Apparently there is gas in the tank when I need it

Ran a quick 10k today before the rains came. I was feeling out of it a bit, more lethargic but nothing serious. I was a little sore from the run yesterday but was making more out of it than needed to which almost made me not want to run. Nevertheless, I set out on my usual route and just went running. I clicked off the first km easy then slipped into a groove that was oh so sweet. I cruised along for 4 more km like that, then worked up the one long climb and then tried to find the groove again. The last km was tough, up hill and fatigued but I really worked it, finishing alot faster than I figured I would. When I pushed it, there was still plenty left to spare. Good times. 46:55 ~ 10.2km, 4:36 per km.

At this point I think it is all mental

Games. Silly mental games. I think I am pretty much physically able to do what I want. I have all the resources I need at my disposal, I just have to harness them when I need them. Today was a good example of that. The other day I wasn't really into running but went anyway. I wasn't mentally ready. Today, I was really ready, I had prepped myself ahead of time and found it easy to deliver on it. I have been noticing lately too that my stride is very comfortable and when I don't run properly, that I can feel the difference and come right back to it. Today I kept it together pretty well over the whole distance. Aside from a couple little things and two small water breaks, everything was awesome. 2:25:47 ~ 28.2km, 5:11 per km.

What a difference a day makes.

So today I had the brilliant idea to run home from work. Only problem is that is over 25km. I packed my gear and got ready after work. I headed out well, found a comfortable pace to run at. My stride and form were good but it was hot and I was tired and not feeling it. The chafing that is. At 10k, it got me. The subtle burning, stung by sweat, letting you know that there is a problem and you got there too late. It's going to hurt lots later. So I was chafing in my shorts and under my arms. So I pulled the plug and called for a ride home before things got ugly. 57:36 ~ 11.4km, 5:03 per km.

I didn't think I had it in me

I had a quick two hours while Andrea and Sarah went shopping so I made the best of it. I laced up and headed out quick. My route is a common one I am quite familiar with and really felt like getting my teeth into it. I found myself chasing down slower runners as I kept on going. At about 11k, I got a second wind and pushed it. I laboured the last km eventhough it was downhill. I finished up and was totally stoked with my results. I found that I was really tired I had enough mental to keep it up. Good times, with that I should be able to go under 3:30 in October. 1:11:15 ~ 15.2km, 4:44 per km.

Getting my groove on

Best laid plans and all I started late. I headed out the same route I ran several weeks ago, good for changing terrain and a couple of good climbs. I found a good pace and my stride felt easy so I just went for a long run. I took along the north face bottle fanny pack and what seemed like a good idea really sucked towards the end. It has great ease of drinking and carries a shitload of goodies but the constant bouncing and rubbing beat my lower back to the point of serious pain. So it can stay home from now on. Yikes. All in all I wasn't nearly as dead as I was feeling late into the run. I kept my pace pretty well aside from a couple of slow climbs. 2:10:45 ~ 25.4km, 5:09 per km.

Thunder and lightning

Whoa, crazy weather alert! I was out for a a Sunday makeup run and noticed that my GPS wasn't working very well. I didn't think much of it just a malfunction but then suddenly realized that the thunderhead may be affecting the reception somewhat. As I ran through Victoria golf course I saw a wedding party getting their pictures taken and it made me smile, wondering if they got any good pictures with the lightning in the background. My run was solid and comfortable. I was real happy with the outcome. 1:26:20 ~ 17.4km, 4:58 per km.

It's been a year today

It was a year ago today that I decided to take up running again, my first run was a slow awkward 2.25k that took about 13 minutes. As of today, I have logged 1712km, the same distance from Victoria to Moose Jaw but god knows why I'd want to run there. Anyway, pretty cool stuff.
Wow, warm weather to run in too. I cruised along nice and easy in the heat. Nothing fancy, nothing huge just a good solid run. 59:01 ~ 12.2km, 4:51 per km.

A strange run today

Seems like I forgot how to run for a little today. It was warm out and loads of people on the street making my run through town a little percarious. My focus wasn't on what I was doing so much as it was not wanting to run over misguided tourists. So by the time I was clear of the throng I was accutely aware that my stride and everything was screwy, like I had gone back to my old way of running. So I did my best to change it back and by halfway I was running comfortable again. I kept my pacing a little higher than I should have today but it was nice out and the distance wasn't that long, blah blah blah. I was sweaty, tired and happy to be done when it was over. My left knee is sore again but I think it was due to my sloppy running early. 1:21:48 ~ 16.5 km, 4:58 per km.

Something special happened today

I found something today while I was running. I thought it had left me a long time ago but I suppose it was just asleep. I headed out for a quick 10k on a beautiful day. My first km was quick, too quick so that I thought it was a malfunction of my GPS but at 2k I figured that I was running pretty fast. So I went for it to see how long I could hold on to it. I kept pushing hard as I could, working the hills and trying to catch my breath as I could. At about 6k I was labouring and figured on slowing down as I had gone fast enough far enough. But it didn't last long. I dug deep, deeper than I have in a long time and pushed on. It was all mental at that point. I wanted it. I put everything into it. I finished my run in the fastest time I've run the distance in like forever. Shocking. 5k split time, 21:49, awesome.
44:00 ~ 10km, 4:24 per km.

Chasing the rainbow

I tried running yesterday but felt so crappy and my guts were really sore so I decided to postpone till today. I set out later feeling the shits again but not enough to stop me. It was raining and grey but the sun was trying to poke through. It cast a huge rainbow across my path for the first couple of kilometers and made for a delightful beginning to my run. My pace and comfort were managable. I didn't do anything special except run. I stayed strong the whole way round. The problem in my gut comes and goes and I have to learn to live with it for now. I felt very good that I did run today, thanks I needed that. 49:38 ~ 10.1km, 4:55 per km.

Better run right after work from now on

With the new job part of my training will be to run right after work to make sure that I get the distance in that I need to. Makes for a tired bunny though. Today was a perfect example. Work all day long, take bus home (good for resting) then get home, change quickly and get out and go. It was another warm one again today but I took a chance and went without water. I was out quick, too quick for my liking but it felt easy, so strange you know? Anyway, I calmed down by 5k and eased my pace to something more sustainable. I got into a great rythym and didn't look back. I finished up strong and well within myself. Pretty pleased with my effort today for sure. 1:20:40 ~ 16.3km, 4:57 per km.

Summer is finally here baby

Whoa! 20 something degrees and no wind makes for a hot, sweaty run. The route I chose had some good climbs, lots of water views and long. I saddled up early and got going, my pacing very consistent. I found that my stride was real comfortable early, something I usually have to ease into. So I just went with it. I didn't shave or tape my nipples so they suffered unnecessarily but I'll remember next time. Good mental state today too, no doubts or willingness to stop or turn back. Not anymore. 2:15:53 ~ 26.6 km, 5:06 per km.

A half marathon on 4 hours sleep

Well it isn't recommended but it is possible to run long after an evening of eating and partying (booze free for me of course). Got home at 2am, bed by 3 up at 7 and ran pretty well. I really took my time and focused on running easy and strong, keeping good pace and really enjoying myself. I went out slow and picked up the pace as the run went on. I chose an out and back, nice and flat cause I really had no interest in any hills today. By the end I was pretty happy to be done. Good week this week, lots of distance and no real pains. Yeah me!!! 1:51:08 ~ 21.3km, 5:13 per km.

And I thought Lethbridge was flat

Day one, Lethbridge Alberta.
Up early after a short sleep. Figured that I would head out as the sun was coming up to maximize the day. Wasn't too sure of where I was going but Andrea's dad had given me a map to refer to and I had made some mental notes. I headed out nice and easy enjoying the morning. I headed down, way down the Whoop Up Drive (I love that name) and crossed the river, following the trail. As it came to a dead end I had to double back and cross the river again and cut across up towards the university. The hill was brutal, steep, twisting and relentless. It was geting warmer by this time as well so I kept on going knowing that home wasn't far off. I finished up well, keeping my pacing pretty consistant despite the rough terrain. 1:17:18 ~ 15.2km, 5:06 per km.