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

Running in Ireland Post #1

At last, I've finally found some time to post some Running in Ireland stories.  This is one of many little videos I took of my adventures.  I'll post morre over the next couple of days.  


It's a good day to be alive!


Mike

26 Reasons to Run 26 Miles

I'm thinking a few of you runners can relate to this slam 
poem on all 26 levels.  I share it with you as Heidi shared it with me.

You know it.


It's a good day.

Be alive!

Mike

-29 , feels like -41

Brrr, back to cold weather running!  Today's temperature at 8AM was a balmy -29 Celsius with a 17 k/h WNW  wind making it feel like -41 Celsius.  


Perfect!  I love the challenge of running in these extreme temperatures. So, exactly what are those challenges?

First challenge... getting out of bed at 7AM.  I know it's ungodly cold and my sheets are luxuriously  toasty with Dexter, my cat wedged between me and my wife.  The mind is screaming "Fool, stay in bed.  You need the sleep.  Don't be crazy."  It would be so easy to listen, but I'd have to live with the guilt.  I get up, slip into my neatly folded running gear and exit the house without waking Dexter or Jen.


Second challenge... getting into an ice-block car.  The seat is hard as diamonds and cold as death. The frost permeates my butt and radiates down my thighs.  The motor screams like a banshee as it rises from the dead.  My breath fogs smoky on the windshield as I back out of the drive way on square wheels.   My knuckles are frozen white in a death clutch as I slowly bring the car up to speed.


Third Challenge... I arrive at the Running Room with 5 minutes to spare.  Should I remove an upper  layer and risk freezing or keep all 4 layers and risk overheating?  Think, think, think... I decide to keep it on.  


Fourth challenge... The dreaded first mile.  It's impossible to dress for the first mile.  There's no way around the cold; it's simply insane! You can't risk overdressing or you'll sweat and chill quickly (sweating in these temperatures is dangerous).  You know that you'll warm up in about 10 minutes, but sometimes that 10 minutes feels like an eternity.  This morning my wrist was exposed and it felt like second degree burn.  Sure enough, after a mile or so the body was warming nicely as we slipped into a nice chatty rhythm.   

Fifth challenge... The eyes and face.  The eyes tear from the cold causing huge icicle build up.  It doesn't hurt, but it can cause vison issues.  Many runners smear vaseline (right John?) around their eyes to reduce the icicles.  This helps, but it doesn't completely eliminate the problem.  It's difficult to fully protect the face.  Most organic materials frost up quickly which reduces the insulation value significantly and makes them very uncomfortable.  The best face protector is made from neoprene and covers the entire face with a "punch-out" for the nose and a wide slit for the eyes.  


Sixth challenge... The roads can be very icy.  You need to watch your footing carefully.  One misstep and you're sitting on the sidelines fro the rest of the season.  Some runners wear ice-grips, but I find them terribly uncomfortable.  They work well on hard pack snow and ice, but often we transition from concrete to ice to gravel.  Also, snow and ice builds up between the shoe and the gripper making it difficult to run.  I tried them once and decide they weren't for me.  


That's about it for the challenges.  Once you've mastered the above, you've got it made.  Winter running is not for the faint of heart.  But if you're a diehard like me, you understand the why we do what we do.  It's about another experience, it's running in the harshest of climates that reminds us of our good fortune.

It's a good day to be alive.  Every day is a good day for a run, some are just better than others!  


Mike

A Great Champion Retires

Haile Gebrelassie announced his retirement after dropping out of the New York City Marathon last week.  Haile pulled out of the race at mile 16 with a knee injury.  He is the first and only person to smash the 2 hour, four minute barrier.  If you have ever run a marathon you must watch this video.  Bring your hankies... it's a sad one.

Haile Gebrelassie

2:03:59

For a related story on See Mike Run go here.

It's a good day to be alive.

Mike

Chicago Marathon; Race report

Another marathon under my belt.  It was a tough one, hot but enjoyable -kinda.  45,000 runners and 1.5 million spectators is a sight I won't soon forget.  And Chicago is an absolutely gorgeous city.  The best sign?  

A marathon is 26.2 miles, not 26.3.  Now THAT would be crazy! 

It seemed funny at the time, as I approached mile 26. It doesn't have the same zing now as it did.  I guess you had to be there drenched in blood, sweat, and tears, to get the gallows humour. Laughing between the tears so to speak.

I joined up with John, Bernie, Vivian, and Sandra at about 5:30 AM and, after several visits to the porta-potties, we had a strategy session.  Because of the unexpected heat and humidity we decided not to run 12 and 1's and instead, run continuously and walk through water stations. I was nervous about changing strategies at this late stage, but what the heck, it's important to trust the wisdom of the group.  

We started out strong, but perhaps a little faster than I wanted.  By mile 10 I was really feeling the heat.  Seriously feeling the heat.  I could feel my heart working hard, too hard. My breathing was laboured. Negative thoughts were creeping into my brain.  I stayed with the group for about another two miles and then, at a water break, I pulled out telling them I'm ok, I just need to dial it down a bit.  I was alone among thousands, but confidant that alone, I would finish

                                  

I decided to revert back to the original 12 &1 strategy, but it was too late.  I was bonking fast.  I could feel the energy seep from my muscles, and my heart was working too hard.  I hadn't bargained on the heat.  I was letting negative energy creep in and when that happens, it's game over.  I fought to choke it down, to remain positive, to accept that this one was for the experience.  I started feeling better, my attitude was improving but by this time I was so close to hitting the wall it was scary.  The 12 &1's turned to 10 & 1's, then to 8 & 1's, then to 5 & 1's.. and then the dreaded walks.  Walk 1 minute, run 30 seconds. What happened!  Forcing myself to run; remembering how I trained my students to run to one lamp post and walk to the next.  this is what got me across the line, basic focusing, sheer determination, and stamina. 

I saw the Eiffel Tower Man  about 100 meters ahead of me.  I remember thinking "I'll be dammed if I'll let a dude in an Eiffel Tower costume beat me and then laughing at the absurdity of running a marathon in that get-up.  I picked up the pace and ran along side of him for a couple of kilometers.  I passed him and told him what an inspiration he was.  He smiled and said "bon chance".  I never saw him again.  I was hoping to thank him at the finish line.  Hope he made it.

It wasn't pretty, I choked a bit as I crossed the line but I did it, and no one can ever take it away from me.  I got the medal and tee-shirt to prove it!  I RAN the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10!  

Another slow dance.  Another good day to be alive.

Thank you all for your emails and phone calls.  Your support has been inspiring and heartfelt. I am humbled and honoured to run in your company.
By the way.  I just cracked 1000 miles today.  I'm hoping to beat my record of 1260 by the end of December.  


Run like no one is watching,


Happy face,


Mike

Chicago Bound

Sorry for being such a blogger-slacker.  I promise to post the Ireland pictures and tell the story.  In the meantime, I'm Chicago bound.  Not going for the Deep Dish or the Blues, that's boring; I can do that anytime.  I'm going for another slow dance... slow dancing to the tune of U2's "Beautiful Day".


The Chicago marathon is this Sunday, start time @ 7:30 AM.  There's 45,000 full marathon runners and 1.5 million spectators (or 57,000 per mile).  My group is planning to be at the start by 6:30 to cue in for a good position.  The race starts at 7:30 AM and we hope to cross the start line by 7:45 if we position ourselves properly.  As usual, I'm a little anxious about race day.  I've learned to always have a healthy fear of the marathon; respect the 26.2 and it might permit you to finish with honour.  Disrespect it and it'll give you a wedgy, steal your lunch money, and spit you out at mile 20!  Never diss the full-Mary!


My bib number is 23453 if you care to track my progress on race day. I believe there's 5 electronic check points with the times uploaded onto the net in real time. My goal time is to beat my 4:10 PB, but as usual I'll settle for a popsicle with friends in the shade before closing. My most tried and true race strategy is to start out slow, pull back, and then fade completely ;>).


I've been nursing a wicked head cold and slight fever for about 48 hours which has robbed my appetite so my pre-race, anal retentive diet is out the window.  I took this afternoon off and slept from 1 to 4 PM.  I managed to eat some pasta and juice and I'm presently feeling ok.


My wife is joining me on this one and her mom and brother from Toronto are also coming to cheer me on.  The last I heard my mother-in-law was scouring the streets of Toronto looking for a cowbell!  Now if that isn't sweetness defined I don't what is?!


Mile 24 through 25 is dedicated to mother, friend, teacher, breast cancer survivor, lovely Linda.  Mile 25 through 26 is for the memory of my parents (and such good memories they are). Mile 26 through 26.2 is for me.


Run like no one is watching!


It's a good day to be alive.


Mike

Running in Ireland

I've been running in Ireland for the last few days.  The roads are frighteningly narrow.  I ran 10 miles yetserday and at points I had to turn sideways to let the cars go by!  I'm at an internet cafe so my time is limited.  I have some amazing photos which I will post when I have more time.  Cheers all,  Mike
PS  It's a good day to be alive!

A Run Through History

Mark your calendars... the first annual Run Through History

September 26 @ The Forks.

Nature vs. Nike. Were we born to run barefoot?

Here's an interesting article from one of my favourite Globe and Mail columnists, Leah McClaren.  She recently ran her first marathon with expensive Nike's.  She's planning to run her second marathon barefoot. She quotes Born To Run author, Christopher McDougall:


"We're not strong, we're not limber and we're certainly not fast – Usain Bolt is the fastest man on the planet, and he can get his butt kicked by a squirrel. ”

Leah makes a good case for running barefoot. No matter your opinion, keep an open mind and have a read. It makes good post-run coffee talk if nothing else. Be sure to read the comments following the article; they add a lot of contextual opinions.

It's a good day to be alive... barefoot or otherwise,


Mike