On the run

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

For the last week or so, I’ve been running myself ragged.

Literally.

You see, I signed up for the Beaches Jazz Tune Up race, which will be taking place on July 24 in Toronto. I signed up for the 10k option, which was probably over-zealous considering I’ve barely had the time to breathe, let alone train, since coming to Smalltown, USA to finish my Master’s.

However, realizing that the race date was looming, I have been dutifully pulling on my running shoes and taking to the streets of my village where I breathlessly slog through an 8-kilometre (5-mile)run. I am regrettably, undeniably, and frustratingly out of shape.

You may remember that last November, I completed the Unicef 10-kilometre Charity Run held in Hong Kong. It was my first race, and I finished in exactly an hour.

This time around though, given my current state of physicality (poor), I’m setting my sights lower, way way lower. This time,I’m just hoping to finish.

Lord help me.


Any other runners out there? Will any of you folks in Toronto be running in the Beaches race?

SHARING IS CARING

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38 Comments

  • I won't call myself a runner yet but I'm making my way to it 😉 Stick to weight training and try a couple of trial runs to see how you do. Good luck and please don't push yourself too hard.

    You've got an incredible body btw.

  • Runner here. My advice: do short runs (like 5km) to start, slowly, flat surface, for a wk straight. Then try out for hilly areas, also slowly. This worked for me to train for a 10k. It helped of course that the 10k was all flat though……

    Viel Glück.

  • i'm not a runner but i wish i was. there's something about it that seems so….relaxing and empowering…and freeing. i admire those who are 🙂

  • Kudos for giving it a go! I'm sure you'll finish in good time, plus it helps focus on your general fitness etc! I wish I had the energy and willpower to enter ino one of these but I am far too lazy and worry I'll fail at it!

  • God on ya! But I don't run. It hurts. 😀

    That body of yours is really PUMPING for Caribana eh? Niiice. 😉

  • @Udara: Thanks for the tips and the compliment, lady! I think I pushed myself too hard last night; 11.5 kilometres and my body is feeling it this morning… eesh

    @foosrock!: I feel like the hills totally make a difference! Running 8k on a flat treadmill feels like running 5k outside! Thanks for the tips!

    @kay*: I like running because I can rock out to my music and contemplate my life at the same time lol. I also like the idea of challenging my body- I never in a million years thought that I'd ever be able to run one hour straight! I love seeing my progress.

    @sprite: The best thing to do is get out there! I would love to finish with a great time, but now I think I'm just focused on my general fitness and just finishing period… 🙂

  • @Viajera: Eh gyal!! Wha gwan?!? You don't need to run, you are fit and fabulous and toned already! I must admit that this fitness push is also due to Caribana… Mi wan fi mek sure everyting tight and nice… LOL!

  • LOL @ Oneika and patois. Please write more. I so miss it (I work with tons of (white) Londoners who can speak it better than I).

    Agree, the threadmill is dubious in that IT'S NOT THE SAME AS RUNNING OUTSIDE. My joints once paid the price of not knowing this. Suffice to say, running outside conditions one better, but in winter, I do use the threadmill.

    PS: Can you take some pics of rotis, fishcakes and peasnrice with jerk fish and upload after the Caribana?. Will be sooooo appreciative!!.

  • Out of shape, eh? You are lookin' fine!

    But I understand. Even though one looks great on the outside doesn't mean their ticker is looking as good. Keep running…I'm running with ya here in Orlando!

  • @foosrock!: Will do!

    @Hannah: Good to know I'm not alone!

  • I am an avid runner but I haven't always been. I've lost about 20 lbs on my own since Feb of this year. I job about 4-5 miles about 4 times a week. But starting off, all I could was walk. Just take it easy and listen to your body. Building endurance takes weeks or months depending on current fitness level. Good luck!

  • good going girl! Max is a runner and as much as I would love to join him, I have a heart murmur and can't run long distances 🙁

    You look great in your photo and remember, no pain, no gain 😉

  • @Andi: Thanks so much! You are really inspiring- 4 to 5 miles, 4 to 5 times a week?! That's great!! Any races for you in the near future?

    @Crystal: Thanks!! I like pushing my body to the limit but I also have a small heart murmur (nothing serious) that makes me think that 10k is the farthest I could run. Must get it checked out again because it's been years!

  • I want your body!!!!!!!!!

  • @Andi: Thanks love 🙂 I want your life (and your wardrobe)! We can trade, lol…

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