Sunday, January 13, 2008

Week of January 7 to 13

Wednesday, 5.17 miles, 9.29 pace Grant Running Room/ Chalfont loop

 Lori, Vivian, Debbie, Sandra, and I decided to stick to the dry pavement and avoid the dark trails.  We also chose to go a little further this evening to lesson the distance on Thursday.  Aside from the distinct lack of testosterone in this evening’s group, it was a good run ;>). 

 Someone asked for the name of a good massage therapist. I can vouch for Kristen Nedohin.  Here’s my testimony.  Last June, two weeks before marathon day, I damaged my glutamous maximus (don’t ask me how… ok, I’ll tell you… I was playing floor hockey with my students and I zigged sharply when I should have turned slowly… I know, stupid, stupid, stupid).  I was limping and in severe pain with every step.  I was devastated with the possibility that I would have to pull out of the race after a year’s training.  A friend gave me Kristen’s number and after listening to my woeful tale, she made time for me over the lunch hour.  She worked her magic and slowly, painfully, after three one-hour visits, I was 90% cured.   I managed to compensate for the remaining 10% pain and I ran a successful marathon.  Kristen is patient, thorough, and explains what she is doing and why she does it.  Her number is 231-1281 and her shop is located at 169 Marion.

 Thursday, 3.5 miles 9.26 pace, Grant Running Room/ Shaftsbury return

 This evening’s clinic was short and entirely relevant.  The guest speaker, Luc introduced himself as a “regular guy, just like you”. He has run 20 + Iron Mans and numerous marathons and half-marathons (hmmm, maybe I’m not such a regular guy, after all… see profile).  He discussed the many products available for nutrition during long training runs and race days. Luc shared his race day nutrition formula (this is from memory so I might not have it completely accurate.  If I’ve goofed up please let me know):

  • 10 minutes: 3 big sips of Gator Aide.
  • 20 minutes: 1 bite of a power bar, three big sips.
  • 30 minutes: 3 big sips.
  • 40 minutes: 3 big sips, 1 bite of Power Bar.
  • 50 minutes: 3 big sips.
  • 60 minutes: 1 gel, 3 big sips
  • Repeat

 Using this formula for a four-hour marathon you would consume 3 to 4 Power Bars, 4 gels, and 4 to 5 liters of Gator Aid (more or less depending on heat and conditions).

 I like the consistency of the above formula and I’ll probably give it a try –or at least a variation of- when we get into 16+ miles.  I’m not sure if this formula would apply to a 1/2 marathon.  I suggest that you pre-cut the power bar in 1/3 inch wide strips and take a few strips at a time as opposed to one large bit. I like to slip a Power Bar strip under my tongue and let it soften.   I find this a lot easier than biting into the bar on the run, especially on cold runs when the bar is frozen!   I like to consume gels (yuck) over a mile as opposed to chugging the whole shebang in one shot. The gel seems to go down easier and I believe it’s digested slower and therefore easier on the stomach.

 Luc also raised an interesting point about tapering.  He reminded us that when we taper from running for the last week, we are much less active and therefore should consume less food.  While training, we burn a lot of calories, we are constantly hungry, and require lots of food, but when we taper, we don’t need the same amount of fuel.  Food for thought… sorry for the poor pun. Thanks for organizing this Tammy.  It was a very good clinic.

 It was Lori’s birthday today (29 I think).  Lori is a true runner and a solid person.  I’ve run with Lori for about three years and I’ve come to know her as a dependable and strong runner, not to mention a fine person with a big heart.  Last year we had the pleasure of running 10 miles in – 52 degrees (that ain’t no typo… that’s a ‘take-away-sign’ followed by a 52).  Lori was so impressed with this achievement that she made a tee shirt. Definite bragging rights.   Happy Birthday Lori, you’re a big part of who we are. 

 Vivian, not one to hold back on her opinions, offers this pearl of running wisdom “Winter Running. It’s not about the scenery.  It’s all about the footing, all about the damn footing”.  So true!  Vivian is a strong runner and likes to pour it on for the last mile or so.  She’s good for a 4:15 – 4:30 marathon time for sure.  She’s a smart runner too; always thinking about what’s coming up and will adapt on the fly.

 Gwen is reading this in Calgary where she’s visiting her brand new grandchild, little Owen.  Sandra is reading this in China where she’s lost in the world of business, but hopefully finding the time to take in some sights.

 The run was uneventful yet pleasant.  Some of us had trouble getting a signal on our Garmins due to the heavy cloud cover.  It appeared that the 200 series Garmins worked better than the 300 series.  At the end we took an average of three Garmins to arrive at an accurate distance and pace.

Saturday, 8.04 miles, 10:38 pace, My front door/ Alexander Docks return

Play list: Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack (season 1), Greg McPherson Band

 It was a glorious run today, sun shining, blue sky, moderate temperature, and excellent footing.  What more could a guy ask for?  A good portion of today’s run was on the Assiniboine and Red River Trails.  These trails are, of course, on the river right next to the skating trail.  Unlike last year, the City has extended the walking trail north onto the Red River right up to the Esplanade Riel.  The trail also heads south under the Queen Elizabeth Bridge and beyond.  There were hundreds of skaters, walkers, cyclists, runners, little kids with parents, grandmothers, grandfathers and even a clown.  Everyone had huge smiles and in true Winnipeg fashion everyone nodded and said hello as we went our way.  I couldn’t help but feel one with Winnipeg.  At the junction of the Red and Assiniboine, right under the footbridge, a dozen or so kids were painting the ice that had been shaved clean by some type of ice machine.  Their water colour paintings of dogs, cats, flowers and such glistened on the ice and glowed brightly in the sun.  It has just occurred to me that the reason this huge ice-canvas is located under the footbridge is to provide a cool vantage point for viewing the artwork. It was an A+ run.

 Sunday, January 13, 2008

10.50 miles, 10:07 pace (temperature –18, wind chill –28, wind N 22 k/h… brrr)

Grant Running Room/ Wolseley/ Esplanade Riel/ return via The Crescent

 The first couple of miles were chilly, but as with all winter runs, you warm up fast.  My only regret is leaving the balaclava at home.  The wind was sharp on the cheeks and mouth, especially on the return down the Crescent.  We had a large group this morning, with a couple of new faces and plenty of familiar faces. Here’s who I remember: Lori, Scotty, Deb, Deborah, Linda, David, Rachelle, Bruce, Ken, Nazeer, and Mildred… I know I’ve missed many of you.  Please drop me a line so I can add your name to this winners’ list.

 Aside from the cold, it was a beautiful run.  Ice crystals fluttered all around and glistened like fairy dust.  I love the sound of the crunching as we run on super frozen snow, especially when we’re all crunching in unison.  The sun came out for the return trip, which always improves the outlook of winter running.  The footing was good (it’s all about the footing, right Vivian?) and the vehicular traffic was accommodating (mostly).  The bathroom stop at the Forks proved to be too long for some runners so several hooked up with John’s group for the return.  A whole crew went to Stella’s but alas, I was unable due to a family commitment.  When I told Mildred I was not able to attend she said with a smile “Aren’t we your family”.  In a way, I suppose you are, or at least it’s beginning to feel that way.

 Thank you Running Room Rachelle!  The hot chocolate and cinnamon buns were appreciated like you cannot imagine.  Those thoughtful acts of kindness really matter.  Like that Free Press Driver this morning who pulled way over to the side and waited a full 45 seconds for us to pass.  Unlike the mean mummy who practically ran over my toes on her way to who knows where.  In any event, thank you Rachelle.  The next time Mr. Stanton is in town I’ll be sure to mention your kindness.

 Let me tell you about Ryan Gray.  I trained with him last year for the MB Marathon and I’ve grown to admire him as strong, consistent runner, but also as a fine person.  Ryan is currently training for his first Iron Man in August (in 224 days I believe he said).  He presently trains 6 days a week for a total of 9 hours.  The training is intense.  He told me that he often finds he’s training at close to 100 MHR for long periods.  The training will pick up as the date approaches. Good luck to you Ryan; if anyone can achieve this goal it’s you. Ryan and his wife are expecting.  I don’t know the due date, but I expect there might be a slight change to the training regime once the little one arrives.

Now for the cheesy poll results “What are your thought on Yactracks”.  I’m not familiar with the statistical validity of a poll sample of 9, but what the hell, we’ll run with it.  The majority, 42% or respondents, replied “I tried them, but I don’t like them”.  I’m happy to report that 0% of respondents use them in the shower.

 Be sure to weigh in with this week’s question: “Do you feel safe running in the dark on Wednesday and Thursday evenings?”

Cheers all,

Michael

Week Total Distance = 27.21 miles

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the blog Mike,
I'd like to say it's just as good as the real thing (re:being there), but at least I can live vicariously through everyone else while the heel heals!

I hope to be back running by the weekend & will see everyone then,

Bernice.

Anonymous said...

It was nice to get the update through the blog.

I must confess I only ran 7 miles on Sunday. The weather was beautiful no snow, I was warm running even without a jacket on! Sorry to hear about your weather! I can't understand why my run was uphill there and back! I figure my 7 miles of rolling hills was the same as 10 flat prairie miles. Little Owen doesn't sleep much during the night, but he is a real joy and will be hard to leave him.

I will be a Nana - my son was adamant about that!

Today the weather will be in the + digits, but will opt for a long walk with Owen. Tomorrow my run will take make along the Glenmore Reservoir and absolutely beautiful run - wish the group could join me.

I should be back for Sunday's run.

Take Care
Gwen

Unknown said...

Only 7 miles, Gwen! Sounds like the weather is idyllic. The weather here is anything but idyllic... cold, cold, cold... but it's a dry cold. Happy that you've settled on Nana... it was my favourite. Cheers Gwen. Enjoy the time with little Owen. M