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 Interaction School of Performing Arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interaction School of Performing Arts. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)!
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