Race Day Photos

As stolen from Marathonfoto people, just PROOFS!
You will never see a person looking happier than I did on my run. That's only cause I was vain and smiled at every camera I saw....I knew they'd all turn out! haha

First half marathon...COMPLETE!

UPDATE!!

So here's a run by run of the last two days.

Saturday morning: I had planned on going to play some pitch and putt with Viet, my siblings, and Andrew, but by the time Jasmine and Julian was ready, it started to rain. So we went to e-canteen for lunch instead. Never really been there without parents before, feels like we're all grown up. I ordered rice to pack on the carbs.

After lunch, I went to Superstore to do some grocery shopping but then we didn't get enough stuff so we went to T&T as well. Viet chose out new glasses cause his frames ran out :( But I like the new ones! I was dropped off at home for a brief 45 mins in which I quickly packed an overnight bag with everything I can think of that I would need.

Fuel belt? Check
Sport beans? Check
Running clothes? Check
Sleeping clothes? Check
Toiletries? Check
iPod? Check
Tickets and forms? Check

Then I had to quickly figure out how to get to the Sheridan Wall Centre by bus. Turns out it's a lot simpler than I thought it would be. Take the #41 bus to Knight, then take the #22 MacDonald bus to downtown St. Paul Hospital.

I got there late, but was able to decorate my bib. I talked about in my last post my sponsored hero, Jessica. I wrote her name on the back of my bib.

Dinner was at 5:30 and we had to rush to get there. Lots of foood! Pasta, bread, salad. So.much.food. I even had TWO plates! :)

By the time dinner was done we all rushed to the bar to watch the hockey game. When we came up, the score was 2-0 Canucks! Yes! Then it all fell apart. Five goals in a row for Chicago. Canucks finally added one more in before Chicago won with an empty netter. 6-3....ouch. I tell you, if the feng shui is working, don't mess with it. We don't watch, we lead 2-0, we watch, they start losing :( It's ok! Game 3 tomorrow.

After the very disappointed game, Bonnie and I headed back to our room to clean up and head to bed early. The big meal literally knocked me out at 9:15. We had a surprise overnight and this was what was left on our doors. A personal card from Coach Mike as his final words of inspiration.
The sign was stuck on our door and said WE were the heroes tomorrow for running. Glenna and Veronica is just so amazing :)

Sunday morning: I got up at 5am to pack up, dress up, and get pumped up for the run. Bonnie and I went to Starbucks to pick up some bread before our run. We hopped onto the busses at around 6:15 and it took us to the Terry Fox Memorial where we hopped off and to the Expo. Free coffee from McDonalds?? So tempting, but must not get dehydrated.

Our whole group got pumped up, seeked out the 2 hr pace bunny, and before we know it..."3...2...1....go!!" I felt awesome throughout the first 8km. I don't really remember stopping for the 10 and 1s. The first real place I stopped was when we hit 1/2 way before the hill to Prospect Point. I remember my stopping intervals were all less than a min, then I was off again. I was able to tone out everything, the runners, the pain, the heat. I just.kept.going. I thought of Jessica quite a bit. She's my inspiration to continue.

The weather was good...no....GREAT! AWESOME! UNBELIEVABLE! Considering the weather network was calling for rain ALL WEEK, we didn't get a drip. In fact, we had beautiful overcast with some sun peeping out and a GREAT breeze from the water.

When we got out of Stanley Park, we began to see the full marathoners running by. Boy are they fast!!!! I hit "the wall" at around 19km. I know there's only 2.1 km to go but I really felt like I can't do it. My feet were hurting, my knee was tugging, my legs felt like concrete. That was when I heard someone yell "Thanks for running for a cure!" and that really helped me. I took a sport bean (fruit punch flavour) and I started running again. 20km mark! 1 to go!
Just keep going.
Just keep going.
Just keep going.

Before I know it, I crossed the finish line. The biggest surprise? I looked up at the clock "2:35" No way!!! My goal was to do it under 3 hours because it took me 3 hours during the GTS. But not only did I meet my goal, I exceeded it! I was so happy.....and hungry.

At the finish line, there were tables upon tables lined up with food. And that was exactly what I did. I grabbed anything I could off every table I could and chowed it down. Boy did that feel good. Then I found the TNT tent, checked out and sat on the floor refusing to move anymore. That's when I realized I couldn't find Viet or Jeunessa! Did they get lost? Were they late?

I borrowed Monique's phone and gave them a call. Viet picked up and said he was at the finish line, but I finished already! So they came by to congratulate me. That's when I got my first medal! And the best one yet! My own Running Pear! Jeunessa made this for me the night before. It's the running pear's personal trophy. Isn't it amazing? She just took my pear picture from the above banner, and turned it into a stuffy!!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!

I got to the Expo to get my $20 massage. I must tell you all. This $20 I spent is the best $20 spent in the last YEAR. It was GOLD. 15 minutes with a personal massage therapist is the reason why I don't feel like I've ran a half marathon today. Seriously, it was HEAVEN. I totally recommend it!!!!

Here's a picture of what I looked like after I got home.
Pretty scary eh? I was surprised I could still walk! But I did it! I showered and was going to take a nap but grandma wanted to eat lunch so we went out for Pho. After Pho, yee ma wanted to buy sofas, so we went to Coquitlam. Man, it took super long, but Raymond and yee ma now has a new 100% leather sofa and loveseat!

I got home, and before I know it, it was time to go for our Victory dinner, so off I go. It was a great dinner, our last dinner together as a team! I was soooo tired but I loved seeing everyone. Here are some images!

Thank you everyone!
==================================================================

Wow! It was SUCH an experience! I will blog about it later tonight. I've had no free time since yesterday. Finished the marathon, came home, shower, went out for lunch, then shopped for furniture. Came home, got ready, went for dinner, got back at 9:30 and hopped into my beautiful bed.

On the list today: Work til 5, cook dinner by 6, class at 6:30!!! My first photography class at Langara, I'm SO psyched! Unfortunately, that goes until 9:55. I'll see how much time I have to blog after I come home from that.

My time? 2 hours and 33 minutes. Record time for me! :)

Sun Run 2009

Wow, haven't posted in over two weeks, been lazy on my blogging again. Last week, it was pouring rain so I was lazy and didn't go for my long run, but I made it up during the week by running 3 out of 5 days.

I want to take a bit of time to introduce you to my honoured hero, Jessica. Jessica is 13 years old and was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) last year. This is the most common type of Leukemia in children. She bravely fought through rigorous treatment to conquer cancer and she is going through a great recovery right now. Jessica and her family wants to thank God for his blessing in helping Jessica go through a quick recovery. Every time when it's too hard to run, I think of Jessica and she helps me continue to run more.

I've been getting hyped up for today because it's the 25th Annual Vancouver Sun Run. This is my first time participating in the Sun Run, so I was pretty excited about being a part of such a huge event. The weather network all week called for rain, but we were very blessed because it didn't rain a drop!

I packed light so I didn't have to use gear check. I felt really good on the 10k run today. I think I finished just over 1hr15min which is a pretty good time! Viet was running with me the whole time, though at times I had to stop and wait or run back a bit just to make sure I don't lose him.

After the run, there was an expo inside BC Place with free food!! I had two cups of yogurt, two halves of a banana, a box of apple juice, a cup of orange juice, a cup of pineapple juice and one bagel...Now that I have that typed up, that's quite a bit of food I chowed down. Hey! I was tired! and starving!

After failing to find people we know, Viet and I walked over to Gerry and Jo-Ann's place to see the wonderful view before they move to their new place on May 1st. Jack was barking like crazy every time a new person came through the door, but you can tell he's a good boy :)

Going home after the run, I showered and took a nap for an hour before the Canucks game.

Canucks game 3 vs. St. Louis Blues. We kicked butt! 3-2 was the final. Our powerplay AND penalty kill is really kicking it up. Game 4 on Tuesday!!!

My First Half Marathon!

Sunday April 5, 2009. The date of my first half marathon.

I woke up today feeling better than I did most weeks because I knew in my head we were running a half marathon today. Bonnie's at work this week, so I headed out to Granville Island alone. I saw Sarah on the way and I waved at her...she's much faster than I am now, so we can't take the same ride.

Luckily this week, there were no sun runners hogging up all the parking spot. Last week was almost impossible to find parking. I also got a great surprise this week, my running buddy, Monique is back!!! Back and Better than Before! Her knee is completely healed and she's ready to run the full way.

This week, Mike says we're still only doing 18km. But Sarah, Laura, AND Monique won't be here next week and that's when we're supposed to run the 21km, so we decided as a group to run the 21km this week. The run started out very well, I felt good for the entire first half up to 9km. Then when we got up the hill to UBC's Museum of Anthropologie, my legs started burning really bad. Monique and I decided to walk up that hill mostly. It was only an extra 1.5km, but it sure felt a lot longer. We ran back down and passed Jericho. At about 16km point, my body really started wheezing and yelling at me to slow down. Monique was feeling it too, so we took it a bit easier for the last 5km.

We made it back! At a horrendous time though, because we got back at about the 3 hour mark, which is QUITE long for a half marathon, but I'm sure I can get better next week. It's like a weekly ritual now, Mike and Amy always brings bananas at the finish line and it tastes GREAT! Since I took so long to finish my run, I had to leave because parking at Granville Island is only for 3 hours. Great job team! We'll do it again next week!

On a side note, I've had some pain on my left foot from the outside of my pinky toe to about halfway up my calf, anyone know what that is?

My fundraising is almost complete! I'm only less than $300 away! Thank you to all my sponsors!

Natalia Gilewicz hey Nat! I'll always be your favourite TA right? :) I miss you! Hope you're doing well, update me on GCM soon! :)
Katannya Yee heya Kat, it's ok that you couldn't make it out to the bowling night, thanks for donating. We need to meet up sometime soon and catch up! Call me up!

Sorry :(

Haven't posted in a while, a quick one here.

I'm going to be entering a quick contest hosted by SFU Now.
Please check out the website at http://www.sfunow.ca/

Maybe I'll win an iPod nano to help me on my longer runs! :)

I'm at 18k now :)

St. Patrick's Day Bowlarama - A Success!

First off... THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT CAME OUT TO SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISER!

Pictures can be found at here

I was pretty stressed out about the fundraiser the day before. I had to get prizes for the top bowlers (which we never got around to) I had to get balloons blown up (Thank you Tim the Mute at Balloonatics!) and I still had to finalize the list of attendees.

The night before, I couldn't sleep all night thinking and worrying about what I'm missing, what I'll need. I couldn't sleep until 3:30 so of course, I couldn't get up for our GTS on Sunday morning. Slept in til about 10:30 and looked outside. The rain's held off so I guess I can go for a run! I planned out the 18km route from my house to Wallace St. and back.

Running in traffic on a big street is definitely different than our regular GTS. I have to watch for traffic lights, turning cars, pedestrians, slowed my time down by a lot. At 11:30, I was only at Carnavarn and 41st. But then it started to rain! So I guess it was a sign to head back. But when I got to Granville and 41st, it started SLEETING SNOW! I was soaking wet and freezing cold. Finally made my way to the bus stop at 41st and Oak and ran into the Chevron to call Viet to come pick me up.

Lesson learned: Always check weather report before going out for a run.

After going home to shower and thaw myself, I started getting together the final plans for the night.

I arrived at the bowling alley at around 5pm to find the previous league not done yet. So we waited around while they finished. Monique showed up with all the great gift cards and we got our raffle table set up!

Then before we could set everything up, people started arriving in the masses! I had to finish the table, made sure people pay, make sure they got their token, my head was really spinning. But luckily, everyone got to bowl (I think) and a lot of people purchased 50/50 tickets and raffle tickets. That's pretty much the event as I saw it because most of it was just spinning by me. I however remember that a lot of people stuck around for the Raffle drawing and 50/50 which ended up going to people who weren't originally part of our fundraiser! But it's ok, if they were willing to purchase tickets, they have every right to win.

I want to thank my latest sponsors:
Joe Hung heya, you missed my fundraiser but thank you for donating instead! :)
Coast Imaging Arts Ernst at Coast Imaging Arts is a colleague/associate of the BCPIA. Thank you for donating to our cause!

Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Another Day. Another Run

Forgot to post this on THIS blog last Sunday, so I'll repost it now.

I haven't really explained the format of our training with the TEAM. TEAM in Training is organized by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. There is a group of dedicated full time staff that help in collecting donations from participants that will in turn help the Society.

The training portion of TEAM in Training is organized by a team of volunteer Coaches and Mentors. There are coaches for 3 main teams. The Run team, the Walk team and the Tri(athlon) team. As I plan to Run the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon, my run coach is Coach Mike. Coach Mike is SUPER fast. I think he's ran over 5 marathons and he's a pretty seasoned runner. It's really great having such a seasoned coach because he understands what it's like for us when we first start out. Coach Mike and his wife Amy actually came from Ontario. Amy has Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, a form of Leukemia that requires taking a single pill called Gleevec that inhibits the leukemia. Gleevec is the result of the hard work of thousands and thousands of fundraisers and donations. The fundraising and donations of these people has made Gleevec possible for people like Amy and many more.

We train every Sunday at 8:30 (yes that's A.M. for you sleepyheads) at Granville Island. We call those runs GTS (or group training sessions). It usually starts by meeting behind Cat's Social House in the little area that is covered. Sometimes we have workshops where experts come in to talk to us about strength training, nutritions, and equipment, but most times, we warm up, yell a quick "GO TEAM" and we're off!

The distances usually vary. Now for those of you that really know me from way back in high school (well not that way back) we used to have "run days" where we run about 3km around the school twice. Even in high school, I wasn't much of a sporty kid, I couldn't run that 3km without walking half of it. Imagine my surprise when we started one fine December day last year and Coach Mike told us our first run was 4km!!!! We maintain a set distance usually two weeks in a row and go up by 1 to 2km on the next run.

I still remember our first 4km run like it was yesterday. Coach Mike maps out a route for us:
1. Start off going west at Granville Island.
2. Run along the seawall below both the Granville St. Bridge and Burrard St. Bridge
3. Run past the Planetarium at Vanier Park
4. Run to the washrooms by the Totem Pole and Museum.
5. Turn around and run back.

I looked at that distance and thought.....NO...WAY.

Here's a look at our run route yesterday:
1. Start off going west at Granville Island
2. Run along the seawall past Vanier Park
3. Continue along the seawall past Kits beach
4. Turn up along the hill when you hit the pool at Kits beach. Right at Balsam
5. Run along Point Grey Rd. until you hit Jericho Beach
6. Turn up along the path to W. 4th Ave.
7. Turn right down NW Marine Drive
8. Continue along Marine Drive until you hit the concession stand.
9. Turn around and head back to Granville Island along the same route.

Now. Yesterday was also Daylight Savings Time. I'm currently busy organizing our Bowling Fundraiser next Sunday, so of course I didn't sleep until 11:30 PRE-daylight savings time. Which meant, after I set the clock an hour faster, it was 12:30! Yesterday's run I felt fatigue from the very beginning. My feet were slowly dragging along. The cold weather made it hard for my muscles to warm up. And my head just wasn't that into it.

The route you just saw above is our 16km route yesterday. It's the first step up from the 14km we've been doing for the last two weeks. When I started the run, I was sure I could only do 14km today. But when I thought of Jessica, I also thought, "Well, it's only really a km more, because it's a km there and when we turn back, it's an extra km back." Besides, I don't want to be the only person to not complete our 16km run! It'll be THAT much harder next week!

So I pushed on and conquered it!!!!

The best part? 1h 47mins which was only 4 mins slower than my 14km run the last week. But then I think this run wasn't a full 16km, which would explain why I'm only 4 mins slower for an extra 2km. I still felt great about myself.

Every time I think it's too hard to push on, I think of Jessica. She's brave, she's strong, and if she can battle cancer, a run should be nothing.

Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

I've been nominated!!!!

Wow! I just received an email to let me know I've been nominated and is in the FINALIST stage for the New Year's Resolution Contest hosted by Vancity! My one and ONLY bank!

There's a link located at
http://www.changeeverything.ca/who-your-winning-pick-2009-viva-la-resolution-contest-please-vote-only-once-honor-system-folks

Please vote for me!!!

I must say this is great news for me! I've been feeling slightly depressed lately because ticket sales for my Bowling Event hasn't been that great. In addition, it's been difficult getting people to donate things for raffle tickets on the night of.

If you check out my poster at

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/bubbos/poster.jpg

It's not too late to contact me for tickets! And as always, the proceeds all go towards supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

I recently visited Jessica (My Honoured Hero for my first half Marathon) and she's been doing well. Jessica is a 13 year old little girl that is the oldest of six children. Her family rents our basement suite for many years and I've seen their family grow throughout the years. I used to babysit Jessica and her siblings when I was younger and they were always the best behaved kids EVER!

Jessica was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) the most common form of Leukemia for children under the age of 20. However, there is optimism within centres that specialize in the treatment of children especially centres like the Children's Hospital of Vancouver because survival statistics have dramatically improved over the past 30 years. Most children under 19 with ALL are cured!!!

My goal is to raise $2000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. If you would like to support my cause, please click on the link below. It's a secure and safe site and a tax receipt will be forwarded to your email as soon as you're done.

Thank you once again!!!

Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

GTS Last Sunday

Last Sunday, it was our second week running 14km and my time was the same as the week before 1hr and 43mins. Sarah shared her mission moment with us and it made me cry :(. She's really brave!!!

Bonnie came back to run again this week, good to see her out!

So the planning for bowling night is going pretty well. I've sent out a few mass emails and have told almost everyone I know about it.

Please everyone! Get the word out! March 15 6-8pm at Town and Country Bowling. $20 per ticket includes shoes and 2 hours of bowling!

Thanks!!

Fundraiser Flyer Now Available!

Please click on the flyer to view it in full!
Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Halfway Party Pics!

Click on the Image to View it Full Size!

Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

GTS #11 Halfway Party!

Today was the halfway party for TEAM IN TRAINING. GOOO TEAM! Our training of course starts at Granville Island. It's great to see a lot of family and friends of runners out to support us. My wonderful boyfriend did in fact come out to support me, not only at a water station, but to run with me as well!

Graham, a fellow runner, shared with us his mission moment today that really inspired us all. Graham did a triathlon last year in honour of his friend's brother, Owen, who only had 2 months to live while he was training. Graham had a problem with his shoulder where he would dislocate it often (while swimming) and he had to teach himself how to swim with one arm. A week before the race, Graham had dislocated his shoulder again, so he was in a lot of pain during the event. However, he thought of Owen and pushed on. Graham finished the event and found out just 2 hours later, that Owen had succumbed to cancer. Graham had pushed on for Owen and Owen knows.

Our route today starts at Granville Island and goes along the seawall to Jericho Beach and back. My running buddy, Monique, is injured! :( She injured her knee while running during the ice and snow. She has perfect attendance! A reallll trooper :) I was really lonely during my run without her. I wish her a quick recovery!

Speaking of troopers, my boyfriend came out to run with me this week. Although his shins were killing him the first 3 km, he kept on going. He did really well considering he hasn't been training with us at all!!! The route today totaled a crazy 12km! Although last week's run was also 12km, today's was a looped around a different path. My finishing time? 1 hour and 33 mins....which actually was the EXACT same time as what I ran last week :)

The run was grueling and difficult but I kept thinking of all the people who are going through treatment and the ones that have completed it - how brave they were to go through something that difficult. I have to keep on going. I want to give everyone who's affected by cancer some hope. I will keep running for you. Whether you know me or ask me to or not, I will run for you.

After the run today, we celebrated our halfway party at Cat's Social House. A California Benny! Brunch was very yummy and I was able to take pictures with almost everyone! I'll post them up shortly after.

On a personal level, I don't see any real physical improvements for my body that I can notice. Although my endurance has gone up by a lot since I started running two months ago. Through the snow, wind, cold and rain, we all ran. I'm so proud of our group.

Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Sorry haven't posted in a while

Sorry! I've been rather lazy about posting...but not lazy about running!

On Sunday, I missed our GTS #9 because I was coming down with the flu or something, so I decided to sleep in for a while. I woke up around 9:30 and went out for a run on my own...except...it was sleeting snow! Instead of the 10k we were supposed to run, I only ran about 5k, then I came home to sleep for the rest of the day!

Chocolate sales are going excellent, thanks in part to Brad Clement! He bought almost ALL my chocolates and gave them to each and every employee at Pacific Bindery. In addition, my mom and sister have been awesome getting their co-workers and classmates to get chocolates as well. And my final batch was sold to Shannon Meagher from Kodiak Press. Thanks for remember guys!

I'm trying to organize a Fundraising Bowling Party, but haven't had time to organize it yet. Does anyone know where they will host a party for minimal or no cost? I'd like to get some Pizzas/Drinks donated and will for sure have a 50/50 draw! Door prizes can also be donated, please let me know if you or your company has a door prize to donate.

I did go for a run on Wednesday around my neighbourhood, I ran from my house to Joyce Station and back. That took approx 45 mins. I was hoping to find Bonnie, but I think she was at work.

I've been busy with work stuff all week, so I couldn't get in all my runs. Yesterday after work, I went with Viet to Fraserview Golf Course and did a mini run before we went home for dinner. It's quite a nice path, a soft, quick 3.8km path. Except the route where you go up Kerr from Marine Drive. That was quite steep and filled with roots and rocks, be careful if you go there!

In addition, February 15 at 8:30 am is our Halfway Party! Come run with us or wait at a Gatorade Station to cheer us on! Afterwards, we're going to be having brunch at Cat's Social House. If you would like to come, please send me a message! I'd love to see you there!

Finally, would like to thank my latest sponsors:
Shannon Meagher from Kodiak Press. Thanks for buying chocolates AND sponsoring me in my run! Keep reading my blog here for updates!
Selena Dong whom I haven't seen or heard from in AGES! Been meaning to find you online to thank you personally, but can never catch you online! But thank you!!!

Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Attention! Attention!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I'm selling Chocolates to fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Please contact me for chocolates! I'm selling them for $2 per chocolate and the best part? They're from Purdy's!!!

Email me at crystal_wong86[at]hotmail.com to get your chocolates! Please indicate how many you would like!

Thanks!


Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

OH NO! Scary GTS #8

Whooaa what a crazy day!

So we ran 10km yesterday according to Coach Mike, but Bonnie has told me that when she mapped it out, we actually ran 11.5km :) No wonder I'm in pain today.

Yesterday's weather was awesome, a bit chilly in the morning but when we started running, it was actually quite nice. The fog that was covering the city last week seems to be gone for now. It was a bright beautiful day, but I felt very tired as if I didn't get enough sleep, and honestly, I probably didn't.

On Saturday, Viet came over to play Playground on the Wii with Julian and I. It was really fun playing dodgeball, but we got carried away and played until 12am. During the GTS, not only was I tired, but my arm was very very sore.

Our route on Sunday started at Granville Island, we ran Eastbound towards Science World, then around the other side at False Creek, stopping at Edgewater Casino for a washroom break, then ran to English Bay where the Inukshuk was. After a quick Gatorade Break with Amy, we headed across the Burrard St. Bridge, along W. 1st to end up back at Granville Island...

BUT WAIT!!!!

Right before we were back at the starting point, we heard a LOUD THUD and I looked up quick enough to see a girl go up and down very quickly. SOMEONE GOT HIT! It was very scary. She was still conscious but she was in a lot of pain. The car that hit her had broken the headlight of the car. Within minutes, the Firetrucks, Policemen and Ambulance all arrive. She was hit at the crosswalk. The car didn't stop. She didn't see it. It also looked like she had her iPod on.

BEWARE ALL RUNNERS!!! PLEASE STOP AT ALL INTERSECTIONS!!!!

After that scare, we all headed to the coffee shop for our weekly drinks. Poor Bonnie hasn't slept in 14 hours, so I drove her home.

Today, I'm very sore, once again. My arm cannot reach back and my foot sort of hurts today. I remember Laura saying that my foot is hurting and I have shin splints again probably because my shoes are not good for me. So today, I spent a few moments looking up Orthopoedic Shoes/Insoles. Seems like Industrial Alliance covers both up to $300, but I need a doctor's note.
Sometime this week, I will be visiting Kintec Footlabs, hopefully it won't cost more than $300.

Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Training This Week

I've been really good with keeping up with training this week. I ran both on Tuesday and Today, today I even ran 4km! :)

GTS #7

This week we ran an awesome 8km. I feel rather ashamed that it took me 1:08 to run only 1 km more than last week. At the end, I didn't try as hard as I could.

The road conditions in and around the Vancouver Island area has drastically improved since last week, though the weather was much colder than before.

I played badminton the day before our GTS and it kept me sore throughout the run. I felt really good after that.

I'm posting today to commemorate a very special day in history BARACK OBAMA IS THE 44TH AND FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN PRESIDENT today! WOOT WOOT *CELEBRATE*!!!

The economy is pushing slower and slower, I hope everyone's still in a job! :(

I'd like to thank my latest sponsors:

Gary Lobley of POLAR CLEATS has sponsored my run! I appreciate your support. Everyone, get your polar cleats today! Especially you Torontonians and all the snow!!!
Kevin Yan of CCF, I'd also like to thank you for sponsoring me. I hope you like your current job and you will be able to stay on after the contract is done.

Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

GTS #6?

I think yesterday's run was the 6th GTS, but I've missed a few and that made me feel extremely guilty. The night before, I was attending an event for work where I had a few glasses of wine and a Caesar, but nothing serious enough to cause a hangover.

I slept at around 11 that night and was terrified I'd miss my run the next day, so I woke up at around 12:30 to open the door for my sister (who forgot her keys AGAIN), then I woke up again at 3:30am because I thought I slept through the alarm, then I woke up AGAIN at 6am to realize I had 50 more minutes to sleep in. Finally at 6:50, I got up, got dressed, washed up and made myself a very balanced meal.

For breakfast, I had the following:
1 slice of flaxseed toast
1 tsp of peanut butter on the toast
1/2 banana sliced onto the peanut butter on the toast
The other 1/2 banana I eat on its own
1/2 cup of 2% Milk enriched with Horlicks

...and I was ready to go!

I got to Bonnie's house earlier than expected, so we waited inside the condo lobby. Veronica came to pick us up and off we were to Granville Island.

Coach Mike told us we were running 7 kms today!!!! For someone who had not run (much) since before the holidays, I literally thought it was impossible. Our route was along the seawall from Granville Island through the Olympic Village to Science World and back. After I hit the halfway point, I started feeling a lot of pain in my shin. After talking to Sharon at work, she told me I had something called Shin Spints

According to Wikipedia:
(def.) Shin Splints: A general term used to refer to a painful condition in the shins. It is often caused by running or jumping, and may be very slow to heal. A formal medical term for the condition is medial tibial syndrome. One cause is an overused muscle, either as an acute injury or delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The muscle pain is caused by any activity that involves running, jumping, also sometimes even walking, swimming, roller skating, or other basic physical activity. An individual not accustomed to running may experience pain in the shin muscles the next day even after a single, short bout of intensive running. Sometimes shin splints is also a result of stress fractures in the shin.

After reading it more, it really seemed like it was quite serious, but I didn't feel as bad as Wikipedia described it, so I think I'm ok.

After the run, I felt great! Not as sore as I thought I'd be....until of course the next morning.

This Monday morning I woke up feeling quite sore. I had a horrible nightmare last night of cutting people to pieces and disposing them in garbage cans (?!) Apparently the person we cut up was a really bad guy that the cops couldn't catch....I swear I have NOT been watching too much Dexter.

In fact, last night, I watched "My Best Friend's Girl" with Dane Cook, the American Pie dude and Kate Hudson. All you need to do is look at the last person on that list and you already know what type of movie it is. Though I must admit, for a 29 year old with a 5 year old son, she's got an ASS I totally COVET.

In the movie yesterday, she ran a lot, and talked while she ran, that's an excellent pace to be running at. But then, I noticed how beautiful she is while she's running. If you're unfortunate enough to be one of my running mates during our GTS, you'll totally realize that I look like CRAP when I run. I have my headband, my cap, my capris and windbreaker. My face gets red and blotchy and my clothes get sweaty and stinky. How does she look like she's GLOWING when she runs? Sigh the magic of Hollywood.

That's enough of a rant today. I feel horrible I didn't get the dri-fit socks (You have to fundraise $1000 by January to get them).

Unfortunately, I haven't had any new sponsors in a while, so I have no one to thank. But please, keep passing the word on!

Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Happy New Year!

I totally have been slacking off at posting since the holidays plowed in (literally). I've been busy with family and friends. In addition, Vancouver has been screwed this year with a LOT of snow, and training has been halted for....three weeks now, I feel extremely guilty.

But! I have been training at home myself!...Kind of...I feel rather set back.
But! The new year has come and I'd like to wish you and the ones you love a great new year. I wanted to get back on track so I did some research over the last few days for my fellow runners. Here, I thereby publish, The Best Traction Devices Available

Option #1 YakTrax Pro

This was the first option I looked at. I heard about it from my boyfriend's cousin who works at an Outdoors store. Unfortunately, they were all sold out, so I started researching online. This system works through a band that goes around the sole of your shoe and then a velcro that wraps around the top of your foot. The traction system works through a series of coils that wrap around the elastic cords and they help create traction in snow and ice.

The reviews I have read about this system have been good and bad. It's great when it's on tightly packed snow, it's all right on solid ice, but it's horrible on smooth surfaces (surfaces not covered by snow/ice) - as the coils tend to make it actually more slippery than it should be.

They come in three sizes:
Small (Men's 5-8.5, Women's 6.5-10)
Medium (Men's 9-11, Women's 10.5-12.5)
Large (Men's 11.5-14+, Women's 13-15).

For about $30 a pair, I'd rate this item 3 out of 5 stars.

Yaktrax can be found at MEC at this site.

Option #2 STABILicers Sport

After some more intense Googling, I reached our second type of traction system, STABILicers Sport. STABILicers work by having tiny bolt-like objects that screw onto the bottom of a rubber sole. Rubber can really help when you're indoors to prevent you from slipping, but the bolt-like objects are what works best in the snow. Unlike the YakTrax system, there are no slippery coils, but I'd recommend you to keep these babies off your parents' hardwood floors.

Reviews I've read about this system are fewer than the ones I've read for YakTrax but there seems to be little complaints about these. The only thing I might see an issue with these is that as a whole rubber piece you put on, it might look awkward or funny on different shoe sizes (esthetics issues for us lady runners :)

These also come in three sizes:
Small (Men’s 4-7, Women’s 5-8)
Medium (Men’s 7½-10, Women’s 8½-12)
Large (Men’s 10½-13)

For $20, I'd say they're a good bang for your buck 3.5 out of 5 stars.

STABILicers can be found at MEC at this site.

Option #3 Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction Device
I first set my eyes on these babies at www.uncrate.com. I thought, "Wow, I totally need these! And I want them! They totally look badass!" And they indeed are. This is the first traction device that actually incorporates the use of SPIKES in the design. A whole 3/8" long spikes that is definitely to keep you vertical through any adventure you take in Vancouver's snowy weather. The band that goes around your shoe is rubber and water resistant and it looks totally cool!

The reviews I have read have all been positive and I would really like to get this but unfortunately, the badass-ness comes with a hefty price tag. For $51, these babies can be yours - you crazy avid marathon runners!

Three sizes once again:
Small (Youths' 4½-7 or Women's 5½-8½)
Medium (Men's 7-10 or Women's 8½+)
Large (Men's 10½-14)

I rate these 5 out of 5 stars.

Microspikes can be bought at their website for $59 or from your local MEC for $51.

Option #4 Polar Cleats

Of course! I save the best for last. I finally decided to choose the Polar Cleats because of their very simple, but informative website. Polar Cleats is the official sponsor to the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics. In addition, I've read some very positive reviews about this product.

I called the owner to discuss these cleats and he explained that if you don't have boots, it might be a bit more difficult for these cleats to stay on, but he has included two velcro straps that will strap to your runners better when we're training. He's a super friendly guy and even offered to ship it out next day for me.

It's lightweight, affordable and easy to use. In addition, these are handmade locally in Smithers B.C. The company supports people with disabilities and hires them to hand assemble each product that is shipped out of their plant. This makes me a loud and proud Canadian and I will most definitely support this company...you should too!

The final selling point for me is an article I read online from Runners World. Check it out!

There are two sizes:
Size one (Women's 6-8.5 and Men's 6-8)
Size two (Women's 9-12 and Men's 8.5-13)

$24 a pair + $8 shipping this is a sure-fire winner! 5 out of 5 stars.

Purchase your Polar Cleats at their website.

Now that my review is done, I'd like to shoutout to my wonderful new sponsors.

Am Sagarwala and Aliya who is expecting their first child soon! Congratulations!
Here's a link to Am's business - for all your IT needs!
James Wu from TCBC, thanks for supporting my run, you need to come back to Vancouver ASAP - you sure you don't miss Sundin and Wellwood enough to come back? :)
Brian "Pilsbury" Li from RCCF, thanks for baking with me in first year and also running into me during my electives - why didn't you ever take the same electives as me since we have the same set to choose from?!?!!? You gotta come visit Vancouver soon.
Almond Au also formally from RCCF but now with IBM working in a very special department. I hope you're holding up well while Lili is gone, but can you believe how quickly time has passed by??? Thanks for supporting me, please come visit in Vancouver sometime!!

Please visit this page to sponsor me in my run on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.