Nova Kane Half Marathon

Age:    40

Lifestyle: A very active lifestyle and work at on a regular basis as full time Financial Advisor for Scotiabank. I have been married for over 16 years to Strat Kane and have 3 children, Mariah (13) Tia (11) and Nico (7).

Goal:  My goal is to run the half marathon, something which I have never attempted to do, but have always envied those runners able to do so.

• February 20, 2008
  Well,I'm embarrassed to say that I just had my first outdoor run yesterday evening with the Running Room.Conditions were perfect and we did 4km last night.Since I found out I would be a member of Team Myles and had signed up to do the half marathon,I have been doing most of my training at the gym.I work out on a regular basis,with cardio and weight training.I have been meeting with my personal trainer ,Allison (set up by Team Myles) at the YMCA at least twice a week.We work on circuit/weight training with high reps and also some core ab work.She's been awesome to motivate me each week.In addition, I have been increasing my running time on the treadmill to approximately 40 minutes, 4-5 times a week.If only I could run the marathon on the treadmill, I would be in great shape!! Honestly, I have been delaying running outdoors, as I am not an outdoor runner, nor have ever really enjoyed it in the past.So I recently signed on with the Running Room and their half marathon clinic, for further motivation and to ensure that I can actually complete this run.I work at the Scotiabank on Spring Garden Rd along with my colleague, Kenzie, who has also joined the Running Room's half marathon clinic.I thought this would be great to run with her for my first outdoor run.Little did I know that she is an experienced and extremely fast runner, and had completed the half marathon last year with a time of 1hr 48min!Needless to say that my first run almost killed me as I tried to keep up with her....couldn't do it, I had to slow down.I'll learn to keep my own,slower pace the next time.I'm excited to run with the group for their long run this Sunday, around 9-10km.I'll keep you posted.....
• February 25, 2008
  I just completed my first 9km run outdoors this morning at 8:30am with the Running Room. I have never run 9km before,and wasn't sure I could do it,especially being out the night before at the Blue Rodeo concert!
  
  Anyway,the conditions were great,sunny and not too cold.We were broken up into pace groups, ranging from 2hr.30min to 1hr.50min as a goal for the half marathon.I wanted to run with my buddy,who is in the fast paced group-great for me!LOL I was able to keep up with them as the pace is slow and steady.I absolutely loved the run and felt amazing afterwards.The encouragement of the group is really helping me stick to a schedule,which is what I personally need at this time.It is so easy to come up with an excuse not to run or train, but being a member of a group pushes me when I need it.
  
  I plan to run at least twice a week with the Running Room, especially the long runs every Sunday.I still enjoy going to the gym for some indoor workouts, but have to think more of running outside, good or bad weather!
• September 03, 2008
  Training was OK this week-ran with the running room on Tuesday night for a quick 4km. I started off at first with my friend,whose pace is too fast for me, but I tried anyway. Needless to say that I couldn't keep up with her and she had to go ahead of me. I'll learn next time to maintain my own comfortable pace... Went to St.Maarten in the Caribbean on Thursday with hubby for the Heineken Regatta,a kind of work function for him until Sunday. Running was the last thing on my mind, but I did manage a short run on the treadmill at the resort's gym.Thought about running in the city or even on the beach....wish I did.
• March 16, 2008
  I've been in Florida this past week,march break with the kids. Surprised myself and actually did 4 10km runs this week.Ran in the mornings, before it got too hot and found beautiful trails to run throughout the resort. I must admit it was so nice to run in shorts and a tank top...My husband ran with me a few times (he's not an outdoor runner,but loves the treadmill 0 and I think he was surprised how much he enjoyed the runs as well. Anyway, back to reality and the cold weather...plan to follow back with the running room and look at trying the hill training on Wednesday nights and definately the long Sunday run. Bye for now...
• March 23, 2008
  Well its been a good week for training. I did my first set of hills with the Running Room on Wednesday night.We ran to Point Pleasant Park, then ran up and down Point Pleasant Park Drive 5 times!It's probably about 1 km each time.I made the mistake or running my first hill too hard and fast and tired myself out too quick.I thought there is no way I can do this 4 more times. I slowed my pace down and followed the 2 hour pace person the rest of the time.I actually felt decent by the end of the run.I'm thinking now that I may strive for the 2 hr mark for my first half.I was told that we ran a total of 8km that night. On Sunday morning at 8:30am,we had our long run with the Running Room, which was 14 km. I have never done 14km,not have I ever tried to.I ran with the 2 hr pace group,and felt great at the end.I'm really thinking I can actually complete this half marathon. I must say, that I personally feel that I need the motivation and structure of the group to help me through this. After feeling so great after mt first 14km,ran into a road block tonight.I had a slight foot injury while away on holidays,badly bruising my right foot.Thought nothing of it.By the end of the day,my foot has swollen up so bad,I can hardly walk!I saw the doctor,who said that there is blood clotting and that I need xrays.Definitely no running until this heels.What bad timing for me,as I was really feeling I was on a role with my training.Oh well,I'll just have to catch up...
• April 05, 2008
  We're getting down to the wire! Hard to believe the run is only 2 weeks away.I ran with the running room this morning-we completed 20km today-the longest I have ever run before.Conditions were amazing,sunny,not too hot,just perfect.I'm not so sure if I could have actually completed this distance without the group.I have come to rely on them so much for support and encouragement,especially this being my first half marathon.I'm amazed that I have been able to run this distance and believe I will actually be able to complete the race.I have been injury free lately and hope to keep it that way!
  
  I have been running on my own during the week,not as much as I would like,but I still manage to run at least twice a week on my own without the group.The Sunday long runs are so important for me,as I have never done more than 10km by myself.So completing 20km today was an accomplishment for me as I know now that I will be able to finish the race!
• May 13, 2008
  Only 5 more days before the run! I am sooooo anxious,nervous scared and excited all at the same time.I must admit I was a wimp on Sunday for my 6km run,,didn't make it outside as it was mothers day,cold and rainy-no excuse...I did manage to run on the treadmill at the gym,not the same though.
  
  Tuesday,I met with the group at the running room for my last long run before the race,we did 10km at race pace.The best part of the night were a few inspirational talks from Louise,who heads up our half marathon clinic and 2 other pace leaders for the running room.After hearing them all speak,I know that I can do this run ,as I have been training and have worked to achieve this goal.Even with all my doubts,their words of advice will stay with me throughout the race-I hope!!
  
  I plan to attend the friendship run on Friday at the running room,its only 3km,but we get to meet the pace leaders for the race.I am looking to see who the 2 hr pace bunny is,and hope to have them in sight for the run,but I know it will be difficult with thousands of runners.
  
  Bye for now and I can't wait for Sunday.I hope the weather will cooperate like they say....
• April 06, 2008
  Well I can't believe I really did it! My first half marathon..what a great experience,better than I could have imagined.The Sunday morning was perfect for running-not damp and wet like the day before,as my daughter ran in the kids youth run.She had a blast though,but I knew I did not want to run in those conditions.
  
  I attended the pasta party the night before-food was good as well as the whole set up and atmosphere at the World Trade centre.I spoke to numerous,experienced runners who told me to just get a lot of rest the night before and run my own race-forget about what others are doing and just concentrate on my own race/pace.
  
  The morning of the race was perfect,conditions were great,I was psyched!I got there early,met my buddy Kenzie and we both started to look for our pace leaders.Could not find the 2 hr pace bunny,but did see in the crowds several running room people I had trained with in Halifax.I started the run,and kept pace with a few runners in the group.In my mind,I was treating this run as one of my regular Sunday long runs,trying not to stress out about the whole event.I was feeling good about my run the majority of the time..as I was familiar with the route and also running with a partner from the running room whom I had a similar pace with.The last kilometre was tough for me,my knees/joints were getting sore...but I could here the crowds,and wanted to finish strong.I clocked in at around 2:09-I was pleased with my time.So happy,relieved,excited it was done.Awesome experience!!
  
  Looking back,I do wish I would have been more consistent with my running.There were times when I only ran twice a week.I did make sure I would do the long runs throughout.Although I was never an outdoor runner,I have run outdoors a few times since the race.I have since gone back to my regular workouts at the gym,but have found a new appreciation for running outdoors and I know that I will continue to run in the future and get my whole family more involved on a regular basis.This whole experience for me was great motivation for my family-my kids and husband were so proud of what I hadaccomplished and they see the benefits of living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.I am even looking to enter few races this summer/fall....
  
  If it wasn't for Team Myles,I doubt I would have ever attempted the half marathon.I am so pleased with my overall experience,that I look forward to next years Bluenose Marathon,as I will defiantly be a part of it all!!