Halloween

October 31st, 2005

No running tonight.  I had spent the day looking forward to hanging with T and doing some trick-or-treating but I ended up getting ditched :)  Tori had spent part of the afternoon at the Halloween Howl at Mayfair with her afterschool care, during which she and Haley concocted a plan to trick or treat together and it worked.  All it took was a “Dad, I really want to!” and I was convinced.  So instead of trick-or-treating with T, my buddy Patrick came over and we had a good BS.  I went and picked T up around 8:00 and on the way home we were treated to multiple fireworks displays.  Had an excellent one right out in front of the house as we were walking in.  I have enjoyed the day of no running, and I am sure my legs are loving me for it but I am looking forward to a good workout tomorrow night.  I won’t be able to make the track with the club but will get a workout from the coach thru email tomorrow.

Shawnigan Half Marathon - 1:30:48

October 30th, 2005

It was an early morning today (for a Sunday) T was not too excited about that but was a trooper and made it up alright.  Had a quick breakfast and then relaxed for a bit before heading up to Shawnigan.  It was a quiet ride up, just some music in the CD player, T kinda snoozed some more.  We made it up to the Community Center where the race was being organized by around 8:45, I got my race number and then found a nice quiet spot to sit for awhile.  Shaun and Dini came up around 9:30 to hang with T while I ran so that gave me some time to get ready and warm up before the 10:00 start.  Had a good run, still battling the cold some, my chest was tight for most of the run and I did have a couple of coughing fits but nothing too bad.  The course is pretty challenging, lots of hills so I am very happy with the results.  Legs are stiff and I am expecting some soreness tomorrow so will take the day off and enjoy Halloween with T.  After the race had time to come home get cleaned up and sneak in a little nap before heading to the Royal Theatre to see Maestro Joey conduct Platypus Theatre's Music, Masks and Monsters.  Going to have a very lazy evening and I am sure a great sleep tonight.

Saturday B-day's

October 29th, 2005

No running today, woke up and had no motivation to run at all.  I figure another day of rest this week can't hurt, hopefully the cold will be that much better for tomorrow.  The girls were good this morning, T came in and gave me my morning hug then let me sleep in for a bit.  Not too much going on today, after dropping Haley off at her gymnastics, T and I went to the mall for a quick card shop and some Starbucks.  We lounged the afternoon away at home then this evening went to Sauce for dinner.  It was a double birthday dinner, Erin W. and Shaun being the birthday girl and boy.  Had a good meal and some great company, we left before the cake with some regret but we're walked out by Miss S. and said a nice "Goodnight".

I am feeling good about tomorrow, will get a good nights sleep tonight and see what the morning brings.

Dark and Wet - 40:25

October 28th, 2005

Another run from the Youth Centre tonight.  Had planned on just going out for 20 minutes or so but ended up going a bit further.  I think I use running much like someone else might use therapy.  I can have an absolutely crappy day and then go for a run and 10 minutes into it things just don't seem so bad anymore, I love that feeling!!  Solo running can sometimes be a struggle, feel like an unwanted chore but then there are other times, like tonight, when I just put it on cruise control and zone out, enjoying the scenery and the sound of the rain crashing off the path I am on, it gets almost euphoric.  I did end up getting back to the Youth Centre and picked up T and her friend Haley who has come along for a sleepover.  On the way home we stopped in at Il Greco's for a couple of pizzas and now the girls are watching "Josie and the Pussycats", looks like it could be a very musical evening.

Not sure about running tomorrow, right now I am thinking of an early quick run just enough to warm the legs up, maybe 20 minutes worth with a couple of strides thrown in.  Will have to wait and see how I feel in the morning.

Hill's lovely hills!! - 53:34

October 27th, 2005

Feeling better today. 

T spent the night with her mom so I was able to make it out to the "Y" and join the team for the "7-Hills" run.  We started off with 15 runners and picked up a few more along the way, Tony Y. and Brent B. on the way out and Jim B. caught up to us near the top of Lotbinere on the way back.  It was Maestro Joey's inaugural 7-Hill run and he seemed to be in good spirits afterward - a good sign for a sure return.  We set a good brisk pace tonight with stops at the top of each hill to regroup.  It was kinda windy out but I found that if you tucked in behind "The Sandsquinch" you could hide from the wind, I'll have to see if I can find a picture of "The Sandsquinch" to post up here at some point.  Legs felt good tonight, think the day off yesterday has paid off.  I am feeling confident going into the Shawnigan Half this weekend especially with the cold/flu on the way out.  Hoping for somewhere in the hour and a half range on Sunday.

Wednesday - Day Off

October 26th, 2005

Have a stinkin cold!!!

Definately not feeling well today.  Will not run :(  Hopefully with a night of rest and some meds will feel better tomorrow and be up for the 7-Hills route.  Gonna lounge in front of the TV with T tonight.

Tuesday, Speed Work - 50:38

October 25th, 2005

Short Intervals

Started with about a 10 minute warm up and then did 3 - 2 minute intervals with 1 minute rest between took a 2 minute set break and then did 4 - 2 minute intervals with 1 minute rest between.  Used the rest of the time as a cool down.  After the work out Tori and I picked up her friend Shauna and her Uncle James, and we met up with Mar, Hugh, and Jon for some Halloween fun at Galey Farms, checked out the Haunted House and Corn Maze.  Mar, Shauna, Tori and I went thru' the Haunted House together, Mar and I each with one little girl on our backs.  Was alot of fun!!  My cold is still here, maybe even a bit worse than yesterday, may take tomorrow off and see if that helps some.

Monday Easy Run - 48:25

October 24th, 2005

Nice and easy!

After dropping T off at the Youth Centre.  Lisa L. joined me for a nice and easy out and back.  Left the Centre, went down to the Goose then toward the Songhee's walkway and then along the walkway just past Spinnakers and back.  Was getting pretty dark by the time we got back to the Centre.  Felt good on the legs but the cold has really started to take hold, coughing and such.  Am starting to get worried about how it will be for this Sunday's Shawnigan Half.

Thetis Lake Trail Run - 80 minutes

October 24, 2005

My first time for this route.  I joined Rob, Ken, Mar, Sylvan, Dave and Pano for about 80 minutes of gorgeous trail running in and around Thetis Lake Park.  It was a great day to be out and running.  Took a short water/pit stop at Francis King Park.  Mar, Sylvan and I brunched at the Chequered Flag after the run.  Unfortunately I have started to feel the beginnings of a cold this afternoon...