You are Entering a Rugged Mountain Environment - 2:32:38

December 31st, 2006

Picked up Scooter at 8:30 this morning for a trip out to Gowlland Tod Park for our long run.  We got to the Caleb Pike parking lot just before 9:00 and waited for a few minutes before heading out on the trails.  We did two out and backs from the parking lot, one to the peak of Jocelyn Hill and the other to about half-way up the backside of Mt. Finlayson.  Bumped in to Coach Mike on the trail so stopped and chatted with him for a few minutes.

On the way home after the run we took a little detour up Bear Mountain and made a stop at Mayfair Mall.  After getting home I have been spending the afternoon relaxing, not sure what the evening will bring but probably more of the same.

While we were running Scooter asked me to write a ‘guest blog’ on her Gobi Journal so head over there and check it out.

A few pictures from the run this morning:

Things to do…

Scooter playing with her socks

Holmes Peak

Self portrait

Posing

Some more posing

Rugged Mountain Environment : )

Feeling Yucky

December 30th, 2006

Well…  after the dinner and dancing evening at Irish Times last night I woke up this morning not feeling too great.  I had plans to meet Scooter at Mo:lé for breakfast and after a couple of calls from her did make it down there and only a few minutes late.

After breakfast I went out to Frontrunners Westshore and picked up some new road shoes, a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus then came home and crashed on the couch, was feeling far too yucky to try the shoes out today.

Tonight I spent some time with Uncle Jimmy watching the UFC fight.

Irish Times – 48:56

December 29th, 2006

I made it for a run out to the Breakwater at lunch today, I had tried to convince Scooter to join me but she already had her mind set on heading to Mt. Doug for her run.

This evening Scooter and I got to hang - we did dinner at her place and then made our way downtown (with the help of Turbo and his quick bus stop pick up) to Irish Times for some drinking and dancing.  Scooter did more of the dancing then I but I did kick her butt at the drinking

Christmas Pics and some Midweek Laundry – 47:47

December 28th, 2006

Not too much to ‘blog’ on today.  A good run at lunch with Andrew G on the Goose, nice relaxed pace with lots of chatting.  After work T and I took a trip to the laundry mat and got some chores done then home, dinner and geek time playing some of the games T got yesterday.

This first set is from Diva and Maestro's Dinner for the Strays

PanPan, Lindsaylator, and Maestro

Matty and Diva

Diva ‘helping’ Maestro finish up his very yummy cake!

Pan-Pan with Patty’s “Turkey”

Diva loves small Gingerbread Men??

This set is from Christmas Dinner with the Skrivanos Family

T and I at Christmas dinner

Working for said dinner : )

Oh my soooo full!

PanPan cheating at Clue

The Mastermind

A Black Forest Caking – 39:03

December 27th, 2006

It was not a very busy day at work and it made for a long one.  At lunch T and I did get out for a good visit and some pizza with St.J who took us on a tour of his job site, the condos going up downtown on the old Romeo’s site, which was very neat to see.  After lunch we did get hit by a drive by caking from Scooter, she dropped off some very yummy Black Forest Cake for us before heading out for her tour of Langford, Colwood and Sooke in her search for Frontrunners Westshore.

It was still not any busier at work later this afternoon so the ladies put T to work and I was able to get out for a short run along the Songhees to Westbay Marina.

After work T was up for some more post Christmas shopping to use up the other gift cards she got.  This time it was a trip to ‘Toys R Us’ and ‘HMV’ for some music and games.

Boxing Day with Ghostie

December 26th, 2006

T and I ended up sleeping in this morning, neither of us seemed to be in a rush to get out of bed.  Once up and dressed we lounged for a bit before heading out to attempt some Boxing Day shopping.  The main goal today was for T to pick out her new pet and it was a success.  She found and fell in love with a black and white dwarf hamster which she has named “Ghostie”

We brought Ghostie home and got her (I think it’s a her) all set up in a new cage then we left again for a walk up to get a coffee for me and a steamed milk for T and a few movies to fill in the rest of our evening.

Ohh... my belly hurts

December 25th, 2006

Santa swung by our place around midnight last night and left an absolute ton of gifts under the tree.  T must have been on Santa’s “Nice” list as she got a ton of stuff - toys, clothes, CD’s and gift cards.  After all the gift opening T and I spent some time with Uncle Jimmy before heading out to PanPan parents place for dinner.

The only word I can use to describe the dinner we had is “EPIC” – there was no end to the food, I was in heaven!  And the desserts, oh my the desserts…  my belly is still full and distended from all the food I ate tonight.

After dinner there was a heated game of Clue and even though PanPan took the win we are sure he cheated somehow, we’ll have to watch the playback on this one.

Tomorrow looks to be a Boxing Day shopping spree for T.  She is going to use up some of those gift cards she got.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve for The Strays – 1:23:10

December 24th, 2006

I was able to meet up with the IRR gang at Thetis this morning for a nice run through the trails.  We were seven, myself, Coach Boob, Matty, Diva, PanPan along with guests Nanc and Kevin.  We tried to stay on the more used trails away from the nasty sections and even went for a lap around the Western Speedway track.  It was a good run and I was very excited to be running with the gang.  The teasing is as consistent as ever with the banter back and forth between Matty, Diva and PanPan being top notch.  Diva has taken to trying to push Matty into mud holes and puddles while he is unsuspecting which caused many of her problems today - I of course keep my nose out of all that nonsense and try to keep things civil between them.

PanPan was out in fine form having decided to sport some spiffy “Super” tights without his trademark “Chastity Shorts” over them.  He's trying to hide them in this picture

After the run I met up with Uncle Jimmy and spent most of the afternoon helping him out at one of his job sites.  I then had just enough time to get home, cleanup and lounge for about an hour before heading to Diva and Maestro’s for their dinner for the Strays – them Strays being Patty, Matty and me…

We were treated to an amazing meal prepared by Maestro and some absolutely hilarious conversational topics throughout the evening.  The Maestro had some great ones tonight, I think Diva almost lost it a few times – she was in stitches!

The Eve of Christmas Eve

December 23rd, 2006

With Mo:lé being closed this morning, T and I had to pick another destination for our breakfast outing.  We wandered down the street aimlessly trying to think of somewhere to go until we saw Lady Marmalade and jumped right in there.  After our delicious meals we made a quick stop in at MEC before coming home.  The rest of our day was spent at home relaxing and getting ready for Christmas.

This evening T went with her Grandparents and cousin Tucker to see “Polar Express” at the IMAX and then for a sleepover with Haley.

I spend the evening at home watching a movie and getting a few last things in order for Christmas morning.

2/3 Team Run – 52:19

December 22nd, 2006

Packman came down to the office at 11:30 this morning and we went for a nice run out on the Songhees and around Macaulay Elementary.  We went out with and kept a nice even pace the whole way.  This was Packmans first run along the Songhees walkway and he seem to really enjoy it.  I try and get Scooter out on the route one day soon too.

Tonight was a Youth Centre night for T while I got in a bit more Christmas shopping and was able to finish up everything.

The plan for tomorrow is to head out for breakfast in the morning and then just lounge for the rest of the day.

Tree Trimming – 47:32

December 21st, 2006

T and I spent the evening Christmasing the house out, got all the little hangies on the tree and some decorations spread though out the house.  We have the spirit now!!

Training today was an easy run at lunch with Ased and Andrew who are always great company, lots of wisdom between the two of them and we always have some good laughs too.  I am still totally screwing up Coach Mikes training schedule - today was supposed to be a hard day with hills being the focus.  I am just unable to get my, T's and Mike training schedule to all mesh.  No worries though will just keep things going as they are for now   There is a great hill route that many runners in Victoria train on, Mike Lord calls it “The Seven-Sisters”.  The club I train with occasionally - IRR - train on the route every Thursday night from the “Y” downtown.

It is looking like Packman and I will be able to get out for a run together tomorrow, I am looking forward to it!

Foggy – 51:18

December 20th, 2006

There was a low hanging cloud around my head this morning which made crawling out of bed difficult.  I was able to drag myself in to work and even got out for a very nice head clearing run on the Breakwater at lunch.  This afternoon was much better and after work I had enough drive to get all my Christmas shopping done, well there is a few small things left but other than that I am finished

Check out the results from the Beer Mile, in which Finn set a new World Record in a blistering 5:20.  Scooter took 3rd female overall in 11:56 and I set a new PB clocking in at 9:14.

I need to send a thank you out to Turbo for the ride there and then both McB and St.J for chauffeuring me around after the race – couldn't of done it with out them.

BEER MILE – 9:30 unofficial

December 19th, 2006

Made it out for a good cruise at lunch, almost 50 minutes through town and out along the Breakwater.  Tonight was The Third Annual Dave Smart Tribute Beer Mile.  Will have some official timing tomorrow or Thursday but I stopped my watch at 9:30.  The beer of choice tonight was Okanagan Springs 1516.

Here are a good load of pictures from the event

“Turbo” the DD

Getting ready

The BEER line up

Scooter, me, and Deby

A runner after lap one

More of lap one

Lap two

Lap two

Before lap three

Scooter before lap three

Fourth beer

More of the fourth beer

Scooter's fourth beer

One more for good luck

Holding Scooter up...

Scooter, Finn and me

St.J and McB

Dini not looking too pleased

I had a ton of fun at the Beer Mile, I think my best time yet.  Finn decided to run and I think they clocked him in at 5:10!!!

After the run McB picked me up and we went to visit with St.J for a bit.  We ended the night off with some snacks and a few more bevvy's at McB's place before Dini showed up and gave us the toss

Some more wedding pictures

Here are a couple more pictures from McB and Dini's wedding...

The Men - looking damn handsome

T and I

Shhh.... don't tell Coach Mike – 1:56:28

December 18th, 2006

There was an opportunity today that I could just not pass up – a double   Got out for a nice cruise at lunch with a trip down the Songhees Walkway and a loop around Macaulay Elementary then joined Doc C, Deb and Deby tonight for an out and back starting from the Beacon Hill petting zoo.  We went down Dallas and past Gonzales towards King George then down Crescent and a loop around on Quimper and Penzance before heading back to the petting zoo.  A nice easy pace for the second run, lots of chatting with everyone, was great to see Deby out.  After his great run at the RVM he has been struggling with a nasty injury and tonight was only his second run since then.

Tomorrow night is the 3rd Annual Dave Smart Tribute Beer Mile and I am hoping to get another double in.  Will get some kind of workout in at lunch and then it's time to get it on at the Beer Mile!  I will follow some advice that Finn posted on his blog a few days back -

“For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, there are three things to remember:

4 laps of the track.
4 beers.
Don't think.

My suggestion to those who will participate is this: Be Aggressive. I have read tips that will have you slowing down over the last 100m before the next exchange. Don't slow down. Run each 400m as though you are racing a flat out mile. There is no time to idle. Screech to a halt, walk the 10 m exchange zone while drinking, then haul off the line. Take chances, it's the only way you will post something remarkable.”


We will see how well this helps and maybe I can beat my time from last year, the running I don't think will be a problem it's the downing of the beer that will be my downfall

“ _________“ - That is what we did today...

December 17th, 2006

A pretty low key day for T and I.  Slept in this morning and then the rest of day went like this - got some laundry done, picked up a Christmas tree, and ran a couple other errands before picking up Haley who joined T for some play time this afternoon.

Will get back into training mode tomorrow...  just in time for the Beer Mile on Tuesday

Introducing The “McBrides”

December 16th, 2006

What a day!  Breakfast at Mo:lé with Scooter this morning then picked up T from the birthday party sleep over and got her home and cleaned up in time to get her over to Roz's to get her hair done before McB and Dini's wedding this afternoon.  After dropping T off I had to come home and get ready then met the gang at the Chapel.

It was a quick ceremony and then onto the reception where dinner, drinks, dancing, and the usual reception proceedings happened.  It was a blast!  T started to fade right around midnight so we hailed a cab and made our way home.

Here are a few pictures:

The McBrides

The Gang

Just the Ladies - looking incredible!

Christmas Gala – 50:19

December 15th, 2006

A good run through town and out along Dallas Road at lunch.  The waves were huge down there, crashing up and over Dallas, almost hitting the far sidewalk!

Tonight was Miss S's Annual Christmas Gala, seems to be getting bigger and better every year.  I had a great night!  There are some pictures of the evening below

And held for a great 'cause', donations for the Mustard Seed - Great Job Miss S!!!!!

Rain, Sleet, Snow, and Hail – 49:43

December 14th, 2006

I understand it did a bit of all of the above at some point today but all I can say is WOOHOO!! for company.

Met up with Andrew G for a run at lunch today, Ased S was supposed to join us too but couldn't make it   Andrew and I had a great run, lots of catching up and chatting as we made our way along the Goose to the far side of Switch Bridge.  It was absolutely pissing down with rain at a couple of points along the route – fun, fun, fun!!

Andrew is still working his way back into running from a pretty nasty achilles injury but that didn't seem to affect him much today, his pace and stride looked very comfortable.  For me today's run felt very good, once again I was able to get things into rhythm.  I think the flu is almost completely gone.

Tonight T and I had to do some birthday present shopping as tomorrow night is Shawna's birthday party and T is going over there for a sleepover.  I also have a party to attend, will be heading to Miss S's Christmas Gala Party - everyone is invited, so if you're interested send me an email and I can give you the details

Rudolph, Silver Bells and Santa were all there

December 13th, 2006

It has been a night of music, T's Winter Concert was tonight and it was a full on festive evening.  T of course was a musical genius, she has that flute mastered...  okay maybe not but it sure sounded good to me   T had a special guest show up, her old music teacher, Miss Tessemaker came and enjoyed the concert as well.

I had some meetings at lunch so was unable to get in a run this afternoon but had emailed both Scooter and Packman to see if either of them would be into a run tonight.  Scooter had already got in her workout so was a no go but Packman thought he might be able to make it after his Christmas shopping trip with Mrs Packman.

Unfortunately Packman had to cancel so I was left with the choice, yet another solo run or take the night off.  I went for the night off option and am struggling with it some, a bit of non-running guilt maybe...

A picture of the concert

Hard? What Exactly is 'Hard'? – 47:02

December 12th, 2006

Today was supposed to be a 'hard' day of training and I did head out for my run with the intention of doing some 1km intervals on the Goose.  As I was nearing the 1km marker on the Goose I was still feeling tight so decided to extend my warm-up to the 2km marker and start the workout from there.  As the 2km marker came up I was still not feeling quite right but went for it anyway and hit the lap button on the watch as I started my acceleration, up to what felt like just sub my 10km speed, around a 4 minute kilometer.  I ran hard, or at least it felt hard, and hit the lap button again as I passed the 3km marker – 4:37  – Ugghh!!  Okay maybe that's a one-off lets take a minute and then try one more, running back toward the 2km marker this time.  Again... acceleration and running 'hard', reaching the 2km marker, hit the lap button, not sure if I want to look but do anyway – 4:36 – Ugghh again!!  Well at least I gained a second but at that point I decide that today is not a good day for a 'hard' workout and just go for a cruise along the Goose.

Eon Blue Apocalypse – 1:09:04

December 11th, 2006

We had time for two songs on the way to the Youth Centre tonight, one for T and one for me.  T's pick was 'London Bridge' by Fergie and mine was  'Eon Blue Apocalypse' which is actually the stunning intro for 'The Patient' both by Tool, so I got a two for one with that pick

I am not sure if it was the thoughts of Fergie or the wicked tracks of Tool that  were still blaring in my ears as I started my jog down towards the Goose but I found my rhythm tonight.  Everything seemed to fall into place this evening, the cadence, the breathing and my thoughts were all heading down the same route, a very empty route.  It was just the wind and I running tonight and we thoroughly enjoyed each others company.

Swooning over Indigo

December 10th, 2006

An incredible day!  T and I started it off this morning with breakfast at Floyd's Diner, T was up for a change of breakfast venue this morning.  We both enjoyed our meals but could not finish them, they were huge.  T's hot chocolate was also immense, and there must have been three inches of whip cream on top of it.  We ran into Jess and her parents at Floyd's and were able to get in a quick chat with them.

After breakfast we hung at home for a bit before dropping T off at a friends for a play date.  My afternoon was spent with Jon K. and Scooter at the Venturi-Schulze Vineyard for their last wine tasting of the year.  We were treated to five different wines and their incredible balsamic vinegar plus some amazing cheeses, breads and desserts.  The three of us had a wonderful time at the vineyard and at the end of the tasting were taken on a tour of the vinegary.  Scooter tried one wine in particular that made her swoon, definitely not one she would want to consume in a restaurant, unless there was a private hot tub and comfortable room nearby!

Here are some pictures from the tasting.

Scooter Swooning

Jon and I raising our glasses

Barrels of balsamic vinegar

The “Mother” barrel

After both our busy afternoons T and I made it a quiet night at home with some TV and a bit of geek time on the puter'.

Stewart Mountain 10-Mile XC Challenge – 1:46:37 (2:10:11)

December 9th, 2006

Between the lack of training in the past couple of weeks, this damn flu and reading about the condition of course on the PIH Chatline, I went to bed last night knowing that todays race was going to be a tough one.  With that in mind I decided to not set any time goals for myself and instead went out to the lake with the goal being - just wanting to find a comfortable pace and finish.  Little did I know just how difficult that was going to be.  Right from the start I had a hard time getting my cadence and breathing in rhythm but went out conservatively and thought they would fall in to place after a couple of K's.  Unfortunately the problem continued throughout the race which made any attempt at a push to make up some ground on someone or a faster tempo at all very arduous.  I did resign myself to just feeling lousy, just running and enjoying the epic course we were presented with today.

And I do mean “EPIC” - This was my third time running the Stewart Mountain course and it was incredible today, trees down, branches everywhere, water, mud, ice, snow, and a sprinkling of rain to start us off.  In one of the more swampy sections the mud swallowed my leg up past my knee.  The 'Gunner' puddle was deep and with only a thin strip of open water for us to run through, the rest was covered with an inch of ice making it damn cold!  I was playing follow the leader, not a great idea, and at one point we found ourselves off course adding a few minutes on to our time.  I think there were a few groups who ended up doing the same thing, not sure if we all did it at the same point?

After finishing I ran back out to find Scooter and tag along with her for awhile.  When I found her she was running along well, looking strong and had a big smile on her face – a good sign   She also had an escort, Finn and Rumon had run out to keep her company as well.  The four of us ran back in together with some chatting and laughs along the way.

You can find todays results here - Race:Day

Scooter was in a hurry to get going, she had a very important flower arranging course to get to, so we hung at the lake long enough to get some soup and a hot chocolate before walking down to the car.  We dried off, changed and were on our way.  I dropped Scooter off at home and then went and picked up T.

T had a great day!  She spent the afternoon with Rozzy and they experimented with T's hair putting it in different up-do's to see which one T would like to have done for McB and Dini's wedding next weekend.  T and I spent some time after the up-do experiment at Uncle Jimmy's before coming home.  After I got cleaned up we just lounged for the rest of the afternoon.  This evening T has gone to see a play, “Charlotte's Web”, with her Big.

My evening has been spent relaxing at home drinking some more lemon and ginger tea with honey.  I have got to get rid of the last lingering bits of this flu...

A Lunch with 'Momma Scooter' and Company

December 8th, 2006

No shake out run today   Will just have to get in a decent warm up and hope for the best tomorrow at Thetis.

This afternoon Scooter and I had an incredible lunch meeting at Molé with a potential corporate sponsor and were spoiled by Scooter's Mom who treated us to the lunch – Thanks Momma Scooter!!!

Tonight T had her friend Ems join us for a sleep over.  For dinner we got some stuff for home made pizza's and then the girls watched a couple of movies while I got my butt kicked by Lisa L at a game of Scrabble.

Now the Legs Revolt – 51:11

December 7th, 2006

Ran an out and back around Macaulay Elementary at lunch.  The legs were stiff, sore and lacking of any power at all...  most likely the result of only getting in a few runs in the last couple of weeks and after effects of having the flu – it sucked!

I will try to get out for another shorter run tomorrow, a warm up/shake out for the Stewart Mountain 10-Mile XC Challenge on Saturday.

Food Fairies Revolt

December 6th, 2006

Felt even better waking up this morning!

Made it in to work with my running gear packed and ready to go, but as lunch neared and I started getting pumped about heading out for a run there was a revolt!  The 'Moms' in the office all took up arms and were ready to do battle if I put on my gear, there was even talk of my 'Food Fairy' disappearing!!  I succumbed to the assault, mainly the threat of lost food, and stuffed the shoes back in the pack.

Not to fear tho' I will go in again tomorrow ready for their attack - Fueled by the lemon, honey and ginger tea I have been drinking tonight and the extra day of recovery from that dreaded flu...

(I wasn't able to find any grape seed extract in the local Thrifty's, they might not have any or I could of missed it, I'm still quite dazed by the skirmish earlier today )

This evening T and I joined Uncle Jimmy for dinner before coming home to watch some TV and then get ourselves ready for tomorrow.

Ahhhhh!!!! I don't like being sick : (

December 5th, 2006

Day two of bed rest...  There is only so much daytime TV a fella can take!

Took some more meds today and dosed out on Green Tea w/ Jasmine.  Starting feeling much better this afternoon, the head clearing and pressure lessening.  Will stop taking the meds tonight, take a couple more right before bed and will definitely be heading to work in the morning.

Will wait and see how I am feeling tomorrow but will hopefully be out for a short easy run during lunch.

They're Squishing My Head!

December 4th, 2006

Woke up this morning with my head feeling like it was in a vice, a cold or flu has definitely set in.  I got up to get T off to school and have some herbal tea with lemon and honey then laid down on the couch and promptly fell back to sleep.  Woke up briefly again a few minutes later long enough to call work and let them know I was not going to make it in then back to sleep and slept hard until almost 1pm.  I woke up feeling well rested but still had a fogged out and heavy head.  I spent the rest of the day relaxing and getting lots of fluids with one trip out to get T to her Youth Centre drop-in.

Although not a huge fan I did pick up some med's to relieve some of the symptoms tonight and will hopefully get some more good rest and shake this thing off.

Difficulties with the Schedule – 1:15:32

December 3rd, 2006

Today was supposed to be the first day of our new training schedule and it called for an easy 20.8km.  I did make it out for a run but was not able to make it 20.8km, probably fit in close to 17km.

Other than already messing up the training schedule the day was good.  The girls were up early and playing right away.  We had a big pancake feast for breakfast and then T and Joce both had a skating party to go to this afternoon.

The evening plans include some TV, a movie and folding a ton of laundry...

Shopping is hard work!

December 2nd, 2006

I think I have filled up my yearly quota for shopping all in one day.  T and I spent a few hours this afternoon with Rozzy, Linds, and Miss S searching for the 'perfect' wedding gift for McB and Dini and then the Ladies helped T pick out some shoes to go with her dress.

We had started our day off with breakfast at Molé and then spent some time at the laundry mat before picking up Jocelyn P, who has joined us for a sleepover, and then we joined the Ladies for the shopping adventure.

The two girls and I came home after and have made a mess of the place.  Games, dancing, singing and a little quiet time too (thankfully ).

Running Advice – 48:25

December 1st, 2006

A run, a run!!  Woohoo...

I made it out at lunch, ran the Switch Bridge route on a very slippery Galloping Goose Trail.  Heeding some advice, "The trick is to make quick, light strikes against the ground. Only the time necessary for transition. Run on powder, not ice. If unsure, bumpy terrain over smooth." that I read on Jim F's blog a few days ago, I kept my running cadence quick and strikes light on the icy stuff and then strided it out on the clean terrain trying to stretch the legs out.  After five days of no running they (the legs) complained some at first but after a few minutes remembered how much they enjoy carrying me on these journeys.

It was a Youth Centre night for T and while she was there Fish and I hung at Mayfair, the one run was just enough for me today

Home after and an evening spent lounging with a couple of games and some TV.