Heya,
I had an interesting, yet productive weekend of running. Last week it had melted so much that even the snowy trails would turn into ice by evening which is when I do most of my runs. Friday I went out and it was extra slick, lots of clear/black ice. What makes black ice even worse though is when there's a slight dusting of snow on top. You can't see the ice so you can't prepare yourself for the slippage. Also the dusting of snow makes it worse, it acts like a bit of flour on the bottom of your shoes. AS an example to start my run I walk down the steps to the sidewalk where I KNOW/KNEW there would be some ice under the snow. I knew it was there, I walked super slow over it expecting the slippery surface and guess what... I still went down!! I guess it was a slight downward slope? The good part was that I was going slow enough that I could easily get my hands ready and didn't even land hard on them. So I got up, dusted myself off, took a moment to look around made sure none of my neighbors weren't keeling over laughing so hard at me, then went for my run. It was super dangerous out there and I barely caught myself 3-4 times where my foot would land and keep moving as it lands on the slick ice.
Saturday there was just too much snow on the ground to attempt a long run. The hardcore ultra marathoner types would have toughed out the long run outdoors, I guess I'm just not up to par yet in that department. I wanted to make sure I get 3 hours/21 miles in though as this is 3 weeks out till the Frozen ass 50. I headed to the gym, where I knew I could get through it. Boring yes, but actually it's not as bad as you'd think. You just have to prepare yourself mentally for it, know you will be on the treadmill for a long time. The good part is I don't have to carry any nutrition, it all sits around me on the treadmill trays. I had 2 bottles of infinit, a bag and a half of gel chews and if the poop fairy insists on paying me a visit, well I got a warm comfy bathroom in the back of the gym where we can visit all she likes before I continue my run. On a side note, funny how you never need to pay her a visit when the option is there. That was my longest run ever on a treadmill, but to help kick it off I just so happened to catch the Xterra world championships in Maui. That race was soo amazing, so epic, yet I still have no desire to take triathlon to the dirt trails. I soooooo want to visit Maui again though, love that place!! Anyways I got through that and then flipped to watch some bob sledding, downhill sking, and 2 episodes of the simpsons to get me through the run. Finishing I felt sore but not too bad really.
I just don't know how I'll get through 125 km of mountain trails... I really don't. Maybe I should have stuck to marathon running this year till I can give Kona qualifying another go next year. I don't know, it just seems crazy, and not the usual crazy. Like insane!! This the first time I actually heard my mom try to talk me out of somthing. She's been very supportive about Marathons, triathlon, Ironmans, but this, nope this time she actually told me I should maybe stick to doing Ironmans. lol and if you met her you'd know why I'm so surprised, she's normally all about challenge, she's one tough lady!!
Sunday's run was fine, hardly even felt the long run from the day before. I emailed my friend Sonja who's coached by Chuckie. She's an amazing athlete that last year completed a 100 mile ultra, and did 3 Ironmans(including 2 Ironman qualifiers and the Hawaii Ironman, yes that's right she's already qualified for 2011). I ask her advice on ultra marathoning. You see I did this 21 miler 3 weeks before the frozen ass 50. I wasn't sure if I should chance another long run. Ideally it would be nice to get a 25-26 mile run in before the event, but I want to be sure I'm recovered. Her answer, do it with a big IF I'm completely injury free, no niggles, no pain. Which I am, and really it's more than 2 weeks the event is on monday, and I'll most likely do the long run saturday morning so I have 16 days to recover. Hopefully I can do the last long run outdoors. Later,
DP
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Run to the hills!!
Just a quick update. This time I mean it, short and to the point. The challenge is still going with me. This weekend was tough as we went to LL for the weekend(the ice carving festival). They were amazing, I was blown away. I got some pics, I may post some later. We left saturday morning so I quickly got a 20min run in before we left. That was my first 20min run of the challenge. Then when we got home Sunday late, I relaxed a bit and went to the gym for a 50min walk/run. Most of it was done before midnight, at least 20 min of it. To answer your question Susan I'm already training specifically for my race. I'm not doing the marathon schedule that I posted awhile ago. I'm running/walking really steep hills near my house and also some walking on the tready at 15%. This will help strengthen my calves as that's always been my weak point and this race will be all about hills. Hills hills hillssss. :) Later,
DP
DP
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Running outdoors again
Heya,
Finally got to run outdoors yesterday. It's been 10 days in a row on the treadmill, that must be some kind of record for me. I just did a short 3.65 miles and after I could feel the effects. I started to feel sick and had to lay down after the shower. I guess I'm not used to the cold air anymore, plus being a bit under-dressed didn't help. Some of my shirts are literally wearing through. I am the king of thrifty as some of the under shirts have been with me since the beginning of time. I will have to take a picture so you can see, there are several that are over 10 years, maybe even 15 years old!! The one long sleeve I have I remember buying before my first marathon which was in 1995, yup 15 years ago. Anyways the forecast looks like some warmer weather so it looks like I should be able to run outside more frequently. I'm sure the deer, coyotes, porky pines, etc all miss me a lot!! Today will be 19 runs in a row, too bad Trevor had to bail out. Although he's smart in doing that, health always trumps challenges. Over and out...
Finally got to run outdoors yesterday. It's been 10 days in a row on the treadmill, that must be some kind of record for me. I just did a short 3.65 miles and after I could feel the effects. I started to feel sick and had to lay down after the shower. I guess I'm not used to the cold air anymore, plus being a bit under-dressed didn't help. Some of my shirts are literally wearing through. I am the king of thrifty as some of the under shirts have been with me since the beginning of time. I will have to take a picture so you can see, there are several that are over 10 years, maybe even 15 years old!! The one long sleeve I have I remember buying before my first marathon which was in 1995, yup 15 years ago. Anyways the forecast looks like some warmer weather so it looks like I should be able to run outside more frequently. I'm sure the deer, coyotes, porky pines, etc all miss me a lot!! Today will be 19 runs in a row, too bad Trevor had to bail out. Although he's smart in doing that, health always trumps challenges. Over and out...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Are you getting tired of the dreadmill?
Here's a workout to spice up your running boredom! Not that treadmill running is that difficult for me, but I am kinda getting tired of the same pace for varied distances. Sooooo I figured I'd pick it up a bit, here's what I did.
8 miles
-Start out with a easy mile, not sand bagging easy, but comfortable.
-Then for the next mile crank it up 1mph, or 1 min per mile(it's pretty much the same thing.
-This harder mile should not be very hard, like a touch slower than your half marathon pace. But by the fourth you'll start to feel some fatigue, but not too much
-repeat this as often as you like, I did it 4X tonight, it's not quite speed work(it's slower than I'd normally do my tempos), but doing some kind of intervals like that breaks up the workout and adds a little spice to a otherwise dull dreadmill run. At least I thought it was fun, try it! The treadmill doesn't have to be a cop out workout. A major benefit of the treadmill is it's specifity. You can do workouts on it that you couldn't manage outside, intervals, hills, etc. May as well use it to our advantage while the weather forces us to. :)
8 miles
-Start out with a easy mile, not sand bagging easy, but comfortable.
-Then for the next mile crank it up 1mph, or 1 min per mile(it's pretty much the same thing.
-This harder mile should not be very hard, like a touch slower than your half marathon pace. But by the fourth you'll start to feel some fatigue, but not too much
-repeat this as often as you like, I did it 4X tonight, it's not quite speed work(it's slower than I'd normally do my tempos), but doing some kind of intervals like that breaks up the workout and adds a little spice to a otherwise dull dreadmill run. At least I thought it was fun, try it! The treadmill doesn't have to be a cop out workout. A major benefit of the treadmill is it's specifity. You can do workouts on it that you couldn't manage outside, intervals, hills, etc. May as well use it to our advantage while the weather forces us to. :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Day 11
Heya,
The last couple weeks have been pretty good. It's funny cause last week I ran almost exclusively outside, this week so far has been a treadmill week. This year I'm in the gym for the cold days. Last week got about 41 miles in, it's super easy to get the mileage up when you're running every day, eh fellow runners? 15 mile long run on the treadmill on sunday. Probably no run with Curtis this week as he finally got sick, poor Curtis that really sucks. Last I heard though he's kept up with the runs(no pun intended I hope). If I get really sick at any point I don't think I could do it. This week hopefully 18 mile long run? Maybe outside this time?
As you saw I'm doing the death race this year. Man truth be told I'm so incredibly scared, I admitted in a earlier blog that I was afraid of the marathon and I still am! But then I go and enter a marathon almost 3x longer, what was I thinking?!?!? But part of me is also extremely satsified, finally I'm going to see what I'm really made of. I've always wanted to run through the night, to actually get to that point where I don't know if I can go on. I'm probably going to go coachless this year. I have lots of ideas as to how to train for this event. Most of it will be in the city, not ideal I know, but it's what I got to work with. I'm already starting on some extra strengthening/stretching. My back, abs, upper body in general will need some work.
As for my other races, I finally entered the Calgary marathon. It's the first time doing this race, that's funny I'm not afraid. Well that's not because anything's changed, it's just that I won't be exactly "racing" it. It'll be a training day who knows maybe I'll run to and from the race? I wanted to do the Police half too, but it's earlier this year and Lisa has somthing special planned since it's just a few days after my bday. I'm gonna try to do the Frozen ass next month, then do the marathon, and I want to do one of the training camps in Grand Cache. I hear these camps are hugely beneficial, so I want to get over there for the first one in June. That way I have a bunch of time to get back here and train my weaknesses.
Here are some fun "run challege" statistics
11 days run
5 days on the tready
6 days outside
71.82 miles
Time - too lazy to tally up
Average speed - slightly faster than 7.5 mph or 8 min per mile
Average distance per day - 6.5 miles
The last couple weeks have been pretty good. It's funny cause last week I ran almost exclusively outside, this week so far has been a treadmill week. This year I'm in the gym for the cold days. Last week got about 41 miles in, it's super easy to get the mileage up when you're running every day, eh fellow runners? 15 mile long run on the treadmill on sunday. Probably no run with Curtis this week as he finally got sick, poor Curtis that really sucks. Last I heard though he's kept up with the runs(no pun intended I hope). If I get really sick at any point I don't think I could do it. This week hopefully 18 mile long run? Maybe outside this time?
As you saw I'm doing the death race this year. Man truth be told I'm so incredibly scared, I admitted in a earlier blog that I was afraid of the marathon and I still am! But then I go and enter a marathon almost 3x longer, what was I thinking?!?!? But part of me is also extremely satsified, finally I'm going to see what I'm really made of. I've always wanted to run through the night, to actually get to that point where I don't know if I can go on. I'm probably going to go coachless this year. I have lots of ideas as to how to train for this event. Most of it will be in the city, not ideal I know, but it's what I got to work with. I'm already starting on some extra strengthening/stretching. My back, abs, upper body in general will need some work.
As for my other races, I finally entered the Calgary marathon. It's the first time doing this race, that's funny I'm not afraid. Well that's not because anything's changed, it's just that I won't be exactly "racing" it. It'll be a training day who knows maybe I'll run to and from the race? I wanted to do the Police half too, but it's earlier this year and Lisa has somthing special planned since it's just a few days after my bday. I'm gonna try to do the Frozen ass next month, then do the marathon, and I want to do one of the training camps in Grand Cache. I hear these camps are hugely beneficial, so I want to get over there for the first one in June. That way I have a bunch of time to get back here and train my weaknesses.
Here are some fun "run challege" statistics
11 days run
5 days on the tready
6 days outside
71.82 miles
Time - too lazy to tally up
Average speed - slightly faster than 7.5 mph or 8 min per mile
Average distance per day - 6.5 miles
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I'm also 4 for 4
Jan 1st 1 hour tready
Jan 2nd 97 min outdoor (yes Curtis I did our epic loop, although this time it was EPIC slippage!!) my ankles are still recovering from it
Jan 3rd 30 min run outdoors
Jan 4th 40 minutes outdoors
I've been running a few months consistently. I actually ran about 35 miles each week on my Christmas break. Not bad for me, and I didn't gain anymore weight!!! Now I need to shed some off.
Jan 2nd 97 min outdoor (yes Curtis I did our epic loop, although this time it was EPIC slippage!!) my ankles are still recovering from it
Jan 3rd 30 min run outdoors
Jan 4th 40 minutes outdoors
I've been running a few months consistently. I actually ran about 35 miles each week on my Christmas break. Not bad for me, and I didn't gain anymore weight!!! Now I need to shed some off.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Christmas, New Years, Run challenge, Bum sitings, etc
Sounds like a long post from the title, but I'll have to make this quick as house cleaning awaits!! Here are the highlights of my Christmas/New Years holidays
First off I met my friend on the city bike paths again. On a late night run I was climbing the hill near the Glenmore trail and the bow river. He had his belongings sprawled out on the bike path. I didn't recognize him at first, but then I doubled back to say hello and to finally introduce myself. His name is Jim, he is homeless, and made it clear he does not drink alcohaul. I couldn't smell anything on him so I'm gonna assume this is correct because in all my sitings I've never seen him act drunk or smell of anything other than BO. He confirmed pretty much all my guesses. He does do odd jobs around the neighborhood, he even mentioned he collects toys for kids? Anyways I kept it short, I just wanted to introduce myself, say hello. He made it clear to me that all our ummmm meetings and his jokes were just his way of letting people know who he is. So there you have it, Jim is his name.
Second, running with my bro. Now I know I have some natural running talent, but my bro would knock my socks off if he were ever to actually pick up running. Who in their right mind could just walk out the door and pound out 10k without any run training??? Well that's what my bro decided to do, with a little coaxing from me. I borrowed him some running gear and we headed out. I was able to show him some of the critters that I see. Lots of deer and even a bald eagle. I made a pit stop to drop off a little somthing at my new friend(Jim)'s "home" and we carried on. Curtis we ended up doing the footbridge 10k loop(he'll know which that is) which included the steep hill. I let my bro walk that and then we kept running, on snowy paths from there. He had to walk a bit at the end so I'd keep going and double back for him a few times.
Third, walking with my mom and bro. We got a couple gorgeous days and all the ducks/geese, eagles made it worth it!!
Fourth, Going to watch a really good game. You would have to see it to believe it as most of you will not believe that the Edmonton Oilers could produce such a game. Well ok the opening period sucked, they played TERRIBLE!! The gave up 3 goals to the Avs, but then a different team walked out to start the second period. I really think it was a team of impostors who started the game as this was a different team!!! They came back goal by goal to tie it up in the third. They could have really won the game as they clearly out played Colorado especially in overtime, it was a nail biter. Edmonton got a penalty though and then eventually Colorado did too, but no one scored in the 4 on 4 5 min over time. Then in the shootout Colorado scored, but it was a super 2 periods + overtime, too bad the game started out 3 - 0. Oh well just goes to show, you have to play 60 minutes of hockey.
Fifth, the time spent with family. I don't know why, maybe cause it was at our house but this year it was extra special. One of my bros wasn't here, I'm sure that would have been the icing on the cake. We had the tree up, we slept in, then had breakfast all together. Waffles, omelettes, or cereal, and yes Cam as you saw in the video PLenty of coffee!!
Sixth, playing games with family. We played plenty of Mexican train(with dominoes) and knipsbrat(or crokinole). Knipsbrat is the german word. Yes I speak Plattdüütsch, I don't write it as I had to google the two german words there. Anyways those games are so much fun. If anyone wants to come over and play, you are always welcome. Look them up if you want to see how they are played.
Seventh, and the last, but not the least. The run challenge. Yes I will take part, but since I have some aspirations this year about doing a couple ultra marathons I don't know how long I'll last. As I'm sure is the case for some of you as well I'll need to do some longggg runs, so I will listen to my body and if I do happen to need a day off here or there. Yes 20 minutes might not cut it at times. But who knows, I will still try to do it, just will listen to my body and not risk an injury.
Here are the rules as layed out by Cam if anyone else wants to still join.
1. Run every day a minimum of 20 minutes.
2. You may miss one day per month, however you must make up for that day by running twice the day before or the day after.
3. Those two runs must be separated by at least 3 hours and of course a change of clothes.
4. Run as many days as you can. This started out as a 100 runs in 100 days contests but Susan smashed that record out of the water by doing something like 210 days a couple years ago??
Jeez when ever I say it'll be short it ends up being long. Arughhhh
First off I met my friend on the city bike paths again. On a late night run I was climbing the hill near the Glenmore trail and the bow river. He had his belongings sprawled out on the bike path. I didn't recognize him at first, but then I doubled back to say hello and to finally introduce myself. His name is Jim, he is homeless, and made it clear he does not drink alcohaul. I couldn't smell anything on him so I'm gonna assume this is correct because in all my sitings I've never seen him act drunk or smell of anything other than BO. He confirmed pretty much all my guesses. He does do odd jobs around the neighborhood, he even mentioned he collects toys for kids? Anyways I kept it short, I just wanted to introduce myself, say hello. He made it clear to me that all our ummmm meetings and his jokes were just his way of letting people know who he is. So there you have it, Jim is his name.
Second, running with my bro. Now I know I have some natural running talent, but my bro would knock my socks off if he were ever to actually pick up running. Who in their right mind could just walk out the door and pound out 10k without any run training??? Well that's what my bro decided to do, with a little coaxing from me. I borrowed him some running gear and we headed out. I was able to show him some of the critters that I see. Lots of deer and even a bald eagle. I made a pit stop to drop off a little somthing at my new friend(Jim)'s "home" and we carried on. Curtis we ended up doing the footbridge 10k loop(he'll know which that is) which included the steep hill. I let my bro walk that and then we kept running, on snowy paths from there. He had to walk a bit at the end so I'd keep going and double back for him a few times.
Third, walking with my mom and bro. We got a couple gorgeous days and all the ducks/geese, eagles made it worth it!!
Fourth, Going to watch a really good game. You would have to see it to believe it as most of you will not believe that the Edmonton Oilers could produce such a game. Well ok the opening period sucked, they played TERRIBLE!! The gave up 3 goals to the Avs, but then a different team walked out to start the second period. I really think it was a team of impostors who started the game as this was a different team!!! They came back goal by goal to tie it up in the third. They could have really won the game as they clearly out played Colorado especially in overtime, it was a nail biter. Edmonton got a penalty though and then eventually Colorado did too, but no one scored in the 4 on 4 5 min over time. Then in the shootout Colorado scored, but it was a super 2 periods + overtime, too bad the game started out 3 - 0. Oh well just goes to show, you have to play 60 minutes of hockey.
Fifth, the time spent with family. I don't know why, maybe cause it was at our house but this year it was extra special. One of my bros wasn't here, I'm sure that would have been the icing on the cake. We had the tree up, we slept in, then had breakfast all together. Waffles, omelettes, or cereal, and yes Cam as you saw in the video PLenty of coffee!!
Sixth, playing games with family. We played plenty of Mexican train(with dominoes) and knipsbrat(or crokinole). Knipsbrat is the german word. Yes I speak Plattdüütsch, I don't write it as I had to google the two german words there. Anyways those games are so much fun. If anyone wants to come over and play, you are always welcome. Look them up if you want to see how they are played.
Seventh, and the last, but not the least. The run challenge. Yes I will take part, but since I have some aspirations this year about doing a couple ultra marathons I don't know how long I'll last. As I'm sure is the case for some of you as well I'll need to do some longggg runs, so I will listen to my body and if I do happen to need a day off here or there. Yes 20 minutes might not cut it at times. But who knows, I will still try to do it, just will listen to my body and not risk an injury.
Here are the rules as layed out by Cam if anyone else wants to still join.
1. Run every day a minimum of 20 minutes.
2. You may miss one day per month, however you must make up for that day by running twice the day before or the day after.
3. Those two runs must be separated by at least 3 hours and of course a change of clothes.
4. Run as many days as you can. This started out as a 100 runs in 100 days contests but Susan smashed that record out of the water by doing something like 210 days a couple years ago??
Jeez when ever I say it'll be short it ends up being long. Arughhhh
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