And one more just for good measure

November 30th, 2006

Today was Year End at work, we spent the entire day counting the inventory, barely had time for lunch let alone a run

Things will settle down tomorrow so I should be able to get out for a good run at some point, possibly a double if T heads to the Youth Centre tomorrow night.

There was not much else on the go today but I do need to send out a big “Thank-you!!” to Rumon C for the great Team Gobi plug on his Triathlete Mag blog.

It's okay to take a few days off...

November 29th, 2006

It was a very busy day and once again I was not able to fit in any training.  I am feeling very much sloth like with four days of no running but after the Team meeting this morning with Coach Mike they gave me some reassurance that I would be just fine

We are starting our Team training schedule this weekend and with all of us starting at the same point, I will be dropping some mileage off my training week - not sure how I feel about that??

Lets move on to something different, something much more exciting.  I discovered today that another of my favorite races is on and I can't wait!

Please check out the Smart Foundation and The Third Annual Dave Smart Tribute Beer Mile.

If you are unfamiliar about Beer Mile culture head to http://www.beermile.com/ and read all about it.  You can also check out past race results.

Sick Day

November 28th, 2006

The day started off normal with T heading off to school and me going to work but about mid morning I got a call from T to tell me she was not feeling well.  I bailed out of work and went to the school to pick her up and then headed home.  The rest of T's day was spent at home resting and I ended up spending the day getting some extra chores done.

Another unexpected day of no training, hopefully all these days off will result in some fresh legs when I do get the chance to get out on them.

Bear Mountain 10k & Gunner Shaw Photos

Pan-Pan has found a work around to post some pictures.

Here are some that Packman took at the Bear Mountain 10k

And a series of pictures from the Gunner Shaw with credit going to Mark C and Pan-Pan for the photos

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Previously there was a picture of Scooter here, taken off per her request
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Snow Day

November 27th, 2006

No school today so with T staying at home so did I.

Other than getting out to play in the white stuff  for a bit and have an epic snowball fight we were homebodies.  It was a day of pajamaness and hot chocolate beverages.

An unexpected day of rest and recovery for me and while I did enjoy it I was also feeling antsy to be out putting some mileage on the legs.  Will get back at it tomorrow with a run at lunch hopefully.

Question of the Day at Molé

November 26th, 2006

Waking up and seeing the snow falling was a pleasant surprise, especially for T who called from the slumber party house as soon as she saw it.  But at the same time it is an unwelcome road hazard - Venturi Schulze was supposed to have a wine tasting this afternoon but with all the snow they canceled, not wanting anyone to risk the trip on slippery roads.

I was feeling a bit bummed about the canceled wine tasting but it didn't last long.  Scooter and I had made plans yesterday to meet at Molé for breakfast and once we got there my mood brightened immensely.  Even with the weather the place was busy so we had to wait a few moments for a table but once seated and set up with a coffee life was as it should be.

Scooter and I had some great breakfast conversation, about all kinds of topics; the lovely Molé ladies, our Gunner Shaw runs yesterday, our upcoming slide show in Nanaimo and of course the main topic.

The question of the day:

“What does it take for Scooter to commit to running the Stewart Mountain XC Challenge?”

And the answer:
Well... it was not as difficult a task as I first thought it might be.  All it involved was getting a certain someones phone number and that turned out to be quite easy – made one phone call   I won't get into the details but it was mere seconds after getting the number that it was put into use.



Needless to say, we went our separate ways after breakfast.  Scooter wandering off in the direction of downtown mumbling something about her hair and boots not matching while I went and picked up T from Jess's place.

T and Jess had some plans for us when I got there.  They wanted to do a Johnny Zee's afternoon and of course I am all for some good arcade action.  After a slippery drive there the girls and I got our load of tokens and geeked out.

No big plans for T and I this evening.  May venture out again to see a movie if the mood strikes.

The Harriers Gunner Shaw Cross Country Classic – 47:45 (1:04:12)

November 25th, 2006

T and I took it easy this morning and after a slow wake up made some wonderful chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, a great pre-race meal!  We left to pick up Scooter around 11 but on the way made a quick stop for some hot chocolate and a coffee.  Scooter was out and ready for us when we got to her place so it was another quick stop and then out to Thetis.

Chris and Jennie came out to hang with T.  They picked her up and went for a bite to eat and then dropped her off at a birthday/slumber party this afternoon.

After they left, Scooter and I picked up our race bibs and then went back down to the car to hang out in the warmth for as long as we could before getting ready and heading up to the start line.

Today was my fifth and Scooter's first running of the Gunner Shaw.  I love this race, it is a staple in my running calendar.  Not sure if Scooter is feeling the same way yet, it might have to grow on her a bit   There was a record number of people out for the race today, a huge field!  I think Mr. R said that this was the largest cross country race in Canada??

I went out with my pack on again, with a bit more weight added but am sure it's still within the sub-15lbs range.  Took off a little slow and used the first couple of k's as a warm up and then just tried to settle in and get the breathing and pacing down after that, I was shooting for just sub 5 minute kilometres and did well.  I do have to say though that the time 47:45 seems to be a recurring theme lately...

After my wobbly pack run at the Bear Mountain 10k I played with the straps some, and after a little adjusting got it more firm on the back, and today found it to sit very solidly with little or no sway on the downhills.  Still could feel the weight pull heavy on the climbs though, made those stairs near the end feel like a chore...

After finishing I headed back out to find Scooter and keep her company for her last couple of k's.  She had a great run and finished strong.  She seemed happy with the run but I think I'll have to give her a couple of days before seeing if I can talk her into running the Stewart Mountain XC Challenge next.

It was great to see Pan-Pan and Lin out as well as Lisa L who has just returned from London.  Patty had a great run, finishing in 11th overall.

Right after the run Scooter and I both did the quick change into some dry, warm clothes using the car, with the heat cranked, as our change room.  We were going to wander back up to the awards ceremony but had the good fortune to run into and meet Rumon C on the way up so stopped and chatted to him for awhile.

After dropping Scooter off, I met up with Lisa L for a coffee and then came home to get cleaned up and warm again.  Not sure what the plan is for tonight...

Official results from today are up at Race:Day both Tony Austin and Mark Creery were out with their cameras today and took some great photo's.

One last note - I am in love with my shoes!!  This was only my fourth run in the Brooks Cascadia Trail Runners... they are incredibly comfortable, very stable and have great traction!!  I owe Mark and Nick of Frontrunners Westshore a humongous THANK YOU for introducing me to the Cascadias

Welcome Home Jeff – 47:43

November 24th, 2006

Okay... this is three days in a row where my time has been eerily consistent.   I think I have found my comfy stride for the Breakwater route.

A bit more lax at work today, was able to finish up the prewrite in the morning and then got caught up on some other system stuff this afternoon.

T spent the day at a Leadership Conference, one of ten kids from her school that went.  After school she spent some time with her Big Sister and then was dropped off at the Youth Centre.  When I picked her up she had all kinds of tales from her day, most of them about her experience at the Conference, and they were all very positive!

After the Youth Centre we went to Scooter's place to celebrate the return home of Jeff Chand and his amazing Sahara Race.  Spent a few hours there trying to absorb as much wisdom as I could from Jeff about his time in the desert, heard some good stories and got some great tips.

Tomorrow is the 22nd Annual Harriers Gunner Shaw Memorial Cross Country Classic.  It is looking to be a good one, lots of rain in the past few days that should make for some wonderful trail running!!

T and I will be picking up Scooter on the way out and getting her on the course and mucky too

Team Gobi and Popeyes – 47:45

November 23rd, 2006

It was another day of writing and pricing for me at work, thankfully there is only a few more days of it left.  I did make it out for another run to the Breakwater and made it in exactly the same time as yesterday.  I don't think that has ever happened before and doubt that it will happen again any time soon.

Packman, Scooter and I had another meeting with the manager of Popeyes today.  We received some more product and some samples to try out.  I can already feel the difference the protein powder and glutamine are making, a much quicker recovery and I am no longer waking up in the middle of the night hungry   We all think this is going to be a great relationship.

Shopping with the Ladies – 47:45

November 22nd, 2006

T has had a couple of busy days!  Last night was the 'Lock In' at the school and tonight she was treated to a shopping trip with Linds, Miss S, and Rozzy.  The four of them spent a couple of  hours in Mayfair Mall tonight trying on dresses and shoes.  It was a successful trip with T coming home with a new dress that she is going to wear to McB and Dini's Wedding.  I think there may be one more outing with the Ladies planned for shoes as they weren't able to find any tonight.

After the shopping excursion there was dinner and then right home, all the Ladies looked tired from their days...

It was a run to the Breakwater for me today, a nice cruise.  Felt solid for the entire run and kept a good steady pace the whole time.  Caught a sighting of Hodgie (actually two – saw her going both ways) as I was running along Wharf Street, she was all bundled up in her warm jacket and white knit toque.

Not sure how the day is looking tomorrow, will pack up the gear and hope to get out at lunch.

The Lock In

November 21st, 2006

Sort of an unexpected day off today.  The work day was pretty full so I knew I wasn't going to be able to run at lunch and then tonight just didn't work out either.  Not such a bad thing as I am feeling quite tired anyway...

Scooter came by my work today for a conference call with a radio station, 101.7 CHLY, in Nanaimo.  Lynn Thompson had us on her show “Living on Purpose”.   It was a great time and the three of us, Packman was on another line, are very excited about the exposure.

T had a very cool event this evening.  She is at a sleep over in her school, they call it a “Lock In”.  All the kids in her grade were invited and had to bring all their sleepover gear with them.  I dropped her off at the school at 7pm and then quickly got the “Dad, you can go now” hug and look!  The school is also having a pajama day tomorrow, which is amazingly cool!!!

I am going to ask my employers if they would be into having a pajama day too

Divatastic Double - 1:38:35

November 20th, 2006

It was just a normal Monday at work, still doing some prewriting with one of the bossmen trying to get a jump on the year end inventory.

Made it out for a run on the Switch Bridge route at lunch and then met up with Diva while T was at the Youth Centre tonight.  We got in lots of chatting and catching up as we haven't run together for some time.  We ran an out and back to West Bay Marina at a comfortable pace but Diva asked if we could pick up the pace for the last 10 minutes and of course I went along with the idea trying very hard not to lose too much ground.  I kept up to her for the first 6 minutes or so but then I started to fade some and she really tore up some ground between us.  The only thing that saved me was the red light she hit on the way back up Jutland

It was a good run and I was quite pleased with being able to have something left in the tank to push the pace for the last 10 minutes.

Bear Mountain Resort 10k – 52:24 (1:05:12)

November 19th, 2006

“This scenic and challenging course winds its way up and down along the Bear Mountain Golf Course cart paths. With panoramic ocean, mountain, and city views you can be assured that this will be the most beautiful 10k you have ever run.” - This is how they described the race course and while they were correct it was one of the most beautiful 10k's I have ever run they sure understated just how challenging a course it is   They should of said “winds its way up and down and up and down and up and down and up and down” you get the picture...

It was definitely not a PR course, most people were running around 4-5 minutes off their normal 10k time.  I went out with my pack on my back and in it around 12-15 pounds of phone books and other stuffing material which didn't make it any easier.  Was hoping for a 5 minute per kilometer pace but once on the course and running it bagged that plan and just ran.  The pack settled in after around 2k and then I didn't really notice it except on the hills which were everywhere   Going up I could really feel the weight pulling and then on the downhills it played with my balance a bit which slowed me some.  I am very happy with the run, finished feeling strong and like I could of continued at that pace for awhile longer – a good feeling!

I have some pictures from the race but will have to post them later as we are having some technical difficulties with the upload process.

After the race T and I went to Molé for some brunch and then a visit with the Fishers before coming home and relaxing for the rest of the day.

The next planned run for me is the Gunner Shaw Cross Country Classic, the second run in the Thetis Triple.

Ezzy's Bday! – 48:11

November 18th, 2006

An attempt at sleeping in this morning did not work out so well, was awake just after 7 and then laid in bed for as long as I could stand it before getting up and heading out.  The first stop this morning was Frontrunners Westshore for a visit with Mark and Nick.  Picked up my and Scooter's race bibs for tomorrow and then looked through a couple of gear catalog's to see if there were any water bottle carriers that I might be able to customize and attach to my pack straps.  Wasn't able to find any but Mark suggested going to a seamstress and see what they could do for me.

The next stop was work where I gave the car a quick clean and hung with one of the owners who was in working.  After cleaning up the car I went and picked up T from Shawna's and we made a quick trip to Mayfair to pick up a Birthday present for Ezzy before going to her swimming party at Commonwealth.

Bday Table


Bday Girl


T


Enny


Fish


Very yummy cake!!!


After the Birthday party T and I came home and just geeked for the rest of the night.

It is going to be an early morning, picking up Scooter around 7:30 and then dropping T off at her Big Sister's before heading out to Bear Mountain for the race.

'Casino Royale' – 48:11

November 17th, 2006

Another busy day at work but I still managed to get out for a good run on the Breakwater.  After school T joined me at work for awhile before heading to Shawna's place to spend the night.  With the night suddenly open I decided to join Uncle Jimmy and Chris R for a movie at SilverCity, the new James Bond!

Home late but with no real plans for the morning, hopefully I will sleep in some before heading out to Frontrunners Westshore to pick up the race packages for Sunday's run.

A Night with a Geek – 45:22

November 16th, 2006

The next few weeks are looking to be busy at work, we are nearing our Year End and need to get things organized for inventory at the end of the month.  Today I spent most of the day with one of the owners doing some prewriting of the stock cards.  Was able to sneak away for a bit at lunch to get in a nice run along the Goose to Switch Bridge.

Tonight T and I geeked at home and really didn't get up to much at all

Holy Crap it's Windy – 49:43

November 15th, 2006

On days like today I sometimes ask myself - “Are you going to run today?”  The answer of course is always (okay maybe not always but at least 95% of the time) a hardy “Hell yes!”.  I absolutely love running on days like these, the runs just don't get any better than this.  I was cold, wet and filthy from head to toe by the time I finished but loved every second of it   They actually had the Breakwater locked off so I had to just continue running down Dallas road and finally turned around at the Holland Point rock.

Tonight Uncle Jimmy treated T and I to dinner at the Sechezuan Buffet and we pigged out.  T went up for two and a half plates, I did almost four and Uncle Jimmy was right there with us.  It was wonderful – I am soooo stuffed right now.

A Meeting with Popeye – 50:00(?)

November 14th, 2006

The three days off made heading in to work this morning a bit hard, I did make it though – barely

Out for a cruise to the Breakwater at lunch, had forgot to pack my watch so  am unsure of the time but I wasn't flying so the 50 minute guess would be close.  Ran by Doc Dean, my dentist, out on the Breakwater and we exchanged a brief hello - a small wave and a “Hey” - the typical runners hello.

Packman met me at work this afternoon and we walked up to Popeye's for a meeting with the manager.  We had a great meeting and have got the Team another sponsor!  Popeye's with primarily EAS products will be our supplement and nutrition sponsor.  We will be getting some endurance specific products as well as some protein powder and vitamins which will make for some amazing training enhancers.  The products will also be great for the actual race with some recovery supplements and electrolyte powders to add to our daily nutrition while on the course.

Where did the day go?

November 13th, 2006

I am not sure where the day went, it just seemed to disappear...  and it doesn't feel like I got much done.  Oh well I guess we all need a day or two like that

T spent most of the day at Haley's, I picked her up just before before dinner and we spent the evening at home getting her room cleaned up and then played some games.

Molé, Laundry and Squinch's Belated Birthday

November 12th, 2006

T crawled on my bed early this morning to give me my morning hug and let me know she was going to watch some TV while waiting for Haley to wake up.  I laid in bed a little longer, enjoying the relaxing morning.  After a bit of lounge time the girls and I made our way out the door and thru' downtown to Molé for breakfast.

Another brief visit at home before we headed out again to drop the girls off at Haley's place so they could go swimming this afternoon.  I spent the afternoon at the laundry mat and then at home getting some chores done.  T got invited to spend the night at Haley's so I had the night to myself and had thought about heading to Jim's to watch some Pride Fighting but then got the Squinch Birthday call so had to go celebrate that!

A few of us went to the Squinch's place, watched “Nacho Libre”, enjoyed a fine malt beverage, and some super snacks

Here are a few pictures from the Thetis Relay yesterday.  Pan-Pan took them and I think they were all taken during the lap two to lap three transition.

Thetis Lake 20km Relay – 1:36:28 (2:54:53)

November 11th, 2006

T's Big Sister came by early this morning and picked up T for their breakfast outing.  After breakfast they went to the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Legislature.  After the ceremony T got dropped off at Haley's gymnastics so that they could spend the day together.

I headed out to Thetis Lake early, getting there around 11.  They were already setting up and I was able to get my race stuff organized and head out for a couple of 'warm-up' laps before the Relay started.  Finished the laps with about 20 minutes to the race start so took in some fluids and a gel then hopped around to keep warm until the start.

Ran the Relay conservatively, trying for a lap every 25 minutes and except for the first lap didn't do too bad with the pacing.  Was joined by Ludo and Pan-Pan for my last lap of the Relay and then for one extra lap after.  It was great to have some company on those laps as it had started to rain and was getting quite nasty out.  They kept me entertained with some chatting, stories and some banter back and forth which kept my mind off the ugly weather, thanks guys!!

Here are my lap times.

Warm-up
Lap 1: 23:20:20
Lap 2: 24:35:92

Relay
Lap 3: 21:36:78
Lap 4: 24:11:72
Lap 5: 24:42:98
Lap 6: 25:56:69   (Relay finish time: 1:36:28)

Cool-down
Lap 7: 30:29:63 (Total running time: 2:54:53)

After the Relay I had some time to kill before picking up T and Haley, who has joined us for a sleepover, so went to Mayfair and grabbed a coffee a treat and wandered for a bit.

We will be spending the night at home lounging, the girls are watching a movie now and will probably watch another when this one is done

Bon Voyage... - 38:17

November 10th, 2006

A wet and chilly cruise to the Westbay Marina at lunch.  It was just enough to get the legs warmed up and loosened out.

A Youth Centre night for T and it was Marie's last night there so they had a small going away party for her.  There was ice cream cake for everyone!!

T and I are spending the rest of the evening relaxing at home.

Tomorrow T is going out with her Big Sister for breakfast and then it looks like she will be hanging with her friend Haley while I am out at Thetis for the Relay.

VICC Presentation

November 9th, 2006

After a meeting this morning with Packman and Scooter and then the presentation this afternoon I was not at work for too long today.

The presentation went well, Cathy G introduced us then Scooter talked a little about the who and why before handing it over to Rob who went over what motivates people to run, and touched some on how extreme the race is.  My part was talking about heat stress, some ways to prevent it and show the slides of some beat up feet.  I muddled my way through again but did feel more confident then the last show, sure helps to have Packman and Scooter there to rely on to help me out.  I really enjoyed the question and answer session after the presentation, felt way more comfortable talking about stuff I had real knowledge about.

No training today, will get out for a run at lunch tomorrow.  Probably something a little shorter as I am planning to make Saturday a long day.

Presentation Planning – 47:51

November 8th, 2006

Have another presentation to do...  We are going to the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre tomorrow to give a short presentation on the Gobi, Motivation, and running in the heat.  I am not feeling very prepared for this one but am sure I will be able to muddle my way through it   And once again I am feeling very fortunate to have two experienced speakers on the team to make up for my lack thereof.

The run today was another Breakwater trip, and just the one run today.  I had to make a mid-week trip to the laundry mat this evening so wasn't able to get the double in.

Have an early meeting with Packman and Scooter to go over the presentation and then we'll all meet at the Clinic around noon.

Blogging – 49:00

November 7th, 2006

I've been reading a few blogs by some other local athletes lately;

the finn files written by Jim Finlayson
two.roads. written by Rumon Carter
and
SQW RACING written by Simon Whitfield

All three are great reads and make me wish I had some sort of writing skill.  May have to look into a writing class if I plan on making my blog more prolific...

As far as training went today it was a cruise through town to the Breakwater.  Tossed a couple of short intervals in to get some spin in the legs but other than that kept it at a relaxed pace.

I am thinking of a double tomorrow but will have to wait and see what T is feeling like doing tomorrow night before committing to anything.

Soaked! – 47:44

November 6th, 2006

The rain continues to fall...  will make for some wild trail running this weekend during the Thetis Lake Relay.

I was one of a very few people out at lunch braving (or perhaps just stupid enough to be out in) the weather for a run.  Ran the Switch Bridge route and got thoroughly soaked thru', there was not a dry spot on me and it was a blast!  Running on days like this are character building, or so I've been told

Cruising with the Cascadia's – 1:43:09

Had set the alarm for 7am this morning thinking I would get out to Thetis early for a run but turned the alarm off as soon as it sounded.  I took it easy and got out of bed around 9:30 and then slowly made my way downtown to Molé for a wonderful breakfast and then some lounge time at home.

I did make it out for a run this afternoon putting on the new Brooks for their first cruise on the trails of Elk/Beaver Lake running two very easy laps.

Nothing too exciting this evening, relaxed at home and got some chores done.

_ _ _ _ _ _

After seeing and being a part of Packman's 100km attempt yesterday, things today seemed a bit muted.  I know Packman is upset with the failed attempt but I also know that he will put this behind him and set his mind on his next goal.  I also think he is not yet done with the 100km, it is a 'goal' distance and he will attempt it again.

100km is a goal distance for me as well so I hope I will take all the lessons learned from yesterday and incorporate them in my training.

Haney to Harrison 100k

November 4th, 2006

A very early morning, we all were up by 2:30am.  Packman got ready while Scooter and I packed up and tried to help him out however we could.  Check in time for the ultra runners was between 3am and 3:45am with a 4am start.  Pretty low key start as the group of runners, about 35 of them, and support crews all gathered by the start line and received their final instructions.  As the runners took off we ran back to the car and got our butts in gear to follow along and meet Packman about every 3km.  Packman ran very well, he got thru Legs 1 to 6 at a very steady 6 minute per kilometer pace in some really ugly weather – windy rainy and cold, we did a change of shoes and clothes at the start of Leg 5 and just his clothes at the start of Leg 7.

It was a rough day for Packman, he was about 4 km into Leg 7 and his right leg started cramping forcing him to straight leg walk.  While walking he started to get really cold and that did not help the cramps at all.  We stopped and got him into the car to try to warm him up and stretch the cramps out and it seemed to help so he jumped back out to attempt to continue but could just not get going again with out the legs cramping and got cold again very quickly.  We pulled him back in the car and just sat there for awhile to get him warmed up.

It was a very tough decision but after making it 84km he decided to call it a day and pulled himself out.  We headed back to Check Point 7 and turned in his timing chip and then made our way back towards home.

Made a couple of stops on the way home, one at a Rec Centre to get Packman in a shower and then for dinner before making it to Tswassen for the 7pm ferry.  Of course the ferry was late and then it had some technical problems so we didn't get back to Vic until almost 10pm.  Dropped Scooter and Packman off then came home and finally crawled in to bed around 12:30 – it was a long day!

A Tight Fit

November 3rd, 2006

It was a short day at work, I took the afternoon off to run some errands and then picked up both Scooter and Packman for our trip to the Mainland.  Scooter and I were going over to be Packman's support crew for his H2H 100km Ultra.  We just made it on the 4pm ferry , we were the last car on and there was only a few inches of space between us and the gate.  We made it to our final destination, Maple Ridge, just after 8pm.  Shortly after dinner all three of us were in bed.

Wet and Windy in Westbay – 42:26

November 2nd, 2006

A cruise with company to Westbay Marina at lunch.  Met Tasha at the train station again and we ran at a nice relaxing pace.  It was a wet, windy, wintery day, great running weather

After work T and I had a couple of errands to get done and then spent the evening relaxing at home.

“LOST” – 1:57:38

November 1st, 2006

Wednesday's are one of my favorite days, mainly because this is the night my favorite TV show comes on - “LOST”.  Now I am sure that they (the TV people) would love you to believe that the show is called “LOST” because of the plane crashing and all the stranded people on the uncharted “Island” but I think they called it “LOST” because that is how all the viewers feel when they are watching it.  I am so lost watching this show, I never know what is going to happen next.  There is always a twist or some mysterious happening and the stories draw me right in...  I love it!

As far as running went today I was definitely not lost.  A cruise of the Breakwater at lunch and then a good out and back around Macaulay Elementary while T was at the Youth Centre.  It was cold for both runs, toque and glove weather.

I can't believe how much the weather has changed in only the last week, it has gotten seriously cold and it looks like our long lost BC rain is going to finally start coming down again.  Soften up some of those trails hopefully