Coopers Test

Wow! A great start to the training season! We ran from Eileen Dailly to Empire Stadium, where we did the 12-minute Coopers running test. I managed 2370 metres, my longest ever. Then we ran back, straight up and over Triumph, and for a change, I ran the whole thing. Usually I give in and walk.

I felt very strong - it was wonderful. I had kind of an epiphany during a spinnning class a couple fo weeks ago: no matter how tough it is doing that, and how much I want to ease up, I never do. It suddenly occurred to me that if I can keep going on the bike, I should be bringing that to running. One of those "duh!" moments - it's not like I don't tell clinic participants how important the mental thing is, but it hadn't really sunk in with me, I guess.

The site to see where you measure up on Coopers.
http://www.peworld.org/fitnesstesting/coopers_run.htm

Route marker

This is a really handy tool for mapping a route, although it's limited to Vancouver.

http://www.m2.ca/routescout/

Sun Run 2005

Probably the worst event I've run! I didn't have my asthma inhaler with me, and of course, realizing that pretty well guaranteed exercise-induced wheezing...

I started fairly well - after 2k I was on track for about a 55-56 minutes finish. But then my lungs got tighter, and I became tired. And at the 5k mark, I was 30m 10s. Turned off my watch at that point - no point torturing myself. And at the medical tent just before the incline up to 4th (or whatever that last east-west road is), I asked the paramedics if they had any Ventolin. Well, yes, but the doc in the medical tent has to check you out first. Sigh. He listened to my lungs - yes, you're wheezy. Back to the ambulance. Had to get IN the ambulance. They hand over some Ventolin. Then they had to check my blood pressure - yes, 108/70 is normal for me when I'm running. And my blood gases. OK, sign this to say you're continuing the race. Sign this to say you don't want the ambulance crew to take you to hospital (yikes!).

And off again. The last couple of k weren't too bad, but I think the official clock was 1h. 16m when I crossed. (Of course, this is the year the guy calling the names points me out, along with the fact that I'm running in a green bib, crossing at whatever it was!!!) But I finished. I think turning off my watch was a smart move, although I won't be able to resist looking up my time tomorrow.

Now we have Scotiabank Half training. And new running shoes - neutrals. We'll see how they work out. Plus I'm starting the 12-week KMI program in May.