Down but Not Out

It first raised its ugly head almost three weeks ago. What started out as an inconsequential cough and a slight ache, quickly turned violent. Ally was out in the first round, didn’t really stand a chance given how rundown she’s been.

Next up was Isla; the little rascal had no idea what hit her. Still, it takes more than a four day fever to knock her down. Instead what ensued was an irritable, often peculiar, and surprisingly active little girl.

Alas, last weekend it was my turn. The first symptoms arose on Saturday evening but I decided to drown them in alcohol. It almost worked. I woke the next morning not quite right, but hoped for the best. I was also slated to run a fast 5k that morning. I was dressed and heading out the door when I realized I’d left my watch at work. This was a sign. Either a) I was an idiot for even considering to run and should stop before things got worse, or b) I was an idiot for trying to run hard, and instead should forgo the time trial and enjoy the beauty in a hard (untimed) effort. Either way I was an idiot.

Fast-forward a few hours and the fever had a firm grasp, not to release me from its hold for a further 96 hours. Thursday afternoon my health improved and with the Sooke 10k still on the backburner, I decided to stretch my legs on the way home. Surprisingly, my pins were okay, perhaps a tad awkward but as I looped around Swan Lake the pickups felt comfortable, 12x20” (40”). What wasn’t comfortable was the cold sweat upon returning home. Beggars can’t be choosers.

Although not 100%, I’m looking forward to racing this weekend as it has been six weeks since the Bazan Bay 5k, and the TC 10k is only a fortnight away. The race will also give me some idea of my current fitness level, and hopefully will blow away a few cobwebs.

[photos: Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary]

Tenacious

When I used to play field hockey, the team quickly gave me the nickname, “tenacious”. For full effect, pronounce it in the same masculine manner as you would Aquilinus, Maximus or Tiberius.

Although I had great hand-eye coordination and stamina, my play making ability was left rather lacking. To make up for this shortfall, I would doggedly hound the other players, ultimately forcing them to make mistakes. I miss the game.

As I sit here though, struggling to overcome my third cold of the year the idea of possessing sufficient energy to be anything but anaemic is a distant memory. I think a large part of my fatigue is due to the “black hole of exhaustion” that accompanies parenthood about 6-8 months after the birth of a child.

I experienced a similar sensation about 10 months after Isla was born, and unfortunately for me about 4-weeks before the Boston Marathon. And before I go too far, I don’t mean to suggest my weariness could ever compare to that of my wife’s… men just don’t have the necessary stamina. However, after 240+ interrupted sleeps, coupled with a cold wet winter and a low immune system… I’m tired. Perhaps I should stop here.

As for my running, after taking a couple days off last week, I managed to squeeze in a few workouts. Wednesday’s session was supposed to be on the track (5x1200m) but once again the Colquitz Trail was my chosen battlefield. If they ever decide to hold a race there, I’m going to have a clear advantage. And I unequivocally blame work for shortening Friday’s tempo session, but perhaps it was for the best. Sunday though, that was one for the ages… a thoroughly enjoyable, sunny trail run along the Jocelyn Hill Ridge Trail (thanks RC).

And something completely unrelated, a new song c/o RC (thanks again):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQYpF2pCkLI

Training:
Mar 14: Day off (sick)
Mar 15: Day off (sick)
Mar 16: 1:04:02 w/ 5x4’ hard (4’)
Mar 17: ridiculously slow & painful 1:13:24
Mar 18: 35:55 w/ 30’ tempo
Mar 19: Day off (scheduled)
Mar 20: 1:48:51 undulating

Snakes and Ladders

Much like the fluctuating and recurring/mind-numbing nature of the game snakes and ladders, my running, and health continues to change. Never a dull moment, right?

After taking five days off from running, in part due to the injury but also with assistance from the flu, last Thursday I managed to drag my weary body out for a much anticipated run. Although I didn’t suffer through any pain, the discomfort in my right leg was noticeable. Unfortunately, owing to the bike/run, run/bike, nature of my commute my trip back to work on Friday morning was probably not the smartest idea.

So this week, after two more days off from running, I decided to alternate my runs taking advantage of the statutory holiday on Remembrance Day. Monday was fine, and Wednesday was surprisingly okay. Sadly, as luck would have it, I’m now experiencing all the wonderfully enjoyable symptoms of the common cold: sore throat, congestion, sneezing, headache and general lethargy. Oh the joy.

Training:
Monday: day off (injured)
Tuesday: day off (injured)
Wednesday: day off (injured)
Thursday: easy 41:15
Friday: easy 40:52
Saturday: day off (injured)
Sunday: day off (injured)

Monday: easy 40:16
Tuesday: day off (scheduled)
Wednesday: easy 1:01:32
Thursday: day off (scheduled)

Boston Marathon (3-weeks out)

With March almost in the books (and hopefully the accompanying foul weather), I glanced at the calendar and noticed that we begin our odyssey to Boston 2-weeks Thursday. I suppose the odyssey began ten weeks ago, but the penultimate leg has definitely snuck up on me.

With the training taking a back seat to recovery this week, I couldn’t be happier with the early season miles that I logged with Hicham, Carter and Ian; I’m comforted in remembering the hilly miles I (s)logged at Thetis.

I rode out the week in similar fashion as the beginning, switching up a declining health for one that is recuperating. With the thought of running long on Sunday, I decided to wake the legs on Saturday morning and pulled an old w/o off the shelf, deciding to run some Moneghetti strides. The session calls for 2x90” (90”) + 4x60” (60”) + 4x30” (30”) + 4x15” (15”). Run properly, the effort is supposed to descend from 3kP to mile/pace with the recovery a controlled float at MP... not wanting to run myself into the ground, I opted for a more leisurely rest interval.

After staying up later than I should, Sunday morning rolled around far too soon and I was hard-pressed to get out of the house as early as I did. I started down the Lochside Trail cognoscente of the need to register one last long run, while not burying the cold into my chest. After a hilly loop through Mount Doug, I headed up Ash and toward Ten Mile Point hitting all the hills along the way. I returned home feeling strong and relaxed, and better or worse knowing that I’d finished a chapter in this book.

The week ahead holds one of two remaining key workouts, a long ME session on an undulating (Boston specific) loop. It’s fun and games from here on in, and for a change I’m feeling fresh and fighting the desire to run more; a feeling doesn’t usually accompany me at this stage of the training. I’m happy.

Training:
Friday: (sick) easy 38:22
Saturday: (below par) 36:49 with Moneghetti strides
Sunday: hilly 2:35:08

Weekly mileage: 5h08’31”, +/- 72k or 45 miles

Man Cold (still)

Yup, I’m sick. And without asking her, I can tell you with almost complete certainty that the missus wishes I was back at work. The last two days I’ve been able to appreciate the experience of looking after a sick child while you yourself are sick. This is a first for me. I have a lot of respect for those who have already done so. I have a lot of respect for my wife.

I touched base with Jon today, his words echoing the comments I received yesterday. After looking at my 5k splits, it appears they seem quite reasonable for the Comox course. And even though I was a few seconds off my target pace he didn’t think the race should be seen as a total disappointment. Having completed the hardest part of the marathon training, and with some higher quality running and reduced mileage he thinks I’ll come around more for Boston. That and it's likely I was carrying the bug 2 days ago too.

Truth be told, I think I’m struggling with wanting a result in Comox that was similar to my performance two years ago, something that just wasn’t in the cards on Sunday. I’ve got to learn not to be overly critical.

Grellan had asked, “what was your Boston goal before the race (Comox)”. The answer: I don’t know, I’ve yet to go over the details of Boston with Jon. I was looking to use my two recent half marathons as an indicator. Truthfully, I was hopping to run as close to 2h40 as possible. Based on my current conditioning and with a solid performance I’m looking at 2h45. If last Sunday wasn’t a true indication of my fitness, than perhaps 2h42.

Training:
Monday: day off/skiing (sick) (scheduled)
Tuesday: day off (sick) (unscheduled)
Wednesday: (sick) easy 38:11
Thursday: (sick) 40:01

Good to be Back

Congratulations go out to Mike for his solid performance at the PEI Marathon where he finished with a stellar time of 3:21:06 and to Grellan who despite having difficulties with his calf persevered for a 3:45:07 in Amsterdam. I want stories.

After forcing myself to endure an easy week in an attempt to kick this dastardly cold, I decided to wind things back up this weekend. With Carter lacing his shoes with far more frequency, it wasn’t too difficult to convince him to join me for a workout. We jogged our way over to CHGC and after warming up under a hot autumn sun began what unfolded into an enjoyable session: 4x2’ (1’) + 6x1’ (30”) + 10x30” (30”). It was great having someone to keep me honest whether in my attempt to chase him down or having him shouting encouragement. Notwithstanding my laboured breathing, my legs felt smooth and I started to feel like my old self again.

Fast forward a few hours, and I woke up Sunday morning with a stiff back and an equilibrium that was cockeyed. Like the Irish Rovers say, “it might have been the whiskey”, but this time I assure you it wasn’t. I walked around the house for a good hour feeling remarkably like you would after a beer mile. Easing into the morning with some Neocitran and coffee, I later decided to give my long run a go, picked up Sam, and made our way over to Beaver Lake. From there we looped around what has now become old faithful, but not before me breaking out into an unnatural sweat after running for only a few minutes. I know I’m not in top shape but it was ridiculous. The run was good but Sam unfortunately rolled his ankle half way through and had to make his own way home, flagging down a good samaritan on the back roads of Thetis. I continued (he told me to, honest) and felt surprisingly strong if it wasn’t for the last hill on our route… it’s a bastard.

Training:
Thursday: easy 41:18 with 4xstrides
Friday: easy 36:34
Saturday: 1:09:33 with 4x2’ (1’) + 6x1’ (30”) + 10x30” (30”)
Sunday: easy 1:39:05

Brass Monkey

… okay it wasn’t that cold, but riding into work this morning I lost most of the feel in my fingers. I checked the temperature once I’d arrived, 2C. It must’ve been colder than that.

Given I’m still recovering from a cold I opted for a light run home rather than repeat the past and say, run a bunch of intervals burying myself into the ground in the process. Surprisingly, my legs felt light and my stride was comfortable. The only drawback was the bucketing icy rain during the last five minutes that once again left me chilled.

Oh yeah, I received my official acceptance from Boston today. What I’m looking forward to now is finding out whether I’ll be in the first or second corral. For those who have done it before, where would a 2h53 qualifying time land me?

Training: easy 35:44 with 4xstrides

Like a Creature of Habit

"I can’t believe the country elected another Conservative government… ‘nough said."

Although I no longer have a sore throat, the cold has moved up and entrenched itself in my head resulting in plugged sinuses and tired eyes. I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed being in an all-day council meeting with no room to escape. To make matters worse, it was my first time attending in my new role… and there was absolutely nowhere to hide.

Returning home this evening I walked in the door with my head pounding and wanting nothing more than to fall asleep. Unfortunately, the girls were snoozing on the bed and being a creature of habit I laced up my shoes and was out the door before I knew what happened. In the end, it all turned out for the best as I was treated to a gorgeous sunset and returned home with a clear head.

I had originally planned to do a double workout (today and tomorrow), but I think I’ll keep things light for at least another day. I’ll see how I feel on Thursday.

Training:
Monday: day off (unscheduled… sick)
Tuesday: easy 29:42

Royal Victoria 8-k

Perhaps I should’ve done what Thomas suggested, “It's probably too late now, but only run the race if you're feeling ok”, if nothing else I would’ve saved my ego a beating. I crossed the finish line nearly two full minutes slower than I did in the spring, and had I run an equivalent 10-k, 37:17, it would’ve been my slowest in nearly twelve years.

Ouch.

The race started okay, running only a few steps off Brad’s shoulder for the first kilometer and splitting in 3:23. From that point onward, my pace started to go askew and unlike most races where I find the positioning settles during the first third, Sunday was nothing but a slow bleed.

I tried a few times to hook onto the heels of passing runners but found I lacked strength. I’m willing to attribute some of my sub-par performance to my cold, maybe 20%, but most is due to a lack of conditioning. Truth be told, I only finished 22” off what I feared might happen.

All is not bad though. The race was an honest assessment of where I’m at and although a rude awakening will only help keep the fire stoked as the winter rains settle in.

Race results here.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

Training: 1:02:08 with Royal Victoria 8-k in 29:22, 3:41 km/pace, 4th AG

Unwanted Guests

Busy. The last few days of work have seen me hanging about later than planned, and that’s after an early morning start. I don’t expect this to continue much into next week. Here’s hoping.

My running since Tuesday has improved, but that’s all relative. Wednesday morning was cold and crisp and having left my only gloves at work, I was able to experience more of the frigid air than intended. The plan was for 2x10’ tempo and although more fluid than the previous day, there is still much room for improvement. I think I’m trying too hard and my focus over the next few weeks is to run fast but with greater emphasis on control.

With the 8-k race on Sunday, the last couple of days have been easy (and learning from Tuesday, I ran to work yesterday with socks on my hands). That said, my throat started getting sore yesterday afternoon and despite pounding vitamin-c I think I’m going to be carrying an unwanted guest along for the ride during the run tomorrow.

The big news on the home front has been Isla’s crawling (and a bottom tooth). What began as sheer excitement on our part has faded as our world has suddenly crashed down around us as Isla’s continues to grow exponentially.

Training:
Wednesday: 49:14 with 2x10’ tempo (2’)
Thursday: easy 34:49
Friday: easy 37:18 with 4xstrides
Saturday: out the door after I post this…

Adriane!

As left the front door, ambling down the gradual incline and away from our house, I couldn’t help but wonder when this bloody cold would rid itself of me, how long does it take? I feel I’ve managed to incubate the perpetual pre-cold, sore throat and sniffles, along with an unhealthy amount of self-pity. Enough!

Ten minutes later, and running on a new series of undulating roads I was a different person. I felt fantastic, strong and smooth, particularly given yesterday’s run. I’m always amazed at the apparent random nature of recovery, and favoring a good surprise, never attempt to analyze my training too much.

This last week was slated for rest and recovery, fortunate given my cold. I managed to squeak in 6h01’17” of running (approx. 85k or 53 miles). Looking ahead, I aim to make this week my peak volume (insert Rocky theme music) before gradually reining things back.

My week in review:

Monday: day off
Tuesday: easy 46:28 (sick)
Wednesday: easy/steady 44:10 (sick)
Thursday: day off (sick)
Friday: 1:22:15 with 2x20’ tempo
Saturday: easy 41:09 (sick)
Sunday: easy 2:27:15

Training: steady 53:03

Healing

I decided to forgo a scheduled light run on Thursday and rather focus on some proper rest and recovery. I can remember a few years back when the thought of missing a scheduled run would’ve caused me to breakout in hives, dragging my weary body out the door irrespective of my ability to perform. I think I’m a better person now.

Yesterday, deciding I had turned the corner, I stepped out into the icy silence of the night with Nickelback urging encouragement (Breathe), and after a gentle warm-up slowly started to turn the screws. It felt incredible. There are a few runs a year when, while still maintaining the calmness of an aged gunslinger, I feel that I can’t run fast enough. My legs can’t drive quick enough to keep up with my lungs, and for some precious minutes you feel unbeatable. This was one of those evenings.

This morning then, despite not thinking my legs were earning their keep yesterday, I’m reminded that all is not as it first appears. My aching legs, “Now I feel it, feel that I've been there, I didn't need this, somebody help me stand…”

Training:
Thursday: unscheduled day off (opted out of a light run)
Friday: 1:22:15 with 2x20’ tempo

Less than 100%

Still sick. Still walking around with a pained throat. Funnily though, my legs felt great on the run this evening. I smiled while cursing along and feeling quick, wondering how much fun I could have if my throat would sustain the effort. But, I am sick, and this is a recovery week.

Training: easy/steady 44:10

On the backside of a long day

Although I’ve been washing my hands religiously and sleeping on my side of the bed like it was a lifeline, I woke up this morning with a sore throat (the girl has been quite sick for two days). Now, on the backside of a long and weary day, I’m tired, my sore throat is still in attendance and I’m feeling sorry for myself. I did manage to get out for a light run, and couldn’t be more thankful that this week was slated for recovery.

Training: easy 46:28