Times Colonist 10k

What I remember most is the God awful stench as I stood waiting, impatiently for the sound of the horn. One could presuppose that runners are a superstitious lot, perhaps choosing (with complete and utter disregard to their fellow competitors) not to wash their ‘lucky’ race kits. Or, with nervous excitement bubbling over, conceivably someone (however accidently) pissed them self. Regardless, the nauseous stench at the start line was dreadful.

As for the race, I truly appreciated every moment; I hadn’t quite realized just how much I missed racing. The idea of standing on the sidelines and consequently protecting a fragile ego doesn’t begin to compare to the pleasure gained through adding my solitary footsteps to the pounding of the masses.

On the heels of a torn hamstring and with only two workouts in the last seven months (both last week), my race plan was simple... run comfortably fast for six kilometres, and uncomfortably fast afterwards. What I didn’t expect was registering a 3:57 opening kilometre *argh*. That was the sound of my ego absorbing the opening blow.

I’m happy with how the race unfolded given that I’d told Ally I expected to finish between 38’ and 40’. That said, the next time I run in a 10k event I hope to be carrying a significantly higher level of fitness. Splits as follows:

3:57, 3:49, 3:47, 3:53, 3:51 (19:17)
3:59, 3:45, 3:39, 3:41, 3:39 (18:43)

As luck would have it, there is no rest for the wicked. This weekend, Saturday, marks the first race in the inaugural Victoria Track Series. I’ve registered for eight events between now and the end of August, first up, 5,000m.

Training: Times Colonist 10k, 38:04, 101 OA, 13 AG

But then his heart would nearly explode when the pistol cracked

“And he stood tall there in the dark, while a cool breeze ruffled the ragged lock of hair on his forehead, knowing that for one instant there would be a kind of calm in the midst of all that pounding, roaring furor, a moment of serene calm before an unholy storm”.

A crooked smile slowly crept over my face; I then found myself laughing aloud after realizing that I missed that moment of calm, and truth. Perhaps more surprisingly, I missed the chaos.

Since I last wrote, a new rhythm has (almost unknowingly) worked its way into the tread work of my life and consequently my running. These days, the details seem to take care of themselves as I, left alone focus on the horizon. A consequence of this new outlook has been an uncomplicated enjoyment in my running.

This summer will be busy, marked most notably with the arrival of our son ‘expected’ at beginning of July. Between now and then I hope to scatter in a few track races. My expectations are low.

I suppose though, everything kicks off this weekend as I hope to participate in small local race. Early Sunday morning, I will undoubtedly find myself on the edge of Beacon Hill Park, ridiculously early, accompanied by 13,000+ of my closest friends. Let the fun begin.

Until then...

Training: 1:05:14 w/ 20' tempo, Sunday is going to hurt *ouch*

Enjoy the road you’re travelling...

If I could offer only one tip for the future, this would be it, “enjoy the road you’re travelling”. And if I were to continue unsolicited, I’d suggest possessing a passion for life, playing and laughing with enthusiasm, and living with purpose... but I’ll stop here.

"So you're going to go through with it, then."

"I am, I've been planning this for a long time. It'll give me something to talk about for the next nine days - or ninety-nine, more likely. Anyway, at least I'll have my race."

That was the first entry on this blog. It lasted much more than ninety-nine days, and I’ve been lucky enough to have more than one race. Beginning on a cold Friday in November, 2006, the printed tales of this runner have been at times harsh, quite often enjoyable, but always provided me with growth and opportunity.

Scanning the last five years, I’m amazed at the running I’ve accomplished (let alone the life I’ve managed to squeeze in):

2006
As I trained with my first coach for what would stand today as my fastest marathon (CIM ’06 2:40:19), I was fortunate to share many an experience with equally lasting friends (Carter – 22nd Annual Harriers Gunner Shaw). Running the CIM, was also where I would meet fellow blogger Mike, a.k.a. “Running with Lydiard”.

2007
During a year where I broke my arm while downhill-mountain biking on my stag, was married, found out we were pregnant, and bought our first house, I’m surprised I did any running at all. On the contrary, Seamus, Carter and I set out to travel “Three Roads to London”. My race (3:14:11) was disappointing but the experience something I still talk about today. From the redemption of another marathon only weeks later, to the running of the bulls, or a half marathon PB (1:15:29) the year was something to remember.

2008
If for a second I thought ’07 was busy, the fiddle tune only quickened in ’08. That spring I was running well and although I cancelled an early-season marathon (Ally was on bed rest), I was able to benefit from my fitness and posted a 5k and 8k PB, 16:51 and 27:28 respectively. Sadly, later that spring saw the passing on Ally’s mum but with the angels looking over us, our daughter was brought into the world less than 24h-hours later. I don’t know how I did it, but mere weeks later I ran the Ottawa Marathon (2:53:05) setting myself up for my inaugural run at Boston. That fall also saw me run my first ever x-country race; on a cold day my achilles still hurts.

2009
What more can I say, Boston hurt... a lot! But, all the pain and suffering is a distant memory and the race afforded me the opportunity to meet some of the blogospheres epic writers/runners: Thomas, Mike and Mark, a.k.a. Diary of a Rubbish Marathon Runner, Love 2 Run, and Run Faster Master. Thanks guys!

2010
And so I find myself sitting here today, reflecting on paths travelled and the adventures that lay in front of me. With Isla growing, and Ally expected to give birth in a few short months I couldn’t be more excited. This is also a year, where I hope to take down my 5k PB and if the Gods align perhaps toe the line for a triathlon (my first in 11 years). But on a sad note, it will also see the end of this blog (at least in this format). Thanks for the endless comments, support, encouragement and friendship.

Borrowing some words, “Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself. Stretch. Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young”.

White on White

After not running for more than a week, I am pleased with how the last seven days unfolded. Not only did I squeeze in a couple solid sessions, but I capped everything off with an “undulating” long run through some of my favourite urban trail systems (CHGC, Mt. Tolmie, UVic and Mt. Doug).

Tuesday’s workout was solid and just what I needed to get my head (and body) back in the game. I eased into the first few intervals and continued to build right through the set, feeling pretty chuffed with my effort. Admittedly, I was surprised at just how long 80” can last and was not looking forward to my next workout, with much longer intervals.

And so, after an easy run on Wednesday, Thursday was my first real test since a) the marathon and b) injuring my hamstring, 5x5’ tempo. Despite not having run a sustained effort in four months I was surprised at how comfortable I felt. My pace resembled something closer to MP rather than 10kP, but the effort was there.

[note to self: remember to stretch, good God my hammies were tight]

As mentioned earlier, Sunday was fun, and long. I mistakenly agreed to accompany a colleague of mine (who is training for Boston) for a portion of his long run. Now either my memory is fading or Larry has been secret training, but I don’t ever remember having to “try” and keep up before. We live and learn. Larry you’re a bastard.

Outside of running, most of my spare time (what’s that) has been spent finishing the basement. With the dry wall up, and the mudding and taping complete, my hands are now overed in small droplets of Crisp Linen. I’ve also discovered that painting shades of white over a washed-out primer is far from rewarding, and snow blindness is a very real concern. Next up, the trim.

Training:
Feb 18: 46:56 w/ 5x5’ tempo (1’)
Feb 19: easy 39:14
Feb 20: day off (scheduled)
Feb 21: undulating long run 1:52:05

Weekly mileage: 5h01’01”, +/- 70k or 44 miles

Blos·som·ing

As I ran home late yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t help but notice the ubiquitous aroma from the flowering cherry blossoms. I started my jaunt along the waterfront, both the (rare) sunshine and Olympic Mountains to my right. As I reached Moss Street turning away from the Strait of Georgia, I traded the sun’s warmth for the welcomed refreshing fragrance that accompanies spring.

With my surgery healing well and a ticket to “lace up the shoes” only when ready, I proclaimed myself set. And so, like the slowly unfolding buds it was time to begin – (n) a period or condition of maximum development; (v) to develop; flourish.

After more than a week off I wasn’t sure what to make of my fitness, particularly having done only one workout since October. But being more eager than a thoroughbred in the gates, and with a few local races fast approaching I decided to fearlessly jump back in.

Ideally, I’d have run 400s on the track or marked intervals on the Lochside Trail but neither of those “preferences” were available. And so after a short warm-up, I ran the session on a very undulating route between Moss St. hill and the Cedar Hill Golf Course, loving every minute and with only one interrupted interval due to a traffic light.

I’m back, all I have to do now is sort out my season. Whether force of habit or genuine desire, I’d still like to squeeze in a marathon. But with baby #2 fast approaching, I think my enjoyment will be found through an inaugural summer track series and perhaps even a return to triathlon *whispered*.
.
Training:
Feb 08: day off (recovery)
Feb 09: day off (recovery)
Feb 10: day off (recovery)
Feb 11: day off (recovery)
Feb 12: day off (recovery)
Feb 13: day off (recovery)
Feb 14: day off (recovery)
Weekly mileage: 0h00’00”, +/- 0k or 0 miles
.
Feb 15: day off (recovery)
Feb 16: 1:01:35 w/ 12x80” (2’)
Feb 17: sluggish 41:11

Authenticity

“... the quality or condition of being authentic, trustworthy, or genuine”.
.

On a cool and dreary morning, where the line connecting the saturated mud and the waterlogged air was vague at best, I returned to the trails at Thetis Lake. Some have likened running through the rolling and unrefined terrain as attending “church”, yesterday had that effect. An opportunity to reflect, share and give thanks.

.

Here we were, Hicham, Carter and I, three thirty-something men, discussing the challenges and rewards brought upon by friendship, a new road to an uncertain future, and fast approaching parenthood. Where has the time gone? And to think ten years ago, you might have found us standing on a random beach with naught but speedos and a pair of goggles anticipating the start of a triathlon. I digress.
.

Much like our conversation, during the run I believe there were moments where we were lost, or certainly where we didn’t know where the path might take us. But with a quick smile, beta blockers and a sense of adventure what could go wrong? Some things never change and yesterday was no different; I repeatedly found myself following the heels of two humiliating bastards.

.

My running has gone well the last two weeks, bookended with a quality session on Friday and a fabulous long run on Sunday. The workout, my first in months, saw me cycle through some short and ever so sweet intervals: 7x (2’ (1’), 1’ (30”), 30”) (30”). My hamstring and achilles have never felt better.

.

Sadly, just as I’m beginning to build some momentum a wrinkle has crept up. I have to undergo surgery on my back tomorrow, nothing serious but I’ve been told to take it easy for a couple weeks. And here all I can think about is my return to running.

.
[photos: Maui 2009, my motivation]
.

Training:

Jan 25: easy 45:06
Jan 26: easy 36:58
Jan 27: easy 37:57
Jan 28: easy 53:26 w/ 8xstrides
Jan 29: easy 58:40
Jan 30: day off (scheduled)
Jan 31: steady 36:18
Weekly mileage: 4h28’25”, +/- 63k or 39 miles
.
Feb 01: easy 1:07:00 w/ 8xstrides
Feb 02: easy 35:05
Feb 03: easy 36:19 w/ 6xstrides
Feb 04: hilly 50:03
Feb 05: easy 58:25 w/ 7x(2’ (1’), 1’ (30”), 30”)(30”)
Feb 06: day off (scheduled)
Feb 07: hilly 1:46:28
Weekly mileage: 5h53’20”, +/- 83k or 52 miles

Alive and Kicking

For two days now, the lyrics from Simple Minds ‘Alive and Kicking’ have been quietly running through my head. I don’t recall hearing the song of late, nor can I attribute a recent event as the catalyst for the unending serenade. Still, the song invokes an enjoyable emotion and I thought the title (if nothing else) was reflective of my running.
.

The last three weeks have been busy to say the least. The stress gauge at work has been quietly climbing, and we (read I) started to renovate our basement. Unfortunately, I managed to put a nail through my foot, which affected my running for a day, but... we live and learn. In this case, proper footwear can never be overlooked.

.

So, between managing executive expectations at work, teaching myself to swing a hammer, and juggling the wants and needs of a young girl approaching two and her lovely (pregnant) mother… well, I’ve found, and subsequently made little time for myself to reflect on the joys of running.

.

Truth be told, I haven’t felt all that compelled to write about an easy jaunt to work or the equally uninspiring return trip. But, if I were to take just a few moments to do which I have neglected, I would certainly kick myself in the arse for not appreciating my health and the fact that I’m back logging the miles. My apathy is in stark contrast to Carter’s recent enjoyment, I’m just thankful I was along for the ride.

.

For inquiring minds who may want to follow the trials and tribulations of a former Olympic marathoner as he returns to the sport he loves, here is a link to my Bruce Deacon’s blog.

.

Training:

Jan 04: easy 39:47

Jan 05: day off (scheduled)

Jan 06: easy 39:24

Jan 07: easy 36:44

Jan 08: day off (scheduled)

Jan 09: day off (scheduled)

Jan 10: easy 1:04:49

Weekly mileage: 3h00’44”, +/- 42k or 26 miles

Jan 11: day off (scheduled)

Jan 12: easy 39:10

Jan 13: day off (unscheduled)

Jan 14: easy 39:26

Jan 15: easy 39:05

Jan 16: day off (scheduled)

Jan 17: easy 1:13:46

Weekly mileage: 3h11’27”, +/- 452k or 28 miles

Jan 18: easy 41:23

Jan 19: easy 51:49

Jan 20: easy 38:27

Jan 21: easy 1:03:43

Jan 22: steady 36:20

Jan 23: day off (scheduled)

Jan 24: sluggish 1:29:52

Weekly mileage: 5h21’34”, +/- 73k or 46 miles