PT Diaries

Most people buy shoes to go with their clothes but I will seek out an entire outfit base around a fabulous pair of shoes. Last week I decided to do a massive purge in my shoe closet because so many don’t fit, are out dated or are just plain ugly and are taking up precious space. During my cleanse I found an old pair of black patent Calvin Klein stilettos. “Ahhhhhh” I sighed. “My good friends! You carried me painlessly through many nights of drunk dancing….” I reminisced.  The good memories made me feel all warm in fuzzy and I knew I had to wear them one more time before they hit the trash can. So, last Thursday before leaving for work I slipped them on. “Still as comfortable as ever.” I thought to myself. “So what if the left heel is worn down about an eighth of an inch….right?!”

I arrived at my personal training session at six p.m. and could feel a slight twinge in my lower back. “Probably nothing…” I thought to myself. The session went fast as de Wolf worked me hard. During stretch I felt tighter than normal but didn’t think much of it. By the time I got home there was definitely a pain in my back. I popped a Robaxacet^® and went to bed. On Friday morning I could still feel the ache which seemed to worsen as the day went on.   But like with many other things in life, I ignored it and  swallowed two more Robaxacet^®. Tunnel vision “Nothing is going to stop me from doing my 25 km run.”

I woke after a great sleep “Yeah! This is going to be a great run” bouncing out of bed! “Ouch ouch…wtf my back!” I limped out of the bedroom. “Lala lala” ignoring that there was anything wrong I went into the kitchen and prepared my ritual pre-run meal; oatmeal and green tea. I turned the tunes up loud and started to put my running gear on. “Runner’s water belt or no?” I contemplated testing the belt around my waist. “Nah! Screw that! It’s so uncomfortable” I tossed the belt aside, put a pack of Cliff Bloks in the back of my Lululemon shirt pocket and crossed my fingers that the water fountains along Kits beach would be turned on.

Every single time my left foot hit the ground a sharp pain ran up my leg into my lower back which put me behind pace by about three minutes at 5 kilometers. “Suck it up!” I told myself pushing to pick up the pace. I zoned out ignoring everything around me and managed to get back on track at 10 kilometers at the foot of my nemesis: UBC Hill. The two kilometer, 75 meters of elevation was painful. Relieved to have made it to the top I realize I was behind pace again. I turned around and headed down the hill picking up as much speed as possible. I actually felt great from twelve to sixteen kilometers and the pain in my leg and back seemed to disappear only to return furiously. I was panting and needed to hydrate. The water fountain was insight; I washed two Cliff Bloks down with some cold water and off I went. I wanted to get this done. I was behind again but managed to hit 21.1 kilometers in 2:01. (5:44 per km) I was tuckered out and my legs were strained. I walked for a half block and then decided to run the last two kilometers to home. I felt great… for the time being.

A few hours later… agony and immobility!! The pain moved from my lower back deep into my left butt cheek making it difficult for me to maneuver in any direction. I figured I needed a good stretch, so I went to West Coast Yoga in Yaletown where my friend Leo teaches a hot yoga class. He was quick to point out that my friend Julie and I were newbie’s and gave us tons of “special’ attention. I enjoyed the class, but it did nothing for my injury. I hurt even when I sat on soft furniture, so I thought it wise to take Monday off completely. Not knowing what to do with myself I went to my personal training session yesterday. “How am I supposed to fill and entire hour with just arms?” deWolf asked me. He spent a great deal of the session stretching me out and using that odd stick to roll out some knots. When I stood up I was actually felt pain free; for about 45 seconds.

This morning I went and saw my chiropractor. He performs miracles and has never failed me before. I’m usually in and out and fixed under five minutes!  “WOW! You are really messed up!” he said lightly feeling my back. With my face down “Don’t say that! This is not what I want to hear!” I exclaimed. He laughed “Well you did quite the number on yourself!” He continued, poking, pulling and prodding at my back and legs; with my face still down on the table I said:  “Can I go to hot yoga tonight?”

Chiro: “No.” he laughed

PT Girl:  “F**K! Can I see my personal trainer tomorrow?”

Chiro: Still laughing and still working on me he said “NO!”

PT Girl: “F**K!!” as I visualized the shoes that had betrayed me!

Chiro: “You need to rest and heal if you want to run your half marathon. You can walk, that’s it! Try a light run on Sunday and come back to see me on Monday.” he said now laughing out loud.

I couldn’t believe my ears! One week left of training before my tapering starts and I’m being told to completely STOP all physical activities for  four full days!  Sheer panic!! For two reasons:

1. What if I don’t heel in time for the race?
2. What will I do for four days with no workouts scheduled?

PT Girl xo

I had an off week. My legs were sore and tight at the beginning of the week and don’t feel any better today. Work was busier than usual and had a hard time sleeping. I either tossed and turned all night or suffered through crazy nightmares. This combination made me irritable and cranky; so keeping positive and on track with my training this week was definitely trying. Monday was my rest day, which was needed after my long hilly run last Sunday; but sleep deprived I went my Tuesday personal training session with de Wolf feeling lethargic. Wednesday I ran 9 km, slower than I would have liked. Thursday I was in a mood but went to my second personal training session anyways. Come Friday I was exhausted after work but forced a short 6 km run before going out for dinner. Fatigue finally caught up to me and I actually slept 7 hours. Saturday morning I felt sluggish. I could have sat around, read the paper and sipped on coffee and Baileys till noon. But the sun was shining and I knew I should stick to my scheduled 19 km run in case the rain came on Sunday.  I psyched myself, pulled on my favorite Nike crops and luluemon shirt, pressed shuffle on my iPod and started running.  I had a slow start but gained momentum around 7 kilometers and felt strong through to 14 kilometers. I popped a Cliff Blok at 15 kilometers. I refused to carry a water bottle on my runs but find that a few Cliff Bloks gives me the boost I need.  My glutes were burning during most of the run and I mentally struggled, feeling as if I was behind pace; yet somehow managed to finishing 19.1 km in 1h 49mins. Considering my negative state of mind and the pain in my legs I was content with my time; for this week.  Saturday night I attended my friend’s birthday party and indulged in a little alcohol for the first time in 20 days.  Although I didn’t have to nurse a hangover this morning I was “fuzzy” and sat around watching “Mean Girls” on TV. Once the credits ran at the end I was mortified that I’d lost 2 hours of my life on such a ridiculous movie. I tried to read but was unable to relax so I laced up for a short recovery run, hoping it would take the edge off; with no avail. Blah! I’m looking forward to my rest day tomorrow…. maybe I’ll make an appointment with a registered massage therapist to loosen up my legs.

PT Girl xo

Two sleepless nights and too many GG martinis made it difficult to wake up this morning. I pried myself out of bed and shoehorned a cup of Cheerios and skim milk down my throat. It was another gorgeous West Coast morning, the sun was shining but the city was still sound a sleeping. I ignored my dehydration and set out slowly trying to stay focused on my breathing.  As I neared the second kilometer my mind drifted and for some reason I started to think about the Personal Trainers in my life…

I signed up with my first Personal Trainer in search of a quick fix to shed few pounds. I didn’t enjoy working out, I was closed minded, stubborn and above I refused to set foot in a gym.  My first trainer Steve had the biggest challenge; not only did he have to train me in the rain; he would have to change my mind set on fitness.  In the end, he definitely played a role in my new found love of exercise. I gained confidence during our time together by running my first 10 km race and overcoming my fear of gyms. (For more on Steve refer to blog entries February 1 & 3)

I meet my second Personal Trainer Greg at the Steve Nash Sports Facility where he taught a spin class. Fourty-five minutes of nonstop spinning combined with cranked tunes and his vibrant energy made for an awesome workout.  By the end I was soaked and instantly infected by his positivity. I was determined to hire him as my personal trainer.

Yup! It was that easy; I cheated on Steve and coming clean was the only thing that would ease my guilty conscious. I dreaded having to call Steve and tell him I wouldn’t be seeing him anymore. I remember a moment of sadness while saying goodbye and said “This isn’t personal.  I’ve had great time training with you. Keep in touch.”

Since my cardio was decent now Greg thought it was time to focus on developing my overall strength. Weights and fitness equipment were foreign to me which made the training sessions with him challenging.  Lunges and burpees were his favorite torture devices. I wanted to curse him so many times… but he was so nice, I just couldn’t. This past summer, trying to schedule my sessions with him proved difficult due to an increase in my workload, so I decided to take a few months off from Personal Training. The weather was fantastic and I took advantage of it as much as possible, clocking 30-40 kilometers of running a week.

Now they say “the third ones a charm”…

My current and third Personal Trainer is deWolf.  We meet a few years ago when Steve sent him as a substitute to one of my sessions.  Back then any kind of stand-in or unfamiliar person training me would have normally sent me into a tizzy but deWolf had a calming aura and his “leave your drama for your momma” * straight forward attitude was refreshing; we quickly develop an amusing banter. I wanted him as my trainer from that day on but we don’t always get what we want…not even me!

Circumstances changed and we’ve been training together for the last six months. I’ve never felt stronger and I’ve never been faster.  deWolf knows how to push my buttons and get’s me to work hard. “My pain is his happiness!” I smirked.

“HONK!! HONK!!” the sound jolted me back to reality. Startled, I looked up and quickly dodged a three thousand pound metal weapon “Sweet Jesus! My bad, my bad” I sighed, waving apologetically at the annoyed driver. My heart was pounding so hard I could see it rise through my lululemon shirt. Once I crossed the street I stopped and took a couple deep breaths to try and calm my palpitations. I realized I couldn’t hear anything around me and turned down volume on my iPod then checked my Garmin watch. I couldn’t believe it; slightly hung-over and totally sleep deprived I had just ran thirteen kilometers in one hour and fourteen minutes. (My race pace last year) Ecstatic with my progress, I dashed for home quickly forgetting my about near death experience.

PT Girl xo

*deWolf

In the fall of 2008 I signed up for The Pacific Road Runner First Half Marathon. This was my first attempt at training for a half marathon and I was really pleased to find out that my friend (and now trainer) deWolf had also signed up.  Both new at distance running, we decided to join a running group.  The ForeRunners was holding a three month training program where about 60 runners met every Saturday at 8 am. Corey the running coach would give us a small pep talk and walk us through the running route he’d mapped out for us then we’d break up into difference pace groups and head out for our run.

The first week we ran 8 km; the course increased in distance by approximately 2 kilometers every week.   Each group had a lead runner to ensure we’d stay on pace. de Wolf and I were in different groups because he’s a much faster runner than I. My goal was to run my first half marathon just under two hours while he was aiming for a one and a half hour finish.

To me the group pacer was the biggest benefit of group training. I found keeping a consistent and manageable pace was hard to gauge when I first started distance running. Having someone there to set my pace, and push me when I got tired and slowed down was extremely helpful.   I was surprised to see my endurance and strength progress rapidly; however sitting at breakfast after our 15 km run I recall being worn out. “My legs are like spaghetti; there’s no way I’ll manager to go further next week,” I confessed to de Wolf.

The following Saturday I woke up at 6 a.m. to a West Coast monsoon. My windshield wipers couldn’t keep up to the downpour as I drove to the ForeRunner store. Discouragement from last week’s run, combined with this nasty weather was conjuring feelings of anxiety. When I got there I noticed only half of the regular runners showed. “Do you blame them?” I thought.  “If most of the hard core runners aren’t here, why am I?” As the coach started his pep talk I noticed that deWolf had decided not to show. “If he’s not here…I’m skipping the run and going home.” I decided.  I planned on sneaking off to my truck as soon as the groups broke out.

As Corey talked about the long running route a wave of relief came over me; I was secretly gleeful that I’d be back in my bed in less than an hour. And then …the front door opened and my inner happiness was shattered. He showed up! Damn it!! “If he is running I have to run” I thought. To this day I can’t explain why, but he brings out extreme competitiveness in me. “Hey! Mornin’ I didn’t think you’d come in this rain…” de Wolf said sarcastically. That remark solidified my willpower. “I’m going to man up and run 17.5 km on the darkest, coldest and wettest day of the year even if it kills me.” I vowed.

I was soaked to the bones before I ran the first kilometer, my feet or hands were numb by the 5^th kilometer and as I ran along Kits beach I looked around and noticed I’d lost the running group. I struggled around kilometer thirteen, with the cold ocean wind whipping through me and the rain starting to come down even harder. “Why am I doing this? I need to get a hold of myself; this is so not worth it!” I said out loud. With only approximately 4 kilometers left, my Lululemon pants were so heavy with wetness they’ d stretched about 4 inches and were dragging under my heels. Now I understood there was an element of practicality to the ugly tight runner pants.

As I turned the corner and headed down the road toward the running store a surge of energy overcame me and I sprinted the last 5 blocks. I survived my longest and most painful run and I felt fantastic about it… but of course, there was de Wolf standing in front of the store clapping his hands “Come on, hurry up will you, I want breakfast.”

A month later I completed my first half marathon with a finish time of 2:01:37; missing my goal by 98 seconds!!!! (Average pace of 5:46/km ). Although I was proud that I’d actually completed the race my stubbornness to achieve my goal persists; that is why two weeks ago  I committed to running the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon and this time crossing the finishing line under two hours is not an option.

PT Girl xo

My fitness journey started about three and half years ago… let me rewind.
I wouldn’t say I was fat  but soft and definitely out of shape. At 27, standing 5’6” I weighed in at 140 lbs. Ok…ok… I lie… 145 lbs. I loved smoking, especially when I consumed excessive amounts of alcohol. (I’ve managed to give up the smoking a few years ago.)

On the weekend I’d eat out with friends, consume thousands of calories in wine, GG martinis and shooters. When the dj went home and the lights were turned on I would head to the nearest drive-thru for my night cap.

My exercise routine involved online shopping for Billy Blank Tae Bo tapes. I attempted the workouts a few times telling myself that Billy’s 30 minute routine would melt away the cheese curds and gravy from the last poutine I ingested.

So how did I end up in a park discussing my fictional fitness goals with Steve the Personal Trainer of Pulse Personal Training I asked myself as I sat in the spring grass trying my damnedest to look interested in his pitch. I was completely out of my element; I hated everything about gyms (hence the outdoor meeting), my cardio was horrible. I wasn’t able to jog for more than 5 minutes and my attempt at doing a push up was comical.

Over priced Lululemon wear, skinny bitches & meatheads made me nauseous… and yet there I was nodding my head in agreement to Steve’s every word as he kept nattering seemingly unaware of my discomfort. As my uneasiness transformed to irritation I couldn’t help but to think about the two people who were to blame for me handing over my first of many cheques to Steve, not to mention that my ass was now wet!

Who are the culprits responsible for me dishing out tens of thousands of dollars on Personal Training? Mike a coworker and overzealous fitness freak who was training for his second Iron Man and Julie a good friend who always shared in my over indulgence of food & booze. Mike’s daily tales of swimming, running and cycling and Julie’s admission she’d been seeing a personal trainer was just the right formula to summon guilt about my own complacency. I cursed them both as Steve said “12 more squats, come on!”

PT Girl xo