An Arizona Snowbird in training...

Today was my first official day of training for the 2008 Arizona Marathon. Yes it's a long way off but as I'm a goal oriented individual I wanted something I could focus on, something tangible, and well, we all have to start somewhere. It's all about the baby steps, just like I was telling a few clinic members on Saturday as I took them up a very abrupt hill, baby steps.

As I hopped out the door set on enjoying what is fast becoming a rarity this summer, the nice warm day, I was already thinking about this post. How I would share about my enjoyment of a casual jaunt, the first of many, and how I would dream, wonder, if they would all feel this good. Twenty-seven minutes later I was reminded that one should never count the chickens too early. The lethargy, fatigue and heaviness that crept into my legs might have stemmed from either of the graveyards I passed, but no, I don't think that was the case. Regardless, things can only get better, right?

Training: 35:42

[thanks for the title idea Carter]

215 North

If you haven't already done so, and I realize many of you probably haven't, check out the following site that my friend has put up, 215 North.

215 North is a web-based documentary project chronicling the life and training of select Canadian distance runners as they chase their dream of flying the Maple Leaf at the 2008 Olympic marathon in Beijing.

Currently, the site is following a good friend, Jim Finlayson and Steve Osaduik (another local Island runner) as they have just over one year to race faster than they ever have, to run faster than two hours fifteen minutes for 42.195 kilometers, to run at least 2:14:00 for a marathon, the minimum Canadian Olympic standard for the distance.

Inspiration

This weekend was ushered in on the coattails of an emotional hurricane, which leaves me now drained and with a nearly empty glass on Scotch by my side. Saturday afternoon and evening, Ally and I attended the very lavish wedding of her cousin Marcia but not before I managed to sneak away and run with the clinic early that morning.

My group and I met at a small coffee shop amidst the rural Saanich Peninsula where we wove our way along the better portions of the Lochside Trail, up pastoral Central Saanich, over Bear Hill, around the Lakes… taking us back to our cars. I was so impressed with the route that I’m going to have to retrace our steps soon by myself. Unfortunately, we lost a few brave souls on the run, Andrew who bailed early after falling twice and Heather.

After being away from my group for the last 4 weeks the progress they made in my absence has been amazing and I have every confidence that they will all succeed in reaching their individual goals come race day.

Although I didn’t run today, I did find some time to map put the next few months and I’ve tentatively scheduled the Arizona Marathon (in Phoenix) as my next big race. As I’m no longer working with Bruce, I had the luxury of playing around with a half dozen programs and a lot of experience and I’m eager to see where my new program takes me (rest assured that the program I made today will morph many a time in the next week).

On a sad note, Ally and I attended the funeral of her Godfather who passed away this week after battling cancer. I’m fortunate not to have attended too many funerals and so today’s ceremony was something that will leave a lasting impression with me. Listening to the friends and family speak of Graham was heartbreaking, comforting and yet could only inspire me to become a better person. But, judging from the hundreds in attendance I think he inspired more than just myself along his journey.

Thanks Graham.

Training:
Friday: 39:43 easy
Saturday: 2:00:05
Sunday: Day off

Short but sweet

After yesterdays epic 70’+ run, and having to whip up Island this evening to say goodbye to some relatives before they fly back to England, I decided to ease things back a bit and take it out for a short, leisurely jaunt.

Although it was short, I couldn’t help but notice the pace picked up, even if just subtly. Perhaps it was the benefit of last nights stretching, or the gentle tail wind on the finishing stretch, regardless, I felt good.

Concerning future races, I’ve narrowed it down to a list of around eight (not quite so narrow), and currently I’m leaning toward the Phoenix Marathon in mid-January. I've never been to Arizona and have heard good things about the city, course doesn't look overly arduous (looks like a semi-circle of the north side of the city) and the elevation starts at 1095' and plateaus between miles 12 & 18 (1230'), before falling to 1140'.

Have to run… cheers!

Training: 21:30 easy

Familiar faces and new acquaintances

Tonight I returned to the clinic for the first time since breaking my arm, almost four weeks ago now. It was great to see some familiar faces and catch up with new acquaintances. I would've thought at this stage in the program the Wednesday group would widdled down a little but it hadn't.

What impressed me the most though was the endurance and strength that every member of my half marathon group has gained. I'm not sure what this says about me not being there... probably has more to do with their effort and a solid program.

The workout this evening was 3x10' tempo (2'), and every loop finished within 5 ft. with the last one being the furthest; that sort of pacing is something I still haven't learnt.

My left achilles has been sore the last two days which I think is due to the sever lack of stretching on my part. I couldn't remember the last time I stretched, perhaps pre-Ottawa, but managed to remedy the situation this evening.

CIM... interesting?

Training: 1:10:46 easy

One guaranteed sorry backside...

Thinking my life, my running life to be more specific, would slip back into some sense of normalcy post-wedding appears to be wishful thinking. After a routine of irregular running due to my arm (which is still broken, more x-rays next week) and preparing for and recuperating from my wedding, my running, and perhaps rightfully so has taken a seat... as has lethargy and complacency, which have pulled up a footstool, turned on the tele and are content to watch reruns of Seinfeld.

In an effort to keep my legs moving (a little) and build up some stamina as I'm due to return to the clinic tomorrow, I've been trying to fit in a few easy runs between playing with my cousins from England, swimming in countless potholes holes and counting stars on my mothers porch (she lives atop a small mountain well outside the city limits). The last week has been fantastic! That said, as I operate countless times better when driven by a goal, I need to spend some time over the next few days, sooner rather than later for fear of hopelessness pulling up aside along the other two monkeys, and set out a plan for the next few months.

Unfortunately, after my honeymoon in September, I'll have little to no vacation left and I haven't been able to find a good local race to peak for in late fall/early winter. I could aim for the Stewart Mountain Cross Country 10 Miler in December but... well I've done that one before. Perhaps beggars shouldn't be choosers. Can anyone recommend a late fall (Nov/Dec) interesting (fast/character building/fun) race? Additionally, I do have the luxury of traveling on WestJet so larger Canadian cities are fair game. Any ideas?

Here's to tomorrows clinic and one guaranteed sorry backside...

Training:
Thursday: 21:31 easy
Friday: day off
Saturday: 33:11 easy
Sunday: day off
Monday: 40:26 easy
Tuesday: 50:42 easy

Just married…

I’m sitting here sipping the remnants of a great bottle of Leyva Agave Reposado that Carter left with me on my stag, silently reflecting on the whirlwind of events that have swept over me the last few days.

My arm is still recovering (I have more x-rays scheduled in two weeks) and I have been given the green light to run on the roads, although my doctor (and bride) probably wouldn’t have liked to learn of me trail running the morning of my wedding… or of me falling on my arm.

The fact that Rumon was with me is mere coincidence.

My training will continue to take a backseat for the remainder of the week until I have some time to revise my fall schedule (Boston is still on the cards for spring).

I’ve posted a few pictures from the wedding for the sentimental folk among us, but will refrain from going into literary detail save for a few brief words. The ceremony, reception, dinner and Celtic band went off without a hitch, were more enjoyable, and passed faster than I ever could’ve imagined.

Ally looked lovely!

Thank you to everyone who attended the wedding and made the event as wonderful as it was. Again, thank you to everyone who has extended words of congratulations, they’re much appreciated.

Until later then, cheers!

Training:
Thursday: 51:20 with 20’ tempo
Friday: 27:06 easy
Saturday: 1:06:51 easy (apart from falling, this time not Carter’s fault)
Sunday: day off
Monday: day off
Tuesday: 26:29 easy
Wednesday: 38:15 with Moneghetti fartlek, i.e., 2x90” (90”), 4x60” (60”), 4x30” (30”) and 4x15” (15”)