Lakeshore!) I went out aiming for a PB but the heat did me in and found me taking dreaded walk breaks fairly early on. Regardless, it was a fun day for JPsTeam to run and cheer our friend Jodie across the finish line. Maybe 2017 will see a PB attempt here?

​Toronto Women's 5K: The second race I'd ever done was the 8K in this series in 2013. In an effort to see what I could do in the shorter distances I decided to register for the whole 2016 race series. The races are so close to home and well organized, it's hard not to sign up. I can leave an hour before the race, park, warm up, visit the washroom, race and be home at 10:30. The first race came on the same day as the extreme heat that hindered those racing in Ottawa. Organizers shortened the half marathon distance and eliminated the age awards to discourage runners from going too fast. I felt fine for the first 2 kilometres when the heat definitely affected me and I struggled for the remainder of the race. 
 
The second of the race series 5K I felt very strong throughout and finished just shy of my earlier in the season PB. Coach Michelle told me if it had been a straighter course I'd surely have seen a PB. 

B&O Yorkville 5K: I had high hopes that this race was going to bring me a 5K PB after coming close at Toronto Women's. What I didn't expect was the extent of the incline on the second half of the race. I think I may have used up too much nervous energy in my warm up and first two kilometres and ran out of steam in the last portions of the race. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the 5K race championships and love my swag NB wind cheater jacket.

​5th Avenue Mile: This was both my first destination race, and shortest race ever! Michelle, Allison, Carmy and I planned an entire girls road trip to New York around the race. Despite having never even run a mile, I managed to surprise myself and Michelle and pull off a time faster than we both thought I'd do. It was an incredible moment and although my lungs and throat burned from the speed, knowing it was from running fast It made it hard to wipe the smile from my face. 

​RBC 15K: This race is by far one of my favourites due to the incredible organization, vibe and party atmosphere. I was honoured to again be asked to be an ambassador. We had lots of fun events leading up to race day and were decked out in fun yellow ambassador shirts for the race. I chose the 15K distance and ran the entire race with friends. We exchanged some great stories along the way and got to celebrate Allison's longest ever distance run (she'd done a long run before the race!) in training for her first marathon. It was an amazing day raising money for an important cause. 

​STWM half: I'd placed all my PB eggs in one huge basket of hope for STWM. After two bad experiences in the spring, I was ready to tackle the race I knew well. That was, until I caught a cold one week out. I felt like it was largely gone by race day, but alas, combined with the extremely unseasonal warmth and humidity, I, like many others, faded around the halfway mark. I felt happy about my performance to that point and managed to push until 15K when I knew a PB wasn't within reach. I wound up finding Melly on who was hurt and we hobbled to the finish together. It wasn't a great race, but it was a great day, supporting JP in his quadruple marathon finish and cheering on many other friends along the rainy uphill stretch of Bay Street. I was also incredibly pleased to represent this amazing race as Digital Champion. 

​Toronto Women's 8K: Given this race was only a week post STWM, I had my reservations. I chose to do the 8K as I felt that I'd already given all I had on the 5K course earlier in the season and I knew I'd just be disappointed if I tried for a PB while still recovering. I was astounded to have my friends Melly, Lisa and Leanne come to cheer Michelle (running the 5K) and I on. I started clicking off kilometres, feeling strong. At the half way point I was pretty sure I would be able to continue at the same pace. I walked up the slippery overpass hill to keep my heart rate from going insane (and from falling on my butt) but otherwise kept running. As I approached the turn for the finish, I slowed to a walk for a moment to catch my breath for the sprint to the finish. That's when I saw Michelle waiting for me, obviously wondering what was happening and thinking the worst. When I told her nothing was wrong, I was going to PB, we laughed and took off with her cheering at the top of her lungs ahead of me. Just like the Achilles and 5th Avenue Mile, it was an incredible feeling of strength, confidence and having given it all. 

​Tannenbaum 10K: This race is extra special for me. It's in my neighbourhood, has an amazing vibe and this year, race director Dave asked if I'd like to design the medal for the race. Of course! Members of JPsTeam and friends decided it was a good opportunity to dress up. I wound up running the whole race with Allison and Nicole and we enjoyed the fun atmosphere. Always a great race to end the season. 

​So, what's in store for 2017?
HALF MARATHON / RELAY:
​Despite swearing on the STWM course that I was done with half marathons after three strikes in 2016, I've put a lot of thought into what I think it would take for me to achieve one. I've looked into the different courses and will try just one more (I know, a runner's famous last words) as a goal race. I will also be doing the Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon, but this will be an event that is focused on women and friends and the amazing race course. I'm also an ambassador which makes it so fun to really learn about a race! I'm totally excited to be part of a team of 12 runners doing a two day, one night relay from Cobourg to Niagara Falls with the Ragnar Series. 

10K, 8K & 5K:
I'm hoping to take on the 8K and 5K distances again this year. I've looked at a few races and have a couple possibles narrowed down. I've also accepted an ambassadorship for the Achilles 5K, so again, maybe "We'll see" what happens! 
10K? This is my most raced and possibly most struggled with distance. I know it takes a certain course and the right day for me to have a chance at ever improving my current PB. 

Short and sweet:
Just after posting this recap I signed up to be an Ontario Master's Athlete. The season starts with indoor track and field races. Last winter I had the chance to watch and cheer for Michelle as she raced this series and even broke an amazing record! Let's just say it was the inspiration I needed to sign up myself. This is all very new, so we will see how it goes! 

And of course still organizing and participating in tons of fun runs and events with the amazing JPsTeam!

There's the saying that goes, there's no 'i' in 'team.' Yeah, I know, it sounds cheesy-- like something a teacher or human resources manager would say. Running is generally a solo sport. You have your own abilities, your own goals. And when you toe the line at a race, its to usually to better your previous race finish times or cover a distance for the first time. 

I wasn't an athletic child, and definitely shied away from any sort of team sports for fear of  messing up and being embarrassed.  Running as an adult allowed me to realize I could be pretty good at something and to not be scared to put myself out there. Recently I suprised the child version of myself by signing up for the Ragnar Niagara Relay, which pretty much makes a team sport out of running. Instead of focusing on your own goals, you're focussing on the goals of your entire 12 person team. Whatever you do impacts the team's result.

​So, how did I suddenly go from zero to signing up for an overnight,  300 km team relay race from Cobourg to Niagara Falls?! 

This past year I closely followed the Wild Bruce Chase girls as they ran the entire Bruce Trail end-to-end and broke a record in doing so.  These girls were mostly a mix of skilled trail runners and speedy race podium frequenters. Although I was incredibly impressed with the result of their record, the social media updates I found myself enjoying most revolved around the comradery, support, friendships and celebration of their experience. The experience of a team.

Early in the year I found myself feeling somewhat like a Looney Tunes character, waiting for a big rock to come soaring off a cliff and bonk me on the head. I would've thought that after three years of running, I'd know everything I needed to. In reality, the opposite was often the case. I was feeling somewhat confused about what I wanted from running: short versus long distance; eating to maintain my weight versus upping my carbs for more energy; training by heart rate; how to best train for certain distances; tapering; scheduling for more races than usual; strength training; goals; and on and on.

When I'd mention some of my struggles to my friend Michelle, she'd offer advice and tell me I should just have her coach me. I remember thinking, “Coaching? For me? I'm slow. I'm still relatively new. I'm never going to win anything or break any records. What will people think if I have a coach?”

Then one day having sat at my computer for hours trying in vain to create my own training schedule, I decided, what the heck, I'm going to give this a try.

It's now been almost a year months since I started working with a coach. Any hesitation or doubts I had are long gone. She's been at the finish line to give me a huge hug when I grabbed a 5K personal best, as well as when I broke down in tears following a challenging half marathon I'd done in honour of my dog who'd passed away. Every week Michelle gives me a new plan of action to tackle on my calendar. I do the work and report back on how it went.

I know now that I would not have been able to work with a coach who followed at my heels on the track or who berated me when I missed an interval by two seconds. Michelle understands me, what I need and we've developed a method that works well for us.

Fit is just as important in a coach as it is for your running shoes.

A run coach is there to help a runner improve, regardless of their current running skill. They're there to sort through the information clutter because they've heard and seen it all. They can look at your skills, goals and plans and create a schedule tailored to you. They also have the ability to modify that schedule if things are going better or not working out as expected. They take all the run thinking, confusion and stress off your shoulders, and before you know it, you realize that you're able to focus on one thing: running.

When looking for a running coach, do your research. She/he should have qualifications and experience and use methods that suit your lifestyle and needs. It's also important that your coach is someone you get along with and that understands and works with you.

Decide ahead of time what you'd like your coach to help you with. It doesn't have to be detailed, and it can change over time. It may be that you want to learn how to get faster or have help with scheduling your training. Perhaps you want to train for your first marathon or even your first 5K! Ask your running friends, run clubs or running stores for recommendations. Decide what kind of contact and approach you'd prefer: in person, with a group or virtual. Make yourself a running biography with details of your typical runs, your race times, what you are good at, as well as where you struggle. Include areas of your life that help or get in the way of running. Are you a new mom that can only do stroller or treadmill runs? Do you do all your runs as commutes to work? List any current or past running injuries. Include your small and bigger goals. All of this information will help a potential coach understand you while providing a conversation launch pad to help you both decide if it's the right fit.
 
I'm really glad I decided to work with a coach. Overall the average number of kilometers I've been running per month may be about the same, but how those kilometers are done is different. I’m stronger and friends comment that I look different. I’ve discovered areas of running I really like and am better at. The confusion and stress I felt at the beginning of the year has cleared, leaving my mind free to see the bigger picture. Thanks, Coach, for helping me see that.

Originally published in Destination Outside Magazine, December 2016: http://www.destinationoutsidemag.com/ISSUE2/16/

Last year I dawned my green race kit,called on the luck of the leprechauns and pulled off a personal best at the Achilles Canada #StPatricksDay #Achilles5K! 

I'm pleased to support this amazing race as an ambassador for 2017! 

This event is the main fundraiser for Achilles Canada, a non-profit organization that provides people with various disabilities an opportunity to receive the physical, psychological, and communal benefits of running. The club offers training and support by able-bodied members to its Achilles athletes of all ability levels.

This is a fast out and back 5K course in the heart of downtown Toronto. After the race warm up inside the Steam Whistle Brewery Roundhouse with a hot bowl of chili and a tasty Steam Whistle Pilsner. Entertainment, prizes and awards. 

Join me for the 18th annual run/walk on Sunday, March 12th! 

http://www.achillesstpatricksday5k.ca/
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