Metro Massage

February 28th, 2006

After reading Hugh's blog entry from yesterday, and getting a very deep massage today and realizing just how sore my legs are now... I have decided to take the day off.

I picked T up from school after work and we had to run a couple of quick errands and now we are settling down into the home routine of reading, homework, dinner and hang time.

T is at her Moms tomorrow night so I will be heading out to run from Coach Boob's work, and we are working on getting T a swimming partner for Thursday so that I can make the Hill run as well this week.

Switch Bridge and Youth Centre Double – 1:16:52

February 27th, 2006

Got two good runs in today.  Started off with an out and back from work to Switch Bridge in 46:52 and then did another easy 30 minutes from the Youth Centre with Diva.  Not too much else on the go tonight, some homework for T and I, dinner and now T is watching a movie.

Hatley Castle – 34:59

February 26th, 2006

My morning was a bit hazy, and it came far too quickly.  I got up with enough time to grab some breakfast, a quick drink and then out the door.  Made it to Royal Roads with plenty of time to get registered, geared up and make it for a good warm-up and then I realized I had left my wallet at home so had to blaze home as fast as I could grab my wallet and then get back to the race.  My plans for a relaxed morning of getting ready were finished, so I had to speed up my normal routine and with the haze following me around this morning that was not very easy.  I did make it out for a short 10 minute warm-up and then was at the start line ready to go.  It was a difficult run today, this course is a difficult run on any day but with the hang over and less then ideal sleep I probably had it a bit worse then most.  I did finish in a half decent time and then after a quick refuel and drink went for a second lap with Wayne B, we went nice and easy just chatting and enjoying the scenery the second time around.  Total running time today was 1:31:52, maybe 18-19km.  I didn't make it quite to the end of the award ceremonies but I did end up winning a draw prize, got a hat, towel and water bottle from Coast Capital.

We had a lot of good runs today, Gwyn W took 1st in her category with yet another new course record, Diva did the same!!  Coach Boob was the overall Master winner, and Wanye B took 1st in his category.  We had a lot of other top 10 finishers in their age groups.  It was another 15th place age group finish for me, not too bad considering...   It was a great day for IRR runners!!

Here are a few pics from after the race:

Diva

Maestro and Wayne B

Diva and Hodgie

Wayne B and Maestro (sorry about the eating shot

After the run I decided to treat myself to some brunch at Mole. Had the “Wise Guy Hash” and some great coffee then have come home to relax and let the remnants of this hang over fade away.

The plan for tomorrow is a double, get out for a run at lunch and then hopefully hook up with Diva for a nice easy jog from the Youth Centre tomorrow night.

Wedding Day

February 25th, 2006

Took my time getting up this morning, just relaxed in bed for as long as I could.  After getting ready for the day I picked T up from her Mom's on the way to the church.  Patrick and Erin had a very nice ceremony and reception at the church.  I had to get T back to her Mom's after and then the Wedding Party went out to get some pictures at Government House and down at Gonzales Beach.  We took a quick break at Patrick and Erin's hotel room, then went for dinner at the Med Grill Mosaic, and then back to the hotel room for some more festivities.  I have just got home and plan on heading to bed very quickly.  Still have time to get a good sleep before the run tomorrow, just need to down some water and rehydrate a bit first.

Here is a picture of T and I from today:

Around Macaulay Again and a Rehearsal Dinner – 49:14

February 24th, 2006

It was a quiet day at work and I did get out for another nice run at lunch, an easy out and back around Macaulay Elementary.  Just another day of cruising, the legs are feeling very good at the moment and with a rest day tomorrow should feel even better for Hatley on Sunday.

Tonight was spent with Patrick and Erin as they prepared for their Wedding tomorrow.  Some decorating, and organizing and a couple of rehearsals and all is ready, or as ready as possible.  We were all then treated to a great dinner made by Patrick's Mom, Margo.  It will be a “dress-up” day tomorrow as I have the honour of being one of Patrick's Groomsmen, should be a great day!

7 Hills with some Hail – 1:26:56

February 23rd, 2006

We were able to get a swimming partner for T, Haley H joined her in the pool.  After getting the girls in the pool, Diva, Joe and I went for a quick warm-up before joining up with the rest of the club and heading out to the Hills.  We did an almost 10 minute warm-up, ran the 7 Hills in 53:06 and then did an extra bit after with a loop of Beacon Hill for the extra time.  I ended up running the extra bit by myself, got my wires crossed with Diva and Maestro and we missed each other.

After the girls got out we went to drop Haley off, had to wait for a bit for her Mom to get home so the girls tortured me with some Hillary Duff sing-alongs and air guitar.

T and I blazed home in time for a quick cleanup, dinner and were able to catch the beginning of “Survivor”.

The plan for tomorrow is a nice and easy run down the Songhees again.

Around Macaulay – 50:11

February 22nd, 2006

Got out for a nice, easy run at lunch today, just cruised and enjoyed the outing, saw Sylvan S out cruising as well.

The evening has been another hang night with T, some reading, computer time, dinner and a bit of TV.  “Lost” has ended up being a rerun so I am going to pull out my book and read for awhile before bed.

Speeding at Lunch – 44:31

February 21st, 2006

Did my speed work at lunch today.  Ran the out and back to Switch Bridge, ran a warm-up from work to the 1km marker on the Goose then started doing 3 minute intervals with 1 minute recover in between.  Was able to fit in 7 intervals and finished the last one just past the 1km marker on the way back towards work which made the cool down a bit short.  The legs were definitely tired today but after the first couple of intervals things felt good.

Tonight was just hang time for T and I.  She read awhile, finished up her homework and geeked on the computer while I got dinner ready and did a few chores after, then we lounged on the couch for a bit before her bedtime.

Will hopefully get out for another lunch run tomorrow, along the Songhees this time, and take it nice and easy.  Give the legs a good clean out.

A Dump and Youth Centre Double – 2:00:44

February 20th, 2006

After dropping T off at school I made my way downtown, stopped in for a quick coffee, pastry and visit with Michelle S. before heading to my appointment this morning.  Things took a little longer than expected but we did finish up in time for me to run home after, get changed and then head to Mount Work/Hartland.  I did 1:30:44 out on the trails, running up and down routes with names like “Small Craft Warning”, “Organ Donor”, “Get Wet” (and I did!!!), “Skull Trail” (did the ascent on this one three times – it was a blast!), and my favorite “Muther Thumper”.  There is no end to the combination of trails you can run out there, I had a great time, it was a wonderful way to unwind after this morning.

Had time after the run to blaze home get cleaned up, relax for a bit then had to go pick T up from school.  It was a Youth Centre night for T and I went for a second run.  Diva met me at the Youth Centre and we went for a very easy out and back, for another 30 minutes of running.  I spared Diva the double run gear stench and wore fresh gear for my second run.  We were running pretty slow so I am sure had I wore the other gear Diva might of passed out from lack of oxygen.

After the Youth Centre, T and I stopped on the way home for a quick grocery shop, then dinner, homework and a little TV before T's bedtime.  I am feeling quite tuckered so think I will head that way soon.

Birthday Brunch

February 19th, 2006

Third day in a row of no running.  While I am sure my body has enjoyed the break and recovery my mind is reeling with “not running guilt”   I will make up for it tomorrow!  I have the day off and after some legal stuff in the morning I am going to head out to Hartland to run the mountain biking trails for awhile.

T and I had a good day.  It started off with some lazy time at home, T messing on the computer and watching some TV and me laying in bed reading my book.  We went over to Maestro and Diva's for Diva's birthday brunch early this afternoon, Sandsquinch joined us as well.  We had a wonderful brunch, we got spoiled by Diva and Maestro with some amazing waffles!

Spent the afternoon lounging some more and then had some company this evening.  Hugh, Don E and Jen came over to watch a couple of shows on the MDS that Rob M has lent to me.

Coffees and Chinese Food

February 18th, 2006

It was another day of no running, just could not find enough free time to get one in

After dropping Haley off at her gymnastics this morning T and I met a friend downtown for coffee, had a good visit then we wandered for a bit before heading home.  Spent most of the afternoon at home then tonight we headed over to Patrick and Erin's to share the evening with them.  We got home a little late for T but she is crashed hard now!  I am not too far behind her...

A few pictures of the night:

Just Another Friday Night

February 17th, 2006

Did not make it out for a run today, too much on the go

After a night at the Youth Centre for T, we are having another sleepover with Haley H tonight to make up for the one when our lock was busted.  The girls have been busy, playing on the computer, watching movies, and just goofing off.  I will try and stay out of their way and let them have some fun.

I am going to try and get out for a run tomorrow some time to make up for missing today.  Not sure if I can swing it though, will have to see how the day goes.

Windy in West Bay – 48:47

February 16th, 2006

Couldn't make the “Y” tonight so went for some long intervals from the Youth Centre.  Did the out and back to West Bay Marina, used the first 10 minutes as a warm-up then did 2 - 10 minute intervals with a 5 minute recovery in between and the rest of the time as a cool-down.  It was crazy windy along the Songhees pushed me sideways at a couple of spots.

After the Youth Centre, T and I grabbed a few groceries and then came home to finish up homework, eat dinner and watch “Survivor”.  We had a good night!

I am hoping to get out for a run at lunch tomorrow and take advantage of the warmer day time weather.  Even thought I wore gloves tonight my hands were numb when I finished running, had a hard time untying my shoes.

Guided Running – 58:38

February 15th, 2006

Picked up Diva from her place after work and we met Coach Boob and Wayne out at the Coaches work.  Coach Boob led us on a great run in and around – I don't know where...  occasionally we would come across a familiar road but then we would go off on some trail or side road that I was totally lost on.  It was fun!  After the run Wayne took off right away but Diva and the Coach did some weights while I did a bit of stretching.

On the way to drop Diva off I called in my dinner order from Il Greco's (it took 40 seconds!!) and it was ready for me to pick up on my way home.  Have just finished watching “Lost” and now have a bit of homework to catch up on then will be off to bed.

Valentines Day – 44:08

February 14th, 2006

Lunch running today, got out for a great workout.  Used the distance from work to the 1km marker on the Goose as a warm-up and cool-down then the workout was as many 1 min 30 sec intervals with a 30 sec recovery in between that I could fit inside an out and back to the far side of Switch Bridge.  Manage to fit in 13 with number 7 being a 2 min interval (somehow I lost track of time on that one).  Actually ended up finishing just past the 1km marker so my cool-down was cut a bit short.

After work there was a tea and cake party at T's after school care then we headed over to Patrick and Erin's to babysit little Enny while they went out for dinner.  T, Enny and I had a good night, lots of playing and music, and finished up with some “American Idol”.  T and I are home now and she has headed to bed, I am hoping to catch the replay of “Miami Ink” and then I will head that way too.

Nice and Easy – 50:22

February 13th, 2006

Another night of running from the Youth Centre, a very relaxed out and back along the Songhees.  Did not quite make it to the Marina tonight, a much slower pace than normal.  We had a couple of errands to run after T was done at the Youth Centre then came home and have spent the rest of the evening getting homework done, eating dinner, and just relaxing.

Will hopefully get out for some speed work at lunch tomorrow and then another shorter run after work.  I will try and get a workout from Coach Boob for the lunch run.

Cedar 12k – 49:32

February 12th, 2006

Had a fairly quiet (other than the “Tool” I had cranked on the stereo) ride up to Cedar this morning, had the car to myself.  Made it to the school early and got registered then just relaxed for a bit before gearing up and heading out for a warm-up.  It has been a very nice day, had gone out with my toque and gloves on but had to ditch them early – it was too warm.  Ran about a 15 minute warm-up and then had time to take some extra clothes off before heading to the start line.  I ran a comfortable race, never pushed it too hard and finished about a minute slower than last year.  Took a short break to grab some fluids and toss back on some clothes then back out again for another 30 minutes with Wayne B at a more relaxed pace.  We probably did another 6k or so making my mileage for the day around 21-22k in 1:35:04.  Third time in a row where I have stayed till the end of the awards ceremonies only to see us shut out again - Those damn draw prizes are not going to beat me!!!!  We did have some great placings - Gwyn W took 1st in her age category setting a new record, Wayne B took 1st in his, and Hugh T came in 2nd in his, as well as finishing 9th overall.  I think I was like 16th in my age group, not too pretty.

Came home after and got cleaned up then lounged for a few hours before heading out to Uvic tonight to see Maestro conduct a concert at the Farquhar Auditorium.  Met Diva, Sandsquinch and Don E at the auditorium and we watched as Maestro conducted the symphony while excerpts of old silent movies were running.  There were two different clips (Nosferatu and a Charlie Chaplin piece) and seven composers, it was very cool to see how each of them musically interpreted the clips differently.

Home now and will be off to bed soon.  Have been enjoying some full nights of sleep for the past few days.  I am hoping that it continues!

Errands and Chores

February 11th, 2006

It was a morning of errands and driving around followed by an afternoon at home doing some chores.  I did not get out for a run today, have really enjoyed the second day of recovery.  I am going to start upping my mileage over the next few weeks in preparation for the Elk/Beaver 50k in May so this may be one of the last times I take two days off in a row for awhile.  Actually will probably have to start doing more double run days to fit in the mileage.

I can remember when the night before a race I would be nervous and excited, tonight it seems like just another night – no big deal.  Although I am not planning on running hard at the race tomorrow so maybe that is the cause of the change.

Underworld with a Sandsquinch

February 10th, 2006

Today the work day felt very long, I have pretty much finished with inputting the customer data just a few more odd ones to do.  The next step is the inventory, but before I can start there is some set up and categorizing stuff that needs to be figured out.  Should be able to get that done early next week.

No running today, I am planning to get out for a quick one tomorrow, just enough to warm and loosen the legs up for Cedar on Sunday.  Going to run a tad easier on Sunday again, turn it into a long tempo by adding a longer cool-down after the race.

Heading out to see “Underworld: Evolution” with Sandsquinch tonight.  He always picks great movies to watch so this should be no exception!!

Youth Centre Solo – 50:50

February 9th, 2006

After dropping T off at the Youth Centre I took off down the Goose towards the Songhees, made it just past the West Bay Marina before having to turn around.  It was a good run, very quiet tonight along the walkway, a great time to do some running therapy.  After the meeting with Rob M this morning the solo run allowed me the opportunity to really start working out some decisions.  I will take the rest of the weekend to let it all sink in and will have a final answer on things for Monday.

It was another good night at the Centre for T.  There were three girls tonight, Haley, Little Carlie and T.  They spent most of their night in the gym, playing basketball and putting on concerts for Jacob and Marie.

American Idol and Lost – 50:59

February 8th, 2006

Today was much like yesterday...

Another amazing day for running this afternoon, an out and back from work along the Songhees into Esquimalt and around Macaulay Elementary.  There were a ton of people out on the walkway taking in the beautiful day, it was fun to just cruise at a very relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.  I think it also paid off with a nice clean out of the legs, they are feeling very good tonight.

Took off from work a bit early and picked T up, we came home and hopped on the bikes right away getting in a good ride before it started to get too dark.  After homework and dinner we spent a couple of hours in front of the TV, both of us  watching American Idol, and then me continuing with Lost.

I have a meeting with Rob M tomorrow morning, will get a chance to talk with him about the Marathon des Sable and the possibility of doing a different team race of the same magnitude.  I am having some strange feelings going into this tomorrow, loads of excitement as well as some apprehension.  I think it is all going to come down to finances, the rest of the logistics can all be worked out.  I am going to have to do some brainstorming for fund raising ideas.

Won't be able to make the 7-Hills tomorrow night but will get out while T is at the Youth Centre.

Miami Ink and American Idol – 43:14

February 7th, 2006

It was another Tuesday night watching a couple hours of TV with T.  Unfortunately we did not make it for a bike ride tonight, had some running around to do after picking T up from school, we are hoping to make up for it tomorrow night.

I did get out for some speed work at lunch today, it was a gorgeous afternoon for a run!!  I ran the Switch Bridge route doing 5 times 5 minutes with a 1 minute recovery in between, felt strong during all 5 intervals, it was a good feeling.  I had to shorten the warm-up and cool-down to fit in the workout and I think that is what is making my legs feel kinda heavy right now.  Will get out again tomorrow for a nice easy run along the Songhees and see if I can clean them out some.

A Youth Centre Monday – 50:32

February 6th, 2006

A good run tonight, an out and back from the Youth Centre to West Bay Marina.  Nice consistent pace the whole way, 25:20 on the way out and 25:12 on the way back.  Tori had a good night at the Centre, she and Haley put on a air guitar concert for Jacob and Marie.

Right now the plan for tomorrow is a run at lunch, try and get out for the 5 times 5 minute workout along the Goose, then will have time for T and I to ride our bikes after school for awhile before it gets dark.

Molè and the Super Bowl

February 5th, 2006

Brunch with the club didn't happen this morning, instead T and I did breakfast at Molè by ourselves.  Came home for a bit after and relaxed then a quick stop in at Uncle Jimmy's before heading to Jim and Frodes for the Super Bowl.  We made it through the first half before T got too bored so have come home to finish watching the game and let T have some play time.  We are going to have a nice relaxing evening.

Looking forward to running tomorrow!  Will hopefully get out while T is at the Youth Centre.

A Very Rainy Day!

February 4th, 2006

It has been a very ugly day out, windy and rainy!  We have tried to stay out of the weather as much as possible today.  This morning the girls got some good play time in before we had to drop Haley off at her gymnastics class.  After dropping Haley off T and I helped Scott and Paul, who are renovating their basement, pick up a load of drywall.  They treated us to lunch when we were done and then T and I did a bit of wandering, picked up some painting supplies, and a couple of new CD's.  Spent a couple of hours at home after that and then went to Uncle Jimmy's for the evening.  Uncle Jimmy fed us dinner and treated us to the UFC pay-per-view.  Got home not too long ago and will be heading to bed fairly quickly.

It has been a few weeks since I have done any serious amount of laundry so today I took all of it to a drop off service.  It was great!  All our laundry is done, clean, folded and now put away and I didn't have to spend 4 hours in a laundry mat.  Tomorrow is looking like a very social day, going to hook up with the club in the morning for brunch and then head over to Jim M's place for the Super Bowl in the afternoon.

Locked Out!

February 3rd, 2006

We have had some problems this evening, our door is busted!  The lock decided to give up tonight.  T and I left for the Youth Centre and everything worked fine but when we got home, with Haley in tow for a sleepover, the lock did not want to work anymore.  Our neighbor downstairs was kind enough to let us hang with her for a couple of hours while we made phone calls and “patiently” waited for the locksmith to show up.  He has just got us in but is still working on the lock trying to fix it.

We have missed dinner so the girls are having a small snack now and will be getting ready for bed soon, not quite what they had planned for the evening   I have rented a movie and will hopefully get to watching it soon.

No running today, a well deserved break after the past few days.  Will probably take tomorrow and Sunday off as well, back at it on Monday.

7-Hills plus some – 1:16:12

February 2nd, 2006

T was able to get a swimming partner at the last minute this afternoon, Haley came along with us to the “Y” after running home right after school to get her swimsuit.

Was a nice group tonight, about 14 of us running up and down the hills of Fairfield.  Was good to see Alan C make it out after a long absence.  Sandsquinch was giving me some heck tonight.  I had talked him into putting his jacket away thinking that it was not going to rain and he ended up getting kinda wet out there – What do I know??  Regular routine tonight, continuous running on the hills, finished the route in 52:23.  After we finished I made a quick pit stop at the "Y" and then Don E, Diva, Maestro and I took off for some extra around Beacon Hill to make up the rest of the time.  The run as a whole felt surprisingly good after yesterday, I wasn't sure what to expect when we started out tonight.  The last couple of hills were hard, my legs are definitely fatigued from the double, but there was a bit left for the downhill heading back toward the “Y” on Rockland, and the extra around Beacon Hill was good too.

Had to wait a few minutes for the girls while they were getting out of the pool, then we dropped Haley off at her place and home for us.  The rest of the evening has been quiet.  Going to get caught up on some homework of my own and then I think that my bed will be calling.

Wednesday Double – 1:35:05

February 1st, 2006

Motivation does wonders - I had two good runs today, some speed work at lunch and then a moderately paced run this evening with Diva.  The lunch run was 3 sets of intervals; 3 times 3 minutes, with 1 minute recover in between, a 2 minute set break then 3 times 2 minutes with 1 minute recovery in between, another 2 minute set break and then 3 times 1 minute with a 35-40 second recovery in between.  The warm-up and cool-down were short but there was just not enough time for good ones.  Ran the Switch Bridge route and finished it in 43:13.

Had a great afternoon at work after the run, was very productive, have worked my way through the “Q's” and will start inputting the “R's” tomorrow.  I think another week or so and I should be done with the customer info and start on the inventory.  Stayed late tonight waiting for Diva to get home from her rehearsal, she called just as she was leaving and that gave me time to get changed and then drive to her place.

Diva and I left her place and made our way to the Goose and then toward town and along the Songhees.  A good consistent pace both ways, just a tad faster on the return for a run time tonight of 51:52.  I had thought tonight would be an easier run but it turned into a decent paced one, I am very happy with it, felt strong.  I think I may pay for it tomorrow tho'.

The one complaint I do have about running a double is that my gear was ripe for the second one.  Now I am sure that Diva was just being polite because she only mentioned my smelly gear once or twice, but it was absolutely rank, I had a hard time breathing when we had to stop

I made it home just after “Lost” had started so have just let the tape go and will watch it later, don't want to miss any of it!

Not sure about the “Y” tomorrow, will have to see if T can find a swimming partner.