13 weeks to the race.
Todays's run = 60 minutes in Rathtrevor, covering between 9-10k.
If not for this blog, I would have stayed under the covers this morning until bedsores set in. But the thought of having to report a missed run got me out the door. Not joyfully, and with a total lack of grace, but I got 'er done.
Thanks, blog. Thanks, blog readers.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Day 8
Accomplished:
50-minute road run in Black Creek. Marks my longest run in over a month, and longest run on concrete since the October half-marathon.
Result:
The deep peace that only physical exertion and a slight sense of superiority over non-runners can bring, followed by intense napping.
(Non-runners, don't be too offended. You'll get the last laugh when I'm rehabilitating from hip and/or knee replacement surgery at 45).
50-minute road run in Black Creek. Marks my longest run in over a month, and longest run on concrete since the October half-marathon.
Result:
The deep peace that only physical exertion and a slight sense of superiority over non-runners can bring, followed by intense napping.
(Non-runners, don't be too offended. You'll get the last laugh when I'm rehabilitating from hip and/or knee replacement surgery at 45).
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Day 7
Location:
Black Creek, halfway between Courtenay and Campbell River
Activity Level:
1km stroll led by two-year-old who was more interested in kicking old lumps of snow than in walking.
Nutrition:
Wine. Lots of wine.
It seems all of yesterday's credit was cashed in today.
Black Creek, halfway between Courtenay and Campbell River
Activity Level:
1km stroll led by two-year-old who was more interested in kicking old lumps of snow than in walking.
Nutrition:
Wine. Lots of wine.
It seems all of yesterday's credit was cashed in today.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Day 6
"All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream."
- Edgar Allan Poe
Just before waking up this morning, I had a dream that I was asleep, having a dream. So according to Poe, I was having a dream within a dream while existing in a dream within a dream. Suddenly, Inception makes sense. Considering the philosophical implications of Poe's poem, I think I deserve extra credit for hauling myself out of such a metaphysical quagmire and accomplishing a 40-minute trail run.
Plus, I went for a lovely afternoon walk at Englishman River Falls with a friend, and while it was neither fast nor strenuous, I'm thinking even more extra credit is in order.
I'm going to bank it all up for a free day somewhere down the line, on a morning when I'm not up to battling the bogginess.
Is but a dream within a dream."
- Edgar Allan Poe
Just before waking up this morning, I had a dream that I was asleep, having a dream. So according to Poe, I was having a dream within a dream while existing in a dream within a dream. Suddenly, Inception makes sense. Considering the philosophical implications of Poe's poem, I think I deserve extra credit for hauling myself out of such a metaphysical quagmire and accomplishing a 40-minute trail run.
Plus, I went for a lovely afternoon walk at Englishman River Falls with a friend, and while it was neither fast nor strenuous, I'm thinking even more extra credit is in order.
I'm going to bank it all up for a free day somewhere down the line, on a morning when I'm not up to battling the bogginess.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Day 5
Strength-training: These early days of strength training are going to be pretty standard. Aiming for consistency and task-completion is more important at this stage than impressive results. (Those will come later). Today was just one set of exercises such as flys, dumbbell rows, and push-ups.
Nutrition: I'm a fan of real food versus sports drinks, gels, bars, etc. The first time I tried a gel was during the Victoria half-marathon. At the 13k mark station, I gagged down half of a free "banana" gel and am still getting flashbacks of the ghastly sweet pseudo-banana essence. I think being disgusted actually cost me energy.
I used to prefer running on an empty stomach, mostly because I was worried about getting sick to my stomach. Then last year while I was staying at a friend's, we had a late brunch, chit-chatted for an hour or so, and then went out for an 11k trail run. Not only was I shocked to find that eating before running doesn't automatically lead to me honking in a ditch, but also that I had ridiculous amounts of energy to spare.
So now, I always ingest something before a run, whether it be a smoothie or just a banana (real, not gel-packed candy goo). A lot of runners swear by classic pre-race meals like pasta and other high-carb foods. Light veggie-based pasta the night before a race has worked for me, but pasta in the morning just reminds me of Michael Scott and the 5k Run for Rabies.
Nutrition: I'm a fan of real food versus sports drinks, gels, bars, etc. The first time I tried a gel was during the Victoria half-marathon. At the 13k mark station, I gagged down half of a free "banana" gel and am still getting flashbacks of the ghastly sweet pseudo-banana essence. I think being disgusted actually cost me energy.
I used to prefer running on an empty stomach, mostly because I was worried about getting sick to my stomach. Then last year while I was staying at a friend's, we had a late brunch, chit-chatted for an hour or so, and then went out for an 11k trail run. Not only was I shocked to find that eating before running doesn't automatically lead to me honking in a ditch, but also that I had ridiculous amounts of energy to spare.
So now, I always ingest something before a run, whether it be a smoothie or just a banana (real, not gel-packed candy goo). A lot of runners swear by classic pre-race meals like pasta and other high-carb foods. Light veggie-based pasta the night before a race has worked for me, but pasta in the morning just reminds me of Michael Scott and the 5k Run for Rabies.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Day 4
14 Weeks Until the Race
This won't be my first half-marathon. That took place last year, on the numerically excellent 10/10/10 in Victoria. I ran alone but had a gold-star cheering team snapping pics, boosting morale, and treating me to breakfast afterwards.
The goal for that race was to not die. Goal met. Plus, I got a medal. All finishers did, regardless of time, but still, I got a medal. Finished with a chip-time of 2:12, which respectably placed me smack in the middle of my age group.
For this next race, I'm aiming for a sub-2 race. Yes, that's right, I use running lingo now. Considering that my training for the first race was a little spotty and erratic, particularly towards the end, I think I have a good chance of reaching this new goal.
Today's Run: 30 minutes through Rathtrevor Park.
I never grow tired of this place, even when it's trails are flooded and the wind is steely. I've run there in every season and in all kinds of weather:
- muddy spring runs along trillium and daffodil trails
- 6am summer runs to beat the heat and the bulk of camping folk, who at that time are either still sleeping or making the woods smell wonderfully coffee-ish and bacon-y
- glowing fall runs when it's possible to see the sunrise without getting out of bed before 7am
- and most recently, crunchy winter runs where the contrast of red roseships against a backdrop of blue sky and white snow almost stopped me in my tracks
There have also been remarkable encounters with eagles, fearless deer, flyers of kites, a Barn owl, and a startled park worker manning a leaf blower.
Running Rathrevor never feels like work, even on the gray days.
This won't be my first half-marathon. That took place last year, on the numerically excellent 10/10/10 in Victoria. I ran alone but had a gold-star cheering team snapping pics, boosting morale, and treating me to breakfast afterwards.
The goal for that race was to not die. Goal met. Plus, I got a medal. All finishers did, regardless of time, but still, I got a medal. Finished with a chip-time of 2:12, which respectably placed me smack in the middle of my age group.
For this next race, I'm aiming for a sub-2 race. Yes, that's right, I use running lingo now. Considering that my training for the first race was a little spotty and erratic, particularly towards the end, I think I have a good chance of reaching this new goal.
Today's Run: 30 minutes through Rathtrevor Park.
I never grow tired of this place, even when it's trails are flooded and the wind is steely. I've run there in every season and in all kinds of weather:
- muddy spring runs along trillium and daffodil trails
- 6am summer runs to beat the heat and the bulk of camping folk, who at that time are either still sleeping or making the woods smell wonderfully coffee-ish and bacon-y
- glowing fall runs when it's possible to see the sunrise without getting out of bed before 7am
- and most recently, crunchy winter runs where the contrast of red roseships against a backdrop of blue sky and white snow almost stopped me in my tracks
There have also been remarkable encounters with eagles, fearless deer, flyers of kites, a Barn owl, and a startled park worker manning a leaf blower.
Running Rathrevor never feels like work, even on the gray days.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Day 3
Strength Assessment:
Did the basics to get a reference point. It hurt.
Pushups: 15 regular. Nearly popped vessel in eye from strain. However, managed to avoid faceplant.
Situps: 40
Lunges: 12, very shaky
Squats: see above
Plank: 1 minute
Verdict: Plenty of room for work. A lot of the strength training programs I've been looking at recommend adding sets and weights and all kinds of fun stuff. So, I have something to work toward and look forward to: I plan on being superhero strong.
Did the basics to get a reference point. It hurt.
Pushups: 15 regular. Nearly popped vessel in eye from strain. However, managed to avoid faceplant.
Situps: 40
Lunges: 12, very shaky
Squats: see above
Plank: 1 minute
Verdict: Plenty of room for work. A lot of the strength training programs I've been looking at recommend adding sets and weights and all kinds of fun stuff. So, I have something to work toward and look forward to: I plan on being superhero strong.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Day 2
Hmm. I can see where the implied full disclosure component of this project is going to be both painful and effective, as I'm writing this in shame-tinted dismay.
MyRedBike, you wondered how the proposed training pace could possibly be maintained? Well, this was a house pants day, without the house pants. No, I didn't wander the house nude, but I did achieve a level of sloth reserved for a day spent in pajama bottoms.
Activity level: Went to matinee
Nutrition: Are Twizzlers a source of anything?
Goal: Am aiming for 6 training days per week, giving me one rest day. Clearly, this was the rest day. I'm sure lots of athletes take a break on Day 2.
MyRedBike, you wondered how the proposed training pace could possibly be maintained? Well, this was a house pants day, without the house pants. No, I didn't wander the house nude, but I did achieve a level of sloth reserved for a day spent in pajama bottoms.
Activity level: Went to matinee
Nutrition: Are Twizzlers a source of anything?
Goal: Am aiming for 6 training days per week, giving me one rest day. Clearly, this was the rest day. I'm sure lots of athletes take a break on Day 2.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Day 1
Goal: 20 minute run. Have to start somewhere. Also, psychologically it's more important that I meet goals in the beginning rather than actually achieve anything.
Met or missed? Met.
Fitness Startpoint: a few degrees shy of wheezy and pudgy, but about 180 degrees from awesome.
Training Schedule: Run every other day. Weight train on off days. For the first 11 days, increase each run by 10 minutes until I get back to the pre-Christmas basepoint of 10k in 60 minutes.
Nutrition Guidelines: any style of eating other than Christmas-style. Just finished a 2-week, post-holiday cleanse that consisted of no wheat, dairy, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol, yet I don't feel as glowy as you might expect after such Spartan efforts. Either they were too stringent and joyless, or my body is still in shock from not being allowed to have chocolate for breakfast and wine at 2pm.
Met or missed? Met.
Fitness Startpoint: a few degrees shy of wheezy and pudgy, but about 180 degrees from awesome.
Training Schedule: Run every other day. Weight train on off days. For the first 11 days, increase each run by 10 minutes until I get back to the pre-Christmas basepoint of 10k in 60 minutes.
Nutrition Guidelines: any style of eating other than Christmas-style. Just finished a 2-week, post-holiday cleanse that consisted of no wheat, dairy, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol, yet I don't feel as glowy as you might expect after such Spartan efforts. Either they were too stringent and joyless, or my body is still in shock from not being allowed to have chocolate for breakfast and wine at 2pm.
100 Days of Training
The event: Vancouver Half-Marathon
When: May 1st, 2011
Countdown: 100 days
Objective: Personal accountability in a public forum. As I give the rundown on 100 days of training, feel free to encourage, heckle, bait. Also, tips are welcome. The advice kind. The other kind would be welcome, too, except I don't know how I'd justify asking for them.
When: May 1st, 2011
Countdown: 100 days
Objective: Personal accountability in a public forum. As I give the rundown on 100 days of training, feel free to encourage, heckle, bait. Also, tips are welcome. The advice kind. The other kind would be welcome, too, except I don't know how I'd justify asking for them.
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