Runscapes - Canada

I took a quite a few video clips on my runs while in Canada.
One path took me alongside a rail track. What fun - to run alongside the train : )
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Reasons To Run

"It's only when you're flying above it that you realize how incredible the Earth really is." Philippe Perrin

There is something phenomenal about flying 25,000 ft. up in the air.
As I sit there encapsulated, I not only get a panoramic view, but an overview - of my life. Like an out of body experience, I am detached.
On this trip I felt the urgency to go for a run. You really discover your wants – when they are unavailable. (When will they provide in-flight treadmills?)

Instead of running, I focused on the Reasons To Run:

Runaway
Quite literally – you can. Not only mentally but physically. Sometimes you need to run hard and fast to get the prize – a flood of endorphins. This is the reward.

Overindulgence
You know those days when you can’t stop eating. The next day you seek absolution. Running can repair.

Grounded
Being a dynamic component of nature instead of an observer. Just the act of getting outside delivers.

Fitness
When you have nothing to say… You can brag about your slow pulse.

Connection
The thing about running – it can be solitary or a group adventure. With every race I run – I feel a kinship with my fellow man. Together we move…
But perhaps most important (to me) is the virtual connection I have with you online runners. Everyday I can witness someone supporting or cheering on another runner. We share a common passion, and because of this - we are connected.

Why do you run?

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Racing on Sand

I finally get a chance to run a race on the beach. This weekend, on Manzanita Beach, there is a 5k / 10k race entirely on the sand. An out and back with the Pacific Ocean as my running mate, the wind tossing my hair, and a forgiving surface under my feet…
Except the more I read about running on sand – the more I worry - it may not be such a good thing.

Risks of racing on the sand:

• Extreme calf soreness.
• Fatigue due to an increase in upper body propulsion.
• Sore feet from bad traction.
• Tripping over flotsam, glass, logs, or giant seaweeds!
• Sore ankles from running on a slope.
• There is no bounce.
• You burn 1.6 times more calories – like I already burn 5000 cals during a regular 10K

Wish me luck – I’m going to need it!

Ref:
Running Beach Style
Sand: A Solid Foundation to Build Your Running Skills
Soft Sand Running - Video

"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

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Pear Blossom Run

All the arrangements are made - dog in kennel, Hotel reserved, new Nikes, for the 10 mile Pear Blossom run!
It takes place in April; just 3 short weeks before the Eugene Half-marathon event. Crazy? Noway – it has actually revved up my current training. They posted last years results and there were only about 30 in my old age category. That is incentive to finish in the top 10. (There were a total of 989 runners last year.)
The 10 mile is a new race distance for me. But I can easily incorporate it into one of my training runs. Perfect!
I’m looking forward to the travel also – Medford is about 25 miles north of the California border. So I expect sunny skies!!!

Race Logo:

EVERYONE'S A WINNER!

Anyone else entered in a new race this year?

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Bucket List of Races

My bucket list of races:

Big Sur Half-Marathon
The name alone inspires. Ocean vistas and hills beckon.

Bay to Breakers
[Just found out - you don't run over the Golden Gate Bridge... Still sounds like a great race!]

Maui 15K
I was married in Maui, so it will always be a special place.

Humboldt Redwoods Marathon + Half-Marathon
0 to run next to these giant trees… nirvana!

Crater Lake Rim Runs
With the elevation over 6000ft – I suspect this race would be challenging!

Space Coast Half-Marathon
It's just minutes away from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. A must for every space junkie.

Edinburgh Marathon (Scotland)
I would have to sign up for one of the relay teams, but to run by actual CASTLES! Way kewl.
Edinburgh has been the royal capital of Scotland since 1437.
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What’s in your bucket list?

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