Moonlight Run results and March measurements

My Moonlight Run goal was to finish somewhere between the 29:52-33:34 range which meant my pace had to be within the 8 min/mile range. I finished almost smack-dabb in the middle of that!

I’m pretty pleased with my placing as well! Even though I placed lower in my category from last year, there were many more runners to compete against. Stats comparison to last year below…

Moonlight Run	2011	2012	2013	2014
Canon Time	36:27	31:41
Chip Time	35:47	31:28
Category Placing	5/93	6/156
Female 6k Placing	101/975	37/1135
All 6k Runners	283/1488	117/1671
Pace	9:46/mi	8:29/mi

As promised, I got around to my March measurements. Considering the slack I did in February, I’m surprised by the results. Plus, I either measured my thighs REALLY wrong the last two months or the hill running I’ve been doing to train for Moonlight Run made my thighs explode. Interesting stuff. We’ll see what next month brings.

	January 1, 2012	February 1, 2012	March 1, 2012	April 1, 2012
Weight	119lbs	115lbs	116lbs
Waist (narrowest point)	28.50″	28.50″	27.00″
Hips (widest point)	34.50″	35.00″	35.50″
Thighs (widest point)	L: 16.00″ R:16.00″	L:16.50″ R:16.50″	L:17.50″ R:18.25″
Calves (widest point)	L:13.50″ R:13.50″	L:13.50″ R:13.50″	L:13.00″ R:13.00″
Biceps (widest point)	L:9.25″ R:9.75″	L:9.50″ R:9.75″	L:9.25″ R:9.75″

February I fell off the pot

Life ebbs and flows and February was no exception! So much to report/record for my personal diary I’m not sure where to begin…

I guess at the beginning.

Our league officially expanded into two house teams, The Coalbank Crushers (my team) and the Windy City Wenches and we debuted our first intra-league game Feb. 4. This game pushed me to my limits. Our team was already playing short and then one of our main jammers broke her wrist 5 jams into the first half, leaving us with only myself and Alli-Kate-Or as main jammers.

As a result, I played (almost) every second jam and scored 88 points for my team – a personal best. I’m thankful for Alli and some other blockers who stepped in to jam when we needed a break. We lost the game 159-162, but boy did we play with heart!

Something I’m not proud of is I ran into major penalty trouble. I can sit and make excuses… I was exhausted, I was playing injured (all true)… but especially humbling was we were in the lead right up to the final jam when I got handed a final penalty, subsequently costing us the lead.

I’m such a dumbass. Lesson learned. I WILL STAY ON THE MOTHER FUCKING TRACK.

You can read the game summary on our league website here! Here’s some photos too!

Post-game... Coalbank Crushers, Windy City Wenches and reffing crew! Photo from Heather Nicholson's camera (not sure who took it).

My little team with bench coaches Mamasite and Emily Carrnage! Coalbank Crushers. Photo from Heather Nicholson's camera (not sure who took it).

My favourite photo from the game; myself and Preacher's Slaughter jamming. Photo by Wendy Devent.

With every game I come out with new things to work on, but it’s great when I see things I’ve been working on are coming to fruition. I’m very proud of my endurance for this game. I do have to give a huge shout out to Mamasita, our team’s bench coach, for pushing me when I thought I couldn’t go on.

In the weeks following my life turned upside-down; practice was difficult to get to, my paleo eating habits went out the window, as well as my extra training dedication. The reasons behind my lack of focus are numerous; derby related and non-derby related; and not really worthy of mentioning. Even to this day I’m struggling to get back into my good habits and find my passion again.

Until this popped up on my Facebook wall…

A really nice note!!!

Thanks Jennifer! Not only did you remind me to write a post but also that I need to get focused again and be a role model for others. Good luck with your derby journey and I look forward to hearing all about it!!!!

A fabulous local photographer, Joanne Cousins, did a personal photography project called ‘Operation Confidence’ recently. I was going to take part in February until my life went out the window, but I thought I would share an excerpt of what I was going to submit as part of her photo series. I’m glad I reminded myself of this because I needed to read this to help re-motivate myself. I wrote this in early February…

“Lifting and training has taught me goal setting. It’s taught me that you won’t get where you want to be without a plan. Celebrating success, no matter how small, is a great feeling and sharing success, hope and achievements with others is infectious.

Lifting and training has also taught me how to deal with setbacks. It’s okay to take a step back and re-evaluate a plan before taking it on again. It’s also taught me that it’s okay to fail, have a bad day or a break down, as I’ve always come back from it stronger and with more resolve to push myself to my limits to succeed.

Competing constantly against myself gives me an inner strength and power that others see. I want to pass onto others that ANYONE can find it within themselves to achieve their goals. They just need to find their inspiration to do so.

My fitness journey continues and I still have a long way to go. But it’s no longer out of necessity. It’s become my passion. And while I may inspire people around me, they are MY inspiration to continue to be a role model and leader.”

Check out Joanne’s photography project here! There are some great and inspiring stories, including a few from our own members!

Speaking of goal setting… Moonlight Run is tomorrow, which is also the 1-year anniversary of my first ‘race.’

Let’s review my goal time for the 6k that I set in January… 29:52-33:34

Given my slack off in February, it will be interesting to see if I come close to this. I’ve hit that target while running on a treadmill, but doing 6k on a treadmill and 6k in the riverbottom of Lethbridge in the dark are two completely different things! Wish me luck! I’m excited fellow Guild members Sandra Deevil, Hellvetica Bold, Kalamaity Lain and Short Bus have signed up for the run as well. They are going to kick ass!

And now, my confession… I haven’t done my March measurements yet. I’m deathly afraid to see them given on month of complete slack. But I can only get better from here, yes? I’ll get to that this weekend.

Things I’m looking forward to…

Flat Track Fever!

An Alberta-wide roller derby tournament that will be taking place April 13-15 in Calgary. It will be a series of 30 minute games followed by full 2 30-minute half games. This will be the first time the Deathbridge Derby Dames will play in multiple games in one weekend.

Summer!

Just cause summer is awesome!

More challenges!

Footwork has become my new passion.

It keeps you running

In preliminary prep for the 2012 Moonlight run, I’ve hit the treadmill since taking a break after the 5 k I participated in last August. After focusing so much into building my upper-body strength, it was fun to change it up and do something different again at the gym this morning.

I forgot how much I loved it.

With the weight training I’ve been doing I have to stay focused to maintain my form and to not drop a weight on my foot. With running however, I can let my mind blissfully wander. I come up with my best ideas when I do my distance runs, from derby strategy to blog posts. It was really nice to get back to that.

In addition to training for my next race, I also realized that I needed to make good on a promise I made in the goals I set almost a year ago. Stupidly, I set one of my running goals as to run a 6-minute-mile.

Ha!

I’m realistic enough to know I won’t get close to that, but promise to make good on seeing where I’m at in that comparison early in January 2012. I’m not sure if I’m going to try and treadmill test that or if I’m going to hit an indoor track somewhere to take that test. I guess I’ll figure that out after Christmas.

On a positive note, I’ve faired well taking almost 4 months off of running, random coulee runs aside. Today I decided to start easy and comfortably did 3 miles (4.8k) in just under 30 minutes. That works out to 10 minutes per mile (6:25 minutes per km). My pace at the end of my running season I was at 8:13 minutes per mile (5 minutes per km) (That was for a 5k race). So considering I didn’t push myself hard this morning, I have a good start with lots of room to push myself and improve.

Goals for the 6km Moonlight Run

Last year I did 9:46 per mile (about 6 minutes per km). The run up the massive hill at the end of the race is what killed me last year, so I plan on training specifically to beat that and get a better time. I would REALLY love to improve my pace from last year to get down into the 8-minute range.

That means my finish time needs to be anywhere from 29:52 to 33:34.

GAH! What did I just say??? My finish time last year was 35:47 so that’s a lot of minutes to lop off. It also gives me only 82 days to train, while keeping on top of my other fitness training that I plan on continuing into 2012. Not to mention derby practice.

At the same time, I’m in completely different shape in comparison to last March. So even if I won’t be able to commit to running three times a week like I have for past races, I’m confident my other training will keep me conditioned enough to help me reach my goals.

While saying that goal out loud is ridiculously scary, it also motivates me to push through and do my best to achieve it.

Emily Carrnage! I know you read this blog! Ima gunna need some help!

Bronze-ed

My last race was a 6k in the dark. Yesterday’s race was a 5k in the sun! Thanks Taber Cornfest for holding such a fun event! I had a blast!

I had some goals going into this race which included:
1) don’t die
2) maintain my pace that I’ve been training under (5 minutes per km)
3) place in the top 3 for my division

That last goal had me really nervous and I didn’t tell anyone for fear of failing. In hindsight, even if I didn’t make that third goal, I would have been proud given the all around improvement from my last race.

Stats….

Canon time: 25:30
Chip time: 25:29 (that’s when I physically crossed the start and finish line)

Placement Stats…
Category: 3rd out of 93 runners
Female 5k runners: 12th out of 117 runners
All 5k runners: 36th out of 184 runners

Pace: 8:13 per mile (By comparison the pace of my last race was 9:46 per mile… A big improvement!)

After the race I became a ravenous being, eating everything in my path, which has spilled into this morning. Hahaha bring on the food coma!

As for my next race, I think I’m going to take a break from running for a bit so I can focus on my new weight training regime. I plan on participating in the Moonlight Run again next March. That race and the Taber Cornfest race are nicely spaced apart enough for me

I should mention that I need to thank the sport of roller derby for getting me back into this running business. I would have never remained focused and dedicated or had the drive to succeed had it not been for this amazing sport. It’s been pretty cool to achieve the goals I set for myself!

Me getting my medal!

Bronze!

GOALS!

This was actually taken last month. It's even better now

I’m six months into my goal setting year. The last month and a half I’ve been working really hard and I’m seeing and feeling results. In fact, I can cross a few things off my list as definitely accomplished! I’m posting pictures which is extreme goading on my part. But I figured I can toot my own horn every once in a while.

Running

It’s a lifestyle for me now and my fitness has increased by leaps and bounds as a result. Plus myself and bunch of other derby peeps are eyeing a 10k in August. Epp!

Core strength

Check! Two months ago I couldn’t hold a side plank on my left side. My stability has greatly increased and I feel my overall skating ability due to my increased core strength has improved.

I still can't win an arm wrestling contest. Maybe one day

Arm strength

Check! I have a long ways to go. But when I look at pictures of me from last August, I’m surprised my arms didn’t break like toothpicks.

As a side note, my entire body shape has changed as a result of derby. It’s a pretty fascinating transformation, actually. I wish I had taken a before picture back in December.

Toestop running

Check! This photo was taken of me at our fundraising bout. I can still push harder, but this form is a big accomplishment for me!

Now I just have to lengthen my run and jump a little higher!

Be a more aggressive jammer

I feel I’m much less timid compared to January and I’m pretty sure most of it is from the extra confidence from the extra training I’m doing.

Knock a bitch down

There is always room for improvement, but it’s happening!

Backwards crossovers

Check! I am not used to skating backwards fast, but I can do some good clean crossovers!

Fast tomahawks

Getting there! Oh so close!

Diet

Water consumption has increased and I’m making good choices about what I’m eating, while not denying myself either. Breakfast is still eluding me, but I’m getting a little better.

****

A with the list of accomplishments, I still have some things I want to work on

• Jump the apex
• Stronger personal head game
• Stronger strategy game
• Gain weight (in muscle)

So that’s my training update! I have made a promise to myself to get back into blogging (it’s hard when the weather is nice) and to get back to topics I’ve promised myself I would write about. So hopefully you’ll be seeing more of me soon! Plus I have much to share about the last two games I played in. It’s been a good derby-filled summer so far!

I did more than finish…

I changed it to my derby name, but I assure you, it's me! See my bib number

FIFTH PLACE IN MY DIVISION!!!!

Runner number 1754 and wearing a special wrist band, provided by my derby wife! <3

Stats….

Canon time: 36:27
Chip time: 35:47 (that’s when I physically crossed the start and finish line)

Placement Stats…
Category: 5th out of 93 runners
Female 6k runners: 101st out of 975 runners
All 6 k runners: 283rd out of 1488 runners

Pace: 9:46 per mile (By comparison I usually do 10 minutes per mile on the treadmill)

Highlights include running in the dark at the river bottom (sorta creepy), running in a gentle snowfall with HUGE flakes that I choked on a couple times, a bag piper standing on the corner of Scenic and 3rd Avenue blasting out tunes as we ran down and up a huge hill and the pounding of a drumming circle situated at the river bottom.

Edited to add: Just for fun, my playlist for the run!

And doing a lot better than I thought I would!!!! It was totally fun!

Tonight, under the light of the supermoon*…

I’ll be doing this…

6 km race? 6 km race.

Looking back to what I wrote on New Year’s Eve, I never expected part of the result of sticking to my resolutions derby fitness goals would be running in a race. And considering the string of bad luck I’ve had, first with my toe, then I had a severe attack of this, which caused a bout of vomiting and forcing me to stay in bed for three days, I’m surprised I’m still motivated and looking forward to this day.

Hoo boy...

If memory serves, not since grade 10 have I been in a competitive race. That particular day it was scorching hot and I was competing in the Southern Alberta Summer Games, participating in the 3000m. The race ended with me collapsing at the finish line, severely overheated and needing a trip to the medical tent, and I placed a dismal second in an event that only had 2 people entered.

Today, the weather is still not cooperating for my (triumphant?) return to the race scene. With rain in the forecast and a heavy snowfall warning coming into effect around the time when the race is about to begin, I’m risking wet socks and frozen fingers as I compete to my goal.

My goal? To finish.

I attach this chip to my shoe which will automatically record my time when I cross the finish line. Yes, I'm new at this!

Picking up my race package (which includes this awesome microchip thingy that I have to wear which will automatically track my time GO NERD POWER) I was impressed with the jubilance in the room. There was a definite energy that I wasn’t expecting, and the positivity from every volunteer whose table I visited, where each conversation ended with them saying “Have a good race,” was sincere.

Who couldn’t perform to the best of their ability when a stranger makes that kind of connection with you?

I shared with a friend the other day that my resolutions derby fitness goals have evolved from less of becoming a better derby player into more of bettering myself. However, while I hope my continued training during our very long hiatus (it’s been over a month since we’ve skated as a team, but who’s counting?), I’m really looking forward to reacquainting myself with the rest of the derby crew and feeling that same energy of jubilance, positivity and sincerity in the room.

I think what I love most about derby is how you would never NOT cheer for one of your own teammates. (And if you don’t, why aren’t you?) Celebrating each other’s successes is a huge part of what derby is about and, I’m certain, why so many woman are drawn to it. Bought your first set of skates? WHOOOOOO! Did three good crossovers in a row? WHOOOOOOO! Lost 10 pounds? WHOOOOOOOOOO! Show me where the beach is and these massive pipes appear before my eyes? WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Bruce Lee once said, “Real living is living for others.” I’m certain if you ask 3 different people, you will get three different definitions of  what that quote means to them. Some may interpret it as having the will to stay alive as those who love you aren’t ready for you to leave this life. Others may interpret as being an emotional support system for others to use and glean from.

However I interpret it as being a cheerleader of life. Showing others, through your actions and attitude towards them, that life is pretty awesome. And by emitting that positive energy, you will become radiant, scorching everyone in your path. Those who get in the way will either absorb the power of positive energy, or shrink away from it like a vampire from a beam of light. But the vampires are not cold and heartless, they merely need some time to warm up to the experience. Bright light is blinding and it takes time for our eyes to adjust when we look into it. I would hope, over time, they would be able to open their eyes fully and experience the power to also pass onto others.

Damage the circuit, break the connection.

That’s what I want to be. I want to make everyone feel how I felt when I timidly attended my first derby organizational meeting or when I picked up my race package. I want it not to matter if I’ve known you for 10 seconds or 10 years or can’t remember your name. If I cross paths with you, or them, or that-guy-over-there, I want you coming away with a positive experience; that verbally or non-verbally, I gave you a little push that says, “You’re doing great! Now go out there and have some fun!”

Life is about making connections. What kind of connector do you want to be?

*Tonight’s supermoon is a legit thing! For more info, go here!