Thursday, May 15

I Am the Champion - Of the World

I’ve paid my dues, time after time
I’ve done my sentence, but committed no crime
And bad mistakes, I’ve made a few
I’ve had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I’ve come through

Today was brilliant on many levels; it was just one of those days. For starters, I decided to take Quadra Street to work and beat the bus, this is always satisfying. Then, both girls (Ally & Isla) popped by to say hello just before lunch (that and the missus brought me a sandwich from the Italian Deli). Then, and I almost forgot, today was hot, almost tropical by Victoria standards (16C).

[I’m not sure that it has been that warm since September, if it’s hot in Ottawa I’m doomed]

And, prior to going for a run I changed the oil in the lawnmower, cleaned the sparkplug and kicked the thing… it worked and I gained some macho points. Lastly, and not least, I had great company for my workout this afternoon and I rocked it.

We are the champions my friends, and well keep on fighting ‘till the end
We are the champions, we are the champions

No time for losers, cause we are the champions - of the world

We were supposed to do 2-mile repeats, but as I couldn’t make it to Beacon Hill, Hicham joined me for a session on the Lochside Trail. After a hilly but gentle warm-up we eased into the opening kilometer (me aiming for 3:55 km/pace) and split in 3:23 feeling like I was running downhill with a tailwind… I have no idea where that came from.

I’ve taken my bows, and my curtain calls

You brought me fame and fortuen and everything that goes with it, I thank you all
But its been no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race, and I ain’t gonna lose

Tonight was just one of those evenings that I couldn’t slow down and I was feeling no pain. After each marker, I would relax and shake my shoulders, confident that I had made the necessary adjustments to my pace… but just kept on rolling on.


We are the champions my friends, and well keep on fighting ‘till the end
We are the champions, we are the champions

No time for losers, cause we are the champions - of the world

3:23, 3:43, 3:51 (10:57)
3:39, 3:52, 3:48 (11:19)
3:42, 3:49, 3:53 (11:24)

I realize the danger in running a marathon like this, but today, today I enjoyed the sun on my face and the helium in my shoes.

Training: 1:19:02 with 3x3k MP (2’)

8 comments:

Chris said...

Rock solid! Totally have a great race! Cute baby pictures.

UMaine Cooperative Extension said...

Great post!

You should get yourself a Baby Jogger to bring Isla along on some of your runs (I would suggest the 'original' www.babyjogger.com).

Rock on.

Anonymous said...

Mike, if I don't see you before next weekend...break a leg!! Have a great race...I am positive you will have macho run!
Mar

Thomas said...

Wouldn't it be great to be able and bottle that feeling, to have it on storage for times in need?

Michael said...

I think I get that feeling once every six months, and I've only ever had it once in a race. Still, I'll take what I can get.

Love2Run said...

It's great to get a confidence boosting run like that so close to your marathon. Good luck with the weather and have a great race!

Anonymous said...

Nice workout, Michael. Looks like you're ready to roll.

Speaking of the Baby Jogger, we have an original with 20-inch wheels and shock absorbers. Very smooth and secure. We took our daughter out in it starting at four months or so, and it was fantastic. If you're interested, let me know, as we have no use for our single now that we have two kids, and getting bigger all the time.

Michael said...

I should get myself a baby jogger, although I don't know how much jogging I'll be doing post-marathon. Eric, I just might take you up on your offer as the old ones are hard to find.