September Training Update

Well the year is shaping up pretty well. I am still ahead of my target mileage and feeling great. My plan to keep me on track with running is working!

Here is a graphic showing my progress so far this year. Compare that to the graphic from last year's running results.

2007 Nike+ Training Results:
As you can see, I am staying a little more steady this year. With a little lull due to Marathon recovery, injury recovery, and remotivation ;-)

Once training for the Paris Marathon kicks into gear in two weeks, the mileage will begin to increase again. I'm looking forward to it.

Paris Here I Run

I've just signed up for the 33rd Edition of the Paris Marathon!!!

I am runner number 22002 and just paid my $63 Euro (including $8 Euro of insurance such that if I drop out for some reason, up to 10 days before the race, I get my other $55 Euro back).

The training for the Marathon begins Oct 6.

Race is Sunday, April 5th, 2009.

Back on Track

Well, it's been a good couple weeks. I am back on track and currently logging 20-25 km per week.

At that rate I am back on track for the 1000 km goal for 2008. I've thought of some races for the fall, but so far I am figuring I will hold back, keep up the good work and start Marathon training in October.

So no races in the plans for now. I had planned to do the Army Half next weekend but since I have not been logging the miles, I figure best not to be stupid and run a half without serious training for it.

Train Like a Viking

Well I have a new (ok, call it a moth balled technique that has been brushed off) training technique. It's called "Train Like A Viking!!! Argh@!!!".

How's it work?

It goes like this. Go for a run. Part way through the run, run hard like you are a brave viking in battle, or a coward in armor (like Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-As-Sir-Lancelot <- Monty Python reference) running from battle. Once you are finished, you top it off with a fine bitter ale, such as Ole Speckled Hen.

Argh!!!! Run like a Viking!!!

Note: For a reference to why beer is good after a run see Beer Good After Run Recovery Drink

The 10 km Human Race

It is done!!  I just ran a 10 km (first one in a long time) which was part of the Nike 10km Human Race.  What is that you ask?

The Nike 10km Human Race was held today, August 31, 2008, around the world at select race venues and wherever Nike iPod+ runners run.  You see, their goal was to get as many people in the world to run 10km on the same day.  At last count, I saw that over 4 million kilometres had been run by runners all over the world, and I got to be 10 km of those.

They are hyping it as a historic event, but then for those that have no idea it is happening and who are not runners, it means nothing.  For me, it is a pretty cool idea and I am glad I was able to run it and be part of running history.

On another note about historic events; my buddy Ken just completed his ride across Canada from Vancouver to St. John's.  I think it is historic since how many people have ridden across Canada?  Each one should be named somewhere.  I think each person that does is a huge motivation to each of us that strive to reach for our dreams.

Congratulations Ken!!  I can't wait to hear the stories of hardship and "companionship" when you get back.

Finally, Some Progress

With my knee that is. First run in a long time that it is not aching too bad.

It took about 2 km before the ache came along but it was more of a lingering ache rather than a limp inducing sharpness. Hey, small victories.

Well, onto future news; I have a goal for next year. If the stars align then I will be entering the Paris Marathon which takes place April 5, 2009. That means about 6 weeks of training to get my base built back up, then training over the winter to get ready for the Marathon.

The Marathon training will be 26 weeks, so that means I start training October 6, 2008 for the April Marathon. (Again, I note for those asking how long it takes to run a Marathon. About 6 months, give or take a few hours at the end.)

Heck, with any luck (read, no injuries) maybe I will have enough planning and juice in the batteries to do the May Marathon in Ottawa as well. I'll wait and see on that one though.

Running Increases Lifespan

Yup, you read it right. A study by Stanford University was released August 11, 2008 in the Archives of Internal Medicine and connects running to increased longevity.

The study has been in the news recently, but if you missed it try this link: Running Improves Disability And Life Span In Older People

Just another reason to keep running for a long time.

As for my current running. Well, a new baby in the house has cut into free-time a lot. It has been hard to get runs in and I am still seeing a Chiro for my knee. I am getting swimming in 2-3 times a week to help the knee recover.

I will find more time and the knee will get better, allowing me to keep on track for 1000km this year.