Nature Park Pains

So I have yet to find a running partner, and have spent the last week wandering solo around Saint John. I thought about joining the Running Room group on Wednesday, but ended up jogging around my neighbourhood late at night instead (that's what happens when you procrastinate). I expcted my friend Peter would want to go out for an easy run when he arrived from Woodstock for a visit, but he wasn't feeling well, so I ended up taking the day off. So much for socializing.

My last two runs of the week took place at the Irving Nature Park. I did a lot of training for my last marathon in the park, and it has become my go-to place of choice whenever I need to churn out some mileage. The road is marked every 500 meters, which makes it easy to break down mentally, and the rolling hills keep you on your toes physically. Sure, the occasional speeding car can give you a moment or two of panic (who speeds through a nature park, anyway?), but other than that, it's pretty much a perfect place to run.

I wasn't loving it this week, however. I headed down on Thursday to knock off some repeat kilometers, and found myself getting slower with each successive repeat. I'd like to think the sun has something to do with my lagging energy - it was mighty hot out - but its still not good when your last repeat is thirty seconds slower than your first repeat. By the time I dragged myself out of the park, I was a mess.

Sunday wasn't much better. I went to the park for my long run, with the goal of completing at least three laps (four if I was feeling especially good). For some reason, however, my body didn't want to cooperate, and I almost quit before I finished one lap. My legs were dragging, my stomach was killing me, and I wasn't running particularly fast. Luckily, most of my discomforts disappared about forty minutes into the run, and I managed to pick up the pace for the last lap and a half. Still, my end time was a lot slower than I expected, which means I am not as fit as I first thought when I started training.

I hope my energy level and fitness improves this week. Otherwise, I might be in for an espcially long marathon.

Chuck is running Marathon By The Sea in support of the InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.