Just One More Mile: June 2007 Archives

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June 28, 2007

anticipation ...

With only four days left before I commence Project July I decided not to run last night. The last non-running Wednesday in a month beginning with the letter J til 2008 - gasp!

I did a weight workout in the morning, but having the whole night free to do whatever, felt, well, strange, almost like guilt. Luckily I have a secret weapon to deal with guilt.

I ignore it

Then I pour myself a drink, and maintain a horizontal position until the guilt passes or I pass out.

If you were expecting a long brilliant read when you tuned in today, sorry this is all I got … however, I do recommend you visit Vanilla at Half Fast, he has exceptional taste in blogs!

Posted by Ali at 1:14 PM | Comments (2)

Posted by Ali at 12:39 AM | Comments (0)

June 27, 2007

double digits

I've made it to 10 ... 10 good runs in a row. It wasn't looking promising for number 10 yesterday afternoon. It was hot. Like 104 degrees hot. With humidity and smog and a speedworkout scheduled at the track. Speedwork, me and 100 degree temperatures do not make number 10.

So I opted for the dreadmill.

Just where god intended me to run on a day like yesterday, at the air conditioned gym, with an industrial size fan blowing on me.

The workout was pyramid type intervals

400, 600, 800, 1000, 800, 600, 400 with 200 rest between each.

I really liked doing the workout on the dreadmill. It was short enough that I didn't want to throw myself into the industrial size fan. The first few intervals were slower than I would of done on track, since I couldn't figure out my km/hr, so I guessed then kept increasing it till it felt right ... probably should of done that before going to gym.

This morning I had a session with evil trainer. It was a lot harder first thing in the morning. I seem to lack energy, humour and patience. There was a guy and his trainer beside us, they were laughing and having fun. I asked evil trainer why weren't having fun like that. She told me to 'suck it up' I'm not going back in the morning again.

Posted by Ali at 12:33 PM | Comments (7)

June 26, 2007

something just isn't right?

What the hell is that on Matty's chest?

070524_McConaghey011 copy.jpg

It's okay, do not worry, it appears the problem has been corrected! PHEW

Posted by Ali at 10:45 AM | Comments (8)

June 25, 2007

should I, would I, could I ?

The problem with people you know reading your blog, is that silly ideas you throw out there, or on here as the case may be, they remember and ask you about.

Like when I said I was thinking of running everyday in July, every single day for 31 days. The thought entered my head, made it's way to the blog and that's about it. About it, till Saturday morning, when sipping coffee with the running group.

So running everyday in July? Why? Who do you think you are (name now banned from the blog)? Everyday?

What do I do when cornered and questioned? I rise up and say ...

Hell ya! Cause I can!

It seems like a doable challenge from my air conditioned perch in front of my laptop. But now that I've put it out there, and done the whole Hell ya thing, I realised how f-ing hot it is! July, seriously, could I not of picked April or November?

The first challenge is July 2nd. Yeah I know day two and I have a challenge. A bunch of us are going to Ottawa for Canada Day! Way fun! We are doing a 10k on Sunday morning, so that is July 1st taken care of, but the next day we leave, so I am going to have to get up and run before we head back for a 6 hour car journey. It has to be before, I don't know much, but I do know me, and when I get home there is no way.

So I need some rules.

1. Continue to do my usual workouts on Tuesday (speed), Wednesday (easy 4), Thursday (tempo), Saturday (easy 3) and Sunday (long).
2. Add a run on Monday and Friday, and/or any day from above that I can't make the official workout with the group
3. A run has to be a minimum of 3 miles non stop ... more if I feel like it ... yeah whatever
4. The treadmill counts
5. Reading Runners World on the sofa does not count

Okay, Julyathon Challenge has been accepted!

Posted by Ali at 8:21 PM | Comments (9)

June 22, 2007

se7en

Holla Bitches!

Booyakasha!

We have a seventh. A seventh great run!

It's like I was specially created, fashioned and programmed if you will, to exude greatness, in some form. Now obviously, seven great runs does not a Radcliffe make. But sources close to the athlete confirm she's totally reading this and shak'n in her knee highs.

Oh my slap down is going to be big!

I think last night was the mostest funnest run I have ever done with the group. There were about 80 of us show up in the park. But instead of our normal Thursday tempo run we did something entirely different. Our naturally tanned coach had us line up from slowest paced runner to fastest. Then we were paired up, so the slowest partnered with the fastest, then the next slowest with the next fastest and so on, until the last pairs would be virtually the same pace.

The route was a big 15 ish mile loop. At the starting point the faster partner went one way and the slower the other. Eventually somewhere along the route you will meet up with your partner, exchange bracelets, then head back exactly the way you came.

The fun part is that you have to get back in the same time in took you to reach your exchange point. The catch is you aren't allowed to use a watch. You have to gauge your pace. If you and your parnter do it correclty you should meet up at where you started at the same time.

In theory ... me and fast partner Dave were 48 seconds out. My fault, I could not contain the speed of my legs, it's like I am a running machine on auto pilot. Two sets of runners finish exactly at the same time.

It was so much fun here's why I liked it:

1. something completely different
2. as a slower runner always at the back you don't really feel part of the group once we all start running, but with this you do.
3. everyone is done around the same time, with 5 minutes of each other, so you get to cheer people in.
4. I pushed myself harder than normal
5. you are motivated to keep going not drop the pace, cause you have someone depending on you
6. you lose the distance time obession ... very liberating
7. it's exciting at the end to see how close or not so close everyone was

I'll stop at slevin!

Posted by Ali at 7:57 AM | Comments (4)

June 20, 2007

5th then a 6th

I know I am taunting the running gods by mentioning, okay flanting my great run streak. They are, as we speak planning my slap down, and the longer the great run streak goes on the bigger that slap is going to be.

Run number 5 (Speedwork, km repeats in the park)

We are supposed to run them at 5k race pace, which for me would be (on a good day, based on my last PB) around 5.36. Based on last weeks 400 times this seemed totally doable. Not being on the track makes it a little harder to gauge your pace. So I just went with what felt good. When I got to the end and glanced at my watch I was thrilled ... 5.03. The second came in at the same pace, then halfway through the third I almost tripped on something .. it was my lungs. I pulled myself together during the 2 minute rest, the fourth was better, probably more to do with it being the last!

1 - 5.03
2 - 5.03
3 - 5.14
4 - 5.10

Run number 6 (to the gym and back)

I didn't have to be into work til late today, so my plan was to get up early and go to the gym. I woke up just after 6.30am with this thought .... "why would I want to get out of bed" "I can't run this morning, less than 12 hours after speedwork, I'll die" ... so I lay there, getting annoyed, feeling guilty. "Damnitdamnitdamnit"

I got up and dressed and headed out the door. Just over 2 miles to the gym. The first 1/2 mile hurt. I was really tight, especially my calves and ankles. But once I loosened out I felt great, surprising great infact. Did upper body and abs at the gym then 2 miles back home.

While I was out there this morning I had this thought ... could I run every day in July? That would be 31 straight days? I think it might help with my speed and endurance as well as weight loss. I am seriously considering it

Posted by Ali at 10:51 AM | Comments (5)

June 19, 2007

hysterical

We went and saw this last night.

pic.jpe

Seriously, next to watching Borat this is the funniest movie I've seen all year. You have to go see it. In the beginning I was cringing when she woke up with Ben, but by the end of the movie I loved him. He reminds me of a young, slightly chubby Will Ferrel.

I had a session with the trainer yesterday afternoon, by far, hands down, the hardest session yet. Normally we do 3 sets of each exercise. She changed it to 4 (for fun??), increasing the weight each time. We did, quads, hamstrings, butt and calves. I swear tears were streaming down my face during the third set of calves. Then the hardest ab workout ever. The first set I back talked, second set I swore at her, by the third set I went quiet. I asked her if she noticed my mood change .... she did ... she seemed a little scared ... but she still made me do a fourth!

Speedwork tonight ... km repeats!

Posted by Ali at 8:24 AM | Comments (2)

June 17, 2007

tremulous

I had yet another great run!

That makes 4 runs in a row that:
a) I enjoyed
b) didn’t wimp out
c) I never question why the hell I was doing this.

Even faced with adversity, I prevail. It’s bloody hot out. By the first waterstop, about 5k into the run I was drenched in sweat. Body parts that I didn’t know had sweat glands were participating in the sweatfest. I got less than four hours sleep last night (sorry you are not getting those details) and I came unprepared no gels or bloks. Still I had an awesome 10 miles this morning. J and P gave me some bloks and a gel and the coach (honourable mention for a very funny cougar joke) gave us a new route. The route was great, almost all on our local path system. Maybe because it was new but it seemed alot less than 10 miles (it was 10, confirmed by 2 teachers and a lawyer). I even picked up the pace for the last 5k. No dragging of sorry ass this week, no suri cruise!

And as for that other little matter …

We are currently in the silent faze. Although I am not entirely sure who is giving who the silent treatment. I thought it was him, but somehow, it appears to be me. I have no idea how this happened, but I know he’s behind it in some way … I know it! God damn master manipulator.

Posted by Ali at 11:22 PM | Comments (5)

June 15, 2007

predictability

It’s been a good training week people. I am truly in awe of my abilities. My frigging awesome performance at the track on Tuesday inspired me to actually stick to the training program, so I ran to the gym on Wednesday for my session with the evil trainer. A full hour of weights and something new, when evil trainer suggests something new be warned it is never fun. We had a little extra time at the end, so we (me) did step drills. One minute full out step-ups/ step-overs then a 30 second break. I think we did 10 minutes in the end, I can’t remember I may have passed out. I keep chanting uncontrollably to myself … I’m paying for this, I want to be here, I don’t need to buy cute shoes I want to give my money to this bitch?

I was a bit worried that the PT session would kill last nights run. There was no need for concern. Yeah that’s right folks yet another frigging awesome performance by yours truly. We had a 5 mile tempo run, which was not only a great run but was actually a tempo run!

On the flip side, I seem to be paying for it this morning. After my run I watched a friends baseball game, followed by a beer (okay 4), so my head is tender and my calf is really sore. Going to call the hot massage guru for a little TLC.

In other news … there are no updates …. cause I am no longer getting updates.

I got a call on Wednesday afternoon asking me to go on a trail run. Unfortunately, it was at 5.45 during my PT session, so I had to say no. No is not a popular word. I called after my workout and left a message, then again later that night. I haven’t heard from him since the ‘no’.

I am hoping everything is okay. It just feels a little predictable. Maybe this time won’t be like the last 6, maybe this time everything is okay.

Our routine goes like this ...

It starts out with full-throttle commitment, moves to depression, then the crack happens, then avoidance, I won’t hear from him for days, then comes my favourite part. Blame. It’s just around the corner, it’s a lot of fun.

But we aren’t there yet. We are going to assume everything is sunshine and roses. When he doesn’t call he could be doing one of two things. He is either back gambling or getting laid.

So … lets all pray that he is getting some!

Posted by Ali at 7:06 AM | Comments (5)

June 12, 2007

explanation

It may seem odd that suddenly I've started blogging about 'Axel' in addition to my exciting training route and choices of running apparel. So I should explain. Give you a bit of history. A better understanding of who he is.

I've know Axel for years. He is either gambling, running or entertain young females. If it were anyone else I wouldn't have time for them, but he's a great guy that you can't help but like even when he pisses you off .. trust me I know. He tried to quit gambling in January this year, focusing all his extra energy on his other two favourite things. He made it 28 days. The longest he's ever gone is 8 months.

I can't really relate, I can't begin to understand. But maybe I can help in some small way to get him through the next 365 days. What is my contribution ... well besides my wonderful wit and sparkling personality I'm blogging his progress. He thinks it will help, knowing there are people out there pulling for him to make it or ones who don't believe that he can, he wants to prove wrong.

So the deal we made is he checks in everyday with me and I tell the story. Oh and I can't get mad with him while he's doing this (seriously I am way more likely to crack before he does) Even with my sainthood I received for patience and virtue!

Tonight we had our first speedwork session. In case I forget to praise myself later in this posting ... I am frigging awesome. The group, just over 100 runners meet at the track for 400m intervals.

The coach looking very tanned had us do a mile warmup before then 400m with 200m rest (slow jog). Here's how it played out. I'll include Axel's times too, but remember I am frigging awesome.

ALI
0:01:56
0:01:57
0:01:50
0:01:55
0:01:54
0:01:48
I stop at 6 and sign autographs

AXEL
0.01.22
0.01.25
0.01.24
0.01.24
0.01.23
0.01.23
0.01.22
0.01.21 (show off)

he told me that a couple of years ago he could do 20 x 400m at 0.01.08.

Day 3, still no bet.

Posted by Ali at 8:31 PM | Comments (6)

June 11, 2007

reflection

I dreamt of Rocky last night, I feel like I was part of some strange brain-washing experiment. I see stairs and suddenly want to run up them, pumping my fists. To avoid causing a scene I took the elevator this morning, thank god they weren't playing Eye of the Tiger ... all control would of been lost.

Seeing other people deal with there issues, makes you take a look at yourself ... whether you want to or not. I think we all have things we need to work through, get over, deal with or just stop. It's starting that's tough, maybe because you have to admit you want to change. I'm making a mental list, it's just mental for the time being.

One thing I definitely need more of is sleep. I'm tired all day, at 10pm I'm wide awake! I hadn't heard from "Axel Freed" all night, I was beginning to get worried. If I haven't heard from him it's usually a bad sign. I called, if he screens my call we are in trouble.

He answered ...

He's made it through day two. After work he did a slow 8 mile run, then skulked home and went to bed for 2 hours (apparantely alone, anywho that's a whole other addiction). He was watching the Jays and Giants and gave me this little tidbit ....

"barry bonds sure can't run anymore out there in left field. Sometimes it's hard to watch athlete at the end of his career ... I can relate to that."

Barry made 747 tonight, and Axel made it to 2 .. it's a good night

Posted by Ali at 9:29 PM | Comments (1)

June 10, 2007

jref

** warning **

what you are about to read is high distrubing. it will shock you.

Previously this blog has been used to inspire elite athletes, entertain those with not much else to do, fuel my own ego. Well not any more! Starting today this blog will take you on the journey of one mans attempt not to gamble for 365 days.

I agreed to help him. However, we are now 27 minutes into Rocky III, we've watched I and II. He looks very comfortable on my couch ... I'm hoping and praying they haven't made a Rocky IV or V.

Help me

Posted by Ali at 6:20 PM | Comments (5)

June 7, 2007

time flys

It seems like only yesterday that the finished training for marathon #4 and the Hilton heiress went to jail.

Well marathon #4 the sequel training has begun and Paris has been released.

Posted by Ali at 9:48 AM | Comments (1)

June 6, 2007

pt and the ya yas

If you have never participated in a relay, add it to your list of things you must do! The PTs and Ya Yas completed the first annual Shore to Shore relay this weekend. Starting on Friday morning at 8am in Port Stanley and running 303k to Grand Bend. It was awesome, enlightening, distrubing, exhausting, humbling, hilarilous, insightful, challenging, rewarding, fun, hell, hot, uninhibiting, sleep depriving but most of all unforgettable!

It was all supposed to start at 5.50am, on Friday morning, when Van number 1 collected us at my apartment. I set the alarm, to give myself an hour to get ready, shower and eat, before they picked me up. I had the first run, an 11.7k uphill route, so I definitely wanted to have some breakfast. My alarm went off, feeling refreshed for so little sleep, I headed for a leisurely shower, while drying off the phone rang. How sweet a member of my team calling to wake me up ... they are so thoughtful .. love them!

"Hello" in my brightess cheeress voice.

"Ali?" hmmm slight concern in Colleen's voice, and distance like she was in my lobby using the security phone

"Hi Colleen!"

"We are waiting for you, downstairs"

SILENCE .....

I glance at the clock ... 6.05am ...

SHIT!

I set the alarm for 5.50am the time they were collecting me not the time I was supposed to get up!

I made it downstairs, hair dripping wet, barefoot and laughing ... completely ready for the first leg (my team didn't look quite as convinced!)

That was the start of our 36 hour adventure. I signed a confidentiality agreement, so what happens in the van stays in the van. But what I can tell you is what I learned

1. If you tell 7 people to bring their own snacks, you end up with 42 lbs of trail mix and one bag of chips. The chips are devoured in the first two hours and the trail mix is never touched.

2. It's possible to be in a van with 2593 mosquitos and not get bit.

3. the one thing you forget is the one thing you will constantly need

4. some people have toenails that need to be cut everyday

5. You need another runner to hand off too in a relay ... otherwise you just stand at the exchange point looking silly

6. It may take us a while to catch on, but once we figure out how to support our runner we excel

7. We didn't get attacked my dogs

8. If a rodent runs across a runner in the dark, they will make a 90 degree turn and run screaming into the side of your van

9. Initially you request washroom to pee in, soon you move to porta-potties, then a bush, eventually you are happy at the side of the van

10. god answers prays with trains

11. You become knowledgable about everyones bowel movements

12. You spend more time talking about bowel movements than anything else.

13. it doesn't matter how tired, exhausted, dehydrated, hot, sore you are, you don't give up.