Canuck Running

[canuckrunning]

My race video of the 2015 Maritime Race Weekend.

[canuckrunning]

Maritime Race Weekend: September 11th and 12th

As part of my lead up to the NYC Marathon, I traveled to Halifax for the Maritime Race Weekend. 

We (Kelly and I) participated in Friday night’s Sunset 5k followed by a half-marathon on Saturday morning. The race was fantastically organized with great volunteers and amazing energy. As it was an East Coast event there was an overwhelming pirate theme (naturally) which made the 5k even more enjoyable. 

The weather was also typically maritime and was a mix of heavy overcast clouds and harbour fog for most of the Saturday morning run. It was also surprisingly humid at times which, combined with the rolling hills, made for a sweaty 21k.

The race organizers, undoubtably based on runner feedback, brought in photographers who snapped thousands of photos for anyone to use and share. For the first time I can remember, I actually have a shot (though in full pirate gear) where I look like I’m running fast ;)

I took this opportunity to film the race and practice my skills for NYC. I’ll share the video for your enjoyment, and my personal ridicule, in a following post.

5km time: 25:13 (I *think* this is a PR)

21.1km half marathon time: 1:57:30, about 5 minutes off my fastest time. Considering the hills, I felt great about this finish.

[canuckrunning]

A fantastic motivational video from the 2013 NYC Marathon.  I admit, I’ve watched it a few times and will watch it a few more before Nov 1.

[canuckrunning]

I Cracked in the Bronx: My NYC Marathon — Run Present

The streets of New York were mine.

I’ve been reading some NYC Marathon race recaps and experiences to get me excited and help bridge the gap to November.  This was by far one of the best.  

[canuckrunning]

Week 5 Training:

I was short on my training this week due to other commitments (baseball). While my “time on feet” wasn’t as long as my training plan called for, it did feel like a good week of running and my Sunday long run was a highlight so far. 

Once again this weeks training was marked by some intense temperatures and blazing sun. This was most certainly felt on Sunday while running in Collingwood along the rail trail. Despite being tucked into the tree line, there was still significant amounts of sun felt which seems to suck my energy levels.

One of the strongest and fastest I’ve felt running occurred this week while hill training.  After 8 “ups and downs” of what most Toronto runners call Legion Hill on the lakeshore I turned for home and have never felt stronger. My pace was sub a 8 minute mile and felt like I could have continued running for another hour at least.

Totals for this week:

2 Mornings of strength and conditioning

2 Runs

17.2 miles

2 hours, 34 minutes time on feet

[runsmilerepeat]

This is a 2.5 hectare corn maze on the Hunter Brothers Farm in Florenceville, New Brunswick. It depicts Terry Fox on his Marathon of Hope, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the historic run. If you’re in the area, the maze is open from Sept 15 - Oct 31. 🏃🏻😃🔁 #runsmilerepeat #runhappy #run #terryfox #newbrunswick #marathonofhope #canada #inspiration #anniversary (at Hunter Brothers Farm)

[canuckrunning]

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope.  To celebrate, this farm cut a wonderful tribute to Terry’s legacy into their corn field. 

[canuckrunning]

I’m Running Again!

Week 3 training was a disaster.  I tweaked a back injury while strength training and took the week off of running to recover.  On Monday I went for a cautious run and intended to go 3 miles.  4.8 miles later and I had posted 3 of the fasted mile times I’ve ran to date. 8:18, 8:03 and 7:59 were my last 3 mile splits.  

My back felt great, my left IT band held up also and it seems as though my week of stretching and therapy has put my old body back on track.

I have 26 miles to put in the books this week. Feeling motivated and excited again. 

[canuckrunning]

Injuries and Setbacks: I Tweaked My Back... Again.

I’ve gone and done it again :( I managed to pull my lower back again doing deadlifts to strengthen my glutes.  

Frustrating? You bet.

I’m not, however, letting it get to me and dampen my spirits.  I’ve realized that injuries happen and you’ve got to listen to your body when it tells you to slow down a little.

My first 2 weeks of training went very well.  Sunday’s long run was taxing and in hindsight, I didn’t spend enough time stretching and rolling.  My back injury was partially due to tired muscles.

If you find yourself in the same spot I did, here’s what you need to know for the first 24-48 hours:

ICE: Ice your lower back while lying on your stomach.  20 minutes on, 40 off.

MASSAGE:  Get a massage therapist to work on your back. Otherwise, use a foam roller. Place it between your back and a wall and shift your body weight to roll out the area. 

After rolling, lie on your back, pull both knees to your chest, and hold for 30 seconds. You’ll feel a stretch in your lower back repeat five to eight times

[canuckrunning]

A running friend sent this to me this week after some hot mid week runs.  I was looking desperately for a water fountain after powering through my water bottle. If you run in Toronto, you might find this quite helpful

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=zOY3nd-LxQqM.kLXyTBUNbN-c

[canuckrunning]

Week 2 Training

My second week of training has come and gone.  While I’d like to say “it went well” the honest truth is that my body feels tired and sore. This week has been very hot and a couple of runs weren’t as properly planned as they should have been.  I’ve found myself running in the hot sun a couple of times and it really drained me.  My Sunday long run, for example, was supposed to be a 10 mile distance but I couldn’t bring my body and heavy legs to finish the last .8.  

Despite the heat and couple of nights with shorter distances than I wanted, I’m still pleased with my times, endurance and cardio.  I can feel the consistent schedule paying off and I’m able to work through miles at a fast pace. 

The coming week will bring some serious distances especially in my long run. I’m looking forward to the challenge of 12 miles.  

Totals for last week:

2 Mornings of strength and conditioning

4 Runs

21.1 miles

3 hours, 7 minutes time on feet

[canuckrunning]

Week 1 Training

I started my 16 week training program for the New York City Marathon.  I managed to find a moderate 16 week program online at the TSC site readily available for download.  After a bit of digging I could the beginner and advanced plan too.  I have no idea if the moderate plan is “right” for me and my stage of running/fitness but the distances and plan so far has felt right. 

Totals for last week:

2 Mornings of strength and conditioning

4 Runs

21 miles

3 hours, 8 minutes time on feet

[canuckrunning]

A shot of me running getting ready for the 2014 Lululemon Seawheeze Half Marathon.