Kathy Haley Half Marathon

Age:  38
 
Lifestyle:  Single, living and enjoying downtown Halifax, working at a busy waterfront pub, Monday -Friday.

Goal: Is to get back to the fitness enhanced lifestyle that I always enjoyed and run the half in less than two hours&to satisfy my competitiveness

• February 19, 2008
  I found the most difficult, but most important, thing for me was falling into the habit of getting up bright and early and going for a run. However,with the morning sun coming out a little earlier I felt more motivated. Running about 8km,four times a week.
  
  Recently added yoga and a body toning class to keep increase my flexibility .Luv it! Also going to take advantage of massages to help with tightness in my back and shoulders (i'm not saying there wasn't some pain!)
  
  Meeting with Fred and talking about diet was very helpful. I never used to read labels,now I compare everything and try very hard to follow the Canada Food Guide! Also very aware of my h2o intake..keep a Brita pitcher on the counter so I know how much I get!
• February 24, 2008
  I am now feeling more comfortable with what I need to accomplish by focusing on the pace I need to maintain to reach my goal. I know it is shunned by die-hard runners but I tap into my energy by listening to music with a fast beat count. It's very motivating.
  
  I am over the initial soreness I felt through my core and legs but still experience alot of tension in my upper back and neck. It made me realize I deserve and need to take advantage of massage therapy to keep my muscles free of tension.
  
  I have to say the snow has kept me running inside(my least preference),so I was happy to see the sun shining the past couple of mornings.
  
  For the most part my diet is well rounded.I am guilty of forgetting to eat sometimes so always having healthy snacks around keeps cravings away.I still treat myself two days a week to something I love..so much better when you have to wait for it!
  
  For the most part things are good but I know I have to start breaking past the 10 km mark next month!
• February 03, 2008
  It was only a matter of time that I had a few setbacks. Developed a sinus infection on tuesday which spread to my left ear so was unable to run for a few days. However i still did my yoga and concentrated on the stability ball to strengthen my core. Then was away on the weekend in Cape breton cross-country skiing. However when I went out for my first run sunday morning I felt really good. I think changing up forms of exercise is good for the body.
  
  I have to say my eating habits are still really good......i'm happy that I like healthy food and keeping my cheat days seperate are working for me.
  
  This week I am going to increase my distance slightly and try to stll maintain a nine minute mile...........LUCK!
• October 03, 2008
  This week was definitely not my best...felt short on energy all week due to extra hours at work and personal obligations kept me at the hospital on a daily basis. However I have been really dilligent with healthy eating and have had no aches or pains......possibly due to the massage(a godsend) and yoga classes!
  
  Training had kind of levelled off...couldn't seem to break the 12 km. run. I was feeling a little down about it until I got my NEW SHOES!Yay! The new kicks combined with the time change(longer days!) made me feel more positive on sunday. I was actually out of town but realized that as long as I had my running gear I could get my training in anywhere(lucky me...I was in scenic Cape Breton)! It made me realize that i don't like the same routine and could probably use a change in route here at home...which is my plan for this week ahead!
• March 17, 2008
  Had some good consistent outdoor runs the first part of the week...but was disappointed in having to run inside when the weather turned really cold on the weekend. However the new shoes feel great and I now have a pair for each indoor and outdoor.
  
  I am considering running with a group to motivate me to increase my distance and see how my pace compares to others.but haven't found anyone that doesn't run at 7am...lol.
  
  I guess i'm feeling in a bit of a rut and hoping the weather change will push me try a little harder. For the most part I feel much stronger and fitter than january and am hopeful to keep improving.
  
  Aside from a few too many drinks on saturday night......I have been really regimented on eating healthy and hydrating myself.
• March 31, 2008
  I'm feeling like i've hit a bit of a wall.....can't seem to break my 12 km. run. However i've found a running partner(yay!) who is motivated like myself and we start this week pacing each other. So i'm pretty excited about that......now if it would just stop snowing......
  
  I am happy at this point to be maintaining a nine minute mile.........hopefully i'll be able to keep it up and start extending my long run to 15 km.Otherwise i've ben really good at eating well.........even cooking a lot more for friends and teaching them healthier alternatives.
  
  I'm still doing yoga and feel it has helped keep me less prone to injury......would recommend it to all people getting back into shape.Also lovin my new shoes.......i now undrstand why i need my shoes a little bit bigger!
• April 14, 2008
  This month has really picked up as far as my progress with my long run. Although i'm not able to keep up the pace i've been maintaining on the 12 km. run.....i'm happy to feel confortable running the half-marathon. Since i've found a partner to run with it's been far more motivational and.I can't lie, I enjoy the competitiveness...8)
  
  I plan on gradually shaving off some time in the next month coming up to the actual Bluenose Marathon but will be happy with just finishing the race feeling good about the run.
  
  I am happy to say I have adjusted to the lifestyle changes with great rewards. My diet is so much more well rounded and I feel I am a great influence on my friends and family....everyone wants to be in their best shape for the summer! I have learnt to treat myself a coupla times a week which is so much more fun then all the time!I've been told i'm turning into a really good cook too!
• April 29, 2008
  Well after finally recovering from a combination of the flu and a pulled tendon in my ankle I feel like i'm somewhere slightly past square one. I'm back to running 10 k....when two weeks ago I was up to 15k and thats a little dissapointing. On the positive side(which I like to rely on sometimes) i've kept up my strength training,yoga and healthier lifestyle.
  
  I am currently running a 6:40 km.........with less than three weeks left to expand my distance i'm concerned but i'm hoping the pressure will inspire me to set and reach my goals. Positivity breeds positivity!