Weariness and Motivation (or lack thereof!)

January 31st, 2006

I am sick of whining about my lack of sleep!  I had all kinds of plans to run after work today, had gotten a workout from Coach Boob, had my gear all ready for when I got home, even had my clothes on and shoes in hand ready to go when I decided to not run - I am TIRED!  I sat on the steps just outside the door thinking of any good reason why I should even try to run tonight and could not come up with one.  Instead T and I just hung out.  We ran out and picked up some groceries, did some homework, read a bit, dinner, I zoned on “Miami Ink" and then got hustled into watching “American Idol” and finally some T inspired photography.

Our Christmas Cactus is blooming and T thought it would be neat to get some pictures of it to show everyone.  We took about 20 and here are a couple that she determined were worthy for display

Right now the plan is for a double tomorrow.  Do the workout I was supposed to do today at lunch and then get out later with Diva for an easy run, after she is finished her rehearsal.  I am feeling very optimistic right now!!

I can't miss "Lost" again though so will set up the VCR tonight!!!

Napping and Basketball

January 30th, 2006

I did not make it into work today...  The Valerian did work well, I fell asleep very easily and slept hard but Diva thinks I didn't take a big enough dose because it must of wore off around 4am this morning.  Had a restless sleep from that point on, I did get a good six hours of straight sleep though!

Called in sick today and just tried to rest all day, napping on and off.  I did get out to T's Basketball game this afternoon.  It was very fun to watch!!  Here are some pictures:

Tonight was fairly uneventful, took T to the Youth Centre, then after she spent some time doing her homework.  She is planning to geek on the computer once I am done and after that it will be time for bed.

No running today, will get out for some speed work tomorrow night after work.  Will try and get a workout from Coach Boob.

Mill Bay 10k – 40:56

January 29th, 2006

Met up with Maestro, Diva and Don E this morning and we all carpooled to Mill Bay.  Had a good ride up, lots of chitchat.  Made it to Brentwood College just before 10am then got ourselves registered and geared up.  Went for a good warm-up (16-17 minutes) then back to the gym, took off some extra clothes and went up to the start line.  I had a good first half, running a little conservatively, did it in 20:06.  I had some problems in the second half, fatigue and mental wandering just kinda took me out of the run.  I had absolutely no kick whatsoever, and the last 3k were a struggle.  I had gone into it thinking of running a bit slower but thought it would of felt better then it did.  I went for an extra long cool-down making my total running time today 1:38:04 probably logging in 21-22k.

Waited out the award ceremonies till the bitter end and once again we were shut out of the draw prizes!  Before heading home Maestro, Diva, Don E and I went for a bite to eat at “Catrina's Grill”.  Then it was the drive back over the Malahat.  Stopped in at Maestro and Diva's quickly, they gave me a couple of herbal pills to try tonight, hopefully it will help with my sleeping.  Besides Friday's drunken night I haven't had a night with more then a couple hours of straight sleep for over a week – it is not much fun!

Going to take it easy tonight, grab a movie and lounge on the couch.  I have instructions not to take the Valerian until right before I go to bed, so will give it a go.  One night of decent sleep might be all it takes to break me out of this gloom I am in.

Just Another Saturday

January 28th, 2006

Ended up heading over to Patrick and Erin's place last night.  Patrick's girls were out and about so we got together for some “BS” and a few beverages.  We had a great night, lots of talk and laughs and even a tear or two.  I drank a bit too much so crashed on their couch for the evening (actually my first good sleep in the last week), was woken up this morning by little Enya crawling over me to get comfortable for some cartoons and “Tree House TV”.  After fully waking up I headed home for a quick shower then into work for a couple of hours.  Paid Shaun and Dini a short visit this afternoon and then have spent the rest of the day at home.  Started working on another painting this evening, have found it is a great way to relax and it calms my mind a ton.

Looking forward to Mill Bay tomorrow.  I'm planning on taking it a bit easier again this race and turn it into a long run day.  Do a good warm-up, the run, then another 30 – 40 minutes after.

Hopefully I can get another good sleep tonight, this time without the help of the beverages

Around Macauley – 50:02

January 27th, 2006

After yet another crappy night of sleep, I did end up heading into work today, didn't relish the thought of staying home all day with nothing to do.  Made the best of it and did get out for a good run at lunch, along the Songhees to West Bay then into VicWest and around Macauley Elementary.  Made it out during our sunny break and it was fantastic, there was a cool breeze blowing along the walkway but it was nice and bright out.  Tons of activity down there today, no end of people taking advantage of the short spurt of sun.  Have no real plans for the evening will just lounge at home and relax.  Not sure about tomorrow, may try and get out for a very short run with a couple of strides in preparation for Mill Bay on Sunday.

Youth Centre Running Tonight – 50:02

January 26th, 2006

We couldn't get T a swimming partner tonight so had to bail on the Hill run from the “Y”, instead we went to the Youth Centre and I went for a run from there.  Without much choice I took it easy tonight, a nice and relaxed pace along the Songhees to West Bay Marina and back.  It felt great to be out running but I had no power at all, think this is day five with no significant amount of sleep yet and it is surely taking a toll.  Depending on how tonight goes I may bail on work tomorrow and just take a sick day, can't do another day like this, far too grumpy and tired.  The run did relax the mind and belly some so hopefully the effects will run over into bed time tonight.

Missed “Lost” :-( - 44:44

January 25th, 2006

I didn't make it away from work till about 9:30 tonight so have missed “Lost”.  Made a couple of calls to see if anyone has taped it, haven't heard back yet but hopefully I will get lucky and someone has.  I did get out for a run at lunch today, the Switch Bridge route.  I made it out just after the weather had changed this afternoon so it was a bit cold to start but once I got going everything felt alright, other than the fog of tiredness that is hanging over me at the moment.  It was a long day after yet another horrid night of no sleep.  Diva suggested a herbal remedy “Valerian” so I think I  will try to find some of that in the next couple of days if it doesn't get any better.  Although I am not sure I can make two more days with no amount of decent sleep.  Still not sure what to do to turn the mind off, have tried yoga and some meditation but the imagination and wandering are too much for them.  THIS SUCKS!!!!

Sleepy Speed Work – 51:48

January 24th, 2006

Well... after night three of crap sleep I thought I would not feel so good tonight but it was not bad.  Ran two loops plus of the Gorge, and did 12 intervals of 90 seconds with a 30 second recovery in between each.  The first two loops including the warm-up took 40:17 and the rest of the time was an out and back to cool down.  Had the HRM going tonight, my average rate was 163 and it maxed out at 178.  Will try to make it out for a run at lunch tomorrow.  Supposed to work late so have T set up to head over to Patrick and Erin's after school and hang with Ezra and Little Enny.  I'll pick her up when James and I are finished up, hopefully before “Lost” starts

Not sure what to do about sleep, might need to think about some herbal or chemical help if this continues for a couple more days.  It is not good!

Thinking Out Loud

January 23rd, 2006

Last year right around this time there was a slide show presentation of the Marathon des Sables given at Camosun College.  I have been seriously considering trying to make the cut for the 2007 or if I miss that one the 2008 running of this event.  I just need some help coming up with a creative idea for raising the funds needed to actually attend the world’s toughest foot race.

I Need Some Good Sleep... or maybe some Therapy!

January 23nd, 2006

It was another crappy fitful night of sleep, I can't seem to shut down the wandering mind that is working itself into overtime right now.  Everything was hard today, work was a nightmare!  With the lack of sleep I think I was a tad grumpy, and it must of showed, because people seemed to stay away.  I tried going for a walk at lunch to relax some but that didn't work either, just got the mind going again, so I went back to the data entry and just kept the headphones on all afternoon.

Picked T up after school and she was able to bring a smile to my face with her excitement about her basketball game today, her team won 16 to 10, and she scored twice!

I struggled hard with the idea of running while T was at the Youth Centre, thinking that it might clear the mind out but then I was also thinking that I am stupid tired and need a day of rest and could just come home and lay on the couch.  The couch and mind numbing effects of television won out, although now the pangs of not running guilt are starting   Will have to make up for it tomorrow with a harder workout!

After picking T up from the Youth Centre and a quick dinner the rest of the evening was spent laying on the couch in front of the TV but this time with a nice glass of Merlot.

Something's Fishy at Camp Wiganishie! – 1:35:00

January 22nd, 2006

Well... after a fitful night of sleep I did make it out to Thetis this morning to join the club for a long trail run.  There were 12 of us on the trails and it was a much faster pace today with fewer and shorter stops along the way.  We did take a good break at Francis King Park for some water and snacks but then right back into it.  Both Pan and Sandsquinch were out and they didn't miss a beat, right back into the ribbing and jokes, it was good to see!  Found out today that Pan has joined the Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club, now while he has defected to another team he will always be an Island Road Racer at heart!

I had thought about doing some extra today but was too tired by the time we got back to the parking lot - I am extremely tired, need to get a good nights sleep tonight and then possibly use tomorrow as another rest day.  I can't have afford to have another night of crap sleep!

There were plans for a few of us to head out for breakfast but I ended up locking my keys in the car, along with my cell phone, wallet and house keys.  Thankfully with Sandsquinch's cell phone and Diva's CAA card was able to get a fella to come out and unlock it for me.  Some people couldn't wait so it was just Diva, Pan and I at “Ricky's” for a quick breakfast.

This afternoon T, Haley and I went to the Royal for the treat of seeing Maestro conduct the Symphony for a kids concert.  Al Simmons was the main performer but with songs with titles like “I Collect Rocks”, “Celery Stalks at Midnight”, and “Sam You Made The Pants Too Long”, Maestro was totally in a groove.  Although he could not come up with a funny face to make, Al let him get off easy on that one.

This evening has been a lazy one, T and I have been lounging at home and I am fighting off sleep trying to wait until bedtime so I don't screw up my day tomorrow.

Sleeping In, Singing Lessons, and Birthday's

January 21st, 2006

T and I both slept in this morning, it was great!  After getting up we had a big breakfast and then lounged around until we had to head over to Maestro and Diva's place.  Tori got a singing lesson from Diva for Christmas and used it up today.  T really enjoyed it, she sounded great and they both were having a good time.  Lots of scales and a little tune at the end, was very cool to listen to.

T and I had some time to waste before she could head over to Haley's place so we went to the Mall and wandered.  Dropped T off around 2 then came home and got some chores done before heading out this evening.  Jason G's birthday celebration tonight, the plan was dinner at “ The Mint”, some laser tag at “Cosmic Reality” and then dancing at the “Upstairs Lounge”.  My night was cut a bit short unfortunately, had some unexpected running around to do so only made it for dinner.  Did have a good time though, it was great to see and be out with everyone!

Around Macaulay – 50:56

January 20th, 2006

Got out for a very easy run at lunch today.  Went down the Songhees to West Bay Marina then into Esquimalt around Macaulay Elementary and back.  A very relaxed pace, my legs and upper body are both sore today, that workout on Wednesday night has reared its head, my triceps and shoulders are definitely in a bad mood today.  Went out for Dave K's birthday tonight, dinner at Il Greco's   Pan's Mom pulled me aside at one point while we were there and had the phone set up with Pan on the other end.  He and Sandsquinch were waiting at the ferry terminal in Tswwassen on their way back to Vic.  I am looking forward to running with them both on Sunday!

Tomorrow will be a day of rest, hopefully T will let me sleep in a bit.  Have got more birthday festivities to attend tomorrow night so have T set up with a sleep over at Haley's place.  Sunday morning might end up being a bit rough...

7-Crowded Hills – 1:27:40

January 19th, 2006

Picked up T and Shawna on the way to the “Y” tonight.  Got them in the pool and then Diva and I did 10 minutes of warm-up before we started the Hills.  Had a big turn out tonight, about 17 or 18 of us headed out from the “Y”.  Jim B caught up to us along the route and there were 2 or 3 other groups out there tonight as well, it was busy!  I ran a bit easier, could feel yesterdays workout in the legs, heaviness.  It was another night of the continuous running routine, not stopping at the tops and finished the 7-Hills in 53:50.  Then after a quick stop, Don E, Patrick D, Diva, Maestro and I did the Beacon Hill loop for another 22-23 minutes.  The girls were already out and waiting when we got back so after a quick change, T and I dropped Shawna off at her house then home for us and Il Grecos left overs.  Some lounge time now and I think it will be an early night to bed.

Haliburton Hell Hill – 1:00:06

January 18th, 2006

Change of running venue tonight.  Plans fell through for working late so blazed over to Diva's place after work, picked her up and we car pooled to Coach Boob's work for a run.  Did a nice out and back from his work into Royal Oak, down Cordova Bay Road, up Haliburton (a freaking huge hill!!) to Searidge and then made our way back.  Ran into Ian H. along the way and he joined us for a short while, the pace got a bit quicker while he was along.  Going up Haliburton was incredible, it just kept going up and up, Diva had a few choice words for Coach Boob.  Had the monitor on and it was beeping like crazy heading up the hill, gonna have to turn that thing off.  That first out and back took about 45 minutes then Diva and I ran another little shorter one the opposite way to make up the extra time.  After the run we headed into the gym, I did a upper body workout with some light weights and some ab work.  Dropped Diva back at her place when we were finished and then came home, have gotten cleaned up and now am prepared for 'Lost”.  Have got dinner on the way, it will be another Il Greco night

Switch Bridge – 44:17

January 17th, 2006

Got out for a very nice run at lunch today, to the farside of Switch Bridge and back with a good consistent pace the whole way.  Used the new heart rate monitor today and it worked very well.  I had been liking the idea of the all in one with the “Timex” but wearing two watches was alright, easily got used to it.  Will try and get out for the same tomorrow at lunch.

Had a nice night with T, she had some homework to get done right when we got home but then she helped me get dinner ready and clean up and then we just lounged for the rest of the evening.  I am not normally a huge TV watcher but there are a couple of shows that I am addicted to.  “Lost” on Wednesday nights and now “Miami Ink” which was on tonight, this show has me thinking about getting another tattoo.

A Day Off

January 16th, 2006

Took the day off from work and running today, my legs are feeling quite heavy, think it may be some left over soreness from Saturday's activities and the run yesterday combined.  I did have a productive morning, some legal stuff early this morning, then a quick coffee and visit with Michelle S (Thanks for the coffee and cookie!).  A trip to Hillside Mall to take back my second non-working heart rate monitor, I have given up on the "Timex" model and have picked up a "Polar" one today and will give that one a go.  Dropped off some dry-cleaning at Mayfair, and while there ran into Shan who happened to be shopping for her favorite attire – PJ's – she was examining some comfy looking blue bottoms but I suggested she go for the green ones, not sure what she went for but I am sure she had them on shortly after getting home.  After the quick stop in at Mayfair I got spoiled and was treated to brunch at Molè by Miss S.  We had a very nice visit and I got to enjoy the great Molè food for a second time in as many days.  After brunch I had a chiropractic appointment and then home to lounge until T got out of school.  Had actually thought about going for a run at this point in the day but looked outside at the rain and lost all motivation, plus the legs were sore

It was a Youth Centre night for T and while she was there I headed over to Diva and Maestro's place for a quick visit.  It has been a nice relaxing night, not really looking forward to work tomorrow but am looking forward to getting out for a run.  Will probably not go hard tomorrow, let the legs heal up some more.  Instead will go for a nice and easy jog, hopefully at lunch.

Central Saanich Pioneer 8k – 32:25

January 15th, 2006

It was a gorgeous morning for a run, I got out to the fair grounds about an hour before race time and wandered for a bit before hooking up with Sandsquinch, Wayne B, Maestro and Diva for a 20 minute warm-up.  I was definitely feeling tired and sore today, the yoga and bike ride took a toll, the warm-up did help some though.  I was able to stick with the plan of keeping the pace down some and not push too hard.  I felt good for the entire run, it was very comfortable, surely could of run it faster, was a good feeling!  Diva, Maestro, Wayne B, Sandsquinch and I did another 25 minutes after for a cool-down making my total running time for the day 1:17:25.  Hung around after to watch the Awards ceremonies, we were shut out on the draw prizes, but we did do well with the age group awards.  9 out of 14 of us were in the top 10 of our age groups.

Diva, Maestro, Don E, Hugh and I went to Molè for brunch after and had a great meal and some relax time before heading home.  No plans for the rest of the day, will lounge and maybe grab a movie to watch.

Matt C came out to the run this morning and became the official photographer for the day.  Thanks Matt!!


A before the race Sandsquinch shot:

Start of the Pioneer 8k:

Steve Osaduik flying!

Hard to see him, but that's Don E next to the van:

Diva in the "Island Runner" red shirt:

Some more runners:

That's my backside in front of the blue shirt:

Sandsquinch cruising by:

Sandsquinch's backside:

Roy B:

Coach Boob cheering us on:

Maestro smiling away!

Hugh coming in for the finish:

Don E on the left, finishing strong:

A great run for Diva:

Jennie S in the black, took 1st in her age group:

Wayne B with a good finishing smile, took 2nd in his age group:

Getting chased by Rhonda C into the finish:

Sandsquinch coming into the finish line:

Maestro and Diva all smiles after the run:

Bikram's, Bikes, and Warm Russian Waltzes

January 14th, 2006

It has turned out to be a very eventful day, this morning was a trip to the Bikram's Yoga studio downtown for a free hour and a half practice session.  Jules had organized it and there were about 15 people who showed up and took part in the class, after which 10 of us hit Floyd's Diner for brunch, it was a great way to start the day!  After a quick stop in at the grocery store and home I headed to Shaun & Dini's.  Shaun McB and I went out for an hour and a bit of bike riding on the Goose.  Had a good bullshit and got to turn the legs over some, unfortunately they are feeling a bit tight now though   Came home again after the ride and got in a very quick nap and some dinner then back out again and met Diva and Sandsquinch at the Royal for a night with the Victoria Symphony conducted by Maestro Joey.  The Maestro was amazing, I always enjoy seeing him up there on stage.  I couldn't tell you who exactly we were listening to without looking at the program but I think all the pieces were written by Russian composers.

It has been a long day, I don't think my nap was quite enough after the morning at yoga and the afternoon bike ride.  I am looking forward to tomorrows run, I am planning to take it a bit easier and turn the race into more of a tempo workout than an all out dash.  Hopefully I won't let myself get pulled into the competitive mode and blow the plan.

West Bay and Back – 40:24

January 13th, 2006

Made it out for a run at lunch, an out and back along the Songhees to West Bay Marina at a nice and easy pace – not much choice there though, the legs were feeling dead.  They are feeling much better now, and hopefully with a day off of them tomorrow Sundays run will be smooth.

Had no real plans and T is at her Moms this weekend so treated myself to dinner and a movie tonight, headed up to the Noodle Box right after work and picked up a “Cambodian Jungle Curry”, then to see "Glory Road" at Silver City after a quick stop in at home to get cleaned up.  Tomorrow is looking eventful, so should have some good blog material.

Amphibious Running – 1:14:04

January 12th, 2006

Tonight was wet, windy, and a little bit chilly, 14 of us ran in that misery.  Our run was faster than normal, we had much shorter breaks at the tops of the hills and the pace in between hills was definitely at a brisk clip.  We unanimously decided to blame the speedier pace on Matt   We finished the 7-Hills in 51:33 then Diva, the Sandsquinch, and I did an extra 22+ minutes by tossing in an out and back around Beacon Hill.  We got absolutely nailed with wind and rain when we hit the Dallas Road side of the Park.

I had some brilliant memories of training days in the Corps pop up as we were cruising around the Hills and Park tonight.  I had a Platoon Commander who lived for Monsoon season in Hawaii.  We did PT (physical training) 3 days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  Monday's were Squad PT days, usually a decent run with some calisthenics.  Friday's were Company Commander PT days, the whole Company would go for a nice easy run with lots of cadence singing.  Wednesday's were Platoon Commander PT days, usually a much harder workout, a hard run, or weight training or some intense unarmed combat training.  Wednesday's in Monsoon season were filled with runs in our boots and camouflage utilities, going through every puddle, bog, and surf we passed with our Platoon Commander screaming “Let's Go Devil Dogs, We're Marines, We're Amphibious Warriors!”  Our programmed response to that was “Ooh Rah!!”  I didn't enjoy it so much back then but now I love these days, even more if I am on a nasty wet trail out in the bush somewhere.

T had a great night.  She was treated to a shopping spree with Miss S.  T took her Christmas money and she and Miss S spent a couple of hours in the Mall.  T came home with new clothes, shoes, and tons of accessories.  Sounds like there was a lot of laughing, fittings, and some snacking.

I am thinking of doing a nice easy run along the Songhee's tomorrow at lunch, then take Saturday off and rest up for the Pioneer 8K on Sunday.

Around the Gorge again – 53:37

January 11th, 2006

Did another 2 loops plus around the Gorge tonight.  Ran the first lap in 21:34, the second in 21:24 then another 10+ minutes for the out and back to Inez Drive.  Used Diva's “up/lengthen” mantra again tonight any time I found myself getting really lazy.  Legs are feeling very good right now, hopefully they will be nice and cleaned out for tomorrows hill run.

Tonight was another one of those therapy runs, just cruising and letting the mind roam while the rain was falling.  Did not resolve any world issues or anything but did work through a lot of stuff wandering around  my head.

A while back I had gone to a gathering at Hugh's place and was truly impressed by his paintings, so much so that I got an impulse to try my hand at it.  I am finding it to be a very real outlet for -something- that is inside of me.  I am enjoying learning about the art and seeing what comes out when I put brush to paper.

Thanks for the “awakening“ Hugh!

Short Intervals around the Gorge – 52:43

January 10th, 2006

Went for a very wet speed workout tonight around the Gorge.  Used the first 10-11 minutes as a warm-up then did 12 intervals of 1:30 with a 30 second recovery between each.  Had a good almost 20 minute cool-down after finishing the workout.  I felt like I had a good-fast-consistent pace for each interval, the short recovery really had the lungs working overtime and I had to push hard to keep the pace up for the last two intervals.  There was not much thinking going on during the intervals but I did try to keep Diva's “up/lengthen” mantra in mind while going hard.  It definitely helped during the recovery, kept my chest up and open and made breathing easier, was kinda cool.  Will get out for a nice easy run tomorrow night, a clean out run.

After the workout it was cleanup time (although it was almost like a shower out there) then dinner, homework and lounge time with T.  Was a productive day at work, got over 40 pages of vendors input into the system, have only another 25 to go and then it will be time to start on all the individual products, that may take awhile!

Youth Centre Night – 49:43

January 9th, 2006

While T was at the Youth Centre I got out for a nice tempo run along the Songhees to West Bay Marina and back.  Had a good pace going and felt very relaxed, probably from two great days of rest.  Won't make it to the track tomorrow night but will get in a speed workout sometime after work, probably try for the shorter intervals with really short recovery again.  I really enjoyed that workout a couple of weeks ago.

After the Youth Centre T and I came home to some homework and dinner and a bit of lounge time.  I had my first partial day of data entry at work today.  Got the server and first terminal setup and working last Thursday and after a few prep calls this morning started inputing some info.  Tomorrow will be my first full day at it so it will make a good ruler for how much I can get done in a day.  Have got some mp3's set up in the computer and a pair of headphones so I can kinda zone out and not be “in” the office while I am at it.

A Second Extremely Lazy Day!!!

January 8^th, 2006

Okay...  now I almost feel guilty about it but today we spent the entire day in our PJ's.  Haley's Mom came and picked her up around 4:30 this afternoon and she went home in her PJ's.  It has been a very-very-very lazy day!  We played and lounged and did more of the same from yesterday - nothing.  It felt great to have a (another) do nothing day

An Extremely Lazy Day!

January 7^th, 2006

Definitely no running today, T and I lounged in our PJ's all day.  I think it was well past 3:00 before I got into some clothes.  We did a lot of nothing for most of the day then Haley came over and joined us for a sleepover.  The girls have been busy playing, on the computer, in T's room, and some crazy dancing in the living room.  Might try to get some games out before the girls go to bed but will see what they want to get up to.

Not sure about running tomorrow, once again will have to see what the day looks like.  Might be able to get T over to a friends for the day and then I can get a long run in.  In which case I think I will head back out to Hartland and run the trails out there again.

Here are a few pictures of the girls:

Dental difficulties – 47:37

January 6^th, 2006

I did make it out for a run this morning, an out and back from home up Admirals to the Goose and then out past the hospital and back.  Ran at a very easy pace, cleaned the legs out some more after last nights hill run.  Spent the rest of the morning doing some chores and a quick run to Sears to get my heart rate monitor replaced.  Hopefully this one will work for more than an hour.

I picked T up around 1:30 and we made our way to the Orthodontists office.  She did not get any braces today, unfortunately we need to do some more prep work before the braces can go on.  Probably going to be a few more weeks before brace time. T was quite upset, had a few tears, she was nervous about getting them but also really excited. After a trip to the Youth Centre for T we have spent the evening relaxing.

Might try to get out for another run tomorrow, will have to see how the day goes.

“7-Hills” plus some – 1:16:18

January 5th, 2006

There were about twelve of us at the “Y” tonight to run the hills.  I had a much better run then last week, my legs felt really good!  Made a point of not stopping at the top of the hills and kept at least a nice slow jog going.  Finished the hills in 54:16 and then was joined by Patrick D, Diva and Don E for an extra loop of Beacon Hill to add on another 22:02.  Don E was late for the hills (something about a hockey game) and used our extra bit as his warm-up for the hill run.

It has been another Il Greco’s pizza night, apparently it has become a staple in the Thursday night diet.  I have got the day-off from work tomorrow, T is getting her top braces put on in the afternoon so figured I’d use that as an excuse to take the whole day off.  Right now the plan is to get out for a run in the morning some time and then pick T up from school in the afternoon for her appointment.

West Bay Marina – 39:53

January 4th, 2006

Got out for a nice easy run at lunch.  I was joined by Lisa L. at the train station just before the bridge and then we ran an out and back along the Songhee’s walkway to West Bay Marina, at a very relaxed pace.  Felt great for the legs, hopefully they will be all cleaned out for a hard run tomorrow night with the club.

Tonight Patrick and “The Bean” (little Enya) joined T and I for a Magic Show at the Royal Theatre.  It was fantastic, lots of cool tricks and big flashy illusions, the two girls were wide eyed with wonder for the whole show!  It did run pretty late though, we got home just a few minutes ago.  Got T into bed right away and I think I will be heading that way shortly as well.

Broken Keys

January 3rd, 2006

I was able to make it to the track tonight.  T got a night of climbing as a Christmas present and used it up tonight.  The workout was 4 times 500 meters with a 300 meter recovery, a full lap set break, then 3 times 400 meters with a 200 meter recovery.  I did a few laps for a warm-up and then did our normal drills before the workout but didn’t get a chance for a cool-down after.  Will go for a nice easy lunch run tomorrow and clean the legs out.

T had a good night at the climbing gym, our friend Lisa L. took her and belayed for her.  T climbed a 5.8 tonight with only a little help, sounds like she is a natural.  After climbing I was supposed to pick her up at Crystal Pool but they decided to break Lisa’s car key off in the passenger door so did not make it there.  I ended up picking them both up and then Lisa borrowed our car to go get a new key cut while we ate dinner and worked on T’s homework.  It all worked out in the end and I dropped Lisa off a while ago back at her car with her new working key.

I Need a New Laundry Mat – 59:06

January 2nd, 2006

Today was chore day, I had gone to my regular laundry mat only to find that it has shut down as of December 31st, so I had to find a new one.  I ended up going to one not too far away from home but did not enjoy it so much so will have to start a search for a new-new one.  After laundry I made a quick stop in at Mayfair for some Starbucks and a bit of window shopping and then made my way home.  Relaxed for a bit then went out for a nice easy run.  Switched up the route again today, did a big loop from home.  Started off the normal way around the Gorge but instead of coming back towards home over the Admirals Road Bridge I kept going straight on Craigflower heading towards Colwood.  Got on to the Goose and then headed back towards town to Admirals then down Admirals to home, was a nice change from the double loop of the Gorge.  Took a little nap to cap off the afternoon and then went to a movie tonight, saw “The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe”.

New Years Day at the Dump – 1:34:26

January 1st, 2006

T and I started our year off with breakfast at Molé this morning, she had the “Born In France” (basically French toast with a bit of a yummy twist) and I got the “Wise Guy Hash” - which I highly recommend!  After breakfast we came home and took down all our Christmas decorations then went out for about an hour of bike riding, it was then time to get T back to her Mom’s.  After dropping T off I headed out to Mount Work/Hartland for a run, thought it was time for a scenery change.  Started from the parking lot just before the dump and ran the mountain biking trails, tried to get lost a few times but always seemed to manage to find a familiar trail.  All kinds of trail out there, nice big wide dirt roads, some groomed trails and tons of single track.  It was wet and gnarly after the big windstorm the other day and it made for a very messy Jarhead when I was done.  Wiped the dirt off as best I could then came home and got properly cleaned up.  Have picked up a couple more movies for the evening and will lounge for the rest of the night.