Week of Feb 13 - Feb 20 2011

So I've already neglected this blog, I didn't really mean to, it just somewhat happened.
I'll be brief, this week managed 22kms running and it was brutal! Monday was a slow paced run for 10kms. It was an alright run but again footing was an issue and it wasn't very fast with lots of stops and starting.

This is my first attempt at a video update, I'm hoping they get better the more I do them.

Fridays run was a bit better, although it was the worst conditions I've run in for awhile. Misting rain, about 0 degrees, lots of slippery conditions, bad footing, etc. It wasn't a great run but I found a decent route that allows for fewer stops. It only translated into about 3mins of saved time but I'll take it!

I have to say one thing here, I wore a pair of Mountain Hardware pants that are BRAND NEW and won't be on the shelves until this coming fall(I'll post pictures soon). They have a new technology that is like a gore-tex with out being pricey. Water resistant, breathable and somewhat thermal. They are AMAZING! I bought them from the local area rep for the company and would gladly take 2-3 more pairs of them! More details as I get them from this fantastic product!

Saturday, YMCA for a Group Power class and then Another snow shoe session in the afternoon on the trails in Marysville. I was super excited to be back doing some soeing until I noticed a bit of red snow along the trail and realized one of my furry friends had cut themselves. Abriptly ended the snow shoe session and hurried home to find out it was a minor leg scratch that had already started to heal by the time we got home.....whew!

I'm also going to put a plug in here for my favorite beverage of the week ends, Picaroons Winter Warmer is such a great tasting brew it curls my toes!

Saturday: Cross Training With Friends.

Hey.....That's me!

Had a great day today, it started off some what badly with me missing out on strength training a la Group Power at my local YMCA, but then ended in a wonderful snow shoe hike on some beautiful trails in Marysville.

I really love this type of adventure, getting out in nature and enjoying some fresh air with great people and energetic dogs is my idea of a heaven.

Dog 1: My Boy Maverick, Cross between a lot of different breeds, Shepard, Grey hound, Husky, Lab, etc. In other words he's a dog that loves to run, chase and play.



Dog 2: My Boy Kikapu(named after a Mountain bike in case you are wondering). He is a Golden Retriever from Jackson Golden's. He loves to be outside, but is also quite happy lazing around sleeping too. he doesn't much care for the deep pack snow as it gets in between his pads on his paws, thus this picture of him chewing the treats from his paws.

And lastly in this photo, My Bestest Girl Shannon, She'll likely be tested also in this endeavor of mine, as they say "extraordinary accomplishments can not ever be completed by one self". She'll be in charge of my nutrition and diet for the most part. I'd love to say this will be a new role for her, but lets face it here, she is the reason I eat so well as it is, so no big role change. what she will get is a nice thank you from me on a daily basis.


So back to the Snow shoeing, the trails were a bit covered with some new fallen snow, but what a spectacular day it was, little over 2 hours total, 3 dogs, 5 people, great conversation and a nice Hot Chocolate at the end.

My idea of a perfect cross training session!

Thank you to Lee, Tracy, Shannon G, Shannon M, Jersey, Kikapu and Maverick for making it a great time!

Hope to do it all again soon!

Feb 11 2011

Day one. Friday: 8kms steady pace run.
Well ok you've got me it's actually about day 5 of training in my off season.
Monday: 1:05:xx for 10k at a moderate pace, felt good, footing was a bit off and lots of areas to slow a runner down.
Tuesday YMCA group Ride(spin class) and Group Power(weight training) both felt great, trying tom improve power in both classes while reducing my total mass.
Wednesday played some good volleyball for 2 hours. lots of jumping and leg training(so I tell myself)
Thursday: same as Tuesday, over did it a wee bit on the spinning, then was constant in the Power.
Friday: Writing for my blog and hoping to get outside for a short-ish run in the neighborhood of 8-10kms in under an hour.
Saturday is Snowshoeing with a few furry pals after more Group Power.
Sunday will be completely resting.

In the Begining....

Well this is my first blog entry, I'll try to keep it's epicness down to a low key information assimilation so that I don't bore you completely.

I've always liked endurance competition, always wanted to compete and finish every race with the best of my abilities at that time. I managed a few good accomplishments in my life so far.
now some of these life statistics of mine you may not agree with being included in an endurance type category, but trust me each and every one was in some respect an enduring and lengthy process for which I spent many hours toiling to complete.
1. High school, it wasn't much of a true challenge but it was a long time to complete and get into post secondary.
2. University: I decided I loved it so much I took the scenic route from St. FX University to my eventual gradation from University of New Brunswick in 2004.
3. Fredericton City Marathon 2005 where I posted a Personal Best(and only) time of 4:29:xx
not exactly a stellar race but I DID finish!
4. New Glasgow NS Johny Miles half marathon 2006 where I posted a personal best of 1:46:xx
5. A few endurance style mountain bike events, 5 hours to see how many laps you can do.
6. ITU duathlon WORLD(yup that reads world) Championships in Richmond Va: I can't remember my time, but lets just say I finished 16th in my age group....
7.One sprint Triathlon, not really an endurance event as it was only about 2hrs long.

So that's pretty much "where I'm coming from" in essay form.

I plan on updating with video, Text, photos, and lots of good content on my gear, training, nutrition, etc.

So stay informed and stay safe in everything you do!