The Dysevolution of Man

Great run today.  Great run yesterday.  Warm weather coming next week.  Had a nap.  Babysitting my niece's girls.

Ahhh, yes, it's a good day to be alive.

:>)  Mike

Hill Training @ Garbage Hill

It's hard to find a hill in this neck of the woods.  Fortunately for us, our past city planners had the gob-stopper of an idea to build a garbage dump right smack-dab in the middle of our city.  Clearly, present day environmental regulations are a blessing. When the dump reached its capacity it was capped, covered with grass, and prettified with a new name, Westview Park.  Alas, the pretty name never caught on and it's known forever by the locals as "Garbage Hill", "Green Hill", or my personal favourite, "Make-out Hill".  

Making out on Garbage Hill... now that's romantic!  

I blogged about Garbage Hill about 2 years ago (go here).  Since then I've come across these images of the different elements of the hill. There's 7 elements in total.  Only the Loop and the Hump are used with regularity. That's a pity because the other 5 elements are more interesting, more challenging, and offer a rather stunning view of Winnipeg.  Click on each image to enlarge.  

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

#1.  LOOP. 

The most common element.  It's a simple run up, loop around the cul de sac, and return for 0.5 mile.  It may be the most common, but it's also the least exciting. To get an honest 0.5 you must start at the gate, run around the cul de sac and touch the gate on the return.  No cheating now!    

#2.  The HUMP  

The Hump starts off like the Loop but continues past the cul de sac at the crest of the hill, down the gravel trail to the chain link fence, and then return the same way, up the gravel trail, over the crest, past the cul de sac, down the paved road to the gate (1.0 mile from gate-to-gate). This is my favourite.  

#3.  The LUMP

Start at the main gate, approach steep hill past 3 yellow poles, ascend steep hill and continue up smaller hill on the gravel path to left, run along flat path towards the cul-de-sac, keep left and run on dirt single track toward toboggan slide at north end, descend toboggan slide and the up the small hill at the back fence, veer right back along gravel path and ascend gradual hill to cul-de-sac, then descend the roadway back to the gate.  Round trip is 0.93 mile)

#4.  The SNAKE

Start at main gate. ascend steep hill past 3 yellow poles, continue to top of smaler hill.  Veer left down switchback trail and continue along the base of  the hill.   A series of switchbacks leading from the top of main steep hill to the north end along trails and return.  This is the hardest element. Watch out for gopher holes.  0.53 miles.

#5.  THUMP

Sort of opposite to the Hump (above).  Start at main entrance gate.  Run up roadway, past cul de sac, over the crest of hill, down the gravel trail.  At the bottom of gravel trail, veer left along the grass trail that runs alongside the fence.  Run down small hill and ascend the tobogan hill.  Run along single track trail (watch out for gopher holes), past the cul de sac, toward the switchback.  Descend the switchback and exit hill by the main gate.  Distance not known at this time.  

#6.  TRIANGLE

Approach steep hill past 3 yellow poles, ascend the steep hill and then continue up smaller hill and then veer right past the stone blocks, descend path at blocks and then turn right onto small dirt path to starting point to starting point. 0.13. miles

#7.  BOWTIE (sorry, no image)

Approach steep hill past 3 yellow poles, ascend the steep hill and then veer right to stone blocks, descend path at blocks, turn left onto smaller dirt path, ascend next upward trail and return to stone blocks, descend path and then turn right on dirt path to yellow poles and ascend main steep hill.

Hypothermic Half Marathon Race Report 2011

Sorry for being such a blogger slacker, but truly, after running 4 Hypos I've exhausted the superlatives to describe this race.  Actually, I only completed 3 Hypos; I had one DNF due to a blown calf at mile two in 2009, but that's a whole other story.  How many times can I describe the amazing breakfast, the stunning trails, and -of course- the wonderful Joie  de vivre that permeates the ice and wind.  Yes dear readers, this race soothes the soul and reminds us of life's sanctity.  We are indeed fortunate for this event.    

Aside from the world-class-vegetarian-friendly-carnivore-happy-breakfast there are two things that separate this race from the millions of other half-marathons; the temperature and the course.  

First the temperature.  It's cold. Nope, it's damn cold, and yet we love it. Nope, we don't love it, we EMBRACE it.  It defines us.  It makes us unique in a world of sameness.  It's another challenge.  It's another life-event that brings us together.  Ah, the romantic Hypo, it's such a rush, such an affirmation of life and health and well-being.  

Next the course.  We're mere minutes from the downtown centre of a major Canadian city with a population of 800,000+  and 90% or more of this race is through bush, thick forest, and tall grass prairie.  Aside from that 2 mile spit on Grant Avenue the course is entirely gorgeous and void of vehicular traffic.   I've run in Toronto, Chicago, Minneapolis, Vancouver, Ottawa, Dublin, Paris, and Victoria and all are stunning in their own right, but let's not kid ourselves. Winnipeg is a runner's haven.  We have stunning courses and trails in the heart of the city that rivals any of the aforementioned...(wel,, maybe not Paris, but the others for sure).  

Kudos to race directors Rachel and Lorraine for again pulling out all the stops. From the course sweeps to the enthusiastic volunteers, to the food... I've said it before, the Winnipeg Hypothermic Half Marathon IS the premiere winter running event in Western Canada.  I enjoy the uniqueness of this run, the course, the training, and of course the food.  The best part of the run?

Well, the people of course!  It's such an honor to run with the likes of Bernie, Vivian, Sandra, Eric, Gwen and Lorie.  I dedicate this post to them.  Here's their bios...

Vivian, currently training for Boston after qualifying last year.  An amazing technical runner with tremendous focus and drive.  She ran 5 miles in the frigid darkness BEFORE the Hypo just to meet her schedule.  She comes from the School of Ted.

Bernie, quiet, intelligent, rock solid pacer.  We're both in search of similar running goals.  We ran Chicago together until I bonked at mile 16.  He waited for me at the finish line while others waited at the beer tent... it was a long wait.  I was crushed as I crossed the line.  He knew it.  No words were exchanged.  There was no need for words, he got it.  

Sandra has completed many, many half marathons and one full.  We ran Chicago together.  Her first half was the infamous Mashed Potato Hypo way back.  It was dubbed the "mashed potato" run because of the 6 inches of brown slush for the entire course. I remember both of us cursing the last 2 miles! Sandra is such an interesting person.  She's a story teller.  The miles melt by as I fall into the rhythm of her voice.  She comes from the school of Ted.

Eric has a couple of half-mary's under his belt. He used to be the water boy for Sandra, now he's stepping up to the plate and considering the full distance and he's entirely ready.  Eric is full of stories and makes me laugh.  I always light up when I see he's on the course.  Thanks Eric.  

Gwen was one of the first runners I hooked up with when I first took the plunge.  She had a running setback a couple of years ago but is slowly working her way back to distance running.  I had the pleasure of running with her when she broke the 2 hour half marathon a few years back at the Cops Run. She beamed.  Gwen is a generous and kind soul.  She taught me how to run.  She comes from the school of Terry.

Lorie is a strong runner (perhaps stronger than she knows).  We've run hundreds of miles side by side. We made snow angels (with Sandra and Gwen) one chilly night when the snow drifts were waist high.  We shared teenaged heart throbs... mine was Melanie (still is) hers was .... ask her next time.  Hint... something about a certain backstreet guy. ;>)  

Together I've run thousands of miles with these folks and every step has been an honor and a pleasure.  It's because of them -and you- that it's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Optimism

Good luck to all you runners participating in the Winnipeg Hypothermic Half Marathon, 2011.  You're all winners in your own right.  Enjoy the endorphin high as it gushes through the brain.  You trained for it.  You dreamed about it.  You believe it.  You deserve it.  Now, go do it!

Remember to maintain your optimism even if you don't get your time.  After all, time is SO irrelevant in the big picture.  Have fun.  Be optimistic.  Smile.

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Running Eyes Wide Open

Runners are are a focussed lot.  This is good, for focus brings sharp minds and disciplined schedules. Runners need to be focussed. 

Today's run was not about focus.  It was purely in search of beautiful images that abound when we take the time to look.  I replaced the Garmin with a camera and the gel with a homemade oatmeal and raisin cookie (made 'em last night).  I had the cookie on a trail in the middle of a winding frozen river. I munched while I scanned the horizon.  Beauty personified.  

Two hours and 8 miles later I had 52 pictures of what I perceived to be beauty. The one below shows the intrepid runner preparing for the journey.  The rest are shapes and colours and bits of light that caught my eye.  I hope you enjoy. And I hope you too will ditch the Garmin from time-to-time and focus on the beauty instead of running by, eyes wide closed.  

It is such an amazing day to be alive.

Mike

(click 'em to make 'em bigger)

                                        

Frankenfood

There's three possible reasons for you reading this blog; 1) you're bored and are trolling the net for untold reasons, 2) you're looking for Mike's Pastry joint, or 3) you're a runner.  I suppose you could also be a perverted, bored runner with a pastry craving, but that would be a total coincidence.  I'm gonna assume you're a runner.  I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm also assuming you're a distance runner.  If I'm correct, continue reading.  If I'm totally off base and Mike's Pastry Joint sounds more inviting than a run around the block then click here.

Distance running is a beautiful thing.  The downside is the liver can only hold so much glycogen and refueling enroute is a necessary part of the game. Without a constant source of glycogen our muscles simply run out of fuel, or to use the running vernacular, you bonk.  To quote wiki ...   the condition can usually be avoided by ensuring that glycogen levels are high when the exercise begins, maintaining glycogen levels during exercise by eating or drinking carbohydrate-rich substances, or by reducing exercise intensity.
I bonked in Chicago last October and it's not fun at all.  Stop, run for three seconds, stop, run for 5 seconds, stop, run for 4 seconds stop.... with 6 miles to go this can seem like an eternity.  The only solution is Frankenfood.

Trouble is -brace yourself for language warning- I hate the s*** (sheesh, I can't bring myself to say the "s" word online.  I'm such a wimp.).  I've tried it all, but I keep returning to GU gels (chocolate) and Gatorade.  The GU's are disgusting (especially when they get heated up and run down your cheek, yuck ... and stick to your fingers, yuck)  and the Gatorade is like sweetened battery acid and makes me retch.  The combination of the two shaking about in my belly makes for a nauseous Mike.  In Chicago I tried to vomit, but nothing was there... imagine craving vomit and not a drop to be seen!  PowerBars work well, but again, the taste just doesn't sit well with me.  I've written about nausea and running in a previous post.  Go here.  

My amazing niece and all time super vegan marathoner, Laura, sent me a package of Brendan Brazier's VEGA natural plant based performance drink.  As a "no meat athlete"  (see next week's blog) I'm intrigued with the plant based alternative energy drink.  Here's hoping it'll do the trick!

Then again there's alway's Mike's Pastry Joint.....  mmmm.....

By the way, if you haven't already, please drop by Connie's new blog, The Joy of Running.  It's a great blog that all runners, especially those training for their first marathon, will enjoy.

It's a good day to be alive... cold but good.  Unless your reading this in Mexico (right Jan :>)

Mike

Still haven't found what I'm looking for...

... but this helps. Watch closely for the Canadian flag at minute 5.49 to 5.51. It's a good day. M

Hypothermic Half Marathon course

Hypothermic Half Marathon

February 27, 2011

Click here for course.  

Click here for a letter to the race directors.  

Good luck to everyone running the Hypo.  Remember, there's nothing you can do at this point to train for this run and everything you do is potential for injury... chill... enjoy the taper... see you at breakfast!

... and a couple of pictures of See Mike Running the Hypo last year.  

Mile 11 - ish

Mile 11- ish 'n-a-bit

finish... it's a good day to be alive!

Aren't we lucky?

My new running partner Jan sent an email the other day after a gorgeous 8 mile run.  She mused over how running is such a simple act and how it makes one feel centered and so damn good.
Today I ran 12.5 miles with Bruce, Joanne, Grant, Martial, Connie, and Wendy.  We're training for the Hypo at the end of February.  It was a perfect day.  Lots of sun, warmth, strength, fluidity, laughs, and silence.  I was in awe of the moment as I often am in times like these. The moments are fleeting and one must grab on to the image of this perfection before it fades.  For those of you who run distance, no explanation needed.  For those who don't, no explanation is possible.  At that particular moment, at that particular mile marker, all was well in the world.  I said "Aren't we lucky" to no one in particular.

Last week I posted a farewell.  More people than I ever imagined have sent their regrets.  Not sure why, but it appears that some enjoy reading See Mike Run.  This is such an honour.  Thank you for your kindness.  I am becoming a wiser runner, more centred, still searching, but more centred.  I hope the new See Mike Run will reflect some of this.  Thanks for stopping by.

Yup, it's a good day to be alive.

Mike

The Last Post

This blog has become tired.  It was originally intended to chronicle a 6 month marathon training program starting on January 1, 2008.  That original blog posts reads:

At one point I yelled to a large group "It's a great day for a run" to which one runner replied "It's a great day to be alive".  Seconds behind him a middle-aged walker looked me straight in the eyes and said  "Yes, it is a great day to be alive... I otta know, I wear a pace maker.

It was and it still is, a great day to be alive.  To the man with the pace maker who planted the seed,  I wish you health and I pray you are well.  To the readers of this blog, I wish you all continued success in your search for well being and contentment. I wish for you success in meeting your goals and smashing PB's.  I wish for you good health and many, many opportunities for laughter.  I wish for you to model a positive lifestyle to your children.  

To the bare footers, you are such an admirable group, I wish for you the courage to follow your convictions and find what you are seeking. To Utah Jen, thank you for your kind spirit.  To all of you I offer a heartfelt thanks for pointing your browser toward See Mike Run.   

I will continue to run, but I have re-evaluated my running philosophy. It's no longer about speed, pace, strategy, technique, and disappointment.  I will focus on peace, serenity, and success.  I will run for the spirit, not for the ego.  I will run with purpose. I will run for as long as I am able.  In the words of slam poet Sam Skiest, I will run to get out of my mind and into my heart.  

The proverb says, when you pray, move your feet.  If there ever was a a proverb for runners, this is it.  We get it.  We understand the challenge of moving forward when the feet ache and the mind screams. Despite the pain we continue to plod forward, searching, reaching, but never finding.   

I urge you to move your feet toward social justice, toward peace, toward compassion.

It's a good day to be alive.  It was with these words See Mike Run was born and it is with these same words I bring this blog to a close.


It's a good day to be alive,

Mike