Happy Halloween – 48:42

October 31st, 2006

A pack run today, on the Switch Bridge route.  It felt weird for the first couple of kilometres but settled in nicely after that.  I had packed a couple of telephone books and some bed sheets (for padding) in the bag and guess the weight to be somewhere around 12 to 15lbs.  It was a good cruise and I am happy with the time as I did not feel like I was going hard.  Although the legs are definitely tired tonight, but that might have something to do with the double yesterday

Here are a couple of Halloween pictures...

Our Pumpkin


Our Pumpkin in the dark


A Punked-Out Skeleton

Jelly Belly – 1:56:49

October 30th, 2006

Yep - you read that right... “Jelly Belly”, it's what is sitting around my mid-section right now

When I started upping my mileage I started dumping weight pretty quickly so I stopped watching the foods I was eating too closely.  I used to eat very low fat foods and not much in the way of red meat but I have given up on all that in an attempt to keep some weight on.  So now I eat whatever, whenever and have put a stop to the weight loss.  I haven't gained any back, just kind of hovering nicely but unfortunately the extra I do have is all hanging out around my waist.

In the ultra community I would be what is affectionately referred to as a “skinny fat guy”.  Now I am not saying I am fat, or overweight, or out of shape, only that I have a little store of excess in my belly – which I am not feeling very fond of at the moment.  I am hoping that by writing about it that I will commit myself to doing something about it and the plan is to start doing some core strength training.  I will start out with three at home sessions a week and then progress from there.  I have a mat, a “fit” ball and the time so there are no excuses.  I will also commit to some extra (well... not really extra since I don't do any now) stretching and yoga (this commitment is for Rosalyn who gave me crap the other day because I told her I wasn't stretching much/at all).

Okay now that's out there...

I got two good runs in today, out to the Breakwater at lunch and then a dark one from the Youth Centre tonight while T was at the Halloween Party.

A Full On Day of Laziness

October 29th, 2006

The title says it all

We did as little as possible today and totally enjoyed it.  T had her friend Haley come over in the afternoon for some play time but other than that we both just lounged.

A Bevy of Birthday's

October 28th, 2006

T and I were picked up semi-early this morning to go for our first ride in Rosalyn's new car.  Roz had dragged Scott out of bed and brought him along too so that T and I could treat them both to breakfast at Molé which was our birthday presents to each of them.

After breakfast it was a laundry day for us.  We spent a few hours at the laundry mat getting that chore done and then came home to lounge for the rest of the day.  T spent some time with her Big Sister this evening.  They went to Government House to check out the pumpkins and then to Galey Farm to make their way through the Corn Maze of Horrors.  T had the camera and took some pictures of the pumpkins.





Another Birthday celebration tonight with dinner over at Shaun and Dini's place.  It had been awhile since Shaun has been in town so it was a great visit and of course Dini prepared a wonderful meal for us.  T got dropped off there, just in time for the cake.  We hung for awhile longer and then came home to get T to bed.

At the moment we have no plans for tomorrow.  We were thinking about going to the Corn Maze but T got to do that tonight so now the day is wide open...

Hooray for Fridays! – 45:13

October 27th, 2006

On the Songhees at lunch, ran to the Westbay Marina and back.  I did enjoy the pleasure of some company today, Tasha met me at the train station by the Johnson Street bridge and we ran together from there.  We cruised along and chatted most the way, it was great to have someone to run with at lunch for a change, it had been awhile.

I had thought about getting in a double today but once again was not feeling very energetic this evening so bailed on the Youth Centre run.  I did take a lunch with me today but obviously not enough of one   Instead of running Fish and I went for a coffee and BS session.

T and I spent the night in front of the TV watching some Halloween shows, she is very ready and excited for Halloween night.

Sluggish – 48:01

October 26th, 2006

My legs were feeling very tired today, I think the strides at the track on Tuesday night caught up to me this afternoon - it was definitely a slower paced run to Switch Bridge.

Not much else on the go today, T and I had a quiet night at home and she has just gone off to bed.

Will try to make tomorrow a double day with a run at lunch, possibly with some company, and another while T is at the Youth Centre.

Hot Cross Buns – 50:43

October 25th, 2006

T had her first band concert this evening, she is playing the flute.  On my way home from work I ran into Paul St.J and asked him if he was going to make the show but he used the “I have to wash my hair” excuse.  I tried that same one on T when I got home, unfortunately it did not work as well

The first year band students played three short songs, Hot Cross Buns being my favorite of the three.  Scooter came out and joined me for the concert, even brought T some flowers to congratulate her on a wonderful performance.  Here are a few pictures of the night.

Waiting paitently...


Playing magnificently


More waiting...


And some more waiting, the first year bands part was pretty short.


Scooter and I waiting for T


Flowers for the performer.


After T's concert we treated ourselves to some hot chocolate at Starbucks and then home.


I did get in a run at lunch today, out to the Breakwater.  Kinda drizzly, windy and chilly today, made for a very deserted downtown.

Strides, Strides, Strides – 1:53:39

October 24th, 2006

Finally a double day!!

Got out for a great lunch run, a tempo(ish) jaunt on the Goose to the far side of Switch Bridge.  It was a cool afternoon, had the toque, and gloves on and doubled up my shirt, doing the short over a long sleeve.

Spent the afternoon clock watching and anticipating running with the club tonight.  It has been a few weeks since I have been out with the club and it was great to get back in the mix.  It was a good group tonight, lots of familiar faces and a bunch of new ones too.  Ran the warm up with Wayne and one of the new girls, Johanna(I think that's her name??), on the chip trail at a very relaxed pace.  Matty was in charge tonight and gave the group a good work out 4 sets of 600m then a 200m break then a 300m followed with a 500m recovery.  I was not into doing the workout but Matty suggested that I just run laps and do a 75-100m stride down each straight to get some turn over rolling in the legs. A great suggestion and they felt very good, I did 8 or 9 strides before turning around and heading the other way to cheer the rest of the club on.  After the workout a few of us ran Ring Road for a cool down, most did one loop but Diva, Matty and I ran a second for a bit of extra mileage.

On the way home I stopped in at Brent and Brenda B's place to drop off the Entertainment Book they had bought from T then another quick stop at Thrifty's for dinner because I was feeling far to lazy to cook or do any dishes

Macaulay Monday – 50:04

October 23rd, 2006

A nice cruise out and around Macaulay this afternoon.  I had thought about running a double today but had forgot to pack a lunch this morning so was not quite feeling very energetic when I got home this evening

Bailed on the second run and instead spent the time doing some home work and a bit of writing.  Will attempt a double tomorrow, something easy at lunch and then join the club at the track in the evening.

Westshore Gobi Gear Gala – 1:28:14

October 22nd, 2006

It was a much clearer morning, as I sat up in bed right after the alarm went off, there was no more haze from Friday nights debauchery.  My plan had been to get up early and head out to Thetis for a long trail run but after sitting up for about a minute I decided to push the run off until the afternoon.  I crawled back under the covers and snoozed until just after 9 – it was glorious!

Took a leisurely stroll downtown with Molé on my mind and once again was treated to some great service from the ladies and a wonderful breakfast.  Got a couple of calls just after finishing breakfast about the gang meeting at Pluto's for one more celebration of Jon K's Birthday so wandered over there to join them and snacked on a bagel and coffee while the rest had brunch.

Had to excuse myself a little early as Packman, Scooter and I had a meeting with the owners of Frontrunners Westshore.  Mark and Nick were great and we have now got our official gear sponsor!  We each walked out of the store this afternoon with a new pair shoes.

I got a pair of Brooks Cascadia Trail Runners, check them out!!


What's even crazier is that they match my pack


After the meeting I hung out at Scooter's place for a bit and helped her make some “Thank you” cards for us to send out, I was in charge of the glue and Scooter had the scissors.

I was itching to try out the new Trail runners but it was getting late and I didn't feel like running the Thetis trails in the dark so opted for a shorter run along Dallas Road in my road shoes.  Ran out to the view point at Trafalgar Park and did a few repeats of Beacon Hill on the way back to get some extra mileage out of the route.  Finished the run off with a trip to the end of the Breakwater and got to catch the start of what looked like an amazing sunset.

Made it home and got showered just in time to get a call from Diva for an invite to meet her, Maestro, Squinch and Sylvan for a movie - “The Trailer Park Boys”.  It was hilarious

Testosterone Territory

October 21st, 2006

Woke up with a slight haze this morning but did make it home quickly and get my gear for a day of paintballing with the boys.  Picked up James C on the way out to TNT Paintball where we spent the day shooting, getting shot and running around like maniacs – it was a ton of fun!!

This evening was spent at Jim M's place watching some Pride Fighting on the big screen.   Some great fights on tonight.

It has been a long day and I am planning for a longer run in the morning so I will be heading to bed fairly quickly.

Jon's Spinal Tap – 47:31

October 20th, 2006

Got out on the Breakwater again for my lunch run.  Felt much better today after the visit with my chiropractor this morning, had some power in my legs again.

Spent the evening over at Paul and Scott's place for Jon's Birthday screening of “This is Spinal Tap”.  We got through about 40 minutes of the movie before the Tequila shots started.  The party found its way downtown for some dancing after the movie and I finished off my night crashing on Paul and Scott's couch.

Off Kilter – 49:42

October 19th, 2006

Got lost last night laying in bed listening to the rain, it was amazing!  Woke up this morning feeling great, hopped on the bike, made it to work, spent the morning doing work “stuff” and then got out for a run to the Breakwater at lunch.

Once again I was not feeling too fresh on the road, something seemed to be holding me back and I just couldn't push the pace any.  Near the finish of the run I started to feel kinda wonky, my balance was all off and the legs didn't have their normal stride or cadence.  I have not been for a massage for a few months and I am due for a visit to the chiropractor so I am wondering if that may be part of the problem – my hips and/or back are out a bit maybe??

No matter how hard the run felt, I felt great after finishing!  Will get in another lunch run tomorrow, probably the Breakwater again

Wet and Wild in Vic West – 1:06:47

October 18th, 2006

We had a team meeting this morning to work through some plans for our November slide show in Nanaimo and cover some sponsorship details.  Had to run out again at lunch for another meeting but then was able to fit in a wet run this evening while T was at the Youth Centre.  Cruised down the Goose onto the Songhees and then into Vic West and around Macaulay Elementary.  It rained most of the way but that made for a not very busy walkway so I was able to zone out during the run and let the mind wander some.

T and I stopped in at Il Greco's before coming home to pay Pan-Pan's Mom a visit then after one more quick stop at Thrifty's made it home in time for “Lost”.

A Slug or is it a Slog - 48:31

October 17th, 2006

T was feeling much better this morning and was able to make it to school although she did have to make a couple of trips to the medical room to take some rest breaks.  After school it was Teacher-Parent interview night and T got a glowing report.  She is doing very well in school and is fitting in there very nicely, was great to hear!

I did make it out for a run at lunch.  I ran the Breakwater route and after having three days off thought that I would feel fresh and rested but actually felt quite sluggish out there today   Struggled with what I thought was an easier pace but was able to push thru and finish.

I have a meeting in the morning and then another at lunch so will not have time for a run during work tomorrow but will hopefully get out for one tomorrow night while T is at the Youth Centre.

A Day of Pajamaness

October 16th, 2006

T was still not quite feeling 100% this morning so we decided to take the day off.  T slowly got some solid food into her stomach today and by this evening she seemed to be almost her normal self again.

Except for the quick walk up to Starbucks this evening for a treat, we spent the entire day in our pajamas

That makes it three days of no training for me   Will hopefully get out for a lunch run tomorrow...

Sicky Sickerson

October 15th, 2006

T did not have a very good day, she woke up not feeling well at all and spent most of the day getting sick.  She has spent her time laying on the couch, sleeping on and off and trying to drink lots of water.  I ran up to the video store and got her some movies to watch but other than that we have been at home all day.  She seems to be getting over the worst of it now so hopefully will get a good nights sleep.

We were supposed to head out for Scott B's Birthday dinner tonight but T was in no shape to go out.

Sorry we missed the dinner Scott and “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!”

No Fishies at Goldstream Yet...

October 14th, 2006

A Molé morning for T and I, we both enjoyed some great food!

T spent part of today with her Big Sister, they went to Goldstream.  They hiked the trails and had lunch out there.  It is too early yet for any fish, they are thinking of going back in a couple of weeks to catch the spawning season.  While they were out I got our laundry done, wandered in Tillicum Mall with a coffee, and got a couple of packages mailed out before coming home and lounging until T got home.  We lazed for awhile longer and then T tried to talk Haley into a sleep over at our place but Haley switched it around on her and I ended up dropping T off there early this evening.

I spent the evening at Uncle Jimmy's place for a UFC night.  Watched some great fights and snacked on way too much junk food...

Fisher Friday - 48:41

October 13th, 2006

Another cruise out on the Breakwater today  - I just can't seem to get enough of that route.  I have really been enjoying running through downtown and then along the water past the Laurel Point.  And it didn't hurt that it has been another incredible day!

A Youth Centre night for T, while she was there I went for a coffee and just hung out in the coffee shop.  Read a great article on Maestro in the local paper

After the Youth Centre T and I went to the Fisher's for dinner and to visit for the evening, we got home not too long ago.

The Missed Cruise - 48:58

October 12th, 2006

Got my clean out cruise in today.  The legs were actually quite sore today and really needed a nice easy cruise.  It was another gorgeous fall day, very warm, and I enjoyed running along the inner harbour and out to the Breakwater immensely.

T and I did not get up to much tonight, just dinner and relaxing at home.

A Sick Day

October 11th, 2006

I got a call early this morning from T who was not feeling very good.  I picked her up from her moms and we came back home and waited for the clinic to open and then went in to get her checked out.  The Doc looked her over, figured that it was a stomach ailment and thought some Tums might help.  He did give us some lab work to get done just to be sure but after T had that done we picked some Tums up on the way back home.  T was pretty tuckered when we got home so had a nap and this afternoon she seemed a lot better - not sure but we think the Tums were the answer, she is almost back to 100% this evening.

Back to work and school for us tomorrow and I am looking forward to it, got pretty boring here today.

Short, Sweet and Sweaty – 47:33

October 10th, 2006

Ran some shorter stuff at lunch, managed to fit in two sets of 6 times 1 minute with 30 second recovery and a 1:30 set break, as well as a good warm up and cool down.  I ran them all on the gravel section of the Goose between the 1km and 2km markers.  The legs felt great and seemed to take the speed  work well.  Will go for a nice clean out cruise tomorrow, probably try for a Breakwater run.

Beaches, Books and Bathrooms

October 9th, 2006

I tried to sleep in this morning but was only able to make it until 8:30.  Lazed in the house some more before heading out to hang at the beach for awhile.  I took a couple of books and grabbed a coffee on the way, and spent a few hours down there enjoying the day and doing some reading and a bit of writing.  It was another wonderful fall day, warm and sunny down by the water.

Came home after the beach and spent most of the late afternoon and early evening thinking about doing some chores and then finally got around to doing them after dinner   I did spend a couple of hours cleaning up and doing some organizing, cleaning the bathroom was the highlight of the evening.  T and I still need to go through all her stuff again and clear some of it out.

I had thought about going for a run today but bailed for no particularly good reason, just didn't feel like it...

Stunning Visuals – 1:25:11

October 8th, 2006

I was up and out in time to catch the start of the Royal Victoria 8km and Half Marathon this morning.  I rode the bike all over the course cheering on everyone I could recognize and a few more that I didn't   I spent a few hours on the bike covering most of the course and got to see and cheer many of the runners a few times.  I started getting quite cold after a bit so came home and hopped in a hot shower then after getting dressed again went back out.  After a quick stop at Starbucks for a warm beverage I went down to the finish line to watch the Marathoners come in.

We had a few people from the club running the Full - Deby had a great run finishing in under three hours and both Brent B and Doc C came in looking strong, very close to each other.  Diva, Ased and Pan-Pan ran in the 8km and we had a few more club members running in the Half – Deryn, Ken Chew and Hugh T I saw for sure.  I did catch Oz's finish, a record breaker and PB for him!  I ran into Matty and Diva just after he finished so we wandered up the course a bit and watched for Deby, Brent and Doc C to cheer them on.

After all the race excitement I came home and lazed for most of the afternoon.  I had thought about heading out to the lakes to get in a long run but was just not up to it.  After wrestling with the idea of even running today I finally got my ass off the couch and made it out the door and I am very happy I did.  It has been an incredibly beautiful evening.  I ran out to the view point at Trafalgar Park and made that my turn around point and got my first stunning visual – an absolutely amazing sunset – I was stunned.  I stopped my watch and just stood there for a few minutes to watch as the sun slowly sank behind the mountains and filled the sky with deep purple hues.  Once I finally was able to take my eyes away I started on my way back catching glimpses of the sunset most of the way back until it dipped too low and was dark.  I continued on in a new state of mind just really enjoying being out in the cool crisp fall evening.  I did a little extra on the Breakwater and once again was mesmerized when I came around the lighthouse and saw the Moon hovering over the city.  It was HUGE and bright and very yellow, I stopped again and just stared.

I did make it back home and after another quick shower am now ready to be lazy again

Dopey - 1:58:28

October 7th, 2006

I started the day off with an amazing breakfast at Molé - once again the ladies took very good care of me!  After breakfast I went into work for a couple of hours, washed the car and got caught up on some actual work stuff too.  Came home after that and relaxed for a bit before heading out for a run.  I had hoped to hook up with Packman today for the run but I ended up leaving about 20 minutes before he called

Had a great run, cruised along Dallas Road to Willows Beach and then ran through Oak Bay and up Fort Street into town.  All the way along Fort to Wharf Street and then along the coast to the Breakwater and finally back home.  I was feeling quite dopey and somewhat light headed by the end, I had forgotten to take any gels with me and had run out of fluid just past Willows and didn't think to stop and fill back up – whoops!

Cleaned up and relaxed some more then had to head back out to drop T's flute off to her and while out stopped in at Paul and Scott's place for a visit.  Scott and I had a good chat and then it was time for home, dinner and some more relaxing

The Start of Thanksgiving Weekend

October 6th, 2006

No training today, I did get out at lunch for a meeting with Packman and Scooter, some plans in the works for another slideshow and some great sponsorship news which I will have to share with you later.  Saw Paul St. J working hard on my way to the meeting and gave a shout to him as I rode by.

After work the club had our pre-race dinner at Il Greco's.  About fifteen IRR members and guests showed up for the evening and Pan-Pan's Mom took very good care of us!  I had a great big steak and potatoes then a nice coffee to top it all off.  Lots of running talk of course and many well wishes for those running this weekend.

T is off to her Mom's for the weekend and other than a couple of runs I am left with no real plans - I am sure something will come up.

All's Quiet at Lunch – 47:40

October 5th, 2006

It was a very still day in the lunch running community   Normally there are many people out running for lunch and I see many of the same faces but today was different.  With this being the big Royal Victoria weekend I would assume that many of those familiar faces are tapering this week in preparation for which ever run they are taking on.  I was one of only a handful out running today but there did seem to be quite a few more tourists around, probably for the same reason.  I did enjoy the run, a nice out and back to the end of the Breakwater.

After work I came right home then T and I did some chores before heading up to Thrifty's to get something for dinner.  T had a craving for Nachos so we picked up a bunch of stuff for that.

The plan is for no training tomorrow, a run with Packman on Saturday and then a long run on Sunday after cheering on the Royal Vic participants.

Unwound – 1:04:28

October 4th, 2006

I am not sure where the day has gone???  I did not go into work today, had some personal stuff to take care of this morning and early afternoon and then just came home to unwind some.

T and I went to the Youth Centre this evening and I got to unwind some more with a great run down the Songhees and around Macaulay.  I think I am completely unwound now

We came home after and got dinner ready, finished up some homework and now the plan is to lounge for the rest of the night.

Just a Day

October 3rd, 2006

No time for any training today, had to bail out of work early to get T to a meeting this afternoon and then T and I wandered downtown for awhile, getting dinner and just walking around before coming home.  We rented a movie for tonight and spent some time in Starbucks with some beverages and a Chocolate Chunk Cookie to share.

I am having to take the day off tomorrow so will have to see how the day goes but hopefully I can get a run in if T goes to the Youth Centre.

Just Another Monday – 54:19

October 2nd, 2006

Nothing spectacular today.  School for T and work for me then the Youth Centre this evening.  Did make it out for a nice run along the Goose tonight while T was at the Centre.

My goal for the next couple of weeks will be to get some more sponsorship packages out and do some major follow up on some of the ones I have already sent.  We have been getting a great response about the package, it is very professional looking, but most companies are saying no so we have not been able to secure much in the way of financial sponsorship - we have got some good product donations though.

If any of you reading this can think of any potential sponsors let me know

Run for the Cure – 30:00

October 1st, 2006

T and I headed down to UVic this morning to meet Packman and Scooter.  We all then registered and ran the Run for the Cure.  Stuck together as a team and ran with our team shirts and packs on which brought a few comments from some of the other participants.  T was our official photographer for the day, here is one of the pictures she took:



After the run T and I came home and got cleaned up and then back out again to do some shopping before heading out to Sharpie's place to celebrate his daughter's 1st Birthday.  They had rented a big bouncy castle and all the kids had a blast.

T and I spent part of the evening with Packman and his girls before finally coming home again for dinner and a movie for T.