I'm a week removed from the marathon, and I am finally training again. Right now, my thoughts are set on the KV Challenge; I ran a PB on the course last year, and am looking forward to bettering my time this year. After that? I might take a crack at a 50k. One thing is for sure, I am not taking a lot of time off this winter. No need to get out of shape again.
I was thinking about doing a good, bad, and ugly column about Marathon By The Sea, but I really don't have anything bad or ugly to say about it. I don't think you could plan a better race course in Saint John (people have tried), and the start finish at the Lily Lake Pavilion is perfect. And let's not forget your bang for buck - for seventy dollars, I received a sweet running shirt, a massage, a huge post-race feed, and walked away with a $100 door prize (a Green Lee gift certificate) to boot. Making money at a race? I guess that makes me a professional runner!
However, the best part of the Marathon By The Sea was the overall vibe. Hundreds of smiling faces lined the course, each one more encouraging than the last. And while there were only seventy people participating in the full marathon, I rarely felt alone. I've run races around the East Coast, and there are very few runs in the region that can boast this kind of community support.
I've encountered the same sort of community support for the InterAction School of performing arts. My story appeared in both the Telegraph Journal and Here Newspaper, and I received over $1700.00 in donations through Action for InterAction alone. We still have a long way to go - getting into the church is just the first part of what looks to be five year campaign - but like the marathon, InterAction is going to take this project one step at a time. Launching classes in the fall (visit http://www.iactspa.com for full details) is only mile two - when InterAction crosses the finish line, the prize will be a world class performing arts facility in the heart of uptown Saint John.
Stay tuned for more updates - once I confirm my next marathon, I will start a new blog! Thanks again for reading!
Showing posts with label Chuck Teed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chuck Teed. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Marathon Recap
So Marathon By The Sea is officially behind us, and I am happy to note that I finished the run in one piece. Yes, my legs are hamburger, and I am pretty sure that I won't be walking normally for at least three days, but I was able to cross the finish line on my own two feet. The race took a little longer than expected - I finished in 4:07:40 - but all that time on the road gave me plenty of opportunities to take mental notes for the blog. Here are some highlights:
Pre-Race
I arrived at the Lily Lake Pavilion at 7:30AM and tried to get into marathon mode. Mentally, I wasn't prepared for the task ahead of me, and I was physically tired due to lack of sleep (pre-race jitters kept me up all night). Instead of focusing on my worries, however, I spent my time chatting with friends and fellow runners. Everyone was in good spirits, although more than a few people wondered how the heat would affect the race. I tried my best not to think about it as I made my way towards the starting line.
Miles 1-4
I started out conservatively, checking my body for lingering sore spots while dodging runners of all paces. Aside from some tightness in my quads, everything seems fine, so I was able to relax and enjoy my time on the road. I cracked jokes with my fellow runners, and greeted bystanders with a wave and a few words. So far, just a great day of running.
Miles 5-10
Mile 5 began with a splash - literally. My friends from the InterAction School of Performing Arts were manning the Thorne Avenue waterstop, and theatre head Kate Elman-Wilcott decided to greet me with a cup of water to the chest. I didn't need it at the time - it was still relatively cool out - but I could tell from the clear, sunny sky that it would warm up soon enough. I'm not exactly a hot weather runner - my lone summer marathon prior ended in heatstroke - so I silently hoped for some fog, or at least a little cloud cover.
That didn't happen. By the time I hit the Pumpkin Patch (mile seven) the sun was blazing above me, in full summer sizzler mode. With no fog in site, I knew it was only going to get worse.
Miles 11-17
The dreaded Lorneville section. Feared by men, hated by women, this six mile section is the last place you want to hit the wall, because there's nothing of note to keep your mind in the race. And with less than 80 people running the full marathon, your chances of buddying up with a fellow runner are slim at best. I ran the Lorneville portion of the course several times in training, and I can assure you that it is a long, lonely stretch of road.
Luckily, the marathon committee took this into account, because the entire section was filled with signs that you could read as you were plodding down the road. Inspirational quotes, random Saint John facts, and two part jokes (First sign: How do crazy runners go throught the forest? Second Sign: They take the psycho-path!) kept my mind distracted as the heat beat down on me. I was also treated to some great music by Steve Zaat, who entertained the runners in the middle of this desolate area. Thanks Steve!
I hit the turnaround feeling okay, but wondered how long that feeling would last. My trick knee started bugging me around 12 miles in, and my quads were really starting to ache. Instead of focusing on my discomfort, however, I decided to encourage the runners that had yet to make the turnaround. Eventually, I saw the Lorneville store in the distance, and I knew I was almost out of the woods. Less than ten miles to go.
Miles 18-20
This is where I started to fall apart. The heat started to get to me, and I hadn't increased my fluid intake to offset the sweat pouring from my body. My lack of training was also starting to take its toll; my quads finally seized up, and my right knee protested every step. I slowed dramatically, and my good nature was clouded over by a new 'get this finished' mentality.
I hit my low point right around mile 20. My head started swimming from the heat, and I completely lost focus, tripping over a sign on my way to the next water stop. The folks there talked to me, but I was in no mood to respond. Thinking I might have to quit, I stopped for an extended length of time, using the washroom and downing every drink that I could put my hands on. I also ate a banana, and soaked every exposed body part with sponges. Cooled down and hydrated, I continued on my way, hoping I could escape my running funk.
Mile 21-finish
While my speed remained slow (and it wasn't going to pick back up at this point - my legs were toast), my mood improved dramatically. Fog rolled in from the bay, and while it didn't make its way to the course, the cool breeze that accompanied it lifted my spirits. I rediscoved my ability to chat with my fellow marathoners (I started getting passed once I hit the wall), and I conversed cheerfully with the water stop volunteers. I was going to make it after all.
The last two miles were quite enjoyable, considering how fatigued I felt. I caught a little bit of Trip Lewis' performance (the band at the New Brunswick Museum), enjoyed some jelly beans on Wellesley Avenue, and soaked in the satisfaction of completing my last mile. With a final burst of energy I picked up the pace for the last 400 meters, and crossed the finish line with a smile on my face. I was done!
That being said, I am not quite done blogging. Expect one more update on my final fundraising totals, and some final thoughts on the Marathon and the InterAction School of Performing Arts!
Chuck is running the Marathon By The Sea in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Pre-Race
I arrived at the Lily Lake Pavilion at 7:30AM and tried to get into marathon mode. Mentally, I wasn't prepared for the task ahead of me, and I was physically tired due to lack of sleep (pre-race jitters kept me up all night). Instead of focusing on my worries, however, I spent my time chatting with friends and fellow runners. Everyone was in good spirits, although more than a few people wondered how the heat would affect the race. I tried my best not to think about it as I made my way towards the starting line.
Miles 1-4
I started out conservatively, checking my body for lingering sore spots while dodging runners of all paces. Aside from some tightness in my quads, everything seems fine, so I was able to relax and enjoy my time on the road. I cracked jokes with my fellow runners, and greeted bystanders with a wave and a few words. So far, just a great day of running.
Miles 5-10
Mile 5 began with a splash - literally. My friends from the InterAction School of Performing Arts were manning the Thorne Avenue waterstop, and theatre head Kate Elman-Wilcott decided to greet me with a cup of water to the chest. I didn't need it at the time - it was still relatively cool out - but I could tell from the clear, sunny sky that it would warm up soon enough. I'm not exactly a hot weather runner - my lone summer marathon prior ended in heatstroke - so I silently hoped for some fog, or at least a little cloud cover.
That didn't happen. By the time I hit the Pumpkin Patch (mile seven) the sun was blazing above me, in full summer sizzler mode. With no fog in site, I knew it was only going to get worse.
Miles 11-17
The dreaded Lorneville section. Feared by men, hated by women, this six mile section is the last place you want to hit the wall, because there's nothing of note to keep your mind in the race. And with less than 80 people running the full marathon, your chances of buddying up with a fellow runner are slim at best. I ran the Lorneville portion of the course several times in training, and I can assure you that it is a long, lonely stretch of road.
Luckily, the marathon committee took this into account, because the entire section was filled with signs that you could read as you were plodding down the road. Inspirational quotes, random Saint John facts, and two part jokes (First sign: How do crazy runners go throught the forest? Second Sign: They take the psycho-path!) kept my mind distracted as the heat beat down on me. I was also treated to some great music by Steve Zaat, who entertained the runners in the middle of this desolate area. Thanks Steve!
I hit the turnaround feeling okay, but wondered how long that feeling would last. My trick knee started bugging me around 12 miles in, and my quads were really starting to ache. Instead of focusing on my discomfort, however, I decided to encourage the runners that had yet to make the turnaround. Eventually, I saw the Lorneville store in the distance, and I knew I was almost out of the woods. Less than ten miles to go.
Miles 18-20
This is where I started to fall apart. The heat started to get to me, and I hadn't increased my fluid intake to offset the sweat pouring from my body. My lack of training was also starting to take its toll; my quads finally seized up, and my right knee protested every step. I slowed dramatically, and my good nature was clouded over by a new 'get this finished' mentality.
I hit my low point right around mile 20. My head started swimming from the heat, and I completely lost focus, tripping over a sign on my way to the next water stop. The folks there talked to me, but I was in no mood to respond. Thinking I might have to quit, I stopped for an extended length of time, using the washroom and downing every drink that I could put my hands on. I also ate a banana, and soaked every exposed body part with sponges. Cooled down and hydrated, I continued on my way, hoping I could escape my running funk.
Mile 21-finish
While my speed remained slow (and it wasn't going to pick back up at this point - my legs were toast), my mood improved dramatically. Fog rolled in from the bay, and while it didn't make its way to the course, the cool breeze that accompanied it lifted my spirits. I rediscoved my ability to chat with my fellow marathoners (I started getting passed once I hit the wall), and I conversed cheerfully with the water stop volunteers. I was going to make it after all.
The last two miles were quite enjoyable, considering how fatigued I felt. I caught a little bit of Trip Lewis' performance (the band at the New Brunswick Museum), enjoyed some jelly beans on Wellesley Avenue, and soaked in the satisfaction of completing my last mile. With a final burst of energy I picked up the pace for the last 400 meters, and crossed the finish line with a smile on my face. I was done!
That being said, I am not quite done blogging. Expect one more update on my final fundraising totals, and some final thoughts on the Marathon and the InterAction School of Performing Arts!
Chuck is running the Marathon By The Sea in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Pre-Marathon Thoughts
I toe the starting line in about nine hours (yes, I know I should be going to bed, but I'm not tired yet), and figured I should get in one last post before the race. I have several thoughts floating through my mind right now; perhaps if I share them with you now, I'll be more likely to remember them when the run gets tough tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
1) My goal is to finish - I am not in immaculate shape, nor am I mentally as sharp as I should be the day before a race. A Boston qualifying time isn't going to happen, nor is a PB, so there is no sense bolting out of the starting gate. I'm going to take my time and hold off the wall for as long as possible.
2) I am not in a race - Yes, there will be a winner of Marathon By The Sea, but it isn't going to be me. I am not going to let my competitive spirit get the best of me during the race, because it'll force me to work harder than I need to during the run. If people pass me (and they will), so be it.
3) I'm here to have fun - I enjoy running, and I enjoy supporting a good cause. No matter what happens tomorrow, I look forward to the adventure, and hope I can cross the finish line with a smile on my face.
There are plenty of other mental notes I am taking right now - wear sunscreen, don't forget your anti-chafing items, bring a change of clothes - but it's getting late and I need to get ready. Expect an update tomorrow, and wish me luck!
Chuck is running the Marathon By The Sea in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
1) My goal is to finish - I am not in immaculate shape, nor am I mentally as sharp as I should be the day before a race. A Boston qualifying time isn't going to happen, nor is a PB, so there is no sense bolting out of the starting gate. I'm going to take my time and hold off the wall for as long as possible.
2) I am not in a race - Yes, there will be a winner of Marathon By The Sea, but it isn't going to be me. I am not going to let my competitive spirit get the best of me during the race, because it'll force me to work harder than I need to during the run. If people pass me (and they will), so be it.
3) I'm here to have fun - I enjoy running, and I enjoy supporting a good cause. No matter what happens tomorrow, I look forward to the adventure, and hope I can cross the finish line with a smile on my face.
There are plenty of other mental notes I am taking right now - wear sunscreen, don't forget your anti-chafing items, bring a change of clothes - but it's getting late and I need to get ready. Expect an update tomorrow, and wish me luck!
Chuck is running the Marathon By The Sea in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Nature Park: The Revenge
If you have followed my last two blogs (this one and KV Challenger), you'll know I am a big fan of the Irving Nature Park. It's a short drive from my house, or a quick jog if I am feeling especially ambitious. I would guess that over 15 percent of my runs take place at the Nature Park, including many of my long runs. If I need to get the lead out of my legs and it's still light out, chances are you'll find me there.
My last run in the park, however, left me with a bum knee that took a week to heal, so I was eager to retrun to my place of injury and right some running wrongs. After a small but tasty meal of pasta and steamed veggies (cooked by yours truly), I changed into my running gear, hopped in the car, and ventured to the park. Time for some payback.
The gates were locked and the sunlight was fading as I entered the park. I jogged slowly around the barriers, monitoring my right knee in hopes that it wouldn't cause me any discomfort. This, of course, make me hypersensitive to every creak and moan on the right side of my body. I passed through the first kilometer pain free, but very slow. I picked it up for the second kilometer, but did not hold the pace, eventually settling into a slow groove that I figured would last until I exited the park.
That is, until I heard someone say, "Excuse me, do you have a cell phone?" I looked to my left and there was a young man in running gear, favouring his leg. Apparently, he twisted his ankle during his run (it was the size of a baseball; another unfortunate Nature Park victim), and was unable to walk to the exit. I couldn't help at that moment - I had no cell phone on me, and supporting him for three kilometers wasn't an option - but I figured that I could find someone with a cell phone once I left the park. I told him I'd do my best, and bolted for the exit.
Worries about my knee faded during those last three kilometers, as my increased pace did nothing to aggravate last week's injury. Sure, I wasn't breaking the sound barrier or anything, but I was running relatively hard without any hint of pain. Even the last downhill section, which I thought would give me grief, was no issue for my beat up body. I peeled out of the park in a little under 32 minutes, which, for an easy run, is pretty darn fast.
And, on a happy note for my injured friend, help was on the way upon my exit. The fire department arrive within minutes with keys to the park, and he was whisked away in no time at all. Hopefully it's just a sprain.
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
My last run in the park, however, left me with a bum knee that took a week to heal, so I was eager to retrun to my place of injury and right some running wrongs. After a small but tasty meal of pasta and steamed veggies (cooked by yours truly), I changed into my running gear, hopped in the car, and ventured to the park. Time for some payback.
The gates were locked and the sunlight was fading as I entered the park. I jogged slowly around the barriers, monitoring my right knee in hopes that it wouldn't cause me any discomfort. This, of course, make me hypersensitive to every creak and moan on the right side of my body. I passed through the first kilometer pain free, but very slow. I picked it up for the second kilometer, but did not hold the pace, eventually settling into a slow groove that I figured would last until I exited the park.
That is, until I heard someone say, "Excuse me, do you have a cell phone?" I looked to my left and there was a young man in running gear, favouring his leg. Apparently, he twisted his ankle during his run (it was the size of a baseball; another unfortunate Nature Park victim), and was unable to walk to the exit. I couldn't help at that moment - I had no cell phone on me, and supporting him for three kilometers wasn't an option - but I figured that I could find someone with a cell phone once I left the park. I told him I'd do my best, and bolted for the exit.
Worries about my knee faded during those last three kilometers, as my increased pace did nothing to aggravate last week's injury. Sure, I wasn't breaking the sound barrier or anything, but I was running relatively hard without any hint of pain. Even the last downhill section, which I thought would give me grief, was no issue for my beat up body. I peeled out of the park in a little under 32 minutes, which, for an easy run, is pretty darn fast.
And, on a happy note for my injured friend, help was on the way upon my exit. The fire department arrive within minutes with keys to the park, and he was whisked away in no time at all. Hopefully it's just a sprain.
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Back In The Saddle?
This is the least prepared I have ever been for a marathon. Since my 20 miler two weeks ago, I have only managed to run 30 kilometers. I was expecting to taper, not collapse, but that what happens when you get hit with a cold and an injury back-to-back. At this rate, I'll be lucky to walk to the starting line without seizing up.
The string of bad luck has forced me to reconsider my marathon goals. I thought that I might be able to pull off a 3:30 marathon, but now I think a 3:45 is more likely. In fact, I'll be happy with anything under four hours. I'm just going to take it one mile at a time, and hope I can still walk upon exiting Lorneville. The last thing I want to do is drop out of the race.
As for my knee, well, it's still in one piece. My first run since my disasterous Nature Park visit was relatively slow (26:40 for 5k), but aside from a couple of phantom pains, my knee wasn't an issue. I'm not sure how it will hold up over 26 miles, but it's probably too late to worry about it. All I can do is run the race and pray I don't fall apart.
Now that I've instilled my readers with a ton of confidence, I would like to note that I am still accepting donations. Lord knows I don't want to limp 26 miles without raising a few bucks, so if you see me on the streets over the next few days, throw me a dime or two.
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
The string of bad luck has forced me to reconsider my marathon goals. I thought that I might be able to pull off a 3:30 marathon, but now I think a 3:45 is more likely. In fact, I'll be happy with anything under four hours. I'm just going to take it one mile at a time, and hope I can still walk upon exiting Lorneville. The last thing I want to do is drop out of the race.
As for my knee, well, it's still in one piece. My first run since my disasterous Nature Park visit was relatively slow (26:40 for 5k), but aside from a couple of phantom pains, my knee wasn't an issue. I'm not sure how it will hold up over 26 miles, but it's probably too late to worry about it. All I can do is run the race and pray I don't fall apart.
Now that I've instilled my readers with a ton of confidence, I would like to note that I am still accepting donations. Lord knows I don't want to limp 26 miles without raising a few bucks, so if you see me on the streets over the next few days, throw me a dime or two.
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Too Much, Too Soon?
After six days o
f inactivity, I decided I was feeling healthy enough to get back into training mode. My first run - a lazy Sunday 5k in Nackawic - went surprisingly well, considering I spent the first kilometer hacking and coughing the last bit of cold out of my system. Sure, I felt a little stiff from the extended layoff, but all systems were go once my legs started moving and my lungs cleared up. I was back in the running business, baby.
Brimming with confidence, I scheduled my last long run for the next day. I made a date with the Irving Nature Park, and charged my trusty point and shoot in anticipation of some running photos. Inspired by Sacha Goldberger's project Before and After Shots of Joggers, I thought it would be interesting to take a picture of myself after each completed loop of the park. With five laps planned, I figured I would probably look quite exhausted by the time I finished, which would make for an interesting set of photos. Everyone likes looking at a trainwreck once in a while, don't they?
I arrived at the Nature Park early the next evening, looking a little worse for wear but feeling mentally ready for the task at hand. I took a quick self portrait to document the start of the run (top photo) and hit the trail. Running a little faster than expected, I cruised through the park, completing the loop in 33 minutes and change. With twenty perecnt of my run in the bag, I jogged to the car, hydrated, snapped my second picture (that handsome shot on the left), and continued on my merry way.
Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling very merry. I was struggling to maintain my pace (which was fine, as I probably ran the first lap a little fast), and was full of nagging doubts about my ability to finish five laps before dark. This feeling was compounded at kilometer ten by a hot spot on my right knee. It was a minor discomfort, but I wondered if it would become a problem later in the run. Mentally, I crossed my fingers, but physically, I wasn't so sure.
I finished the second loop in a little less than 35 minutes (right on target), and hit the car again, adding a quick stretch to my drink/photo routine. The sun was starting to fade in the sky, and a slight breeze chilled my sweaty body. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring any extra clothing, so I couldn't protect myself from the wind. Hoping non-stop activity would keep me warm, I started running again, shivering with cold and cursing my lack of layers.
At this point, my run totally fell apart. My knee discomfort quickly elevated to pain levels, and each hill made it worse. My pace slowed to a crawl, and I knew I wouldn't be able to finish five loops of the park in one piece. To make matter worse, I came to the decision in the middle of the park, which meant I had to finish the loop, pain or no pain. Focusing on form as best I could, I jogged, walked, and limped the last three kilometers, finishing the loop in 37 minutes and change. Considering my discomfort level, it wasn't bad, and I even remembered to take my last photo (see below) before leaving. Sweet.
What went wrong? I am not sure, but I think the lack of activity, coupled with the quick return to the long run, aggravated up my iliotibial band. I think a couple of days of rest, coupled with some ice and stretching might fix the problem, but I am seriously worried that it might affect my ability to race next Sunday. Hopefully I won't have to delay the marathon, but if I do, I'll let you all know, and soon.
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
f inactivity, I decided I was feeling healthy enough to get back into training mode. My first run - a lazy Sunday 5k in Nackawic - went surprisingly well, considering I spent the first kilometer hacking and coughing the last bit of cold out of my system. Sure, I felt a little stiff from the extended layoff, but all systems were go once my legs started moving and my lungs cleared up. I was back in the running business, baby.Brimming with confidence, I scheduled my last long run for the next day. I made a date with the Irving Nature Park, and charged my trusty point and shoot in anticipation of some running photos. Inspired by Sacha Goldberger's project Before and After Shots of Joggers, I thought it would be interesting to take a picture of myself after each completed loop of the park. With five laps planned, I figured I would probably look quite exhausted by the time I finished, which would make for an interesting set of photos. Everyone likes looking at a trainwreck once in a while, don't they?
I arrived at the Nature Park early the next evening, looking a little worse for wear but feeling mentally ready for the task at hand. I took a quick self portrait to document the start of the run (top photo) and hit the trail. Running a little faster than expected, I cruised through the park, completing the loop in 33 minutes and change. With twenty perecnt of my run in the bag, I jogged to the car, hydrated, snapped my second picture (that handsome shot on the left), and continued on my merry way.
Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling very merry. I was struggling to maintain my pace (which was fine, as I probably ran the first lap a little fast), and was full of nagging doubts about my ability to finish five laps before dark. This feeling was compounded at kilometer ten by a hot spot on my right knee. It was a minor discomfort, but I wondered if it would become a problem later in the run. Mentally, I crossed my fingers, but physically, I wasn't so sure.
I finished the second loop in a little less than 35 minutes (right on target), and hit the car again, adding a quick stretch to my drink/photo routine. The sun was starting to fade in the sky, and a slight breeze chilled my sweaty body. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring any extra clothing, so I couldn't protect myself from the wind. Hoping non-stop activity would keep me warm, I started running again, shivering with cold and cursing my lack of layers.
At this point, my run totally fell apart. My knee discomfort quickly elevated to pain levels, and each hill made it worse. My pace slowed to a crawl, and I knew I wouldn't be able to finish five loops of the park in one piece. To make matter worse, I came to the decision in the middle of the park, which meant I had to finish the loop, pain or no pain. Focusing on form as best I could, I jogged, walked, and limped the last three kilometers, finishing the loop in 37 minutes and change. Considering my discomfort level, it wasn't bad, and I even remembered to take my last photo (see below) before leaving. Sweet.
What went wrong? I am not sure, but I think the lack of activity, coupled with the quick return to the long run, aggravated up my iliotibial band. I think a couple of days of rest, coupled with some ice and stretching might fix the problem, but I am seriously worried that it might affect my ability to race next Sunday. Hopefully I won't have to delay the marathon, but if I do, I'll let you all know, and soon.
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Licence To Ill
I'm going to make this blog entry relatively short. After taking a rest day on Monday (well deserved after the 20 miler), I came down with a nasty illness that knocked me off of my sore feet. I've managed to drag my way through the week without missing a day of work, but haven't had the energy to go for a run. I'm starting to recover - my head is less congested and was finally blessed with a decent night of sleep - but I missed two speed sessions and am in no shape for a long run tomorrow. Ugh.
Right now, the plan is to adjust my schedule and delay my taper. If I can get my last long run in on Tuesday or Wednesday, I will still have ten or eleven days to cut back before the marathon. Considering I haven't exactly burned up the roads this week, my plan should be fine. I hope.
Until then, does anyone have any suggestions on how shake a nasty cough?
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Right now, the plan is to adjust my schedule and delay my taper. If I can get my last long run in on Tuesday or Wednesday, I will still have ten or eleven days to cut back before the marathon. Considering I haven't exactly burned up the roads this week, my plan should be fine. I hope.
Until then, does anyone have any suggestions on how shake a nasty cough?
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Feeling The Burn
So I am sitting in my house, my body itching all over due to the burn I gave myself today. I didn't even notice until I looked into the mirror a few hours after the run, and now my entire body feels like it is on fire.
How did it happen, you ask? Well, I wasn't bright enough to put sunscreen on before I left the house for my long run today. It was overcast and cold when I left, so I figured I safe to skip the sunscreen for the day. Of course, clouds do not protect you from UV rays, and now I am paying the price. Next time you see me outside in the sun, expect me to be exceedingly greasy.
Aside from the burn, my long run wasn't too bad. I initially planned to run five laps of the Nature Park, but the lack of a car forced me to run on the Marathon By The Sea route. It's probably a good thing; the course has a long lonely section in Lorneville that is physically easy but mentally taxing. If I can get used to running ten kilometers with nothing but open road and trees as my scenery, I might have a chance to get through the race unscathed.
The run started out slow, but picked up as I settled into my pace. I knew I was running a little too fast for my own good, but in true Garmin fashion, I couldn't force myself to slow down. Instead, I focused on holding the pace, and hoped it wouldn't hurt too bad when I started to seize up.
I entered the dreaded Lorneville section fifteen minutes ahead of schedule and tried to mentally break down each kilometer. It was harder than I though. The road seems to drag on forever, with nothing of note to disctract me from the task at hand. And there is no traffic to speak of; I saw three cyclists (hi Jim!) and a handful of cars during my fifty minutes in the trenches. Hopefully its a little more populated on marathon day.
I hit the turnaround, and was immediately walloped with a deceivingly strong headwind. Now my work was cut out for me. I continued at the same effort, but immediately lost five seconds on my next kilometer. Not a good sign. The next two kilometers were even slower, but I managed to stop the slide and continue at a decent pace until I left Lorneville.
Unfortunately, I was still eleven kilometers away from my house, and the combination of speed and distance was starting the catch up to me. My kilometer times bottomed out, and my form fell apart. On the plus side, my slow pace was actually my goal pace when I started the run, so as long as I could maintain my current pace until I reached the house, I wouldn't be in bad shape.
It almost didn't happen. I slowed to a near crawl with five kilometers left, and was forced to walk for about a minute shortly thereafter. Suprisingly, it did little to affect my overall pace, so I resolved to take a short walking break each kilometer. I don't usually walk during workouts, but it's a necessary evil if you're considering quiting mid-run.
Legs burning, and covered in sweat, I hit the home stretch and gingerly jogged the last 600 meters to my house, where I promptly drank every ounce of water I could find. Distance travelled: 32 Kilometers. Time: 2:51:17. Not my best run, but when you run twenty five minutes faster than you initially expect, you can't complain. One more long run to go, and I'll be as ready as I can be for Marathon By The Sea.
Now it's time to rub some aloe on my arms and chest. Expect another blog update by mid-week!
How did it happen, you ask? Well, I wasn't bright enough to put sunscreen on before I left the house for my long run today. It was overcast and cold when I left, so I figured I safe to skip the sunscreen for the day. Of course, clouds do not protect you from UV rays, and now I am paying the price. Next time you see me outside in the sun, expect me to be exceedingly greasy.
Aside from the burn, my long run wasn't too bad. I initially planned to run five laps of the Nature Park, but the lack of a car forced me to run on the Marathon By The Sea route. It's probably a good thing; the course has a long lonely section in Lorneville that is physically easy but mentally taxing. If I can get used to running ten kilometers with nothing but open road and trees as my scenery, I might have a chance to get through the race unscathed.
The run started out slow, but picked up as I settled into my pace. I knew I was running a little too fast for my own good, but in true Garmin fashion, I couldn't force myself to slow down. Instead, I focused on holding the pace, and hoped it wouldn't hurt too bad when I started to seize up.
I entered the dreaded Lorneville section fifteen minutes ahead of schedule and tried to mentally break down each kilometer. It was harder than I though. The road seems to drag on forever, with nothing of note to disctract me from the task at hand. And there is no traffic to speak of; I saw three cyclists (hi Jim!) and a handful of cars during my fifty minutes in the trenches. Hopefully its a little more populated on marathon day.
I hit the turnaround, and was immediately walloped with a deceivingly strong headwind. Now my work was cut out for me. I continued at the same effort, but immediately lost five seconds on my next kilometer. Not a good sign. The next two kilometers were even slower, but I managed to stop the slide and continue at a decent pace until I left Lorneville.
Unfortunately, I was still eleven kilometers away from my house, and the combination of speed and distance was starting the catch up to me. My kilometer times bottomed out, and my form fell apart. On the plus side, my slow pace was actually my goal pace when I started the run, so as long as I could maintain my current pace until I reached the house, I wouldn't be in bad shape.
It almost didn't happen. I slowed to a near crawl with five kilometers left, and was forced to walk for about a minute shortly thereafter. Suprisingly, it did little to affect my overall pace, so I resolved to take a short walking break each kilometer. I don't usually walk during workouts, but it's a necessary evil if you're considering quiting mid-run.
Legs burning, and covered in sweat, I hit the home stretch and gingerly jogged the last 600 meters to my house, where I promptly drank every ounce of water I could find. Distance travelled: 32 Kilometers. Time: 2:51:17. Not my best run, but when you run twenty five minutes faster than you initially expect, you can't complain. One more long run to go, and I'll be as ready as I can be for Marathon By The Sea.
Now it's time to rub some aloe on my arms and chest. Expect another blog update by mid-week!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
My New Friend Garmin
My wonderful wife Sarah gave me a Garmin Forerunner 310 XT as a wedding present, and I finally took it out of the package and tried it out this week. I have yet to access all of its features (it calculates pace, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and elevation gained/lost, among other things), but I can already tell that it's going to improve my workouts. How? Let me count the ways:
1) My average pace will increase - I'm a numbers guy, and as a numbers guy, I know how fast I should be able to run each kilometer, give or take a few seconds. If my easy pace becomes too easy, the Garmin will tell me immediately, which will force me to increase my efforts. Tonight's easy 5k was run much faster than usual because I was able to see when I was slowing down and adjust accordingly.
2) I will run further - I couldn't tell you how many times I dragged my feet during a 25 minute run and marked it down as a 5k. I guarantee that some of those runs were 4k at best, but I convinced myself ages ago that a five minute kilometer as about as slow as I could run, and have yet to shake that illusion. With the Garmin, a 5K run will actually be a 5k run, as the GPS will calculate the distance as I run.
3) I will run more often - I rarely write in my running diary, but I check my computer every day, and seeing an unused workout icon on my desktop will help spur me into action on lazy days. And, as a numbers junky, the pile of numbers that show up on my computer will lead to mileage goals that I'll inevitably try to hit. You might laugh, but it's true.
I'll stop before I become a spokesperson for the brand, but I have to admit the Garmin is a fun little gadget for people who like to keep track of their workouts. That being said, the only way I'll truly get better is if I am training diligently, so I will log off now and get another workout in before my behind becomes permanently attached to my computer chair.
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.
1) My average pace will increase - I'm a numbers guy, and as a numbers guy, I know how fast I should be able to run each kilometer, give or take a few seconds. If my easy pace becomes too easy, the Garmin will tell me immediately, which will force me to increase my efforts. Tonight's easy 5k was run much faster than usual because I was able to see when I was slowing down and adjust accordingly.
2) I will run further - I couldn't tell you how many times I dragged my feet during a 25 minute run and marked it down as a 5k. I guarantee that some of those runs were 4k at best, but I convinced myself ages ago that a five minute kilometer as about as slow as I could run, and have yet to shake that illusion. With the Garmin, a 5K run will actually be a 5k run, as the GPS will calculate the distance as I run.
3) I will run more often - I rarely write in my running diary, but I check my computer every day, and seeing an unused workout icon on my desktop will help spur me into action on lazy days. And, as a numbers junky, the pile of numbers that show up on my computer will lead to mileage goals that I'll inevitably try to hit. You might laugh, but it's true.
I'll stop before I become a spokesperson for the brand, but I have to admit the Garmin is a fun little gadget for people who like to keep track of their workouts. That being said, the only way I'll truly get better is if I am training diligently, so I will log off now and get another workout in before my behind becomes permanently attached to my computer chair.
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.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Heating Up The Road
I am not a warm weather fan, at least when it comes to running. Some of my worst runs have occured during the dog days of summer, including a confirmed case of heat stroke during the 2001 Marathon By The Sea. I managed to finish the race, but couldn't keep anything down for the rest of the day, and felt like garbage the rest of the week. Will I repeat this amazing feat ten years later? I certainly hope not.
Memories of 2001 lingered in my mind during my 16 mile run on Sunday. The sun was blazing in the sky, and I was running the same course that gave me so much trouble ten years ago. I started off conservatively in an attempt to save some energy for late in the run, slowing down at one point to take a gander at an improptu Simms Corner yard sale. Good thing I didn't spot any old Nintendo games (drop me a line if you have any you want to part with), otherwise I would have quit less than ten minutes into my workout.
With video games out of my mind, I tried to focus on the task at hand. Unfortuately, all I could think about was the heat. I was dripping with sweat, and my running shirt (why I didn't wear a singlet was beyond me) was soaked and chafing my skin. While I wasn't quite boiling, as one cyclist noted about six miles into the run, I wasn't exactly feelin top notch, either.
Luckily, a light breeze cooled me off a bit, and I hit the eight mile turnaround in pretty decent shape. I wasn`t running particularly fast - about a minute slower than my best long runs last year - but I knew that, barring disaster, I would finish in one piece.
That didn't mean that I would finish comfortably. My shorts started to chafe with about six miles to go, and started becoming an issue five kilometers from my house. It didn't matter how much adjusting I did - and I did a lot, sadly - I couldn't stop my shorts from rubbing my legs raw. Remind me to wear a better outfit for my next long run, okay?
I forged ahead despite the comfort, and landed back at my house before I hit any sort of physical or mental wall. Considering the run was about four miles longer than my best effort, I won't complain. At least not until my legs start aching, that is.
Memories of 2001 lingered in my mind during my 16 mile run on Sunday. The sun was blazing in the sky, and I was running the same course that gave me so much trouble ten years ago. I started off conservatively in an attempt to save some energy for late in the run, slowing down at one point to take a gander at an improptu Simms Corner yard sale. Good thing I didn't spot any old Nintendo games (drop me a line if you have any you want to part with), otherwise I would have quit less than ten minutes into my workout.
With video games out of my mind, I tried to focus on the task at hand. Unfortuately, all I could think about was the heat. I was dripping with sweat, and my running shirt (why I didn't wear a singlet was beyond me) was soaked and chafing my skin. While I wasn't quite boiling, as one cyclist noted about six miles into the run, I wasn't exactly feelin top notch, either.
Luckily, a light breeze cooled me off a bit, and I hit the eight mile turnaround in pretty decent shape. I wasn`t running particularly fast - about a minute slower than my best long runs last year - but I knew that, barring disaster, I would finish in one piece.
That didn't mean that I would finish comfortably. My shorts started to chafe with about six miles to go, and started becoming an issue five kilometers from my house. It didn't matter how much adjusting I did - and I did a lot, sadly - I couldn't stop my shorts from rubbing my legs raw. Remind me to wear a better outfit for my next long run, okay?
I forged ahead despite the comfort, and landed back at my house before I hit any sort of physical or mental wall. Considering the run was about four miles longer than my best effort, I won't complain. At least not until my legs start aching, that is.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Late Night Loops, Rallying The Troops
Today was one of those days where I should have stayed in bed. I woke up late to the phone ringing, only to find bad, expensive news on the other end. I weighed myself for the first time in ages, and was pleased to note that I am fifteen pounds heavier than I was when I completed my last marathon. I also realized I am a full month behind in my training, which means I have to increase my workload drastically in the next three week or face skipping my taper. Yikes.
If you're like me, your mental state can positively or negatively impact your training. When I am feeling aggressive, competitive, or focused, I can usually count on having a decent run. When I am depressed - and today bordered on depression - I have a hard time dragging myself out of the house, let alone running at my full potential. So, instead of getting my run out of the way early as planned, I sat in the house, picked away at my daily to-do list (it was more of a didn't do list today), and felt sorry for myself.
By the time I was up for a run it was nearly 11:00PM. I almost put it off until the morning, but I didn't think it would actually happen, so I laced up my sneakers and headed out into the dark.
As this was a speedwork day, I decided that I should try out the loop in front of my house. After a short warmup session, I hit the timer and started peeling off 400 meter loops. I haven't run too many fast 400s this year, so I didn't know what to expect. I went out hard for the first loop - it was easy to do, as it started out downhill - and finished about eight second faster than I planned. For a guy fifteen pounds heavier than he'd like to be, that's not bad.
I was pretty sure I wasn't going to be able to maintain that pace, but it wasn't going to stop me from trying. I held my pace for the second repeat, and was a little less than a second slower for the third. The wheels started to fall off for the next couple of repeats, but I reined the times back in by focusing on my form. I ran seven loops total, and the difference between my slowest loop and fastest loop was only three seconds. Very good effort, if I must say so myself.
Tomorrow is a rest day, but I will be back with a vengeance this weekend. With only four weeks before the big day, I will need to increase my mileage and lose some weight in a hurry. Wish me luck!
Fundraising update: I will be announcing some new sponsors/donations shortly, and a group of nordic walkers are signing up for the half marathon to help raise funds for the InterAction School of Performing Arts. Here's a note from the group:
Marilyn Inch, from Interaction’s Board of Directors, met with her old Nordic Walking group tonight. They meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 at Daytripping in the Lily Lake Pavilion and go on group walks to help keep them motivated. With Marathon by the Sea fast approaching, they are thick into their training program to meet their Half Marathon goals. Many of them have participated in numerous Half Marathons since beginning Nordic Walking. They took up the sport thinking they could never complete such a challenge but have since proven to themselves that they CAN do it with the proper 12 week training program and the continuous motivation of Daytripping owner, Yennah Hurley.
Now that Marilyn has told the group about Action for Interaction, the group is jumping on board to help raise funds for the performing arts school by getting pledges from their families, neighbours and co-workers. One woman said that asking for sponsors would cement her commitment to actually completing her first Half Marathon where she was sitting on the fence up to this point.
For more information about Nordic Walking in Saint John, check out Daytripping’s website http://www.daytrippingnb.com/home.html.
If anyone else wants to raise funds on behalf of the InterAction School of Performing Arts, please drop me a line and I'll let you know how you can get involved!
If you're like me, your mental state can positively or negatively impact your training. When I am feeling aggressive, competitive, or focused, I can usually count on having a decent run. When I am depressed - and today bordered on depression - I have a hard time dragging myself out of the house, let alone running at my full potential. So, instead of getting my run out of the way early as planned, I sat in the house, picked away at my daily to-do list (it was more of a didn't do list today), and felt sorry for myself.
By the time I was up for a run it was nearly 11:00PM. I almost put it off until the morning, but I didn't think it would actually happen, so I laced up my sneakers and headed out into the dark.
As this was a speedwork day, I decided that I should try out the loop in front of my house. After a short warmup session, I hit the timer and started peeling off 400 meter loops. I haven't run too many fast 400s this year, so I didn't know what to expect. I went out hard for the first loop - it was easy to do, as it started out downhill - and finished about eight second faster than I planned. For a guy fifteen pounds heavier than he'd like to be, that's not bad.
I was pretty sure I wasn't going to be able to maintain that pace, but it wasn't going to stop me from trying. I held my pace for the second repeat, and was a little less than a second slower for the third. The wheels started to fall off for the next couple of repeats, but I reined the times back in by focusing on my form. I ran seven loops total, and the difference between my slowest loop and fastest loop was only three seconds. Very good effort, if I must say so myself.
Tomorrow is a rest day, but I will be back with a vengeance this weekend. With only four weeks before the big day, I will need to increase my mileage and lose some weight in a hurry. Wish me luck!
Fundraising update: I will be announcing some new sponsors/donations shortly, and a group of nordic walkers are signing up for the half marathon to help raise funds for the InterAction School of Performing Arts. Here's a note from the group:
Marilyn Inch, from Interaction’s Board of Directors, met with her old Nordic Walking group tonight. They meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 at Daytripping in the Lily Lake Pavilion and go on group walks to help keep them motivated. With Marathon by the Sea fast approaching, they are thick into their training program to meet their Half Marathon goals. Many of them have participated in numerous Half Marathons since beginning Nordic Walking. They took up the sport thinking they could never complete such a challenge but have since proven to themselves that they CAN do it with the proper 12 week training program and the continuous motivation of Daytripping owner, Yennah Hurley.
Now that Marilyn has told the group about Action for Interaction, the group is jumping on board to help raise funds for the performing arts school by getting pledges from their families, neighbours and co-workers. One woman said that asking for sponsors would cement her commitment to actually completing her first Half Marathon where she was sitting on the fence up to this point.
For more information about Nordic Walking in Saint John, check out Daytripping’s website http://www.daytrippingnb.com/home.html.
If anyone else wants to raise funds on behalf of the InterAction School of Performing Arts, please drop me a line and I'll let you know how you can get involved!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Getting Loopy
Fundraising update: Cash is slowly trickling in for my fundraiser, but it should pick up soon enough (I have faith in you, my friends). I have an all-ages show taking place at the Germain Street Baptist Church (our future home) July 22, featuring high school heroes Trip Lewis, The Exemptions, and Learning. Minimum donation is five dollars, so spread the word to your teenaged friends and come enjoy a night of great music!
Ok, back to the blog. I wasn't feeling great about my fitness level after my run on Sunday, and resolved to add other activities to my workout regimen. Today I included some warmup running exercises to my routine, and tomorrow I will attack my abs for the first time in ages. I doubt I'll see an immediate improvement in my times, but I should notice a difference in my form, which will hopefully ward off injury and increase my comfort level during those long Sunday runs.
My workout today included four 800 meter repeats (my online distance calculator thinks the loop is closer to 900 meters, but it's close enough for me), with a 400 meter run included for good measure. Thinking it was colder than it actually was, I left the house in a long sleeve shirt, which quickly became drenched in the humid West Side air. Cursing my decision, I jogged to my workout spot in a negative mindframe, and contemplated turning around and going home. Shaking off the thought, I resolved to finish at least three quarters of my planned workout. I tentatively started my first repeat, feeling every ache and pain in my body and I completed the loop.
Running a little slower than expected (the extra 100 meters probably had something to do with it), I decided to focus my forum during the second repeat. As I mulled this over, a city works crew showed up and opened a fire hydrant nearby. The mist blew my way, refreshing me as I started the second lap. Feeling slightly better, I picked up the pace and managed to knocked a couple of seconds off my time. Better yet, the aches that nagged me during my first repeat vanished, allowing me to focus on the task at hand. This run was getting better by the minute.
My third repeat wasn't amazing - a car and its passangers blocked my original path, forcing me to run a wide turn to avoid it and some nasty looking puddles - yet I still managed to maintain my pace. I decided to go all out on the my last loop, and knocked an extra second off my time, despite my fatigue. Excellent!
Feeling inspired, I decided to jog home and try loop out a neighbourhood loop that ended in front of my house. Starting my watch, I ran quickly and efficiently, and finished stronger than expected. Noting that my finish time, I checked my online calculator, thinking it would be close to a 400 meter effort. Low and behold, it was 400 meters on the button. I guess I won't have to travel too far for my next workout, eh?
I'd love to stay and chat some more, but it's getting late. If all goes well I'll find a group to run with tomorrow, or at least a new route to shake things up a bit. Wish me luck!
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.
Ok, back to the blog. I wasn't feeling great about my fitness level after my run on Sunday, and resolved to add other activities to my workout regimen. Today I included some warmup running exercises to my routine, and tomorrow I will attack my abs for the first time in ages. I doubt I'll see an immediate improvement in my times, but I should notice a difference in my form, which will hopefully ward off injury and increase my comfort level during those long Sunday runs.
My workout today included four 800 meter repeats (my online distance calculator thinks the loop is closer to 900 meters, but it's close enough for me), with a 400 meter run included for good measure. Thinking it was colder than it actually was, I left the house in a long sleeve shirt, which quickly became drenched in the humid West Side air. Cursing my decision, I jogged to my workout spot in a negative mindframe, and contemplated turning around and going home. Shaking off the thought, I resolved to finish at least three quarters of my planned workout. I tentatively started my first repeat, feeling every ache and pain in my body and I completed the loop.
Running a little slower than expected (the extra 100 meters probably had something to do with it), I decided to focus my forum during the second repeat. As I mulled this over, a city works crew showed up and opened a fire hydrant nearby. The mist blew my way, refreshing me as I started the second lap. Feeling slightly better, I picked up the pace and managed to knocked a couple of seconds off my time. Better yet, the aches that nagged me during my first repeat vanished, allowing me to focus on the task at hand. This run was getting better by the minute.
My third repeat wasn't amazing - a car and its passangers blocked my original path, forcing me to run a wide turn to avoid it and some nasty looking puddles - yet I still managed to maintain my pace. I decided to go all out on the my last loop, and knocked an extra second off my time, despite my fatigue. Excellent!
Feeling inspired, I decided to jog home and try loop out a neighbourhood loop that ended in front of my house. Starting my watch, I ran quickly and efficiently, and finished stronger than expected. Noting that my finish time, I checked my online calculator, thinking it would be close to a 400 meter effort. Low and behold, it was 400 meters on the button. I guess I won't have to travel too far for my next workout, eh?
I'd love to stay and chat some more, but it's getting late. If all goes well I'll find a group to run with tomorrow, or at least a new route to shake things up a bit. Wish me luck!
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.
Monday, July 11, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Dog Days
So I went to the doctor today, and was given penicillin for my sore throat/left side of face. I'm not exactly sure what the official diagnosis was - I was in and out in less than two minutes - but it didn't seem too serious, and all signs point to a quick recovery. Good thing too, because I can't afford to miss any workouts due to illness.
Speaking of workouts, today's running included over four kilometers worth of speed work. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but I need to bring up my mileage before I attempt anything major at the track. Besides, I have another speed session planned for Thursday, so there's no need to overdo it. Not yet, at least.
My date with the track consisted of 5 repeats: 1600, 1200, 800, 400, 200. Each repeat is supposed to be faster than the last, with a reduced rest time between each repeat in order to maintain the effort. Based on my times from last year, here's how I expected each repeat to go down:
1600 - 6:20 or less
1200 - 4:45 or less
800 - 3:10 or less
400 - 1:30 or less
200 - sub 0:40
After a quick warmup, I started my session. I was moving fast - much quicker than planned, actually - when suddenly I caught a dog charging at me from the corner of my eye. I turned to assess the situation, and noticed that the little guy was carrying a frisbee in his mouth, which meant he was no harm to me.
Or so I thought. As soon as I turned my attention back to the track, the little bugger bounded up behind me, clipping my heels with the frisbee. The dog's owner managed to reel him in after 50 meters of chasing, but as soon as I came around the bend for the next lap, Lassie (well, he looked like a Lassie to me) clipped my heels again. I'll take a frisbee to the leg over a set of teeth any day, but it was still annoying at best.
Despite the Lassie's best efforts, I managed to run the mile in 6:08. As I was resting, he bounded over to me, frisbee in mouth, ready for round two. I was tempted to give in and play a game of fetch with him, but I needed to focus on the task at hand. Besides, I didn't want to encourage him when I started up again.
Turns out I didn't need to. Lassie followed me around for my entire workout, oblivious to his master's protests. I'm not sure if he inspired me to greatness - I did pick up the pace whenever he drew close to avoid the inevitable frisbee to the heel - but I ran my repeats much faster than expected. Maybe I should invite him to all of my workouts.
I don't have any concrete plans for tomorrow - it's an easy day, according to my calendar - but I would definitely enjoy a group run. I might hit up the Running Room, or I might go back to the track and see if Lassie runs with a pack. Either way, running solo is getting a little old.
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Speaking of workouts, today's running included over four kilometers worth of speed work. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but I need to bring up my mileage before I attempt anything major at the track. Besides, I have another speed session planned for Thursday, so there's no need to overdo it. Not yet, at least.
My date with the track consisted of 5 repeats: 1600, 1200, 800, 400, 200. Each repeat is supposed to be faster than the last, with a reduced rest time between each repeat in order to maintain the effort. Based on my times from last year, here's how I expected each repeat to go down:
1600 - 6:20 or less
1200 - 4:45 or less
800 - 3:10 or less
400 - 1:30 or less
200 - sub 0:40
After a quick warmup, I started my session. I was moving fast - much quicker than planned, actually - when suddenly I caught a dog charging at me from the corner of my eye. I turned to assess the situation, and noticed that the little guy was carrying a frisbee in his mouth, which meant he was no harm to me.
Or so I thought. As soon as I turned my attention back to the track, the little bugger bounded up behind me, clipping my heels with the frisbee. The dog's owner managed to reel him in after 50 meters of chasing, but as soon as I came around the bend for the next lap, Lassie (well, he looked like a Lassie to me) clipped my heels again. I'll take a frisbee to the leg over a set of teeth any day, but it was still annoying at best.
Despite the Lassie's best efforts, I managed to run the mile in 6:08. As I was resting, he bounded over to me, frisbee in mouth, ready for round two. I was tempted to give in and play a game of fetch with him, but I needed to focus on the task at hand. Besides, I didn't want to encourage him when I started up again.
Turns out I didn't need to. Lassie followed me around for my entire workout, oblivious to his master's protests. I'm not sure if he inspired me to greatness - I did pick up the pace whenever he drew close to avoid the inevitable frisbee to the heel - but I ran my repeats much faster than expected. Maybe I should invite him to all of my workouts.
I don't have any concrete plans for tomorrow - it's an easy day, according to my calendar - but I would definitely enjoy a group run. I might hit up the Running Room, or I might go back to the track and see if Lassie runs with a pack. Either way, running solo is getting a little old.
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
(Not So) Long Run
If you read yesterday's blog, you know that I went to bed feeling ill, and woke up feeling worse. Thinking a little extra rest might cure my ailments, I added a couple of hours to my regular sleep routine, but it didn't take. The left side of my neck throbbed, an uncomfortable lump sat in the back of my throat, and my left ear felt congested. Not exactly the picture of health.
I spent the afternoon on the couch, contemplating my options. I could take a rest day and push back the long run, or forge ahead as planned. I also watched a baseball game, watched countless videos on YouTube, and mulled over the financial prospects of becoming a retro video game expert. By the time I decided that I would attempt a long run, it was too late; I had to leave for a birthday party. Oops.
I returned to the house around 9:00PM, full of cake and guilt. I didn't want to run anymore, but I also knew that taking the day off was an absolute no-no. Uninspired, I grabbed my running outfit and jogged into the twilight.
Getting out of the house is always my biggest obstacle. Once I start running, everything usually falls into place, and I can settle into a relatively comfortable rhythm with ease. Sure, I have the odd run where I scuff my shoes along the ground for forty-five minutes, but they are thankfully few and far between.
Tonight was no different. I felt like garbage for about five minutes, but once I hit Lancaster Avenue my mood picked up and I allowed myself some time to enjoy the scenery. Saint John's West Side has some beautiful houses and buildings, and I took them all in while analyzing the terrain. You see, a large chunk of Marathon By The Sea takes place on the West Side, and I want to check out as much of the course as possible before the big day.
The section I ran tonight - Main Street and Manawagonish Road - was relatively tame. There are a few hills, but they are small by Saint John standards, and it's a well travelled area, so there is plenty to keep my attention during the race. I ran four miles of the course - it was all I could handle tonight, really - then turned around and headed home. I was spent.
All told, I ran a little over ten miles in about an hour and a half. It wasn't my best effort, and about three miles less than I should have ran today, but considering I almost didn't run at all, I'll take it. Maybe I'll attempt a mid week 20k if my health improves.
Fundraising update: I received my first two donations, and have added a new page to the blog to thank everyone that donates money to the InterAction School of Performing Arts. If you (or your business) wants to support the school, please drop me a line at kvchallenger@gmail.com or click this link!
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
I spent the afternoon on the couch, contemplating my options. I could take a rest day and push back the long run, or forge ahead as planned. I also watched a baseball game, watched countless videos on YouTube, and mulled over the financial prospects of becoming a retro video game expert. By the time I decided that I would attempt a long run, it was too late; I had to leave for a birthday party. Oops.
I returned to the house around 9:00PM, full of cake and guilt. I didn't want to run anymore, but I also knew that taking the day off was an absolute no-no. Uninspired, I grabbed my running outfit and jogged into the twilight.
Getting out of the house is always my biggest obstacle. Once I start running, everything usually falls into place, and I can settle into a relatively comfortable rhythm with ease. Sure, I have the odd run where I scuff my shoes along the ground for forty-five minutes, but they are thankfully few and far between.
Tonight was no different. I felt like garbage for about five minutes, but once I hit Lancaster Avenue my mood picked up and I allowed myself some time to enjoy the scenery. Saint John's West Side has some beautiful houses and buildings, and I took them all in while analyzing the terrain. You see, a large chunk of Marathon By The Sea takes place on the West Side, and I want to check out as much of the course as possible before the big day.
The section I ran tonight - Main Street and Manawagonish Road - was relatively tame. There are a few hills, but they are small by Saint John standards, and it's a well travelled area, so there is plenty to keep my attention during the race. I ran four miles of the course - it was all I could handle tonight, really - then turned around and headed home. I was spent.
All told, I ran a little over ten miles in about an hour and a half. It wasn't my best effort, and about three miles less than I should have ran today, but considering I almost didn't run at all, I'll take it. Maybe I'll attempt a mid week 20k if my health improves.
Fundraising update: I received my first two donations, and have added a new page to the blog to thank everyone that donates money to the InterAction School of Performing Arts. If you (or your business) wants to support the school, please drop me a line at kvchallenger@gmail.com or click this link!
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Wandering West
It's the night before my first long run, and I can't sleep. My throat is bugging me, and I feel like I might be coming down with a cold. I really hope I'm not, because I can't afford too many off days between now and August 14. Anyone have any inexpensive home rememdies they want to share with me, just in case?
I almost hope I have a cold coming on, because that would explain why I haven't been too eager to hit the road this week. I've delayed every run since my Tuesday speed session, and almost didn't make it out the door today because I put it off too long. When I finally ventured outside, I wasn't inspired to explore new territory, and instead wandered aimlessly around Fundy Heights until I filled the alloted time I thought necessary. Not exactly the momentum I anticipated when I took up this challenge, let me tell you.
While being run down has something to do with my general malaise, I might also need to change up my routes. Right now, all of my regular runs feel mundane, and I am out of interesting options. The only way to spice this is up is to invite other people to run with me, or drive to a different part of town for my runs.
If all goes well, things will pick up next week. My friend Peter Cullen arrives in town on Tuesday, and, if he's feeling up for it, I will introduce him to my neighbourhood through a series of rave runs. It will get me out of the house for my easy runs, and make the neighbourhood seem a little more interesting, if only for a few days.
Update: Sore throat is now accompanied by a sore ear and a stiff neck. Not good. Any online doctors want to suggest a diagnosis?
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
I almost hope I have a cold coming on, because that would explain why I haven't been too eager to hit the road this week. I've delayed every run since my Tuesday speed session, and almost didn't make it out the door today because I put it off too long. When I finally ventured outside, I wasn't inspired to explore new territory, and instead wandered aimlessly around Fundy Heights until I filled the alloted time I thought necessary. Not exactly the momentum I anticipated when I took up this challenge, let me tell you.
While being run down has something to do with my general malaise, I might also need to change up my routes. Right now, all of my regular runs feel mundane, and I am out of interesting options. The only way to spice this is up is to invite other people to run with me, or drive to a different part of town for my runs.
If all goes well, things will pick up next week. My friend Peter Cullen arrives in town on Tuesday, and, if he's feeling up for it, I will introduce him to my neighbourhood through a series of rave runs. It will get me out of the house for my easy runs, and make the neighbourhood seem a little more interesting, if only for a few days.
Update: Sore throat is now accompanied by a sore ear and a stiff neck. Not good. Any online doctors want to suggest a diagnosis?
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Speed Surprise
Before I begin, I'll be perfectly honest: I am not starting from scratch with my training. You see, I recently tied the knot (to CBC`s lovely and talented reporter Sarah Trainor), and worked out for a solid three weeks so I would look good in my tux. My training plan, if you would call it that, consisted of painful two hour runs that barely progressed beyond a slow crawl. I saw some improvements in my physical appearance in the days leading up to the wedding, but I would have looked even better had I done anything besides eat from December to April. Oh well.
While the long runs didn`t firm up my abs, they did provide me a base from which to start my marathon training. At least that`s what I hoped when I laced up my shoes and headed down the street for a quick speed session. I hadn`t planned an extensive workout - about three kilometers worth of speed work, and six kilometers total running - but I worried that the extensive winter layoff, coupled with the extra twenty pounds around my waist, would result in a really painful evening.
I started the speed portion of my workout with an 800 meter loop. I expected I would finish in three minutes, so I was very surprised when I crossed the finish line in 2:50. Thinking I probably ran too fast, I started my 400 meter run conservatively, but still managed to finish in a minute and a half. So far so good.
The third leg of the run - a one kilometer loop - was tough. I started out strong, but struggled with my form around the halfway point. The small inclines in the course burned my calves, and I mentally battled the urge to slow down for the last 400 meters. Therefore, I was very pleased to run the loop in less than four minutes. Brimming with confidence, I polished off my last leg - 600 meters - in two minutes flat.
Overall, my times are slower than they were last year, but they aren`t that much slower. Give it a few weeks and I might be able to match or better my best times from 2010. I`m not sure how it will translate in a full marathon, but I imagine it will save me from slowly shuffling for twenty six miles in August. At least I hope it will.
Donation Update: I haven`t checked to see if I have received any donations yet, but I plan on thanking everyone that donates on this website. If you would like your name (or that name of your company) forever immortalized in blog form, please send me your donations (and don`t forget to write Action for InterAction in the message box so I know to thank you)!
While the long runs didn`t firm up my abs, they did provide me a base from which to start my marathon training. At least that`s what I hoped when I laced up my shoes and headed down the street for a quick speed session. I hadn`t planned an extensive workout - about three kilometers worth of speed work, and six kilometers total running - but I worried that the extensive winter layoff, coupled with the extra twenty pounds around my waist, would result in a really painful evening.
I started the speed portion of my workout with an 800 meter loop. I expected I would finish in three minutes, so I was very surprised when I crossed the finish line in 2:50. Thinking I probably ran too fast, I started my 400 meter run conservatively, but still managed to finish in a minute and a half. So far so good.
The third leg of the run - a one kilometer loop - was tough. I started out strong, but struggled with my form around the halfway point. The small inclines in the course burned my calves, and I mentally battled the urge to slow down for the last 400 meters. Therefore, I was very pleased to run the loop in less than four minutes. Brimming with confidence, I polished off my last leg - 600 meters - in two minutes flat.
Overall, my times are slower than they were last year, but they aren`t that much slower. Give it a few weeks and I might be able to match or better my best times from 2010. I`m not sure how it will translate in a full marathon, but I imagine it will save me from slowly shuffling for twenty six miles in August. At least I hope it will.
Donation Update: I haven`t checked to see if I have received any donations yet, but I plan on thanking everyone that donates on this website. If you would like your name (or that name of your company) forever immortalized in blog form, please send me your donations (and don`t forget to write Action for InterAction in the message box so I know to thank you)!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Here We Go Again
It's time to start training for another marathon, which means it's time to start writing a blog. It seems that every time I write about my athletic endeavours, I manage to stay on task with my training. However, when I stop writing, I stop working out, and everything falls apart. I haven't blogged about running in over six months, and have put twenty extra pound on my frame during that time. Doesn't take long to get out of shape, does it?
Well, it's time to get back into shape, and in a hurry. Marathon By The Sea takes place August 14, and I have decided to sign up for the full marathon. With seven weeks to spare, I haven't given myself much time to train, but I am hoping that my relative fitness, combined with some hard workouts, will get me to the starting line in relatively good shape. As long as I can get across the finish line in one piece, I'll be satisfied.
Why am I doing this, you ask? Well, I recently starting working with InterAction Children's Theatre (IACT), a local non-profit organization that formed in 2001 that offers theatre classes and activities for Saint John children of all-ages. IACT is evolving into a School of Performing Arts this fall, and is raising money in order to relocate to a larger facility. If completing a marathon on seven weeks training can help me raise a few dollars for the cause, then I'll dust off those shoes and toe the starting line, in shape or not.
If you would like to donate, please visit their Canada Helps Donation Page and make a one-time or monthly donation (Please put Action for InterAction in the message box). Anyone who donates through the site will recieve a tax deductible receipt via email, which always comes handy when you're trying to balance those books come year end. Please click here to find out more information about our fundraising efforts, including out Patrons Program.
Right now, however, my main priority is to get back in shape. I've been doing a little bit of running in anticipation of a fall marathon, but will definitely have to turn it up a few notches if I am going to be in shape for August. Wish me luck!
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