Big Sisters – 49:52

August 31st, 2006

Got in a nice lunch run, a loop around Macaulay at a steady pace.  Felt good to get away from the office for a bit and was able to enjoy some of that great weather we had today.

I picked T up early from her day camp and then had to head back to work and run the end of month routine.  After work T and I had a meeting with the Big Brother/Big Sister organization.  We are getting T all set up with a Big Sister and they met each other for the first time tonight.  Looks like they will have their first outing in the next week – T is really looking forward to it!!

Thetis and a BBQ – 1:11:23

August 30th, 2006

It was a Mom night for T so after work I met up with Diva, Deby, Dave K and Doc C at Thetis for an easy run tonight.  I got there a little early to run some extra so all together got in just over an hour of running.  After the run we all went up to Doc C's place for a BBQ and very informal club meeting.  Coach Boob, Joanie and the boys joined us as well as Maestro who did all the cooking -  very yummy!!!!

Some Speed For A Change – 44:42

August 29th, 2006

Knowing that I was only going to run once today I decided to make it a little more intense.  I ran the Switch Bridge route and starting from the 1km marker on the Goose did 1 minute intervals with a 30 second recovery in between.  I ran 8 intervals on the way out finishing just before the Bridge, then took a 2 minute set break and ran 9 on the way back.  It felt great to get some turn over in the legs after all those longer slower runs recently.

After picking T up from her day camp we spent the evening at home relaxing, and I was able to catch up some more on my bugging and teasing.

Catch Up Time

August 28th, 2006

It has been a busy day, too busy at work to fit in a lunch run and no Youth Centre tonight for T so I decided to bail on getting in a run today.  Probably not a bad idea after the two longer runs this weekend.

Instead T and I spent the night relaxing at home.  I was able to catch up on two weeks worth of bugging and teasing inside of two hours, T loves being home

A Lake Double – 1:37:24

August 27th, 2006

Took it easy this morning, had tried to sleep in but the seagulls were in full chorus this morning starting at 6:30 - I was wide awake shortly after that and not feeling comfortable laying in bed any more.  I found out this evening that the baby seagulls are just learning to fly and that is why they are sooooooo vocal right now, but it should be over soon.

I was up and out right away, went to Starbucks for a coffee then a stop at Thrifty's for some lunch stuff for T.

Went for a run at the lakes early this evening with Lisa L, two casual loops.  A good last visit with her before she heads back to London.

Will see how things are feeling tomorrow but may try for a double.

Busy as a Bee – 4:04:28

August 26th, 2006

It was a stupid early morning, up and out the door by 5am to meet Doc C at Thetis Lake for a 5:30 pick up.  We parked one vehicle there and then carpooled out to Caleb Pike to start our run – From Caleb Pike parking lot on the Gowlland Tod trail over Holmes and Jocelyn peaks all the way down to McKenzie Bight.  Then we headed to the summit of Mount Work, down the other side and continued on to Stewart Mountain, up and over and finally along the Thetis trails and finishing at the main beach where we soaked our legs for awhile.  Doc C drove me back out to Caleb Pike to pick up my car and then I went in to work to give it a good wash.

After the car wash I met up with James R at Molé for a late breakfast and a good visit.  We were in there awhile catching up and sharing some stories.  After Molé I had a bunch of running around to do early this afternoon and then came home to get cleaned up.

It was only a short stay at home and then back out the door for the trip over the Malahat for Lisa L's BBQ.  Had another good visit with her, and her friends and family plus a ton of good food.  On the way home I was able to swing by Miss S's Birthday BBQ for the last visit of the day - made it there just in time for the cake   I wasn't able to stay too long as I am totally wiped, it has been a long day!

T is back!!!!!!!!!!

August 25th, 2006

Did not spend a lot of time at work today.  Went in for a few hours this morning but then left to go pick up T at the “Y”, she returned from Camp Thunderbird today.  It was great to see her but it looks like she has grown a couple more inches, going to have to seriously look into growth stunting, maybe some kind of height reduction surgery

We came home so that she could get in a good shower and relax some.  Then we wandered up to Starbucks, on the way T had all kinds of Camp stories and was trying to get them all out at once – it was hilarious.  Unfortunately it was a whirlwind visit with T this afternoon as I had to head back into work late to do some end of day stuff and get T to her Mom, who was coming there to pick her up.  Can't wait until Monday to hear some more Camp stories!!

No training today, took it as a rest day as the plan is to meet up with Doc C early tomorrow at Thetis and then carpool out to Caleb Pike for a point to point run.  Will do Caleb Pike all the way down to McKenzie Bight then up and over Mount Work and finally back to Thetis Lake – should be a good run!

The rest of Saturday looks busy, I am going to try and wash the car tomorrow after the run and then have a couple of BBQ's to attend, one for Lisa L, kind of a going away as she is getting ready to head back to London soon and then another one later to celebrate Miss S's birthday.  Hopefully I can make it to both!!

A Lakes Night – 53:16

August 24th, 2006

Was able to hook up with the club tonight for some running on the trails around Elk and Beaver Lakes.  Most of the club did some sort of workout, while Matty and I just cruised around together chatting.  Matty had done a nasty workout last night and was not feeling too fresh today.

I spent the evening at home lounging with my book and a bit of TV.  Was able to get this months Gobi Newsletter sent out tonight as well.

Another Recovery Day

August 23rd, 2006

While the legs (and the rest of the body) are feeling much better I decided to err on the side of caution and take today as another full day of rest and recovery.

After work I spent the evening at home putting the finishing touches on our next Gobi newsletter, a bit of TV and some reading.

Back to Work

August 22nd, 2006

Back to work today

Took the day off from training, the legs needed the extra day of recovery.  Scooter and I had a meeting to finalize some plans for our first fund raiser.  We will be sending out the newsletter soon with all the details.

My night was spent at home doing some Gobi homework and then reading some.  Will be heading to bed fairly soon.

A Wonderful Work-Day Off – 51:57

August 21st, 2006

It was a sleep in day!  I crawled out of bed around 9 and then decided to run a few errands and do some visiting, stopped in at the Royal Jubilee for a visit with Cathy G, was able to meet up with Roz at Hillside Mall for another visit, this afternoon I had a pedicure appointment in tandem with Scooter (more about this later...), then a late lunch with Erin W, an easy run this evening with Squinch, Doc C, and Diva and then finally dinner at Squinch's place with Maestro, Scott, Squinch and Diva.  It has been a great way to spend the day!

Okay now back to the pedicure   I had never had one before and I must say that I quite enjoyed it – there is nothing like a little foot pampering.  Scooter arranged it all and the ladies at Sapphire Day Spa treated us very well.  I went in feeling a little sheepish, being a “guy” but especially with the shape my feet were in – nasty!  After some clipping, trimming, grooming and a massage I came out feeling great - I also have to admit that it didn't hurt being the only guy in a room with three attractive women.

Check out the before and after shots

Before the pedicure:


After the pedicure:

The Day After!

August 20th, 2006

Just OUCH!

The legs are definitely not feeling fresh today.  Getting up, sitting down, stairs, getting in a car, getting out of a car or just about any sudden movement is not feeling too great

Other than the slow moving I had a great day.  Breakfast at Molé, some wandering around downtown, lounge time at home and then out tonight to celebrate Maestro's Birthday with dinner at Moxies and cocktails after at Diva and Maestro's place.

A very relaxing day - just what I needed!!

The Monty – 6:54:14

August 19th, 2006

WOW!!! (and ouch...)

Got a good sleep last night and woke up in plenty of time to make it out to the McKenzie Bight parking lot of Gowlland Tod Park on Ross Durrance Road for the 7am start of the Monty.  Jackal was already there getting ready and a couple of minutes after I got there Ludo pulled in.  I got my shoes and pack on then we waited for a few minutes as Jackal thought there was going to be one more.  They did not show so we made our way down to the Timberman Trail trailhead, stashed a couple of treats and some fluids and started our race.  We started out at a very comfortable pace, and kept it up until we hit the long climb up to the ridge.  At about 45 minutes in I stashed another water bottle near one of the trail markers, and then we continued on to the turn around at Caleb Pike taking in the views from Jocelyn Peak and Holmes Peak on the way.  We made it to the turn around in about 1:30.  I needed to make a pit stop at this point so ran to the outhouse, Jackal and Ludo went on ahead.

I refueled and drank some at Caleb Pike before heading out again.  On the way back to McKenzie Bight I was able to catch back up to Jackal right near Jocelyn Peak but Ludo had blazed ahead.  Jackal and I ran the entire way back together and finished our first lap in 3:03:22 passing the large group doing the Half Monty about 3 minutes out from their start.  Ludo was in with that group cruising along nicely.

It was another quick refuel and fluid stop then right back at it.  Jackal and I ran our second "out" to Caleb Pike together.  We were making good time but I was definitely starting to feel some of the hills.  Just past Jocelyn Peak, Jackal fell back a bit to wait for Baldwin who was having some difficulties.  I made it to the turn around at Caleb Pike the second time in 1:50 or so.  Mrs Jackal was there now with a ton of treats and some more fluids so I took a good break there, drinking a ton and snacking on some of the fruit and berries.

It was not too long after leaving Caleb Pike heading back for the last time that I started to “hear” my legs whispering to me, letting me know that I had hit the 5 hour mark and this was the first time they had gone that far.  I had left the turn around a couple of minutes ahead of Jackal but he caught up to me fairly quickly, I was able to get pulled along by him for quite awhile before I had to let him go and slow up some.  At the 5:30 mark the legs were getting even louder, by the 6:00 mark they were really upset with me and then by the 6:30 mark they were just not speaking to me anymore and it was a serious struggle to keep them turning over.

The last 45 minutes was a total mental game, walk up a hill, see the flat, tell the mind it was time to run, convince the legs to run some more, get to another hill and do it all over again.  By this point the legs and I were both really tired and I had to watch the downhills as well - took a few stutter steps on the steeper section just as you come down into McKenzie Bight – woke me up quickly!

As I neared the finish I could see the trailhead sign and Jackal had left a water bottle filled with Iced Tea for me there.  As I   got there I stopped the watch, picked up the bottle and made my way (slowly ) back to the parking lot the whole time thinking “I Love This Shit!!”

A few of us hung out in the parking lot waiting for the last of the runners to come in, Elke was an angel and offered us each a beer, which tasted great - especially after all the sports drinks and sweet stuff we had.  Unfortunately the last of the runners did not get back so Jackal and a couple of others went out looking for them while the Club Fat Ass gang from Vancouver and I headed to Durrance Lake to soak the legs and get in a quick swim.

After the swim I headed back to the parking lot and waited for the searchers to return and they did only with out the missing runners.  It was getting late for me and I needed to get back to town so had to leave shortly after they got back.

Once home it was time for a nice hot shower, a quick lay down and some reading before Squinch came and picked me up for dinner at Il Greco's and a visit with Pan-Pan.  A night of amazing food, good stories and great friends!

PS:  Just found out that the two lost runners were found and made it home okay.

A picture taken by Mrs Jackal at Caleb Pike:

Pirates and Passports

August 18th, 2006

Ended up not hooking up with Doc C and his crew this morning, I think that they had other plans for a long run this weekend and decided to not run today.

So instead I was able to sleep in a bit.  Headed downtown once I was up and hung out in the passport office for awhile - have finally gotten around to applying for passports for both T and I.  Wandered downtown after that, Chapters, The Bay Centre, Starbucks and a couple other places before heading home.  Spent the afternoon in James Bay goofing off and then had a meeting to get to this afternoon.

Tonight Squinch and I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean II.  I am home now and will get some stuff ready for the morning, it is an early start (7am) for the Monty.  Will head to bed right after getting it all in order.

18 Holes of Golf

August 17th, 2006

No training today, a very welcome day of rest.

After the work day I had a couple of errands to run and then came home to unwind a bit before heading out again.  Rode the bike to Beacon Hill Park and met up with Jim and Tammy for 18 holes of golf on the putting green and then a ice cream treat from the Beacon Drive Inn.

I have been feeling the need for an extra long weekend this summer so have taken tomorrow and Monday off from work.  No big plans for the weekend, just going to see what happens...

Wandering on Wednesday – 50:26

August 16th, 2006

Much like yesterday I took it a bit easy today.  Ran the Macaulay loop at lunch at a relaxed pace and then took the night off.

After work I wandered around downtown for awhile running errands and window shopping for some Gobi gear and then it was another night at home.

After dinner I did make it out for a walk along the Beach below Dallas road but other than that it was a night of lounging.

Tapering on Tuesday - 47:27

August 15th, 2006

With the Monty coming up this Saturday I am starting to taper (a little bit ).  Went for a run on the Breakwater at lunch and then took the night off.  Will do the same tomorrow, take Thursday off, hook up with Doc C and his crew on Friday for an early morning run then refuel and rest up for Saturday morning.

Spent the evening at home relaxing!

The Monday Night Easy Group – 1:44:48

August 14th, 2006

After taking the weekend off I was feeling very fresh today.  Ran a good paced lunch run doing the Macaulay loop.  Ran by Jim M along the Songhees, he was out for a cruise as well.

After work I met up with Syl, Diva, Maestro, and Doc C at Squinch's place for a run along Dallas road.  We took it easy and made it just past Ross Bay Cemetery before turning around and heading back.  Doc C was struggling some with the pace, he took a nasty fall on Friday, had a few scrapes and sore ribs but didn't complain one bit as we cruised along.

It was a night of clean up, tomorrow is the annual building inspection and I thought I should tidy up some before the landlords walked thru

T is Off to Camp

August 13th, 2006

The morning was spent getting T's stuff ready for camp and then I had to run a couple of errands to grab a few extra things for her before meeting her at the “Y” to see her off on the bus.

Spent the rest of the day relaxing, have been feeling very tired all day so didn't really get up to much.

Uncle Jimmy's for the Day

August 12th, 2006

It has been a really chorish day!  After a couple of stops this morning – Mayfair for some Starbucks and a lottery ticket purchase (where I ran into Scooter and ended up giving her a ride home) and a quick stop in at work, I spent the majority of my day at Uncle Jimmy's place doing laundry and helping him do yard work.

When we were all done we had a great BBQ dinner and a few beers to end the day off.

Macaulay and Gonzales - 1:56:44

August 11th, 2006

Ahhhhh....  the shoes make all the difference!  Two great runs today, the Macaulay loop at lunch and then a Dallas road run tonight.  Ran by Judith L going the other way along the causeway by Ross Bay and then heard a shout as I was turning around by Gonzales Bay and it was Hugh T cruising by on his bike.  Ended the run off tonight with a hard push on the Breakwater and then back home.

Have spent the evening at home relaxing, had went up to grab a movie but couldn't find one that I wanted to see.

A Day for Rest (and for getting some new shoes)

August 10th, 2006

Took it easy today... figured that I would use the extra rest day and let the legs heal up some more before breaking in the new pair of shoes I got today.  With a great big humongous thanks to Maestro and Diva!!! and some amazing service from Phil down at Island Runner, I was able to treat my feet (and the rest of my body) to a new pair of Asics.

I will put them through their paces tomorrow

It was a lazy night at home – dinner, some TV for T, me trying to organize my sponsorship follow up list for the next week and some games.  This was T's last night at home until she returns from camp – not quite sure what I am going to do with myself for the next two weeks???

Team Gobi News:
Had our weekly team meeting this morning with a special guest - we have now officially got a coach!  He is going to start working with us right away but will start the “nasty” training in a couple of months.

And in other Gobi news:
Scooter and I have a meeting next Monday night to finalize some plans for our first fund raising event - it will be taking place in late September.  More on this one later

Breakwater Break – 48:29

August 9th, 2006

A great lunch run today, through town along the waterfront out on the Breakwater and back.  Took it a bit easier as the legs were sore from yesterday but still made some good time.

I limited myself to one run today, the lower legs are getting sore after every run - new shoes are definitely in order and will hopefully pick some up tomorrow.

Tonight T got spoiled – She and Scooter made plans the other night for the two of them to go out for sushi and tonight was the night.  Scooter picked T up around 6pm and they went to Toku Sushi for dinner.  I got left at home to fend for myself and ended up just having some PB and J Sandwiches

After T got dropped off she and I went over to Diva and Maestro's for a short visit (Diva was showered and in her PJ's while Maestro was still in his running gear preparing dinner for the two of them ) and then it was time for home and some lounging before bed.

No More Relaxing – 2:07:27

August 8th, 2006

Right back into it today!  Started with a loop around Macaulay Elementary at lunch at a decent pace and then for the second run I met up with the club at Cedar Hill for some time on the chip trail.  It was a big group tonight, many of the regulars and a couple of special guests, Nancy B and Judith L, joined us for the night.  I ran a warm up loop and then joined the club for their warmup before turning around and running in the opposite direction to try and avoid the push/pull flux of the other runners and just stick to my own pace for the run.

With T heading off to camp this weekend tonight was her last girls group.  They spent the night doing some crafts and some pretty in depth talks on life stresses and ways to not get stressed.  They made some really cool stress balls out of balloons and rice.

We came home after and had some dinner and relaxed for the rest of the night.

And Yet A Third Very Relaxing Day

August 7th, 2006

T and I enjoyed yet one more sleep in morning

We spent pretty much the entire day lounging at home.  Played some games, watched some TV, read our books and just lazed around.

Scooter joined us for the evening bringing dinner with her.  T and I help with the prep and cooking and we enjoyed a great dinner and then had some time to do some Gobi planning after.  Lots more exciting stuff going on!!!

Another Very Relaxing Day

August 6th, 2006

T and I enjoyed another sleep in morning and then met up with James R for breakfast at Molé, which was definitely Molé – great coffee, great food, great company!!

We were supposed to hook up with Jason and Josh at Willows this afternoon to watch the Snowbird show but T was not feeling into it so instead we went for a walk down along Dallas road and on the beach.  Stopped by Thrifty's on the way home for some dinner stuff then lounged some more.

This evening we wandered downtown to enjoy the Symphony Splash and get some ice cream from Sweet Memories.  We came home during the break and then went out again later to watch the fireworks.

T is getting ready for bed now and I think I will head that way soon too.

A Very Relaxing Day

August 5th, 2006

T and I enjoyed a sleep in morning and then met up with Squinch for breakfast at Cup of Joes, while the food was good it was definitely not Molé  : )

We lounged at home for awhile after and then headed out to Thetis for the afternoon to hang with Jason and his son Josh.  We were also joined by Jason's friend Nic and Lisa L.  We spent a few hours at the lake swimming and playing and then T and I came home for another movie night.

Pizza, Movie and Beer Night

August 4th, 2006

The plan had been to get a run in at lunch but it was far too busy at work so had to bail on that idea.  This evening T once again did not feel up to the Youth Centre so we just came home and relaxed for a bit before heading up and grabbing a movie, some pizza and a couple of beers for the night.

It looks like it will be a four day break from any serious training - I can use the rest, the legs are definitely in rough shape right now and need to heal up some...

A tired twosome – 49:50

August 3rd, 2006

No double today, T was not up for the Youth Centre tonight so we just came home after work and relaxed with dinner, some TV and a few games.

I did make it out for a run at lunch, thru' downtown to the Breakwater and back.  Was a very nice break away from the office.  Have experienced some soreness in the feet, shins and calves after the last couple of runs, think it is almost time for some new shoes

I think it is going to be an early night for both T and I.  We are bagged!

Misorganization – 1:21:58

August 2nd, 2006

I was able to get in two good runs today.  I did the Gazebo loop on the Songhees at lunch at a relaxed pace.  This evening Packman and I had planned on getting a run in together but once again weren't able to get it organized.  I ended up going for a out and back around Clover Point along Dallas road and threw in a trip to the end of the Breakwater.  It was a gorgeous night, tons of paragliders out along the cliffs and far too many dogs, almost got run over by a few of them

Will see how I am feeling tomorrow but I am hoping for one more double and then a shorter run on Friday to finish up the weeks training.  Will take the long weekend off and get back at it next Tuesday.

A Night With The Fishers – 1:59:05

August 1st, 2006

Another double today, ran the Macaulay loop at lunch and then while T was at her girls group hooked up with the club at Cedar Hill for some chip trail running.

After I picked T up we swung by the Save On at Admirals Walk to pick up some dinner and then stopped by the Fisher's place to hang for the night.