NomadRunner

Soccer

2010-04-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

I am back to it with the over 35s. Mostly scrimmages for now and looking forward to playing in the fall when I get fitter. The world cup is in 55 days...

No X

2009-10-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

There was no running on Saturday as the rain came down in buckets. Only some brave and dedicated souls were out there. I ran a long undulating 75 min run on Sunday around 10 mile point. I think I found a perfect route that takes me around seaview, arbutus, queenswood around the university and back home. The only downside is that its all road running and the downhills are taking a toll on my legs.
On Monday, I ran a short 40 min run around the campus. On Tuesday, I went back up and around 10 mile point this time abbreviating the route and returning in 50 minutes. On Wednesday, I did a short 35 min run and today was another 40 min run followed by light weights at the campus gym. I will rest on Friday before getting some faster running on Saturday.
So far, the legs feel fine except for the shins which must be hurting from the downhills. Having said this, I am starting to enjoy working up and down the hills. The plan is to continue working on increasing the mileage for the next two months before taking a break in December.
I have decided to not do any cross country races including the BC X championships which happen on Halloween day. It would have been good to do it but I just don't feel like rushing to and from a race on Halloween. Especially, since the kids are looking forward to collecting candies from the neighbours and I am looking forward to eating a big portion of them.

Sweet site

2009-10-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

Great articles on this site: http://sweatscience.com/ by this guy http://alexhutchinson.net/

Did an hour fifteen yesterday followed by a soggy 40 min run today. I am in training mode just in time to welcome the deluge.

First race in 2009

2009-10-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

I raced the 8 k this weekend and was pleased with the time: 27:27. The plan was to start easy and then work into the race. I ended up running a quick 3:14 for the first k and it must have been the usual race day excitement. I ran a conservative 2nd K then went through the 4 k in 13:45 so I call it an even paced race. The legs felt great throughout and I have had no soreness. I will get back to the training I have been doing in the hope of racing a bit more in 2010.

Track Session

2009-09-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

At 11:40 a.m., I jogged passed the stadium thinking of the inevitable focus that will be needed to get the workout done. After 20 minute warm up, I was back going thorough the gate enjoying the sunshine and having a closer look at the newly installed benches on the back straight of the track. I did some strides then set off on my 5 x 1 k session with a 60 second rest. I was pleased with the session but the effort was definitely tiring. I was planning on tacking on a last 1 k repeat but called it a day after number five. Splits tell one side of the story: 3:20; 3:22; 3:20; 3:20; 3:25. I had to run around a couple of runners in lane one and made my way some water puddles. The rainy season started earnestly but at least we had sunshine today. I have an hour run scheduled tomorrow then it will be back to some fast running.

Sequence of events

2009-09-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

I have asked myself whether it time to step up the training . I have built up the mileage to the point where some fast running is in order. Last weekend was the first of many and I am farther back than I thought. In the next two weeks, I will get some hard running in to get myself motivated for racing at the RVM 8 k. Here is to a physically tiring week.

Short update

2009-09-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Sept 20 - Rest
Monday, Sept 21 - 45 minutes running over undulating terrain
Tuesday, Sept 22 - 75 minutes easy running
Wednesday, Sept 23 - Rest
Thursday, Sept 24 - 75 minutes total (15 minute w/up and c/down - 45 minutes easy running + 15 minutes of tempo)

Some observations so far from my training: it is taking me less time to recover from each run and I am able to add some drills at the end of each run. I am sleeping well, eating tonnes of food and I am sure our food budget is ballooning.

The weather has been great in the mornings. Today, there was a blanket of fog and it was warmer than usual. I hid my jacket in the bushes before my tempo and I am glad I did that because I was perfectly dressed for the weather. I signed up for the RVM 8 k race which is scheduled for October 11 and I should get a good indication of my fitness level following the race. In 2006, I ran the same race in 27:07 and I will be happy if I ran close to this time. I also ran the 2006 BC cross country 10 k in 35:27 and I hope to ran the cross this year which is on halloween day - 20 days after the 8 k (Oct. 31). For now, the training continues.

Elk and Beaver...horse poo and off leash dogs

2009-09-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

I cannot remember the last time I leaped over piles of horse poo and darted around so many runners. One of the added bonus of running early is you see very few people jogging the trails and less dogs off leash to avoid. I had my obstacles along the way today and appreciated the quiet roads and trails that I find early in the morning.

DJ, the Champ and I jogged over to E&B this morning each with plans of doing their own running once we got there. DJ had a long tempo run at varying paces to get him sharp for his upcoming marathon. I wanted to get my 60 min run in with company and the Champ was doing a short run in preparation for tomorrow's 10 k race. DJ started his tempo at the 0 K mark going counterclockwise while the Champ and I went clockwise. The Champ made his way back home after getting halfway through his run as he had planned to keep the run easy. After he left, I kept going clockwise hoping to catch DJ on the last couple of K's of his tempo. At about the 6.5 k mark he came flying towards me as I made my U turn. I tucked in behind him as he ran by me and followed his pace for a Km or so. I knew I had to back off as DJ was smooth and effortless while I was starting to sputter like an old ford.

I eased off and jogged to meet DJ at the end of his run. We slowly worked our way back towards his place and to my car. I put in 76 mins in total today...a little more than the 60 mins I wanted. I stopped off at Mount Doug park on the way back home and soaked in the Ocean. Tomorrow is a rest day. Good luck to everyone racing tomorrow at the Lands End - 10k and 1/2.

Friday edition

2009-09-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Check out this story on the effects of group training: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8257716.stm Personally, I enjoy running with a group. I am more motivated to get to the end of the run and can 'suffer' a little longer knowing that we are all on the same boat...or is it that I enjoy the social aspect of the group training. Either way, it must work as most Kenyans and now all elite athletes train in groups or have training partners. I find runners to be social creatures and I am sure running in a group helps one feed off others strengths and build up ones weaknesses...it works for me. I can't comment on the validity of group training in rowing as I have never rowed. Isn't rowing a group sport? unless you are in a single boat I guess. A little rumbling from my friday edition.

Training:

Thursday, 18 September - 60 mins

Friday, 19 September - 60 mins

2009-09-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

I managed to get my run in around Cedar Hill golf course on Tuesday followed by today's 75 min run down Cadboro Bay road. I wound up watching a spectacular sunrise at Willows beach. Mt. Baker showed off its majesty extenuating the beauty of my surroundings and there was a rich colour in the sky. I weaved my way back through UVic and the alumni trail before doing a couple of loops around Henderson Park Golf course. I felt strong throughout apart from a tender hip which may have been aggravated by the distance and undulating terrain. I will be up early again tomorrow morning hoping to catch the first rays of sunlight at Willows.

Mental toughness

2009-09-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

This speech by Lewis Pugh on TED blew me away. You must be able to just want to get it done and focus with no negative thought in your mind. I don't know how anyone can get mentally prepared up for such a feat. I would love to listen to the playlist on his media player before he made his leap into the cold north pole. Check out the speech and swim footage on TED. I will be up early tomorrow morning (5:45 a.m.) running the golf course for 45 - 50 mins before getting ready for work.

Past Three

2009-09-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, Septmber 9 - 75 min, easy

Thursday, September 10 - 60 min, easy

Friday, September 11 - 32 min

Saturday, September 12 - 2 x 10 mins with 1 min jog - The Running Diva with her Garmin 405 will have all the splits, mileage etc. although we had to scratch our brain to figure out how many intervals we had done. She kept me honest throughout the workout. She is quite fit now and I can't wait to see her results in the RVM 1/2 and beyond. I am slowly working my way back although the hip is starting to act up.

I have a 60 min run scheduled this morning but I couldn't wake up with the birds so it will be a late morning run. My daughter will keep me company by riding her bike.

Start of something new

2009-09-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

I had a good 45 minute run this morning around cedar hill golf course. It is an undulating route and I kept the pace steady. I also saw the sunrise on my way back home. On another note, it was my daughter's first day in Grade 1. I was proud of her enthusiasm and her eagerness to get to school. There will be new routines for all of us this year and the next couple of years as we drop her off to school and then help with any additional school related work in the evening. It was an exciting day all around. Tomorrow, I have a 75 minute run scheduled. It will be another early morning run for me before work.

Here comes the rain

2009-09-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

I was tired this morning and not enthusiastic about running as it was raining. I made my way around the UVic jogging trails and along henderson. I was soaked by the time I finished the hour run. This afternoon, after swimming with the kids, I managed to get a nap while the kids watched kung fu panda. I feel rested now and look forward to my day off tomorrow. The training is coming along. I think its time to get new shoes as I am ramping up my training. Imagine wearing the guaranteed 100,000 mile shoe.

New territory

2009-09-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

I felt and was slow. The champ and Michael showed me their heels as they slowly wound up the pace. I reigned myself in after 4 x 5 mins with 1 minute off. I was falling off the pace and I felt like the turtle in the group. Maybe in a couple of weeks I can feel like the hare and stay close to them but its too easy to get distracted with where I can be in a few weeks. For now, I am glad to have done the first workout at a pace that I know was decent. The champ had a killer workout and I kept him company for a minute in his last two sets. I was struggling but it was nice to round off the workout with some quick turnover. Michael did his own workout and kept the champ honest. He lead us on the first set and we were moving. It was good to run in a new location and having the company of two fit athletes. Tomorrow, I will be out for an hour of easy jogging to see how the body feels after today's effort.

Mt. Tolmie Sunrise

2009-09-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

I have been slowly waking up the lungs, stretching the legs and shaking the mind to the new reality of training. I have had a productive two months of building up my runs from 30 mins to 1 hr 24 (my longest run). Thanks to prompting from one running diva, I am updating this blog to say - I am back and holding on to the running wagon. Today, I had company of the diva and Mr. J.P. discussing the recent budget and its ramifications. It was nice to have some company and I realized how much I have missed the social aspect of running. Tomorrow's run will be with the Champ at 6:30 a.m., it will be my first hard session and I am looking forward to it. I have to remember to reign myself and do only what is planned rather than chase the old me - the fit me. See you on the trails, roads and soon at the races. I have my motivation and I am crossing my fingers that the body holds up as I push it awake from the depths of unfit haze.

The ending light

2009-06-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

The sun was setting and this is the view I captured through our sliding glass door and screen. I see a spider web. Do you? I have run six days in a row and the hip is holding up well. A rest day today and I will be back doing my clockwise 4 k loop. My mantra - slow and steady progress for the next 4 weeks.

Running in the footsteps of Olympians....

2008-07-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

I am not an Olympian although I have ran in their footsteps. Today was one of the those days and the thought crossed my mind midway through my hour ran around Rithet's bog. A multiple Olympian has ran through this trail time and time again.

As fro me, its been a couple of rest days as I have been assessing an achilles issue (not fully blown into an injury). I have been out briefly and each time I have been resisting the urge to speed. Today, I went through broadmead enjoying the shelter of the trees as the sun beat down on the earth. My steps were light, lungs full but I felt the strain of the achilles on each step. I guess I can't complain nor do I know what disappointment is until I train hard and not achieve some arbitrary standard (set by an athletics organization) and be injured at a critical time before achieving the standard. There have been a lot of disappointments lately and only the strong (and lucky) will be able to get through this (...here is wishing them all the luck), last the 4 years before the next olympics and achieve their goals. This sport of ours is full of ups and downs. We train on hills to get stronger, surge on the downhills and like a roller coaster enjoy every moment of it. Hope you enjoyed your run today.

Double C...

2008-07-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was by far the longest time I have ever spent on the saddle. The ride out to Dunsmuir was not taxing except for the long climb up Mount Newton. It took me an hour and twenty minutes of steady cycling and an hour to get back. Today, I did my usual commute to work.

I had a track workout scheduled but I decided to take a rest day for a number of reasons including celebrating my son's third birthday. He is in love with his skateboard and I will be enforcing the helmet rule. We all enjoyed the carrot cake and cheesecake. I had a sample of each and topped it with a mug of coffee. Tomorrow is another 12 km "double C" (Commuter Cycling) day to work.

Lately, I have been stopping at Bean Around The World on Fisgard for a morning coffee. The stop has become a daily morning ritual. I have been thinking that maybe I will try and have a coffee at each of batw locations listed at this site: http://www.cowboycoffee.ca/batwlocations.html

Nime Rudi...(i am back)

2008-07-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

A poem:

Wake up lazy...
Get your runners and run a thousand miles to the songs of a thousand birds..
Praise the unrelenting daylight and seize the day
Don't forget to wish for strength on your last interval from the genie track.

I have been on a comeback trail. I have been up at the crack of dawn chasing fitness and I thought I had it but it slipped through my fingers. Fitness is playing a game of tag and I can't find the speed to catch it. I don't mean to be condescending to the average Joe or Jane but my times are mediocre. While all times are relative, I have a target and it seems the harder I work towards it the more fragile I become. I feel like I am on a train with worn tracks. O.k. enough complaining. I have been back with a 16:29 ~5 k performance followed by a 35:21 - 10 k effort. The legs feel tired and I am taking every effort to stay off them but as you all know its almost impossible. I will be posting brief reports of my progress under the tutelage of one Mr. P.O. from the Black Country.

November to January 2008 - Lazy

2008-01-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

I have been consciously lazy. As I put it, it is a lifestyle choice, one that comes because of the choice that I made to run. Injuries are inevitable (although I know a couple of iron clad runners...you know, those who can run miles and miles and keep going). I am definitely not one of those and I also do not fall into the category of the high end running machines. Those efficient 800 to 1500 meter runners who can take a step or two before the Ferrari catches up to them even though it lasts for a millisecond. I am a mid class vehicle and the lack of maintenance caught up to me. The attempt to push the limit dropped me to the bottom of the lazy hole. I would love one of those Lazy Loungers and snooze like the guy in the photo...I would like heat with that please. I managed a 10 min run on January 01, 2008 after a month of lazy lounging. I am tired of the betrayal by my body. The complaints are insidious. I thought a month of pure rest should cure any ailments but my lower back and right Achilles seem to be holding out on me as I attempt to travel back to the roads. What more can I do but accept the fate that I will no longer be able to chase my racing goals. I need no advice the writing is on the wall. On a lighter note, I managed to land a new position that should present challenges and I hope new rewards. I hope that working in a beleaguered resource industry will be kind to me. Lets hope that 2008 brings me some good running news. So far, at least at the work front, I am hitting 100%

Related?

2007-10-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

See any resemblance? you may not but according to Lynne Cheney, these guys share a common ancestor. The story was picked up by BBC and you can read all about it. I wonder if I am related to anyone famous not that I would want to but I think that would be a good conversation starter at any party.

On the running front, the first week of focused training is almost done. Three more sessions and I can call it a week. Tuesday's session was 4 x 2' 40" with 2' rest. The legs are a bit tired from my first hard effort in some time. Today was an easy run through Beacon Hill park. I didn't know there was a windstorm and there were branches down. The falling leaves are also piling up on the trails giving me the added cushion that my legs desperately need at the moment. The kids are off to bed and I am off to TV land. So, who do you think you are related to?

Early Riser

2007-10-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

My morning run was to Cedar Hill and back. I had darkness for company, cold for the soul and I pushed my legs through varying paces over the undulating terrain. I saw the sunrise and the fog lifted on my return leg.

I have been building up the mileage slowly progressing to a level of comfort that I can maintain for an hour. Most of my runs have been solo affairs sprinkled with some company for some of the lunch hour runs. I have yet to get the long runs to the hour thirty mark...tomorrow is the day...nice and easy. The first XC race is also around the corner and I have no expectations only hopes that I finish strong.

reawakening?

2007-08-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

I have been lost in the occasional brilliant summer days, drinking coffee, chasing the sun and leather balls. Vacationing from running and indulging in child's play.

My first official run on the road back to racing fitness was over "little" mount doug. The silence deafened by my racing heart and throbbing legs. I was out of commission this evening, a true signal that the long road back to fitness will not paved with gold...but the journey has commenced. I will be coming soon to a road, trail or track near you...cover your ears and stand to the side as this charging vacationing runner recaptures the hurt of running miles and miles. (photo - Witty's Lagoon -August 2007)

change?

2007-05-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

Everyday, every moment, you are going through change. Some are noticeable and others too subtle until they appear obvious to you. I have been off going through many changes. I have stopped running for a while and picked up soccer or better know as football to others. It has been quite some time since I last did the lateral movements chasing and guarding an inflated leather ball. The motion hurt, in a good way, and I realized how much I have lost. I plan on continuing playing for the rest of the summer and then getting back to my slow jogs to reacclimatize my body to running.

Change got me thinking about some inevitable facts of life:

U will

be born;

be taxed;

be in pain;

go through ranges of human emotions (some of which may surprise U);

need drugs (legal or illegal);

vomit;

sleep less as you age;

change physically;

travel; and

die.

Obviously, the list is endless and these are the top 10 from my head at this hour.

Free traveller?

2007-05-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

What do you do after you accomplish a goal? Reward yourself and savour the moment of glory. I have been on a journey (which continues for the author - see the insert photo) to Mysore, India and beyond the white sands of paradise beach on Mykonos, Greece. Of course, this was all done on my way to work and back. I also did make some stops in Europe before lumbering into bed at 10:00 p.m. every night for the last week. Someone told me that the cover of Hester's book resembles the cover of one of the Indiana Jones movie covers. I haven't watched any of the Indiana Jones series so I couldn't tell you if they did. I digress. Well, in a way, Hester does have his own adventures just like Indiana Jones although his adventures are more in the present than some pre-dated time. I enjoyed the book and if you are a fan of travel writing, I would recommend that you pick it up.

As for training, it has been a slow lumbering week. 00:30:00 minutes has been all I could muster every day for the past three days. Although in the spirit of adventure, I managed to locate a new network of trails on one of my runs that take me straight to Cedar Hill Golf Course in 00:10:00, and I am delighted to have found this new route. What is also pleasant is that the route takes me past Playfair Park where I can do some mediation as I ran through the fields of spring blossom. I think I will ran this new route once a week as it provides a challenging variety of terrain - from undulating roads to undulating soft trails where I can smell the arrival of spring and hear the songs of stealth birds buried among the bushes.

5 seconds - the long version?

2007-04-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

That is all it took on Sunday to get a new personal best. Five seconds and I would matched my previous personal best from last year. As runners, seconds count and on Sunday time was on my side. I have had many races where time alluded me, despite all the mental and physical preparation, because it just wasn't my day to seize. I am happy to have achieved a goal i.e. to ran "sub 35 before 35". I am sure I picked this phrase up from someone or something I read and I acknowledge there is some credit to be given to the original source - if only I could remember. The day of the race started like all others. I had interrupted sleep al Saturday night with lots of tossing and turning. At 5 a.m. I bound out of bed and four minutes later I was watching "The Big Mzungu" a movie about Craig Mottram (a talented world class runner from Australia). I was motivated to at least attempt to run fast at the race after my time with Craig. I watched “The Big Mzungu” tear apart the roads at New York in the Healthy Kidney 10 K. He danced off his toes and looked comfortable winning in 28:13. I imagined running through the TC 10 K course as comfortable but consciously knowing that (only in my dreams) can I ran as quick as Craig.

Fourty minutes later, I was up making a chai and had my pre-race ritual toast with peanut butter and jam. The water bottle was filled and I stared at my race gear. The next ten minutes I listened to the news as I slowly put on my battle gear checking every pin to make sure they were aligned correctly to avoid unwanted chafing. At 6:30 a.m. I was out walking around the complex waking the body to the inevitable race "hurt" the pain that comes with pushing the mind and body through new boundaries. Fifteen minutes later I was in my neighbour's vehicle speeding towards the start line. On arrival, I jogged towards Beacon hill park tracing a portion of the race course and letting the mind wander. The nomad mind had both negative and positive thoughts about my chances of a good time at the race. I played out the various scenarios - go out hard and risk blowing out or ran conservatively, pick it up and hope for the best. Either way, I concluded that given my illness over the last little while it wouldn't matter as my body would tell me the right strategy once I take the first few steps. I met various friends and training partners during my warm up and got positive feed back from all as they encouraged me to go for it as it didn't matter that I had been sick. I took off my watch and lined up as I did not want to chase split times or commit to them as I knew that I may eventually fade with the passage of each kilometre. At the gun, the leaders bolted off the line like thoroughbreds running the Kentucky derby. In a split second, I went from being a stride or two behind the eventual winner to being among the masses. I tucked onto the back of a big group consisting of B.C. and C.K. - two runners who I thought I could stay with for a number of kilometres. Things were looking good but the effort was taking its toll on my body. At the four kilometre mark, the group started to move and I was quickly spat out the back. I hang on to my position focusing on maintaining a decent gap between me and the group. Just as I passed the 5 km mark, I felt the wind which steadily grew in intensity as I passed Ogden point. Sitting in no man's land, I looked back to see if there was anyone close by who could at least work with me to try and maintain the now growing gap between me and the big group up ahead. I saw Hugh and slowed down (actually I was slowing and he was gaining on me). Hugh quickly caught me and I put my head down to do some front running. Having now read Hugh's blog: http://trainharder.com/weblog/hugh_weblog.php, it seems he was 'sapped' and could not share in the work. I recall having the same sensation last year and tucking behind R.H. without sharing the work. I am sure on another day, I would be the one benefiting from Hugh's front running and/or would not see him until the finish. Shortly after Hugh joined me, we had the company of a fast moving "Mr. tall fellow" and I tucked in behind him. He was gracious to lead us through the blowing wind and although I took a turn at the front once more, it was obvious he was much stronger than we were on this day. When we hit the 8 km mark, "Mr. tall fellow" showed us his heels and I came unglued. It was time to dig deep and hang on for the 2 kms of pain. I am sure anyone cheering around the 8 km mark would have seen that I was in deep trouble. I felt like the tortoise running at snail's pace knowing there were rabbits coming fast behind me. If I was not carrying this heavy shell of tiredness, I knew I would have some extra strength at this stage. Rounding the turn towards the finish line, I heard the announcer (during the brief moment that I had enough oxygen in my brain) call out L.S.’s name (the women's winner) and her time of 34:24. Now for those of you who ran, when you are looking at breaking a personal best and you hear that you can get it in a matter of 400 meters, you get a second wind followed by, from my perspective, the following:

A turbo charger kicks in that you never knew you had and you sprint to the line with all your might. The pain session you have been battling goes away and you are in a state of ease with your form. As you watch the clock above the finish line ticking away, every stride takes you mere seconds. You find that efficient form that has been avoiding you for the last 9.6 km.

In a mere 32 seconds, I crossed the line in 00:34:56 and gasped for air. It took me some time to get enough oxygen to every cell in my body and, as I met the family, I still wasn’t sure whether I had made the time. I had a quick cool down with I.H. (the champ) and S.C. sharing quick stories about the race. I returned to watch the kids enjoy the post race activities, stickers and the bouncy castle. It was a beautiful day and there is no one more to thank than my dear, supportive and beautiful T. S-W. Her support throughout has been remarkable and we celebrated (and continue to) the accomplishment.

Congratulations to all that ran and a special mention goes to Mrs. H. M. on her first 10 K and the running diva (who after all her hard work all season earned some money coming in as the 2nd overall woman). Full results from the TC can be found here: http://pih.bc.ca/results/tc/tc.php

Training:

Monday, April 30, was a rest day.
Tuesday, May 1, I ran for 00:30:00 along Lochside at high noon. 2/5 effort on the scale. The body feels fine except for a slight achillies ache.

Mgonjwa?

2007-04-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

Another language class: The title of the post is "
the sick one or just sick" in swahili. The sign on the left reads: Go back. For the past week, I have battled a flu. In fact, I am not at 80 % and there is some resentment towards this bug that has hampered my training. Taking it in perspective though, I could be sicker. I have taken the usual steps of taking some dawa (medicine) including Tylenol, Sudafed and Halls to soothe the symptoms which continue to linger. The Times Colonist 10 k is a week away and my confidence is low. Training this past week has consisted of two miserable 00:30:00 runs during which I dragged my body and mind through what I consider to be the worst two runs that I have had in my lifetime. I didn't expect it to be easy as there were other more pressing issues that my body was dealing with i.e. the illness.

I am ready to get on with being healthy and I am sure my family would like to see me back firing on all cylinders. I am hoping that these next two days I can will the body back to 100% health. Either way, I think the TC maybe a jogging event for me rather than an attempt at getting another personal best. Having put in the necessary training it is disappointing to see it all come apart in two weeks. I was trudging on my high horse after my personal best at Bazan Bay and was looking forward to a great run at the TC. The moral of the story is, I guess and what it comes down to is, there are only so many things within our control. The rest lies with the fate gods. This reminds me, today the London Marathon was ran in unseasonal conditions. Some of the world's best runners had sub par performances and the Emperor (Haile Gebrselassie) dropped out complaining of a stitch. For a full read of the conditions and race report go here: http://www.iaaf.org/news/Kind=2/newsId=38412.html. I am definitely glad that I was not among those who trained for a gruelling sport - the marathon - only to be defeated by the weather which as we know is beyond our control. Not that I am looking to train for one as the dedication and time it takes to get ready is quite remarkable. I am in awe of all those who train and get to finish one.

For me it is back to the basics and I will focus on the training for the next while, if the body and mind allow me to, as this is the only thing I can control. Next report, after the TC 10 k. Good luck to all those lining up.

Ordinary man?

2007-04-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

M.G. Vasanji in his book"The in between world of Vikram Lall" writes:

"I am quite an ordinary man, as you will discover, and moderate almost to a fault."

Tonight, I was asked "How many hits do [I] get on [my] blog?"; My response: I don't keep a counter and I don't really care. A true reflection of my thoughts on the subject. I keep the blog not to get readership or tabulate or attract attention from the number of readers who browse my pages. Blogging on these pages, are to me, an expression of freedom and a sample of my writing/thoughts that I want to leave for the future - including my own kids. I could die tomorrow but I know (unless of course this website crashes and the data is irretrievable or destroyed) a part of me will be there in the form of words. I cherish the opportunity to share my thoughts - whether read or not - on the w3(World Wide Web). I am grateful and amazed by the number of people who freely share their thoughts/works on various sites. It is this opportunity that I take for myself like many have and the goal is not to complete or tabulate the number of readers who browse these pages. Maybe others do it for this reason but not me because I am an Ordinary man with a need to share my thoughts. Everyone has thoughts and I don't think mine is any more unique than others but I choose to share them. Why do you post? or if you don't why not?

I did not train yesterday but plan on going out for a ran this evening.

Easter?

2007-04-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

I am a convert to any religious holiday that gives me an extra day to do chores, run and also includes organized events (by the City and others) for the kids. On Sunday, we ventured to the easter egg hunt and the kids found a lot of empty plastic eggs which they exchanged for choclate eggs. Donald and the Macs was also at the event. The event reminded me of the number of times when you can't restraint the little ones from overindulgence. Of course, there is bound to be some running around before and after the choclate eating.

For me, I ran back home after first vetting then eating the kids choclate. I retraced the TC 10 K route along the water while enjoying the scenery. I bumped into Rob who waved before I recognized him and came to a screeching halt. I owe Rob a race or two as he paced me to a new p.b. last year at the TC 10 K. This year, he is focusing on the triathlon and I am sure he will be ready. Rob was complementary saying that I looked fit but as with any athletic endevour, looking fitness sometimes does not equal being fit. In short, fitness is always relative and bound within the individual. I feel fit but not as fit as I would like to be as there is always room for improvement.

Today, I was out for a 00:30:00 run around Swan Lake. Two minutes into the ran, I had hailing rain, sunshine and blowing winds. in short, I faced the type of weather that makes you wonder what to wear. I survived and I am back indoors with a warm chai in my hand.

Tardy?

2007-04-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

I have been offline as I just haven't been able to find the time to write. I had to attend Duncan for two days of trial on short notice and, although, it was a change from my routine at the office, it was busy. Starting with the preparation the day before, attending court and then some further preparation, there seemed to be not enough hours in the day. Having said this, it is quite amazing at how much one can get done when the pressure is on.

I have never been to Duncan on business or otherwise and going there inspired me to think about a question that I have been getting for the past 15 years (that is since coming to Canada). At various times, I have thought about the question but never put my thoughts in writing. The question is - Where are you from? (or the WAUF? - sounds like a swear word eh !!! (a canadianism - is there such a word - when I put it into an acroynm). I am still struck by how curious people continue to be about my background. What is it about me that invites this question from strangers?

A couple of nights ago, I was at the Irish Times bidding goodbye to a co-worker and I read a sign: (and I may take some liberty here as I can't recall the exact wording) "There are no strangers here, just friends who haven't met." Certainly, there is a grain of truth to this, we are all strangers until we get to know a little about each other. Sometimes we continue to be strangers for various reasons. So, how do you break the "ice"? I find with some (I should keep a running total - it may be an interesting exercise) who meet me for the first time ask the WAUF? as the initial ice breaking question. I find that this is the question I get with professionals who I interact with on business matters. Maybe it has something to do with my name? What if I was Just Joe? The WAUF?, of course, is asked at varying stages of my initial contact - it could be at the first meeting or the next meeting after that or even months after meeting and dealing the various strangers. Some feel comfortable just asking this question right after they introduce themselves (i.e. just giving their name) and it seems to them (maybe I am mistaken here) that I should volunteer an answer to this loaded question without them having to volunteer and answer to the WAUF? So, does it go beyond curiousity or is there more? Does it matter? What if my response was I am from Earth? Does being here answer the question? or Does there have to be a more specific and detailed answer? The biography? I wonder if I am the only one who gets this question? It seems the issue of identity also exists in Africa - see BBC's feature on "Shades of Identity" - link here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6531043.stm Do you get it? And not because you are a tourist and, obviously, stick out or you are in a country that speaks another language. I have no answers just more questions. Anyway, back to the training for this week for you roadies - not the biking type.

Tuesday, I was out with Donald http://trainharder.com/weblog/jarhead_weblog.php. Now, here is a guy who is serious about training.

Wednesday, no training.

Thursday, easy 00:40:00 downtown

Friday, Good Friday - 00:20:00 tempo run

Saturday, no training except for 00:30:00 at the pool with the kids

Sunday - where is the bunny going to be? and not bugs !!!

Somalia?

2007-04-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

Both the Swahili and Somali language online broadcasts of BBC this week focus on the ongoing attempts to stablize Somalia. There has been an increase in interest, in part, due to the involvement of the African Union. For further information about the African Union go to this link: http://www.africa-union.org/ I will let you read and make your own conclusions but you will notice your flash player highlight the need for "an effective and efficient union for Africa !!! and the fact that Africa must Unite !!! I know things take time but it has been 8 years and it seems to me that not much has happened in terms of progress towards the Union's goals. The lofty goals taken on are needed but seem so far out of reach. I certainly wish them every luck and continuation in the direction of these goals. What are your goals? Maybe not as lofty as the one's by the African Union but you should have some, at least, and post them somewhere so you can be held accountable by some blogger. Here are some of African countries (that I know of) that are currently involved in civil strife and in no particular order: Somalia, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda and Central African Republic. In short, millions of people are in the midst of chaos, anarchy and heartache.

Training yesterday consisted of a long run of 01:30:00 which took me 02:00:00 to complete. Don't ask me how !!! Alarms were raised as I had initially planned on going for an hour but after I hooked up with Scott (who will be doing the Boston Marathon this year), I lost track of time and miles. Scott was doing a tempo run at marathon pace which made me wonder what he would have left in the tank come race day. Today was a rest day which took me to Duncan for work and tomorrow will be an easy run.

How reliable is your post?

2007-03-31T16:13:00.000-07:00

This image is from BBC's "The Big Picture." I don't need to explain any more than say that it was shot (no pun intended) in Mogadishu, Somalia. Obviously, life continues despite the ongoing civil war. Isn't it amazing to watch boys play soccer among ruins? Spectators carelessly sitting on the steps of bullet ridden, mortar blasted buildings juxtaposed against the drifting dark clouds. This is life for many yet I sit here typing at a keyboard listening to tunes that talk of love. Where is the love for humanity? Who should bear responsibility for making at least a decent soccer/football pitch? Unresolvable issues, centuries long, source of disillusion and anger. I played lots of soccer/football growing up minus the tattered buildings. The tarmac was our ground and we reenacted moves by Zico, Maradona and, of course, Pele. We went home with skinned knees and stories of glory. What story do you have to tell and will your post be reliable?

Today's track workout consisted of 12 x 400 with 00:00:60 seconds rest. Cliff and I paced each other, the heel held up and our splits ranged from 00:01:11 down to 00:01:04. Others doing their own workouts included an Olympian and champ.

Hali ya hewa? The weather?

2007-03-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

Weather report + a bit of language training. The temperature reports in Nairobi are set out in measures of "hotness." The reports from BBC's swahili language translated state:

Kipimo cha Joto Juu (translation (literally) - "temperature of heat high"). In Victoria, the temperature was 8°C
Chini (low) - 3°C
Upepo (wind) - 9(WNW)

A little on the cool side compared to the highs of 22°C in Nairobi. 8°C is a relief from all the drudgery since we have, at least, some warmth. I finally can put away some of the heavier jackets I have been wearing. Yesterday, I relieved some of the pressure from the last couple of days of no running by, of course, running an easy 00:40:00 on the Lochside trail wearing my latest technological gear. I am not into technology but having a digital player with the capacity to listen to some radio is an invention that is (in my view) unbeatable. I listened to some tunes that I had uploaded to my player then switched to CBC to listen to the daily events in and around Canada. It has been (lately) the only news I get. Most of my mornings are taken up by getting ready and rushing to catch the bus to work. The evenings are "family time" and by 9:00 p.m. I am done - having not listened to an iota of radio or watched any TV. I guess it doesn't help when you disconnect your cable. Anyway, it is what it is, just like the weather - you change everyday - a degree higher or lower. I now have adapted to the digital player listening when the opportunity presents itself or turning it off to enjoy the silence and rhythm of my breathing. Tomorrow, I am looking forward to some track work if the leg holds up as I have been having some heel issues (or is it an injury). The plan will depend on the condition of the body. It seems that my condition depends on, well, the conditions of the day. So, what was your weather like today?

Canada v. Scotland?

2007-03-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

1-2. On a birthday day filled with anxiety for the dawn of the next day, I enjoyed a wonderful evening (although numbing) with friends at the Irish Times where we hoisted a few beers before proceeding to the chilly Royal Athletic Park. It was a game where the tall dominated and the ball skimmed the sky for most of the first half. The goals were not spectacular but, at least, there were some dedicated fans. The pretty boy, wearing no. 8, you know the one with the golden boots should have had the boot put to him. At the end, it seemed the chill had an effect on the Canucks, who gave too much space to the Scottish boys. Space = time = certain goal in football. At least this was a friendly.

Thanks to the Bison who bought me my dinner and beer because African birthdays suck. Thanks to also the two ladies who joined us for the cold evening of spectating and later kindly drove me to the bus stop. Football for Life !!!

Today = no training

Roy?

2007-03-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

A day of rest (not as prescribed by any training program because I don't follow one) is what I needed today. Although, I did walk down the Lochside trail past Roy, who still looks magnificent, and still stuck in that magical age. I always wonder how many souls Roy has seen and how many secrets he holds. On most of my runs past Roy I give him the hey Roy ! or Roy !!! or the nominal nod to say I see your still out here. Roy does not care what the weather is doing, he wears natures brunt and doesn't move an inch. Instead he gazes into some distant thinking deep thoughts - not the satircal kind. I am not envious of Roy as I still haven't adjusted to the weather and if it pouring rain, I prefer the comfort of my Jacket, mittens, toque and long pants. Roy is the statute of the MAN on the trestle where as my daughter says: the "grumpy old troll lives".

Training for the day despite the normal rest - 45 min walk - 10 mins with 25 pounds of testostrone joy on my shoulder. Where is your Roy?

Why?

2007-03-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

I ran from home, to the largest and most magnificent park administered by Saanich, accompanied by the sweet sounds of spring. I saw two souls mindful of their steps - head hunched over with their minds focused on lifting the foot over the next root which connects the tree to its source of nutrition. I enjoyed the solitude, the sunrise and the warmth. It was blissful early but the labour of love takes work and I did work up the hill down the hill and on the flats. An hour later and I found my answer along the way and I wait until I can do this again.

Why do you do it?

WXC?

2007-03-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

It is the day of reckoning. Will Bekele do it again? From the IAAF site: "Five-time World Cross Country champion Paul Tergat who is acting as one of the local Ambassadors for today’s 35th IAAF World Cross Country Championships, Mombasa, Kenya expects Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele to score a record sixth victory in this afternoon's long race."

Will his prediction be right? No news yet but I will have more later.

Latest, Bekele dropped out of the race. I am sure everyone will be anxiously awaiting his take on things and the race. According to the IAAF site and I quote: "Less than five minutes after he was apparently dropped by the mighty Ethiopian, Eritrea’s World Road Running champion Zersenay Tadesse not only made up the gap, but went on to pummel past Bekele to produce what will certainly be remembered as the biggest upset of these World Cross Country Championships." Now I am not one to criticize but "pumel" give me a break - Bekele was suffering and I am sure he made the decision not in haste but to protect his running career. Why risk everything when your health could be jeopardized. Anyway, that is the end of this chapter of the World Cross although not the end of Bekele, I am sure he will be back to dismiss all the naysayers. He is the BEST that we have seen.

Today's workout wasn't as stifling for me as we ran in cool and wet conditions. 5 x 1k with a lot of surges put in (although I am told I am confused about the effort) by one of my colleagues. It was a great workout for me and I averaged faster than I have this past month. So, what does this mean? At least, I know I wouldn't be making it to the starting list of any WXC race.

nomad

Where?

2007-03-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

I rested today, a part of training, that takes little credit. I iced the legs and thought about the miles/kilometers on them. Maybe the odometer jammed along the way, the little mechanism broke along the road to fitness. Tomorrow on the track, I will slam the odometer - wake it up like our old black and white Tv that dared to act up in the middle of the only show (what was the name again ???). Who cares, I am here on the undulating road to fitness where the sign is like a mirage on the desert - so close yet so far. Am I hallucinating?

Track tomorrow 9:30 ish. You know where?

How?

2007-03-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

I woke up with a mild case of something (undiagnosed) which cannot stop me. I rise with the ungangly ache of the achillies yet charge down the stairs. I walk to work, get my gear and pound the ground - not in anger but in determination. So, is it worth it? Time will tell, the body will yell and gravity may hold it all together.

How do you survive your injuries? Today, I ran a tempo ran broken into 4 undetermined intervals: 8, 3, 3, 2, 1 - maybe, that is my lucky number. What is yours?

When?

2007-03-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

So, I have been sick although I jogged for 30 mins - do you push the body to new limits or let it limber in the old ways? when do you know when to hold back to let it heal for the sake of long term progress? mystery # 1 of running - or maybe - I haven't researched the issue enough.

Until later, harness you gift(s).

What?

2007-03-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Today the plan is to run over the blue bridge, look into the depths of the sea and let the mind run free. So, what are your plans today?

On another note, easter egg fans would wonder what midlanders would want to steal these eggs. See the story on BBC's site:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/6469489.stm

7:37 p.m.

So, the plan this morning didn't quite workout as anticipated. I did look into the depths of the sea and was accompanied by the wind through the green cricket field along the undulation of the road and back to work. Maybe tomorrow the blue bridge will beckon and I will hear its call.

Why?

2007-03-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

because i am joining the many writers who blog their thoughts to the world. what you will find on this blog is my thoughts (not completely, of course, because i would need to do this blogging thing fulltime and i have other priorities) and will take comments (positive or negative) from readers who care to read my prose.